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Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think The last ten years have seen a revolution in our understanding of dogs, and Brian Hare has led the way. Hare is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University and the co-author – with his wife, Vanessa Woods - of “The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think.” “Everybody who has a dog is excited to tell you how smart they are,” he said on The State of Things. “But what science is able to contribute is that we compare dogs to other species and we’ve found that dogs are really remarkable.” Without training, Hare says dogs are able to learn words and make inferences. Some dogs learn words the first time they encounter them. Dogs self-domesticated about 40,000 years ago, Hare says. “They chose us, so they got friendlier and they got smarter as a way to live with humans.” Dogs are very good at solving problems on their own, but they may not be the heroic animals they are often made out to be in popular culture. Hare cites the “bookcase test” where a research project was done to test what dogs would do when its master was pinned under a bookcase and calling for help. “The truth was, the dog didn’t run off and seek help,” Hare said. “In fact, the dogs just sort of stand around doing nothing.” Hare has started a website, dognition.com, that will allow dog owners to play a series of science-based games that will reveal their dog’s unique abilities and help build a stronger dog/owner relationship.
Part of Oklahoma City's growing trail network. The U.S. gave up on walking in the mid-20th Century — at least planners and politicians did. People on foot were virtually banished from newly constructed neighborhoods. Experts assured us that cars and buses (and eventually helicopters and jet packs) would efficiently take us everywhere we wanted to go. Thankfully, most Americans refused to stop walking. Today — even after 70 years of auto-centered transportation policies — more than 10 percent of all trips are on foot, according to Paul Herberling of the U.S. Department of Transportation. That number rises to 28 percent for trips under one mile. Indeed, we are in the midst of a walking renaissance as millions of people discover a daily stroll can prevent disease, boost energy, ease stress, connect us with our communities, and is just plain fun. The number of us who regularly take a walk has risen six percent in the last decade, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to a new study from the National Association of Realtors, 79 percent of Americans — even higher for those under 35 — want to live in a place that’s walkable. Walking’s popularity is now reaching beyond older city neighborhoods into suburbs and the Sun Belt. Even Oklahoma City — which was named as the “worst US walking city” in a 2008 study of 500 communities by Prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association — is embarking on big plans to become more walkable. “Bleak” is how Jeff Speck, urban planner and author of Walkable City, describes walking in Oklahoma City seven years ago. “Traffic sped too fast…for pedestrians to feel comfortable on the sidewalks...oversized traffic lanes encouraged highway speeds,” he wrote in Planning magazine. Oklahoma City also suffered from perhaps the worst sidewalk network in America. Most other towns conscientiously built sidewalks until the 1950s, but Oklahoma City abandoned the effort as early as the 1930s in some neighborhoods. Mick Cornett, the city’s Republican mayor since 2004, notes, “We had built an incredible quality of life, if you happened to be a car. But if you were a person, you were seemingly combating the car all day.” “We probably were last in the country for walking,” Cornett admits. This rock-bottom rating really stung in a community that had earlier been passed over by United Airlines as the site for a new maintenance facility because, despite the city’s generous financial incentives, the company’s CEO said he couldn’t imagine asking his managers to move to Oklahoma City. Then, a year after the walk rankings, the city again found itself in the harsh glare of unwanted media attention. This time Men’s Fitness magazine stigmatized Oklahoma City as the “#2 fattest city” in America. Among the country’s 100 largest cities, only Miami was more corpulent. That’s all changing now. An ambitious $18-million sidewalk-improvement fund was approved by voters as part of a tax increase that also included money for parks, transit, bike trails and senior wellness centers around town. Four busy streets heading into downtown are now being narrowed, with new “smart intersections” that provide walkers more safety with “refuge island” medians in the middle of streets and clearly marked crosswalks. So what’s driving all this pedestrian progress? Mayor Cornett, a former sportscaster, bristled at his city being called fat and sedentary. Yet he knew that he couldn’t credibly deny these charges since he’d gained enough extra pounds while in office to be labeled obese, thanks to endless rounds of breakfast and lunch meetings. Cornett launched an initiative to get the city back in shape. Over the past seven years, he notes, Oklahoma City has added hundreds of miles of new sidewalks, built 8 miles of bike lanes on the streets (there were none in 2008), added 100 more miles to the recreational trail network, built new gyms at many public schools, created a public rowing center and started work on an whitewater kayak and rafting course on the Oklahoma River. Low-income neighborhoods, where health and obesity issues are most severe, are the biggest focus of the city’s programs for healthy eating and active living. Cornett also issued a successful Challenge for Oklahoma City residents to lose one million pounds. Over 47,000 people signed up, and lost on average 20 pounds. Cornett himself shed 38. Mayor Mick Cornett (left) inaugurates a new sidewalk in Oklahoma City. One major thrust of this campaign was working with fast food restaurants to offer healthier menus. Cornett is proud of this partnership and during our interview slipped into his office closet to fetch a life-sized cardboard cut-out of himself posing with Taco Bell’s low-fat options, which was displayed in the chain’s 40 Oklahoma City restaurants. This all seems to be making a difference — the growth in Oklahoma City’s obesity rate has slowed significantly from six percent annually to one percent, with the stage set for reductions in the future. The mayor is quick to share credit. First and foremost, he applauds local citizens, who in 2010 voted to continue a one-cent addition to the sales tax for seven more years to pay for health initiatives. Oklahoma, he points out, is a very conservative state — the only one where Obama did not carry a single county in either 2008 or 2012. Yet, Oklahomans are willing to support taxes when they know where their money is going. “They like projects where they can see the results,” he points out. “And this is not debt and it’s not a permanent tax — it’s up for renewal every few years.” Cornett views this spending as a smart business move, noting that the 2010 tax referendum, and two earlier ones under previous mayors focusing on downtown revitalization, public education and overall quality of life, amassed $2 billion in public investment which in turn spawned $6 billion more in private development. “Ever since we decided to make this a great place for people to live, the jobs started coming here and young Millennials, who want to bike and walk, are arriving in numbers we’ve never seen before,” he says. “We are creating a city where your kids and grandkids will choose to stay. They used to go to Dallas or Houston.” “It turned out that one thing people — especially young people — wanted was better sidewalks,” Cornett explains. That’s why the city now builds new sidewalks as part of most repaving projects and kicks in half the cost for any homeowner or neighborhood that wants them. Developers are now required to provide sidewalks in all new projects. As for the $18 million earmarked for sidewalks from sales tax revenue, “most of it goes where we know we need sidewalks, connecting schools and shopping centers with neighborhoods,” the mayor says. While most people consider walking essential to a good neighborhood, there’s still a lot of opposition. “We hear from those who say, ‘We don’t need sidewalks, because no one walks here,’” Cornett says, noting that the absence of sidewalks is a big reason people don’t walk. The city is in the early stages of initiating a Safe Routes to Schools program, making it possible for more school kids to walk or bike, and a Vision Zero campaign, aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities in the city, says Dennis Blind of the city’s planning department. The city also holds Open Streets events — festivals where a street is blocked off to vehicles so people of all ages can reclaim the streets (temporarily) as public space. “We’ve come a long ways in a short time,” says Cristina Fernandez, who moved from Santa Monica — one of the most walkable communities in California — for an executive position at a local firm. “But we still have a long ways to go.” Walkscore, which rates the walkability of any address in America, still ranks Oklahoma City in the lower 15 percent of cities over 200,000, which is nonetheless a big improvement over last place. The city’s low score can be partly explained by the fact that sprawling subdivisions, which would be classified as separate municipalities elsewhere, are inside the city limits here. The epicenter of walking in Oklahoma City is downtown and nearby neighborhoods, which exhibit all the signs of urban vitality: sidewalk cafes, new loft apartments, refurbished old neighborhoods with local business districts, indie shops and restaurants, nightlife, sports and entertainment venues, well-populated parks, riverside bike trails, and sidewalks alive with people of all ages walking between all these spots. An old warehouse district with a pedestrian promenade along a canal thrums with activity. A 70-acre central park is being developed that will connect downtown with a largely Latino neighborhood on the South Side via a new pedestrian bridge. A streetcar line debuts later this year that will loop through many of these neighborhoods. Protected bike lanes, which physically separate bicyclists and pedestrians from rushing traffic, will soon appear on major arteries coming in and out of downtown. Oklahoma City’s mission now is to widen the walkable section of the city outward. Local transit service has been improved (including new Sunday and evening buses), resulting in a sizable jump in ridership. The Wheeler District, a new pedestrian-focused infill neighborhood south of downtown, breaks ground this year with plans to create 2,000 homes. North of downtown, things are already picking up. “You have a lot of young people moving into the area because they can walk,” says Fernandez, who lives in the Crown Heights neighborhood. Business districts scattered throughout this part of town, some of which once harbored crack houses and brothels, now flourish with restaurants and shops catering to local residents. Fernandez, her husband and kids are still waiting for sidewalks on their street but already are walking more “because there are now more places to walk to.” An attractive streetscape to improve the pedestrian ambience of the Western Avenue business district near their home makes walking more fun. “When we go anywhere in the neighborhood now, we usually go on foot,” she says. Photos by AmericaWalks Case Study on Oklahoma City Jay Walljasper writes regularly about public health and healthy communities. The former editor of Utne Reader, he is author of The Great Neighborhood Book. His website is JayWalljasper.com. Read all of Jay’s MOTHER EARTH NEWS posts here. All MOTHER EARTH NEWS community bloggers have agreed to follow our Blogging Guidelines, and they are responsible for the accuracy of their posts. To learn more about the author of this post, click on their byline link at the top of the page. With more than 150 workshops, there is no shortage of informative demonstrations and lectures to educate and entertain you over the weekend.LEARN MORE
They say that time is money.* What they don’t say is that money may be running out of time. There may be a natural evolution to our fractionally reserved credit system which characterizes modern global finance. Much like the universe, which began with a big bang nearly 14 billion years ago, but is expanding so rapidly that scientists predict it will all end in a “big freeze” trillions of years from now, our current monetary system seems to require perpetual expansion to maintain its existence. And too, the advancing entropy in the physical universe may in fact portend a similar decline of “energy” and “heat” within the credit markets. If so, then the legitimate response of creditors, debtors and investors inextricably intertwined within it, should logically be to ask about the economic and investment implications of its ongoing transition. But before mimicking T.S. Eliot on the way our monetary system might evolve, let me first describe the “big bang” beginning of credit markets, so that you can more closely recognize its transition. The creation of credit in our modern day fractional reserve banking system began with a deposit and the profitable expansion of that deposit via leverage. Banks and other lenders don’t always keep 100% of their deposits in the “vault” at any one time – in fact they keep very little – thus the term “fractional reserves.” That first deposit then, and the explosion outward of 10x and more of levered lending, is modern day finance’s equivalent of the big bang. When it began is actually harder to determine than the birth of the physical universe but it certainly accelerated with the invention of central banking – the U.S. in 1913 – and with it the increased confidence that these newly licensed lenders of last resort would provide support to financial and real economies. Banking and central banks were and remain essential elements of a productive global economy. But they carried within them an inherent instability that required the perpetual creation of more and more credit to stay alive. Those initial loans from that first deposit? They were made most certainly at yields close to the rate of real growth and creation of real wealth in the economy. Lenders demanded that yield because of their risk, and borrowers were speculating that the profit on their fledgling enterprises would exceed the interest expense on those loans. In many cases, they succeeded. But the economy as a whole could not logically grow faster than the real interest rates required to pay creditors, in combination with the near double-digit returns that equity holders demanded to support the initial leverage – unless – unless – it was supplied with additional credit to pay the tab. In a sense this was a “Sixteen Tons” metaphor: Another day older and deeper in debt, except few within the credit system itself understood the implications. Economist Hyman Minsky did. With credit now expanding, the sophisticated economic model provided by Minsky was working its way towards what he called Ponzi finance. First, he claimed the system would borrow in low amounts and be relatively self-sustaining – what he termed “Hedge” finance. Then the system would gain courage, lever more into a “Speculative” finance mode which required more credit to pay back previous borrowings at maturity. Finally, the end phase of “Ponzi” finance would appear when additional credit would be required just to cover increasingly burdensome interest payments, with accelerating inflation the end result. Minsky’s concept, developed nearly a half century ago shortly after the explosive decoupling of the dollar from gold in 1971, was primarily a cyclically contained model which acknowledged recession and then rejuvenation once the system’s leverage had been reduced. That was then. He perhaps could not have imagined the hyperbolic, as opposed to linear, secular rise in U.S. credit creation that has occurred since as shown in Chart 1. (Patterns for other developed economies are similar.) While there has been cyclical delevering, it has always been mild – even during the Volcker era of 1979-81. When Minsky formulated his theory in the early 70s, credit outstanding in the U.S. totaled $3 trillion.† Today, at $56 trillion and counting, it is a monster that requires perpetually increasing amounts of fuel, a supernova star that expands and expands, yet, in the process begins to consume itself. Each additional dollar of credit seems to create less and less heat. In the 1980s, it took four dollars of new credit to generate $1 of real GDP. Over the last decade, it has taken $10, and since 2006, $20 to produce the same result. Minsky’s Ponzi finance at the 2013 stage goes more and more to creditors and market speculators and less and less to the real economy. This “Credit New Normal” is entropic much like the physical universe and the “heat” or real growth that new credit now generates becomes less and less each year: 2% real growth now instead of an historical 3.5% over the past 50 years; likely even less as the future unfolds. Read the full article here.
Literacy in SIL The Scope of SIL Literacy Work Since 1935 SIL has been pioneering the study, development, and documentation of minority languages. A sense of the scope of this 50+ year effort is reflected in the following statistics: - SIL has carried out linguistic research in 1,359 languages in more than 50 countries. - Presently SIL has active work in some 1,000 languages in more than 50 countries. - SIL has carried out work in literacy, community development, and education in approximately 760 languages spoken by more than 70 million people. In 325 of these 760 cases, SIL introduced literacy in the vernacular language for the first time. - SIL has developed writing systems for more than 800 languages. - To date, more than 12,000 titles of pedagogical and vernacular materials have been written, published, and distributed in more than 1,200 languages (see the SIL Bibliography.) Hundreds of thousands of local teachers have been trained and an estimated 40,00050,000 rural villages and hamlets now have access to literacy as a result of SIL's work. - An estimated 2 million people have become literate as a direct result of SIL's work in literacy. Unknown additional millions have become literate as an indirect result of this work. - 5 national level bilingual education programs have been organized and institutionalized with SIL assistance. The statistics reflect only one dimension of SIL's contribution. Beyond its work in grassroots human development, SIL has also sought to foster, in the countries where it is appropriate, constructive national policies towards the minorities. In numerous instances, the result has been the adoption of supportive policies favoring minority people regarding literacy, education, and language development. Furthermore, as a consulting member to UNESCO, SIL contributes internationally to a better understanding of the dimensions of minority language literacy.
Mao Zedong was the founder of People’s Republic of China, which was finally formed after a period of a long civil war, in 1949. After carrying out mass executions and penalty deaths amounting to around sixty five million in order to execute the communist laws, the population of China dropped severely under his rule. In 1965, he began encouraging population growth and condemned birth control. According to Mao, “Even if China’s population multiplies many times, she is fully capable of finding a solution; the solution is production, “Of all things in the world, people are the most precious.” He said that China’s expanding population was a good thing, and that population control was a tool used by imperialist powers to weaken the rising states. Subsequently, import of contraceptives was banned, birth control was increasingly condemned. A few years into this campaign, China saw a large hike in population growth and some officials began to worry over it when food supply began to fall short. In 1955, birth control initiatives were taken, but curbed by the Great Leap Forward, in 1958. According to the secretary of Communist Youth League Hu Yaobang, “A larger population means greater manpower,”The force of 600 million liberated people is tens of thousands of times stronger than a nuclear explosion.” This was at a time when Mao Zedong strongly emphasized Industrialization over Agriculture. Farming was given a back seat, and so food supply was naturally strained. In 1962, a massive famine caused around thirty million deaths in China, after which many steps were taken to control population. Between 1970 and 1976, population growth was seen considerably controlled, but that was soon negligible when it hiked again soon. In 1976, Mao Zedong died and China’s new leadership took the population issue very seriously. It seems that China has always felt the need to interfere with population growth. In 1979, China executed the one child policy. Only one child was allowed to one couple and if any more children were produced, the families were fined, their privileges were taken away and the children were called Black children. In many many cases, abortions were forced upon pregnant women, and sterilization was also carried out, ordered by the government officials. All of this was done to control the growing population and decrease the problems caused by population hike, but if the enforcers had any foresight, they’d have guessed the drastic effects this would have on the future of China. Even though the one child policy was temporary, it still continues after half a century, to the point that China’s population is now in peril, not because of under-population but because of the vast disbalance between genders consequent to the law, and because it is well-known that Chinese culture gives more virtue to male gender. Infanticide of female children also became common in China, because couples preferred a male child over a female. To control this, the Chinese government put a ban on prenatal gender screening. As with every story, this one too has its bright areas. According to a report by Times, “Since 1979, the law has prevented some 250 million births, saving China from a population explosion the nation would have difficulty accommodating.” The one child policy has been restricted to the ethnic Han majority of China which constitute ninety one percent of China’s population. In rural areas, couples are either allowed more children or given relaxation in the law. According to another source, “This rule has caused a disdain for female infants; abortion, neglect, abandonment, and even infanticide have been known to occur to female infants. The result of such Draconian family planning has resulted in the disparate ratio of 114 males for every 100 females among babies from birth through children four years of age. Normally, 105 males are naturally born for every 100 females.” And keeping that in view, China first relaxed the policy by allowing millions of couples to have a second child if they themselves were singletons (sole child of a couple in compliance with the policy), and if they took permits. Recently, China has taken another step. In early 2006, relevant officials said that the one child policy remains intact, for indefinite periods of time. Following this in 2015, Chinese government announced that the one child ban will be lifted in 2016. And now that 2016 is here, all couples will be allowed to have two children! The one child ban has been lifted for good, and this will be further finalized in March. According to Xinhua, a chinese news agency, “To promote a balanced growth of population, China will continue to uphold the basic national policy of population control and improve its strategy on population development,” and hence, implement the policy of ‘one couple, two children’. So what does China have on the cards now? A baby boom. According to estimates, the number of new babies born in China every year may go from 16 million to somewhere between 20 million and 24 million. The one child policy has had several pros and cons. It helped with the population problem which caused strain in food supply, it eased the levels of poverty, and proved to be cause of certain privileges to those who complied. Living standards have been seen to improve vastly. And what were the cons? High rates of compliant and forced abortions, sterilization, infanticides, gender imbalance, and many psychological issues ensued as a result of only one child for parents to dote over. On the singleton children, high stress and pressure has been recorded due to all that responsibility and expectations on their shoulders. Whatever the means we humans turn to, we do not control the supernatural affairs. Birth control is still a very controversial issue, and China has not set a very golden example for us. It is not wrong to consider all factors; social and economic, when considering to start a family, but it is wrong to force birth or death. It is wrong to control how many children a couple has, it is wrong to turn to contraceptives and abortions and infanticide in order to control population. After all, you can’t stop a human who is destined to come into the world. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Let us improve this post! Tell us how we can improve this post?
IFRS 16 (Lease Accounting) Lease of office space as a service contract What is IFRS 16? The abbreviation IFRS stands for International Financial Reporting Standards. These are accounting standards that have been developed by the I.A.S.B. (International Accounting Standards Board). Throughout the EU, these standards (if approved by the European Commission) are compulsory for all listed companies and are permitted in more than 100 countries. Unlisted companies have no obligation to follow the IFRS 16 standards, but if they wish, they too may apply these rules. Moreover, history teaches us that many rules that are first applied to listed companies will at a later stage also apply to unlisted companies. Why is IFRS important? IFRS accounting offers a number of advantages, which are discussed in more detail below. - Transparency - companies are easy to compare - Efficiency - one set of accounts instead of different ones per country - Accountability - no information gap, so easier audit 1. Transparent accounting Transparency is extremely important in today's business world. More and more companies are pursuing transparent policies and this also applies to accounting. If this is done according to IFRS standards, it makes it easier for capital providers and other parties to compare companies. A major advantage here is the possibility of comparing competitors in another country or continent, for example. Based on the information obtained from these comparisons, economic decisions can be made more easily. For example, investors can see at a glance how similar companies compare to each other and take a decision on that basis. In addition, it enables companies to compare themselves with each other, which can lead to new insights into market potential, among other things. Take, for example, the comparison of balance sheet data and the profit and loss account. Here, incredibly large discrepancies can arise if everyone applies a different accounting method. Car rental company A owns 100 cars and car rental company B owns 50 and rents 50. In this example, we assume that the turnover of both companies is the same, but if we look at the balance sheet before 1 January 2019 (effective date of the new IFRS 16 rules) they were completely different. After 1 January 2019 the balance sheet is the same. 2. Efficient accounting International companies have to deal with different accounting rules per country. This can be unnecessarily complex and expensive. This can be avoided by using the IFRS 16 standards. Because IFRS accounting is so widely accepted, it allows accountants to use the same accounting in every country. This avoids the need to have a team in each country with specific knowledge about accounting in that country. This also reduces the cost of accounting. The importance of being able to compare becomes clear once again. By keeping one set of accounts, international companies can easily compare their performance in different countries. This can be extremely valuable in making important decisions and transferring knowledge from country to country. It also allows companies to more easily identify opportunities and risks around the world and thus better allocate capital injections. Finally, IFRS reduces the information gap created by applying and comparing accounts that work according to different regulations and standards. It is practically impossible to have knowledge of all the accounting methods used worldwide. By adopting IFRS 16 standards in accounting, the financial reporting is clear to everyone and no misunderstandings occur. This enables investors, owners and other stakeholders to properly assess the management and call them to account when the data is incorrect or performance is inadequate. Here, too, transparency plays a role. Companies themselves are also accountable to regulators in each country. IFRS accounting makes it easier for regulators to identify discrepancies, errors and anomalous figures. Consequences for office tenants As a specialist for offices, our focus on IFRS is primarily on the changes for our tenants and landlords. Therefore, this is explained in more detail below. From 1 January 2019, all previously completely off-balance sheet rental obligations must be recognised on the balance sheet for all companies operating under IFRS 16. As accommodation is often a significant cost factor, this has a considerable impact on the balance sheet. There are further consequences for the income statement: Rental costs are no longer taken into account; interest and depreciation costs have to be disclosed. For companies that therefore comply with IFRS 16 regulations, all leases (including office space and vehicle leases) are recognised in the balance sheet. As a result, the solvency of companies decreases and cash flow increases. Only the portion of lease payments that represents interest on lease liabilities is reported as a financing activity. The main consequence of shifting leases on the balance sheet is an increase in long-term liabilities and the associated decrease in solvency. This makes it more difficult to realise a loan, financing or other capital raising. This is an annoying side effect that companies can avoid. More on this later. Source: Masterthesis P.H.W. BRESSERS 2017 – EY (2016c) Exemption from IFRS 16 for office space Under this new regulation, two exemptions are granted: - Leases with a term of less than 12 months, without an option to purchase. - Leases with a base value with low replacement value. So if a company leases an office for a short period of time, it does not have to be accounted for. As a result, the solvency ratio does not decrease, or at least decreases less. Finally, other things, such as car leases, have to be included under IFRS 16. Companies opt for flexible leases We see in our data that more and more companies are opting for a flexible lease. In many cases, it will make sense for companies to work with flexible leases instead of the long-term contracts that have been the norm. This way, the impact on the balance sheet is minimal. Companies with many properties/offices now opt for a combination of long-term leases/owned buildings and flexible offices. These latter offices form the flexible shell of the company and offer them the opportunity to quickly increase or decrease the number of square metres of office space they need. This flexible shell is also a way to reduce the impact of IFRS 16 on the balance sheet. This can be achieved through service level agreements for offices. Since the introduction of IFRS 16, there has been an increase in the number of service level agreements entered into for offices. Leasing office space as a service agreement To ensure that the rent of your office space does not appear on the balance sheet, there are two options. Businesses can opt for a short-term contract or rent the offices under a service level agreement. This is a service level agreement that companies can sign with a service provider who rents out offices. As service level agreements are not subject to the latest IFRS 16 rules, they do not have to be recognised on the balance sheet. What is a Service Level Agreement for office space? A Service Level Agreement or SLA for offices is much more than just renting an office with a flexible contract. It is not only the renting of the office, but also everything that is associated with it as a service. Here you should also consider the following: - Rent of furniture - Coffee machine - Equipment rental - Lunch facilities - .... and more. - Telephone service - Other services Such service level agreements for offices are mainly offered in business centres. The disadvantage of short-term contracts and office space as a service is that a higher rent is often charged for it, as the landlord has an increased risk. The tenant may also have to move unintentionally if the contract is not renewed by the landlord. In the picture below you can see how such a situation can look like. In this case, the "third party" is a business centre. Service Level Agreement for your current office space? Flexas can put you in touch with various flexible office space providers, whereby you rent office space on the basis of a service level agreement, but perhaps your company does not want to or cannot move yet. Then there is also an alternative method to convert your existing office into a service level agreement that can be used according to IFRS 16 standards and therefore does not need to be accounted for. It is possible to convert the existing agreement, i.e. a third party takes over the long-term obligations with the principal and other providers and then leases it in a service level agreement with a flexible arrangement. This results in a higher monthly price, but has the advantage that it does not have to be shown on the balance sheet. However, it is important to know that it is not enough to just rent the office through a service level agreement. This is because it is the office as a service, and therefore the matters mentioned above, such as the renovation of the office, the rental of furniture and the use of facilities and other services, must also be included in the contract. It is a total package. Besides the options of business centres or transferring the current lease to a service level agreement for office space, there is another option. You can also rent a new office and purchase it through a Service Level Agreement. This is interesting in line with the new IFRS 16 regulations and offers a number of other advantages. Most notably in the area of capex, especially the lack of capex. Lower Capex Higher Opex If you opt for an office with a Service Level Agreement, there are no investment costs for moving into the office; a third party does this as it is covered by the SLA. Investments for furniture, IT infrastructure, renovations and other start-up costs are therefore eliminated. Another advantage is that everything to do with renting your office is handled by one party. This means that you only receive one invoice per month and have one contact person for all matters. The shorter terms also offer more flexibility. Would you like to rent an office? Check our offers!
This article tells you what to do if you suspect a child has been sexually abused. One in four girls and one in ten boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. Sexual abuse of children is any activity that the abuser does to get sexually aroused, including: - Touching a child's genitals - Rubbing the abuser's genitals against a child's skin or clothing - Putting objects into a child's anus or vagina - Tongue kissing - Oral sex Sexual abuse can also happen without physical contact, such as: - Exposing one's own genitals - Having a child pose for pornography - Having a child look at pornography - Masturbating in front of a child Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children Suspect sexual abuse when children: - Tell you that they are being sexually abused - Have trouble sitting or standing - Won't change for gym - Have sexually transmitted diseases or become pregnant - Know about and talk about sex - Run away - Have adults in their lives that keep them from having contact with other adults - Keep to themselves and seem to have secrets Sexually abused children might have: - Bowel control problems, such as soiling themselves (encopresis) - Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa) - Genital or rectal problems, such as pain when going to the bathroom, or vaginal itch or discharge - Sleep problems - Stomach aches Sexually abused children may also: - Use alcohol or drugs - Engage in high-risk sexual behaviors - Get poor grades in school - Have a lot of fears - Not want to do their normal activities Get the child any needed medical care. Also get mental health counseling for the child. Active support groups that can help include: - Childhelp -- - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network -- Know that providers, teachers, and child care workers are required by law to report sexual abuse. If abuse is suspected, child protection agencies and the police will investigate. The child must be protected from abuse. The child may be placed with a non-abusing parent, another relative, or in a foster home. When to Contact Your Doctor If you think a child has been sexually abused, get the child examined by a health care provider. - Find a provider that knows about sexual abuse. Most pediatricians, family medicine providers, and emergency room providers have been trained to examine people that have been sexually abused. - Have the child examined right away or within 2 to 3 days of discovering the abuse. The signs of sexual abuse don't last long, and the provider may not be able to tell if you wait too long. During the exam, the provider will: - Look for signs of physical and sexual abuse. The provider will check the child's mouth, throat, anus, and penis or vagina. - Do blood tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. - Take photographs of any injuries, if needed. Marcdante KJ, Kliegman RM. Child abuse and neglect. In: Kliegman RM, Stanton BF, St. Geme JW, Schor NF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 22. US Department of Health and Human Services website. Child Welfare Information Gateway. Identification of sexual abuse.
December 2, 2015 U.S. agriculture’s strength may also be its weakness. The diversity, integration of enterprises, and independence of farm operations allow producers a great deal of freedom in crop selection, marketing, and production practices. Those advantages may also make the nation’s agriculture vulnerable to both natural and intentional biological agents. “Perhaps now, more than any time in our history, agricultural industries are at risk from a variety of threats that have the potential to severely disrupt our economy and food supply, and cause great harm to our public health sector,” said Tammy Beckham, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, in testimony at a House Agriculture Committee hearing. Beckham, along with Ambassador John Negroponte, a former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, testified on the importance of agriculture to national security. For the latest on southwest agriculture, please check out Southwest Farm Press Daily and receive the latest news right to your inbox. “One specific kind of threat focuses on the risks of biological attack on U.S. agriculture,” said Negroponte. “The consequences of a successful attack range from economic damage to threats to food safety and public health. Although there have been no large-scale attacks, it is important to strengthen surveillance, monitoring, and tracking, and to enhance nationwide laboratory networks to insure food, veterinary, plant health, and clean water. As federal retirements continue apace, we need to build up talent in these areas for the future.” House Agriculture Committee Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, explained the reasoning behind a hearing on agriculture and national security. “Many may wonder why the Committee on Agriculture would hold a hearing on national security. A former chairman of this committee, the Kika de la Garza of Texas, would often ask, ‘How long can a nuclear submarine stay under water?’ The simple answer: Until it runs out of food.” With the declining number of Americans involved in production agriculture, Conaway said, many members of Congress are not aware of the link between agriculture and national security. His position on the Armed Services Committee and as chairman of the Agriculture Committee gives him a unique perspective on the important relationship, he said. “Agriculture and national security are intertwined in many different ways — whether it is insuring that food is available to meet nutritional needs for both those within our own borders and those around the world, or insuring that food coming into our borders is disease- and pest-free, or guaranteeing that farmers and ranchers have the needed policy tools in place to continue producing food and fiber.” Ranking Committee Member Collin Peterson, D-Minn., echoed Conaway’s sentiments. “A strong agriculture sector and stable food supply are critical to national security. And agriculture has an important role to play when it comes to our country’s national security interests — something I don’t think a lot of people really understand.” Conaway noted that the ongoing transitions in the way American farmers produce food, in addition to the growing volume of food imported from countries with less regulation and oversight, emphasizes the importance of vigilance for both home-grown food and imported products. SIX IMPORTANT SEGMENTS Negroponte cited six important segments necessary for food security — infrastructure, biodefense, resource strategy, agricultural research, trade policy, and support for international agricultural development. “Agriculture is extremely dependent on roads, rail, electricity, water, and other physical infrastructure,” he said. “It is important for federal departments and agencies to further advance efforts to protect critical infrastructure and key resources by preventing, deterring, and mitigating deliberate efforts to destroy, incapacitate, or exploit them, by working across agencies and with state and local governments and the private sector.” The risks of biological attack on U.S. agriculture are significant, he said. “The consequences of a successful attack range from economic damage, to threats to food safety and public health. Resource Strategy is crucial, “since agriculture is so tied to energy, water, and other resources. We may consider these items themselves to be of strategic importance. In decades to come, water could become to global strategy what petroleum is today, since declining food security could contribute to large-scale political instability and conflict. These problems could be aggravated by climate change — which may disrupt resource availability.” Agricultural Research, he said, will be crucial to increasing food production to feed a world population of 9 billion by 2050. Also, a growing middle class will demand more and different kinds of food. “Given the constraints on land, water and other resources, the only way to do this is to boost productivity. Unfortunately, funding for vital research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) has stagnated, while the need to produce food becomes more pressing. This needs to change.” MARKET ACCESS CRITICAL Trade Policy will need tweaking, Negraponte said. “One vital consideration is market access — both for U.S. exporters and those in other countries. Exports boost U.S. farm income and create jobs, and trade can fill in gaps in local food supplies and allow access to lower cost products. Beyond this, exports from poor countries also can support their farm incomes and boost regional and global food availability. Stronger trade agreements could also work against a repeat of 2008, when more than 30 major food exporters restricted trade in order to stem rising domestic food inflation — at the cost of their trading partners.” There is “a pressing need to support farming systems in the developing world,” he said. “Boosting agricultural production not only increases world food supplies, but it can reduce the vulnerability of political systems to weather, conflict, and other shocks. Boosting rural incomes can reduce hunger, prevent the emergence of disease, and reduce migration to the cities or as refugees overseas.” Threats to U.S. food security could come from several sources, said Tammy Beckham. “Threats include a natural introduction of a foreign (trans-boundary) animal, emerging, and/or zoonotic disease, or an intentional introduction of a biological agent (agroterrorism) into our agricultural systems,” she said. “These threats would result in significant morbidity and/or mortality, cause great economic harm, adversely impact and/or disrupt our food supply, and/or contribute to an adverse public health event. Many of these agents do not require weaponization, can be easily obtained, and exist naturally in areas where terrorist groups such as the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qa’ida, al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, and others who intend to harm the U.S. operate. In addition, the risk from emerging infectious and/or zoonotic diseases continues to threaten our animal, plant, and public health sectors. IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED “We must act immediately to address critical needs,” Beckham said. “There is a critical need for development and licensure of additional vaccines for the remaining serotypes of foot and mouth disease virus and other high-consequence animal and zoonotic disease agents — classical swine fever, African swine fever virus, Hendra virus, Rift Valley fever virus, Ebola, etc. Along with the vaccines, we must develop and validate new diagnostic technologies to help us detect and identify both known and emerging pathogens.” Stakeholders should be prepared, she says, “for an appropriate response to emerging disease affecting our industries. In addition, we must work closely with our end users, stakeholders, and first responders to develop a robust, integrated biosurveillance system capable of capturing and analyzing data on animal, human, and wildlife health. “The ability to protect our agricultural industries, food supply, and public health sectors from natural introductions of biological agents, agro-terror threats, and emerging and re-emerging diseases is heavily dependent on an organized, strategic, and well-funded approach. This approach should institutionalize the ‘One Health’ concept, be highly collaborative in nature, leverage all available resources, and encompass an international, global health component.” Sound agricultural policy has been “an integral piece of our ability to feed and clothe not only our nation, but the world,” Chairman Conaway said. “Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, and throughout history America has been able to not only survive, but thrive, because our agricultural safety net helps farmers weather the bad times. We must never forget that there is no food without the farmer.” About the Author(s) You May Also Like Current Conditions for Enter a zip code to see the weather conditions for a different location. Pros and cons of H-2A guest farmworkersNov 30, 2023 Market expectations: What's on the horizon for grain and livestock?Nov 22, 2023 18 gifts for the farmer on your listNov 27, 2023
Science is the name of the game at annual gathering Published 12:01 am, Monday, March 14, 2011 Chili pepper seeds and tartaric acid might be effective in suppressing toxic Salmonella enterica bacteria that are sometimes lurking in our food. These were two of the hundreds of scientific findings announced in talks and posters at the annual meeting of the Texas Academy of Science, held March 3-5. Nearly 600 university students, faculty and scientists attended this year's meeting, which was held at St. Edward's University in Austin. Rachel Grotte and Robert Renthal of the University of Texas at San Antonio fed, marked, observed and video-recorded the behavior of imported fire ants that they housed in an artificial plaster colony with a clear plastic viewing port. Students and professors from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin reported on a four-year survey of plants and lichens on the Weston Ranch southwest of New Braunfels in Guadalupe County. So far, 329 species of plants have been identified on the ranch in studies by Nicole Switzer, Rogers Brown, Alan Lievens and Mark Gustafson. Many lichens are very sensitive to air pollution. A study of lichens found on the Weston Ranch will provide important baseline information about the status of lichens as rapid development occurs nearby. This study was conducted by Lievens and Gustafson. People are often blamed for how they harm the environment. Yet some plants and animals thrive where people live and work. Han Li and Kenneth Wilkins of Baylor University surveyed bats in Waco while driving 450 miles in and around the city during three months in 2010. More than half of the main bat locations they discovered were in downtown Waco. Zuri Dale, Katoria Tatum-Gibbs, Bobby Wilson and Renard Thomas of Texas Southern University studied how estrogens in wastewater become distributed in natural bodies of water. They found high levels of estrogens in Lake Houston. This is a cause for concern, since the lake is the main source of drinking water for Houston. Coal-burning power plants and the natural environment emit mercury compounds into the air and water. Venis Graham, Courtney Schroeder and Kirk Cammarata of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi studied bacteria in Lavaca Bay that have adapted to mercury contamination of the water. For details about these and many more reports presented at the Texas Academy of Science's meeting, see their website at www.texasacademyof science.org. Forrest Mims III lives on Geronimo Creek near Seguin. His science is featured online at www.forrestmims.org and www.sunandsky.org. Follow him at twitter.com/fmims. E-mail him at email@example.com.
When to use Relative Scales Question by Abhishek I know about relative scales, i.e. in the major scale, the 6th interval becomes the relative minor and, in the minor scale, the minor third interval becomes the relative major scale. But the thing is I don't know where to use them or how to use them. Can you please tell me? Thanks in advance :) have a great day :) In the context of scales, the first thing to remember is that the relative minor/major scales use exactly the same notes C major (C D E F G A B) = A minor (A B C D E F G) E major (E F# G# A B C# D#) = C# minor (C# D# E F# G# A B) G major (G A B C D E F#) = E minor (E F# G A B C D) As you mentioned, all you're doing when playing the relative minor scale pattern is playing the major scale from its 6th degree. Therefore, if you're playing over a C major chord or progression using the relative A natural minor scale, it will sound like C major. The below exercise will clarify this. I'm playing the A minor scale in straight sequence over a C major chord.Click to hear Similarly, if you're playing over an A minor chord or progression, using the relative C major/Ionian will sound like A minor.Click to hear It's the backing chords (or even just a simple bass note) that give your relative scales a major or minor tonal centre. It's far more useful to think in terms of "do I need/want to play a major or minor scale?" rather than "which relative scale should I play?" If you're playing over the following chord progression: Cm / F#m / Gm You might choose C minor pentatonic to open your solo. In the back of your mind, you know that Eb major pentatonic is the relative major of C minor, but this becomes irrelevant, because playing Eb major will just sound like C minor because that's the key of the progression! In terms of scales, relative major/minor is only really useful for visualising patterns in different positions. Using the above example again, I might see Eb major merely as an extension of the C minor root pattern. But it would be wrong to say I'm playing Eb major... that's just the name of the pattern, not the scale. The scale is dictated by the backing progression, key or chord root. Relative major/minor is more relevant as a musical concept when thinking about things like relative key changes (e.g. moving from a C major tonic to A minor tonic). When it comes to scales, relative major/minor is just a visualisation "trick", which allows you to play the exact same scale in a different position (e.g. major in its 6th degree position or minor in its 3rd degree position). I hope that helps. If you need more clarification, please use the comments link below. Cheers.
Statistics from Altmetric.com Sweden lost its World Cup quarter final to England in summer 2018, but it has certainly met its goals for infant survival. Child mortality is almost twice as high in England as Sweden, according to a study by Zylbersztejn et al 1 that covered 2003–2012. This is a little difficult to understand given the many similarities between the two countries and the fact that Sweden essentially copied the model for the UK National Health Service. However, several reasons could explain the difference. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Sweden was a poorer country than, for example, France and England, and it had very high infant mortality rates. In 1845 the Swedish government appointed Fredrik Theodor Berg (1806–1887) as the first professor of paediatrics in Sweden, and possibly the world, at the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. He stated prophetically that “the health of the nation is related to the survival of infants.” Crucial political reforms led to decreasing infant mortality in Sweden during the 20th century.2 Antenatal and children’s clinics were established and poor mothers could receive child benefits from the 1930s. Sweden’s economy was boosted after the Second World War, partly because the country had remained neutral. The Swedish government also introduced social reforms and considerable improvements in housing for families with children. Most of the poverty and the small midwifery units like Nonnatus House in the British television series Call The Midwife disappeared in Sweden. Meanwhile, the UK was still recovering from the ravages of war, and about one-third of families with children were still very poor.3 Home births became nearly non-existent in Sweden; all deliveries took place at lying-in clinics with linked paediatric services and children’s clinics opened all over the country. During the 1960s and 1970s, a lot of paediatricians were trained so that most children could have direct access to this specialism. Sweden’s infant mortality rate became one of the lowest in the world, alongside Iceland, Finland, Japan and Singapore. The Zylbersztejn et al study comprised nearly four million singleton births from England and just over one million births in Sweden, which represented about 65% and 99.8% of the live births, respectively, during the study period.1 The highest mortality rates, and the main differences between England and Sweden, were at 2–27 days of age, when 77% of the excess risk of death in England seemed to be due to birth characteristics, and to a lesser extent to socioeconomic factors (3%). During the first year after the neonatal period, birth characteristics explained 68% of the difference, while socioeconomic factors explained 11%. The latest government mortality rates for England and Wales (2016) identified the main risks as socioeconomic factors, the mother’s country of birth, the mother’s age at delivery and the child’s birth weight.4 The main difference in birth characteristics reported by Zylbersztejn et al was the higher prevalence of premature singleton births in England (5.5%) than in Sweden (3.6), defined as a birth weight below 2500 g, before 37 weeks of gestation or small for gestational age. One important explanation could be that there were four times more teenage mothers in England than in Sweden, possibly due to a more liberal attitude to teenage abortions in Sweden, which provides special polyclinics for teenage terminations. Sexual education and information on contraception are also well organised in Sweden. Furthermore, nearly all pregnant women in Sweden attend antenatal clinics run by midwives and gynaecologists. It is possible that patients with complicated pregnancies are identified earlier in Sweden and referred to specialist centres, and that the country has fewer organisational and professional boundaries than in England. This may particularly disadvantage women from ethnic minority groups, especially if they do not speak English. In Sweden the service of interpretation is well established for persons not speaking Swedish. The need to break down boundaries in England was identified by the National Maternity Review for England, published in February 2016. This contains wide-ranging proposals to make maternity care safer, reduce mortality, and give women greater control and more choice.5 Other factors identified by Zylbersztejn et al 1 were that smoking during pregnancy was much less common in Sweden than in England (6.5% vs 12%, 2010), although there are some worries that the popular use of oral tobacco, or snus, in Sweden may have similar negative effects. Obesity is also more common among pregnant women in England. Deliveries remain very centralised in Sweden and most take place in hospitals with children’s clinics. Women with challenging pregnancies, or those who could give birth to extremely preterm infants, are referred to university hospitals, where they can stay for long periods until delivery. Nearly all preterm infants born before the 28th gestational week are delivered at the eight university hospitals with neonatal intensive care units. It is possible that this centralisation has been better implicated in Sweden than in the UK. Zylbersztejn et al 1 also reported that deaths due to congenital malformations were more common in England than Sweden (43 vs 29/100 000 singleton live births). This could partially be due to the higher smoking and obesity rates in England. The treatment of congenital malformations is more centralised in Sweden, with just two centres for paediatric cardiac surgery and four paediatric surgical clinics, which will be merged to two in a few years time. More infants are breast fed in Sweden and all children attend special child healthcare centres several times during infancy and then at least once a year until school age, with reminders for parents and home visits from nurses if necessary. Expectant mothers also receive advice on a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, on breast feeding and on safe sleeping positions for their new baby.6 There is a strong historical tradition in Sweden that people trust and listen to the authorities. Sweden lost out when it came to the World Cup, but it is still one of the leading countries when it comes to child health championships. However, there are some concerns that it may not be able to maintain that position. There is a shortage of paediatric nurses, and sick babies often have to be transported to other centres, sometimes even abroad. In addition, stillbirths seem to be higher in Sweden than other Nordic countries. Although the survival of extremely preterm infants is higher in Sweden than in England and Wales, the prevalence of severe disabilities among these infants appears to be similar7 and about 20% develop autistic spectrum disorders.8 The reasons for child mortality are both complex and multifactorial, and Sweden clearly needs to keep its eye on the ball to achieve its goals and maintain its winning performance in this area. I want to thank Ms Annette Whibley for valuable comments about the British healthcare system, for adding a few items concerning the situation in the UK and for language revision. Funding None declared. Competing interests None declared. Provenance and peer review Commissioned; internally peer reviewed. 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\|ABOUT THE BOOK Arizona was born in a log cabin her papa built. She grew into a tall girl who liked to sing, square-dance, and-most of all-read and dream of the faraway places she would visit one day. Arizona never did make it to those places. Instead she became a teacher, helping generations of children in the one-room schoolhouse which she herself had attended. When Arizona married and had a daughter, the baby went to school with her. For fifty-seven years Arizona taught not only reading writing and arithmetic, but how to make dreams come true even if they aren't exactly the dreams one started with. Objectives: Students will 1. Ask questions and support answers by connecting prior knowledge with literal and 2. Create a paragraph with a topic sentence and supporting facts and details. 3. Write descriptions that use concrete sensory \|A. Introducing Vocabulary: Use as many words as you can in one sentence to describe the cover of the book. Add other words as needed. Cabin, meadow, creek, mountain, mailman, bridge, horse, letter, brother, apron, braids, petticoat, fiddler, barefoot, tadpole, bucket, students, lessons, village, faraway,teacher, chalkboard, sawmill, \|B. Extracting Appropriate Information from the Text. As students read the story they list three things Arizona did at home as a child and three things she did at school as a teacher. Write two verses and sing the song to the tune of Growing up in the mountains Teaching in the mountains \|C.Visit the internet site: http//funnelweb.utcc.utk.edu/~estes/appimages.html to find Images of Appalachia. The student chooses one image and lists as many words as possible related to the image. Use the words to write a five senses paragraph describing the image. Include sights, sounds, tastes, smells, feelings. D. Visit this web This site describes a day in a one room schoolhouse. Using a Venn diagram, compare this school day with a typical school day in Arizona's \|E. Sometimes we get discouraged if we don't do as well at our lessons as we would like. If you have a friend who needs encouragement, send him or her a "Goat for It" musical card from the Blue Mountain web Note: These web sites were checked for availability and readability. However, because of the changing nature of the web, if these sites are not found, direct students to www.ajkids.com to find information on Appalachia and one room
How to Prove that a Quadrilateral Is a Rectangle There are three ways to prove that a quadrilateral is a rectangle. Note that the second and third methods require that you first show (or be given) that the quadrilateral in question is a parallelogram: If all angles in a quadrilateral are right angles, then it’s a rectangle (reverse of the rectangle definition). (Actually, you only need to show that three angles are right angles — if they are, the fourth one is automatically a right angle as well.) If the diagonals of a parallelogram are congruent, then it’s a rectangle (neither the reverse of the definition nor the converse of a property). If a parallelogram contains a right angle, then it’s a rectangle (neither the reverse of the definition nor the converse of a property). Tip: Do the following to visualize why this method works: Take an empty cereal box and push in the top flaps. If you then look into the empty box, the top of the box makes a rectangular shape, right? Now, start to crush the top of the box — you know, like you want to make it flat before putting it in the trash. As you start to crush the top of the box, you see a parallelogram shape. Now, after you’ve crushed it a bit, if you take this parallelogram and make one of the angles a right angle, the whole top has to become a rectangle again. You can’t make one of the angles a right angle without the other three also becoming right angles. Before looking at any of these proof methods in action, here’s a useful little theorem that you need to do the upcoming proof. Congruent supplementary angles are right angles: If two angles are both supplementary and congruent, then they’re right angles. This idea makes sense because 90° + 90° = 180°. Okay, so here’s the proof: Reason for statement 1: Given. Reason for statement 2: If same-side exterior angles are supplementary, then lines are parallel. Reason for statement 3: If both pairs of opposite sides of a quadrilateral are parallel, then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram. Reason for statement 4: If two angles are supplementary to the same angle, then they’re congruent. Reason for statement 5: Given. Reason for statement 6: If two angles are both supplementary and congruent, then they’re right angles. Reason for statement 7: If lines form a right angle, then they’re perpendicular. Reason for statement 8: If lines are perpendicular, then they form right angles. Reason for statement 9: If a parallelogram contains a right angle, then it’s a rectangle. Reason for statement 10: The diagonals of a rectangle are congruent.
For the past few weeks the pumpkins have been spoiled indoors.They are getting plenty of heat and water and in some cases some really nice things are being said to them ! So we all know that outdoors can sometimes get hot, cold, dry or wet in fact its hard to tell what type of weather we will get.So in order for the pumpkin to get used to the change in weather we must introduce it to the outdoors over a period of time.we must also stop watering it.When the compost dries out we will add more water to it.This will get the pumpkin used to dry periods. So for the first week find a nice shaded area and put the pumpkin plant out before you go to school and bring it back in again when you come home in the evenings. Remember stop watering when hardening off the pumpkin.Its ok if it rains on the pumpkin.Only water when the compost dries out. In the second week things get a bit tricky.This time the pumpkin is taken from the shaded area and placed in direct sunlight and left outdoors over night.However you must pay attention to the weather forecast and bring the pumpkin indoors if there is any danger of frost.You can get details on the weather forecast here http://www.met.ie/ . Then we are ready for planting but, we will have to be carefull and check out the long-term forecast. http://www.met.ie/forecasts/5day-ireland.asp and watch out for frosts.We will be working with nature and it will be exciting! You can get more detailed instructions on hardening off here http://tendingmygarden.com/hardening-off-your-seedlings/ The way I have shown above works for me.There are differant ways in doing it and if you tried something differant let us know about it .
Chhatrapathi Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station, or CST Station in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), Maharashtra state of India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was designed by Frederick William Stevens. The structure of this station resembles St. Pancras station in London. Initially, the station was known as Victoria Terminus in honour of Queen Victoria and later in 1996, it was renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It took around 10m years to complete the construction of this railway terminal, built in the Indo-Saracenic of architecture. Inside, there are various exquisite artworks with wooden carvings alongside tile decorations, enchanting iron and brass railings, grills for the ticket booths. CST is a crowded station with jam packed trains discharging and taking on thousands of passengers throughout the day. Many long distance trains also arrive and depart from CST. C S T Station, World Heritage Site,
Who are Quakers? The Religious Society of Friends “You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” John 15:14-15 (NIV) Faith & Practice Faith and Practice is our book of discipline. It expresses Friends Church of North Carolina’s sense of truth and purpose and describes the current structure and administration of the Yearly Meeting. History of Quakers The Religious Society of Friends had its beginning in England more than 300 years ago in a time of great religious and political turmoil. The established church put great emphasis upon outward ceremony and very little emphasis upon inward experience and righteous living. As a result, many people were restless and dissatisfied, seeking for a religion of personal experience and direct communion with God. George Fox, the leader of the Quaker movement, was born in 1624. Although an earnest seeker, he could not find peace and satisfaction in the established church. When, after a long search, he despaired of finding help from the religious leaders of his day, he heard a voice within saying, “There is One, even Christ Jesus, who can speak to thy condition.” This glorious witness of the living Christ within his own heart was the answer to his search for reality. He had found the way to direct communion with God – without ritual or ceremony and without the help of ordained clergy. This was a revolutionary discovery for his day, and he soon ran into strong opposition. George Fox and thousands of his followers were imprisoned in the years of terrible persecution that followed. These Friends, sometimes called Quakers, were concerned to find again the life and power of the early church. They sought reality of experience and were little concerned with ritual and speculative theology. In worship they met together seeking for the living presence of God as an immediate and present reality. In everyday life they were known for sincerity, honesty, simplicity, gentleness, and loving kindness. The famous philosopher William James once said: “In a day of shams, it was a religion of veracity rooted in spiritual inwardness and a return to something more like the original truth than men have ever known in England.” The movement grew rapidly in the latter half of the seventeenth century, and by the time of the death of George Fox in 1691 there were between 40,000 and 50,000 Quakers in England. Great numbers of these early Friends came to America. Pennsylvania was settled under the leadership of William Penn. Other colonies, such as New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island, North Carolina and others, had large numbers of Quaker settlers. Today Friends are scattered around the world. Interestingly enough, the largest yearly meeting is neither in England nor in the United States, but in Africa. The name “Friends” is taken from the words of Jesus: “You are my friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14). The term “Quaker” was first a nickname given to early Friends because they “trembled under the power of God.” -from “Who Are the Friends (Quakers),” a pamphlet by Seth B. Hinshaw Foundations of Structure In his early ministry George Fox had not thought of forming a new “denomination.” In the following years, however, some organization became necessary. The Quaker system is very simple. The local group is called a meeting, rather than a church. The gathering for worship is called a meeting for worship, not only because the people meet together, but also because they meet God. The local group is called a monthly meeting, because the meeting for business (called monthly meeting) convenes once a month. All the local meetings in a given county or similar area assemble four times a year for worship and business; this is called a quarterly meeting. The quarterly meetings in a given state or locality send representatives to an annual gathering called a yearly meeting. Several yearly meetings have associated themselves together in a cooperative group which meets every three years, with headquarters in Richmond, Indiana. This is called the Friends United Meeting. In a monthly meeting (quarterly meeting or yearly meeting) the principal officer is a clerk, who sits at the head of the meeting for business. The whole group seeks to find the will of God in a spirit of worship. The clerk does not take a vote but seeks to find unity of mind and heart upon which the group can take action. If there is disunity, action is delayed until harmony can emerge. Friends proceed upon the basis of Paul’s counsel to the church at Corinth: “I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” I Cor. 1:10 In organization, the Society of Friends is a democracy. There is no authoritarianism of any kind. The accent is upon freedom – true religious liberty which is extremely rare in the world. In seeking to be “led by the Spirit,” Friends are striving toward the ideal expressed in Romans 8:14: “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” In the early days Friends did not have pastors, and some yearly meetings are still unprogrammed, or “non-pastoral.” Most of the yearly meetings belonging to the Friends United Meeting adopted the pastoral system because a full-time person was needed to promote the spiritual interests and general activities of the membership. In most meetings there is a period of silent or open worship, and individuals are urged to participate as they may feel led. Silence in itself is not worship; rather it is the opportunity to worship, to pray, to seek, to listen and to commune with God. -from “Who Are the Friends (Quakers),” a pamphlet by Seth B. Hinshaw Quaker Testimonies or SPICE “For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,” Philippians 3:8 Quakers agree on the importance of living a simple life. Friends try to live lives in moderation in order to use their energies and resources toward constructive ends. “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.” Luke 6:27-29 Quakers believe “there is that of God in everyone”, therefore we should seek to love everyone, even our enemies. Quakers rarely participate in war. “Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” Matthew 5:37 Quakers believe in a call to consistency between what a person professes and their actions. We strive to live out our faith through our practice. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 2:44-46 Quakers hold a strong connection to family and community. There is a conscience effort at work among Friends that seeks to foster a deeper, Christ-centered community among us, while inviting others throughout the world into that same spiritual and eternal fellowship. “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16 Quakers believe that everyone is equal in the sight of God. We believe that the Inward Light of the Holy Spirit is at work in all people regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, age, or social status. This is why Friends seek to help people who are not being treated fairly by others. (Frequently Asked Questions) Why are they called Quaker? Friends were given this nickname by those opposing the Friends movement in it’s early beginnings. This is because when some of the Friends spoke in a moving way they would tremble in the power of the Lord. Friends felt that this was actually a compliment and eventually did not hesitate to use the name themselves. What is a Meeting? Quakers don’t have church services. Instead, they have meetings. These meetings are sometimes held without a minister or other leader. Therefore, instead of having a Church or Temple, Friends have Meetings or a meetinghouse. What is a Monthly Meeting? Although each local Friends group ordinarily meets for a weekly worship service, it holds a meeting to handle business once each month. Hence, for business or structural purposes, it is a “monthly meeting” and such has long been the name applied to the organized local Quaker groups. What is a Quarterly Meeting? Several neighboring meetings are usually associated in a Quarterly Meeting. As the name indicates these ordinarily have three or four gatherings during the year, at which representatives from the monthly meetings discuss matters of joint concern. What is a Yearly Meeting? Monthly meetings within a larger area, sometimes covering several states, join in a Yearly Meeting. There are thirty of these in the United States and Canada. Some overlap geographically, allowing monthly meetings to group themselves with others which they feel are most similar in attitudes and practices. The Yearly gatherings not only are occasions for business but promote spiritual inspiration as well as sociability. Most of the Yearly meetings are members of some national grouping such as Friends United Meeting, Friends General Conference, or the Evangelical Friends Association. Internationally there is a Friends World Committee for Consultation which ties together Quakers all over the world. Copyright © Laurence Barber, 1990, 1999
World War I Facts, information and articles about World War I, aka The Great War World War I Facts July 28, 1914 – November 11, 1918 Europe, Mideast, Africa, Pacific, Atlantic, Mediterranean, North Sea, Baltic Sea Allied Powers / Entente: King George V President Raymond Poincare Tsar Nicholas II King Victor Emmanuel III King Peter I King Albert I Chief of General Staff Constantin Prezan Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos President Woodrow Wilson Kaiser Wilhelm II Emperor Franz Josef I Minister of War Enver Pasha Tsar Ferdinand I Allied Powers casualties: 22 million Central Powers casualties: 37.5 million End of Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman & Russian empires Harsh surrender terms forced on Germany major cause of WWII Redrawing of borders in Europe & Mideast World War I Articles Explore articles from the History Net archives about World War I » See all World War I Articles World War I summary: The war fought between July 28, 1914, and November 11, 1918, was known at the time as the Great War, the War to End War, and (in the United States) the European War. Only when the world went to war again in the 1930s and ’40s did the earlier conflict become known as the First World War. Its casualty totals were unprecedented, soaring into the millions. World War I is known for the extensive system of trenches from which men of both sides fought. Lethal new technologies were unleashed, and for the first time a major war was fought not only on land and on sea but below the sea and in the skies as well. The two sides were known as the Allies or Entente—consisting primarily of France, Great Britain, Italy, Russia, and later the United States—and the Central Powers, primarily comprised of Austria-Hungary (the Habsburg Empire), Germany, and the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). A number of smaller nations aligned themselves with one side or the other. In the Pacific Japan, seeing a chance to seize German colonies, threw in with the Allies. The Allies were the victors, as the entry of the United States into the war in 1917 added an additional weight of men and materiel the Central Powers could not hope to match. The war resulted in a dramatically changed geo-political landscape, including the destruction of three empires: Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Russian. New borders were drawn at its conclusion and resentments, especially on the part of Germany, left festering in Europe. Ironically, decisions made after the fighting ceased led the War to End War to be a significant cause of the Second World War. As John Keegan wrote in The First World War (Alfred A. Knopf, 1999), “The First World War was a tragic and unnecessary conflict … the train of events that led to its outbreak might have been broken at any point during the five weeks of crisis that preceded the first clash of arms, had prudence or common goodwill found a voice.” Casualties in World War I In terms of sheer numbers of lives lost or disrupted, the Great War was the most destructive war in history until it was overshadowed by its offspring, the Second World War: an estimated 10 million military deaths from all causes, plus 20 million more crippled or severely wounded. Estimates of civilian casualties are harder to make; they died from shells, bombs, disease, hunger, and accidents such as explosions in munitions factories; in some cases, they were executed as spies or as “object lessons.” Additionally, as Neil M. Heyman in World War I (Greenwood Press, 1997) wrote, “Not physically hurt but scarred nonetheless were 5 million widowed women, 9 million orphaned children, and 10 million individuals torn from their homes to become refugees.” None of this takes into account the deaths in the Russian Civil War or the Third Balkan War, both of which directly resulted from World War I, nor the Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918 that killed 50 million people worldwide, which was spread in part by conditions at the front and by soldiers returning home. The highest national military casualty totals—killed, wounded, and missing/taken prisoner—in round numbers (sources disagree on casualty totals), were: - Russia: 9,150,000 - Germany: 7,143,000 - Austria-Hungary: 7,000,000 - France, 6,161,000 - Britain & Commonwealth: 3,190,000 - Italy: 2,197,000 - Turkey (Ottoman Empire): 975,000 - Romania: 536,000 - Serbia: 331,000 - USA: 323,000 - Bulgaria: 267,000 For more information, click to see the Casualties of World War I. Causes of World War I Prime Minister of Germany Otto von Bismarck had prophesied that when war again came to Europe it would be over “some damn foolish thing in the Balkans.” Indeed, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir apparent to the Habsburg throne of Austria-Hungary, and his wife, Sophie, by a Serbian nationalist on June 28, 1914, was the match that lit the fuse—but it didn’t create the powder keg. The outbreak of war between European nations was the result of several factors: - Concern over other countries’ military expansion, leading to an arms race and entangling alliances - Fear of losing economic and/or diplomatic status - Long-standing ethnic differences and rising nationalism in the Balkans - French resentment of territorial losses in the 1871 Franco-Prussian War - The influence exerted by military leaders Following their 1871 victory in the Franco-Prussian War, the German states unified into a single nation. Its leader, Kaiser Wilhelm II, eldest grandson of Britain’s Queen Victoria, envisioned an Imperial Navy that could rival Great Britain’s large and renowned fleet. This would increase German influence in the world and likely allow the country to expand its colonial holdings. Britain, fearful of losing its dominance of the seas, accelerated its naval design and construction to stay ahead of the Kaiser’s ship-building program. Russia was rebuilding and modernizing its large army and had begun a program of industrialization. Germany and Austria-Hungary saw the threat posed by Russia’s large population and, hence, its ability to raise a massive army. They formed an alliance for self-protection against the Russian bear. France, still stinging over the loss of Alsace and part of Lorraine in the Franco-Prussian war, made an agreement allying itself with Russia in any war with Germany or Austria-Hungary. Britain, after finding itself friendless during the Second Boer War in South Africa (1899–1902) allied itself with France and worked to improve relations with the United States of America. Russia, with many ethnic groups inside its vast expanse, made an alliance with Serbia in the Balkans. The old Ottoman Empire was crumbling; “The Sick Man of Europe” was the phrase used to describe the once-powerful state. As its ability to exert control over its holdings in the Balkans weakened, ethnic and regional groups broke away and formed new states. Rising nationalism led to the First and Second Balkan Wars, 1912 and 1913. As a result of those wars, Serbia increased its size and began pushing for a union of all South Slavic peoples. Serbian nationalism led 19-year-old Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir apparent to the Habsburg throne of Austria-Hungary, and his wife, Sophie. Austria-Hungary, urged on by Germany, sent a list of demands to Serbia in response; the demands were such that Serbia was certain to reject them. When it did, the Habsburg Empire declared war on Serbia on July 28, exactly one month after the archduke’s assassination. Russia came in on the side of the Serbs, Germany on the side of the Habsburgs, and the entangling alliances between the nations of Europe pulled one after another into the war. Although diplomats throughout Europe strove to settle matters without warfare right up to the time the shooting started, the influence military leaders enjoyed in many nations won out—along with desires to capture new lands or reclaim old ones. Combat in the First World War German military planners were ready when the declarations of war began flying across Europe. They intended to hold off the Russians in the east, swiftly knock France out of the war through a maneuver known as the Schliefffen Plan, then throw their full force, along with Austria-Hungary, against the Russians. The Schliefffen Plan, named for General Count Alfred von Schlieffen who created it in 1905, called for invading the Low Countries (Luxembourg and Belgium) in order to bypass to the north the strong fortifications along the French border. After a rapid conquest of the Low Countries, the German advance would continue into northern France, swing around Paris to the west and capture the French capital. It almost worked, but German commander in chief General Helmuth von Moltke decided to send his forces east of Paris to engage and defeat the weakened French army head-on. In doing so he exposed his right flank to counterattack by the French and a British Expeditionary Force, resulting in the First Battle of the Marne, September 6–10, 1914. Despite casualties in the hundreds of thousands, the battle was a stalemate, but it stopped the German drive on Paris. Both sides began digging a network of trenches. The First Battle of the Marne was a window onto how the rest of the war would be fought: extensive trenchworks against which large numbers of men would be hurled, suffering extremely high casualties for little if any territorial gains. The centuries-old method of massed charges to break through enemy positions did not work when the men faced machine guns, barbed wire, and drastically more effective artillery than in the past. The next four years would see battles in which millions of artillery shells were fired and millions of men were killed or mutilated. Click here to read about some of the costliest battles of the First World War. Deadly new weapons were responsible for the unprecedented carnage. New Weapons of World War I Among the lethal technological developments that were used for the first time (or in some cases used for the first time in a major conflict) during the Great War were the machine gun, poison gas, flamethrowers, tanks and aircraft. Artillery increased dramatically in size, range and killing power compared to its 19th-century counterparts. In the war at sea, submarines could strike unseen from beneath the waves, using torpedoes to send combat and merchant ships to the bottom. Click here for more information on Weapons of World War I. War on the Eastern Front On the Eastern Front, the German general Paul von Hindenburg and his chief of staff Erich Ludendorff engineered strategies that gave them dramatic victories over Russian armies. The war became increasing unpopular among the Russian people. Ludendorff, sensing a chance to take Tsar Nicholas II’s country out of the war, arranged for an exiled Marxist revolutionary named Vladimir Lenin to cross Europe in a special train and get back into Russia. As hoped, Lenin helped fuel the rising revolutionary fervor. The tsar was deposed and executed with his family in the March 1917 revolution. For the first time in Russian history a republican democracy was established, but its leaders underestimated the people’s resistance to continuing the war. When the new government failed to bring about a rapid peace, it was overthrown in November by a socialist revolution led by Lenin, following which Russia signed a peace agreement with Germany. War in the Mountains Fighting in the high elevations of the Balkans and Alps created additional agony for soldiers fighting there: bitterly cold winters and especially rugged terrain. Serbia, whose countryman had fired the shots that gave rise to the slaughter taking place in Europe, was invaded twice by Austria-Hungary but repulsed both attempts. In the autumn of 1915, a third invasion came. This time the Hapsburgs were joined by Germany and Bulgaria. The outnumbered Serbs gave ground. Ultimately, the Serbian Army only escaped annihilation by a demanding march through Albania to the Adriatic Sea, where the French Navy rescued the survivors. Romania remained neutral until August 1916 when it joined the Allies and declared war on Austria-Hungary in hopes of securing additional territories including Transylvania. As the poorly trained Romanian army advanced into Transylvania, German forces invaded and occupied Romania itself, quickly knocking the country out of the war. Italy, wooed by both sides, entered the war on the Allied side in May 1915. Its efforts were concentrated on breaking through Austria’s mountain defenses, but its poorly equipped soldiers were ground up in a series of attacks at the Isonzo River, though their opponents also suffered severely. What gains the Italians made in the war were wiped out by a rout that began at Caporeto in October 1917 and unhinged the entire line. The War Spreads Beyond Europe While soldiers in Europe lived and died in the muddy, disease-ridden trenches, Britain attempted an attack in February 1915 against the Ottoman Empire, the “soft underbelly” of Europe, to aid the Russians and, ideally, force Turkey out of the war. An attempted invasion on the Gallipoli Peninsula resulted in a bloody repulse, but war in the interior of the Ottoman Empire met with greater success. Arab groups seeking to overthrow the empire waged a successful guerrilla war in the Mideast, led by Prince Feisal, third son of the Grand Sharif of Mecca. The revolt was aided by British liaison officer T.E. Lawrence of Wales, who became known as Lawrence of Arabia. When the war ended, the Ottoman Empire was broken up. England and France drew borders for new countries in the Mideast without regard for ethnic and religious factions. The centuries-old tensions between the native inhabitants of the region led to many of the problems causing turmoil in the Mideast today, another irony of the War to End War. Africa was home to a sideshow of the European fighting. European nationals and colonial troops of both sides fought against each other, but the German colonies were widely separated and unable to support each other. In German East Africa (Tanzania) an aggressive general named Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck waged a guerilla campaign against his British opponents until after the armistice was signed in Europe that ended the Great War. In the waters of the Pacific Ocean German commerce raiders found prey among merchant vessels of Allied nations. Japan joined the Allies war effort on August 23, 1914, ostensibly in fulfillment of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of 1911. The Land of the Rising Sun seized German colonies such as the Marianas, Marshalls and Carolines island chains that would see intense fighting during the Second World War. War at Sea Among the causes of the First World War was the naval arms race that began with Britain’s deployment of HMS Dreadnought, a new design that eschewed small, secondary arms in favor of big guns heavily armored for protection. Every nation wanted a Dreadnought, and Germany sought to increase the size of its fleet to the level of Britain’s. Accomplishing that goal while supporting large armies engaged in warfare proved impossible for Germany, but World War I saw the last great battles fought entirely between surface ships. Notable naval engagements include the Falkland Islands and Coronel off South America, and the battles of Heligoland Bight, Dogger Bank and Jutland in the North Sea. Jutland would prove to be not only the largest naval battle up to that time but the last in which fighting would take place only between surface ships. In World War II, the aircraft carrier became the most lethal surface ship and allowed enemy fleets to engage in battle without ever seeing each other from a captain’s bridge. The most significant advance in naval warfare to come out of the Great War was the development of submarines, which the German Imperial Navy called Unterseeboots (undersea boats). That got shortened to U-boats, a name that became synonymous with submarine. Subs could hide beneath the waves in shipping lanes to attack merchant or combat ships with torpedoes without ever being seen. Such attacks on merchant or passenger ships without giving the crews and passengers warning so they could escape in lifeboats was considered a violation of the laws of naval warfare, and became known as “unrestricted” submarine warfare. Germany engaged in such unrestricted warfare until U-20 sunk the British passenger liner Lusitania off Ireland in May 1915. Over 1,200 lives were lost, including 128 Americans, and the US threatened to break diplomatic relations with Germany. The Imperial Navy subsequently instituted strict regulations for U-boat attacks, but those went by the boards in 1917 as the Germans tried to cut off supplies to Britain and starve the island nation into submission. It was a bad decision. The renewal of unrestricted submarine warfare and subsequent sinking of three American ships brought the US into the war, after which Germany’s fate was all but sealed. War in the Air Airplanes had already seen limited military before World War I began. Italian aircraft were used for reconnaissance and small-scale bombing during the Italo-Turkish War of 1911. Aircraft during World War I continued to be used primarily for reconnaissance, including photo-reconnaissance missions. The first aircraft of the war weren’t even armed, since no serious effort had been made to create a fighting flying machine. Pilots began shooting at each other with pistols and rifles. Soon various schemes were attempted to attach machine guns to planes. The breakthrough came in 1915 when Holland’s Anthony Fokker developed a method to synchronize a machine gun’s fire with the rotation of the propeller on his Eindecker (single-wing) design for the German air force. Early war planes were very light and used small engines with top speeds of less than 100 mph. On many designs the engine was in the rear and pushed the plane through the air. The demands of wartime, each side trying to outdo the other’s technological advances, created rapid improvements in aircraft design. Changes might occur within weeks; in the decades following the war, such changes would take years. By war’s end small, single-engine planes had been joined by multi-engine bombers such as the Giant, which Germany used to bomb British cities. Zeppelins were also used for reconnaissance and for bombing over land and sea. Tethered barrage balloons carried observers high above the front to watch enemy troop movements—and attracted the attention of the enemy’s airborne fighters. While the war on the ground was a miserable existence in muddy, rat- and disease-infested trenches, and millions of lives might be spent to gain a few miles of territory, the war in the air captured the imagination of the world. Using this exciting new technology to maneuver through the skies and engage the enemy in one-on-one dogfights in which skillful pilots could rise to the status of ace gave the air war a sense of glamour that still hangs over the pilots of World War I. America Joins the War Most Americans saw little reason for the United States to involve itself in “the European War,” though some individuals—such as young pilots excited at the notion of flying in combat—enlisted through Canada or elsewhere. President Woodrow Wilson won reelection in 1916 on the slogan, “He kept us out of war.” That same year he tried to bring the combatant nations to the bargaining table to seek an end to the war that would be fair to all, but the attempt failed. America was drawn into the conflict by the Zimmerman telegraph and unrestricted submarine warfare. On January 16, 1917, Foreign Secretary of the German Empire Arthur Zimmerman sent a coded message to the German ambassador in Mexico City, Heinrich von Eckart informing him Germany would return to unrestricted submarine warfare on February 1, a policy that might cause America to declare war. “We shall endeavor in spite of this to keep the United States of America neutral,” Zimmerman wrote, but if those efforts failed, Eckart was to convince Mexico to become Germany’s ally. As an inducement, Eckart was authorized to offer the return of the US states of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona to Mexico after America was defeated. The code was broken, and the contents of the telegram published on March 1. Americans were outraged. Two weeks later German U-boats sank three American vessels. Wilson asked Congress on April 1 to authorize a declaration of war against Germany, which it did four days later. War was declared on the other Central Powers shortly thereafter. When American troops and war materiel began arriving in Europe later in 1917, it unalterably shifted the balance of power in favor of the Allies. A final German offensive began on May 21, 1918, an attempt to win the war before the full weight of American strength could arrive. The Spring Offensive (also called the Ludendorff Offensive and the Kaiser’s Battle) sputtered out when German supply vehicles couldn’t keep up with the rapidly advancing soldiers across the broken, cratered battleground, and the Kaiser’s troops were left in poor defensive positions. An Allied operation that became known as the Hundred Days Offensive pushed the enemy back to the German border by September. Germany’s allies began their own peace negotiations. The German navy mutinied. Ludendorff, architect of many German victories in the east, was dismissed. Riots broke out, often led by German Bolsheviks. Prince Max, Chancellor of Germany, authorized negotiations for peace terms and stipulated that both military and civilian representatives be involved. He then turned his title over to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Socialist Democratic movement. Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated on November 9. An agreement between the combatants called for all guns to fall silent on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Yet, even on the morning of November 11, before the designated time for the armistice to begin, some field officers ordered their men to make attacks, which accomplished little except more bloodshed. A series of peace treaties were signed between the combatant nations, but the most significant was the Treaty of Versailles, signed on July 28, 1919, five years after Austria-Hungary had declared war on Serbia. Germany had hoped Woodrow Wilson would be a moderating factor that would allow for more generous peace terms, but the nations that had lost millions of young men to the weapons of the Central Powers were in no mood to be forgiving. As a result of the various treaties, the Ottoman Empire was dismantled. Austria-Hungary was broken into separate nations and forced to cede lands to successor states such as Czechoslovakia. Bulgaria was limited to a 20,000-man army, denied any aircraft or submarines and ordered to pay reparations over a 35-year period. Germany was restricted to a standing army of just 100,000 men, denied possession of certain weapons such as tanks, forced to pay reparations to its former enemies and give up all of its overseas colonies as well as some of its territories in Europe. In the coming years Germans would brood over the harsh terms and seek not only to overturn them but to inflict punishment on the nations that demanded them. All combatant nations had concealed from their people the true extent of casualties during the war, but in Germany, where Hindenburg and Ludendorff were given control over virtually all aspects of civilian life as well as over the military, any negative reports about what was happening at the front were considered “defeatist” and were prohibited. Accordingly, much of the population believed it when they were told Germany was winning the war. The country’s sudden capitulation left them shocked and bewildered. Hindenburg claimed that the German soldier had been winning the war but was “stabbed in the back” by civilians who overthrew the monarchy. The popular old soldier was elected president of Germany, and his “stabbed in the back” myth was used to great effect by a rising political star, Adolf Hitler. Articles Featuring World War I From History Net Magazines Historians have a love-hate relationship with major anniversaries of historic events. The anniversaries bring new attention to a subject and offer a chance to educate the public, but they often become tainted by politics and dealt with in a superficial fashion. Historian Michael Neiberg recommends five books and three websites for those seeking to learn more about World War I An excerpt from The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 A luxury car becomes an effective armored fighting vehicle. Professor Gary Sheffield, chair of War Studies at Britain’s University of Birmingham and a former instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, and at the British Joint Services Command and Staff College. Author of Forgotten Victory: The First World War, Myths and Realities, in this interview he answers questions about that conflict. Following World War I the international community had intense debate over whether poison gas should remain a legitimate weapon of war or be banned. Includes 10 of Leon Gimpel’s photographs of children in Paris as they played at war while a real war raged in the world outside the city. A 15-line poem written in just 20 minutes became an enduring symbol because it speaks volumes about those who lost their lives near Ypres, Belgium. More World War I Articles More World War I Articles
Mizoram is a state located in the northeastern region of India. It is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and heritage. Mizoram is known for its natural beauty, with several waterfalls, caves, and limestone formations. The state is home to the Phawngpui, which is the highest peak in the state, and the Durtlang Hills, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Mizoram is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which is reflected in its art, music, dance, and festivals. Mizoram is also an important center for agriculture, with crops such as rice, maize, and fruits being grown extensively in the region. Below are some important facts to remember about Mizoram: • Mizoram is one of the states of Northeast India. • It was established on 20th February 1987. • Mizoram shares its borders with Myanmar in east and south, Bangladesh in south and east, Assam in east, and Manipur in north. • Total area in the state is 21,087 square km. • Total population in the state is 10, 91, 014 according to 2011 census. • It is the 2nd least populous state in the country. • The density of population is 52 persons per square kilometer. • Total literacy rate is 91.58%. • There are 8 districts in the state. • The official language is Mizo. • The biggest river in Mizoram is Chhimtuipui. • The majority of the population is Christian (87%). • Aizawal is the capital city of the state. • The economy of the state is depends on agriculture. • Mim Kut or Maize Festivals, Chaphar Kut, Pawl Kut etc are the festival celebrated by Mizos. \|Category\|\|English Term\|\|Mizo Term\|
\|Nutmeg Quick Facts\| \|Scientific Name:\|\|Myristica fragrans\| \|Origin\|\|Nutmeg is indigenous to Moluccas (or Spice Islands) of Indonesia.\| \|Shapes\|\|Ovoid, 2 to 3 cm (0.8 to 1.2 inches) long by about 2 cm (0.8 inches) across\| \|Major nutrients\|\|Vitamin B6 (384.62%) Total Fat (lipid) 2.54 g (7.26%) Total dietary Fiber (3.95%) \|Health benefits\|\|Brain Tonic, Pain Relief, Indigestion Relief, Bad Breath, Treatment Liver and Kidney Detox\| Nutmeg is among two spices which grow on an evergreen tree together with the medical classification Myristica fragrans, also referred to as typical nutmeg. It really is indigenous to islands near Indonesia, however is currently a globally utilized spice. These types of trees bear nutmeg, that is the seed of the tree, in addition to mace, a less frequent spice produced from the dried reddish shell of the seed. This is actually the only tree that is the source of two distinct spices in the world. It’s not generally cultivated within the Caribbean, other tropical areas of the world, as well as in Southern India, within the state of Kerala. Nutmeg is really a delicate, somewhat sweet spice which is traditionally used in cuisines around the globe, which includes both Asian and western recipes. The tree is additionally highly valued due to the essential oils which are produced from the tree and leaves, and nutmeg butter can also be a well-known derivative food which packs a healthy punch. The essential oils from nutmeg extract are extremely good for health, and are commonly used in alternative and herbal medication. Health benefits of Nutmeg Referred to as a well-liked spice all over the world, nutmeg can also be well-known because of its numerous health advantages. In fact, since ancient times, nutmeg has been utilized like a fix for numerous conditions or even enhance health generally. Here are a few of the health advantages which nutmeg offers. 1. Brain Tonic Throughout ancient times, Roman and Greek civilizations utilized nutmeg like a kind of brain tonic. It is because nutmeg can easily effectively excite your brain. Because of this, it can benefit get rid of exhaustion as well as stress. If you suffer from from anxiety or depression, nutmeg can also be a great treatment. Nutmeg will usually increase your concentration so that you can become more effective as well as concentrated at the office or even at school. 2. Pain Relief Nutmeg is additionally a highly effective tranquilizer. In reality, nutmeg is really a staple in ancient Chinese medicine. The Chinese utilized the spice to deal with inflammation as well as abdominal pain. Make use of nutmeg if you suffer from from painful joints, muscle pain, arthritis, sores and other ailments. To ease the pain, use nutmeg oil towards the affected areas. 3. Indigestion Relief If you suffer from digestion-related difficulties just like diarrhea, bowel problems, bloating, flatulence and so on, nutmeg can successfully provide you with relief. Nutmeg oil reduces stomachaches by eliminating the excess gas through the intestines. Nutmeg may also enhance your appetite 4. Bad Breath Treatment Due to its anti-bacterial qualities, nutmeg may also successfully treat halitosis or even bad breath. Since you probably know, bad breath is generally the result of a build-up of bacteria within your mouth. Nutmeg can easily rid the mouth area of these bacteria. This is why why nutmeg is a very common ingredient in lots of brands of toothpastes. Nutmeg may also be used to deal with gum problems and toothaches. 5. Liver and Kidney Detox Detoxification is a crucial factor of good health. Diet, pollution, stress, tobacco, medication along with other external substances can result in the build-up of toxins within your organs. The liver and kidney are two of the organs exactly where this particular toxic build-up generally develops. Like a tonic, nutmeg can clean your liver and kidney and take away these toxins. If you suffer from from a liver disease then nutmeg may also be advantageous. Nutmeg is additionally good at stopping as well as dissolving kidney stones. Whenever your liver and kidney are effectively detoxified, they are able to execute their function better. 6. Skin Care If skin care is among your focal points then you might wish to incorporate nutmeg in your regimen. Nutmeg can in fact assist you to accomplish smoother as well as healthier skin by assisting you deal with a number of skin problems. A scrub produced from nutmeg powder and orange lentil powder will help you eliminate blackheads, a kind of acne seen as an pores clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Should you suffer from acne marks, nutmeg could also help help make your scars less noticeable. What you need to do is mix some nutmeg powder with a few honey to make a paste, which you’ll then apply to the acne marks. For generations, nutmeg have been suggested like a home remedy for sleeplessness as well as insomnia. A pinch of nutmeg in warm milk always appeared to do the trick. Nutmeg features a high-content of magnesium, an important mineral in your body which decreases nerve tension, and even energizes the release of serotonin that results in a feeling of relaxation or sedation. This particular serotonin is modified to melatonin inside the brain, that is a sleep inducer, reducing individuals of their problems with insomnia as well as restlessness at night. Nutmeg also offers trace portions of narcotics, which have no remarkable effect unless taken in massive quantities. However, even the little bit can assist you release numerous neurotransmitters compared to induce relaxation and sleep. 8. Brain Health Among the lesser known advantages of adding nutmeg in almost any variety to the diet would be the numerous aspects of its essential oil, known as myristicin and macelignan. These types of compounds have been shown to lessen the degradation of neural pathways and cognitive function that commonly afflicts individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Research indicates myristicin and macelignan slow those effects, and keep the human brain functioning in a normal, healthy level. 9. Oral Health In traditional medical applications, nutmeg was regarded as the king of spices when it came to oral health. The active anti-bacterial components of nutmeg implies that it will help to combat circumstances just like halitosis, also referred to as bad breath. It kills the bacteria that triggers this embarrassing condition, and usually enhances the immunity of the gums and teeth. For this reason nutmeg and it is extracts are commonly present in toothpastes as well as mouthwashes, specifically in organic or herbal types. Another of the lesser known qualities of nutmeg is its possible use towards cancerous cells. Research indicates that a particular methanolic compound in nutmeg and its essential oil can in fact stimulate cell death (apoptosis) in leukemia cells, therefore stopping multiplication and metastasis of this terrible variety of cancer that generally afflicts children. 11. Blood Pressure and Circulation The mineral content of nutmeg implies that it really is useful for terms of maintaining organ function. Potassium is really a vasodilator, that relaxes blood vessels, therefore decreasing blood pressure as well as decreasing the strain on the cardiovascular system. In addition, it facilitates the uptake of nutrients from food, making digestion as well as efficient and fast process. The calcium present in nutmeg can enhance the health of the bones by contributing to repair and growth, while relieving the signs of osteoporosis. Ultimately, the iron content can improve your red blood cell count and lower the chances of you developing symptoms of iron deficiency, also referred to as anemia. 12. Nutmeg benefits for male sexual enahancement Nutmeg benefits consist of boosts sexual activity, both libido and potency or sexual energy and it has been shown in a variety of trials. Nutmeg extract is utilized just as one ingredient in lots of sex tonics intended for dealing with debility, impotency and spermatorrhoea. Additionally, it provides a carminative, Stimulant. Aphrodisiac herbs just like Nutmeg when joined with other herbs, improve vigor, vitality, and an capability to result in erotic sensation. Nutmeg benefits include and also have been created as higher potency vitalizers which reinforces stamina, improves sexual health as well as improves performance. History of Nutmeg A native to Banda Islands, within the Moluccas of Indonesia or Spice Islands, and also the Malay Archipelago, nutmeg is considered to be in existence as soon as throughout the first century. It absolutely was only towards the turn of the 7th century once the Arabs introduced nutmeg to Europe through the Venetians. In the late 1400s when the Portuguese toured the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, they found Banda Islands and took control over the spice trade. Right after, the Dutch waged a war, recounted by the massacre and enslavement of the inhabitants of Banda Islands to gain dominance of the spice trade. The Frenchman Pierre Poivre smuggled nutmeg seedlings and planted them in Mauritius where they flourished thoroughly; therefore, ending the Dutch monopoly. With the Run Island, within the Banda Islands, being the only known source of nutmeg, the British and Dutch struggled to gain control of the island. The English ultimately succeeded in conquering the Run Island, that is now referred to as Nutmeg Island, and also grown nutmeg trees in Zanzibar and Grenada also. The British East Company could be credited with introducing nutmeg to Penang, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. Later, they spread the cultivation of nutmeg to other East Indian islands and then towards the Caribbean. Today, Indonesia and Grenada are the top producers as well as exporters of nutmeg, followed by India, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka and Caribbean Islands. Nutmeg may also be used to assuage common difficulties. - To regulate acne, smash 2 – 3 nutmeg seeds as well as add little milk to create a paste. After cleaning the face with warm water, pat it dry, and after that spread the paste equally within the acne. After two hours, utilize warm water to eliminate the paste, followed by cold water to seal the pores. This particular paste also behaves as a scrub to deal with blackheads. - To enhance sleep, drink a single serving of milk boiled along with 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg. - To soothe eczema [red scaly patches], create a nutmeg paste by grinding nutmeg seeds along with water and smear the paste within the scaly patches. - To calm chest cold, create a paste of nutmeg powder as well as flour with water. Cover the cotton cloth along with paste and apply to the chest. - To cure diarrhoea, consume a filtered mixture of 1/4th teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ? teaspoon of ground coffee in one cup of water. How To Use Nutmeg to get beautiful skin and hair Now that you learn how good nutmeg could be for your skin and hair, the question arises on how to use it! Well, we’ve got a few recipes that you could try at home to get beautiful skin and hair! 1. Nutmeg, Honey, And Cinnamon Mixture Whenever nutmeg is coupled with honey and cinnamon, it will make a strong anti-microbial as well as germ killing paste. Combine each one of the ingredients mentioned previously in equivalent proportion and also use the mixture each morning. Keep it for approximately 10-15 minutes and then rinse with cold water. It will help in relieving acne as well as reducing scars. 2. Nutmeg Powder And Honey Paste Make a paste utilizing nutmeg powder as well as honey. Put it on on the face and then leave for 30 minutes. Wash with cold water. This mix works efficiently to avoid imperfections. 3. Nutmeg Powder And Milk Facial Combine 1 spoon of milk (toned milk needs to be utilized for oily skin and also full fat milk is wonderful for dry skin) together with nutmeg and use the mixture every single day in your face. Let it rest for 30 minutes after which wash along with cold water. This could offer you facial effect. 4. Nutmeg And Baking Soda Nutmeg may be used together with baking soda to make a moderate consistency paste. It ought to be applied on the face regularly. Within just 2 to 3 days, you will find that the redness and puffiness in your face has disappeared. 5. Pure Nutmeg Paste Whole nutmegs could be grated and utilized to form a paste. The grated nutmeg will dissolve immediately in water and form a paste. Cinnamon could be included with the paste, however it is optional. Use the paste and keep it for an hour. Then rinse it off along with cold water. Utilize this for at least Two to three weeks constantly. This will assist for making your skin smooth and supple. Additionally, it may treat acne and blemishes on the skin. 6. Nutmeg Scrub Make use of nutmeg powder as well as masoor dal powder for scrubbing the face regularly. This particular home-made scrub is extremely effective in eliminating blackheads in addition to obstructed and also clogged pores. Nutmeg and Milk Powder:To cure acne, nutmeg scrub may be used. Make a scrub utilizing a pinch of nutmeg powder and milk powder. 7. Nutmeg Oil Nutmeg oil is utilized like a volatile essential oil. It features a thin consistency with a spicy fragrance. It is utilized in hair dyes as well as homemade creams, lotions as well as soaps. Nutmeg oil ought to be taken daily. A standard dosage of 4 to 5 drops is sufficient. You can use it in milk shakes or just take it with a spoon of honey. It really is recommended that one takes this oil in empty stomach to get the most benefits. There aren’t any side-effects of utilizing nutmeg oil. This particular oil is utilized for making various kinds of homemade soaps. How To Use Nutmeg in your daily diet Nutmeg can be used for both sweet and also ta sty dishes. In desserts, it provides warm, nutty, holiday-spice flavor to foods like gingerbread and pumpkin pie. Additionally, it pairs effectively with meats for the subtly sweet component, and is also excellent combined with vegetables just like cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Here are some methods for getting the health advantages of nutmeg in your diet. Eggnog may be the noticeable choice, however even though you don’t like eggnog, you can include nutmeg to hot chocolate, or hot tea. Try adding nutmeg in your fruit smoothies for the warming effect. Add it to cold or hot apple cider. Utilizing nutmeg in tasty dishes as well as on proteins can also add contrast to spicy and salty flavors. A little goes a long way so utilize a light touch but try nutmeg on roasted chicken, pot pies, omelettes, braised beef, meatballs and much more. Apart from pumpkin pie or even apple pie, you are able to mix just a little nutmeg into vanilla pudding, try it on ice cream, pound cake, and cookies. Try adding nutmeg to any dish which you’d usually utilize cinnamon for a slightly different flavor. A dash of nutmeg in tomato soup offers an unexpected depth of flavor do a simple soup. Try nutmeg in the combined cauliflower puree or even winter squash soup. How to Buy Nutmeg - Nutmeg can be bought whole or even as grounded powder. - When provided an option, often purchase whole nutmeg seeds since the powdered forms might be adulterated along with other inferior quality nutmeg varieties. - Whole nutmeg features a richer as well as stronger taste in comparison to the ground spice. - To look at the quality of the good nutmeg, insert a darning needle a centimeter in the center of the seed; if the tiny drop of oil oozes out, it really is fresh. - Always purchase nutmeg, whole or even ground, in sealed packets from authentic brands of the reputable company, that has the date of production and expiry stamped on it. Nutmeg Storage Tips - Store whole and grounded nutmeg within an airtight container in the cool, dry, dark place. In this way, it may go on for up to many months. - Whole seeds remain fresh for around 12 months while ground nutmeg could be stored for 6 months at the maximum, after which it will begin losing its flavor. - After you’ve grated a fresh nutmeg seed, cover it in plastic foil to protect its oil content. - In Surinam, fruit is used for alleviating stomachache. - In traditional Arabian medicine, Mace and Nutmeg are used for fever, colds and respiratory problems. - It is also helpful to cure tuberculosis. - Use nutmeg in small quantities to induce hypnotic effect in irritable children. - In India, it is used for indigestion, stomach complaints and as a tonic after childbirth. How to eat - Powdered nutmeg is used to flavor cakes, milk dishes and punches. - It is used in processed foods such as charcuterie and sausages. - It is also used in ketchups, soups, seafoods such as eggs and potted shrimps. - In Western Europe, it is used in meat dishes and soups. - Nutmeg powder is used as a spice in savory dishes. - In Europe, mace and nutmeg are used in processed meat products and potato dishes. - Nutmeg is used as fillings for pasta in Europe. - Nutmeg is used to add flavor to biscuits, cakes, fruit or milk puddings and gingerbreads. - Nutmeg grated is used in apple or cherry pies. - Ground nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon are vital ingredients in a coffee chocolate beverage called Mocha on a Cloud. Nutmeg Side Effects Warning: Large dosage (30 grams that is about 6 tablespoons a day) of nutmeg could be toxic, creating confusion, double vision as well as convulsions, however these side-effect won’t be produced even with large amount in culinary usage. Nutmeg as well as mace are UNSAFE in doses bigger than amounts present in foods. Side effects like thirst, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, feelings of pressure in the chest or stomach, dry mouth, stomach pain, and lots of other problems might exist in many people. More severe negative effects may include hallucinations, seizures, and death. Not enough is recognized in regards to the safety of utilizing nutmeg and mace on this skin. Special Precautions & Warnings Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nutmeg and also mace are unsafe in doses greater than amounts present in foods. In pregnant women, they might result in miscarriages or even birth defects. Not enough is famous in regards to the safety of utilizing nutmeg and mace during breast-feeding. Remain on the safe side and get away from use.
Working with Saturation in Food Photography Tweaking the saturation — the vibrancy or strength of the colors — can be a great boost to images of food. Increasing the saturation in a food photograph generally needs to be subtle, not glaring. Oversaturation can make a food image look a little garish. When using Photoshop or any other photo-editing program to clean up images, the key is to be subtle and remember that less is more. Over processing of images can look, well, not so good, especially with food images. The following figure shows an image in which the Saturation tool was applied to about a 6 on the sliding scale in the Saturation tool. Increasing the saturation allows the full, rich reds in the image to complement the look of the dessert. Overdoing the saturation in an image is a common mistake. The telltale signs of an oversaturated image are a distinct separation of color tones, and in extreme cases, some pixelation occurs. If you have a fitting image that you think may translate well to black and white, give desaturation a go. You can select the Desaturate option in Photoshop by going to the Image menu and then the Adjustments menu. Desaturation removes all traces of color from an image, turning it into a black-and-white image instead (see the following figure). Although desaturation is quite unusual for a food image, it’s an interesting look that allows you to stretch your creativity and try something different.
March 18, 2020 Attracting beneficial birds to an orchard could result in a significant reduction of codling moth, a key pest in walnuts, according to researchers. University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor Rachael Long and UC, Davis researcher Sacha Heath found that adding birds into the pest control system reduced codling moth larval numbers by 46%, they reported in 2019. Nuttall’s woodpeckers and white-breasted nuthatches did much of the work, as they travel up and down the trunks of trees searching for insects, the two scientists observed. "There’s a lot of data out there that show birds are incredible predators of these pests," Long told about 100 growers and others at a March 4 workshop in Woodland, Calif. As Long explains, codling moth is a major worm-like pest that infects walnuts, apples and pears. The larvae go dormant during winter, living in cocoons in crevices of trees, then adult moths emerge in the spring, lay eggs and infest crops. According to the UC’s Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, the first flight of codling moth typically starts sometime from early March to early April, and the flight of the overwintered generation can last several months as the moths lay generations of eggs. Later generations that emerge by midsummer can cause significant damage, as older larvae leave the nuts and move to tree trunks or debris to spin cocoons and overwinter and occasionally some larvae can be present in harvested nuts. Feeding damage to the kernel makes the nut unmarketable and can also create a breeding site for the navel orangeworm, according to UC IPM. Left uncontrolled, codling moths can damage up to 40% of the crop. In a recent study, Long and Heath evaluated bird predation of codling moth using "sentinel prey" and exclosure cages. They glued codling moth cocoons to walnut trunks and covered them with cages, allowing insects and spiders to access the cocoons but not bird predators. This allowed them to count how many larvae were eaten inside and outside of the cages to estimate pest reduction by birds, they explained in a blog post. They found that natural enemies alone such as parasitic wasps and lacewings reduced codling moth larval numbers by 11%. Adding birds into the mix resulted in a much greater reduction. "We monitored 10 different species of birds" to see which were the most voracious predators, Long said during the workshop. Benefits of birds Scientists and conservationists in recent years have been touting the benefits of encouraging some bird species near farm fields. A growing number of farmers of various commodities are looking to birds as a natural means of controlling pests as state regulators cast an ever more wary eye on the use of chemical pesticides. Some birds are more beneficial than others, according to Sara Kross, a program director at Columbia University’s Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology. Songbirds in nest boxes or vegetative habitat are particularly good at insect control, while raptors in artificial perches, nest boxes or habitat help control other birds and rodents, Kross said during a field day in 2019. Herons and egrets attack rodents in flood-irrigated fields, she added. "California’s Central Valley has some of the best farmland in the world, but there’s very little natural habitat for birds," Long said during the March 4 workshop. "So a lot of birds are foraging in ag lands. "As we get a decline in overall natural habitat, bird numbers go down, but they are going up in ag lands," she said. She pointed to the rice industry as a "success story," attracting ducks and geese in the Pacific Flyway that mash the rice straw and help it decompose. In alfalfa fields, birds feed on the gophers that are flushed out of holes during irrigation, she said. However, "bird diversity is somewhat declining," she said. The abundance of bird species is much greater in fields and orchards near dedicated habitat, she explained. "Habitat around farms is important for beneficial insects as well as for birds," she said. "You have to be careful what you select," she added, noting that some bird species are pests to a given crop. For more news on tree nuts as reported by growers and farm advisors, subscribe to the Tree Nut Farm Press e-newsletter. About the Author(s) You May Also Like Current Conditions for Enter a zip code to see the weather conditions for a different location. Pros and cons of H-2A guest farmworkersNov 30, 2023 Market expectations: What's on the horizon for grain and livestock?Nov 22, 2023 18 gifts for the farmer on your listNov 27, 2023
October is cholesterol awareness month Posted on 12th October 2022 at 16:27 Cholesterol isn't just harmful in the body, it performs a range of vital functions of which we all need to be aware, and a high fibre diet is one of the best ways of balancing cholesterol levels. October is officially cholesterol awareness month, but what exactly is it that we need to be aware of? Mostly we are told that cholesterol is a key cause of the fatty build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis) that leads to heart disease and that we need to keep levels down at all costs. Cholesterol however performs important functions in the body. It is required for the production of cell membranes, hormones, vitamin D and the bile acids that help to digest fat. Whilst high levels are implicated in heart disease, low levels can increase the risk of dementia, violent and aggressive behaviour, depression, suicide, Parkinson's disease and paradoxically, heart disease as a result of cholesterol sulfate deficiency. Contrary to popular belief, high cholesterol is not a disease per se but a response to something going awry within the body. Cholesterol is produced whenever cells are damaged as is is a necessary component in replacing damaged cells with healthy new ones. Therefore the more damaged cells you have, the higher your blood cholesterol levels will be. It follows that older people have more cell damage due to natural aging processes and consequently have higher cholesterol levels. Cell damage produces inflammation and in addition to age, this can be brought on and exacerbated by poor diet - too much sugar, too many processed grains and processed foods generally (including low fat foods and those marketed to lower cholesterol!), lack of exercise, emotional stress, smoking and excess alcohol. Lowering cholesterol levels through artificial means such as statin drugs without addressing the underlying cause, means that the body will continue to degenerate despite blood cholesterol levels being seen to be lowered. The most effective way to optimise your cholesterol profile, prevent heart disease and maintain good health generally is via diet and exercise. 75% of cholesterol is produced in the liver which itself is influenced by insulin levels. Optimising insulin levels automatically optimises cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease. This is something we can all easily address by decreasing our intake of refined sugar and increasing our fibre intake through the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables and wholegrains. Fibre provides bulk so excess cholesterol can be excreted via the bowel, and naturally detoxiifies the body. The Diabetes UK website states that the requirement for dietary fibre for adults aged 16 and over is 30g per day but the average adult in the UK consumes only 19g. Being aware of LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol is all very well but not necessarily pertinent. Knowing that the body needs cholesterol and that we can balance our levels through a diet rich in fibre is altogether much more empowering and should be the focus of our awareness. Share this post:
THE BRICK INDUSTRY’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Predominantly obsolete and antiquated brick kiln technologies are widely used in developing countries and much of the industry operates illegally. Due to increasingly strict environmental laws and legislation change, many developing countries have banned polluting kilns, particularly the Moveable Metal Bull's Trench Kiln and the Clamp Kiln, although they continue operation undeterred in some countries. Brick kilns are a primary source of the short lived climate pollutant Black Carbon (soot). They are also extremely high emitters of CO2. The industry has a devastating environmental impact, resulting in irreparable harm to the environment and the lives of those working and living nearby. The brick industry and its inefficient technologies negatively impact on health, clean air, clean water and agriculture. Kiln replacement with low emission, fuel efficient and functional Habla Zig-Zag technology offers a 'win-win' opportunity to significantly reduce the pollution of both black carbon Short Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP's) and CO2. HZZK technology can offer both local, regional and long term change, significantly improving the environment, workplace conditions and peoples health and agricultural outcomes for millions of poor brick workers and their families. There are over 300,000* brick kilns worldwide that currently; - Release over 890 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere every year. - Burn 375 million tonnes of fossil fuel every year, plus millions of tonnes of scavenged highly polluting fuel i.e. tyres, wood, waste oil, cow dung, paper, liquid tar (mazoot) battery cases etc. - Many kiln operations use the cover of darkness to burn these scavenged fuel sources. - These brick kilns and their toxic emissions, create hazardous working conditions for workers and their families (young children). - Brick kilns contaminate the soil surrounding kiln sites and diminish crop yields (agriculture production) as a consequence. Habla Kiln Construction South Africa The Habla Team commenced construction of the energy efficient Habla Zig-Zag Kiln, in South Africa's Western Cape, early October 2015. The Habla Kilns construction is well underway and scheduled for completion early 2016.
Linotype Invasion supports up to 49 different languages such as Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Finnish, Danish, Irish, Basque, Luxembourgian, and Icelandic in Latin and other scripts. Please note that not all languages are available for all formats. German designer Hellmut G. Bomm developed the Linotype Invasion family of fonts in 2002. The three text faces in the family, Linotype Invasion Harold, Linotype Invasion Wilhelm, and Linotype Invasion Rex, were all inspired by styles of lettering found in the Bayeux Tapestry. Created sometime during the late 11th Century, the Bayeux Tapestry tells the story of William the Conqueror's successful invasion of England, and victory over King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The Linotype Invasion font family is faithful both to late Romanesque lettering styles, as well as to the appearance of letters stitched into cloth. This is the perfect font family for any English history buff, medieval buff, art history buff, typography buff¿ maybe just about anybody! The fonts work best in display settings. Perhaps you should try stitching them into cloth yourself for an extra authentic look. An interesting companion face to any of the three Linotype Invasion fonts is Bomm's matching symbol font, the Linotype Invasion Animals. The pictograms in this font depict the mythical, medieval animals (and a few people!) that can be found interacting along the borders of the Bayeux tapestry. All fonts in the Linotype Invasion family, including Linotype Invasion Animals, are part of the Take Type 4 collection, available through the Linotype GmbH.
Nearsightedness: Not Just An Inconvenience Although eyeglassesand standard contact lenses can correct a person’s vision, they do not treat the underlying cause of myopia or slow its progression. Myopia significantly increases the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. The higher your child’s myopia, the greater the risk. If you’re concerned about your child’s long-term eye health and vision, contact Forney Eye Associates Myopia Control Center in Dallas today. What is Myopia Management? Myopia management is an area of eye care that uses custom treatments to prevent or slow your child's myopia progression. Depending upon your child's specific needs, our eye care team in Dallas can help your child maintain clearer vision for longer. We slow the progression of nearsightedness by using the following treatment methods: Myopia Management Reviews Symptoms of Myopia - Your child struggles to see things clearly at a distance - Difficulties seeing the board in class - Your child squints to see far away objects - They complain of headaches and eyestrain - Difficulties with sports that involve small balls, such as baseball or tennis Myopia and Eye Diseases As your child’s myopia progresses and worsens, they heighten their risk of developing vision-threatening eye diseases later in life. In fact, their odds of developing vision loss due to glaucoma, macular degeneration or retinal disease increase by as much as 10x! The good news? Myopia management and regular eye exams with our optometry team can help your child regain clear vision, and slow down or even stop their vision from worsening. How Do I Know If My Child Needs Myopia Management? If you are concerned about your child’s myopia, call our practice today. Our eye doctor will help you understand more about your child's nearsightedness and will determine whether your child is a candidate for myopia management. Take our myopia assessment online to find out whether your child could benefit from this life-changing treatment. Our Myopia Management Team Myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases Myopia can significantly increase your risk of developing potentially sight-threatening eye conditions in the future. But how much does your risk grow, exactly? Research shows that the worse your myopia is, the higher your risk. For example, your risk of developing myopic maculopathy, an especially severe form of macular degeneration, is 2.2x higher if your prescription is -2.00, and jumps to 9.7x at -4.00, 40.6x higher at -6.00, and is a whopping 126.8x higher at a prescription of -8.00. This is why it’s so essential to stop myopia progression in its tracks with myopia management. What Factors Increase Risk of Myopia? According to our eye care team, the following factors may increase the risk of nearsightedness: Myopic parents (one or both) increases the child's risk of nearsightedness. Developing myopia before age 12 significantly increases the risk of severe myopia. Spending too much time on digital screens and reading books can strain the eyes, increasing risk of nearsightedness.
Awwwwww..Watch These Puffins Trade Off Parenting Duties In Their Nest [VIDEO] In the spring and summer, thousands of puffins gather in colonies on the coasts and islands of the North Atlantic Ocean. Places like Seal Island off the coast of Rockland is perfect for these puffins. Pairs of puffins often become mates for life, finding each other at their breeding colony year after year. The pair often uses the same nest they used the year before. This video from MyWildlifeVideos was posted on May 22nd. It takes a puffin egg 39-43 days to hatch so these puffins may still be incubating this egg. They'll take turns keeping the egg warm and safe from predators until the little puff hatches. One will stay at the nest while the other hunts for food.
Cheese lovers would be better off eating cheese made from yaks milk rather than cow milk, says a new study that found that yak’s cheese contains higher levels of several healthy fatty acids. Looks like yummy cheddar cheese is out of the question now! The study was conducted by Brian McBride and his colleagues at Canada’s University of Guelph. They compared the fatty acid composition of yak cheese from Nepal with that of cheddar cheese obtained from Canada. The yak cheese was found to contain three times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids than cheddar cheese. Incidentally, omega-3 fatty acids are known to offer various health benefits. Yak cheese in particular was found to be rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which happens to be a type of omega-3 fatty acid also present in flaxseeds. The yak cheese was also found to be richer in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which has been shown to offer a range of health benefits against cancer, fat gain and type 2 diabetes. Further, the researchers have said that the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are healthy for one’s heart health, were higher in yak cheese. The study concludesthat, “The results suggest that cheese from yak, grazed on Himalayan alpine pastures, may have a more healthful fatty acid composition compared to cheese manufactured from dairy cattle fed grain-based diets.”
500 Spanish Verbs For Dummies US $16.99 Add to Cart An easy, fun reference for learning Spanish at home or in school Verbs in Spanish can be conjugated in six different ways, depending on the speaker and audience. In addition, there are fifteen different tenses in which verbs are used, making a total of 80 different conjugations for each verb. This knowledge can make anyone's head spin — but fear not! Dummies has it covered. 500 Spanish Verbs For Dummies is the ultimate guide to learning and conjugating verbs in the Spanish language. Beginners to the language will find quick reference for verbs in the basic present tenses, and advanced speakers will learn the more complex tenses of verbs as well as memorize advanced verbs with irregular endings. - 500 of the most commonly used Spanish verbs are presented alphabetically and numbered for easy reference - An additional index of 1,500+ Spanish verbs with the English translation of the infinitive - Includes a summary of basic Spanish grammar, including verb tenses and moods - Accompanying CD features memorization drills and exercises Complete with English translations, pronunciation guides, and examples of common verb use in everyday conversation, 500 Spanish Verbs For Dummies is an essential reference tool for any level of Spanish speaker. Buy Both and Save 25%! Buy 500 Spanish Verbs For Dummies (List Price: US $16.99) with Spanish Essentials For Dummies (List Price = US $9.99) Cannot be combined with any other offers. Learn more.
Niacin commonly known as vitamin B3 converts food into energy and determines a variety of processes, including erectile dysfunction, aging and sleep patterns in people. A ground-breaking research triggered by the University of Rochester Medical Center is alleged to have discovered first images of the common molecular signal namely vitamin B3, which plays a vital role in making some bacteria potent and some men impotent. The findings may open roots for developing antibiotics and various other treatments for erectile dysfunction. Sensing vitamin B3 probably led to the identification of three-dimensional images of a protein in the act of responding to oxygen levels. It is assumed that vitamin B3 carries electrons from metabolized food to oxygen and acts as a sensitive indicator of oxygen levels in cells. During the investigation, researchers utilized specialized instruments. This helped them ascertain how the bacterial protein ‘Rex’ tracks the oxidation state of vitamin B3 which during low levels of oxygen achieve electrons. Clara Kielkopf, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the University of Rochester Medical Center and lead research author shared, “Vitamin B3 has been the focus of intense interest since its role as a signaling molecule was discovered, yet no one knew how proteins, the molecular machines of the cell, could sense the slight differences between the oxidized and reduced forms. An exciting implication of our findings is that antibiotics could be developed to change the shape of Rex-like proteins and turn off genes needed for a bacterial infection.” When oxygen conditions are normal Rex may bind both vitamin B3 and the genetic material DNA, further blocking gene activity. Even in decreased oxygen levels Rex continues to remain bound to the electron-rich state of vitamin B3. But the scientists noticed that the protein changes its shape and releases itself from the DNA. This process seems to release genetic information to manage with confined oxygen supply. The authors mentioned that the transformation is central to the way proteins use vitamin B3 to sense oxygen levels and alter metabolic pathways. Krystle McLaughlin, a doctoral student responsible for determining the Rex structures in this research alleged, “It’s amazing to think that less than 10 years ago no one knew the Rex pathway existed, and now we have obtained detailed structural snapshots of the Rex protein in action that allow us to understand how cells can respond to low oxygen levels. This knowledge lays the foundation for new ways to manipulate harmful bacterial pathogens and also facilitates our understanding of similar pathways in the human body.” It is considered that Rex proteins are among pathogenic bacteria that cause anthrax infections, toxic shock syndrome, and pneumonia. So determining the way these proteins access cell signaling may help investigators find a means to avoid the microbes that cause such infections. During the erectile process in humans the vitamin B3 sensing system is apparently required to generate nitric oxide neurotransmitters. Robert Bambara, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Medical Center enlightened, “This is an elegant example of how modern structural biology can reveal molecules that assume alternate shapes, and how those shapes control important life functions and response to infection.” Scientists further explained that the findings are not limited to understanding toxic pathogens and impotence only. Many organisms continuously respond to changing oxygen levels and the investigators aim to determine the way they do it. The findings ascertain that decrease in oxygen level curbs cell division and ultimately cell death while an excess may damage cellular building blocks. They may further contribute to diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders. During the next phase of the research investigators may determine the differences between Rex and other vitamin B3 sensing proteins. The research will also consider other human proteins that sense vitamin B3 signals. Detailed three-dimensional shapes of these molecules that respond to oxidized versus reduced forms will possibly be presented in the near future. The research is published in the journal Molecular Cell.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight or simply want to live healthy, it’s important to determine the fructose content of the foods you eat. By definition, fructose is fruit sugar. It’s a simple ketonic monosaccharide found in plant-based sources. When fructose binds with glucose, it turns to disaccharide sucrose. Commercially, fructose is extracted from sugar beets, sugar cane, and corn as syrup. Of all fructose sources, corn syrup is the most widely used. It’s a common ingredient in most fizzy drinks and processed foods. Corn syrup is also the main ingredient in ketchup and canned fruits. Because government subsidies made corn a cheap commodity, food manufacturers prefer corn syrup because it’s very affordable. In fact, a study conducted by GA Bray at Louisiana State University conclude that high fructose corn syrup factors in about 40% of all sweeteners used in commercially produced drinks and foods. A diet high in fructose from corn syrup is linked to various diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cancer. Health concerns over high fructose corn syrup lead manufacturers to find safer alternatives. Some companies – including Heinz and Kellogg’s – now add real sugar to their products instead of high fructose corn syrup. Because high fructose corn syrup is so common, avoiding foods with it is a struggle. But it’s not impossible! So how do you eliminate foods rich in high fructose corn syrup from your diet? Consider these tips: Avoid Food Rich in Preservatives The best way to eliminate high fructose corn syrup from your diet is to avoid food rich in preservatives. Most refined foods are laden with stabilizers like high fructose corn syrup. These foods include preserved fruits, breakfast cereals, bread, and condiments. Some types of yogurts are also full of the stuff so cut back on those as well. Juice cocktails, salad dressings, fizzy drinks and processed snacks should be avoided too. Always Read The Labels It’s always important to make an informed decision. More so if you’re avoiding something that’s massively produced like high fructose corn syrup. So always check the label. If high fructose corn syrup ranks high on a product’s ingredient list, avoid it. Learn how to read the labels, it will make avoiding unhealthy ingredients easier. This is great if you’re counting calories too! If you have the willpower to eliminate processed foods in your diet, go organic. Organically produced foods go through minimal processing. This has a lot of benefits. For one thing, nutrients are retained because there is little to no heat used to preserve the food item. Also, most organic foods don’t contain high fructose corn syrup at all. Of course, you have to do your own research. Some brands pass themselves off as organic, but they’re anything but. Major companies like Kelloggs own small organic brands. If you dig deeper, you will discover these brands. If an “organic brand” is less than forthcoming with the ingredients, avoid it. You’d rather be safe than sorry. Also, we recommend shopping at the farmer’s market instead. Support local communities that offer fresh, organic foods. You could ask them for recommendation for other organic brands.
\| Risk Factors Tension headache refers to head pain associated with stress and muscle contraction. These headaches may occur only occasionally in response to a stressful event. They may also be chronic, occurring frequently. Some tension headaches are nearly constant, with daily pain that may vary in intensity. Tension Headache: Areas of Pain Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. Tension headaches may occur when muscles in the neck, face, and scalp contract, which produce pain. The precise cause of this muscle contraction is unknown. Factors that may contribute to tension headache include: A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Your risk of getting a tension headache increases with: Tension headache symptoms usually start slowly and build. - Constant, steady pain and pressure - Dull and achy pain - Pain felt on both sides of the head, in the forehead, temples, and the back of the head - Pressure may feel like a tight band around the head - Intensity ranges from mild to severe and can vary during the day - Tightness in head and neck muscles Headaches can become so severe and constant that they interfere with normal activities and sleep. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The cause of a headache can be difficult to determine. Tests may include: - Neurological exam - Blood tests x-ray—a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones - CT scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head - MRI scan—a type of machine that uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to make pictures of structures inside the head Tension headaches are managed, rather than cured. Therapies aim to stop the headache and reduce the frequency of future episodes. Treatment may include: Medications may include: - Over-the-counter pain pills—Continuous use of some over-the-counter medication may create rebound pain when you stop taking the drug. Using these medicines too much can cause headaches. Pain medications are most effective when taken at the first sign of pain and before it becomes severe. - Prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)or muscle relaxants - Drugs to prevent headaches, if you suffer from daily tension headaches - Antidepressant medications, even if you are not clinically depressed - Botulinum toxin injections Self-care may include: - Put an ice pack or heat pack on your head or neck to ease discomfort - Take a warm shower, with water running over tense muscles your temples and neck - Practice relaxation techniques Lifestyle changes may include: - Improve your posture - Get plenty of sleep - Take breaks from tasks Learn and practice and relaxation techniques Consider seeing a - Develop new coping skills - Identify events that trigger the headaches and work toward resolution Additional therapies may include: - Acupuncture—Acupuncture may help you to have more headache-free days and lessen the intensity of headaches when they do occur. - Physical therapy—Physical therapists can help you develop a home-exercise program. - Massage therapy if the pain is in your neck and shoulders If you are diagnosed with a tension headache, follow your doctor's You may be able to reduce the chance of a tension headache by learning how to manage stress. Try the following strategies: - Keep a diary, marking when headaches occur and what you were doing before they started. - Learn to recognize what provokes a tension headache. - Avoid or minimize stressful situations. - Take frequent breaks to walk or move around. - Make time for pleasurable activities. - Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and focusing on something pleasant. - Learn techniques for coping with difficult or stressful situations. - Make time for friends and build a strong support system. - Go to bed early and get a good night's sleep. - Exercise regularly. - Do not slouch. - Hold the phone, rather than cradling it on your shoulder, or use a headset. American Medical Association website. Available at: http://www.ama-assn.org/. Accessed October 12, 2005. Griffith's 5-Minute Clinical Consult. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Co; 1999. Melchart D, Streng A, Hoppe A, et al. Acupuncture in patients with tension-type headache: randomized controlled trial. Brit Med J. 2005;331:376-379. National Headache Foundation website. Available at: http://www.headaches.org. Accessed October 12, 2005. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/. Accessed October 12, 2005. Rakel RE, Bope ET. Conn's Current Therapy 2001. 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001. Tension headache. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us. Accessed October 20, 2007. Tension headache. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tension-headach/DS00304. Accessed January 17, 2009. 12/16/2008 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Jena S, Witt CM, Brinkhaus B, Wegscheider K, Willich SN. Acupuncture in patients with headache. 8/27/2010 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us: Robberstad L, Dyb G, Hagen K, Stovner LJ, Holmen TL, Zwart JA. An unfavorable lifestyle and recurrent headaches among adolescents: The HUNT Study. Last reviewed September 2011 by Rimas Lukas, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.
Medication safety is important because it can help prevent medication errors and adverse drug events. There are many ways to ensure medication safety. Patients should always follow their doctors’ and pharmacists’ instructions when taking medication. They should also be aware of the potential side effects of their medication and what to do if they experience them. Medication safety Hong Kong is also important for caregivers, who should make sure that they understand how to administer medication correctly and keep track of when it was given. There are many ways to improve medication safety, including using technology, standardizing procedures, and increasing communication among healthcare professionals. There are many ways to improve medication safety, but technology may be the most important. Standardizing procedures and increasing communication among healthcare professionals are also key to preventing errors. Technology can help reduce the risk of errors in many ways. For example, barcoding can be used to verify that the correct medication is being given to the correct patient. Computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems can help reduce errors by ensuring that orders are entered correctly. And decision support systems can provide alerts to clinicians if a patient is at risk for a drug interaction. Standardizing procedures can also help reduce the risk of errors. For example, the use of standardized order sets can help ensure that orders are entered correctly. And the use of pharmacy technicians to check orders can help reduce the risk of errors. Increasing communication among healthcare professionals can also help reduce the risk of errors. For example, clinicians should communicate with each other when changes are made to a patient’s medication regimen. And pharmacists should be available to answer questions from clinicians about medications. Technology, standardization, and communication are all important ways to improve medication safety. By using these methods, we can help reduce the risk of errors and improve patient care. Medication safety is a shared responsibility among patients, pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Medication safety is a shared responsibility among patients, pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. All play a role in ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective care possible. Patients are responsible for providing accurate and complete information about their health history, medications, and allergies to their healthcare providers. They should also follow instructions for taking their medications and report any adverse effects. Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications safely and accurately. They should also counsel patients on how to take their medications and identify any potential drug interactions. Physicians are responsible for prescribing medications safely and effectively. They should also monitor their patients for adverse effects and drug interactions. Other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and physician assistants, also play a role in medication safety. They should be aware of potential drug interactions and adverse effects and report them to the prescribing physician. All healthcare professionals should be aware of the importance of medication safety and work together to ensure that patients receive the safest and most effective care possible. Medication errors can have serious consequences, so it is important to take steps to prevent them. There are many reasons why medication can go wrong, but the most common are human error and malfunctions in the drug’s manufacturing process. In order to avoid medication errors, it’s important to know the basics about medications and their safety. Medications come in a variety of forms, each with its own unique properties and potential side effects. For example, some medications must be taken orally while others must be injected. Some are only effective when taken on an empty stomach, while others need to be taken with food. And because different medications have different side effects, patients need to be sure that they take their medications as prescribed by their doctor. One of the biggest dangers posed by medication errors is infection. By mistake, doctors may give out the wrong medicine or fail to check a patient’s blood pressure after they’ve been given a blood pressure medication. This can lead to serious infections such as meningitis or sepsis (a life-threatening condition caused by infection). According to the National Institute of Health, medication errors are one of the leading causes of preventable harm in hospitals. In fact, one in every 31 hospital patients will experience some form of preventable harm due to a medication error. There are many ways that medication errors can occur. The most common are errors in prescribing, dispensing, and administering medications. Other errors can occur when patients self-medicate or when medications are stolen or tampered with. Medication errors can have serious consequences. The most common consequences are adverse drug reactions, which can range from mild to life-threatening. Other consequences include drug interactions, overdose, and underdose. Steps to prevent medication errors: - Improve communication between healthcare providers and patients. - Use technology to your advantage. - Double-check everything. - Educate yourself and others about medication safety. - Be an advocate for change. Adverse drug events can be prevented by using technology to track medications, standardizing procedures, and increasing communication among healthcare professionals. Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a significant public health problem in the United States. Each year, ADEs cause approximately 1.3 million hospitalizations and cost the healthcare system billions of dollars. Despite this burden, many ADEs are preventable. Technology can play a key role in preventing ADEs. For example, electronic health records (EHRs) can be used to track medications and alert clinicians to potential drug interactions. Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems can help standardize medication ordering and reduce errors. And, barcoding systems can be used to verify that the correct medication is being administered to the correct patient. In addition to using technology, ADE prevention efforts should focus on standardizing procedures and increasing communication among healthcare professionals. Standardized protocols can help ensure that medications are prescribed and dispensed correctly. And, improved communication can help identify potential ADEs before they occur. By using technology, standardizing procedures, and increasing communication, healthcare professionals can significantly reduce the incidence of ADEs.
African immigrants to Europe are those who live in or who are born in Africa, who immigrate to Europe. Although immigration from Africa to Europe has increased substantially in recent decades, it is not a recent phenomenon. Some white British men have a Y chromosome haplogroup originating from sub Saharan African males. Since the 1960s, the main source countries of migration from Africa to Europe have been Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, resulting in large diasporas with origins in these countries by the end of the 20th century. In the period following the 1973 oil crisis, immigration controls in European states were tightened, but the effect of this was not to reduce migration from North Africa but rather than encourage permanent settlement of previously temporary migrants, and associated family migration. Much of this migration was from the Maghreb to France, The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. From the second half of the 1980s, the destination countries for migrants from the Maghreb broadened to include Spain and Italy, as a result of increased demand for low-skilled labour in those countries. Mali's decision to withdraw from a WestAfrican anti-jihadist force and regional grouping known ... Thousands of civilians and soldiers have died, and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes, despite the presence of French, European and African forces, as well as UN peacekeepers. In recent months, reports have regularly appeared in the media suggesting that the countries of the EuropeanUnion are going to replace Russian gas with energy from African states ...There is even more hype around African gas than American or QatariLNG, which seem to be more obvious substitutes ... African gas exporters are divisible into two categories. This is not an African phenomenon ... Indeed, Africa is partnering with the EuropeanUnion in the proliferation of securitised borders. The union's coast guard agency Frontex is working with West African states to construct European borders on African soil. ... Today, one in every 76 Africans is a refugee.
Mixing is the process of combining multiple layers of audio to create one track. The key goal of the mixing process is to ensure that all elements of a song mesh and sound good together. The mixing process can involve: - Balancing levels - Panning instrument positions in the stereo field - Enhancing harmonics - Fixing problematic frequencies - Adding effects such as reverb and delay - Editing sounds in creative ways Mastering is usually the final step in the production process. After a song has been recorded and mixed, the mastering engineer balances the sonic elements and optimizes the track for playback on a variety of systems and formats. This final version of the track is known as the “master recording.” The master recording can then be uploaded to streaming services and/or used to create physical media such as CDs or vinyl. What are the differences between mixing and mastering? - Mastering focuses on subtle changes, while mixing defines the track. - Mixing is generally a more time-intensive process than mastering, although both processes require a great degree of skill and technical knowledge. - Mastering is a more technical process, while mixing involves more intuition and subjective judgement on the part of the engineer. - Even great mastering cannot fix a poor quality mix. - Mastering spans across the full musical project, while mixing focuses on optimizing and combining individual elements. - Mastering and mixing engineers utilize different audio workflows and playback environments. - Not every audio engineer is qualified for both processes.
Le Negre Marron (The Black Maroon; in creole, Neg Mawon), often translated in English as the Unknown Slave, although Fugitive or Rebel Slave would probably be more accurate in the context of Haitian history. Located on the boulevard Champ de Mars with Haiti’s presidential palace in background. The Negre Marron is shown with left leg extended (broken chain on his ankle); a machete (partially hidden by flower wreaths) is in his right hand, and his left hand holds a conch shell to his lips. The conch shell was often used as a trumpet to assemble people. Created by the Haitian sculptor/architect, Albert Mangones (1917-2002) in 1968 or 1969, the statue was commissioned by the government of president Francois Duvalier to commemorate the slaves who revolted against France. (Thanks to several respondants on Caribbean List Serve, including Lorraine Mangones, the sculptor’s daughter, for information on the statue). The wreaths shown in this photograph were laid by the South Korean Ambassador who had presented his credentials not long before the photograph was taken in April 1970. Le Negre Marron survived the horrible earthquake of 12 January 2010, but the presidential palace was destroyed. When Haiti unveiled Le Negré Marron statue in 1967, it became a symbol for freedom of black people across the world. The sculpture is a reminder of the rebellion against the French that set the Haitians free.
What is a Thermal Barrier? - Thermal barriers are made from resins that create a “thermal break” between the inner and outer surfaces of aluminum fenestrations. - Thermal barriers reduce heat loss or heat gain through the aluminum. - Thermal barriers improve the U-value characteristics of finished systems. - Thermal barriers are about energy conservation, U-values and government codes - 70% of aluminum fenestration systems produced in North America contain a thermal break - Primarily used in colder climates to reduce heat loss - Increasing use of thermal barriers to reduce heat gain and also reduce heat loss - Developers, architects and designers are demanding better performance in terms of power usage - Stricter government regulations to reduce power usage in buildings to combat environmental concerns - Aluminum, if it is to retain its market superiority in terms of its structural integrity, will have to achieve better performance in terms of U-values - The use of thermal barriers will assist manufacturers to achieve improved LEED performance \|Pour & Debridged\|\|Polyamide Thermal Barrier Strips\| Currently there are two principal types of thermal barriers used in North America: Pour & Debridge (P&D) and Polyamide Thermal Barrier Strips as shown above Pour & Debridge - P&D is the most widely used system for thermal barriers in North America - It is a polyurethane-based system - An Iso is mixed with a resin at the point of assembly and the mixture is poured into a barrier channel in the aluminum extrusion - After pouring and curing, the barrier channel is “debridged” - The debridging process creates the separation between the inner and outer surfaces - A mechanical locking system on the extrusion is recommended to eliminate possible problems with dry shrinkage Polyamide Thermal Barrier Strips - Pre-extruded profiles made from polyamide with 25% glass-fiber - Locked in place in “pockets” extruded into two separate (inner and outer) aluminum extrusions - Enables finished assemblies with different finishes and colors on each surface - Aluminum extrusion pockets need to be “knurled” prior to insertion of the polyamide profiles – and “rolled” to create a structurally-secure finished assembly - The polyamide profiles can be supplied with ”sealing-wire” which give a reliable seal and enhanced shear strength when activated by heat e.g. – powder-coating - The aluminum extrusions can be finished either before or after installation of the polyamide strips
particles produced on rare occasions is a Higgs boson which occasionally decays as . Each of these bosons then (occasionally) decays as either . The end result is that we will sometimes see (in addition to some unrelated particles) four muons, or four electrons, or two muons and two electrons. shows a neon sign of an actual event recorded by ATLAS in which four muons (shown in neon) were pro- duced. The other particles are shown in the background. While decays of this kind had been observed for the new particle by July 4, the rates at which they occur were still uncertain. It was not even known if the newly discovered particle has the right quantum numbers—that is, whether it has the spin and parity required of a Higgs boson. In other words, the July 4 particle looks like a duck, but we need to make sure it swims like a duck and quacks like a duck. This work is continuing. There is a major conference in March 2013, which comes after the conclusion of this year’s proton-proton collision run at the LHC. Physicists look forward with great anticipation to seeing what the experiments report about branching ratios, spin, and parity, the properties essential to confirm that this really is the Higgs Most physicists believe it is; it is difficult to create a theory with a massive particle having significantly different properties. However, the confirmation—or not—will eventu- ally come from the data. The discovery of the Higgs boson is an enormous clue about the mechanism for giving mass to fundamental par- ticles, as conceived by Higgs, Brout, Englert, Guralnik, Hagen, and Kibble. What is this mechanism? It is a mathe- matical theory for which an overly simplified cartoon (see ) can be used to demonstrate its essential nature. Fundamental particles get their masses from the Higgs mechanism. However, most of the ordinary mass of the Fig. 2. A neon sign showing an actual event recorded by ATLAS, which might reflect the decay of a Higgs boson into four muons, shown in neon. The other particles are shown in the background. Fig. 3. A cartoon helps to understand the Higgs mechanism. (a) Imagine that a room full of physicists chattering quietly is like space filled with the Higgs field (top left). A well-known scientist walks in (top center), creating a disturbance as he moves across the room and attracting a cluster of admirers with each step (top right). This cluster of admirers increases his resistance to movement; in other words, he acquires mass, just like a particle moving through the Higgs field. (b) On the other hand, if a rumor crosses the room (bottom left), it creates the same kind of clustering, but this time among the scientists themselves (bottom right). In this analogy, these clusters are the Higgs particles. 1996 CERN. We thank CERN for the use of these images and text; the concept was inspired by Professor David J. Miller of University College London. Am. J. Phys., Vol. 81, No. 2, February 2013
We ensure optimal use of hearing aids, cochlear processors and radio aids, and empower our student’s independence by encouraging them to take responsibility for their daily monitoring. In the classroom all our students use the latest digital radio aid systems. The teacher wears a transmitter enabling students to have an improved listening experience in the mainstream classrooms, as this ensures the teacher’s voice has priority over any background noise. The transmitter can also be worn by the Communication and Learning Support Assistants and practitioners when working individually with the students. Students are encouraged to use different modes depending on the environment, such as Table mode for when they are working in small groups. This will also enable students to consider how technology may help them in their further studies and the world of work.
EARTH SCIENCE WEEK UPDATE American Geosciences Institute Vol. 9, No. 9: September 2011 IN THIS ISSUE… - Earth Science Week 2011 Coming Soon: Get Ready! - Under a Month Left to Enter Earth Science Week Contests - Change Education With an Earth Science Week Toolkit - More Geoscience Resources in Spanish and English - ‘No Child Left Inside’ Day Comes to Your Area - Visit DC’s National Mall for National Fossil Day Event - Women in the Geosciences Day Coming in October - Shine a Media Spotlight on Your Great Activities - NGWA Webinar Targets Women in Geoscience - SMILE for Activities Online for Science Teachers - London Event Marks Earth Science Week 2011 - How to Put Your Event on the Map - Online Back to school! Now is the time to make plans for Earth Science Week, taking place October 9-15, 2011. The 14th annual Earth Science Week will celebrate the theme “Our Ever-Changing Earth” with a wide range of exciting activities, programs, and resources designed to engage young people and the public in learning about the natural processes that shape our planet over time. Pitch in to promote geoscience literacy. Conduct activities described on the Earth Science Week web site at http://www.earthsciweek.org/forteachers/index.html. For more ideas, see recommendations at http://www.earthsciweek.org/forplanners/index.html. This year’s event is shaping up to reach even more people than last year’s audience of over 46 million. For more than a decade, AGI has organized Earth Science Week to foster public and professional awareness of the status of Earth science in education and society. To learn more, visit the event web site at http://www.earthsciweek.org. With entries due near the end of Earth Science Week - Friday, October 14 - science students and enthusiasts across the country are busy completing submissions for the Earth Science Week 2011 essay, visual arts, and photography contests. Send yours soon! The visual arts contest is titled “Picturing Our Ever-Changing Earth.” Students in grades K-5 are encouraged to draw, paint, or create a poster. Artwork entries should be two-dimensional and no larger than 24-by-36 inches. Show how Earth’s air, water, land, and living things change over time. Students in grades 6-9 may enter the essay contest: “How Change Shapes Our Planet.” Each one-page essay must be no longer than 300 words. Discuss how interactions among Earth systems - geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere - change our planet. The photo contest, open to all ages, focuses on “A World of Change in My Community.” We can see evidence of Earth’s many changes in our back yards, around our neighborhoods, and in our travels. In a photo, show how your area is influenced by long-term and short-term changes. The contests offer opportunities for students and the public to participate in the celebration, learn about Earth science, and compete for prizes. Each first-place winner receives $300 and a copy of AGI’s “Faces of Earth” DVD set. To learn more, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests. Every year, Earth Science Week tackles a different topic in its toolkit of materials for educators. Choose the kit that best fits your instructional needs. Focusing on the theme “Our Ever-Changing Earth,” the 2011 kit includes: * A 12-month school-year activity calendar, suitable for hanging * The new Earth Science Week poster, including a learning activity * A “Big Ideas of Earth Science” DVD linked to online activities * American Chemical Society global water experiment materials * National Park Service items on fossils, air, and geologic heritage * NASA education resources examining Earth from space * A GIS-in-science-education resource from ESRI * A poster by SPE on renewable and nonrenewable energy * A genuine field notebook from Rite in the Rain * A USGS poster on the bicentennial of the New Madrid quake * Activity sheets from the Association for Women Geoscientists * Brochures, bookmarks, fact sheets, postcards, and more Past years’ kits address other topics: “Exploring Energy” (2010) deals with energy science. “Understanding Climate” (2009) covers climate science. “No Child Left inside” (2008) features materials designed to help young people explore the geosciences outdoors. Each kit contains materials to help you prepare for Earth Science Week (October 9-15, 2011) and teach Earth science all year long. For ordering, special shipping, bulk order discounts, and more information, Nearly 30 educational activities and resources have been added to the newly updated SEED Earth Science Week Online Toolkit. If you’re looking for Earth science education resources in both Spanish and English, this is the web site for you. The site - a partnership of Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development (SEED) and AGI - has been created to provide educational materials, activities, and other resources for Spanish- speaking students and teachers, as well as English speakers, in U.S. and SEED schools around the world. The resources featured on the site have been developed by SEED, AGI, and other geoscience organizations. Visitors can view 76 lessons, posters, fact sheets and other materials, each offered in both Spanish and English. Materials provide users with introductory information on Earth science, as well as in-depth items on earth, water, air, and life science. Find the free toolkit online (http://www.earthsciweek.org/seed/). On the Tuesday of Earth Science Week, you can make sure there’s “No Child Left Inside” (NCLI). Dedicate a day to outdoor activities enabling young people to experience Earth science firsthand. To help, the NCLI Day Guide is now available in PDF format for easy printing and outdoor use. This free guide provides everything you need to start planning your own NCLI Day event, including any of 17 outdoor learning activities recommended for elementary, middle, and high school students. Plan your NCLI Day event, where educators and young people perhaps can wade into ponds, climb hills, and search the skies to learn Earth science. Find the NCLI Day Guide, including the new PDF version, at http://www.earthsciweek.org/ncli/index.html. Have a great NCLI Day! Join paleontologists and park rangers for the second annual National Fossil Day in Washington, D.C. The National Park Service and Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History are collaborating to host the National Fossil Day Celebration on the National Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 12, 2011. The event will feature presentations and activities for all ages, including Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train, digging for fossils, and activities exploring prehistoric life. Museum staff will oversee a fossil prep lab and displays dedicated to fossils of the area. On hand will be paleontologists and geologists from the National Park Service, American Geosciences Institute, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Science Foundation, Maryland Dinosaur Park, and NOAA. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please How can you make a difference for young women? Join the Association for Women Geoscientists and AGI in celebrating the third annual Womenin the Geosciences Day - Thursday, October 13 - during Earth Science Week 2011. Women in the Geosciences Day offers you a chance to share the excitement and advantages of geoscience careers with young women. If you’re an educator, invite a female geoscientist to speak in your classroom or institution. If you’re a female geoscientist, visit a local school or volunteer at a science center. Organize a scout event for badges, lead a 4H field trip, or hold a special “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” focusing on the geoscience workplace. No matter who you are, you can help show young women what it means to be a geoscientist. The Association for Women Geoscientists offers scholarships for women pursuing education and careers in the geosciences, as well as support for female geoscientist lecturers in classrooms. To learn more, visit http://www.awg.org. And have a great Women in the Geosciences Day! Natural disasters! Energy! Climate! Earth science is breaking news. Educators can take advantage of journalists’ interest in geoscience to promote awareness of local Earth Science Week activities. Here are five effective strategies: * Plan a special event to draw attention to your Earth Science Week activities. Conduct an investigation or experiment, invite a prominent geoscientist to talk with students, host a ceremony or a banquet, stage an event with a nearby museum or science center, give awards to volunteers, or honor geoscience enthusiasts who make a difference. * Prepare a press release to alert the media about your Earth Science Week activities. Answer important questions, such as who, what, where, when, and why. Include data and quotes from key players. Provide contact information for followup. Print the release on your letterhead and fax it to editors and reporters at least three days before the event. * Be persistent in pitching your story to local news organizations. Besides noting the “hook” of Earth Science Week, show how your activities address issues that are urgent, timely, and relevant to the community. Write a brief, compelling query letter to the appropriate editor at each media outlet. Follow up with a phone call and email. * Write letters to the editor for print in local newspapers and magazines. You might respond to a recent geoscience-related article with a letter to the editor. If possible, schedule a meeting with the editorial board. Or instead of a letter, perhaps write an opinion editorial, or “op-ed,” to cite concerns and recommend solutions. * Use available Earth Science Week materials in promoting awareness. In the Earth Science Week Toolkit and on the event web site are print and electronic materials - poster, calendar, logo, and more - that you can use to “brand” your activity. Link your local activity to the larger national celebration to emphasize its significance. For more ideas, see http://www.earthsciweek.org/forplanners/gettingstarted/ Female students contemplating career paths and professional women considering career changes can learn about opportunities in the geosciences through a webinar hosted by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) at noon EST, October 13, during Earth Science Four women working in various areas of the geosciences will discuss their unique perspectives. While titled "Women in the Geosciences," this webinar will be presented at a level appropriate for all groundwater professionals, both men and women. The presentation will be informal, and time will be allocated for questions. NGWA, an AGI member society, is an Earth Science Week partner. For information on the webinar, see http://www.ngwa.org/Events-Education/webinars/Pages/832oct11.aspx. Looking for activities? Those seeking new ways to teach young people about math and science may need little more than SMILE. The nonprofit group aims to collect the best educational materials on the web and create learning activities, tools, and services - all designed especially for those who teach school-aged kids in non-classroom settings. SMILE is a national partnership of science and technology centers, museums, community-based organizations, and out-of-school educators dedicated to making science, technology, engineering, and math exciting and engaging for all learners. SMILE is the Science and Math Informal Learning Educators pathway of the National Science Digital Library. To learn more, see SMILE The Geological Society of London (GSL), an AGI member society, is organizing a special event - “Poetry and Geology: A Celebration” - to coincide with Earth Science Week and England’s National Poetry Day on October 10, 2011. From Shakespeare to Seamus Heaney, poets have long been inspired by geology and landforms. Likewise, geologists have been keen readers and writers of poetry. GSL invites Londoners to celebrate these links at a free event including talks, performances, discussions, and a reading by contemporary poets. If you’re hosting an event for the public during Earth Science Week 2011 (October 9-15), let people know about it! The best way is to post your event details on “Events in Your Area” (http://www.earthsciweek.org/eventsnearyou/index.html). This web page provides information on events taking place through program partners in each state. In addition, your event can be listed in “Earth Science Organizations” (http://www.earthsciweek.org/gpn/index.html), an online map that offers clickable links to Earth Science Week events taking place at parks, museums, science and technology centers, university geology departments, local geological societies, and other nearby locations. Anyone can find the map online, click on a nearby location, read a brief description - and even get driving directions! To post your event, please contact AGI at firstname.lastname@example.org. Be sure to provide a brief description of the event, time and date, street address, phone number, email address, and URL. We’ll be happy to direct Earth Science Week participants to your event! The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of 50 geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. For contact information, please visit To subscribe to this newsletter, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/newsletter/index.html and Submit your
Life is founded on literature. Literature covers numerous topics from the many tragedies that afflict human life to stories of love or the constant quest for ever-lasting love. While literature takes a physical form i.e. written words, it is the vividness of people’s imaginations and their ability to understand texts – whether these are simple or complex – that brings words to life. Imagine thinking you have just written a good literature essay and that you have to mark this work you did by yourself. Suppose you were feeling tired after already reading around fifty English essays that same day? The fact is that readability is the key to writing a successful essay on literature. - Do not just regurgitate facts, lecture or course notes, or the opinions of other people in your essays. - If it is the case you would not enjoy reading your own essays, then it is unlikely that other people will. When you are writing an essay on English literature, another crucial point to keep in your mind is the planning aspect. Do not begin writing unless you know or have some idea of what main points you will cover: - Before beginning, jot down your main ideas and/or points. - Create a plan for the paragraphs in your essay. - What argument(s) will you make? - Try looking at the entire picture before beginning. - When do you intent to have written at least some part – say 300 to 500 words – by? There are, of course, plenty English literature essay samples available if you need more ideas. In the meantime, the practical suggestions and questions above are designed to help you both write an effective essay and prevent you becoming overwhelmed in a myriad of ideas and words. Once the process is underway, it is fine to alter your argument(s) or change your direction, but it does help to begin with some idea about where you want to get to.
Squirrels have slender bodies with very long bushy tails and they also have very large eyes. They are highly territorial and vocal. Squirrels will tell you and other animals that they are not allowing trespassers on their territory. Like lions, squirrels mark their territory by spraying urine. Also, they mark their territory with tail-waving displays. On the other hand, the magpies. Magpies are very aggressive birds for lots of reasons such as keeping threats away from their precious nests. Like squirrels, magpies are also very territorial and they will defend their territory until death. These two creatures often fight. Yes! Squirrels and magpies fight each other for lots of reasons. This question has been always asked by lots of people on forums and Facebook. That is why I decided to answer it. So, let me tell you why squirrels and magpies fight! Why do squirrels and magpies fight? Squirrels and magpies fight because of territory and food. These two creatures often see each other, which is why it is inevitable for them to fight. Magpies and squirrels are both strong and dedicated animals. If they fight one-on-one, the winner is not assured. Today, we will talk about squirrels and magpies. The answer I gave you is concise. However, there is a broader one, which we will discuss later on. Lastly, I will also answer various questions related to our subject and show a short clip of squirrels and magpies fight. If you are ready, let us move on! Related article: Can magpies be pets? Reasons Why Squirrels And Magpies Fight Both magpies and squirrels are highly territorial creatures that would fight until they die to defend their territory and their fellow species. Both squirrels and magpies love to live in groups. That is why no one can ever touch them. It is their way to be safe from predators. Like I have said above, these two animals love to fight each other. The reason why they fight each other is because of territory. These two species love to settle down on trees. When squirrels see that magpies have a good spot up there, they will try to steal that tree. However, aside from territory, magpies and squirrels fight because of food. Both magpies and squirrels love to eat fruit and vegetables. Since they always see each other and sometimes food is scarce, these two species will sometimes fight over one nut or apple. However, even though the food is not scarce, they will still fight over food. Everyone living in a country where magpies and squirrels are abundant often sees this kind of fight. They stated that sometimes they see magpies attempting to steal nuts from a squirrel. As a mammal, the squirrel will naturally defend its nuts by chasing off the magpies. According to lots of people, squirrels don’t usually hurt magpies severely. Squirrels only chase magpies away to save their treats. Like I have said, squirrels are very territorial, especially when it comes to food. Anyone that tries to steal their lovely nut from them, squirrels will try to chase it away. So to conclude, the reason why squirrels and magpies fight is because of territory and food. Both species are territorial, especially when it comes to food. They will chase away or attack if needed every species that tries to steal their food and territory. Do Other Birds Attack Squirrels? Aside from magpies, other birds might attack squirrels. So the answer to this question is yes! There are lots of other birds that attack squirrels. The other birds that attack squirrels are the carnivore birds. Some are just like magpies who only attack squirrels to get food from the squirrel. Red-tailed hawks are one of the birds that love to catch squirrels. They usually catch grey squirrels and eat them in their nest. Why Do Birds Hate Squirrels? There are two reasons why birds attack squirrels. First, carnivore birds attack squirrels to make it their dinner. Second, birds like magpies attack squirrels because they hate squirrels. Why do they hate squirrels? The reason why birds like magpies hate squirrels is that squirrels are their competitor in food, territory, and water. Like I have said, squirrels live in trees, which is the same with birds. That is why it is inevitable to have a conflict between both species. Is There Any Chance A Squirrel And Magpie Get Along? If you want to have both a pet squirrel and a magpie in your backyard, you just have to make sure that you both give them their needs. Why? So that they can get along with each other and not fight for resources. They will peacefully coexist rather than compete with one another if there is an adequate amount of food. Do Squirrels Eat Magpies? Most people think that squirrels are only vegetarians that will eat nuts, fruits, and vegetables. However, that is not strictly true. Though rare, sometimes squirrels eat birds, insects, frogs, lizards, and rodents. So, to answer this question, yes! There are times that a squirrel eats a magpie. However, this is rare. Usually, this happens when squirrels cannot find fruits or vegetables around them. The only way to cleanse their hunger is by eating magpies or other small birds around them. Also, sometimes, if there are no foods around them, squirrels may eat the eggs of magpies. Do Magpies Eat Squirrels? Yes! There are chances that a magpie will eat a squirrel, especially if there are no fruits and vegetables around them. Magpies are omnivorous birds that love to eat both fruits and veggies and meats of small mammals and birds. Sometimes, magpies will also eat small amphibians and reptiles. Magpies usually hunt baby squirrels since baby squirrels are still small and vulnerable. Video Of A Magpie and Squirrel Fight Below is the video of a magpie and squirrel fight. This is proof that squirrels and magpies fight each other. Watch it below: Yes! Magpies and squirrels fight. The reason why squirrels and magpies fight is because of territory and food. If food is scarce in a certain location, magpies and squirrels will compete for food. Also, they might eat each other if food is scarce.
The team and especially the quarterback and his favorite pass receiver were objects of intense media coverage, and there were times when it was difficult to tell who felt the pressure more: the pupil or the tutor. Most tutoring jobs aren't like that, and, in fact, like so many things in today's economy, a lot of tutoring has been transformed from a personal relationship into a more standardized corporate product. There is just a paycheck, a new memo from management, and more forms to fill out. Privately funded personal tutoring is still going on but especially in the public schools' K-12 systems the changes are probably irreversible. What is transforming tutoring from a personal relationship to a process is the usual change agent in our economy: money. The No Child Left Behind Act, usually referred to by its foes and few surviving friends by its abbreviation, NCLB, wanted to force failing schools to do something different and all schools to help failing students in a different way. Included in the law, then, were provisions for setting up after-school tutoring programs designed to provide a more personalized approach to learning difficulties, something that was extremely tough to achieve in the overcrowded, unreceptive classrooms that characterized so many failing schools. Even better, the law included millions of dollars in federal funding for these programs and a requirement that schools spend 20 percent of the Title I funding under the NCLB law on after-school tutoring and school choice transportation. That got people's attention. It turned out to be a bonanza for private tutoring, which responded to the flood of federal money by becoming an industry, known as Supplemental Educational Services from its description in the original NCLB Act. Intentionally or not, NCLB created a kind of gold-rush environment, with all sorts of tutoring organizations scrambling to obtain state approval and certification while school districts scrambled to comply with the federal rules on student eligibility and program evaluations. Only a few years ago, at its peak, there were more than 2,000 firms and organizations providing approved federally funded tutoring services within the supplemental education provisions of the law. Industry experts estimate that fewer than half of those organizations remain today. This would qualify as a mass extinction if there were such a thing in economics, but we don't have to look to a meteor collision or a volcanic eruption for the cause. NCLB had never been popular with teachers or teachers unions and the change in political control in 2008 gave them a stronger voice in the federal government. As a result, the federal Department of Education began to issue NCLB waivers to states. These waivers, which now cover 40 states, the District of Columbia, and even a sub-group of school districts in California, relieve school districts from having to comply with the requirements for after-school tutoring programs. The waivers, then, return control of the flow of federal funds to the school districts, and this has already reduced spending on tutoring. Whether after-school tutoring programs will disappear entirely isn't clear, but the gold-rush days are over. Buried by silt and dust of the power-play politics of the NCLB waivers, the underlying real problems of the NCLB's supplemental education and tutoring provisions remain largely unearthed, like shards of ancient pottery awaiting analysis. The basic questions of performance evaluation and relationships between classroom teacher and tutor are unanswered and probably will remain so. The diversion of NCLB's flow of funds by the waiver system gives an added push to the large corporations that were already beginning to dominate the tutoring and after-school programs industry. The move to the "Common Core" curriculum and Internet-based learning systems may open some opportunities for smaller, entrepreneurial firms and even individuals, but the larger corporations are a lot better at marketing to school districts and that is often the deciding factor. My friend doesn't have a championship ring, but his former student does, and the team did go on to win the national title. College sports will undoubtedly continue to use personal tutors to help their athletes, especially those who are not academically gifted. And tutoring will remain personal and effective for students whose parents are concerned about their progress and willing and able to pay the cost. From a K-12 public schools standpoint, though, unless there is another cataclysmic political event, after-school personal tutors are just another type of dinosaur. James McCusker is a Bothell economist, educator and consultant. He also writes a monthly column for the Herald Business Journal.
Photo: Jose Trangol (UNAM) A graduate student in the engineering department is developing voice-recognition software for use in investigations and court cases, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, or UNAM, said. Jose Trangol’s program would help analyze evidence in court cases, where voice recordings are often used to prove a suspect’s innocence or guilt. “The main point in this project is presenting a methodology for forensic evaluation that is as objective as possible so the system will not be subjective, as is the case now,” Trangol said. The aim is to determine whether a suspect is the source of the voice on a recording using scientific methods, Trangol said during a seminar sponsored by the UNAM’s Applied Mathematics Research Institute. The program analyzes the patterns in a voice using statistical benchmarks to determine whether the suspect is the person speaking. Recordings are currently analyzed using spectrograms that graph the tone and volume of a voice, leaving it up to the judge to weigh the evidence and determine its validity, Trangol said. The new method uses four data sources - the recording presented to the court, a voice archive of the suspect, a control archive and an archive with the voices of a benchmarking population with the same gender, age, physical condition and mannerisms - to come up with a comparison and produce reliable results. The project, which is being developed with the assistance of engineering professor Abel Herrera, would make an important contribution to voice analysis in Latin America, where there is a lack of equipment for conducting investigations in an area that is becoming increasingly important around the world, the UNAM said.
Cover image: © UNICEF/UNI189760/Gilbertson VII Photo WASH is a key programme area at UNICEF and an important part of the work we do for child survival and development. A coherent approach and adequate capacity is needed to improve the enabling environment for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery. This e-learning course builds the capacity of UNICEF WASH staff so they can support national governments in strengthening the enabling environment for WASH service delivery. The e-course will familiarize UNICEF WASH staff with existing approaches, processes, tools, resources, new thinking and innovative mechanisms for strengthening the enabling environment for WASH service delivery. By the end of this e-course, you be able to articulate: - What is an enabling environment for WASH service delivery? - What is the Framework and Theory of Change that underpin strengthening enabling environment for WASH service delivery? - What are the governance functions (definitions, principles, illustrative activities, expected outcomes, and indicators) that support enabling environment strengthening? - What is the support process for strengthening enabling environment for WASH service delivery? This e-course is for UNICEF staff working towards strengthening the enabling environment for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) service delivery. It is specifically intended for UNICEF WASH Chiefs and WASH focal points responsible for strengthening the enabling environment for WASH service delivery. This e-course is also suitable for anyone who wants to learn about strengthening the enabling environment for WASH service delivery. It should take you about five hours to complete this e-learning course. This e-learning course is composed of self paced modules. The "Introduction" module is a prerequisite and must be taken before the other modules. The remaining modules are stand alone and can be undertaken in any order. 1. Introduction to WASH Enabling Environment 1.1 Political Leadership 2. Sector Policy and Strategy 3. Institutional Arrangements 3.1 Sector Coordination 3.2 Service Delivery Arrangements 3.3 Regulation and Accountability 4. Sector Planning 5. Sector Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning 6. Sector Budgeting and Financing 7. Sector Capacity Development This face to face training workshop/e-course is connected to the online platform (SEE4WASH), which is a pool of resources for UNICEF staff and professionals working on strengthening the enabling environment (EE) for WASH. David Tsetse, Ph.D. WASH Specialist, Planning Monitoring and Capacity Building United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) 3 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 Topic: WASH, What we do: Focus Areas
The use of preheater stations has become increasingly popular in electronics repair and manufacturing, as they provide a controlled and even heat source for printed circuit boards and other components. However, the temperature of the preheater station can have a significant impact on the outcome of the soldering and desoldering process. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of preheater station temperature on soldering and desoldering outcomes and discuss optimal temperature ranges. The Basics of Preheater Station Temperature When it comes to preheater stations in electronics repair and manufacturing, one of the most critical factors to consider is temperature. In simple terms, preheater station temperature refers to the amount of heat being applied to the printed circuit board (PCB) or electronic component. The temperature of the preheater station can have a significant impact on the soldering and desoldering process, affecting everything from the wetting ability of the solder to the flow rate and the formation of intermetallic compounds. In general, the preheater station temperature should be set to an optimal range that balances the need for even heating with the need to avoid overheating and damaging sensitive components. Depending on the type of preheater station being used, this optimal temperature range may vary. However, as a general guideline, most preheater stations operate in the range of 100°C to 200°C (212°F to 392°F). The Impact of Preheater Station Temperature on Soldering Outcomes Preheater station temperature plays a critical role in the quality and consistency of soldering outcomes in electronics repair and manufacturing. The temperature of the preheater station affects the wetting ability of the solder, the flow rate, and the formation of intermetallic compounds, all of which impact the quality of the solder joint. If the preheater station temperature is too low, the solder may not flow evenly or may not form a strong bond with the components. Conversely, if the preheater station temperature is too high, the components may become overheated, causing damage or failure. Achieving the optimal temperature range for the preheater station is crucial for ensuring reliable and consistent soldering outcomes. Inconsistent or incorrect temperature control can lead to poor-quality solder joints, which can result in component failure and costly rework. The Impact of Preheater Station Temperature on Desoldering Outcomes The temperature of the preheater station is also critical for achieving successful desoldering outcomes in electronics repair and manufacturing. The preheater station temperature affects the flow rate of the solder, making it easier or harder to remove the component from the PCB. If the preheater station temperature is too low, the solder may not flow easily, making it more difficult to remove the component without causing damage to the PCB or the component itself. On the other hand, if the preheater station temperature is too high, the component may become overheated, leading to damage or failure. Achieving the optimal temperature range for the preheater station is critical for successful desoldering outcomes. Without proper temperature control, technicians risk damaging the PCB or components, which can lead to costly rework or component replacement. Purchase high quality Preheater Station from Us Are you tired of inconsistent and unreliable preheater station performance in your electronics repair and manufacturing operations? Look no further! Our preheater stations are engineered with the latest temperature control technology, ensuring optimal preheater station temperature for high-quality soldering and desoldering outcomes. Don’t settle for subpar preheater station performance, upgrade to our high-quality stations today and experience the difference for yourself. Kindly click here to place an order.
Using trails for recreation is a relatively new phenomenon in American history. Even dating back to the 1930s, when creating “foot trails” was among the tasks performed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, that work was classified as “transportation.” But in Story, Wyoming, Joey Klein of IMBA Trail Solutions is working to make history come alive from the saddle of a mountain bike. The historic Fort Phil Kearny and the Fetterman Monument are only 5 miles east of town and play a key role in the area's identity. Klein teamed up with the director of these sites, Misty Stoll, who hopes to capture the essence of the conflict and harmony that’s always existed in the rich Powder River basin. Most compelling of all is Red Cloud’s War, the worst military defeat suffered by the U.S. in the Great Plains area until the Battle of Little Bighorn a decade later. Treaties were broken by the U.S. Government, pushing the Sioux and several other tribes farther from their tribal hunting grounds. They opposed the invasion of their lands by prospectors and pioneers traveling through on the Bozeman Trail enroute to goldfields in Montana. Sioux leader Red Cloud resented the construction of the fort, and for the first time in American history he forged an alliance with other tribes to push back U.S. soldiers. When woodcutters were sent out from the fort to gather timber from the base of the Bighorn Mountains in Story, they were attacked and harassed by Red Cloud’s men. The army was tasked with protecting these efforts, but the warriors were relentless. On December 21, 1866, they taunted U.S. Army Captain William Fetterman and his men over Lodge Trail Ridge. Fetterman had been warned against giving chase over the ridge but he was determined to put an end to the game. With his 80 men, they charged over the top not knowing there were 3,000 Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho warriors waiting in ambush. Fetterman’s entire company was cut down in less than an hour, and not a single soldier survived. MIsty Stoll of Wyoming State Parks “When you stand on the ridge looking down at the monument, you can picture the entire story unfolding,” Klein said. “You know he came over the saddle ridge anticipating victory, and then a few hundred yards later fell into the jaws of Red Cloud’s trap. Our trail concept would invite visitors to really experience that moment.” Klein is still in the scouting phase, and he will have many constraints to work around, but the goal is to have trails pass many of the key spots in the story of Story — the fort stockade grounds, the mill site, the cemetery, and Pilot Knob, the hill where army sentries kept lookout. “This will be so amazing,” Klein said. “There it is, one of the most pivotal battles in American history, and you’ll be able to relive the experience from your bike or on foot through interpretive features.” Joey Klein scouting trails near Story The Story Community Fund is spearheading an overall effort to introduce trail concepts to their community for initial feedback and discussion. The Story Community Fund reached out to the Sheridan Community Land Trust who had previously worked with Joey and IMBA Trail Solutions to design the Red Grade Trails concept, a roughly 30-mile trail network in earlier stages of development, located near the town of Big Horn. The Red Grade Trails will include something for all types of non-motorized users, including single-direction gravity trails, hiking loops and equestrian routes. Tami and Jim Sorenson have become trail stewards for Red Grade and have already helped to create 2-3 miles of superb singletrack. If all goes as planned the trails at Red Grade will one day bring trail users through the lands of Wyoming State Trust, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. These communities of Sheridan County are some of the most important access points into the Bighorn Mountains. Currently they are both known for motorized OHV access, through which hundreds of miles of singletrack were widened by ATV use in the last few decades, pushing non-motorized users away. The concept plan for the Story Community Fund hopes to provide a collaboration between land managers and trail users that would increase singletrack trail development, while not taking away the motorized users' excellent opportunities. A thoughtful trail concept plan would bring equality to all who would enjoy this backcountry experience. The potential for the area is huge, Klein says. “Story sits on this tiny spit of land between two creeks roaring out of the mountains. Everything is covered in massive ponderosa pine trees. The Great Plains bump up against the mountains, and in the most dramatic way possible — on a scale of one to ten, this place is a ten for trail opportunities."
Jehoiakim (named Eliakim at birth, 2 Chronicles 36:4) was one of the last kings of Judah before the Babylonian Captivity. Jehoiakim was a son of good King Josiah (Jeremiah 26:1) of Judah. His mother’s name was Zebidah (2 Kings 23:36). Jehoiakim’s father, King Josiah, had returned Judah to the Lord by tearing down idol shrines and restoring obedience to God’s Law (2 Kings 23:19–25). After Josiah’s death, his son Jehoahaz was chosen king by the people. But, as often happened in those days, Jehoahaz did not follow in the footsteps of his father but “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 23:32). Jehoahaz only reigned three months before he was taken into captivity by the king of Egypt, who replaced Jehoahaz with his brother Eliakim (2 Kings 23:26; 2 Chronicles 36:5). The Egyptian king renamed the 25-year-old Eliakim “Jehoiakim.” Jehoiakim also did evil in the Lord’s sight (2 Kings 23:37). Because of the ongoing, unrepentant sin of the nation of Judah, God sent invading armies to capture and enslave them. Jehoiakim was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar, who put him in chains and carted him off to Babylon (2 Kings 24:1; 2 Chronicles 36:6;). It was at this time that Daniel and his three friends were also taken to Babylon (Daniel 1:1–2). Jehoiakim was later returned to Jerusalem, although he had to act as Nebuchadnezzar’s servant for three years and pay tribute to him. During the time King Jehoiakim reigned as a vassal of Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah preached in Jerusalem. God’s message was that the Babylonian invasion was God’s punishment for Judah’s sin and that the Hebrews should repent. Jehoiakim called for Jeremiah’s scroll to be read in his court. But, as every three or four columns of the scroll were read, “the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes” (Jeremiah 36:23–24). Rather than heed God’s warning, Jehoiakim hardened his heart and tried to destroy God’s Word (see Jeremiah 25:1–4). Earlier, Jehoiakim had murdered the godly prophet Uriah (Jeremiah 26:20–23). Jehoiakim reigned eleven years (2 Kings 23:36; 2 Chronicles 36:5). Jeremiah rewrote the scroll that Jehoiakim had burned, and God pronounced judgment on the king: “Therefore this is what the LORD says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; his body will be thrown out and exposed to the heat by day and the frost by night” (Jeremiah 36:30). “He will be buried like a dead donkey—dragged out of Jerusalem and dumped outside the gates!” (Jeremiah 22:19, NLT). This prophecy was fulfilled when, in the eleventh year of Jehoiakim’s reign, he stopped paying tribute to Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar responded by besieging Jerusalem. According to Josephus, Jehoiakim was killed during the siege, and his body was thrown over the city wall. After Jehoiakim’s ignoble death, his son Jehoiachin succeeded him as the new king in Judah. Jehoiachin reigned only three months and ten days (2 Chronicles 36:9) before he, too, was taken to Babylon while the foreign king appointed his successor (2 Chronicles 36:10). This appointment of kings by the people or by invading armies was a far cry from the holy anointing of God’s chosen ones by His prophets in days gone by. The removal of God from Judah’s political process was another indication of just how far the Jewish people had fallen away from their God. From King Jehoiakim’s life, we can learn that godly parentage does not necessarily guarantee godly children. Many times in Israel’s and Judah’s history, the Bible records that the children of good kings and prophets “did evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Kings 21:1–2; 1 Samuel 8:3) and did not follow the paths of their fathers. God holds each individual responsible for his or her obedience to His direction (Deuteronomy 24:16). King Jehoiakim’s willful rejection of God’s Word and his subsequent fate are a perfect illustration of the folly of disobedience. “Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement aims to demonize, delegitimize, and destroy the Jewish nature of Israel, with the result of denying to Jews their right of national self-determination. Their goal is implemented by tactics on campuses across the country that seek universities’ divestment of funds from Israeli companies and American companies that do business with Israel, as well as the boycott of Israeli scholars and universities. Early History of the BDS Movement The BDS movement has a long history and is a direct continuation, begun before the creation of Israel, of the Arab League’s boycott announced December 2, 1945, of Zionist goods produced in the British mandate of Palestine. The Arab League, comprising 22 Middle East and African countries, broadened the boycott in 1948 to include not only trade between Arab countries and Israel, but all companies throughout the world that do business with Israel, as well as their business partners. The objective was to isolate the Jewish state from the international community, as well as to inflict economic harm. In 1976 and 1977, the U.S. Congress made it illegal for any U.S. company to cooperate with the boycott. The BDS Movement and the UN World Conference Against Racism in Durban In 2001, the movement clothed itself in a false veneer of moral credibility by adopting the language of human rights to falsely brand Israel as a “racist, apartheid state,” as declared by participants in the Non-Government Organization Forum of the United Nations World Conference Against Racism in Durban. The Palestinian Call to Boycott Israel In 2005, the movement was energized and expanded by a declaration of a coalition of Palestinian organizations. Their call accused Israel of an “entrenched system of racial discrimination”, and “persistent violations of international law” and called upon “people of conscience” to implement a broad boycott and divestment campaign. Ironically, the first signatory of the Palestinian BDS Call was the Council of National and Islamic Forces in Palestine, which, according to the Anti-Defamation League, was founded by Yasser Arafat at the start of the Second Intifada in 2000 for the purpose of “organizing a unified effort among major Palestinian factions to oppose Israel and coordinate terror attacks.” The Council includes among its constituent organizations Hamas, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and PFLP – General Command, all three of which are on the U.S. Department of State’s list of Designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations and are committed to the elimination of Jews and the Jewish state through terrorism and violent means. The U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel Boycotts of Israeli scholars have been proposed since early 2002, but gained momentum when the United States Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel was formed in response to the 2005 Palestinian call. The American organization, endorsed by over 800 American faculty, promotes a boycott of all Israeli scholars and cultural and educational institutions. Academic boycotts in particular violate the most basic principle of academia, the free exchange of ideas. They also recall Nazi efforts to “purify” Germany by expelling thousands of Jewish professors from German universities. Hannah Rosenthal, the U.S. State Department’s former Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism, has unequivocally condemned academic boycotts of Israel, noting, “when academics from Israel are boycotted, this is not objecting to a policy—this is antisemitism.” The BDS Movement is Antisemitic - BDS is antisemitic in INTENT: Virtually all of the BDS campaigns on campuses today are a direct response to the 2005 Palestinian National Call for BDS, a call put out by a coalition of Palestinian organizations led by the P.L.O. and including Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The BDS movement was established with the intention of isolating the Jewish state in order to eliminate it. In addition, today’s BDS leaders, both in the US and abroad, have, almost to a one, publicly advocated for the elimination of the Jewish state, a goal considered antisemitic by world leaders such as the Pope, President Obama, the Prime Ministers of Canada, England and France, scholars of antisemitism, and the vast majority of the organized Jewish community. - BDS is antisemitic in CONTENT: a) the movement’s demands for Israel’s withdrawal from “all Arab lands;” b) that it cease being first and foremost a Jewish state; and c) that it allow the full right of return of all Palestinian refugees and several million of their descendants, would require the geographic, political and demographic suicide of Israel - BDS is antisemitic in EXPRESSION: Activities promoting BDS routinely employ hate-filled rhetoric and imagery intended to demonize and delegitimize Israel, expression which often attaches classic antisemitic tropes of Jewish evil, power and mendacity and which is consistent with the U.S. State Department definition of antisemitism, such as comparing Israelis to Nazis, accusing Israel of “ethnic cleansing,” “apartheid,” and “crimes against humanity,” denying Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, and condoning terrorism against Israel and Jews. - BDS is antisemitic in EFFECT: BDS campaigns are closely linked to antisemitic actions and a hostile environment for Jewish students. Several studies by AMCHA Initiative have shown a very strong correlation between BDS and campus antisemitism: schools with BDS activity are about 3 times more likely to show acts of anti-Jewish hostility such as assault, vandalism, harassment and suppression of speech, and schools with a BDS-promoting student group such as Students for Justice in Palestine or BDS-supporting faculty are 6 to 8 times more likely to exhibit such antisemitic acts.
Parents Underestimate Influence Over Teens' Substance Abuse: Survey FRIDAY, May 24 (HealthDay News) -- About one in five parents think they have little control over whether their teens take up smoking, drinking or illicit drug use, a new U.S. government survey finds. That's too bad, say experts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), since new research shows that parents are actually one of the most influential forces helping to shape their child's views on these issues. "Surveys of teens repeatedly show that parents can make an enormous difference in influencing their children's perceptions of tobacco, alcohol, or illicit drug use," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde in a news release. The new findings are based on the agency's most recent survey of more than 67,000 Americans ages 12 and older. The survey also found that one in every 10 parents has not talked to their teens about tobacco, alcohol or other drugs -- even though two-thirds of these same parents believe such a talk might sway their child away from these substances. "Although most parents are talking with their teens about the risks of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs, far too many are missing the vital opportunity these conversations provide in influencing their children's health and well-being," Hyde said. "Parents need to initiate age-appropriate conversations about these issues with their children at all stages of their development in order to help ensure that their children make the right decisions." According to SAMHSA, prior studies have shown that when teens believe parents strongly disapprove of their smoking, drinking or trying illicit drugs, they are much less likely to do so. In one survey, just 5 percent of teens who thought their parents would strongly disapprove of their trying marijuana had actually used pot, compared to 32 percent of teens who thought their parents might not have that level of disapproval. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more information on teen alcohol and drug abuse. -- Mary Elizabeth Dallas Health News Copyright © 2013 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
For lots of kids the beginning, middle and end don't always come so easily. Ask a first grader to tell a story of the day, for instance, and often the result will be hilarious because it's all mixed up. As fun as it is to listen teaching kids that stories have an order is important. Want to give your kid some practice? Make some puppets and put them to work! What You Do: 1. Set it up. Explain to your child that you are going to read a story and then act it out! Let your child pick whatever book she’d like and start by reading the story together. Stop after every 2-3 pages to talk about what’s happening. At the end of the story, ask your child: - Who was the story about? - Where did the story take place? - What happened in the beginning of the story? - What happened in the middle of the story? - What happened at the end of the story? Help your child write down the answers to each of those questions, to use for a puppet show later on, or take dictation if your child struggles with this task. 2. Reuse those socks! Sure, your toe may have wormed a hole in the tip, but old socks make perfect puppets. Just throw them in the wash first! Once they’re clean and dry, tell your child she’s going to make puppets for each of the characters in her story, and then act it out! Give your child the craft supplies and let her use her imagination. Yarn makes great hair, googly eyes add a fun touch. And old ties or bandanas serve as great “costumes”. If she’d like, she can use construction paper to make background scenes, houses, or any other important settings from the story. 3. Act it out. Gather the family and announce the performance. Let your child take the lead and tell you whether she’d like to play all of the characters, or whether she wants some acting backup from you or a sibling. Once the show is over, place the sock puppets, scenery and written story summary in a brown bag and have your child write the story title on the front. Be sure to keep your "story-in-a-bag" for future shows! This is a fun way to see if your child really understands and remembers a story, and who knows? It may become a new family tradition!
The Christmas Star is one of the holiday season’s most fascinating and enduring stories. Yet even today, astronomers remain uncertain as to the precise nature of the heavenly event that inspired it. In a series of several blog posts, I’ll be reviewing some key pieces of evidence supporting several of the most likely contenders along with some traditional and not so traditional interpretations. Let’s get started: ‘… a star shall come forth out of Jacob and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…’Numbers 24.17 (RSV) This is the messianic prophecy of Balaam (a diviner in the Torah) who, according to Ambrose of Milan (330-397) and Origen of Adamantius (184/5-253/4), was an ancestor of the race of Magi, an ancient priestly caste flourishing on the eastern edge of the Roman Empire. Evidence suggests the Magi had long awaited the fulfillment of their ancestor’s prophecy. According to the writings of Strabo (43 or 63 BC – c 24 CE), just prior to the birth of Christ the official duties of the Magi included the election of the king of the Parthian empire (a major political power in ancient Iran). Hence not only were Balaam’s Magi sky-watching priests (experts in Mesopotamian astrology) but they also had considerable experience in the business of kingmaking. Since the Sumerian period ( 3500-2300 BC) planetary tables recorded on clay tablets predicted the future movements of the planets and one such tablet dated from 08 BCE listed a forthcoming Jupiter/Saturn conjunction. For Balaam’s star prophecy to be fulfilled, the birth of Christ needed to be at night even though at the time, all divine births (i.e. Augustus and Nero) were linked with solar deities and needed to occur at either sunrise or noon. The triple conjunction of Jupiter/Saturn in 07-06 BC was a highly anticipated sky event the fit the bill. Both planets were easily seen by the naked eye in the night sky yet in Mesopotamian astrology, both Jupiter and Saturn were associated with powerful solar deities (Marduk and Ninib, accordingly). Not only that, but this conjunction occurred in the constellation of Pisces, the one of the most ancient of the twelve zodiac signs (first appearing on an Egyptian coffin lid dated c. 2,300 BC) which has since become most closely associated with the Christ. If one looks closely at the glyph of Pisces, you’ll find that one fish is moving upwards whilst the other is moving parallel with the earth plane. The symbolism here has been characterized as a formal embodiment of spirit, the penetration and materialization of spirit into the world of duality and form. And the Word [of God] became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.John 1: 14 (RSV) As you can see, this all is quite tempting. Yet conjunctions of Jupiter and Saturn are of themselves not really so rare, occurring every 20 years. True, a triple conjunction makes it a bit more rare and adding in that it would happen in Pisces would make it even more rare. But then Balaam doesn’t seem to have stipulated the necessity of Pisces any more more than he specified that Jupiter/Saturn had to be involved. So was this particular celestial the subject of Balaam’s ancient prophecy? Or was something else going on?
I installed my first outdoor shortwave antenna (a.k.a. SWL antenna) back in the summer of 1971. We had moved from a city apartment to a house that had a big backyard! What a difference that made. Prior to our move, I had been using - and trying all kinds of - indoor antennas since the early ‘60s. I also obtained my ham radio license in 1972 and have been experimenting with HF antennas ever since. As a result, I have acquired quite a bit of experience with HF wire antennas. I wrote this article to share my knowledge of shortwave wire antennas in particular. If you wish to deepen your understanding, you can get much more background information on how HF antennas work in my eBook series on Amateur Radio HF Antennas. An antenna is like a tuning fork - the instrument used to tune musical instruments, such as pianos. A tuning fork is cut to vibrate at one base frequency only. In practice, it will also emit harmonics - faint sounds that are multiples of the base frequency. These harmonic sounds are much weaker than the base frequency. In fact, the further away they are from the base frequency, the weaker they get. Two tuning forks, cut to vibrate at the exact same frequency, can "communicate" with each other! Two shortwave antennas that are cut to vibrate at the same frequency will behave like the two tuning forks in my example. For example, the Radio Marti shortwave broadcasting station's antenna will vibrate at a frequency of 11.930 MHz (11,930,000 times per second). That radio station broadcasts in Spanish from Miami, Florida. If you had an outdoor half-wave dipole antenna, cut to vibrate at that exact frequency, it would be 39 feet 2 3/4 inches long (11.957 meters long). It would vibrate in response to the radio frequency (RF) energy it captures from Radio Marti. Its vibrations would be strongest at 11.93 MHz. Of course your antenna is exposed to the RF energy of other radio frequencies that reach it! But, as it is cut for 11.93 MHz, the RF energy (at that frequency) reaching your receiver will be considerably stronger than all the other radio frequencies to which your antenna is exposed. When you tune your shortwave receiver to receive Radio Marti's programs on the 25-meter band its circuitry is designed to eliminate RF it receives from the antenna above and below 11.93 MHz - to only let you hear Radio Marti. A reminder: at least fair to good propagation conditions must exist for enough RF energy to travel from the broadcasting station to your antenna. When propagation conditions are poor, not enough RF energy reaches your antenna and you will hear nothing but atmospheric noise - with perhaps some stray electromagnetic interference mixed in. Ideally, you would like your shortwave antenna to be equally effective at all shortwave frequencies. The bad news is that such an antenna does not exist! Why? Referring back to the tuning fork analogy, a shortwave antenna will perform best at the frequency for which it is cut for. This is called its resonant frequency. The amount of RF energy captured by your antenna will rapidly diminish as you move away from its resonant frequency. Therefore, all else being equal, stations above and below in frequency will be fainter. However, the good news is that there are ways to install a shortwave antenna that will offer acceptable performance over the entire shortwave spectrum. A quality shortwave receiver will often be able to make up for an antenna's shortcomings (pun intended ;). The shortwave frequencies are generally considered to be the portion of the radio spectrum between 1.7 MHz and 30 MHz (1705 KHz to 30,000 KHz). The frequencies between 525 KHz and 1705 KHz are called medium waves. The lower and upper limits of these frequency bands are only slightly different over the European Continent. A shortwave receiver is only as good as its antenna, no matter how sophisticated or expensive it might be! Therefore, it is worth your while to choose your antenna carefully, be it homemade or commercially made. An outdoor shortwave antenna will always give better results than an indoor one. A random length outdoor wire antenna installed as high above ground - and as far away from buildings and power lines as possible - will generally give quite satisfactory results. The reason behind this is that - like a tuning fork - an antenna will perform best when its size is close to the wavelength of the radio signals it is meant to capture. For example, a half-wavelength dipole antenna cut for reception at the bottom of the 120-meter band (2.3 MHz) would have to be almost 204 feet long for maximum efficiency and effectiveness! Nevertheless, it is always preferable to use an outdoor antenna, when possible, for two reasons: The two advantages above mean that the antenna's signal to noise ratio (S/N) will be much greater than that of an indoor antenna. Any shortwave receiver will always perform better with a high S/N (strong valid RF signals and low noise pickup) at its input than with a poor S/N (weak signal and strong interference). The end-fed "random-length wire" is the most commonly used because it can be strung up in the air between the receiver and a tall support some distance away from the building where your shortwave receiver is located. This type of antenna will sometimes be referred to as a "sloper" - because it will often slope down or up from the receiver position. You will notice, in the drawing above, that the coaxial transmission line is connected to the end-fed antenna via a UNUN 9:1 transformer. The UNUN serves two purposes: VK6YSF offers an excellent description of a UNUN on You can make your own 9:1 UNUN as per the instructions given by VK6YSF... or you can buy a commercially made one such as: the LDG RU-9:1 UNUN (https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ldg-ru-9-1) Incidentally, you might want to experiment with connecting a 'counterpoise' to the receiver's ground connection. I have found that, at some locations, this might improve reception appreciably. I suggest a multi-wire counterpoise where each wire is 1/4 wavelength on each one of your preferred HF bands. I have found that an end-fed outdoor shortwave antenna - 138 feet long (42.05 meters) - will give very good results over much of the shortwave frequency spectrum. If you do not have enough room for a 138 foot end-fed sloper, try a 67 foot sloper. Even if it is roughly half the length, its performance will only be slightly degraded when compared to its longer sister. It's not the ideal length on all frequencies. It's an acceptable compromise. But not everyone has the available space to install that much wire in a straight line outdoors. Another compromise is to bend it to fit. The wire can zig-zag horizontally - or even vertically - away from your house and still give good results. It means that you will need to support it more than once along its way to the farthest support you have. Just make sure that no given section of the antenna folds back on itself. Ideally, the angle between any two sections should never be less than 90 degrees. Use non-conductive material for insulators where you attach the antenna wire to a support. Ceramic or hard plastic insulators work best. I generally use Dacron high-strength rope for my ham radio HF wire antennas. However, I have found that 5/32in. polypropylene diamond-braided rope is quite adequate for less demanding shortwave antenna outdoor installations. As previously explained, outdoor shortwave antennas produce much better results than indoor antennas. Here is a quick overview of commercially made antennas. I will not pretend that the list is complete. Antenna models get dropped and introduced regularly. It will at least give you a good idea of what's available. Alpha Delta DX-SWL Alpha Delta DX-SWLS Princeton SkyWave SWL Antenna Alpha Delta DX-ULTRA Princeton SkyWire OCF SWL dipole Alpha Delta DX-Ultra (multiband multiple dipole assembly) Passive Vertical Antennas Apex Radio 303WA-2 Active Vertical Antennas AX-81S Active HF (WinRadio) AX-81SM Active LF-HF Antenna (WinRadio) MFJ-1024 Outdoor Active Antenna The following discontinued shortwave antenna brands may still be available online and in flea markets. Antenna Supermarket Antennas RF Systems antennas The indoor shortwave antenna is a compromise when you cannot install an outdoor antenna. Even then, a small indoor loop antenna - installed temporarily out on the balcony when you need it - is better than an indoor one. Here are the main types of commercially made indoor shortwave antennas - from the least performing to the best performer. AOR LA390 Active Loop Antenna Apex Radio 700DTA Kaito KA33 Active MW/SW Antenna Kaito KA35 Active MW/SW Antenna MFJ-1020C Indoor Active Antenna MFJ-1022 Indoor Active Antenna Palstar AA30 Active Antenna Coupler* (The AA30 can be used as a tuned input amplifier with an outdoor antenna) For those of you who like to tinker with antennas, allow me to suggest one of my favorite designs: a small tuned loop antenna. Actually, it could also be called a tuned coil antenna because of its dimensions and construction characteristics. I have built two such antennas. I only describe the one for the lower bands here. Note that my two antennas overlap on the 41-meter band. It was just more practical to build two antennas to cover all the shortwave broadcast bands. A single tuned loop would have required a complex switching arrangement which would not have been easy to reproduce at home. The tuned loop antenna is more effective as a shortwave antenna when its width/height dimensions are a larger portion of the wavelengths it is intended to be used for. In simplified terms, the larger tuned loop antenna captures more RF energy than a smaller one. Here are the details of the indoor tuned loop SWL antenna that I built for the lower frequency bands 120 meters to 41 meters. Here is a truly handy software application that I use to make my shortwave listening more productive. Shortwave Broadcast Schedule Information Software by Black Cat Systems (www.blackcatsystems.com) For iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android If you cannot install an outdoor shortwave antenna, and you are not satisfied with the performance of indoor antennas, even the active ones, then you could satisfy your SWL interest by listening to software-defined radios (SDRs) that enable listeners to tune in shortwave broadcasting stations. These SDR receiving stations are scattered here and there in the world. Some examples are: 73 de VE2DPE 7, Rue de la Rive, Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Québec, Canada J6E 1M9 QTH Locator: FN36gb Is a member in good standing
What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)? - RLS is a condition characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs, usually associated with limb discomfort. Symptoms typically occur at rest, in the evening, and are transiently relieved by movement.1 - RLS can be very disabling and can lead to insomnia, depression, and reduced quality of life.2 - RLS can be intermittent or chronic: - Intermittent: restless legs symptoms that are troublesome enough to require treatment but occur on average less than twice per week. - Chronic persistent: restless legs symptoms that are frequent and troublesome enough to require daily treatment, usually occurring at least twice a week and resulting in moderate-severe distress. How is RLS treated?3 Check iron stores in all patients. Due to an abundance of research demonstrating that patients with RLS have lower than normal iron stores in some regions of the brain and that iron therapy can be beneficial, even if the patient is not anemic or does not have systemic iron deficiency, the updated treatment guidelines for RLS recommend the following: - – Determine the patient’s iron status (early morning, fasting iron panel: serum ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, and percentage transferrin saturation) - – If serum ferritin concentration is <=75 µg/L and transferrin saturation is <45%, administer an oral iron preparation (elemental iron 65 mg) with 100 to 200 mg of vitamin C every 1 or 2 days on an empty stomach. (Note that in the presence of inflammation or malignant disease, serum ferritin concentration may be misleadingly high, and thus transferrin saturation <20% may be a more accurate measure of iron deficiency.) - – Follow up ferritin levels initially after 3-4 months, and then every 3-6 months until the serum ferritin level is >100 µg/L. If there is not an ongoing cause for iron deficiency, oral iron can be stopped. Treatment should be restarted if RLS worsens unless serum ferritin concentration is 300 µg/L or higher. Non-pharmacological interventions should be attempted for all types of RLS as they may prevent the need for medications or allow for a reduction in dosage in patients where medication treatment is necessary. These may include: - Limit or eliminate caffeine and alcohol.Limit or eliminate caffeine and alcohol. - Reduce symptoms at times of boredom by recommending mental alerting activities such as crossword puzzles. Check for other co-occurring sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and ensure they are appropriately managed. - Many antidepressants and antipsychotics can worsen RLS. Dopamine-blocking antiemetics such as metoclopramide and sedating antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine can also worsen symptoms. Perform a medication regimen review to see if the patient is on any medications that could be contributing to RLS. Medications for Treatment: - Intermittent RLS Intermittent use of the following may be beneficial: - Carbidopa/Levodopa 25/100 mg or CR 25/100 mg - These should only be used intermittently as augmentation (drug-induced worsening of RLS) can occur if taken daily. - Low-potency opioids (codeine, tramadol) - Benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine agonists such as temazepam, zolpidem, eszopiclone - (Remember: these are Beers list medications that should be used cautiously due to increased risk of confusion, lethargy, drowsiness, and falls) - There are no adequate controlled trials of these for RLS. They may be beneficial in patients with another cause of poor sleep such as insomnia associated with psychophysiological factors. - Chronic Persistent RLS - First line: alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands (gabapentin, pregabalin, or gabapentin enacarbil), unless contraindicated. - Administer 1-2 hours before the usual onset of symptoms. - Initial recommended doses for patients over the age of 65: - Gabapentin: 100 mg - Pregabalin: 50 mg - Gabapentin enacarbil: 300 mg - If contraindications to 1st line medications: non-ergot dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, or rotigotine patch). - These medications used to be used as 1st-line treatment for RLS. Due to increasing awareness of the high incidence of dopamine agonist-induced worsening of RLS symptoms and the risk for development of impulse control disorders, these are no longer considered 1st line. - Administer 1.5-2 hours before symptom onset. - Initial recommended doses: - Pramipexole: 0.125 mg once daily - Ropinirole: 0.25 mg once daily - Rotigotine patch: 1 mg patch applied once daily - NOTE: The risk of worsening of symptoms is dose dependent. Careful consideration should be made to not exceed the recommended maximum doses if these are utilized. - There are two recommended ways to switch from a dopamine agonist to a first line medication5: - reduce the dopamine agonist dose slowly after the new medication is introduced. There would be an overlap period when the patient is taking 2 medications in this method. - reduce the initial drug slowly to discontinuation with a drug holiday before the new agent is introduced. Rates of reduction should not exceed 0.25 mg for pramipexole or 0.5 mg for ropinirole every 3 days. - NOTE: Abrupt discontinuation of a dopamine agonist should be avoided due to increased risk of serious withdrawal effects such as severe RLS, sleep disturbance, and depression. - American Academy of Sleep Medicine. International Classification of Sleep Disorders. 3rd ed. Darien, IL. American Academy of Sleep Medicine; 2014. - Earley C, Silber MH. Restless legs syndrome: understanding its consequences and the need for better treatment. Sleep Med. 2010; 11(1):31-37. - Mayo Clin Proc. n July 2021;96(7):1921-1937 n https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.026 - Hyacinthe C, De Deurwaerdere P, Thiollier T, Li Q, Bezard E, Chorayeb I. Blood withdrawal affects iron store dynamics in primates with consequences on monoaminergic system function. Neuroscience. 2015;290:621-635. - Wang A, Foster K, Skeba P, Hiranniramol K, Earley CJ, Allen RP. Assessment of change in restless leg syndrome during the acute drug-withdrawal period. Sleep Med. 2018;52:80-87.
Rivers of Life: the ripple effect To the Project-Website \|Rivers of Life: the ripple effect is an interactive communication project, which focuses on the preservation and conservation of our water systems and rivers, as well as on water as a basic raw material.\| Through the catastrophic floods in 2002, the full force of the rivers was felt as they spread over the land in Germany, Austria and in the Czech Republic. Suddenly rivers flowed into the consciousness of the population in Europe. It was not just those who were directly touched, but through the media everyone was a witness to the helplessness against this natural violence. The aftermath brought the “big why?”, followed by the need and demand for solutions for the long term protection of the population, slowly forcing changes by the decision makers. Building upon this awareness, ART at WORK has taken the theme of rivers and life sustaining water, reduced it to one drop of water, and personalised it as the character Diana, the droplet. By focussing on Diana and the Water Wagon, which is a model of a water system, the public can learn how better to respond to keep her clean and happy. Solutions to issues of water conservation and preservation from the public will be collected on a 2m. globe, which serves as a rolling data bank. At the same time a team of young people will be trained in each city as multipliers and environmental project animators. The results from one city will be displayed in the next city and all results will be published on a web site. Much has been written and spoken about the value of water on our planet. One can safely say that water is life, maybe even the gold of the future. Therefore we all need to be reminded and to work out new strategies for dealing with this valuable resource. Rivers of Life: the ripple effect is ART at WORK’s contribution to a more sustainable life on our earth.
The graph below, based on data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, shows manufacturing employment in the United States as a fraction of all employment. As you can see, the line heads downward in an almost perfectly straight line beginning in the mid-1950s. Notice that the line doesn't become steeper as globalization takes hold after the passage of NAFTA in 1994 or the rise of China over the past decade or so. The line just slopes consistently downward. This is primarily the result of technology, and in particular, automation. Manufacturing in the U.S. has become dramatically more productive and requires fewer workers. If we were to graph manufacturing output (rather than jobs), the line would slope upward, not downward. The value of U.S. manufacturing production is now far greater than it was in industrial era of the 1950s, even after adjusting for inflation. We just make all that stuff with a lot fewer people. One of the most interesting things about the graph above is that, if technology is the primary driver, then employment in China must inevitably follow the same path. In fact, there are good reasons to believe that manufacturing employment's downward slope will be significantly steeper for China. The U.S. had to invent the technology to make manufacturing more productive, while in many cases China only needs to import it from more developed nations. It is also true that China is beginning its journey at a time when information technology (which is the primary enabler of automation) is many orders of magnitude more advanced than in the 1950s when U.S. manufacturing employment was at its peak. (See this recent article on skilled robots from The New York Times). In the U.S. (as well as in other advanced countries), workers shifted out of manufacturing and into the service sector -- which now accounts for the vast majority of jobs. Will China be able to pull off the same transition? The U.S. had the luxury of building a strong middle class during an earlier time. Technology was advancing consistently and increasing productivity, but it was not so advanced as to create a mismatch between the type of available jobs and the skills of workers. Unionization was strong in the private sector and helped ensure that the lion's share of productivity increases ended up in workers' (rather that corporate owners') pockets. Those workers, in turn, became the broad-based consumer class that purchased the output from all those factories and kept the overall economy humming. The situation in China is quite different. Consumer spending accounts for only about a third of China's GDP (as opposed to 60 percent or more in nearly all developed countries). While China has built a significant middle class in absolute terms, it remains small as a percentage of the country's huge population. Workers enjoy few of the rights and protections that characterized the U.S. workforce of the 1950s. As I wrote in my book, The Lights in the Tunnel: The [Chinese] government actively enforces discrimination that tends to drive wages even lower. Much of the work in China's factories is performed by migrant workers who officially live in the countryside but are allowed to come to cities or industrial regions to work. These workers typically live in factory dormitories and do not have the right to bring their families to the cities or to genuinely assimilate into an urban middle class. Wages for these workers are far lower than for urban dwellers, and the money that they do earn is for the most part either saved or sent home to help support their families. These workers are not in a position to become major drivers of local consumption any time soon. According to The New York Times, those worker dormitories apparently play an important role in Apple's (or Foxconn's) ability to bring production online at any time of the night or day: A foreman immediately roused 8,000 workers inside the company's dormitories, according to the executive. Each employee was given a biscuit and a cup of tea, guided to a workstation and within half an hour started a 12-hour shift fitting glass screens into beveled frames. Within 96 hours, the plant was producing over 10,000 iPhones a day. Even that level of worker availability and efficiency isn't enough for Foxconn, which recently announced the introduction of huge numbers of robots. That may be a great way to drive production, but it's hard to see how China will succeed in dramatically shifting its economy toward domestic consumption. And that has to happen before a shift to a service economy can take place. As consumers become more wealthy they begin to spend a larger fraction of their incomes on services -- things like banking, insurance, health care, education, entertainment and travel -- and that in turn drives service sector employment. At least that has been the path followed in other developed countries. In the absence of consumer spending, China's economy remains highly dependent on manufacturing exports and, especially, on fixed investment. An astonishing 50 percent of China's GDP is driven by investment in things like factories, housing and infrastructure (the U.S. figure is around 15 percent). The problem is that all that investment has to ultimately pay for itself, and that happens via consumption. Once a factory is built it has to then produce something that gets sold at a profit. Homes, retail buildings and apartment complexes likewise have to be sold or rented out. Obviously, no economy can indefinitely invest anything like 50 percent of its output without eventually finding a way to get a positive return on that investment. Achieving that return requires consumers -- either at home or abroad. China continues to rely heavily on consumers in the U.S. and Europe, but that's unlikely to be a sustainable formula for growth. The debt crisis and the resulting austerity is cutting into economic growth and consumer spending in both Europe and the U.S. As manufacturing automation increases (perhaps dramatically) in China, in the U. S. and other developed countries the most disruptive impact from technology will be in the service sector -- where millions of white collar jobs and service jobs in retail, distribution, food service and other areas may ultimately be at risk. After all, if robots can build an iPhone, then its a good bet that they will also someday be able to build a hamburger or mix a latte. The result may be continuing high unemployment, stagnant wages and tepid consumer spending throughout much of the developed world. The real problem China faces is that it is late to the party. Just as it reaches its manufacturing employment zenith, it faces a potentially disruptive impact from automation technology. And that will happen roughly in parallel with similar transitions in the service sectors of the countries that currently consume much of its output. In the face of that, can China succeed in re-balancing its economy toward consumption, increasing personal incomes, and building a vibrant service sector to keep its population employed? Martin Ford is the author of The Lights in the Tunnel: Automation, Accelerating Technology and the Economy of the Future (available from Amazon or as a PDF download). The book argues that accelerating information technology, and in particular robotics and artificial intelligence, is likely to have a disruptive impact on the future job market and economy. He also has a blog at econfuture.wordpress.com.
Gordon BrownPolitical Figure / Prime Minister of Great Britain Born: 20 February 1951 Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland Best known as: British prime minister, 2007-2010 <p>Name at birth: James Gordon Brown</p> Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair in 2007 as prime minister of the United Kingdom. Born in Scotland, Brown attended the University of Edinburgh, where he earned both an undergraduate degree (1972) and a doctorate (1982) in the study of history. Brown became a member of Parliament for the Labour Party in 1983, from the Scottish constituency of Dunfermline East. He rose through the ranks of the Labour Party while earning a reputation as something of a policy wonk, serious and even gloomy but with a powerful mind and a passion for detail. Brown and Blair developed a knotty relationship in the 1990s, when both were rising stars of the Labour Party. Brown stepped aside during Blair's run for the prime minister's post in 1997, allegedly with the understanding that Blair would later step down in favor of Brown. Blair took office and Brown became Chancellor of the Exchequer, but as the years passed and Blair remained on the job, Brown was said to be increasingly impatient for his turn. On 27 June 2007, Blair stepped down after a decade in office, and Brown became the prime minister. He resigned the post on 11 May 2010, after a tough election that put David Cameron of the Conservative Party in power. Brown has also authored books, including the political biographies Maxton (1986, about Socialist leader James Maxon), John Smith: Life and Soul of the Party (1994), and Courage (2003). Brown represented Dunfermline East from 1983-2005, when he shifted to Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath after Scottish electoral districts were revised; both the old and new constituency are in the region of Fife, Scotland… Brown has no sight in his left eye, the result of a rugby injury while he was a university student; after a series of unsuccessful operations, his eye was replaced with an artificial eye… National elections were not needed for Brown to take over from Blair as prime minister. As explained in a 25 September 2006 article by Don Melvin for the Cox News Service, “Under the British system of government, the party with the most seats in parliament elects the prime minister. If that party changes its leader, a new prime minister takes office even though there has been no national election”… Brown married for the first time in 2000, to the former Sarah Macaulay. Their first child, Jennifer Jane, was born prematurely in December of 2001 and died 10 days later. They also have sons John (b. 2003) and James (b. 2006). James was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after birth. Copyright © 1998-2016 by Who2?, LLC. All rights reserved.
What does ALARP mean in General? This page is about the meanings of the acronym/abbreviation/shorthand ALARP in the Business field in general and in the General terminology in particular. Find a translation for ALARP in other languages: Select another language: What does ALARP mean? - ALARP stands for "as low as reasonably practicable", and is a term often used in the milieu of safety-critical and safety-involved systems. The ALARP principle is that the residual risk shall be as low as reasonably practicable. It has particular connotations as a route to reduce risks SFAIRP in UK Health and Safety law. For a risk to be ALARP it must be possible to demonstrate that the cost involved in reducing the risk further would be grossly disproportionate to the benefit gained. The ALARP principle arises from the fact that infinite time, effort and money could be spent on the attempt of reducing a risk to zero. It should not be understood as simply a quantitive measure of benefit against detriment. It is more a best common practice of judgement of the balance of risk and societal benefit.
Snake plants are beautiful and versatile plants that can be grown indoors or out. They’re also fairly easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginning gardeners. However, there’s one thing snake plants aren’t known for: their ability to grow in water. Read on to find out how you can go from not being able to grow a single snake plant (or any other plant) in water to having multiple varieties of these stunning succulents floating around your home—all without soil. Snake plants are easy to grow in water. They can be grown at home, indoors or outdoors. They can even be grown year-round! Obtain a Water-Growing Snake Plant and Prepare It for Planting. Once you have your water-growing snake plant and know how to take care of it, you can begin planting it in its new medium. Before starting, ensure your plant is healthy by checking for bugs on the leaves and roots. If you find any pests or signs of damage on the leaves, remove them with scissors or tweezers. Check that there are no dead leaves at all; if there are more than three dead leaves per branch coming off a stem, then it’s best to discard this part of the plant. Also, check for signs of root rot (damp soil), insect eggs or worms in holes made by grubs or beetles (white or brownish spots). The roots should appear firm without being too hard nor overly soft; they should also be slightly darker than those found in other plants growing nearby due to their exposure to sunlight through windows during daylight hours Find A Suitable Container to Grow Your Snake Plant. The first step to growing snake plants in water is finding a suitable container. You can use any type of container, but make sure it has drainage holes for water to escape and allow oxygen to enter. Some options include: - A clear plastic container with holes punched in the bottom - A glass or terrarium (with holes punched in the bottom) - A fish tank or other large aquarium with a lid that can be opened and closed easily (with holes punched in the bottom) Add Water to The Container. Once you have your snake plant potted, add water to the container. The amount of water you need to add and how often depends on the plant’s size and geographic location. For example, if you live in a dry climate with low humidity, your snake plant will need more frequent watering than if you live in a naturally humid area. It’s also important to know how much water is enough for each situation so that you don’t overwater or underwater your snake plants. The general rule of thumb is that when the soil feels dry 1 inch down from surface—about every 2-4 weeks depending on light exposure—it needs more water. Here are some tips for checking soil moisture: Cut Above the Second Root Node on The Lowest Leaf of Your Snake Plant. The second node from the base of your snake plant is where you should cut the leaf. Cutting it anywhere below this node will result in fewer leaves being produced by the cutting while cutting above this point will keep more of them on your new plant. The best way to figure out where that second node is exactly? Use your eyes! You’ll know you’ve found it when there’s an obvious bump where two leaf veins meet up with each other or if you see some sort of bulge or bud sticking out at all (like in our picture). Place The Leaf Cutting or Division into The Water and Keep It In A Window With Indirect Sunlight. To grow snake plants in water, you’ll need a container to hold the soil and water with enough room for the leaves to grow. The size of this pot depends on the size of your plant. If you’ve purchased a small plant, go with a 2-inch pot; if it’s large, try a 6-inch pot. Once your planter is ready to go, fill it with soil and make sure that there is at least 1/3 of its height (or radius) covered in water. Place one or two pieces of cork bark over the top lip so that when you place your leaf cutting or division into the water and keep it in a window with indirect sunlight. Maintain Your Growth Conditions and Change the Water Weekly, Or as Needed. When you change the water, use room-temperature water and check for any crystals or minerals that may be building up in the bottom of your container. It’s also a good idea to check for any roots growing in with your snake plant—if you see any, gently pull them out with your fingers or pruning shears. (Make sure you don’t cut off too much of the plant.) The snake plant should always be slightly damp; if it gets too dry, it will stop growing and eventually die. If this happens, try watering more frequently until they start going back into growth mode again. Keep in mind that although they’re native to tropical areas such as South Africa where they can get plenty of direct sunlight all year round, indoor plants need less sunlight than outdoor ones do because heat rises, and most indoor spaces don’t receive direct sunlight very often (if at all). By following these steps, you can grow a healthy snake plant that requires little maintenance. This is a great option for those looking to save time and space while still enjoying their favorite indoor plant.
Ask Jimmy and the Bug art by Dean Stanton, text by Ellen Braaf - What is one method of separating salt from water? How does this separate the salt and the water? [anno: One method of separating salt from water is to boil the water. Boiling the water causes it to evaporate, and the salt is left behind.] - Imagine you used this method to separate the salt from freshwater. How many pounds of freshwater would you have to treat to get one pound of salt? How many pounds of salt would you get if you used this method for 1,000 pounds of seawater? Answer both questions. Then write a statement comparing the amount of salt in seawater to the amount of salt in freshwater. [anno: One thousand pounds of freshwater would have to be boiled to get one pound of salt. If 1,000 pounds of seawater were boiled, it would leave behind 35 pounds of salt. Seawater has 35 times as much salt as freshwater does.] - Where does the salt found in seawater come from? [anno: The salt found in seawater comes from rocks that have weathered and released minerals, from hydrothermal vents, and from underwater volcanoes.] - What affects the concentration of salt in a body of water? [anno: The concentration of salt in a body of water may be affected by the water's ability to flow both in and out. If water flows in and out of a body of water, such as a lake, the concentration of salt stays low. If water carrying salt flows into but not out of the body of water, then the concentration of salt will increase. Some water may escape by evaporation, but the salt will be left behind.]
Unstructured data is one of the biggest contributors to the data explosion. Defined as just about any kind of data that lacks a strict data model -- essentially, any data that isn't in a database of some kind -- unstructured data includes log files, documents, audio files, and images. This kind of data is difficult to manage due to the wide range of formats and lack of standardized metadata attached to them. Here are some quick tips that will help you monitor and control how this data is created and stored in your environment. Put someone in charge Methods used to manage this data usually involve one of two different strategies: Either draw the data into a database where it can be easily mined, archived, and eventually discarded, or try to apply an organizational structure to the way that mixed data is stored. The former is often used with data that has a somewhat consistent format, such as log files. The latter is often the only avenue open to generalized file-sharing data short of a comprehensive document management system. You're viewing Insider content
By Simone Troller One might have thought that in Western Europe, where child mortality is close to zero, education and healthcare a given, and social services and institutions well developed, children's rights would be one of the most uncontroversial topics for policy-makers. Not, it seems, when the children in question are unaccompanied migrants. All too often the thousands of unaccompanied children arriving without parents or caregivers find themselves trapped in their status as migrants, with European governments giving little consideration to their vulnerabilities and needs as children. Many end up without the humane treatment Europe claims to stand for. Instead they may face prolonged detention, intimidation and abusive police behavior, registration and treatment as adults after unreliable age exams, bureaucratic obstacles to accessing education, abuse when detained or housed in institutions and, too often, exploitation. Compounding this, many suffer from a pervasive lack of legal defense that leaves them unable to claim their rights. They may be prevented from seeking redress in case of ill-treatment, from challenging their detention, from appealing a negative asylum decision, or simply from appointing a lawyer to protect their rights. Unaccompanied migrant children represent a tiny fraction of all migrants entering Europe, and governments are unable to present reliable data. Yet, officials across the continent speak about a "mass influx" or "avalanche" of children. Unsurprisingly, these children have now become the focus of regional concern, not least because they are perceived to be a resource burden. Deliberate Legal Gaps Within a given country, unaccompanied migrant children are typically dealt with under two different and often contradictory sets of laws: immigration legislation and child-protection legislation. All too often, authorities resort to immigration legislation first and child-protection second, which has direct and dire consequences for children. France presents one of the worst examples of what happens when unaccompanied migrant children are dealt with primarily as irregular migrants. It maintains extra-territorial zones, the biggest at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris, where unaccompanied migrant children are treated as if they had not entered France. Inside these zones, they are subject to a different legal regime. In practice, the legal fiction that they are not in France means they have fewer rights. Up to 1,000 unaccompanied migrant children per year end up in the legal bubble of the Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport transit zone, a zone that goes well beyond the immediate surroundings of the airport to include places as far as 20 kilometers away, and which can be extended at authorities' discretion. The purpose of that transit zone is simple: to insulate migrant children from the rights they would be accorded on French territory, thereby greasing the legal skids for their speedy removal from France. Speedy removal includes removing these children to countries they merely transited on their journey to France. For example, French authorities attempted to deport a Chadian boy to Egypt, an Egyptian boy to Madagascar, and in 2008 contemplated the removal of a five-year-old Comorian child to Yemen. Some of these children resisted their deportation and risked police custody and criminal charges as a result. Those who were removed-around 30 percent of all children who arrived-almost always left without any record of what happened to them. Systems that prevent unaccompanied migrant children from accessing their rights in Europe are not necessarily the result of sophisticated legal regimes. Legal gaps that either target unaccompanied migrant children-or hit them as "collateral damage"-may be blunt and discriminatory. European governments have all signed the main United Nations treaty protecting the rights of children, the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Still, some have excluded migrant children from entitlements otherwise granted to children through reservations and declarations to the CRC that give deference to immigration legislation. In other words, children are first considered migrants, and only secondly children. For years the United Kingdom was criticized for excluding migrant children from the full entitlements under the CRC due to their migration status until it lifted the reservation in 2008, announcing its move days before the United Nations was set to evaluate its children's rights record. Germany has a similar declaration, filed in 1990 by the federal government. While saying it does not object to withdrawing the declaration, the federal government argues it is powerless to lift it, despite explicit requests by parliament, because, it claims, several of the 16 German states object. Whatever it says, there are other signs that the government itself is reluctant to end the discrimination against migrant children: it argues, for example, that ending the reservation could act as a "pull-factor" leading to the arrival of large numbers of migrant children and create unpredictable costs. Meanwhile, in Germany the declaration continues to have serious consequences for unaccompanied children who seek asylum. From age 16 these children may not be assisted by a guardian or lawyer when going through the complexities of an asylum procedure, and have to stay in reception centers with adults. Perhaps the most egregious regime for children treated as irregular migrants is to be found in Greece, one of the major gateways for migrants into Europe. Children spend months in detention centers-often in the same cell with adults-in conditions that a European rights body termed "unacceptable." Released from detention, they are served an order to leave the country. If they do not, they may find themselves back in detention, no matter how vulnerable they are. Even outside detention they are far from protected. Greece offers a mere 300 places in reception centers, which are full, for an estimated annual arrival of 1,000 children. With no safety net, even for trafficked children and others most at risk, they can end up in a daily struggle for survival and in a vicious cycle of exploitation. Government Coordination, or How to Pass the Buck The fact of two sets of legislation applying to unaccompanied migrant children means that at least two government bodies are in charge of them. One would like to think this might mean double assistance and protection. But the reality is that children fall through the bureaucratic cracks. Social policy ministries and interior or immigration ministries, the two types of bodies typically in charge, have inherently different approaches. Greek police officials, for example, pointed out to Human Rights Watch that they cannot release migrant children from detention because no other accommodation is available. Yet the Ministry of Health, responsible for providing care centers for these children, claims there is no need for more reception facilities since many children abscond shortly after their admission, a circumstance that should be worrying in itself. With both bodies pointing fingers at the other, neither takes responsibility for the children; the deadlock contributes to children's prolonged stay in detention. Even when the overall number of unaccompanied migrant children in a given country may not be that significant, their presence can put a considerable burden on entry point regions, such as the Canary Islands in Spain, or the department of Seine-Saint-Denis in France which has Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport on its territory. When the primary responsibility within a country is devolved to regions, the central state, although bound by international law to make sure all children in the country can access their rights, may shirk responsibility by hiding behind such administrative arrangements. The Canary Islands, by geographical circumstance is a first landing point for migrants from West Africa, Morocco, and Western Sahara, saw about 1,000 unaccompanied migrant children arriving at its shores in 2006. It rushed to set up emergency shelters in industrial sites and reopened a previously closed detention center to house several hundred children. Then it demanded that the government in Madrid take in or redistribute all but 300 children, its self-declared maximum capacity. The central government organized and paid for some children's transfer to other regions, but ongoing arrivals kept numbers stable and few other regions offered to accept children. While Madrid gradually withdrew its engagement, the temporary and substandard shelters turned into the children's permanent residences. Even when Human Rights Watch confronted Madrid with findings that children had been abused and continued to face risks in these centers, the central government maintained that it was powerless over the situation. The Canary Islands responded similarly, saying these centers would be closed as soon as the central government accepted responsibility for the children. So the buck kept being passed, with children left unprotected. Worse Off than Adults Because migrant children are underage, many governments deem them incapable of making important decisions. As persons considered legally incapable, they are assigned a guardian (a person or institution) that is mandated to decide all matters on their behalf. Guardianship is intended to safeguard children's interests especially because children tend to be unaware of their entitlements. In reality, however, guardians too often are ineffective, lack the necessary powers or expertise, or worse, do not challenge government action and as a result fail to serve children's best interests. Children in these cases not only bear the full brunt of tough migration policies, but stripped from decision-making, they are even worse off than adults. France, for example, provides that every unaccompanied migrant child arriving at Charles de Gaulle airport be represented by a guardian. Yet the role of these guardians may be redundant. If for any reason no guardian is available, or the guardian arrives "too late" to meet the child, this does not prevent authorities from detaining and deporting children. In 2008 around 30 percent of children never met with their appointed guardian, often because they were deported before their representative arrived. Yet, without that guardian, children cannot legally challenge their detention or deportation, as they are themselves considered "incapable" to file legal acts or even to appoint a lawyer. So the absent guardian turns into an obstacle that prevents the child from escaping his or her legal limbo. Children may be powerless to object to guardians who do not act in their interest. Spain deported unaccompanied migrant children to Morocco until 2008 on the assumption that the child's return was in his or her best interest. Government institutions acted as the child's guardian, but officials did not consult with the child and they ignored consistent reports of children's ill-treatment and detention upon return. Children, in turn, were unable to challenge their deportation. To do so, they would have needed their guardian, who initiated the decision in the first place, and therefore was not going to challenge it. The Spanish government fought hard to keep the system that way, tried to block lawyers from representing these children, and demanded the guardian's exclusive power in all decision-making over the child. Spanish national courts, in dozens of rulings that suspended governmental deportation orders, for the time being, put an end to this shameful practice. In Greece, children Human Rights Watch spoke to in 2008 and 2009 were unaware they had a guardian-and guardians were unable to tell us how many children they represented. Police in some cases did not even bother to inform guardians about a child's existence. In such situations, children below age 14 are barred from accessing the universal right to seek asylum because they need a guardian to do so. For example, a 10-year-old unaccompanied girl from Somalia who Human Rights Watch met in June 2008 could not file an asylum application because of the dysfunctional guardianship system. She remained an irregular migrant instead, and Greek police detained her multiple times. The Returns "Solution" As European governments struggle with their response to unaccompanied children on their territory and the responsibility and costs they generate, the instinct of some European Union member states is to find a cheap and easy solution: the child's return. While return is only one of several possible lasting solutions for a child, it is too often the solution governments immediately favor, with little consideration as to whether repatriation is in the child's best interests. In sending countries where social services barely exist and family tracing and reunification remains difficult, some European host governments are attracted by the idea of building reception centers to which they can swiftly return unaccompanied migrant children. International law does not forbid the child's return to a care institution in the country of origin, but it allows it only when it is in the child's best interests. It remains questionable to what extent the return to an institution is in the child's best interest when, for example, it is far from his or her family and local community, and when it is used as a way of ensuring the child's fast removal rather than the search for a permanent solution. Investing in such a way in the returns of children may not only be a waste of money, with those returned leaving their countries soon again, but it may also put children back at serious risk. The construction of model care centers in countries where services for children are absent or inadequate may also have an unintended side-effect: they create disparities in countries of origin and could draw children into migration as the only way to get services that would not be available if they stayed home. Instead of seemingly quick and easy solutions that focus on returns, investments into services and institutions accessible to all children in their home countries are needed. Finally, European governments are not simply off the hook once the child is returned. They are directly responsible if the child is ill-treated, detained, or disappears upon arrival if they ignored relevant information before returning a child and did nothing to mitigate such risks. The European Court of Human Rights' condemnation in 2006 of Belgium for returning a five-year-old unaccompanied Congolese girl by dumping her at Kinshasa airport was a much needed signal that such action is held to account. In a decision concluding that Belgium demonstrated "a total lack of humanity," the court maintains that governments are obliged to take "measures and precautions" against the inhuman treatment of a returned child. Enter the European Union It is positive that the EU wants to address the situation of these children in the Stockholm Program, its five-year asylum and migration strategy, starting with an action plan in 2010. EU policy coherence and action is needed in light of legal provisions that require governments to remove a trafficking victim under one set of laws, and to protect the victim under another set. Additionally, EU legislation does not address the needs of those children who never file an asylum application-possibly a majority-including the needs of those who cannot file a claim because of practical or legal obstacles. The EU should be cautious, though, and make sure that before adopting an action plan it takes the time to understand the complexities behind children's migration and informs itself on the basis of existing and, where necessary, additional unbiased research. It should avoid falling back on myths and false pretexts put forward by some member states. Those include that detaining children protects them from traffickers, or that intercepting (and returning) migrants before they reach European soil prevents the unnecessary deaths of children. The EU should also avoid repeating broad generalizations that the best place for a child is always with the family, or that better services and laws in Europe will only lead to more children arriving. Not only are such arguments dangerous and unsubstantiated, but they inevitably open up a race to the lowest standards and undermine the ultimate goal of better protection. The EU should also refrain from using its political and economic weight to put undue pressure on countries of origin to take children back. Instead, the EU should ensure its policies and actions are truly rights-based and treat these children first and foremost as children, and not on the basis of their migration status. It should help member states adopt sound and transparent procedures to guarantee every child a fair, comprehensive, and individualized assessment that leads to a lasting and beneficial solution. All options for a child's durable solution should be considered on an equal basis, including the possibility of the child's stay in the host country, or transfer to another EU member state to join close relatives (such as siblings), alongside return to country of origin. The primary factors in such decision-making should be the child's best interests, informed by a number of elements including the child's personal history and his or her views. The EU should put forward standards to ensure that children enjoy better safeguards, can defend their rights, and are able to challenge government decisions with the help of guardians and lawyers when they face detention, deportation, or go through an asylum interview. These standards should require guardians' to possess expertise on migrants and children's rights, undergo regular training, be independent from the body deciding on a child's return, and to be subject to independent review. Guardians who have a conflict of interest in representing the child should be excluded from taking on such a role. Guardians also need to be given the mandate and the power to represent the child's best interests, and they need to have a say in all decision-making, including decisions regarding a child's detention or deportation. Furthermore, in all administrative and judicial decisions children should be represented by lawyers in addition to guardians. Current methods to determine the age of a child are another area where EU guidance can make a positive contribution. Because some governments predominantly use unreliable age tests based on medical examinations only, an unaccompanied child risks being arbitrarily declared an adult. Minimum safeguards to prevent such scenarios include that the error margin in these examinations is acknowledged, that the child and guardian consent to the exam, and that the child is given the benefit of the doubt and has access to a lawyer and legal procedure to challenge flawed results. The EU should further support member states' adoption of comprehensive exams that also take into account a child's psychological maturity, life experiences, ability to interact with adults, and demeanor. Spain, with its long-standing exposure to unaccompanied migrant children, is certainly well placed to lead the adoption of an action plan during its presidency in early 2010. Spanish practices of not detaining unaccompanied migrant children and of regularizing their presence while on Spanish territory are powerful examples of good practice for other EU member states. But Spain also needs to critically and honestly examine its record and not repeat past mistakes. This includes recognition that readmission agreements lacking transparency and safeguards for children, and requiring sending countries to accept children back within an unrealistic timeframe, are not the way forward. It should also reflect on why unaccompanied children in Spain almost never seek asylum-without resorting to the implausible explanation that none of them fit the profile. And it should candidly look at its record of returning unaccompanied Moroccan children to dangerous situations, with the result that many went straight back to Spain. These are important lessons that need to feed into discussion on EU action. Last but not least, the EU needs to make sure its policies do not undermine but realize European governments' obligations under international human rights law and under the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights. Its proposed children's rights strategy has the potential to contribute toward this aim and should make unaccompanied migrant children an integral part. Ultimately, though, the EU should also consider filling the existing gaps with a set of binding rules that harmonize member states' response to the common needs and vulnerabilities of all unaccompanied migrant children in Europe, whether they escape persecution or abuse, are smuggled into Europe for exploitation, or have left their homes in search for a better life. And the EU needs to underscore that its members must fulfill obligations under applicable human rights treaties while these children are on European territory, and that children are protected from return to abuse, ill-treatment, or neglect. Member states whose actions fall below European standards should be held to account. Without such decisive action, unaccompanied migrant children likely remain trapped in their status as migrants, with the result that their protection and safety as children remain elusive aspirations. Simone Troller is a researcher in the Children's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch. There are no reliable statistics on how many unaccompanied migrant children enter Europe every year. Asylum statistics, although they do not account for all children, are indicative of the proportion of unaccompanied children as compared to other asylum seekers in Europe. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over the past 10 years unaccompanied children have consistently made up 4 or 5 percent of all asylum applicants in the EU. "Addressing the Protection Gap for Unaccompanied and Separated Children in the European Union," Judith Kumin, director, UNHCR Bureau for Europe, Brussels, September 15, 2009. The presentation is on file with Human Rights Watch. Human Rights Watch, France - Lost in Transit: Insufficient Protection for Unaccompanied Migrant Children at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, 1-56432-557-1, October 2009, http://www.hrw.org/sites/default/files/reports/france1009webwcover_0.pdf, pp. 49-54. United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, "Consideration of Reports Submitted by States Parties under Article 44 of the Convention, Concluding Observations, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland," CRC/C/GBR/CO/4, October 20, 2008, http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/crc/docs/AdvanceVersions/CRC.C.GBR.CO.4.pdf (accessed September 28, 2009), para. 70. Deutscher Bundestag (German Parliament), "Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Grosse Anfrage der Abgeordneten Ekin Deligőz, Grietje Bettin, Volker Beck (Kőln), weiterer Abgeordneter und der Fraktion BŰNDNIS 90/DIE GRŰNEN - Drucksache 16/4205 - Rűcknahme der Vorbehalte zur UN-Kinderrechtskonvention" ("Response by the German Government to the Extended Request of the members of Parliament Ekin Deligőz, Grietje Bettin, Volker Beck (Kőln), other members and the parliamentary group BŰNDNIS 90/DIE GRŰNEN - Reference number 16/4205 - Withdrawal of Reservations to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child"), July 13, 2007, p. 9. Deutscher Bundestag (German Parliament), "Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Abgeordneten Rainer Funke, Dr. Werner Hoyer, Klaus Haupt, weiterer Abgeordneter und der Fraktion der FDP - Drucksache 15/1606 - Vorbehaltserklärungen Deutschlands zur Kinderrechtskonvention der Vereinten Nationen" ("Response by the German Government to the Request of the members of Parliament Rainer Funke, Dr. Werner Hoyer, Klaus Haupt, and others, and the FDP parliamentary group - Reference number 15/1606 - Reservations by Germany to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child"), October 23, 2003, p. 3. European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, "Report to the Government of Greece on the visit to Greece carried out by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) from 23 to 29 September 2008," http://www.cpt.coe.int/documents/grc/2009-20-inf-eng.htm (accessed November 1, 2009), para. 53. Human Rights Watch, Left to Survive: Systematic Failure to Protect Unaccompanied Migrant Children in Greece, 1-56432-418-4, December 2008, http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2008/12/22/left-survive, pp. 53-93. Human Rights Watch, Unwelcome Responsibilities: Spain's Failure to Protect the Rights of Unaccompanied Migrant Children in the Canary Islands, vol. 19, no. 4(D), http://www.hrw.org/en/node/10817/section/5, pp. 55-69, 95-98. Human Rights Watch, Nowhere to Turn: State Abuses of Unaccompanied Migrant Children by Spain and Morocco, vol. 14, no. 4(D), May 2002, http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2002/05/06/spain-and-morocco-abuse-child-migrants, pp. 28-37. Ibid., pp. 8-14. Human Rights Watch, Left to Survive, pp. 56-57. Human Rights Watch, Left to Survive, pp. 42-45; Unwelcome Responsibilities, pp. 49-54; Lost in Transit, pp. 39-41; and Human Rights Watch, Returns at Any Cost: Spain's Push to Repatriate Unaccompanied Children in the Absence of Safeguards, 1-56432-388-9, October 2008, http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2008/10/17/returns-any-cost-0, pp. 18-19. Host states should trace the family or caregiver of unaccompanied children and seek reunification. In certain cases, however, particularly when the child was subjected to violence, exploitation, or neglect inside the family, or when the family was unable to protect the child from such abuse, a child's best interest may not be the return to parents or caregiver. A decision whether it is in a child's best interest to return to his or her family, therefore, must be subject to a careful assessment and cannot be generally assumed. EU standards on guardianship should be in line with those of the Committee on the Rights of the Child. UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, "Treatment of Unaccompanied and Separated Children Outside their Country of Origin," General Comment No. 6, UN Doc. CRC/GC/2005/6 (2005), paras. 33-38. Human Rights Watch joined Save the Children, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the Separated Children in Europe Programme in recommendations on necessary EU actions that should feature in an EU action plan. "General Recommendations for EU Action in relation to Unaccompanied and Separated Children of Third Country Origin," September 15, 2009, http://www.savethechildren.net/alliance/europegroup/europegrp_pubs.html (accessed October 21, 2009). Letter from Human Rights Watch to Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, January 9, 2007, http://hrw.org/pub/2006/SpainMorocco010907.pdf; Letter from Human Rights Watch to Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, April 2, 2007, http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/04/02/spain15628.htm.
Best Practices: Students in the Driver’s Seat There is great value in learning the basics. We cannot write without an alphabet, or understand chemistry without the Periodic Table of Elements. But Henri Poincaré said, "Science is built upon facts much in the same way that a house is built with bricks, but the mere collections of facts is no more a science than a pile of bricks is a house!" I think our students get bored with the collecting of facts, but when they get to build for themselves, engagement grows. Students can best learn science by actually doing science. They get excited about learning math when it helps them accomplish something useful. They learn history when they become historians. The key is to put the student in the driver’s seat. My science students enjoy doing hands-on investigations, but I have found they sometimes get bored when the procedure is laid out for them like a recipe in a cookbook. Mix part A with Part B, observe, record, and answer the questions that follow. Ho hum. I had an epiphany a few years ago when I took a workshop at the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Institute for Inquiry. The leaders had us engage in an inquiry cycle involving soap bubbles. We began by exploring, then we came up with questions we were curious about. Some of these questions were not ones we could investigate, but others provided the basis for experiments we then designed and conducted. It was a blast! I realized after this experience that the trouble with cookbook labs is the students are investigating a question they did not ask, following directions they did not think up, and so there is not much of the process the students actually own. Furthermore, they are missing a lot that is involved in real science. The most important thing a scientist can do is to ask a good question—one that can be answered through investigation. The next most important thing a scientist can do is figure out how he might answer that question using available tools and materials. If we want our students to learn how science works, they need a chance to do this for themselves. In my classroom I set about to try to recreate this experience, and settled on a process called guided inquiry. I allowed my students to explore a given material, such as dry ice, and conduct informal experiments like putting it in water or in a zip-lock bag. Then I asked them to come up with questions we could investigate. Then we sorted the questions, and as a class decided which we could actually do experiments to answer. The students were then challenged to design their own experiments to answer their questions. This is a lot tougher than following a recipe, and students need guidance to design experiments that include a control, and careful collection of important data. But the students are actually doing science, not simply walking through pre-ordained steps. Students struggled at first, but when it came time to do their experiments, they were the ones in charge, and engagement was much stronger than with the cookbook labs. Here are some guided inquiry science projects offered by the Cornell Science Inquiry Partnerships. Guided inquiry is one process that I used, but there are others that put students in charge of their learning as well. Problem-based Learning (PBL) has students focus on a complex issue and develop their own investigation and solutions. This article on Edutopia shares several convincing studies showing that these approaches are effective at boosting student engagement, decreasing absenteeism and even improving test scores. Project Based Learning is a similar approach, where students are given a real-world challenge to solve, and they must use their hands and minds to get the job done. The Buck Institute for Education has a good introduction with links to great resources. High school history teachers can find examples of students operating as historians here. In an essay for Teacher Magazine last year, “Students Can Do Hard Things,” I wrote: Our students can do hard things, but they do not always know that. High self-regard is important for all the kids we teach, but it is not built through empty praise. It grows as the student actually succeeds in creating quality work. True satisfaction comes when we know for sure that we have achieved excellence. I can’t say it any more clearly than that.
Central heterochromia is a condition in which the irises of an individual’s eyes are two different colors. The condition is harmless and often hereditary. Many people believe in two different colored eyes spiritual meaning, mythology, and superstition of central heterochromia. The eyes are believed to be the window to the soul and each color has a meaning which affects different aspects of the personality. It is believed that people with two different colored eyes have spiritual powers. It is also said that they can see into the future and know what will happen to others. In this article, we will explain what central heterochromia or two different colored eyes condition is, how can it affect your eyes, and if it has any spiritual meaning, superstition, or mythology. What is Heterochromia or Two Different Colored Eyes? The eyes are one of the most fascinating organs in the human body. The eyes are responsible for sight, and they also help us express our emotions. Moreover, they come in a variety of colors and shades. This is especially true when it comes to the iris of the eye which may sometimes have different colors. This condition is called heterochromia. People who have this condition have two or more different colors in their eyes. The reason why different shades occur in one’s eyes is because of the melanin content that varies from eye to eye or person to person. Many people are born with heterochromia, which is the genetic condition resulting in a ring of one color around the pupil or different color spots on the surface of the iris. However, heterochromia doesn’t need to be caused by genetics. It can also result from an injury or other medical conditions. These days, some celebrities are known for their different colored eyes, including Mila Kunis, Kate Bosworth, and Christopher Walken. According to experts, this is becoming increasingly popular. How Rare is Heterochromia? Heterochromia is more common in animals than it is in humans. Heterochromia can occur when a single eye has a different color from the other, or if one eye is blue and the other is brown or green. This condition occurs less than 1% of the time and studies show that there are fewer than 200,000 people in the US with heterochromia. What Causes Two Different Colored Eyes? Congenital heterochromia is a rare condition in which a child is born with eyes of different colors. This can happen early in life or right after the baby is born. Some people develop heterochromia later in life. This acquired heterochromia is caused by an increase in pigmentation on the iris, There are several diseases and syndromes that can result in a baby being born with different colored eyes. Here are some examples: - Sturge-Weber Syndrome - Horner Syndrome - Hirschsprung Disease - Waardenburg Syndrome - Bourneville Syndrome - Bloch-Sulzberger Syndrome Acquired heterochromia can happen when an injury or some other physical trauma damages the iris, causing the pigmentation to become uneven. It can also be caused by iritis. Other risk factors of acquired heterochromia are: - Eye Injury - Glaucoma Medication - Eye Melanoma - Pigment Dispersion Syndrome - Fuchs’ Syndrome - Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO) Types of Heterochromia or Two different colored eyes Three major categories of heterochromia are central heterochromia, complete heterochromia, and segmental heterochromia. Mythology, Superstition, and Spiritual Meaning of Central Heterochromia The eyes are believed to be the window to the soul and each color has a meaning which affects different aspects of the personality. In today’s article, we will discuss what two different colored eyes mean or what central heterochromia spiritual meaning. The spiritual meaning and symbolism of this condition vary depending on culture and belief system. For example, in Hinduism, some believe that people with central heterochromia have a connection with a supreme force or God. Other common beliefs related to two different colored eyes are explained below. It is also believed that people with different colored eyes have supernatural powers. In some countries, people with two different colored eyes are said to have the ability to see ghosts, spirits, and angels. People with central heterochromia are thought to be able to see into the future and their minds are believed to be able to travel through time. Some people believe that people with two different colored eyes have special powers like clairvoyance, telepathy, and psychokinesis. Some people believe that those who have different colored eyes or central heterochromia are blessed with good luck. The Greek gods Zeus and Athena were said to have different colored eyes, as well as actress Mila Kunis, and singer Katy Perry. You are Special There are many different eye colors, but for a person to have two different colored eyes is rare. People of some traditions believe that the more different colors you have in your iris, the more special and unique characteristics you are born with. Center of Attraction If you have different characteristics than most of the people around you, definitely many people will look at you. The same thing goes in the case of heterochromia. You are at the center of attraction due to your different colored eyes. Spiritually, you are like a magnet to catch the attention of many people. Superstition is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation. This is the modern definition of superstition. But there are several common beliefs, myths, superstitions, and spiritual meanings that can’t be explained by science, and we explain them as false beliefs! Whether you accept it or not, our life is somehow guided and ruled by several superstitions related to our daily life, culture, and religion. Two different colored eyes spiritual meaning, or central heterochromia spiritual meaning, superstition, mythology, or belief is one of such common beliefs which many people consider true despite lack of scientific evidence. It’s all up to you whether to believe in such meanings and spiritual messages. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
What is eczema? The word 'eczema' comes from Greek words that mean 'to boil over'. 'Dermatitis' comes from the Greek word for skin – and both terms refer to exactly the same skin condition. For simplicity, eczema is the term generally used here, although the two words are interchangeable. Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin, associated to a varying degree with other features such as: - redness of affected areas of skin - generally dry skin, which is often thickened in the areas that have been scratched - lumps or blisters in affected areas - signs of superficial infection, such as weeping or crusty deposits. Eczema is divided into a small number of subgroups based largely on the factors that may be most important in causing eczema in any one individual. But it's important to recognise that the symptoms and appearance of the skin in all these types can be exactly the same. Also, the classification system is far from perfect as it is often difficult or impossible to accurately say what causes eczema to occur in any one person. The lines of treatment of the different types of eczema are also similar. The main differences are to do with the particular factors causing an individual's eczema. Therefore, if it's thought to be mainly due to exposure to an irritant substance at work – removal or protection from this irritant will be an important part of managing that person's eczema, compared to someone else with no such history of exposure. - Atopic: the 'allergic' type often seen in people who also have hay fever or asthma. - Allergic contact: due to skin contact to a substance to which the individual is sensitive. The same substance does not cause eczema in a person who is not sensitive to it. - Irritant contact: due to skin contact with irritating chemicals, powders, cleaning agents, etc. Contact with such a substance is likely to cause eczema in any person, although a degree of individual variation still exists. - Discoid: appears as discrete islands of eczema on a background of normal skin. - Seborrhoeic: in infants appears in the nappy area and the scalp. In adults, also appears on the scalp and eyebrows, and in the skin creases between the nose and sides of the mouth. It can be caused by an increased sensitivity to yeast living on the skin. - Others: a miscellaneous group including eczema of the legs caused by varicose veins (varicose/gravitational eczema) and pompholyx – an intensely itchy form located on the hands and composed of small or (sometimes) large blisters. Eczema in practice Eczema is a common condition. Atopic eczema affects about 10 to 20 per cent of schoolchildren and 3 to 5 per cent of adults in the UK, and it's getting more common. An increase of between two- and five-fold has been seen over the past 30 years, for reasons that are far from clear. It seems likely though that increasing exposure to allergens (protein substances to which people can become allergic), such as house dust mite and other environmental factors, have been the main causes of this increase. It is also thought that increasing 'cleanliness' or overuse of antibacterial/antiseptic products can cause a switch in the immune system that leads to more allergies. Although some older industrial practices have reduced the level of exposure of workers to irritant chemicals, there are still plenty of examples of poor practice, or of inadequate care, being taken at the individual level in handling materials known to potentially cause irritant contact eczema. Even within the home environment: ever more cleaning agents, solvents, detergents, oils and other materials, potentially harmful to skin, are easily available. Eczema treatment is generally effective in most people – but severe eczema can be difficult to clear. Good adherence to the basic elements of treatment will usually work well, but only rarely can eczema be said to be curable. It is unusual to be able to identify and eliminate a single agent causing the skin reaction, and most of the time we have to settle for improving the condition rather than getting rid of it altogether. This is the main symptom, and without it a rash is not due to eczema (unless the itch has been improved by treatment). Itch is also a common feature of many other skin conditions – as well as being a symptom of a range of diverse medical conditions not primarily to do with the skin. So, although it's an 'essential' symptom when diagnosing eczema, it's not specific for it. We still do not fully understand what causes itch, but nerve fibres specialised in transmitting the itch sensation appear to exist within the skin. Like other nerves, these are ultimately connected to the spinal cord and so to the brain. It used to be thought that the sensation of pain travelled along the same nerve fibres as for itch, but this now seems to be unlikely. Interestingly, the two sensations can act against each other. Relief from severe itching may sometimes be had from inflicting pain instead, as might be seen in someone who prefers the discomfort of a very hot bath to that of constant itching. The act of scratching may itself cause nerve signals to travel down the pain fibres, blocking the sensation of itch from being experienced. Increased redness of the skin usually means increased blood flow. An extensive network of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) is present in the deeper layers of the skin that project loops of smaller vessels into the more superficial layers. The very top layer of skin is composed of dead skin cells and has no blood supply, so a superficial cut to this level will not bleed. When skin is inflamed the local network of blood vessels widens, increasing the flow of blood and making it red. The process of inflammation in eczema is complex and can be triggered by a range of factors, but an important additional one to take into account when eczema flares up is the presence of bacterial infection. When bacterial infection gets into the deeper layers of the skin, there's usually a marked increase in redness and heat from the tissues. Recognising that this may be due to infection is important in bringing the eczema under control. The skin of areas of eczema that have been inflamed for a while are usually much thicker than unaffected skin. Mainly this occurs as a protective response of the skin to the repeated trauma of scratching or rubbing. Eczema often affects the skin in areas around joints such as the elbow, behind the knees and in front of the ankles (the 'flexures'), where the skin also needs to be particularly flexible. Commonly, one will see splits in the skin here (fissures) because the thickened skin is unable to bend as it would normally. The microscopic study of skin structure in eczema shows there is less adhesion between the skin cells, particularly in the upper layers of the skin. This contributes to scaling and makes it easier for skin bacteria to get into the deeper layers, between the gaps. It also makes it possible for tissue fluids to ooze between the cells and, if sufficient, to gather into collections or blisters. Small blisters may be seen in active eczema but occasionally large ones may occur, either due to the particular nature of the eczema or because of added skin infection, when the blisters may be filled not only with clear fluid but also pus. The fluid that oozes from inflamed skin is rich in protein. When this dries out in contact with air the protein is left behind as a crusty deposit. Often this occurs in conjunction with infection, when the infected crusts typically have a golden colour. A similar crusting is seen in the infectious skin condition called impetigo, which is commonly seen in children of primary school age because it's easily passed on by touching. In impetigo, treating the infection eliminates the problem. But it's of course only part of what's required in eczema. Often doctors refer to infected eczema as being 'impetiginised'. Grades of eczema A useful extra way to classify eczema is based on the degree of activity and for how long the eczema has been active. 'Acute' in medical language means of rapid onset. Often conditions that come on over a short period of time are also quite vigorous in their activity, although strictly speaking 'acute' should not be taken to be another word for 'severe'. Acute eczema would therefore be an area that recently flared up and would be red, probably also have blisters and possibly some oozing or crusts. 'Chronic' properly means long-standing. Once the initial phase of activity has died down, a bit of skin that has been eczematous for a while is dry, scaly, thickened and cracked. At any stage of eczema, it can become infected. This won't always be obviously different from acute eczema, unless there are pus-filled blisters. With experience, one can usually discern the golden crust of infection and pick up the other clues that suggest infection. One can combine the types (atopic, seborrhoeic, discoid, etc) with the grade (acute, chronic, infected) and end up with a reasonable classification system of eczema. This, however, looks a lot simpler on the page than it is in reality! Types of eczema
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation that narrows the airways. This makes breathing difficult. Common asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Different irritants or allergens can trigger an asthma exacerbation, also known as an asthma attack. Exacerbations can range from mild to potentially life threatening. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, an estimated 26.5 million people have asthma in the United States. This includes 20.4 million adults and 6.1 million children. We spoke with four of those people to learn how the condition affects them, including the challenges they have confronted and overcome. Joyce Brewer is an Atlanta-area blogger and host at MommyTalkShow.com, an online platform where she writes about the joys and challenges of parenting. Among other topics, her stories have featured asthma and food allergy — two conditions that affect her 11-year-old son, AJ. AJ was only a toddler when Brewer noticed that viral infections hit him particularly hard. “I noticed that a cold wasn’t just a cold. A cold was wheezing and crying and much more than just the average,” she said. When she took him to urgent care, they told her that AJ likely had asthma — a diagnosis that his pediatrician confirmed. The learning curve for managing asthma was steep, Brewer recalled. It got more challenging when AJ started school. “Once his kindergarten year hit, and he was in school 5 days a week and got exposed to other germs, it took his asthma to a whole other level,” she said. From the time AJ was about 4 to 8 years old, almost any respiratory infection would trigger an asthma exacerbation that required overnight breathing treatments. This led to a lot of late nights and tired mornings for the whole family. AJ was making regular trips to the school nurse, as well as to his pediatrician for steroid treatments. AJ’s father, Antoine Sr., also had asthma as a child, but he was a teenager when he last experienced symptoms. Asthma symptoms diminish by adolescence in 16 to 60 percent of kids affected by the condition, according to a 2019 research review. AJ’s own symptoms have noticeably improved over the last 2 years, during which time he’s switched from in-person schooling to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I haven’t had an attack, or a random coughing fit, or gotten sick at all other than just a little runny nose,” AJ said. His asthma symptoms have improved so much during his time at home that his pediatrician said he no longer needs to take daily maintenance medications. Will those improvements last when AJ returns to in-person classes? That remains to be seen. His family hopes his asthma will go into remission and stay there — like his father’s asthma did. Angel Melendez also developed asthma in early childhood. Now 27, he continues to live with the condition and its many effects on his daily life. “I call myself a hospital kid,” Melendez told Healthline. “I literally grew up in the hospital. I was always being hospitalized for asthma episodes.” Melendez is one of the millions of Hispanic people affected by asthma. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Hispanic people are twice as likely as non-Hispanic white people to visit the emergency department for asthma. Hispanic children are 40 percent more likely to die from the condition. Asthma also disproportionately affects Black Americans, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. Melendez’s asthma triggers include dust, which is hard to avoid in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. Pollen, animal dander, exercise, and emotional stress also trigger his symptoms. “If I’m going outdoors and know it’s a windy day, I’ve always worn a face mask. If I’m going hiking, I try to wear something that covers my mouth and nose, so I don’t breathe in any pollen or dirt,” Melendez said. “I would always avoid activities like heavy running or difficult hikes because I knew it could cause an asthma exacerbation, and people wouldn’t understand,” he added. “‘Well, you look fine, you’re talking fine, so why can’t you do these activities?’ My asthma won’t allow me to.” Throughout his life, Melendez has faced barriers to getting treatment for his asthma. Growing up, there weren’t enough healthcare professionals in the area where he lived. “Sometimes the providers that were available wouldn’t give me the best medical treatment, either because of language barriers or because of lack of knowledge of how to treat asthma,” he said. Now, Melendez himself works as a registered respiratory care therapist. He’s also a patient advocate for the nonprofit organization Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN). His personal experiences with asthma have instilled in him a deep commitment to improving asthma education and support, including for Hispanic community members. “I push for more thorough asthma education, for not just the patients, but caregivers, family members, and the general population,” Melendez said. “There’s not enough Spanish instruction, Spanish information, or interpreters for proper asthma education, so some people are getting asthma education in English when it’s not their primary language.” Aghogho Boccardi is a 30-year-old science teacher, painter, and the writer behind Hope Like a Mother website. She lives in New York City with her young son and husband. Boccardi first developed asthma 4 years ago, when she was in her mid-20s. Although asthma typically appears in childhood, it can develop at any age. Asthma is more often diagnosed in adulthood in women than men. Boccardi believes that pollen was her initial asthma trigger. When she moved away from her old neighborhood, her symptoms improved. But then she began to work at an old school in the Bronx, and her symptoms returned. “My classroom is very old. They had a lot of books from the ’50s that nobody was using anymore that were piled with dust and cockroaches,” Boccardi told Healthline. “I read a long time ago that cockroaches are one of the triggers for asthma, so I believe that was what brought back my symptoms.” Boccardi’s asthma would flare for months at a time. She would cough, wheeze, and lose her voice, which made it hard to teach. “The students found it funny that I would come to school, and I would just write on the board, ‘no talking today, I lost my voice,’” she said. “It became a running joke.” Boccardi’s principal didn’t understand. She had to sit him down, explain her symptoms, and share information about the role of cockroaches as an asthma trigger. One of her students also had asthma, and his nose would bleed when he spent time in her classroom. Once the principal began to understand the problem, he asked the school’s maintenance workers to clear the old books from the classroom and conduct a deep clean. “It’s a very underserved, underrepresented school in the Bronx, and we don’t have a lot of resources,” Boccardi said, “but together, we were able to clear the classroom.” This helped reduce her symptoms, but it didn’t solve the problem completely. Now, Boccardi is on a leave of absence from work. She said she would like to return to teaching one day, but it would be challenging to go back to that school. Julianne Adjutant is a 50-year-old medical assistant in Maine. She first developed symptoms of asthma 8 years ago. “It’s very random,” Adjutant said. “I’d never had any allergies or anything like that growing up.” Adjutant struggled to pinpoint her asthma triggers at first. She tried one treatment after another, but none of them provided lasting relief. Her symptoms began to affect her ability to get going in the morning, function at work, and do things that mattered to her. “The year I got diagnosed, the exacerbations would be daily,” she recalled. “I was going to the hospital at least once a week. I work in the medical profession, so it was kind of humiliating being hauled out by emergency rescue.” Eventually, Adjutant realized she couldn’t work anymore. She took a leave of absence, starting in 2017. The next year she got married, and shortly afterward, she moved with her husband to Florida with the hope that a change in climate might help. “I didn’t have a sense of what was ahead in the future. I just was living in the moment, doing everything I can,” she said. “I stayed in Florida for about 6 months, and that didn’t work, so I came back to Maine and just picked up with my physicians.” During one of her visits with a specialist, Adjutant learned about a clinical trial that was recruiting participants. Participants in the trial were taking the biologic medication Tezspire (tezepelumab-ekko). It has since been approved to treat severe asthma. Adjutant decided to enroll in the study. “I noticed improvement, I would say, almost instantly. Within 30 to 60 days, I was doing things that I hadn’t been able to do before. Being active, climbing, walking, doing things that I really enjoyed doing. I started to slowly become the person that I had been,” Adjutant said. Looking back now, Adjutant is glad she persevered. “There’s a lot of treatments that I tried, and I feel like not giving up was one of the greatest things that I could have done for myself,” she said.
The “safe country of origin” concept has been introduced in Italian legislation by Decree Law 113/2018, implemented by L 132/2018. Definition and list of safe countries of origin According to the law, a third country can be considered a safe country of origin if, on the basis of its legal system, the application of the law within a democratic system and the general political situation, it can be shown that, generally and constantly, there are no acts of persecution as defined in the Qualification Decree, nor torture or other forms of inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment, nor danger due to indiscriminate violence in situations of internal or international armed conflict. The assessment aimed at ascertaining whether or not a country can be considered a safe country of origin shall take into account the protection offered against persecution and ill-treatment through: - The relevant laws and regulations of the country and the manner in which they are applied; - Respect for the rights and freedoms established in the ECHR, in particular the non-derogable rights of the Convention, in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and in the United Nations Convention against Torture; - Compliance with the principles set out in Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention; and - The existence of a system of effective remedies against violations of these rights and freedoms. The assessment shall be based on information provided by the CNDA, as well as on other sources of information, including in particular those provided by other Member States of the European Union, EASO, UNHCR, the Council of Europe and other competent international organisations. A list of safe countries of origin is adopted by decree of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in agreement with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Justice. The list must be periodically updated and notified to the European Commission. The list, adopted by decree of 4 October 2019 and entered into force on 22 October 2019, includes the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Ghana, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Morocco, Montenegro, Senegal, Serbia, Tunisia and Ukraine. The list has not been modified, but following the invasion on Ukraine on 24 February 2022, a Decree was adopted on 9 March 2022 and published on 11 March 2022, suspending the application of the decree on safe country of origin to Ukraine until 31 December 2022. Even if the law provides that the designation of a safe country of origin can be done with the exception of parts of the territory or of categories of persons, the decree merely refers to States without making any distinction and exception. Indeed, information collected by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assisted by the CNDA COI Unit, had indicated, for many countries, categories of persons or parts of the country for which the presumption of safety cannot apply. The existence of parts of the territory or categories for which the country cannot be considered safe should have led to the non-inclusion of these countries in the list. In any case, as highlighted by ASGI, the decree appears illegitimate in several respects, as it does not offer any indication of the reasons and criteria followed for the inclusion of each country in the list. Moreover, the country files elaborated by the CNDA and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveal that the choice of countries has not been based on a plurality of sources and, in some cases, the inclusion of only partially safe countries without the distinctions indicated by the CNDA is in contradiction with the results of the same investigation. ASGI’s challenge of the decree at the TAR did not obtain positive results, and the negative decision has been recently upheld by the Council of State in its decision n. 118 of 2022. More specifically, the Council of State, did not consider ASGI could introduce such a case representing the interest of the asylum seekers coming from the countries included in the Safe countries list. The Council of State reasoned that ASGI can act in representation of the interest of all third country nationals. In a such a case, however, the interest of persons coming from countries not included in the list may contrast with the interest of asylum seekers coming from “safe” countries. For this reason, ASGI could only represent one of the two groups. The Council of State also stated that the Decree is in conformity with EU law. An applicant can be considered coming from a safe country of origin only if he or she is a citizen of that country or a stateless person who previously habitually resided in that country and he or she has not invoked serious grounds to believe that the country is not safe due to his or her particular situation. The Questura shall inform the applicant that if he or she comes from a designated country of safe origin, his or her application may be rejected. An application submitted by applicants coming from a safe country of origin can be rejected as manifestly unfounded, whether under the regular procedure or the accelerated procedure. In this case the decision rejecting the application is based on the fact that the person concerned has not shown that there are serious reasons to believe that the designated safe country of origin is not safe in relation to his or her particular situation. Following the entry into force of the safe countries of origin list, the CNDA issued two circulars, on 28 October 2019 and 31 October 2019, giving directives to the Territorial Commissions on the application of the new provisions. In particular the CNDA assumed that the inclusion of a country of origin in the safe countries list introduces an absolute presumption of safety, which can be overcome only with a contrary proof presented by the asylum seeker. CNDA also underlined that, in the event of rejection, the applications should always be regarded as manifestly unfounded applications. However, an overall exam of the rules of the Procedure Decree shows that the manifestly unfounded decision is only one of the possible outcomes of the examination of the asylum application when the applicant comes from a country designated as safe. In practice, according to ASGI’s experience, Territorial Commissions did not reject as manifestly unfounded all asylum applications in case of safe country of origin in 2021. On 22 January 2020, the Civil Court of Florence deemed the exclusion of the automatic suspensive effect to an appeal lodged by an asylum seeker from Senegal as illegitimate as the applicant belongs to a category, that of LGBTI, whose treatment in Senegal, should have resulted in the exclusion of Senegal from the list of safe countries or should have determined at least the provision, within the decree, of a specific exception for this social group to the rules dictated for asylum applications submitted by safe countries nationals. Consequently, according to the Court, the Territorial Commission should not have refused the asylum application as manifestly unfounded only because of the safe country of origin of the applicant. However, since the amendments made by Decree law 130/2020 the lack of automatic suspensive effect is connected to all applications made under the accelerate procedure, with the sole exclusion of applications made under the border procedure. As a general rule, the concept of safe country of origin is applicable only to asylum application introduced after the publication of the Safe Country of Origin list. The concept has been confirmed by the Court of Cassation in Judgement no. 25311/2020. The Court of Cassation, with judgement 19252/2020, stated that the circumstance of coming from a country included in the list of safe countries does not preclude the applicant from being able to assert the origin from a specific area of the country itself, affected by phenomena of violence and generalised insecurity which, even if territorially circumscribed, may be relevant for the purposes of granting international or humanitarian protection, nor does it exclude the duty of the judge, in the presence of such an allegation, to proceed with a concrete ascertainment of the danger of said area and of the relevance of the aforementioned phenomena. The list of safe countries of origin has not been modified in recent years, in contrast with the profound changes registered in some countries such as Ukraine, which brought the recognition rates up to 50% in 2021. As stated above, the application of the concept of “safe country” for Ukraine has only been suspended until the end on 2022. Article 2-bis Procedure Decree, inserted by Article 7 Decree Law 113/2018 and L 132/2018. Article 2-bis(2) Procedure Decree. Article 2-bis(3) Procedure Decree. Article 2-bis(4) Procedure Decree. Article 2-bis(1) Procedure Decree. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Decree, 4 October 2019, Identification of Safe Countries of origin, according to Article 2-bis of the Procedure Decree published on 7 October 2019 n. 235. Article 2 bis (2) Procedure Decree. This is the case of Algeria, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, Ukraine and Tunisia. The information sheets drawn up for each country were then sent to all the Territorial Commissions as an attachment to the CNDA circular no. 9004 of 31 October 2019, available in Italian at: https://bit.ly/2TBVjiF. In this sense, Civil Court of Florence, interim decision of 22 January 2020, available at: https://bit.ly/2TA3hZD; see also Questione Giustizia, I primi nodi della disciplina sui Paesi di origine sicuri vengono al pettine, Cesare Pitea, 7 February 2020, https://bit.ly/2zgXZeG; see also EDAL, Italy: The region of Casamance, Senegal, excluded by the presumption of “safe third countries”, 22 january 2020, available at: https://bit.ly/2yx3Qfu. ASGI, Nota di commento del Decreto del Ministro degli affari esteri e della cooperazione internazionale 4 ottobre 2019 sull’elenco dei Paesi di origine sicuri, 27 November 2019, available in Italian at: https://bit.ly/3edVetq. Article 2-bis(5) Procedure Decree. Article 10(1) Procedure Decree, as amended by Article 7 Decree Law 113/2018 and L 132/2018. Article 28-bis (2) (c) as amended by Decree Law 130/2020. Article 28-ter(1)(b) Procedure Decree, inserted Article 7 Decree Law 113/2018 and L 132/2018. Article 9(2-bis) Procedure Decree, inserted by Article 7 Decree Law 113/2018 and L 132/2018. Article 32 (1 b bis) read together with Article 2 bis (5) Procedure Decree must be interpreted as meaning that the asylum request is manifestly unfounded only when the applicant has not invoked serious grounds to believe that the country is not safe due to his or her particular situation. Moreover, Article 35 bis of the Procedure Decree links the halving of the time limits for appeal and the absence of automatic suspensive effect to applications that are manifestly unfounded and not, in general, to applications from asylum seekers from countries designated as safe. See Questione Giustizia, Le nuove procedure accelerate, lo svilimento del diritto d’asilo, 3 November 2019, available in Italian at: https://bit.ly/2XqA8Rs. Civil Court of Florence, interim decision of 22 January 2020, cited above; see also: https://bit.ly/3bWqjA4. Article 35 -bis (3) Procedure Decree. Court of Cassation, judgment 19252/2020, mentioned in Court of Cassation decision ceiling of 2020, available at: https://bit.ly/3eDGDdS.
Renowned evolutionary biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant have produced landmark studies of the Galápagos finches first made famous by Charles Darwin. In How and Why Species Multiply, they offered a complete evolutionary history of Darwin’s finches since their origin almost three million years ago. Now, in their richly illustrated new book, 40 Years of Evolution, the authors turn their attention to events taking place on a contemporary scale. By continuously tracking finch populations over a period of four decades, they uncover the causes and consequences of significant events leading to evolutionary changes in species. The authors used a vast and unparalleled range of ecological, behavioral, and genetic data--including song recordings, DNA analyses, and feeding and breeding behavior--to measure changes in finch populations on the small island of Daphne Major in the Galápagos archipelago. They find that natural selection happens repeatedly, that finches hybridize and exchange genes rarely, and that they compete for scarce food in times of drought, with the remarkable result that the finch populations today differ significantly in average beak size and shape from those of forty years ago. The authors’ most spectacular discovery is the initiation and establishment of a new lineage that now behaves as a new species, differing from others in size, song, and other characteristics. The authors emphasize the immeasurable value of continuous long-term studies of natural populations and of critical opportunities for detecting and understanding rare but significant events. By following the fates of finches for several generations, 40 Years of Evolution offers unparalleled insights into ecological and evolutionary changes in natural environments. Peter R. Grant and B. Rosemary Grant are both emeritus professors in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. They are the coauthors of How and Why Species Multiply and coeditors of In Search of the Causes of Evolution (both Princeton). "For the Grants, Daphne Major has been a magic well. With their four decades of work on the island, they've made it a magnificent microcosm, a model of life on Earth."--Jonathan Weiner, New York Times "For the Grants, evolution isn't a theoretical abstraction. It's gritty and real and immediate and stunningly fast. . . . Most of all, the book is an affirmation of the importance of long-term fieldwork as a way of capturing the true dynamism of evolution."--Joel Achenbach, Princeton Alumni Weekly "The study described here is truly exceptional. Peter and Rosemary Grant . . . have devoted their careers to the study of the group of birds known as Darwin's finches on the Galapagos archipelago, one of the most isolated and inhospitable places on Earth. But the payoff is that their research furnishes some of the most compelling evidence for natural selection and the origin of species. . . . The Grants' achievement is monumental."--Tim Birkhead, Times Higher Education "[O]ne of the most intriguing books I have ever read. . . . Read it for yourself. You'll be glad you did!"--Allan Archer, BTO News "This volume not only provides detailed evidence of the evolution of a specific group of animals, but also offers an overall perspective on how and in what ways bird species have changed in this rather isolated locality."--Choice "Reading this book is like having an engaging conversation with two of the most prominent and charming field biologists of our time. Come listen to their singular adventure, unprecedented insight, and eyewitness account of evolution in action. A terrific must-read for all students of biology, from enthusiasts to experts."--Hopi E. Hoekstra, Harvard University Other Princeton books authored or coauthored by Peter R. Grant: Other Princeton books authored or coauthored by B. Rosemary Grant:
Teen driver fatalities have plummeted since the 1990s, but car crashes remain the number one killer of teens in the U.S. Teens are not bad drivers. The issue is that they are inexperienced and the part of the brain that controls decision making and judgment is not fully developed until the early to mid-20s, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. The good news is that programs and greater parent and adult involvement have lead for lower teen driver fatality numbers. Graduated driver licensing laws have been a key reason that teen driver fatalities have fallen since the 1990s. Each state has some form of graduated licensing law, such as nighttime and passenger restrictions for teen drivers. There is also a movement to expand those laws. For instance, New Jersey became the first state to require drivers younger than 21 to display a decal on their vehicles showing that they are new drivers. Safe driving advocates trumpet the fact that teen driver fatalities have dropped since the 1990s, but there are still these sobering statistics: - Car crashes are the number one killer of teens in the U.S. - Teen drivers have the highest crash risk of any age group on the road. - Teens are three times more likely than drivers 20 and older to be involved in a fatal crash. Distracted teen drivers In what the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety called “the most comprehensive research ever conducted into crash videos of teen drivers,” researchers found that distracted driving plays a larger role in teen-related crashses than what police report data show. The AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety researchers analyzed the six seconds leading up to a crash of almost 1,700 videos of teen drivers taken from in-vehicle event recorders. They found that distracted driving played a part in 58 percent of all crashes. This is much higher than 14 percent of all teen driver crashes that has been reported by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, according to AAA. The study found that drivers, who were on their cell phones, kept their eyes off the road for an average of 4.1 out of the final six seconds leading to a crash. In fact, researchers found that teens, who were using their cell phones, didn’t react more than half of the time in rear-end crashes and actually crashed without braking or steering. Here is what the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found was the most common form of distraction in crashes involving teens in the study: - Interacting with one or more passengers – 15 percent of crashes - Cell phone use – 12 percent - Looking at something in vehicle – 10 percent - Looking at something outside the vehicle – 9 percent - Singing/moving to music – 8 percent - Grooming – 6 percent - Reaching for an object – 6 percent “It is troubling that passengers and cell phones were the most common forms of distraction given that these factors can increase crash risks for teen drivers,” says AAA CEO Bob Darbelnet, in announcing the results. “The situation is made worse by the fact that young drivers have spent less time behind the wheel and cannot draw upon their previous experience to manage unsafe conditions.” Parents are key This information is depressing, but there are ways to prevent accidents. Parents can play a major role in keeping their teen drivers safe. Kara Macek, director of communications at the GHSA, says parents need to be the enforcers of teen driver laws – even more so than police. “We rely on parents to understand and engage,” says Macek. Macek says GHSA has teamed up with Ford Motor Company to promote the importance of parents for teen drivers. It’s important for parents to not only know the laws, but understand why they exist, she says. “The most important thing is to be totally open and honest, explain that the reason you’re doing this is that you love them and you don’t want to lose them or see them hurt,” says Macek. Here are a few ways parents can help their teen drivers: - Parents are the law in the household. They can enforce stricter rules than states. - Model good behavior. Children are always watching and observing their parents. Make sure you are a good role model as a driver – even when they’re infants. - Don’t text and drive. - Drive with your teen and practice in different conditions. Teen drivers will make better decisions if parents spend more time in the passenger seat. “Today’s teens are tomorrow’s adults and today’s teens are tomorrow’s influencers. It’s really important that you get them on good driving habits early,” she says. Adult influencers can play a part GHSA is promoting a recent study called “Under Their Influence: The New Teen Safe Driving Champions.” The report, which was funded through a grant from the Ford Motor Company Fund, says “adult influencers,” such as teachers and coaches, can help lead teen drivers to make better decisions. Some states, including New York, have created programs to engage coaches to teach better teen driver behavior. The idea is that teachers and coaches often spend as much if not more time with teens than parents. These adult influencers can reinforce good driving habits that are modeled by parents. Macek says these kinds of community programs can play an important role in preventing teen driver fatalities. “These are preventable tragedies. It takes all of us,” says Macek. “There is no silver bullet. It’s going to take all of us working together.” Find out all about teen driver insurance in our Car Insurance for Teens Guide.
CR 37:3-16 (2008) - doi:10.3354/cr00749 Effect of the Arctic Oscillation on precipitation in the eastern USA during ENSO winters ABSTRACT: The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Arctic Oscillation (AO), respectively, dominate global and Northern Hemispheric climate variability on interannual timescales. Statistical and composite analyses of historical climate records between 1899 and 2007 reveal a strong influence of the AO on eastern USA winter precipitation and atmospheric circulation over the Pacific/North American (PNA) region during ENSO years. Records of the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and anomalies in the 500 hPa geopotential height field show the AO to exert greatest effect on El Niño-related climate. The presence of a strong northwardly displaced polar front jet and a well-developed Bermuda high during months when the AO is positive promotes the influx of warm and moist air from the western Atlantic into the study area, significantly enhancing winter El Niño-related precipitation in the southeast USA. Negative phases of the AO that coincide with El Niños deepen the lows over the North Pacific and diminish the influence of the Bermuda high on the eastern USA. This modification enhances the influx of northerly air into the study area, bringing unseasonably dry winters to the Midwest and the Ohio Valley. The presence of the negative phase of the AO returns the wintertime circulation and SPI regimes to near-normal values throughout the study area during La Niña winters, whereas no appreciable effects on La Niña–related circulation and SPI regimes are noted when AO becomes positive. The interaction between ENSO and the AO helps to account for the inter-ENSO variability of climate teleconnections across the PNA region, possibly enhancing our ability to provide better winter climate forecasts across the eastern United States during ENSO episodes. KEY WORDS: Climate variability · ENSO teleconnections · Arctic Oscillation · Precipitation · USA \|Full text in pdf format\| Cite this article as: Budikova D (2008) Effect of the Arctic Oscillation on precipitation in the eastern USA during ENSO winters. Clim Res 37:3-16 Mail this link - Contents Mailing Lists - RSS - Tweet -
Making An Impact This Earth Day The History of Earth Day Over Thanksgiving weekend 1966, a thick layer of smog composed predominantly of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide blanketed New York City. Mostly caused by coal power plants and thousands of pounds of incinerated garbage, the smog event caused numerous adverse health effects – burning eyes, coughing, respiratory distress – and potentially caused over 160 deaths. The cover of The New York Times for November 25th, a photograph captured by Neil Boenzi, showed the magnitude of the pollution, with New York City covered with a surrealist layer of white smoke, completely obfuscating the street level. The New York City Smog incident – along with other high profile 60s environmental disasters like the Cuyahoga River fire and Santa Barbara oil spill – showed the public the importance of taking the environment seriously, bringing greater attention to the negative impact humans are having on the planet. In 1970, the first Earth Day was nationally recognized, with millions of Americans taking to the streets to make their concerns heard. The same year, President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a means to address the impact humans were having on the climate. The Climate of Today Over the past decade, numerous publications and websites have circulated images of Shanghai. While these display landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower and Shanghai Tower, the images draw more attention to what surrounds them: thick clouds of dangerous smog. Often directly compared to the filth of mid-century Manhattan, Shanghai’s smog problem is one of numerous issues which continue to plague the environment. In the 51 years since the first Earth Day, much has been learned and said about climate change and how it is directly impacting millions of people around the globe. Yet, not enough is being done to seriously combat climate change on a global scale. 2020 was tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record, sea levels continue to rise by one-eighth inch per year, with stronger hurricanes and more intense droughts, just to name some of the most visible effects. Though many are demanding climate change be addressed promptly, it can be difficult to see what an individual can really do. From its inception, the act of celebrating Earth Day is demanding change while making your community cleaner and more sustainable. To make taking action simpler and more centralized, we at Impactree have compiled a journey for all who wish to take part in finding climate solutions. By starting small and working outward, we have ways for everyone to make the most out of the second Earth Day observed during the Coronavirus pandemic. Make A Personal Change Even though climate change does not hinge on you personally going green, it will take the combined efforts of every person, company and government to fully address the multitude of practices and issues which perpetuate the changing of our climate. First, let’s focus on the personal steps you can take. In the post-industrialized world, it is nearly impossible to live a completely carbon neutral life. However, this does not mean that impactful and simple actions cannot be taken to reduce your personal waste. In fact, collective action can create massive differences in the amount of resources local communities consume. Most importantly, you must ask yourself how much do you know about climate change? Are you an environmental expert or someone still a little unsure of the causes and effects of climate change? There is nothing wrong with being confused, especially with the mountains of environmental misinformation floating around online. Learning the basics of climate change is a crucial first step in anybody’s environmentalism journey. Not only is it important to understand the science behind climate change, but also the political and economic ramifications, especially how climate change drastically affects lower income communities and people of color. Once you understand the basics of how and why our planet is changing, you can start changing your day-to-day life. Did you know that leaving devices plugged in when not in use could be not only wasting energy but your money? Did you also know that the same could be said of using incandescent light bulbs over LEDs or having an improperly insulated home? By finding and altering small wasteful habits, you can minimize your environmental impact while saving yourself money in the long run. If performed on a mass scale, Americans could drastically reduce their carbon footprint while supporting new, green tech. Outside of the home, individuals have great power with how they use their voices to promote sustainability. Who we shop with can be a powerful way of promoting green business practices, and on a macro level puts pressure on wasteful brands to greenify and not simply greenwash. Companies and brands have extreme influence and power over society, so it is crucial for consumers to find brands which they identify with and will promote the health and longevity of our planet. Unfortunately, personal changes alone cannot stop climate change. While an essential component of a green future, many of the world’s largest polluters have used the notion of a personal carbon footprint as a means of passing the buck to individuals, a PR stunt to purposely move attention away from their drastically more damaging practices. We can vote with our wallets, yet to truly reform our system and address climate change head on, we must do much, much more. Reform the System While individuals hold some power to enact change together, many working in unison can change the world for the better. This is the thought process behind numerous climate-based organizations and nonprofits which aim to reform unsustainable systems from the inside out. As an individual, you can add your voice to the collective, giving organizations more power to motivate change in our world. Because many climate-based organizations are nonprofits, they are always in need of financial support. Oftentimes, these organizations rely on the generous donations of everyday people, so look for a group which speaks to you on a personal level. Find organizations serving your local community, and help them make your neighborhood, state and country cleaner and more sustainable. And if you are not able to donate, many organizations are looking for volunteers to help spread the word, work telephones, go door-to-door, and motivate communities to think and act on climate change. We can never fully commit to sustainability unless the government from the top down believes in the importance of addressing climate change promptly. Luckily, with enough time and effort, we can weed out climate denialists from our governing bodies, and help curb the mountains of fossil-fuel-funded dark money keeping politicians from earnestly addressing climate change. The best way of doing so is by changing the system from the inside out. While there is strong dissatisfaction with the current political system, it is also clear that Americans are not fully engaged in the system, and are not making their concerns heard to those representing them. This is especially true of those who strongly care about climate change. Over 15 million self-proclaimed environmentalists do not vote in the general election, sending a message to politicians to ignore climate change in favor of other issues. Voting – especially for representatives that put the environment first – is a crucial means of reforming the system from the inside, getting lawmakers to enact reforms and restrictions which combat climate change head on. Deeply ingrained systems can seem daunting to break, especially from the individual point of view. However, the individual can hold immense power when motivated and working in tandem with other like-minded individuals. With enough time, work and energy, we can reform our system to one which cares as much about climate change as you do. Making the Most of Earth Day Every Earth Day is a time to reflect on climate successes and shortcomings. Despite great successes in the regulations of pollutants and harmful practices, we have not been able to curb the tides of climate change, especially in the second half of the 2010s. While it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the forces of climate change, it is not too late to become a sustainable, carbon neutral world. This Earth Day, we must all as individuals combine our influence to enact real change over the world, minimizing our personal footprints and demanding companies and governments enforce stricter climate restrictions. To protect the future of our planets and all the plants and animals which call it home, we must take drastic action now. For more ways to make an impact on the climate from your home to the government, check out Impactree’s Earth Month Action Hub.
show, don't tell Originally published on As the 12th Venice Biennial of Architecture opens this year under the title "People Meet in Architecture" — a truism that is precise if not especially revealing of the exhibition's theme — we are reminded that many of the concepts employed in the making of architecture exhibitions are just as vaguely defined and ineffectual. The history of exhibition-making, whether in art or architecture, dates back no further than the turn of the 18th century in Europe, when private collections began migrating into the public salons. As a relatively new activity within the human history of art and architecture, it bears reminding that the practice of exhibition-making still necessitates definition, its methods still need theorizing. How is architecture exhibited? What is an architecture exhibition? These questions are often addressed, but rarely answered. Wallis Miller, in her essay about Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's work and exhibitions, refers to exhibitions Mies designed, participated in, and benefited from (by being exhibited in, as well as reviewed within), simply as his exhibition projects (Wallis Miller, "Mies and Exhibitions", in Mies in Berlin, ed. Terrence Riley & Barry Bergdoll, New York: The Museum of Modern Art 2001). The way the exhibition form has served architecture straddles so many modes and functions that it is a matter of accuracy, if not simply clarification, to address exhibition making as a distinct discipline, and not as Philip Johnson understood it as simply a "branch of architecture." (Ibid., 338) It would seem that since architects design forms in space, and exhibitions are forms in space, that exhibitions are, by nature, architecture. This strikes one as particularly self-evident, given Mary Anne Staniszewski's writing on art displays and their development alongside architecture, but it becomes categorically problematic when one encounters exhibitions that feature architectural work. How can architecture be at once the object and the context of display? This article will address the ways in which exhibitions serve also as a separate activity to further the discourse of architecture — beyond the expressive potential of its de facto object, the building. What we have come to call the architecture exhibition encompasses a wide range of activity, spanning a multitude of intentions and authorial positions. Everything from projects like the Interbau housing developments built as part of the International Building Exhibition in Berlin (1957); to the exhibition of architectural images and drawings at MoMA in 1932 that helped organizers Alfred Barr, Henry Russell Hitchcock and Philip Johnson define an international style within modern architecture; to the public relations presentation boards displayed after major competitions and commissions or celebrating the completion of construction; are discussed as architecture exhibitions. Not only are these disparate forms of display produced with vastly different objectives, scales and audiences, they also prove to be irreconcilable expressions of architecture. While each showing different aspects of the field, these variations also point to a fundamental problem of exhibiting architecture – that of representation. Besides the construction of actual buildings for exhibition, as in the case of Interbau, architecture exhibitions are almost always exhibitions of representations of architecture, in drawings, photographs, models, films and more recently, new media. The idea that these architectural representations should be displayed rather than any architecture itself — a condition that would bemuse artists — sprang from the École des Beaux-Arts education of the 19th century, when the apprenticeship model of architectural education prevalent in France until this time gave way to the academic model, which systematized training through master classes, design assignments, and competitions culminating in prizes and exhibitions (Paul P. Cret, "The Ecole des Beaux-Arts and Architectural Education", The Journal of the American Society of Architectural Historians, Vol. 1, No. 2, Apr. 1941, University of California Press 1941). Critics have noted that the school's constant call for competitions — which was their only proof of matriculation, as no attendance was recorded — produced two pedagogical problems. Firstly, students came to produce work that was not necessarily the best, but was designed to appeal to particular adjudicating professors (a problem that persists today). Secondly, projects were judged in exhibition as plan, sections and elevations drawn on rectangular sheets of paper, of which the plan, or parti, was deemed most important of the three (Jean Paul Carlhian, "The Ecole des Beaux-Arts: Modes and Manners", in Journal of Architectural Education, Vol. 33, No. 2, Beginnings, Nov., 1979, 12). The significance of the exhibition as a means of architectural communication became tied to the presentation of these representations – the beau plan can be appreciated pictorially, apart from other spatial, formal and contextual concerns. Thus the images of architecture, while not explicitly architecture, took on the character of artworks on display — original sketches and drawings, bearing the hand of the architect, became prized as objects in themselves. At the Bauhaus architecture school in Weimar, exhibitions were similarly employed as a means to display student work in the form of drawings and models of buildings and other design objects. Save for, perhaps, the unique exception of the Sommerfeld House (1920/21) where Bauhaus students each designed different parts, details and furnishings of a house, the Bauhaus exhibitions chiefly served to present the school's annual creative output and justify its financial backing from the local government. In short, neither the École des Beaux-Arts nor the Bauhaus, which both helped to establish and codify the basic habits for exhibiting architecture, ever sought to use the exhibition per se as an experience of architectural expression — but rather as a venue for represented concepts. Like the Bauhaus exhibitions, the display of building design as a means to address professional concerns such as funding and promotion continues today as the unchallenged raison d'être of the architecture exhibition. In the past decade, the Netherlands Architecture Institute (NAi), under the direction of the Kristin Feireiss, has sought to disturb this established formula. In 2001 it published a volume of writing on architecture exhibitions — a compilation of the only existing scholarship on the topic. With texts by Bart Lootsma, Jean-Louis Cohen, Elizabeth Diller and Catherine David, amongst others, the book also contains a section on some of the NAi's most photogenic exhibitions, which, commendable in both presentation and scope, echoes the difficulty of conveying architecture ideas in exhibition and the problem of representation identified by the writers. Daniel Libeskind's exhibition at the NAi, "Beyond the Wall, 26.36°" (1997), is a case in point. Intended to challenge the traditional form of the architecture exhibition and to present something beyond "mere representation of a building or of a particular work," Libeskind wanted the experience of the space, the "fusion of seemingly irreconcilable dimensions," to be the principal object in the show. Using the dimensions of the large exhibition hall as source material for a series of geometric manipulations, Libeskind installed building-sized, folded metal surfaces throughout the space — a kind of building within a building. His glinting, canted forms that seemed to shift and twist in midair, produced a distinctive sensual experience contingent upon the visitor's motion within the space. Libeskind recognized the exhibition as an opportunity to experiment with ideas that would be more difficult to implement in building projects. Some of his metal surfaces moved automatically, producing a space of continuously changing dimensions — a conceit often imagined, but almost never attempted in professional practice. However, by supplementing the installation with drawings and models from the architect's studio, Libeskind and the exhibition's curator, Kristin Feireiss, in fact discredited the exhibition's expressive potential – its ability to convey architectural concepts physically, through space, lighting and materials. Hanging drawings of past designs seems to be a token gesture to ensure that a certain public would perceive "Beyond the Wall" as an architecture exhibition. Whereas Libeskind's architecture, physically built in the exhibition, could have demonstrated previously untested architectural ideas, in the end it became an instrument of scenography — his moving metals slabs serving as the supporting armature for framed drawings. Fundamentally, the curator mediates between and makes available the exhibited objects and ideas and their relevance to an audience. The exhibition context provides one of the few venues where cultural artifacts are given a voice, and where the public is encouraged to collectively ascribe meaning and significance to the products of human culture. Particularly for architecture, the curator's role is even more crucial, given that architecture is considered and reflected upon in a far more casual way by the general public than fields including film, music and even literature. The ubiquity of "architecture" in cities and our everyday encounters with buildings has produced widespread obliviousness to the architect's work as a thing of consideration. The architecture curator's function is thus twofold. Firstly, to make exhibitions of architecture, not its representation; and secondly, to cultivate an audience with the spatial sensitivity to engage with the built environment in a conscious and potentially more responsible way. Exhibitions like "Die Wohnung unserer Zeit" (The dwelling of our Time) — organized by Mies van der Rohe in Berlin in 1931, twenty-three full scale houses were exhibited, six of which were free standing — or Barry Bergdoll and Peter Christensen's 2008 MoMA show "Home Delivery" (which included five prefabricated houses built to scale on the museum's fifty-fourth street lot), are difficult to launch due to their logistic complexity and large financial investment. How then, should we exhibit architecture without recourse to its representation if large-scale installations — just short of erecting a building — are not generally possible? What becomes necessary to challenge is the definition of architecture itself. Without excessive elaboration that would lead our argument completely astray, it bears recognizing that 'architecture' and 'buildings' are not synonymous categories. Just as not all paintings are artworks, not all buildings are works of architecture. In the United States, no more than a quarter of the built environment has ever required architects, and only one in ten houses have demanded their services (Avi Friedman. "Developing Skills for Architects of Speculative Housing". Journal of Architectural Education, Vol. 47, No. 1, Sep., 1993, p. 49). Most buildings are built by developers and engineers, the least of whose concerns are architectural. K. Michael Hays, in his introduction to Diller + Scofidio's 2003 Whitney Museum exhibition catalogue, advocates architecture as the spatial practice of a body of knowledge that allies forms with socio-historical contexts, and that is articulated in various facets of human culture of which buildings are but one. Following this line of reasoning, to successfully exhibit architecture would entail a process of detecting those architectural moments that can find expression within the limitations of exhibition spaces. Within fine art (Olafur Eliasson, Gordon Matta-Clark), music (Steve Reich, John Cage), and film (Mike Figgis, Christopher Nolan), one gleans architectural ideas that, when exhibited, might reveal to architects dimensions of their discipline that are neglected in the practice of building design. As such, exhibitions can themselves produce, rather than merely convey knowledge. And just as the other fields cited above are able to express architecture in ways unavailable within the traditional bounds of its profession, the call for exhibition making as a separate discipline from architecture, is made precisely to frame it as a practice capable of a new architecture, rather than one that merely represents it. The architecture exhibition, in providing a spatial experience of architectural ideas, in fact produces architecture.
Can I Really Learn An Instrument Online? You’ve decided to pick up an instrument and that’s great news! But what does that mean for your learning? When starting off, it’s hard to find the best way to get on that learning highway. Every road has its own benefits. Lately, however, there has been one route that is picking up serious steam. With mobile devices and the internet today, learning has never been easier. A simple click will get you access to tutorials, applications, sheet music, and videos lessons. You can learn how to remember the notes on a staff or the best ways to remember piano notes in no time. The question remains though: can you really learn an instrument online? Check out our guide and decide for yourself! So, Can I Really Learn an Instrument Online? Yes you can! Although for some students–especially those looking to be professionals–formal instruction is the way to go, if you’re looking to learn to play just for yourself, online learning is a fantastic option. There is some potential downside, such as possibly developing bad habits or motivation, but if you are good at working independently online learning can be a great solution. Ask yourself the following questions! - Do you have the discipline and motivation? Teachers are great because they are always there to push you when you’re down. If you can find your own source of inspiration to fight through the tough parts, learning online could be for you. While making sure you practice as much as you need to, it’s important to set aside time to focus on the fundamentals. - Do you have the time? While learning online gives you great flexibility, it also means you have to make time on your own to practice. Having a set time every day helps, but it’s important to remember that you have to be your own taskmaster. - What is your desired skill level? While everyone wants to be the best at what they do, goals might change over time. If you’re looking to make a career out of playing piano, then a formal instructor is probably best. If you want to learn to challenge yourself, then online education is a great solution to explore. Here are some great resources to help you start learning online! Learn an Instrument with YouTube Videos Easily the best friend of any aspiring musician, YouTube’s vast library of videos has lessons for everything from specific instruments, to broader topics like the best way to learn the notes on a staff and how to remember piano notes on the bass clef. YouTube’s wide variety of media also means that you can find the style that fits your learning preferences. Learn Music with Games and Applications Another amazing thing about learning through mobile and online applications is that it can make learning more dynamic and fun. While memorizing scales and chords might not be the most fun element to practice, there are fantastic applications that make games to memorize music notes, train your ear to recognize tones and scales, or ways to remember piano keys. Check some of our favorites! Websites To Learn Music On top of that, there are great sites full of information for new musicians. From guides on how to remember piano notes on sheet music to conversations about the best types of training and exercises, visiting these online libraries is a great way to expand your learning horizon. Here are some helpful websites to get you started! Get started on your own path to self-learning now with these great resources! Have any suggestions? Add them in the comments below 🙂
@Bob Snyder - NASA the most trusted govt agency? Not according to Richard Feynman who researched the Challenger disaster. Didn't he say that NASA was the only govt agency that out-and-out lied to him? Must have been because they had the most to lose. Max, depending on whose model you want to consider, estimates of ancient tides range from about 3X today's tides to tides of 1000 feet or more. Also, the length of the day seems to have been considerably shorter, on the order of 6 hours when the moon was formed. These are all estimates, of course, that depend on how you model the transfer of angular momentum from the earth to the moon over billions of years. Fossil records seem to show a length to the day of only 21.9 hours about 650 million years ago, and lasers measuring the earth-moon distance using mirrors left behind by Apollo astronauts confirm the creeping increase, so we're pretty sure things were considerably different long ago. But how different is mostly a matter of conjecture and modeling. I personally favor the idea of 1000 foot tides occurring every few hours. It would go a long way toward explaining why the ocean is as salty as it is. I think it's quite rational for educated people to be somewhat skeptical of scientific consensus. Most people probably experience Science most frequently in the context of Health and Medicine. Most people like their doctors and trust them, but they also realize that medical professionals, and the medical research community, are fallible. Many of us have changed our daily habits due to medical consensus, only to learn that the consensus had been reversed or revised at a later date. When I was growing up, people were advised to eat liver and other organ meats because they contained lots of vitamins. We were advised to use stick margarine in place of stick butter. A decade ago, adults over a certain age were advised to take a baby aspirin every day to protect their hearts. All of this advice was based upon medical consensus which was subsequently revised or reversed in light of new or better data. Medical researchers are not dishonest. They are doing the best they can with data that is frequently incomplete and/or ambiguous. Scientists, and the scientific community, are fallible. Until recently it was generally accepted that the universe is expanding, but at a steadily decreasing rate, and that eventually the universe would collapse in upon itself. In light of recent evidence, it is now generally accepted that the universe is expanding at a steadily INCREASING rate. Satellite altimetry is providing new insights into the dynamics of ocean waves and currents as well as vertical movements of land masses. I would be very surprised if our understanding of sea level does not change in significant ways in the coming decades. The non-experts use religion to counter the experts. Religion is how we explain the unexplainable. Most people don't understand scientific explanations and therefore they don't trust them. But, they trust religious explanations. Fact vs. faith. Faith wins until proven otherwise and then the experts say "We told you so, you didn't believe us, and now it's too late." In the global warming debate, we have experts saying one thing and complete non-experts saying the opposite. Yes, it is wise to be a bit skeptical about expert opinion. A bit. It is utterly insane to not be at all skeptical about inexpert opinion.
OAuth (Open Authentication) is an open standard for authorization. It allows users to share their private resources with another site without having to hand out their credentials (username and password). OAuth allows users to pass tokens instead of credentials for their information. Such token will grants access to a specific site and only for specific resources. Each access will apply only for a defined duration (e.g. the next hour). This allows a user to gain access to third party site. OAuth is a standard of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The current version of the standard, OAuth 2.0, defines authorization flows for web applications, desktop applications and mobile phones. OAuth is completely transparent to the users. The end-user need not know anything about OAuth, what it is or how it works. The user experience is included OAuth implementations in both the site requesting access and the one storing the resources. Giving an account password to another party on the network is the same thing as going to dinner and giving an ATM card and PIN code to the waiter. When it comes to the web, users put themselves at risk by sharing private information. DoD personnel are making increased use of multiple web sites for social networking. They can log on to each web site using their identity and passwords. But such disclosure reveals information that an intruder could use for implanting malware. OAuth deals with such a risk by allowing users to hand out tokens that grant limited access for only specific uses and only for a defined time period. DoD systems designs should start including OAuth in security software that manages access to social computing. Relying on tokens instead on password protected logins will simplify network management and will increase security.
Renal Cell Carcinoma Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2-3% of all cancers. Learn more about this disease, its diagnosis and treatments. Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer can include: - blood in your urine - a constant pain in your side, just below the ribs - lump or swelling in the kidney area (on either side of the body) See your GP as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. In around half of all cases of kidney cancer there are no symptoms, and the condition is detected during tests for other unrelated conditions. Cigarette smoking, obesity and hypertension are well-known risk factors. RCC also appears to be more common in patients on dialysis. Approximately 2%–3% of all RCCs are hereditary and several autosomal dominant syndromes are described, each with a distinct genetic basis and phenotype. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represents 2-3% of all cancers , with the highest incidence occurring in Western countries. Generally, during the last two decades until recently, there has been an annual increase of about 2% in incidence both worldwide and in Europe, though in Denmark and Sweden a continuing decrease has been observed3 . In 2012, there were approximately 84,400 new cases of RCC and 34,700 kidney cancer related deaths within the European Union In Europe, overall mortality rates for RCC have increased up until the early 1990s, with rates generally stabilizing or declining thereafter. There has been a decrease in mortality since the 1980s in Scandinavian countries and since the early 1990s in France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Italy. However, in some European countries (Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Ireland, Slovakia), mortality rates still show an upward trend with increasing rates5 . of all cancers renal masses remain asymptomatic is the first treatment option 1 Chow WH, Dong LM, Devesa SS. . Epidemiology and risk factors for kidney cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2010; 7: 245–257 2 European Network of Cancer Registries. Eurocim version 4.0. European incidence database V2.3, 730 entity dictionary (2001), Lyon, 2001. 3 Lindblad P. Epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma. Scand J Surg 2004;93(2):88-96 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15285559 4 Ferlay J, Steliarova-Foucher E, Lortet-Tieulent J, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality patterns in Europe: estimates for 40 countries in 2012. Eur J Cancer 2013 Apr;49(6):1374-403. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23485231 5 Levi F, Ferlay J, Galeone C, et al. The changing pattern of kidney cancer incidence and mortality in Europe. BJU Int 2008 Apr;101(8):949-58 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18241251 6 Renal cell carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up 7 Guidelines on Renal Cell Carcinoma, European Association of Urology, 2014– Uroweb.org 8 American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer 9 European Association of Urology. Guidelines for Clear Cell Renal Cancers That Are Resistant to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor–Targeted Therapy
By Natalie Kornicks Nine-year-old Zach Robich impulsively teeters his outstretched hand back and forth in front of his face. Stopping to stare at the short-haired dachshund that’s sitting on his desk, he uses an index finger to flap one of the dog’s ears up and down. Bella, a certified service dog, has been employed by special needs teacher Jennifer Middleswart since mid-March to help her educate the eight autistic children, including Zach, assigned to her class. “Bella is just one more thing in my bucket of tricks,” said Middleswart, who teaches at Belle Terre Elementary School in Palm Coast. “She’s just another tool I can use to help calm the kids and focus them.” Middleswart’s students are among 118 children enrolled in Flagler County schools who have been diagnosed with autism, quadruple the number from five years ago. In Volusia County, the number has nearly doubled, from 368 in 2010 to 711 this year, according to county data. The county figures reflect a state and national increase in the number of children who have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. Since 2008, 10,000 more children in Florida have been diagnosed with autism and reported to the Florida Department of Education. It’s estimated that 1 in 68 children nationwide are autistic, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released March 28. Autism spectrum disorder and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development, according to autismspeaks.org. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Why the number of children with autism has increased “is an important question and one that we’re working hard to answer,” said Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, chief of the CDC’s developmental disabilities branch. “It is not known whether increases in autism over time are due to a true increase in risk of developing autism ... or whether they are due to changes in awareness and in how children are identified, diagnosed and connected to services in local communities.” The CDC study also found that almost half of autistic children have an average or above average intellectual ability (an IQ above 85) compared to a third of children a decade ago. “I think it’s the lower-functioning children that maybe the public needs to be made most aware of,” said Zach’s mom, DeLisa Robich, 37. She said her son started exhibiting symptoms of autism as early as age 3. “That’s the kid people see at the grocery store doing this” — she pivots her wrist — “with their hand and doing a lot of almost, like, baby talk because he’s not verbal.” Zach is among a quarter of the people with autism who can’t communicate with words, according to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative. He uses a portable picture communication device, called a ProxTalker, that lets him choose a picture of what he wants to say and places it on a button that will echo the word out loud. “So when he wants Bella, he’s able to push ‘I want Bella,’” said Middleswart, who has worked in special education since 1992. But instead of waiting for a student to request Bella, Middleswart often places the 5-year-old, black-and-white dachshund wearing the pink harness on each one’s desk throughout the day, or whenever she notices a child severely “stimming” — short for self-stimulatory behavior — a characteristic common in people with autism. “Pet the dog,” Middleswart said to Zach, interrupting the gesture he’s making to graze the pads of his fingers against Bella’s fur. While some students “seem extra affectionate” with Bella, Zach doesn’t seem too interested in dogs, said DeLisa Robich, who noted her family of four, which also includes her husband and a 12-year-old son, has a 2-year-old Lab named Kona. But for others in Middleswart’s class of students in second through fifth grades, such as Christian DeJesus, 11, and Jazmine Armond, 9, Bella helps them pay attention. “I expected (Bella) to stop the stimming, because they’d have something to do with their hands ... but I didn’t expect for her to refocus them on what I’m doing; that shocked me,” said Middleswart, who breeds dachshunds with her husband. When she noticed that Bella’s demeanor was significantly more docile than their other seven dachshunds, she decided to have the dog certified for service in September 2012. “Some students can really benefit from a service dog,” said Lisa Goring, executive vice president of programs and services for Autism Speaks, an autism advocacy and research organization. “A dog provides a connection and sense of companionship, and also being out in the community as they walk their dog creates a connection.” Autistic children can also use an iPad or other devices to connect with people and even develop more speech, Goring said. “iPads and iPhones have been a tremendous benefit as a means to communicate,” said Goring. Zach uses an iPad but for more leisurely purposes. After riding the bus home from school, which he does because he enjoys it so much despite living only a mile away, he routinely takes off his shoes — “the only one in my house that does, imagine that,” said his mom — goes to the bathroom, asks for crackers, a drink and his iPad. For about 40 minutes before heading to occupational therapy, he sits in a rocking chair and watches videos or listens to his favorite song, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts, his mother said. Other autistic children will use a computer tablet to acclimate to a schedule or learn how to complete a job step-by-step, according to Goring. To help educate parents and teachers about the best way to support a student with autism, web-based instructional systems provide helpful information, according to Nancy Redmond, director of Exceptional Student Education for Volusia County. Programs such as Autism Navigator, Rethink Autism and the SCERTS Model, all used in Volusia schools, provide different services like goal tracking, instructional videos and lesson plans, she said. Redmond noted that while support should be tailored toward each child, communication impairment is a typical attribute in autistic students — ranging from those who are nonverbal to those who are gifted. “Zach doesn’t have something really, really great going on in his mind; there’s no indication he’s going to be a math wiz,” DeLisa Robich said. “As a parent, it’s sometimes hard to accept, but I would just rather figure out what the real deal is and how to help him instead of just hoping for things that are never to come.” And if getting Zach a little dog like Bella is one way to help him, she added, she would really like to. Flagler, Volusia educators using innovative tools to teach autistic children By Natalie Kornicks
By Chandresh Shah We have heard stories or have firsthand knowledge of how patients come to see physicians armed with printouts and information gleaned from the Internet about conditions that they are experiencing. It almost seems like patients visit Dr. Google first before they come to see their physician. You probably have experienced times that when they come to your office, some already have a diagnosis in mind. According to a study in 1999, it was found that health-related concerns dominated much of what people were looking for on the Internet. People are finding it easier to search online for answers to their health related questions. They seem to be bypassing traditional medical sources. This creates a dilemma when patients walk in armed with information from “Google”. People fail to understand that Google is just a search engine and not a database of health-related information. There are instances where even if these patients are unable to determine the trustworthiness of the sources of information, they would still take the information hook, line and “clicker” Dealing with Dr. Google When dealing with a patient equipped with a “diagnosis” from Google, the obvious question is, how do you win a patients trust and resolve conflicts if a patient wants tests and treatments that you believe are unnecessary? There can be many creative ways in which physicians can tackle this issue [I’m not calling it a problem]. The 1st goal is to Acknowledge that people go to the Internet because they have a problem, and the Internet is available and accessible easily. 2nd is to Understand and Acknowledge that patients are sometimes confused with the abundance of medical information available online. You know very well and believe that Internet can never come close to the physician. It is not about competing with the Internet. We must accept Internet as a tool, not as a replacement. Acknowledging can go a long way as it can help promote more open communication. As with any patient exam, you must always start by acknowledging the patient’s concerns. This is what we call as active listening even when you think you know exactly what the patient is going to say. A large percentage of patients see their physicians with ideas they may have acquired from the Internet, which may or may not prove valid. But such research can bring out emotions and concerns related to their health symptoms, such as fear, uncertainty, sadness and worry. Being attentive to these underlying emotions, recognizing the patient’s perspective and allowing the patient to feel respected and heard goes a long way in developing mutual trust. It is this trust that has the best chance of converting the challenges presented by Dr. Google into opportunities. This is the new evolution of physician-patient partnership that overcomes the threat posed by patients conducting their own research online. Instead of resisting and resenting the fact that patients conduct their own research online, it is better for physicians to be patient and understand the reasons why patients do this. Dr. Google-From Threat to Opportunity Knowledge empowers patients in shared decision-making. When providers realize that patients have received misinformation, or biased medical suggestions and come into the office with preconceived ideas about their diagnosis or treatment, it is precisely the trust that allows providers to overcome those fears. It must also be realized that many patients come to see the doctor based on their online research which convinces them that they need medical attention and need to see a medical professional. It should be seen as a positive patient engagement rather than negative. Patients who have done online research seem to be more attuned to his or her symptoms and they can articulate them more easily. In summary, changing the mindset from Internet being a threat to an opportunity not only develops the trust but can also lead to better patient outcomes as it can encourage better patient compliance with treatment plans because patients are now part of the solution.
Teaching in an urban educational setting has many challenges. Of course, there are challenges associated with trauma and with poverty and other social problems. One of the greatest challenges, in my opinion, is to work with students whose primary language is not English. In my current classroom, the ratio of native English speakers to English Language Learners, or ELLs is about 1:3. Just to be clear, 17 of the 23 students are acquiring English and learning in English simultaneously. I have a lot of admiration for my ELLs. First of all, I attempted to learn a foreign (to me) language – and not just as a whim in high school. After about 30 minutes of the teacher speaking to our group in the new language, in my case Italian, I thought my brain was going to burst. Hanging on to my minimal grasp of Italian and understanding about 10 percent of what was being said is exhausting! By the end of a three-hour class, I could have curled up into the fetal position and never come out. In a classroom with such a large percentage of ELLs, we accommodate English and English acquisition all of the time. We work with realia, we check in and monitor when vocabulary is incomprehensible, we shelter our students’ learning as they acquire the language in which they are expected to work and perform. One of the most important things I think I do for my students is insist on speaking. If that seems like a “duh” moment, realize that when managing 23 personalities in group discussion and activity how easy it is to accept a head shake or pointing or some other gesture in place of using words. I – and we – accept gestures in communication all of the time. The importance of using verbal communication is in learning the constructs of English and in increasing the vocabulary word bank of my ELLs. Even after so many years in this teaching environment, I catch myself accepting nonverbal communication from my students. It is an easy habit to slip back into – for both of us! But it is one habit that we constantly monitor because the success of my students who are acquiring English as they work in English depend upon it.
HTML bold tag HTML bold tag is represented by <b> tag. HTML <b> tag is used to display the written text in bold format. It is strictly a presentational element. If you want to show your text in bold letters and not have real semantic meaning, then put it within <b>.......</b> tag. Difference between HTML <b> and <strong> tag The b tag is explicit whereas strong tag is semantic.The <strong> tag adds extra semantic meaning to the HTML document. It is recommended to use strong tag for bold format now. HTML bold tag exampleTest it Now Hello guys, this is the method to write bold text. Note: According to HTML5 specification, b tag should be used only if no other tag is appropriate. For example: If you want to write a heading, you must use the header tag <h1> to <h6>. Important statement should be denoted within <strong>.....</strong> tag, and the text you want to mark or highlight, must be put within <mark>...</mark> tag. There is also a CSS 'font-weight' property to set bold text. Note: HTML b tag also supports the global and event attribute in HTML.
It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker. Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool. Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker. From what i have read, none of the Titanics hull compartments were water tight and as "one" filled up, it spilled over into the next one and so on until it became too much for the ship to handle... Originally posted by woogleuk The very design of the Titanic takes away any possibility of this being a torpedo strike. The way the compartments were layed out would have meant that a torpedo strike, had it penetrated even 2-3 of the compartments, it would have stayed afloat. No conspiracy here people, move along home now. Originally posted by blocula Another thing,every countries "true level" of its technology is always kept secret and is not made common knowledge,just like the USA right now,we do not know the true extent of the USA's present military technology and so in 1912,Germanys actual level and extent of submarine knowledge would have remained secret... Yes i have,from a WW-2 era torpedo,not a WW-1 torpedo,although they are probably similar... Originally posted by Montana reply to post by blocula Have you ever seen video or photos of a torpedo strike? There would be NO confusion from the survivors if it had been a torpedo!
How well a patient's immune system reacts to his own cancer cells and the schedule by which the vaccine is given are two key factors in the success of a custom-made vaccine created from the cancer cells of patients with malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer and fastest growing cancer in the United States. Nearly one-half – 44 percent – of malignant melanoma patients enrolled in a clinical trial who received the vaccine following standard surgery lived at least five years – no small achievement, considering that only about 20 percent live that long with surgery alone, according to David Berd, M.D., professor of medicine at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and Jefferson's Kimmel Cancer Center. "Although additional, controlled trials will be necessary to prove efficacy, these numbers look promising," says Dr. Berd, who created the vaccine. "We're emphasizing what we call the immunopharmacology of our cancer vaccine, meaning that how the vaccine is administered and the immune response that it elicits strongly influence whether or not a patient will survive five years." He and his colleagues report their findings in the current issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. An editorial accompanies the paper. The phase II trial examined the immunological and clinical results of a vaccine given to 214 melanoma patients with clinical stage III disease, meaning it had spread to lymph nodes that were large enough to be felt by routine examination. The vaccine was prepared from each patient's own cancer cells. Before injecting the cells into patients, they were inactivated and modified with a chemical, dinitrophenyl (DNP). It is believed that the chemically-altered cells make the cancer cells more visible to the body's immune system, which recognizes and reacts against them. According to Dr. Berd, the immune response against the cancer cells is measured by a test called delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), which is similar to a tuberculosis or allergy test. Patients who developed stronger DTH – indicating an aroused immune system – to their own tumor cells after receiving the vaccine lived twice as long as those who did not. The way the vaccine was administered mattered to patients as well. The vaccine was given in four different dosing schedules, but the researchers discovered that a particular dosing schedule elicited the maximum immunological response. His group found that if a certain "induction dose" was not given properly, patients had a much weaker immune response to the vaccine. "In that regard, vaccines are like drugs," he says. "The dose and timing have to be just right." The immunological response to the tumor cell was important not only in determining if the melanoma grew back, but also affected the length of their survival after relapse. In fact, about 25 percent of the DTH (+) patients who relapsed were still alive after five years. "That observation suggests that the vaccine changed the biology of the disease," says Dr. Berd. He believes that these findings should be applicable to other experimental cancer vaccines. "Generally, in the vaccine field, people don't worry about the dose, how often they give it and the injection site," he says. "We show that these things matter. These parameters are important and people will need to figure them out if they want to get their vaccines to work." Dr. Berd and his colleagues are now developing a second-generation vaccine. The new vaccine involves using an additional chemical to modify tumor cells, making them in theory even more visible to the immune system. Source: Eurekalert & othersLast reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 21 Feb 2009 Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved. The best way out is always through. -- Robert Frost
Have you ever wondered why your ancestor decided to emigrate, how they got there, or how they knew where to go? The answers to these questions could have come from an emigrant guide. Emigrant guides contain instructions and advice for those interested or planning to emigrate. They are useful for gaining insight into the whys and hows of an ancestor’s preparation, journey, and settlement in a new land. Whether your ancestor sailed across the ocean or traveled across the country, they had questions about the trip and their future home which an emigrant guide often answered. These guides provided essential information and practical advice about travel, weather, geography, opportunities, and much more. They were aimed at people who were literate and had the means to travel to a new place in order to start a new life. The ideal guide had a table of contents, included maps, was cheap, and was compact for easy carrying. Emigrant guides provide a window into the lives of our ancestors. Learn how to locate the guides and how to use them to understand more about your ancestor’s story. The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) will present “Using Emigrant Guides for Genealogical Research” by Julie P. Miller, CG®, CGL℠ free to the public at 8:00 p.m. EDT, 16 October 2018. President Rick Sayre, CG®, CGL℠, FUGA says, “Every month the Board for Certification of Genealogists offers a new webinar as part of an ongoing series that supports our mission to provide education for family historians. These webinars are presented by certified associates and offer a quality genealogical educational experience. The board promotes excellence in research and working to standards in an ethical manner.” Register for “Using Emigrant Guides for Genealogical Research” by Julie P. Miller, CG®, CGL℠ before 16 October 2018. BCG receives a commission if you register by clicking our affiliate link: http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/?aid=2619. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. See the BCG Library at Legacy Family Tree Webinars at http://legacy.familytreewebinars.com/?aid=2619 for access to all BCG webinars. For more information on BCG’s education opportunities, please visit: https://bcgcertification.org/learning/education/. Again, BCG receives a commission if you register by clicking and buying via our affiliate link. The words Certified Genealogist and letters CG are registered certification marks, and the designations CGL and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.
Miniature spacecraft about the size of coffee can could be launched by electromagnetic launchers to conduct dozens of different space exploration missions, according to an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Ross M. Jones of JPL's spacecraft systems engineering section said that Earth-orbiting electromagnetic launchers, or railguns, being developed for the U.S. Strategic Defense Initiative Office (SDIO), would be useful in launching very small, low-cost scientific probes to various destinations in the solar system. Jones discussed the proposal in paper presented today at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics' Aerospace Sciences Conference held in Reno, Nev. Electromagnetic launchers are being developed by the U.S. military for use both on the ground and in space. Instead of using explosive power to propel projectile, electromagnetic guns and launchers generate brief but powerful electrical pulses that in turn produce strong electromagnetic forces that accelerate projectiles to extremely high velocities. By taking advantage of the small-scale construction possible with microelectronics, and by limiting the science objectives of mission, spacecraft weighing about three pounds could be launched by Earth-orbiting railguns on trajectories toward the Sun, planets, asteroids, comets or interplanetary space. "Instead of one large, expensive spacecraft launched every few years," said Jones, NASA "could launch many, perhaps 10 to 50 identical, small, relatively inexpensive spacecraft per year." He estimates that such spacecraft could be developed at fraction of the cost of today's sophisticated, multi-instrument spacecraft, which cost from $300 million to $800 million. Small spacecraft would call for an entirely different approach to space science compared to current practice, Jones added, "but not so different from what was practiced at the beginning of the space age" 30 years ago when probes weighing less than 50 pounds were the norm. Drawbacks to miniature spacecraft, such as limited space for instruments, would be offset by advantages such as the speed with which their highly focused missions could be accomplished. For example, Jones estimates that l-kilogram (2.2-pound) spacecraft launched by an orbiting railgun would achieve an exit velocity of about 10 kilometers per second (about six miles per second), giving the probe enough velocity to travel about 750 million miles (about the distance between Earth's and Saturn's orbits) in two years. (As comparison, the one-ton Voyager 2 spacecraft, launched by Titan-Centaur rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., took more than four years to travel to Saturn, and that relatively speedy travel time was possible only because of gravity boost from Voyager's flyby of Jupiter. No current U.S. launch vehicles are capable of sending spacecraft that distance without gravity-assist flyby of another planet.) NASA's most recent planetary spacecraft launch was Pioneer Venus in 1978. Due to delays caused in the Space Shuttle program following the Challenger accident, the next planetary project, the Magellan mission to Venus, won't be launched until April 1989 at the earliest. If his concept is shown to be feasible and ultimately applied, Ross said, "it will open an entirely new avenue for the achievement of space science objectives. News Media Contact818-354-5011
There are a couple of myths told each year at my house on Thanksgiving. One is that the Chef won't get bladdered and kick everyone out of the kitchen. The other is that there's a natural chemical in turkey called tryptophan that makes you sleepy after the meal. While the first myth stems from wishful thinking on my wife's part, the sleepy-turkey myth lingers around each year because it sounds so logical. Alas, it is only marginally true. What's making you sleepy after Thanksgiving dinner is any combination of booze, bad conversation, family members and a carbohydrate-heavy meal, but not the turkey itself. The Tryptophan Trip Tryptophan is an essential amino acid crucial for good health. Human bodies need tryptophan to build certain kinds of proteins. There is a sleep connection, though. The body uses tryptophan in a multi-step process to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate sleep. Turkey does have tryptophan. But all meat has tryptophan at comparable levels. Cheddar cheese, gram for gram, has more. While cheddar isn't the most exciting cheese in the cheese cellar, no one connects it with sleep. Turkey gets singled out for no other reason than being eaten during the biggest meal of the year. Let's talk turkey! Americans feast on 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving. According the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than 45 million turkeys are cooked and eaten in the United States at Thanksgiving. That number represents one sixth of all the turkeys sold in the U.S. each year! Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird. Domesticated turkeys cannot fly, however wild turkeys can fly up to 55 miles per hour over short distances. Only male (tom) turkeys gobble. Females make a clicking noise. The famous gobble is actually a seasonal mating call. The heaviest turkey ever raised weighed in at 86 pounds - about the size of a German Shepherd! (But turkeys are normally not used as police animals.) A turkey under 16 weeks of age is called a fryer. A five to seven month old turkey is called a roaster. The Turkey Trot, a ballroom dance in the 1900s, was named for the short, jerky steps of the turkey. It became popular mainly because it was denounced by the Vatican as "suggestive." Turkeys are known to spend the night in trees! (Maybe to escape the Thanksgiving table?) Turkeys can drown if they look up when it's raining! A turkey's field of vision is 270 degrees - one of the main reasons they're able to elude some hunters. The average age of the Mayflower passenger was 32. The oldest Mayflower passenger was 64. There was no milk, cheese, bread, butter or pumpkin pie at the original Thanksgiving Day feast. The cranberry got its name because the pale pink blossoms on the plant resembled a crane's head and neck. The name craneberry stuck, eventually becoming cranberry. Fresh cranberries are ideal for cranberry sauce. Cranberries of the highest quality will always bounce! (If you try this at home, please wash the cranberries before eating.) President Abraham Lincoln established the original date for our National Thanksgiving Day celebration in 1863. President Thomas Jefferson scoffed at the idea of establishing a national "Thanksgiving Day." Congress did not declare Thanksgiving a national holiday until 1941. The average person consumes 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. (Now that's a lot of turkey!) ROAST TURKEY WITH SAGE AND ONION STUFFING INGREDIENTS 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 lb pork sausage meat 2 level tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped 2 level tbsp flat leaf parsley, finely chopped 1 oz fresh white breadcrumbs Salt and pepper 1 14lb oven-ready turkey 4oz soft butter 8oz streaky bacon, thinly sliced 1 pints Chicken or Turkey stock 2 tbsp all purpose/plain flour pint Port 2 tbsp redcurrant jelly METHOD Heat the oven to 425F. Prepare the stuffing: In a large bowl mix together the onion, pork sausage meat, herbs, breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slip your fingers under the skin at the neck end and loosen to create a cavity over the breast. Stuff the neck end with the onion and sage stuffing up to the breast. Tuck the loose skin underneath and secure with a fine metal skewer. Smear the soft butter evenly over the breast and legs of the turkey. Lay thin slices of bacon neatly across the breast and top surface of the legs. Sprinkle the whole turkey liberally with salt and pepper. Lay two large sheets of aluminum foil over a roasting tin large enough to hold the bird. Place the bird back down and fold the foil loosely over the bird leaving a roomy gap between the bird and the foil to allow steam to escape. Roast in the preheated oven for 40 minutes then lower the temperature to 325F and cook for 3 hours basting from time to time. Remove the turkey from the oven; raise the temperature to 425F. Fold back the foil on the turkey, remove the bacon and pour any juices into a jug or bowl. Return the turkey to the oven and cook for a further 30 mins to crisp the skin. Remove from the oven and check the temperature with a meat thermometer placed into the thickest past of the thigh, the turkey is cooked if the temperature is 175F. If you don't have a thermometer the turkey is cooked if the juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a small sharp knife. If the juices are pink return to the oven and cook until they run clear. When cooked, leave the turkey to rest for 30 mins wrapped loosely with fresh foil before carving. Meanwhile make the gravy. Pour all the juices from the roasting tin into the bowl or jug with the juices saved from the foil. Spoon off all the fat which will float to the surface and discard. Place the roasting tin on a high heat on the stove top, add the flour and stir to scrape up all the sediment from the tin. Cook for one minute. Pour in the port and stir well then add the stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the turkey juices, bring back to the boil and cook for a further 3 minutes. Add the redcurrant jelly stir until dissolved then strain into a gravy boat or serving jug. AND FINALLY... Some entertaining tips for this Thanksgiving: Vegetarians coming to dinner? Simply serve them a nice bit of Turkey. Since they're always going on about how tofu, Quorn, meat substitute, etc., "tastes exactly like the real thing," they won't know any difference. Don't invite drug addicts round for a meal on Thanksgiving night. They may find the offer of cold turkey embarrassing or offensive.
“Children, I forbid you to enter the ghetto! Those trapped in the ghetto will be transported to the Place of No Return…You must pack your most vital belongings immediately…and flee for your lives!” With his father’s final plea ringing in his ears, young Pinchos Yeshaya Kornbluh said goodbye to his days as a serious and diligent bachur in yeshivah, and began his escape flight, always attempting to keep one step ahead of the Nazis. And so began one long chain of miracles for Pinchos Yeshaya. Split-second decisions, whose outcomes often spelled life or death, were his constant companions. From his time in the Hungarian army, where the commander of his battalion, noting the youngster’s daring spirit and leadership qualities, soon put him in charge—even submitting to the boy’s decisions himself—through the misery of the Gunskirchen concentration camp, from where he was eventually liberated, Pinchos Yeshaya persevered. He learned to look danger right in the eye, to keep his cool and outsmart even the wiliest of German guards, armed only with his pure faith, his zeal to keep as many mitzvos as possible, and his determination to stay alive. Just as Tatteh had mandated.
It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker. Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool. Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker. Originally posted by Sublimecraft This one blows me away - looks totally artificial does it not? Q: How are snowflakes formed? A: A snowflake begins to form when an extremely cold water droplet freezes onto a pollen or dust particle in the sky. This creates an ice crystal. As the ice crystal falls to the ground, water vapor freezes onto the primary crystal, building new crystals – the six arms of the snowflake. That’s the short answer. The more complex explanation is this: These ice crystals that make up snowflakes are symmetrical (or patterned) because they reflect the internal order of the crystal’s water molecules as they arrange themselves in predetermined spaces (known as “crystallization”) to form a six-sided snowflake. Ultimately, it is the temperature at which a crystal forms — and to a lesser extent the humidity of the air — that determines the basic shape of the ice crystal. Thus, we see long needle-like crystals at 23 degrees F and very flat plate-like crystals at 5 degrees F. The intricate shape of a single arm of the snowflake is determined by the atmospheric conditions experienced by entire ice crystal as it falls. A crystal might begin to grow arms in one manner, and then minutes or even seconds later, slight changes in the surrounding temperature or humidity causes the crystal to grow in another way. Although the six-sided shape is always maintained, the ice crystal (and its six arms) may branch off in new directions. Because each arm experiences the same atmospheric conditions, the arms look identical.
Bio Sa To Allah Bachaye Mera dosto ka bura haaal ha bio sa...... Comp Sci Achi Ha Maza Ata Ha Comp Ma This is a discussion on Biology .Chapter 1....9th Class within the 9th forums, part of the Classes category; INTRODUCTION OF BIOLOGY. SCIENCE. Our universe operates under certain principles. For understanding of these principles, the experiments are done and ... INTRODUCTION OF BIOLOGY. Our universe operates under certain principles. For understanding of these principles, the experiments are done and observations are made; on the basis of which logical conclusions are drawn. Such a study is called "Science". In brief science is the knowledge based on experiments and observations. The Scientific study of living organisms is called Biology. The word biology is derived from two Greek words "bios" meaning life and "logos" meaning thought, discourse, reasoning or study. It means that all aspects of life and every type of living organism are discussed in biology. Branches of Biology Biology is divided into following branches: The study of form and structure of living organisms is called morphology. It can be further divided into following two parts: 1. The study of external parts of living organism is called external morphology. 2. The study of internal parts of living organism is called internal morphology or anatomy. The study of cells and tissues with the aid of the microscope is called Histology. The study of structure and functions of cells and their organelles is called Cell Biology. the study of different functions performed by different parts of living organism is called Physiology. The study of organisms in relation to each other and their environment is called Ecology or Environmental Biology. Living organisms are classified into groups and subgroups on the basis of similarities and differences. This is called classification Taxanomy is that branch of biology in which organisms are classified and given scientific names. The study of development of an organism from fertilized egg (zygote) is called embryology. The stage between zygote and newly hatched or born baby is called embryo. The study of methods and principles of biological inheritance of characters from parents to their offspring is called genetics. The body parts of ancient organisms or their impressions preserved in rocks are called fossils. The study of fossils is called paleontology. It also includes the study of origin and evolution of organisms. It can be divided into two parts: 1. The study of fossils of plants is called Palaeobotany. 2. The study of fossils of animals is called Palaeozoology. The study of metabolic reactions taking place in living organisms is called biochemistry. These reactions may be constructive or destructive. The assimilation of food is a constructive process and respiration is a destructive process. It is the branch of biology which deals with the practical application of organisms and their components for the welfare of human beings e.g. disinfections and preservations of food, preservations of insulin and biogas from bacteria etc. Relationship of Biology with other Sciences In ancient times, there was no distinction of biology and other sciences. Different fields of sciences like biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics are met together in the writings of ancient scientists. In ancient times, these subjects were studied under one head "science", but with the passage of time, the science developed very much and the huge scientific knowledge was then divided into different branches. The study of various biological phenomena according to principles of physics is called biophysics. For example, movement of muscles and bones based on principles of physics. The study of different biochemical like carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids etc found in cells of living organisms and hundreds of the underlying chemical reactions in cells of organisms is called biochemistry. The data obtained from observations and experiments on living organism is analyzed by various statistical methods. This is called Biometry. The study of plants and animals and the basis of geographical distribution is called Biogeography. The study of living organisms from economic point of view is called Bio-Economics. It includes the study of cost effectiveness and viability of biological projects from commercial point of view. Biological Method of Study or Method Used to Solve the Problem of Malaria Most of the biological investigations start with an observation. After selecting, specific biological problem, observations are made to collect relevant information. For example; take the case of Malaria. Malaria is the greatest killer disease of man for centuries. Malaria was one among many other diseases for which a cure was needed. In 1878, A French physician, Laveran, studied the blood sample of Malaria patient under microscope and observed tiny creatures in it. These creatures were later called Plasmodium. To solve a scientific problem, one or more possible propositions are made on the basis of the observations. Such a proposition is called a Hypothesis. The hypothesis is tested by scientific method. A good hypothesis has the following merits: 1. It is close to the observed fact. 2. One or more deductions can be made from this. 3. These deductions should be confirmed doing experiments. 4. Results whether positive or negative should be reproducible. To know the cause of malaria, following hypothesis was made: Plasmodium is the cause of Malaria." Note: One or more than one possible deductions can be made from the hypothesis. the logical conclusion drawn from a hypothesis is called deduction. Testing one deduction and finding it correct does not necessarily mean the hypothesis is correct and scientific problem is solved. Actually, if more deductions are found to be correct; the hypothesis will be close to solution of the problem. Following groups are designed to perform experiments: It is the group of those people who are affected in some way and we do not know the real cause e.g. a group of malarial patients. It is the group of unaffected people e.g. persons group of healthy persons. By keeping both of these groups under similar conditions, the difference between them is determined. To know the real cause of malaria, the experts examined the blood of about 100 malarial patients (experimental group). On the other hand, the experts examined the blood of about 100 healthy persons (control group). During the experiments mentioned above; the plasmodium was found in blood of most of malarial patients. The plasmodim was absent in the blood of healthy persons. These results verified the deductions and thus the hypothesis i.e. the plasmodium is the cause of Malaria, was proved to a considerable extent. If hypothesis is proved to be correct from repeated experiments and uniform results, then this hypothesis becomes a theory. When a theory is again and again proved to be correct, then it is called a scientific principle. Contributions of Muslims Scientists in the Field of Biology Many Muslim scientists contributed a lot in the field of biology but the following names are more respectable: Period: 722-817 A.D Books: Alnabatat and Alhaywan Contribution: He studied the life of plants and animals and wrote many books about them. Books: Al-Kheil, Al-Ibil, As-Sha, Al-Wahoosh, Khalaqul Insan. Contributions: He described the body structure and functions of horses, camels, sheep, wild animals and human beings in detail. Contribution: He explained the characteristics of about 350 species of animals. He wrote on the life of aunts especially. Al-Farabi and Abu-ul-Qusim Al-Zahravi Period: 870-950 A.D Books: Al-Nabatat, Al-Haywanat Contribution: The above mentioned books were written by Al-Farabi. On the other hand, Al-Zahravi was famous for removal of stone from urinary bladder. Period: 965-1039 A.D Books: Al-Manazir, Mizan-ul-Hikma Contributions: Both of these books were famous and well known at that time. These books were translated into Latin, Hebrew, Greek and other western languages. He explained the structure and functions of eyes and suggested the cornea as a site of vision. Period: 980 A.D Book: Al-Qanoon Fil Tib Al-Shifa Contribution: He wrote about plants, animals and non-living things in one book. He was expert in mathematics, astronomy, physics and paleontology. Contribution: he described the blood circulation in the human body. Ali Ibne Isa Contribution: He worked on structure, functions of eye and about 130 diseases of eyes and their treatment. There is long list of non-Muslim scientists who contributed a lot in the field of biology. But, the following scientists are very well known. Period: 382-322 A.D Book: Historia Animalia Contribution: He classified the animals and called as founder of biological classifications. He classified animals into two units, genus and species which was called Oedos. Contribution: He accepted * in plants and desired about 500 plants. He is known as father of botany. Period: 1514-1564 A.D Contribution: He wrote a book on human body structure in which he described bones, muscles and orans in detail. Period: 1578-1657 A.D Contribution: He described the blood circulation in human body. Period: 1507-1778 A.D Contribution: He described the blood circulation in human body. Period: 1578-1657 A.D. Contribution: He gave a system of binomial nomenclature. He is known as father of taxonomy. Schlelden and Schwann Contribution: Scheiden (1838) studied the cells of plants and Schwann (1839) studied the cells of animals. They proposed the cell theory. Period: 1822-1895 A.D Contribution: He proved that microbes are found in the air which spoils the food items. Period: 1796 A.D Contribution: He invented method of vaccination against Small Pox. Period: 1845-1910 A.D. Contribution: He discovered bacteria as causes of main diseases like Tuberculosis. Period: 1860 A.D Contribution: He made antiseptic medicines like Iodine and Carbolic acid. Period: 1859 A.D Book: Origin of Species by Natural Selection Contribution: He explained concept of evolution in his book. Period: 1822-1884 A.D Contribution: He conducted experiments on Pea plants. He formulated the laws of inheritance. He is known as father of modern genetics. William Lawrence and William Henry Period: 1882 A.D Contribution: They discovered X-ray crystallography to understand the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DN). They were father and son. Francis Crick and James Watson Period: 1953 A.D Contribution: He discovered the double helix model of DNA and proved that DNA is found in cells of all living organisms. Significance of Biology or Impact of Biological Study on Human Life the present high level achievements of man are largely due to the advanced biological research. The study of biology is very important in routine matters of our life as described below. Food has basic importance in our life. Due to researches in biology, there are great achievements in agriculture. For the production of cereal crops; the best varieties of seeds were selected. The yield of wheat corn, rice, sugarcane and cotton has been enormously increased bringing healthy effect and prosperity. Today, the man has overcome the problems of balanced diet, food storage and famine. Control on Diseases. Health is basic necessity of life. Due to researches in biology, the discovery of new antibiotics for many infectious diseases like plague, cholera, pneumonia, tuberculosis and typhoid has made the life easy. The infant mortality has reduced due to discovery of vaccines for fatal diseases like small pox, polio, tetanus and diphtheria. Today AIDS is problem for world. The germs of this disease destroy the natural resistance and immunities against diseases. A medicine called AZT has been found effective for AIDS. Similarly many drugs have been discovered for treatment of cancer. Many organisms are used to produce drugs e.g. bacteria and fungi. We have controlled many infectious diseases by using drugs like penicillin and streptomycin. We have eliminated many harmful pests like locusts, flour beetle, termites, fungi, shipworm etc by using pesticides. Genetic engineering is a technology in which useful genes are inserted into the bacteria etc, to get required beneficial results. Using this technique, manipulation of heredity material is done and new species are produced e.g. Doli sheep. Today human insulin gene is inserted into DNA of bacteria to synthesize insulin on commercial bases. This insulin is found to be very useful in treatment of diabetic patients. Due to increasing urbanization, industrialization and automobiles, the man and other organisms have to face a great danger, "the environmental pollution". due to pollution of air, land and water there is danger to humans aid wild life. Many plants and animals have been maintaining the balance in our environment for millions of years and now at the verge of extinction due to pollution. By biological research, scientists are busy to find out causes and ways to control the pollution. The biology thus, has greatly improved the quality of our life. On Mars, some evidence of life has been found which is still under further investigation. During exploration of space the scientists have been conducted experiments on different plants, animals, fungi and bacteria in space and they have obtained very useful information. Islamic concepts About Origin of Life We have got much information about origin of life by studying the Holy Quran. The first thing learnt from teachings of Quran is that Allah is the ultimate creator of everything whether plants, animals or non-living things. "Allah is the creator of all things and He is Guardian of overall things." - (Surah Zamar-Ayat62) Not only plants, animals and non-living things and human beings but also the heavens and whole universe have been created by Allah. Origin of Life from Water The second important fact we get from Quran is that Allah has created all living thins from water. "We made every thing from water." - (Sura Ambia - Ayat 30) Viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi, different plants, all animals and humans are all living things. According to Quranic verses, all diverse living things were created from water. From above mentioned sayings of God there is an indication for common origin of living things or we can at least say that all living things have come out from water. Creation of Man Allah also sys in Quran: "He created man from clay like the potter's." - (Sura Rehman - Ayat 14) It seems that there were following two sages for creation of man: 1. Creation from water. 2. The first created thing, on admixing with clay was transformed into more advanced beings. The same can also be applied to other animals because there are certain similarities between structure of man and other animals. In vertebrate animals, the structures of digestive system, respiratory system, blood circulatory system, excretory system and reproductive system etc are similar to great extent, although differ in other details. Reproduction in living things. Once the life had been created, Allah implemented the process of reproduction for the continuity of races of animals and other organisms. The various stages of reproduction have been described in sura in following way: "Then fashioned we drop a clot, then fashioned we clot a little lump, then fashioned we the lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh." - (Sura Almominoon Ayat 14) Classification and Evolution "Allah has created every animal from water some of them creep up on their bellies, other walk on two legs, and others on four, Allah creates what the pleases. He has power overall thins." - (Sura Nur Ayat 45) "Hath there come upon man (every) any period of time in which he was a thing unrememberd?" - (Sura Dahar Ayat 1) The close study of above sayings of God reveals that all animals had a common origin but they gradually underwent changes after words and became different from each other i.e. some animals became crawler, some bipedal and some other tetra pods. The present animals are advanced forms of the past animals who achieved this form after passing through many changes. Concept of Abiogenesis and Biogenesis for Origin of Life on Planet Earth Scientific Views About Origin of Life How did life originate on this earth? This may never be know for certain to science because neither it is possible today to make observation of primitive events when the life actually originated nor there is any fossil record of first formed soft bodied organisms. However, in 1950 some scientists created the primitive earth condition (approximately 4 billion years ago) in the laboratory and performed experiments. On the basis of results obtained from these experiments, scientists formulated some ideas. These ideas seem to be close to reality. Abiogenesis and Biogenesis In ancient times, there were two views about the origin of life: 1. According to one view, offspring are produced from their parents by process of reproduction, this is called concept of Biogenesis. 2. According to other view, living things are produced spontaneously from non-living things. This is called concept of Abiogenesis. Because at that time, there was neither so much advancement in science nor scientific tools like microscope and other instruments were invented, which could help in detailed observations about reality. According to some people, insects are produced from dewdrops, rats from debris, frogs from mud, and maggots from putrefied meat. Some scientists like Copernieus, Bacon, Galileo, Harvey, and Descartes also believed this concept. From 16th to 18th century many scientists performed experiments to test this concept. They found some animals to be developed from non living matter. Therefore this concept seemed to be correct. Later on, scientists performed experiments with more care. First of all an Italian scientists, Francesco Redi, (1668) proved that this concept was wrong. Redi took four bottles. He put a dead snake in one bottle, a few dead fish in second bottle, dead eel in third bottle and a piece of meat in the fourth bottle. All these bottles were left open. The flies could enter these bottles. Then he took four more such bottles. He put some dead animals in all four bottles but covered the mouth of bottles. (Figure from book) After few days, maggots were produced in four open bottles. Maggots were not produced in closed bottles. Moreover, no flies were seen. Therefore, it was proved that maggots were not produced spontaneously by produced due to flied which were visiting the open bottles. The maggots were the larvae produced from the eggs of the visiting flies. In 1948, an English scientist Needham boiled the meat in the water and prepared gravy. He poured this gravy into the bottles and closes their mouth with corks. After some days, many microscopic organisms were produced. In this way, the believers of abiogenesis were once again gain courage. Experiment of Spallanzani In 1767, an Italian scientists Spallanzani criticized the experiment of Needham. He said that air entered the bottles through the pores of cork and hence living organisms were produced. (Figure from Book) Spallanzani put the boiled meat and vegetables in clean bottles and then sealed the mouth of bottles by heat. He placed these sealed bottles in boiled water to kill the possible germs. After some days, he found no organisms. He left the same boiled meat and vegetables in open bottles at the same time. Some living organisms were produced in these bottles. This supportd the concept of Biogenesis. But the believers of Abiogenesis said that air removed by Spallanzani was necessary for living things so no organisms were produced in sealed bottles. When oxygen was discovered the supporters of Abiogenesis said that Spallanzani had removed oxygen where by no life could be produced in his experiment. Experiment of Louis Pasteur The argument on Biogenesis and Abiogenesis continued up to the middle of, 19th century. A well-known French scientist, Louis Pasteur proved, after simple but very careful experiments, that abiogenesis could not occur in present environment of earth. He proved that living organisms could only be produced from their parents. In 1864, Pasteur performed his experiment in front of the commission formed to solve the issue. He took flasks, which had long curved S-shaped necks. He placed fermentable infusion (Yeast + sugar + water) in flasks and left their mouth open. (Figure from Book) He boiled the yeast infusion in the flasks. After this, he allowed to cool them and kept them as such. He observed that no life ws produced even after the lapse of several days, because microscopic organisms entering along with air got stuck up in on the curved walls of the glass necks. Then he broke up the curved necks, so that air containing microscopic organisms could reach the infusion. Now he noted that microscopic organisms were produced within 48 hours. This proved that if care was taken and no microscopic organisms and reproductive structures (eggs or spores) approach the infusion, no life could be produced because thee is no spontaneous generation of life from non life. After Pasteur, no further experiments were performed on origin of life for the next 60 years. In 1920, a Russian biochemist Alexander Oparin and a British biologist J.B.S 1-Ialdane suggested that life on earth was originated after a long and gradual molecular evolution and there was no spontaneous and miraculous origin of life on earth. Chemical and Organic Evolution of Life on Earth The modern view of the origin of life stresses on the idea of chemical evolution. According to Oparin and Haldane, the origin of first life had been initiated from the time of the existence of the solar system (the sun with its nine planets). The earth, like the sun was made up of light and heavy elements. Heavy elements like iron, nickel etc were present in the nucleus of the earth, while the light elements and compounds like hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, carbon, ammonia, nitrogen oxide, etc in the form of vapours existed on the surface of the earth. These light elements and compounds were responsible for the first life on earth. The earth had high temperature and radiation and had frequent and abundant discharges. In these conditions, the first life originated. Oparin and Haldane suggested that simple inorganic molecules slowly and gradually combined to produce complex organic molecules from which the simplest form of life (bacteria) came into existence. This process took a long time. Haldane proposed that primitive earth's atmosphere had only carbon dioxide, ammonia and water vapours. If a mixture of these gases is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, it leads to the formation of organic compounds like sugar and amino acids. As free oxygen was not available to check the radiation from reaching the earth so substances like sugar and amino acids went on accumulating under such conditions. About 15 billion years ago, there was a huge explosion (Big Bag). The universe started expanding and the temperature dropped drastically. In time, about 4.6 billion years ago our earth and other planets appeared as part of the solar system. The primitive atmosphere of the earth was rich in hydrogen. With the passage of time, the atmospheric temperature gradually dropped. This allowed condensation and heavy rains, which caused formation of oceans. Thunder and lightning sparks together with ultraviolet radiation caused reactions of the atmospheric gases resulting in the formation of simple organic molecules. These molecules came down with the rains and accumulated in the seas, oceans, lakes, rivers and the soil over a very long period of time. These molecules interacted and produced amino acids and proteins which are the body building substances. The fossil evidence indicates that the earliest forms of organisms lived about 3.8 billion years ago. From this it is speculated that the origin of life started about 4 billion years ago. The earliest organisms were heterotrophs. The depletion of the pre-existed food from the environment led to the evolution of organisms capable of making their own food. They became autotrophs, and added free oxygen into the atmosphere. For at least the first 2 billion years of life on earth, all organisms were bacteria. About 1.5 billions years ago, the first eukaryotes appeared. The idea of organic evolution was supported by scientists like Lamarck and Charles Darwin. Differentiate between Biogenesis and Abiogenesis A theory which describes the origin of life on the earth from pre-existing living organisms is called Biogenesis. (i) It was based on practical experiments and material evidence. (ii) It was supported by the experiments performed by Redi and Pasteur. (iii) It was based on practical basis. (iv) It describes the process of reproduction as an essential ability of living organisms. A theory which describes the origin of life on the earth from non living things is called Abiogenesis. (i) It was based on observations and national thoughts. (ii) It was supported by the fungus of bread: and production of frogs in the mud. (iii) It was based on theoretical basis. (iv) It gives no scientific reasoning about the production of life. Differentiate between Hypothesis and Theory (i) The process of making some possible answers for the related biological problem is called Hypothesis. (ii) It is the step of biological methods which gives the way to carry on the research. (iii) Hypothesis is an uncertain intelligent statement. (iv) Hypothesis is formed from observations and collected facts. (i) The final explanation which is given on the basis of hypothesis and deduction if they are found correct is called theory. (ii) It is the step of biological method which gives actual reason to biological method. (iii) Theory is certain intelligent statement. (iv) Theory is formed by experimentation, physical evidence to explain the laws of nature Bio Sa To Allah Bachaye Mera dosto ka bura haaal ha bio sa...... Comp Sci Achi Ha Maza Ata Ha Comp Ma bio to bohat achi hai aur bio se nahi bura haal hota balke chemistry se bura haal hota ....and i love bio forr moor, any one can contect at 0********
It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker. Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool. Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker. Originally posted by Consequence Plants don't grow out of water. It doesn't have to be wet. Damp mud/soil/dust can also have the same effect. The track material is way different than the tires on the automobiles on earth. Originally posted by DeepThoughtCriminal I think I see what you were talking about, on the second picture. However to me, it does not look wet. Have you ever seen a wet and muddy tire before? Doesn't look like that. This just looks like dirt that has stuck to tire, and been compressed as the tire is rolling. Dirt sticks everywhere and the tire does not need wetness for this to happen. Originally posted by BassAckwards2999 You've obviously never heard of Hydroponics. Or been near a river or a creek. There are a lot of plants that grow in water. Originally posted by CynicalDrivel It is possible that the ridges are there for the same reason footprints stayed on the moon so crisply. The dust particles have sharper edges due to not having a similar atmosphere to Earth's. Originally posted by Phage reply to post by wildespace Electrostatic effects are a good possibility. Probably better than moisture. Sort of like scuffing your feet on a carpet or in this case a bit like a Van De Graf generator. An electrostatic precipitator is a widely used dust removal technology for dusty environments on Earth. However, the low pressure of the Martian atmosphere limits the electrostatic potentials normally needed for this technology. This low pressure also affects dust particle charging due to the much longer molecular mean free paths of the Martian atmosphere. On the Moon and on Mars, conditions are ideal for triboelectric charging. The soil is drier than desert sand on Earth. That makes it an excellent electrical insulator. The different colors. Triboelectric charging of nonconducting materials followed by sudden electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage electronic equipment and become ignition hazard to combustible materials. Mars atmosphere has near zero humidity and therefore natural charge bleeding to surroundings is anticipated to be limited. Really look at it man, it's no skin off your back or anything. Originally posted by Asktheanimals In tracking nomenclature what you are seeing is called dulling. It is the result of the fine particulates being churned up in such a way that the surface is not compacted like what you see next to it and consequently there is no reflective quality (or alternately it absorbs most of the light). Think of it this way; in a tightly packed surface the particles are close together and in this case they appear shiny, if they are packed loosely together then there are many cracks in the surface that trap the light. Go step in sand or freshly churned earth and you can see the phenomenon for yourself.
In places where land submerges itself beneath water, modes of transportation immediately change and, in some cases, endings become beginnings. The Kintetsu Line train to Toba in Mie Prefecture deposited me practically in front of Ise Bay, which is less known for its fish than for its artificial-pearl industry. The absence of sea-facing shrines suggested that the waters here were calmer than in the open sea, minimizing the need to erect dedicatory sites to protective sea deities. Calm waters, as I soon found out, are essential for pearl cultivation. The best place for a crash course in this extraordinary process is the museum on Mikimoto Pearl Island, a short walk across the Pearl Bridge from Toba Station. The well-labeled displays, models and lifelike figures explain how pearl production is conducted out among the oysters. The use of words connected to agriculture, the talk of “seeding” and oyster “grounds,” is telling, as while this may be a man-made process, there is a decidedly organic aspect to it. Nacre, a pearly substance, begins to secrete after a segment of mantle lobe is carefully transplanted into oyster tissue. More liquid begins to be secreted within a one- to two-week period after a sack has started forming around the nucleus of the future pearl. As layers of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form are deposited in concentric layers, a pearl is created. This is an exhausting process for the host molluscs, requiring a period of recuperation in which the newly created jewels are left to soak in sheltered waters. They are then transferred to rafts situated close to the mouth of bays. These rafts, forming pleasing geometrical webs as seen from the surface, were to become a familiar sight over the next couple of days. More powerful currents guarantee exposure to flows of enriching plankton. If you peer below the raft frames, you will see oyster baskets suspended there. With the advent of winter, the baskets are placed in slightly warmer waters (above 10 degrees), then before their pearls are harvested the oysters are taken to waters that can improve the jewels’ luster. Ama (women oyster or abalone divers) are still employed in these areas to recover the pearls. Photo books dating from as recently as the 1970s show the women diving, then emerging bare-breasted and smiling from the water — an implausible sight in these less innocent, more self-conscious days. A more intimate look at pearl cultivation is possible by visiting the quieter climes of Kashikojima, the terminus of the railway line. Initially, I had little sense of being on an island. It was only on the next day, when I retraced the route on foot, walking over the bridge linking it to the mainland, that the landscape slowed down and its features fell into place, making sense out of the blur of speed accompanying my arrival. The station is situated a little short of the small port, a single street terminating at the waterfront. In 1920, the line, then known as the Shima Electric Railway, was extended to the island. Back then Kashikojima was uninhabited. Shards of pottery and ancient tools have been found there, but quite why such a sheltered beauty spot was ever abandoned before the advent of the railway remains a mystery. The line helped to revitalize the island, but even in summer the volume of tourism remains moderate, the bay known only to a small cognoscenti of mostly Japanese visitors. One early exception to Kashikojima’s relative obscurity was a visit to the island by the English travel writer Ethel Mannin, who stayed there in 1959. In her Japan travelogue, “The Flowery Sword,” she wrote, “Kashikojima is perhaps the most beautiful place in the whole of that beautiful area which comprises Ise-Shima National Park. It must surely be one of the most beautiful places in all Japan.” Somehow the island conspires to be both grand and diminutive. With a circumference of little more than 7 km, and with few sites or structures of historical interest, it and its surrounding waters are best appreciated for their natural features. The sweeping views of the bay contrast with the constricted station and quay area — though the spatial restrictions have at least meant the area has been seen as too confined to develop or tinker with. One building of distinction is Matsui Pearls, a showroom built in 1905. The wooden structure, with its original signboard, stands opposite the quay where fishing and cruise boats are moored. If you want a good view of the bay, something like a panorama, you either have to stick to the high ridges above the port or board a boat. There is a large hotel on the hill behind the settlement, the luxurious Shima Kanko Hotel, renowned for its nouvelle cuisine, tastefully landscaped gardens and fine views. But there is nothing quite like being down by the bay itself and staying at one of the waterfront minshuku (family-run guesthouses) around the port, where the life of the shoreline and countless islets is more visible and more deeply felt. I opted to seek out the quietest sanctuary of all, a traditional inn called the Ryokan Ishiyama-so on the tiny island of Yokoyama. There is no public transport to the islet, a stay there requiring a phone call from the quayside and a short wait until its owner comes to pick you up in a small launch. The inn is convincing proof that a water passage, even of 3 or 4 minutes, can be transfiguring. The friendly couple who run the establishment were once great devotees of Bali, until the Indonesian isle became simply too commercialized for their tastes. Disillusioned with its rampaging materialism and the erosion of once-tranquil villages and landscapes, they decided to re-create in Ago Bay the faraway setting they had loved. What might in other hands have degenerated into an exercise in kitsch, here works rather well. In something akin to what you might once have found at a waterside Balinese hamlet, the visitor enters a spacious reception area replete with tropical plants, rattan furniture, piped gamelan music and a broad wooden waterfront deck. Of a summer evening when the tour boats are moored, the outline of hills has receded into darkness and barely all that remains are the silhouettes of pearl rafts floating on the flaming red water, there is something almost Southeast Asian about the ambience — particularly when your host places a bottle of iced Bintang Beer in your hands. Don’t expect to savor gado-gado, sambal or rijsttafel here, though. Dinners at the inn and in the minshukus at the port consist of copious amounts of some of the freshest seafood dishes you are likely to come across. There are no beaches, easily accessible interior nature reserves or forests on the island, making it a cumbersome process to get around on foot. Lanes often terminate in chain-link fences, indicating private property. Paths tend to end in similar barriers, or to descend to fallow or weed-infested plots — or to quiet, little-visited pearl operations. A handful of workers were taking a nap when I emerged at one such place, one person snoring in a cot, the others supine across a floating pearl raft. It was a scene of somnolence, a stolen siesta from an otherwise brisk day of activity. To truly appreciate Kashikojima and the islets here, the luxuriant greenery of its shoreline and the details of the pearl farming that sustains the region, you have to get out into the bay on a boat. The smaller vessels that offer short trips around this waterworld provide a close-up, more intimate view of what’s going on; the boats chugging gingerly between pearl rafts and fences, where men and women work from small huts built on the timber frames. This more proximate view reminds you how much life there is in the bay, both marine and human. An alternative to the converted fishing boats is a replica of a Spanish galleon that plies these waters in similar fashion to the one on Lake Ashino-ko (aka Hakone Lake) beneath towering Mount Fuji in Kanagawa Prefecture. A visual anomaly, the vessel has one advantage, which is the elevated view from its high deck. It’s a little like being moved around the bay on a crane, each turn of the boat offering a fresh perspective. A half-century ago, Ethel Mannin could never have envisaged a faux Spanish galleon or Balinese guesthouse, but in most other respects, she would have no difficulty recognizing the bay as it is today, or the profound stillness of its woods and waters. Travel tips: Kashikojima is the terminus of the Kintetsu Line linking it to Nagoya, Osaka and many other stations. The Annaijo (Information Center) there has maps of the area and can arrange accommodation. Ryokan Ishiyama-so (0599-52-1527) is 3 or 4 minutes by boat from the quay.
The most recent warnings about contaminated chicken come from the popular PBS series Frontline which aired a special report called “The Trouble with Chicken”. The emphasis in this documentary focused on the Foster Farms contamination of salmonella in 2013 and 2014 and particularly the strain called Heidelberg. It is more drug resistant and causes more sickness and death than the more common strain. It was responsible for the largest outbreak of sickness and death in the US. Currently, the Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) which operates under the auspices of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can only require a recall if the contaminant or pathogen has already been banned by the USDA. A good example is E. coli 0157. The ban allowed the massive beef recall of hamburger meat during the last year. So, why is salmonella not banned and allowed to linger in stores across the nation? Let us consider what happens at a chicken producer’s factory. The FSIS inspectors are looking at the chickens for gross signs of damage or disease and not checking for pathogens. That is the responsibility of the company and apparently they are either not catching the pathogens or they are not reporting the results to the USDA. But the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is tracking the outbreaks as hospitals report salmonella events. So, after the outbreak has occurred and is getting worse, the CDC tells the USDA, and they tell FSIS who has no authority to demand a stop to production and start a recall. All the FSIS can do is request a recall by the company. And around we go as more people get sick! There are two bills in both the US Senate and the House of Representatives. In the Senate it is the Meat and Poultry Recall Notification Act. In the House it is the Pathogen Reduction and Testing Reform Act. Both bills are sponsored by Democrats, and in the current gridlock, passage may be in jeopardy. And, as an added bonus we have the lobbyists for the poultry industry. They have a lot of power and can probably block the bill from ever being given a chance. I have a thought about how to proceed with this dilemma. The next company that has a reported pathogen in their product should be told to shut down and taken to court by the USDA! Yes, recall the contaminated product but stop all production until the courts test the authority of the USDA. Of course, the problem is to find someone in the USDA with the brass to do anything. We all know that bureaucrats are risk-averse. So until then, cook chicken until dry (above 145 F) and clean everything with bleach. And maybe wear disposable gloves. On second thought, maybe just use “the other white meat”…
Fact is indeed stranger than fiction. You don’t have to have literary interests to understand this saying. You can explore within yourself. Sometimes, it gets hard to understand the reason for sluggishness, restlessness, misunderstandings, procrastination. Here are some simple facts that such things are often based upon. - Truth about Situation: Sometimes when things don’t work, the external conditions may not be favorable to help them move on or work. Someone might try hard to improve upon themselves or others or the product. Every situation contains some form of conflict. There is never an absolutely favorable situation. So if one misses to assess the situation, he or she may miss the one important factor that often decides the outcome – Conflict. For example, demanding more work from employees during the times of festivals is often known to cause dissatisfaction or failing to diagnose existing conditions may make one overlook cause of a problem. So, truth about situation is really about knowing the resisting force that arises out of current situation. - Truth about People: People are different for sure. But there is a possibility of some having few things common within themselves. If you are having difficult time working with people, ask yourself questions like: Do we have same final goals? Do we believe in same Mission? Does the same environment make us feel enthusiastic?… Likewise. - Truth about Self: So often, one can fail to recognize that we ourselves can be responsible for certain unfavorable outcome. So, its always important to ask questions to self like: Is there any recurring thought that I need to acknowledge and resolve? Is there some defeating behavior that is the cause of present problem? Did any of my recent action cause any unrest in someone? Is there something I keep neglecting to address in life? There is never a need to be absolutely flawless in behavior, thoughts or actions. But its important to only correct what specifically causes disturbance or negative outcome. A habit of regular assessment by self reaps rich rewards.
Welcome to the Java Programming Forums The professional, friendly Java community. 21,500 members and growing! Members have full access to the forums. Advertisements are removed for registered users. Last edited by Sir Saula; July 10th, 2010 at 10:09 PM. The output you show is sorted with case sensitivity. 'Z' comes before 'a' Show what you think the order should be. Please post links to other forums this is posted on. I think that was just how the format to be but i am not certain...is there a code that can generate that output How to create a bubble sort and selection sort - Java Please only post on one site. See answers on the other forum. Uppercase letters by default will always get sorted ahead of lower case letters (when considering case) because their underlying representation in Unicode puts upper case letters before lower case letters. If you want to sort the string such that B comes before b but B comes after a, you will need to implement the comparison method yourself.
In the realm of cutting-edge technologies that seamlessly merge the boundaries between biology and engineering, electromyography (EMG) stands as a remarkable tool. EMG technology has emerged as a pivotal bridge, connecting the intricate world of human musculature with the realm of digital innovation. In this four-part blog series, we embark on an exciting journey through the intricacies, applications, advancements, and potential future of EMG technology. At its core, EMG is a non-invasive technique that captures and records the electrical activity produced by muscles. This technology provides insights into the functioning of our muscles, shedding light on how nerve signals translate into physical movement. EMG essentially helps us decipher the conversation between our brain and our muscles, offering a deeper understanding of our physiological motor control processes. The human body is a network of intricate systems, and EMG technology delves into the neural and muscular connections that enable us to perform a myriad of movements. When a nerve signal is sent from the brain to a muscle, it triggers a sequence of events resulting in muscle contraction. This process generates electrical signals known as action potentials. EMG technology employs specialized sensors, electrodes, and amplifiers to detect and record these action potentials. By analyzing the frequency, amplitude, and patterns of these signals, researchers and clinicians can glean valuable information about muscle activity and human performance. EMG technology's applications in the field of medicine are vast and transformative. One of its primary uses is in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders. By examining the patterns of electrical activity in muscles, physicians can identify abnormalities or dysfunctions in the nervous system. Conditions like muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and carpal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed and monitored using EMG technology. Therapeutically, EMG-guided treatments can aid in the rehabilitation process for patients recovering from injuries or surgeries. It assists in tracking muscle recovery progress and adjusting rehabilitation plans based on real-time feedback. Additionally, EMG biofeedback has been employed in physiotherapy to help patients regain muscle control and strength through targeted exercises. The influence of EMG technology extends far beyond medical applications. In the realm of prosthetics, EMG has revolutionized the development of functional and responsive artificial limbs. By attaching EMG sensors to residual muscles in amputated limbs, users can intuitively control the movement of prosthetic devices. This integration between technology and biology has significantly improved the quality of life for amputees, allowing them to regain a sense of natural movement. Moreover, EMG technology plays a pivotal role in the field of human-machine interaction. From gaming and virtual reality to robotics, EMG sensors enable users to interact with digital interfaces through gestures and muscle contractions. This seamless connection between the human body and technology has paved the way for innovative user experiences and novel applications. As we embark on this exploration of EMG technology, we've only just scratched the surface of its capabilities and potential. From understanding the basics of EMG to its applications in medicine, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and beyond, EMG technology has proven itself to be a versatile and transformative force. In the upcoming parts of this series, we will delve deeper into the advancements in EMG technology, its challenges, and the exciting future it holds. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll uncover the latest breakthroughs in EMG research and applications.
Just Valves FAQ What is a Valve? A valve is a device that controls the flow of a fluid or gas. Today’s valves can control not only the flow, but the rate, the volume, the pressure or the direction of liquids, gasses or slurries through a pipeline. What is a 2-way valve? A 2-way directional control valve provides on / off function. Actuating the valve allows air to flow through the input port and out the output port. View a 2-way normally closed valve cross section. What is a 3-way valve? A 3-way directional control valve pressurizes and exhausts a port. When a 3-way normally closed valve is actuated, air flows through the input port and out the output port. In the unactuated position, air flow travels from the output port through the exhaust port. View a 3-way valve cross section. What is a 4-way valve? A 4-way directional control valve pressurizes and exhausts two ports (the valve body consists of 5 ports). A 4-way valve has four distinct flow paths within the valve and is commonly used to cause reversible motion of a cylinder or motor. Actuating the valve directs flow through input port 1 to output port 4 as output port 2 exhausts through port 3. In the unactuated position, air flow is directed through input port 1 to output port 2 as output port 4 exhausts through port 5. View a 4-way valve cross section. What is normally open? (In Point of Valves) Often referred to as normally passing, air flows from the input port to the output port in the unactuated position. What is normally closed? (In Point of Valves) Often referred to as normally not passing, air flow is blocked at the input port in the unactuated position. What is a shuttle valve? Shuttle valves are used when a signal is required to be selected from two or more different sources. Also known as “OR” valves, they allow a signal to pass through from either input A or B (or both) and will allow the reverse flow of system exhaust through these same inputs. A shuttle valve selects the higher of two pressures, a function that is to be considered when designing circuitry. View a shuttle valve cross section. What is an “AND” valve? “AND” valves are used in circuit control applications that require a combination of inputs to produce a single output. When a signal is supplied to both input ports 1 and 2, the output flows from port 2. The output flow will always be the lower of the two pressures. Both input pressures are required to receive an output signal from the valve (loss of input will cancel the output signal). View an AND valve cross section. What is an “OR” valve? “OR” valves are commonly known as Shuttle valves. What is the difference between a flow control and a needle valve? Although the basic function is flow restriction, the fundamental difference between the two is the needle valve controls flow in both directions (bi-directional) and the flow control valve controls flow in only one direction, allowing free flow in the opposite direction. What is meter in? Controlled flow is from port 2 to port 1, whereas, free flow is from port 1 to port 2. What is meter out? Controlled flow is from port 1 to port 2, whereas, free flow is from port 2 to port 1. What is a directional control valve? The basic pneumatic valve is a mechanical device consisting of a body and a moving part (poppet or stem), which connects or disconnects passages within the body. 2-way, 3-way and 4-way valves are directional control valves. What is a circuit control valve? Circuit control valves are used to control flow volumes and pressures within a system. Shuttle valves, check valves, flow controls, needle valves, quick exhausts and pressure regulators are considered circuit control valves. What is a quick exhaust valve? Air quick exhaust valves are commonly used to allow rapid cylinder return without permitting air to travel back through the pneumatic system. As pressure is applied to the input port, an internal mechanism is shifted to block the exhaust port and allow flow through the output port. When pressure is removed from the input port, back flow at the output port unseats the internal mechanism and allows flow through the exhaust port. What is closed cross-over and why is it an advantage? A closed cross-over valve features a stem and poppet that work in conjunction with one another ensuring that the poppet seals the exhaust port before the valve opens to flow. There is no transitional state from one function to the next providing the operator precise control between positions. What is a control valve? Control valve is final control element in the process control industry. It handles flowing fluid like Steam, Gas, and Water, Liquids to set right the process errors and regulate the process as per the desired set point. What is CV? Maximum Flow of Water in US GPM thru’ CV at 20 Deg.C @ 1 psi DeltaP across it. What are the most important parts of a control valve? Body, Bonnet, Trim (Seat ring, Plug and Spindle), Stuffing Box, What is the function of each of these important parts? Body is the main part of control valve which has internal like trim, seals & helps the flow to create proper flow path, Bonnet : Connecting part between body and Actuator, Trim : Heart of Control valve helps to control the fluid as per set point, Stuffing Box : Helps to avoid any fluid coming out thru bonnet area thus eliminates any undesirable leakages. What is meant by an actuator? Makes the valve to operate thru different energy inputs like Pneumatic, Electric Hydraulic etc.., How does an actuator work? Actuator make the valve spindle to move up and down depending upon the signal it receives from the positioner. What are the types of actuators? Pneumatic (Single acting //Double acting), Pneumatic Piston actuators, Electric Actuators, Hydraulic Actuators What are the types of control valves? Globe control valve, Butterfly valves, Segmented V notch Ball Valves, Self-Actuated diaphragm valves, Eccentric Plug valves, Angle valve, 3-Way valves What is a positioner? Positioner is a component, which make the valve to open or close to eliminate the process error and achieve the set point by generating input signals. What is the function of a positioner? Positioner measure the actual position of the valve and takes the command from the controller, compares both the signals and makes the valve move either in open direction or close direction to correct the process error.
Fruits rich in dietary fibre such as peaches, berries, raisins, apricots, plums and prunes are great sources of nutrients. They are extremely good for bowel movement too. Fruits like Papaya and banana too help in removing constipation and are easily available. It is a lesser known fact that cooked or dried fruits are much more suitable to the human body than raw ones. As far as possible, consume the fruits along with the peel for best result. Vegetables and Tubers Almost all the parts of vegetables including the stalk, leaves, roots and skin, are good sources of fibre. Consuming plenty of green leafy vegetables is a proven way of ensuring regular bowel movement and maintaining good health, as they are also rich sources of nutrients. The vegetables and tubers that you may eat to avoid constipation are kale, lettuce, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes with skin, tapioca, brussel sprouts, potatoes and cucumber among others. Eating raw vegetables is not a great idea if you suffer from constipation. Always eat them cooked. Although fruits, vegetables and tubers are helpful in easing constipation, some are very gassy and must be avoided if you are sensitive to them. Now it's common knowledge that one should steer clear of almost all white food such as white flour, white rice, white sugar and white bread and, instead, go for wholesome foods. Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, rye, barley and rye are classic examples of foods with dietary fibre that aid in easing constipation. Nuts and Seeds Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and boiled groundnuts are rich in fibre and can help to ease constipation. Some edible seeds such as chiaseeds, flaxseeds and fennel seeds too help to ease the stomach. Chia may be sprinkled on to salads or blended in while making smoothies. Chewing fennel seeds eases bloating, while ground and powdered flaxseeds are a great prescription for fibre and good health. Some seeds, such as psyllium, generate bulk and act as laxatives. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, soybeans and kidney beans are great sources of fibre and help to mitigate constipation. However, these are very gassy and can aggravate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, hence must be consumed only if one is not overtly sensitive to them. Hot Tea and Snacks If you are someone who is constantly suffering from irregular bowel movement, brew yourself a cup of hot herbal tea, with fennel or anise seeds. Snacking on high-fibre and healthy snacks such as granola bars, nuts, hummus, fruits or carrots is a very healthy and sensible option for those suffering from constipation. Take care to avoid biscuits, bread or other pastries as these low-fibre junk foods only help to worsen your condition and ruin your overall health. Make sure you drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. If constipation continues despite fibre intake, try increasing fibre consumption to 20-25 gms per day. If the condition is chronic, try an elimination diet after consulting a doctor. This will help you to identify the food that is causing the condition. Always remember that plant -based foods are ideal in removing constipation while the opposite holds good for food sourced from animals.
Your doctor will diagnose coronary microvascular disease (MVD) based on your medical history, a physical exam, and the results from tests. He or she will check to see whether you have any risk factors for heart disease. For example, your doctor may measure your weight and height to check for overweight or obesity and test your cholesterol levels. You also may be tested for metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Your doctor may ask you to describe any chest pain, including when it started and how it changed during physical activity or periods of stress. Other symptoms, such as fatigue (tiredness), lack of energy, and shortness of breath, will be noted. Women may be asked about their menopausal status. Your doctor may recommend blood tests, including a test for anemia. Cardiologists and doctors who specialize in family and internal medicine may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of coronary MVD. Cardiologists are doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating heart diseases and conditions. The risk factors for traditional coronary heart disease (CHD) and coronary MVD often are the same. Thus, your doctor may recommend tests to help show whether you have traditional CHD. These tests may include: Unfortunately, standard tests for CHD don't always detect coronary MVD. These tests look for blockages that affect blood flow in the large coronary arteries. However, coronary MVD affects the heart's smallest coronary arteries. If test results show that you don't have CHD, you can still be diagnosed with coronary MVD if evidence shows that not enough oxygen is reaching the small arteries in your heart. Symptoms of coronary MVD often first occur during routine daily tasks. Thus, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire called the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). The questionnaire will ask you how well you're able to do daily activities, such as shopping, cooking, and going to work. The results of the DASI questionnaire will help your doctor decide which kind of stress test you should have. The results also give your doctor some information about how well blood is flowing through your coronary arteries. Research is ongoing for better ways to detect and diagnose coronary MVD. Currently, no consensus has been reached on how best to diagnose the disease. Though all possible measures have been taken to ensure accuracy, reliability, timeliness and authenticity of the information; Onlymyhealth assumes no liability for the same. Using any information of this website is at the viewers’ risk. Please be informed that we are not responsible for advice/tips given by any third party in form of comments on article pages . If you have or suspect having any medical condition, kindly contact your professional health care provider.
Einstein@Home - gravitational waves for everybody - An article by - Reinhard Prix und Bernd Machenschalk For tens of thousands of computer users world-wide, the hunt for gravitational waves is anything but a remote scientific endeavour - it takes place right on their personal computers. Whenever they are not otherwise in use, these computers analyze data packets from the LIGO detectors and GEO 600. A screen saver (see below) keeps the user up to date and shows in which celestial region his or her computer is currently searching for gravitational waves. All this is made possible by the project "Einstein@Home". (Eager to join right away? Click on Einstein@Home!) There is a solid scientific reason for involving so many people and computers: The hunt for gravitational waves calls for immense computing power. This is because in current gravitational wave detectors (see our spotlight topic Listening posts around the globe), typical gravitational wave signals are expected to be very weak compared with all the noise from thermal motion to seismic tremors present in the detector output. A good way to find out whether a given detector is listening to a gravitational wave or merely to noise is by a systematic search for well-known gravitational wave signals. This search - looking for characteristic patterns buried deep within large amounts of data - requires an inordinate amount of computing power and time. Waves from rotating neutron stars A prime example concerns a very simple class of gravitational wave signal: waves emitted by rotating neutron stars which are not completely rotationally symmetric (for instance stars that have tiny bumps on their surface). Astronomers should see a number of these stars as pulsars. The others can only be detected by measuring the gravitational waves they emit. These waves have a very simple structure - they are emitted as regular sine waves with a frequency twice as large as that of the star's rotation. Even though the signal is simple, searching for it in the detector data is not. First of all, such waves will generically be very weak. Only a long-term search covering long periods of observation can tell for sure whether or not such weak signals are present in the data. The weaker the signal, the longer the required observation time. For current gravitational wave detectors, observation times are of the order of a few months, minimum. Such long observation times lead to the next set of difficulties: During that time, the Earth (with the detector on it) is turning, as well as moving in orbit around the sun. With this motion of the detector relative to the source, the Doppler effect becomes important: relative motion between a wave source and a receiver changes the frequency measured at the receiver. Correspondingly, the gravitational wave frequency changes slightly over time - with the exact nature of the change depending on the position of the gravitational wave source in the sky. This has an upside and a downside. The upside: One can use the Doppler shift to pinpoint the object's position in the night sky. The downside: the Doppler shift makes the search for signal patterns much more complicated. When looking for the signal from an unknown neutron star, it is not sufficient to look for all the possible different frequencies. In addition, one needs seperate search patterns for all possible positions of the source in the sky, which incorporate the possible Doppler shifts. (There is, in fact, one further parameter that hasn't been mentioned so far: For many neutron stars, the rotation decelerates over time. In a search, one must look for all different possible values of such a deceleration, as well.) The bad news: The resulting number of patterns is so large that even with a supercomputer, a complete search would take an inordinate amount of time. In fact, computing power for the data analysis is currently one of the major factors limiting the sensitivity of such gravitational wave searches. The good news: By its very nature, the search for a great number of different pattern is a problem that can be easily split up and distributed to a great number of computers, each of which then works on its own subset of patterns. This brings us back to the Einstein@Home project. Harnessing the power of private computers World-wide, there are millions of computers in private or commercial use, from privately owned single computers to the computer pools of large companies. Almost none of them are in continual use - typically, there are many idle periods in which these computers remain unused. A huge potential source of computational power, and largely untapped. Whoever manages to put even a fraction of that idle time to good use commands a total computing power much larger than that of the world's supercomputers. The first project to implement this ingenious idea on a large scale was "SETI@Home" - the search for radio signals sent by intelligent extraterrestrial beings. Its great success led to the development of a free library named BOINC. Einstein@Home combines BOINC with the search algorithms for the gravitational wave signals of rotating neutron stars. The necessary software was mainly developed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the US and at the Albert-Einstein-Institute in Potsdam, Germany. It is one of the projects of the American Physical Society for the World Year of Physics 2005. So how does this work? Once you have signed up and installed the software (to do this, go to the Einstein@Home homepage specified below), the Einstein@Home servers regularly send chunks of data and search codes to your computer. Whenever the computer is not otherwise in use, it spends its time applying the search algorithms to the data at hand. The results are sent back to the Einstein@Home servers. There is a credit system that allows users, or teams of users, to monitor their contribution to the project - lists of the top participants are maintained on the Einstein@Home website. More powerful than the largest supercomputer Although, as of June 2005, less than half a year has passed since the official start of Einstein@Home, public interest and participation have been overwhelming. Over 90,000 users with nearly 200,000 computers are registered, with a few hundred new users joining every day. This has brought the computational power of Einstein@Home to 48 trillion elementary computations per second - the power of a major-league supercomputer. (More precisely, the "elementary computations" are "floating point operations" - the elementary steps of every calculation done by computer. In computer lingo, this means that Einstein@Home now has 48 Teraflops.) The following example demonstrates what this means. It considers the search for periodic gravitational wave signals from neutron stars of unknown frequency and position, using data from one week of observations in the frequency range between 100 and 600 Hertz. The following graph shows the approximate time needed by different computers or computer clusters to complete that search: From left to right, the contenders are: a single computer with a Pentium 4 processor (it needs roughly 97,000 years to complete the job), the Merlin/Morgane computer cluster at Albert-Einstein-Institute (consisting of 180 dual-processor PCs), the current configuration of Einstein@Home in June 2005, IBM's supercomputer BlueGene/L with 138 trillion calculations per second, and finally the target configuration of Einstein@Home with a million participants. So far, the Einstein@Home is working hard to reach its goal, constantly refining the search strategy and making ever better use of the substantial computing power involved. Chances are that, in the near future, Einstein@Home will become one of the most sensitive and powerful tools in the search for gravitational waves - and with some luck, you could be involved in the first ever detection of these elusive signals from outer space! Related spotlight topics on Einstein-Online can be found in the section Gravitational Waves. To reach the web-site of the Einstein@Home project, go to
Have you ever heard of the Fibonacci sequence? This is a mathematical formula in which a number is obtained by adding the two numbers before it: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on. When mapped out, the space between the numbers equal the “golden ratio” of 1.618, and this ratio can be found throughout nature, from the unified properties of light, space and time, to the molecules that make up our DNA. The sequence was named after Fibonacci, who was also known as Leonardo of Pisa, or Leonardo Pisano. He was the son of a merchant, and as a result he traveled extensively to far locations. Fibonacci developed a passion for numbers at an early age due to his experience in the trading industry, which relied heavily on mathematics, yet interestingly enough, he first discovered the sequence while contemplating the mating habits of rabbits. Assuming the following conditions as listed by Live Science (source link above), Fibonacci came up with the diagram below: Begin with one male rabbit and female rabbit that have just been born. Rabbits reach sexual maturity after one month. After reaching sexual maturity, female rabbits give birth every month. A female rabbit gives birth to one male rabbit and one female rabbit. Rabbits do not die. After one month, the first pair is not yet at sexual maturity and can’t mate. At two months, the rabbits have mated but not yet given birth, resulting in only one pair of rabbits. After three months, the first pair will give birth to another pair, resulting in two pairs. At the fourth month mark, the original pair gives birth again, and the second pair mates but does not yet give birth, leaving the total at three pair. This continues until a year has passed, in which there will be 233 pairs of rabbits. The conditions set for the “rabbit question” are unrealistic, of course, but it is the results that matter; these numbers are found all throughout nature. Provided below is an animation created by Cristobal Vila that shows this fascinating sequence using stunning visual graphics: This Article (Nature by Numbers: The Fibonacci Sequence) is a free and open source. You have permission to republish this article under a Creative Commons license with attribution to the author and AnonHQ.com.
Definition:—A mild acute fever, infectious in origin, characterized by an adenitis involving the cervical glands. It is common in childhood, occurs less often in youth and few cases have been observed in adults. Etiology:—Immediate infection is the undoubted cause of all epidemics, as it has attacked several members of the same family. No specific micro-organism has as yet been isolated, consequently the exact cause of the disease is unknown. Symptoms:—General malaise, headache, restlessness, aching and pain in the limbs precede the sudden appearance of fever. The temperature varies from 101° to 103.5° F., usually not exceeding 102.5° F. Among the early symptoms are stiffness of the muscles of the neck, with consequent immobility of the head, largely from pain. Nausea, vomiting and a degree of constipation are present, although in one epidemic in severe cases there was an acute intestinal catarrh with large watery greenish discharges. Acute colicky pains in the abdomen are not uncommon. The involvement begins with enlargement of the glands on the left side, usually on the second day, followed a day or two later by enlargement on the right side. The glands are very sensitive to the touch and painful on movement. The tonsils are usually enlarged. In some cases other glands become involved, notably the liver, spleen and kidneys. An acute nephritis becomes a serious complication in an occasional case. The febrile reaction remains for from seven to ten days. The period of glandular enlargement usually lasts from fourteen to sixteen days. Suppuration and sequelae are rare. Prognosis:—It is seldom that a case results seriously, and convalescence is rapid and uninterrupted. Treatment:—At the onset aconite in small doses and Phytolacca are directly indicated in all cases. If the tongue and mucous membranes are pale and the tongue is coated white, a small dose of sodium bicarbonate should be given and repeated in two hours. A mild alkaline aperient may be needed or a few doses of neutralizing cordial, but the phytolacca must not be omitted. An initial dose of five grains of the potassium acetate in a small glass of water is sometimes of much value. The local application of antiphlogistine or a phytolacca ointment will quickly relieve the pain. Hot applications are beneficial. The food should be simple and nothing acid given. Other indications will suggest specific treatment.
Last Updated on Songs of Wild Birds Beatific in its own right birdsong often ‘springs the catch of memory’ - like dandelion clocks drifting in the air, catching the sun ... [a] timeless immersion within a ‘spirit of place’ ... Mistle Thrush from the Churchyard Yew - the piper at the gates of dawn. Black swift screaming jet-like across a cloudless blue sky, the afterburn of their passing an echo in the still air - a fine fresh spring morning. The gentle purr of Turtle Dove from a nearby copse - lazy hazy summer afternoons. Or the ever present song of Yellowhammer, singing when all others have ceased - the hayfield in the early evening. red skies - from wind-tossed trees in evenings glow a yellowhammer sings his simple refrain Above all, listening to the song of birds ... the setting, performance, variety, and musical quality, awakens a deep desire to extend and perpetuate their performance ... to experience again the pure joy and freedom evident in the birds own ‘joy of singing’ Rothenberg. There were two masters of the recording and interpretation of birdsong in the 20th Century both seminal in their production, in different ways, of the soundscape of birdsong in the countryside: Ludwig Koch and Olivier Messiaen. The work of Ludwig Koch (1881-1974) is remarkable in that it represents a pioneering attempt to document the natural sound world using recording technology. During his lifetime, Koch devoted himself to collecting the sound phenomena he heard in the world around him. When he arrived in England in 1936, Koch began to travel all over the British Isles, capturing birdsong and the sounds of natural environments on wax discs before transferring these to shellac. This was a long and laborious process, often requiring hours or even days of observation of a particular bird before beginning to record its voice. Koch’s first British recordings were published as Songs of Wild Birds in 1936, in partnership with the ornithologist E.M. Nicholson. This was followed by More Songs of Wild Birds in 1937. These unique collections combine textual descriptions of the songs and habitats of a variety of species, illustrations of the birds themselves and excerpts of their recorded songs and calls. Koch described Songs of Wild Birds as ‘the first sound-book of British birdsong’ – an early multimedia document that combines text, image and audio. Here is a rather crackly recording by Ludwig Koch from 1936. It is a singularly extrovert warbler, bursting high above the hedgerow with a scratchy burst of song, before diving back into the shelter of the hedge. It's almost as if he is saying 'look at me - here I am'. the only sound ... bursting from the hedge When I first heard his records I was immediately struck by the way in which they called up the natural environment of the singers. As the Nightingales voice escaped from its ebonite prison under the touch of the needle and the scientific magic of the sound-box, I felt myself transported to dusk in an April copsewood. The clear notes of the Cuckoo with their blend of clear spring feeling and irritating monotony, the Chaffinch's simple and cheerful strain, were equally evocative; and with the laugh of the Green Woodpecker (a triumph to have recorded this!), the yellowing July fields and darkening green of July woods were in the room. So wrote Julian Huxley in his introduction to 'Songs of Wild Birds' by E M Nicholson and Ludwig Koch and published as a text with illustrations in the form of sound, by H.F.& G Witherby Ltd in 1936. filling every room the cuckoo’s call What is remarkable about Koch’s recordings of birdsong is how skilfully he manages to isolate the songster within the recording, yet still captures elements of its surrounding environment - rather like a soloist performing to the backdrop of an orchestral accompaniment. This provides the listener with a clear sense of the habitat in which the featured bird lives: in other words, the recording presents a particular ‘soundscape’. Birdsong fascinated Messiaen (1908 – 1992) a French composer, organist, and ornithologist, one of the major composers of the 20th century. His innovative use of colour, his conception of the relationship between time and music, and his use of birdsong are among the features that make Messiaen's music distinctive. Olivier Messiaen, once described birds as “God’s greatest musicians”. ‘In my hours of gloom ... when I am suddenly aware of my own futility - what is left for me but to seek out the true, lost face of music somewhere in the forest, in the fields, in the mountains or on the seashore, among the birds.’ Here is an early work from 1952 - ‘Le merle noir’ for flute and piano; the flute piece based entirely on the song of the blackbird. In his later works his evocations of birdsong become increasingly sophisticated, and with Le réveil des oiseaux reached maturity, the whole piece being built from birdsong: in effect it is a dawn chorus for orchestra. The pieces are not simple transcriptions; even the works with purely bird-inspired titles, such as Catalogue d'oiseaux and Fauvette des jardins, are tone poems evoking the landscape, its colours and atmosphere. They are like musical pictures: designed to document a particular scene almost as faithfully as the sound recordings from which they take their inspiration. Paul Griffiths, a British music critic, novelist and librettist, observed that Messiaen was a more conscientious ornithologist than any previous composer, and a more musical observer of birdsong than any previous ornithologist. Below is a playlist of some of my favourite memories of songs of wild birds ... Listen to them sing ... The silvery descant of the first Willow Warbler and the joyful vibrant trilling tremolo of the Wood Warbler - a beechwood in early spring. The transcendent song of the Woodlark - more beautiful and harmonic to my mind than the Skylark - on the hillside of a wooded valley. Our very own garden flautist - the Blackbird - from the Maple shadowing the barn. The echoing voice-throwing call of the Cuckoo - from a copse across the fields. And a Nightingale in a canal-side wood at dimpsey. The core content of this post, heavily edited and substantially revised, has been sourced from Wikipedia and the newspaper archives of the Guardian and Telegraph. Quoted references are cited in-line, except the two phrases - ‘springs the catch of memory’ and ‘the hayfield in the early evening’ - which were originally written in an essay called Character in Birdsong (1952-3) by Peter Adams and published by his daughter Jane Adams in her blog - used here within the terms of her stated use of copyright. All the recordings of bird songs have been sourced from the archives of Xeno-Canto - a website dedicated to sharing bird sounds from all over the world, and used here under the terms of the Creative Commons Licences. The copyright rests with the individual sound recordist. ... I was staying at a farmhouse in the New Forest, and on the side of the house where I slept there was a large arbor vitse in which a blackbird roosted every night on a level with my window. Now, every morning at half-past three this bird would begin to sing and go on repeating his song at short intervals for about half an hour. It was very silent at that time ; I could hear no other bird ; and the sound coming in at the open window from a distance of but five yards had such a marvellous beauty that I could have wished for no more blessed existence than to lie there, head on pillow, with the pale early light and the perfume of night-flowers in the room, listening to that divine sound. Adventures with Birds - W H Hudson To misquote W.H.Hudson - the bird’s song is “sunshine translated into sound”.