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Busy. Please wait. show password Forgot Password? Don't have an account? Sign up Username is available taken show password Already a StudyStack user? Log In Reset Password Don't know remaining cards Pass complete! "Know" box contains: Time elapsed: restart all cards Normal Size Small Size show me how Anatomy L3 (LJ) College leve connective tissue, skin 3 basic components of connective tissue Specialized cells, non-cellular matrix (ground substance), extra cellular fibers produced by the cells themselves: Collagen based (provides strength and flexibility, elastin based ( provide elasticity), Reticular fibers (provide structural softness. Loose connective tissue FILLS SPACE BETWEEN ORGANS: adipose ( cushion, insulator, storage medium, reticular ( fibrous mesh - lymph nodes and bone marrow), areolar (fibrous mesh- fascia and underlies epithelia. Dense regular connective tissue Dense collagen fiber network: fibers run parallel = tensile support, FOUND IN TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS AND APENEUROSES (not elastic but strong), poorly vascularized. Dense irregular connective tissue Fibers make for a chaotic meshwork, CAPABLE OF MULTIDIRECTIONAL TENSION, wrapped at bones (periosteum) and organ ( peritoneum) Elastic connective tissues Fiber directions mostly straight, very stretchy (ex: interspinous ligaments) IN VERTEBRAE AND PENIS Supporting connective tissues Bone and cartilage Fluid-based connective tissues Blood and lymph Skin as an organ system Cutaneous membrane + hair + nails + exocrine glands ( excrete various substance on the surfaces of skin by way of duct) makes up 15% of body weight, about 0.5-4.0 mm thick. Function of skin 1. Protection from abrasion/chemicals/pathogens/UV-light. 2. Prevention of water loss and temp. regulation. 3. Synthesis of vitamin D. 4. Sensory reception. 5. Communication of emotions. 6. Storage of fat. 7. Excretion of water, electrolytes, drugs. 4 types of proteins COLLAGEN- digestible, KERATIN- indigestible protein, MELANIN- skin pigment, CAROTENE- skin pigment Skin color Blood: pink tinge to un-pigmented skin, Carotene: red/ orange tinge, Melanin: in epidermis, black/yellow/ brown pigments absorb UV light, protects deeper cell and dermis, UV light triggers melanin synthesis ( tanning ). Rosacea Sebaceous gland hyperplasia Cyanosis Oxygen deficit mean a blue-gray tinge. Papillary layer of the dermis (top) Dermal papillae, distorts overlying basement membrane/ epidermis (fingerprints), contain capillary loops (blood vessels), contain sensory receptors (Meisner's corpuscles), most skin pathologies concerns dermal papillae Reticular layer of the dermis (bottom) Dense irregular connective tissues fibers; supports various blood vessels, lymph, nerve endings and glands. Nails Hyponychium: anterior boundary = free edge, Eponychium (cuticle): =statum corneum, Lunula: white are under the cuticle, Nail root: fold of epithelium - point of growth. COMPOSITES OF DERMIS + EPIDERMIS Hair follicle Is a complex organ. Pocket of epidermal cells that extends into dermis. Follicle is lubricated by sebaceous gland. Dermal papilla @ bottom of follicle, receives nutrition from capillary loop. Hair shaft has a soft inner medulla + a hard outer cortex. 2 types of hair Vellus (peach-fuzz) covers most of the body. Terminal ( all others) head, body, eyebrows and eyelashes. Alopecia: androgenetica Male pattern baldness; dihydrotestosterone Alopecia: universalis Auto immune alopecia; complete hairlessness Hirsutism Women who have hair growing like men, like the bearded lady. (Pneumonic: her-suit-ism; women in a suit looks like a man and has hair growth like a man). Hypertrichosis (congenital) Over production of hair both in men and women, but harder to notice in men because men are expected to be substantially more hairy than women. Goose bumps Arrector pilli ( smooth muscle reflex) hair stands up. Merocrine sweat glands (Eccrine) Merocrine type secretion. Common in palms, soles, most of body. Simple watery secretion used to control body temp.. Electrolytes, urea, amino acids, ammonia, lactic acid, 500 ml/hr(active)-500 ml/day (sedentary). Apocrine sweat glands Apocrine type secretion. Limited distribution: axilla + anogenital regions. ACTIVATED AT PUBERTY, OFTEN ODOROUS. Phermones: emotions, sex-status, relatedness? Mammary glands (milk) Evolved from apocrine glands on body wall. Mixed: apocrine/merocrine mechanism. Salt, calcium, phosphate, lipids, protein. Ceruminous glands (ear wax) Evolved from apocrine sweat glands in ear canal. Mixed: apocrine/holocrine mechanism. Sebaceous glands (oil: sebum) Holocrine type of secretion. Waterproof and moisturizes. Provides resistance to bacteria/ fungal growth location: head, chest, back (w/ hair-follicles). Boils/ acne=blocked glands/follicles. Ulcer (sore) Localized shedding of the epithelium Decubitis Ulcer Bed-ridden/pressure=chronic lack of blood supply. Kills cells and causes sores Wrinkles Collagen/elastic fibers damaged by chemicals/UV. Shredded collagen/ elastic fibers: stretch-marks Excessive UV exposure Damage to dermis and epidermis=wrinkles and cancer. Folliculitis Bacteria in hair follicle causes inflammation. Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff) Inflammation of over-active sebaceous glands. Melanoma Aggressive malignant tumor. Associate w/ UV light exposure. Tanning beds 75% more likely. (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) Endocrine glands Duct-less, secretions release cell products directly into intercellular fluid and/or blood supply. (ex: Gut derivatives: pancreas, thyroid, thymus) Exocrine glands Ducted glands, secretions released from epithelial surface into small ducts that empty to the lumen of the GI tract or skin surface (sweat, tears, saliva). Created by: 1037022213037652
Margaret Thatcher Margaret Thatcher - Famous Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1979-1990. She is the first woman in Europe to occupy this position. In the 20th century, Thatcher’s premiership was the longest. For harsh criticism of the USSR, she received the nickname "Iron Lady". In this article we consider the main events of the Thatcher biography, as well as the most interesting facts from her life. So, before you is a short biography of Thatcher. Biography Thatcher Margaret Hilda Thatcher was born on October 13, 1925 in the English county of Grantham. Her father, Alfred Roberts, had 2 food stalls. He was interested in politics, was a local judge in small civil cases, and was also a Methodist pastor. Margaret's mother, Beatrice Itel, worked as a dressmaker. In addition to Margaret, she gave birth to a girl Muriel. Parents raised their daughters in moderate severity. Childhood and youth As the father was a highly educated and intelligent man, he instilled a love for literature in girls and repeatedly went with them to the library. When Margaret Thatcher got a little older, the head of the family took her to the board meetings. Margaret Thatcher as a child There she could see how meetings were held, and how various speakers were speaking from the stands. Even then, the girl was able to learn some experience with regard to eloquence and demeanor before the public. Thatcher originally went to school on Huntingtower Road. Thanks to her excellent studies and diligent behavior, she began to pay a scholarship to study at the School for Girls. In addition to studying school subjects, she was also interested in art and sports. After classes, she went swimming, practiced walking, played field hockey and took piano lessons. After receiving a school certificate, Margaret studied chemistry at Somerville College, Oxford University. As a result, she graduated with honors from the university, becoming a bachelor of science. Carier start In 1946, Margaret Thatcher was chairman of the Conservative Party Association at Oxford University. After graduation, she went to Colchester, where she became a member of a local association. Making significant progress in the political arena, already in 1951, the girl participated in the elections from the Conservative Party. At the gala dinner, organized on the occasion of her approval as a candidate for elections, Thatcher met a successful entrepreneur and public figure Denis Thatcher. Margaret Thatcher in her youth Young people showed interest to each other, after which they began a romance. It is worth noting that during the election race, the politician also worked in an organization that studies food additives. In the elections to the Parliament of 1950-1951. Margaret could not win, but she managed to attract a lot of attention. In the newspapers about the woman-politician many articles were written. She was predicted to have a good future and an increase in the number of supporters in the next election. Political career Before taking the post of British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher had to go through many trials. In 1959 she became a member of the House of Commons. In their speeches before the officials, Thatcher demanded new reforms and changes in the tenets of the Conservative Party. An interesting fact is that she wanted to legitimize punishment by means of rods. In 1961, after the defeat of the party, Margaret became involved in housing issues. Later, she harshly criticized Labor’s ideology. The Iron Lady called for legalizing abortions, reducing taxes, stopping persecution of members of sexual minorities, etc. At the same time, Thatcher supported the restoration of the death penalty. Many of her statements shocked the male officials. Margaret Thatcher was a supporter of the American control system, considering it almost perfect. When she worked at the US Embassy in England in 1967, she managed to get acquainted with leading political figures. After the Conservatives won elections in 1970, Thatcher took the post of Minister of Education and Science. She sought by all means to save the country's treasury from ruin. Sometimes the politician resorted to radical measures. For example, she abolished the issuance of milk in schools, which caused discontent in society. British Prime Minister After the Conservative Party lost the election in 1974, Margaret Thatcher decided to become its head. She promised to carry out significant changes in the ideology of the party, which in her opinion should have brought success. Young Thatcher In 1979, the people believed that Thatcher’s promises and chose her as British Prime Minister. At that time, the country was not in the best position. Endless strikes, unemployment, inflation and other factors caused a storm of indignation among the British. For this reason, the "Iron Lady" adopted a series of super-rigid reforms, trying to bring the state to prosperity. Margaret Thatcher has established relations with the British colonies on the African continent. Thanks to this, she was able to strengthen her influence in the region. In 1984, an event occurred in Thatcher’s biography that could have cost her her life. The prime minister was assassinated by members of the Irish Republican Army. As a result, several innocent people died, but Thatcher herself was still alive. Thatcher about Russia During her premiership, Margaret Thatcher sought to make Britain the leader in world affairs. She has repeatedly criticized the actions of the Soviet government. In particular, the woman blamed the leadership of the USSR for trying to dominate the world at the expense of military power. For this reason, Thatcher was among those who wanted to lead the USSR to collapse. She managed to find the person who helped her achieve this goal. It was Mikhail Gorbachev, who was distinguished, in the opinion of Thatcher’s consultants, by negligence and vanity. Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev Even before Gorbachev became the General Secretary, he flew to the UK, where he was given a "royal reception". Margaret Thatcher, in various ways, tried to find an approach to the Soviet policy and endear him. It is worth noting that in a similar way the woman acted in relation to Boris Yeltsin. Although Thatcher did a lot of good things for her country, she had a low level of trust among the population. An interesting fact is that something similar experienced in his biography and the famous Winston Churchill. However, Margaret was not interested in her rating, both among the British and among officials. It played a cruel joke on her. When the prime minister began to neglect the opinions of colleagues more often, they decided to remove Thatcher from her position. As a result, in 1990, the "iron lady" had to leave his post. Thatcher remained a member of the House for several years, after which she decided to completely withdraw from politics. After retiring to the well-deserved rest, Margaret began writing memoirs, and later published several books. She, as before, criticized the government, accusing some politicians of their inertia and uselessness. Personal life In 1951, Margaret became the wife of Denis Thatcher. Many believed that the marriage took place according to the calculation, because the businessman helped his wife to move up the career ladder. However, the Thatcher family union was surprisingly strong. The couple lived together for many years, raising 2 children - Mark and Carol. Denis loved his spouse and always supported her in all matters. He did not take offense at the fact that Margaret was often not at home, because he understood her workload. Margaret Thatcher with her husband Thatcher's husband died in 2003 at the age of 89. He died of pancreatic cancer and fluid in the lungs. The death of her husband seriously undermined the health of a woman who barely left the house. In 2012, Margaret Thatcher was operated on. She removed a bladder tumor, after which her state of health began to deteriorate rapidly. She began hallucinations. Margaret Hilda Thatcher died April 8, 2013 at the age of 87 years. Her body was cremated, and the dust was buried next to her husband in a cemetery in Chelsea. Watch the video: Margaret Thatcher. The Chemist Who Changed Britain. Biography (February 2020).
A Religion of Feelings Organized religion can be characterized in many ways. There is the religion of materialism; traditionalism; and mysticism. Materialism interprets subjects after a material fashion. Hence, heaven is on earth, Jesus will have a physical reign on earth, and bliss will consist of political privileges in an earthly kingdom. Traditionalism is the authority used by the religion of tradition. Catholicism is a prime example of such a religion. The religion of mysticism assigns a mystical meaning to every verse and rejects obvious literal meanings. There is also the religion of feeling. This religion looks to subjective feelings or emotions as its authority and criterion. "I know I am saved because I feel saved," sort of thinking and rationale. The religion of feelings is very common and has pervaded the religious world. To avoid being misunderstood, allow me to emphasize at the outset that religion without feeling and emotion is empty. However, there must be a coupling of feelings and recognition of the authority of God's word. Please consider the plain teaching of the apostle Paul as he wrote to the Christians in Rome: "17: But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.18: Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Rom. 6). First of all, consider that Paul used "obeyed" in the same sentence with "heart," "ye have obeyed from the heart." Hence, obedience and the heart are not mutually exclusive. The "form of doctrine" that they obeyed from the heart is explained in the context (being buried with Christ in baptism, etc.). The importance of obeying from the heart that form of doctrine is seen in the fact that it was when they obeyed from the heart that they were made free of the bondage of sin and became the "servants of righteousness." Beloved, feelings or the heart alone are not a reliable guide. Paul said, "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth" (Acts 26: 9). Paul or Saul imprisoned Christians and participated in their death because he felt he should (vs. 10 ff.). Thus, one can feel that what one is doing is right, but one's deeds can be wrong (see Acts 23: 1). The truth of the matter is man must have an eternal standard to determine right and wrong, what to believe, and how to live. Hear God's prophet of old: "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jere. 10: 23). God's word is the standard to determine God's will for us (2 Jn. 9-11; Jn. 12: 48). Hence, Peter wrote, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God…" (I Pet. 4: 11). Let us now focus on some particulars relative to the religion of feelings. "I feel God unconditionally forgives." Many believe that "conditional" and "forgiveness" are absolutely incongruous when used together. However, God's standard says forgiveness is conditional. This is true in the case of God's forgiveness of man's sins and also man's forgiveness of man's sins (Acts 2: 38; Lk. 17: 3, 4). God has a forgiving spirit and so must man, but certain conditions must be met before actual forgiveness can be experienced. Besides, if forgiveness is unconditional, all men would be saved and this is not the case (Matt. 7: 13, 14). "I feel all men will be saved by faith only." Throughout the religious world, the tenet of salvation by faith only is heard. When asked for the authority for believing that salvation is by faith only, we often hear, "I feel man is saved by faith only." The scriptures are plain relative to the salvation or justification of man. "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only," wrote the inspired James (Jas. 2: 24). James is not teaching that man earns salvation, but works are an indispensable part of salvation. "I feel all religions are equal." In the first place, while people often feel this way, most do not really believe all religions are equal. How about the Unification Church, Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons), and Church of Satan? These are all religions. God's objective standard shows that all religions are not equal (Matt. 5: 20). There is such a thing as "vain religion" (Jas. 1: 26). Jesus built his church and salvation is in Christ or his spiritual body, the church (Matt. 16: 18, 19; Eph. 1: 3-6; 2 Tim. 2: 10). "I feel truth is relative." One may feel truth is relative, but that does not make it so. Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jn. 8: 31, 32). No, just because one believes a certain thing does not mean what one believes is necessarily the truth. "I feel that just as long as one is sincere, one will be saved, regardless of what they believe." Believing that sincerity alone will save even when damnable error is believed, keeps many people from studying and learning the truth. Remember, Saul sincerely believed he should persecute Christians, but he was wrong (Acts 26: 9). Not only was he sincerely wrong, but Saul was held accountable for his actions (Acts 22: 3-16). "I feel that demanding authority is legalism." Book, chapter, and verse teaching is a source of repulsion to many. They have no appreciation for the command to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (I Thes. 5: 21). To them, anyone who presents God's word as authoritative and definitive, is a legalist. "I feel baptism is unrelated to forgiveness" (no scripture) appeals to them rather than, "baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2: 38)." "I feel feelings are the ultimate guide." The religion of feelings is a religion that recognizes the supreme role of human subjective feelings as the sole standard in religious matters. "You must not deny your feelings," "let your feelings be your guide," and "listen to your heart" all express the philosophy of the religion of feelings. It is no wonder, then, that many in the world have embraced the philosophy of, "if it feels good, do it." Concerned reader, the Bible explicitly and emphatically warns against allowing our feelings or heart to be our sole guide. God's external standard says, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14: 12). "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise," wrote the wise man (Prov. 12: 15). Again, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts" (Prov. 21: 2). In most areas of life man realizes that feelings are not reliable and a proper criterion. What would the traffic officer think when he pulls over a motorist for running a stop sign only to hear, "Officer, I felt I should run the stop sign"? Do you think such an appeal would influence the officer? Do you view the statement, "I felt I did not need to file my tax return" as valid? There are laws to govern the motorist and the citizen; hence, feelings do not serve as the standard. So it is regarding man and his God, there are laws to govern how to become and live as a Christian (see Eph. 4: 20, cp. vs. 17-23). Therefore, the Bible says, "He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered" (Prov. 28: 26). In closing, may I kindly say that the religion of feelings is a religion of selfishness that especially appeals to the "me generation." Jesus said we must deny ourselves and follow him (Lk. 9: 23). It really does not matter what you and I feel in the context of plain revelation. One reason for the thousands of different denominations is because people are going by their feelings instead of the word of God (see Eph. 4: 3-6). After studying this material, which do you believe is the right way to be: "I believe thus and so because God's word says so!" or "I feel thus and so, it matters not what God's word says!"?
The DuMPLING 2.0 Two years ago, we first introduced the DuMPLING technique in Molecular Systems Biology. The method is used to analyze dynamic phenotypes in large genetic libraries and subsequently recover the underlying genotype; it was conceived in response to the lack of efficient screening tools for complex phenotypes in large cell libraries. Rule'em all This time we have tested the performance of DuMPLING to investigate the bacterial cell cycle regulation. From a plasmid library, we express sgRNA for 235 different genes together with a barcode that can be used to recover the genotype. The E. coli cells transformed with the plasmid pool are phenotyped individually in a microfluidic chip allowing only one single clone to propagate in each position. When the phenotype has been determined, the barcodes are interrogated by sequential rounds of FISH probe hybridization. The results are encouraging. The DuMPLING accurately identifies most of the genes that are previously associated with cell cycle regulation, and we can also resolve the particular effect of these genes on specific parameters such as initiation and division-size as well as the variability in these traits. The next step is to expand the library to include all the genes in the E. Coli genome. In this way, we hope to identify the missing regulatory elements and arrive at a model that can satisfactory reproduce the observed precision of replication initiation. The complete article is available in Nature Methods. Instructions for how to download the microscopy images and analysis output associated with the DuMPLING experiments are found at IDR. Use idr0065 as User. The data and analysis output resides in the 20190930-ftp folder.
Monday, July 9, 2012 Patriotism in our “Star Spangled Banner” or Show of Vocal Talent? A Closer Look at Our National Anthem As the patriotic Independence Day passed, I began wondering about our National Anthem. Do we show our patriotism through singing the “Star Spangled Banner” or has it become merely a show of vocal talent? As a voice teacher, students ask me to work on the song frequently so that they can sing at their high school football or basketball game, sing at a ball park, or local softball game. The difficult 1 ½ octave range song is a hurdle for some, the words are another hurdle for most. In teaching the song, of which we mostly know the melody, I stress authenticity of the melody with not too much embellishment. In other words, sing the song how it was written without too many added notes. I also focus on what the words MEAN. This not only helps the student remember the words, but the meaning and intent of the piece. It is about our nation’s independence, not a flash of how many notes you can sing. When looking at the words of our “Star Spangled Banner”, as with all pieces, one should look at the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. (Star Spangled Banner- A Tutorial by R. Edwin, Journal of Singing, Sept/Oct 2011). First I include a little history lesson: The “Star Spangled Banner” was written by Sir Frances Scott Key during the War of 1812. He sailed out on a ship to rescue a civilian prisoner of war who was being held by the British. He witnesses the attack on Fort McHenry in Baltimore. He is pleased to see the American Flag flying high the next morning and began to write “The Defence of Fort McHenry”, now known as the “Star Spangled Banner”. In 1931, it was declared the National Anthem. The poetry of the song is in Old English and difficult to decipher, so I review the history of the song with the student: 1. Which War was it written during? War of 1812 2. Where and when was the battle? Baltimore Harbor (1814) 3. Who won? We did Then we take a look at the lyrics: “Oh say can you see, by the dawn’s early light” Question: What time of day is it? Dawn Question: What is he trying to see? Flag flying in the fort “What so proudly we hail, by the twilights last gleaming.” Question: When did you see the flag? Last night at twilight "Who's broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight" Question: What does the flag look like? Bright stripes and bright stars Question and answer through the whole song. Why is this analysis necessary? It helps the student to understand and remember the words to our nation’s anthem. Also, when they comprehend what they are singing, singers add so much more emotion and meaning to a performance. This is something we should keep in mind for ALL of our songs, especially one that is the example of the pride of our nation! “What key should I sing it in?” is often the resounding question. Sing it in a key which the high note is still comfortable even if it means sacrificing a little clarity on the low notes. A female belter should sing in F (high note is a C) or F#. A-flat is generally a good key for the average voice. The starting note of the piece is the fifth of the key, so play around with what works for the student, remembering to make sure they comfortably reach that high note. Above all, make sure that you are singing the National Anthem with our nation’s pride in your mind. It will not only to enhance your performance, but drive home the meaning of the piece- we are PROUD to be an American watching the flag fly freely. 1. This is a great article on our great national anthem. I sing it as often as I can because it fits in my register well and I love my country. I also want to instill patriotism in the hearts of the hearers. Recently I purchased a top of the line Uncle Sam uniform and am looking forward to singing the Star Spangled Banner in it. Thanks for this well done article. Are there any National Anthem singing contests we can sign up for? 1. Thank you for your kind words. I am glad there are some true patriots out there. I do not know of any singing contests for the National Anthem, however we can all get a lot of practice with singing along with the National Anthem being sung with the awarding of the Gold medals at the Olympic Games.
Children with disabilities are one of the most marginalised and excluded groups of children across the world: compared to children living without disabilities, children with disabilities are less likely to go to school, more likely to be victims of violence, more likely to have poorer health, and more likely to be discriminated against and isolated from their communities. In this film, four children with disabilities from Sierra Leone tell us about their experiences of discrimination, highlight some steps which have helped them overcome discrimination in their lives, and inspire us with their ambitions for the future. The film highlights their ability as powerful advocates to the global community for the promotion of the rights of all children. The film provides an important, safe and creative vehicle to ensure that children’s voices are heard at international forums.
Friday, July 22, 2005 Robber barons of the 19th century 0 comments The mid to late 19th century is best known not for any especially significant market bull runs or collapses, but for the speculative activities, mainly revolving around the railroad stocks, and the individuals who made their money from such activities and became spectacularly rich (and feared) as a result. That they started from humble backgrounds and made it rich on their own efforts (albeit often dubious and ruthless) endeared them to the public. These were the "robber barons". Three men stood out as the most famous operators of their day. Daniel Drew was known as the "Great Bear"; as the name suggested, he operated mostly on the short side. He was known most for his manipulation of the share price of the Erie Railroad, which he was able to exercise control to an extent that is unimaginable today. "Commodore" Vanderbilt was best known as a master of cornering, which is a tactic of squeezing shortists by accumulating the stock available on the market and forcing the shortists to cover. He prevailed over Daniel Drew in the battle of the bull and the bear over the Harlem Railroad in 1862. In his later years, he consolidated a great number of railroads which left a lasting legacy to American industry by improving the efficiency of railroad operations through economies of scale. In this aspect he contributed more to society than Daniel Drew, who essentially saw his companies as vehicles to play the stock market with loaded dice, rather than building up their business operations and boosting fundamental value. Jay Gould was a protege of Daniel Drew, who later forced his mentor out of the Erie board and became its managing director. He was best known for his attempted gold corner in 1869, which was thwarted by the US government releasing a huge amount of gold. Nevertheless, Gould managed to scramble out of the situation with huge profits with skilful covert selling and deceptive stock support by his associates, leaving a massive trail of casualties, which included individual gold speculators and brokers, on a day known later as "Black Friday". These famous speculators marked an early period in America's stock markets, when stock market regulation was in its infancy stages. Hence the door was open for individuals who spot loopholes in the system to exploit them to the fullest. Unfair use of directorships within a company extended further than insider buying/selling, and corrupted the relationship between directors and shareholders. Daniel Drew, as a director of Erie, often thwarted attempts to corner the company's stock (when he went short on it) by issuing vast quantities of new stock, a practice known as "watering the stock" (interpret it as diluting the value). Some company directors deliberately steered their company into problems which they would publicise, accumulated the stock at low prices, then took steps to solve the problems and drive the stock price recovery. The success of the pool operators also depended on their being able to suck in unsuspecting speculators to drive the stock up or down, which meant public communications machinery was deployed to disseminate rumours. There were often close relationships between the newspapers and pool operators, and the former were hardly independent reporters of the latter's activities. This age of speculation was also characterised by federal entanglement in the national web of speculation. The Credit Mobilier scandal in 1872 involved a Member of Congress, Oakes Ames, receiving inflated payments to his personal company, Credit Mobilier, for construction services rendered to the Union Pacific Railroad, which was public listed. Legislative decisions regarding railroad construction and operation permits often went depending on which pool operator's political lobbyists were more effective, and also whether the legislators were themselves vested in the stock. The next few decades would see the rise of "captains of industry" such as Andrew Carnegie and John Rockefeller who would become more well-known for their contributions to their respective industries of steel and oil, rather than their stock market operations. They represented an improvement in society values, where speculation based on stock market manipulation gave way to a more preferable method of money-making based on building new industries. However, the speculative spirit would always exist in the blood of humans, and many would think back fondly of the robber baron days with their no-holds-barred operations. (1) Devil Take the Hindmost (by Edward Chancellor) Post a Comment << Home
Definitions for "Archpriest" a non-monastic priest elevated with an honorific rank, equivalent to the monastic archimandrite , though ranking one position lower a minister assisting a bishop in the administration of a rural deanery, or subdivision of an archdeaconry; also known as a rural dean Keywords: dignitary, clergyman, senior a senior clergyman and dignitary
The 5G Technology Hype: Big Promises but at What Price and for What? As the hype over the 5G technology heightens, smartphone users are becoming all too eager to experience the much talked-about promise of monumental advancements in wireless communication. Leading smartphone makers like Samsung, Huawei and OnePlus are now sending out messages about their forthcoming 5G phones and how their device can further change lifestyles. Talks about faster speed, lower latency, of holographic video calls and of much better Internet of Things (IoT), whet appetites even more. Yet those are only the bright side of the new communications technology. How about looking at the opposite direction where certain aspects about 5G network and 5G phones are being overshadowed by all the hype. First off, many are predicting that real 5G connectivity with its 100-times faster speed will also have the same birth pangs manifested by the 4G technology when it was first introduced. Techie soothsayers say that it will take long before the technology can achieve perfection. Although 5G transmissions have high frequency, its wavelengths are shorter and are in fact called, millimeter waves. Overview of How the 5G Communications Technology Work Shorter wavelengths require shorter distance between the 5G device and the transmitting towers. In order for 5G technology to work as promised, there must be multiple small cell sites in nearly every nook and cranny of a city alone, Wireless companies estimate that they have to install about 3,00,000 new antennas, which is roughly about the same number of cell towers that had been built over the last three decades. Is 5G Technology Safe? Going back to the multiple towers that send out multiple beams of millimeter waves, in order to make 5G coverage possible in position any location or position, the potential health risks posed to the human body are once again being raised. Organizations are calling for comprehensive studies about the potential ill-effects of the entire 5G technology on the human body, before allowing a multitude of cell sites to proliferate in communities. The scenario is this, massive beams of millimeter waves that can penetrate metal and concrete will also pass through every human body that stands in their path. Health concerns have been raised since the introduction of 2G, through the technology’s transformations to 3G and then 4G. It seems that everybody is enjoying the benefits of advanced communications so much, that serious studies about the potential effects have been overlooked.. How Much will 5G Technology Cost Users It is obvious that 5G technology from inception to actual deployment already costs hundred billions in investors’ money. End-users therefore must also expect to pay greater prices, not only for high-end 5G devices but also for the service provided by network carriers. How else can the companies recoup their investment in as short a time as possible? Performance Issues Already Noted by Testers CNET global testers already noted performance issues particularly with battery life, as use of the 5G service tends to consume battery life also at a faster pace than 4G. Moreover, tests made during the height of the heatwave in July, resulted to device overheating. This forced testers to switch to 4G in order to carry on with ongoing resource-heavy tasks, such as streaming videos or when making advanced photography effects. To sum it all up, if you have a limited budget, hold your horses before becoming one of the firsts to enter the 5G technology scene.
Skip to main content Genomic characteristics of cattle copy number variations Copy number variation (CNV) represents another important source of genetic variation complementary to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). High-density SNP array data have been routinely used to detect human CNVs, many of which have significant functional effects on gene expression and human diseases. In the dairy industry, a large quantity of SNP genotyping results are becoming available and can be used for CNV discovery to understand and accelerate genetic improvement for complex traits. We performed a systematic analysis of CNV using the Bovine HapMap SNP genotyping data, including 539 animals of 21 modern cattle breeds and 6 outgroups. After correcting genomic waves and considering the pedigree information, we identified 682 candidate CNV regions, which represent 139.8 megabases (~4.60%) of the genome. Selected CNVs were further experimentally validated and we found that copy number "gain" CNVs were predominantly clustered in tandem rather than existing as interspersed duplications. Many CNV regions (~56%) overlap with cattle genes (1,263), which are significantly enriched for immunity, lactation, reproduction and rumination. The overlap of this new dataset and other published CNV studies was less than 40%; however, our discovery of large, high frequency (> 5% of animals surveyed) CNV regions showed 90% agreement with other studies. These results highlight the differences and commonalities between technical platforms. We present a comprehensive genomic analysis of cattle CNVs derived from SNP data which will be a valuable genomic variation resource. Combined with SNP detection assays, gene-containing CNV regions may help identify genes undergoing artificial selection in domesticated animals. With two cattle genome assemblies available (Btau_4 and UMD3)[1, 2], the cattle research community has been focusing on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the main source of genetic variation in cattle. This effort led to the development of the cattle SNP map [3] and the Illumina Bovine SNP50 (> 50,000 SNP probes) genotyping array [4, 5]. Evaluations of genetic merit based on SNPs became a reality in early 2009 leading to an acceleration of improvements to dairy and beef breed stocks [68]. Widespread use of the BovineSNP50 array has resulted in the availability of tens of thousands of SNP genotyping results. Based on SNP genotyping assays, QTL distributions and artificial selection signatures in dairy cattle have been reported [9, 10]. Copy Number Variation (CNV) represents another important source of genetic variation that provides genomic structural information complementary to SNP data. Genomic structural variations ranging from 1 kb to 5 Mb comprise mainly of CNVs in the form of large-scale insertions and deletions, as well as inversions and translocations [11]. In humans, ~29,000 CNVs that correspond to over 8,400 CNV regions have been identified, and over 9,000 genes have been mapped within or near regions of human structural variation [12, 13]. Some of these CNVs have been shown to be important in both normal phenotypic variability and disease susceptibility. Several recent publications have reviewed the effects of CNVs on gene expression and human diseases [1417]. Due to their low cost and high-density, SNP arrays have been routinely used for human CNV detection and analysis [13]. Compared to CGH arrays which only report relative signal intensities, SNP arrays collect normalized total intensities (Log R ratio - LRR) and allelic intensity ratios (B allele frequency - BAF) which represent overall copy numbers and allelic contrasts [18]. Multiple algorithms have been developed to exploit SNP data to identify CNVs, including QuantiSNP [19], PennCNV [20], Birdseye [21] and Cokgen [22]. Comparisons of the strengths and weaknesses of these algorithms have been published [23, 24]. As one of the leading methods, PennCNV incorporates multiple sources of information, including total signal intensity and allelic intensity ratio at each SNP marker, the distance between neighboring SNPs, and the allele frequency of SNPs. PennCNV also integrates a computational approach by fitting regression models with GC content to overcome "genomic waves" [25, 26]. Furthermore, PennCNV is capable of considering pedigree information (a parents-offspring trio) to improve call rates and accuracy of breakpoint prediction as well as to infer chromosome-specific SNP genotypes in CNVs [27]. Previous cattle studies have produced a number of CNV datasets. For example, our earlier array CGH survey using 3 Holstein bulls identified 25 germline CNVs [28]. Recently, we reported a broader, systematic CNV survey in 90 cattle using array CGH [29]. We identified over 200 candidate CNV regions (CNVRs); some of which are likely to underlie cattle domestication and breed formation. Fadista et al. recently reported 304 CNV regions in 20 animals of 4 cattle breeds using high-density array CGH [30]. Besides array CGH experiments, other evidences for cattle CNV came from SNP genotyping results, where a screen of Bovine HapMap Consortium samples (over 500 animals from multiple cattle breeds) identified 79 candidate deletions using an earlier version of cnvPartition [5]. However, these results only included homozygous deletions which were validated by multiple observations. A recent paper reported 368 unique CNV regions from 265 Korean Hanwoo cattle based on BovineSNP50 genotyping data; however, during the PennCNV calling, the "genomic waves" pattern was not discussed and pedigree information was not considered [31]. In this study, we reprocessed the published Bovine HapMap Consortium SNP genotyping results using optimal settings for PennCNV by adjusting for "genomic waves" and utilizing trio/pedigree information whenever possible. We identified 682 candidate CNV regions in a diverse panel of 521 animals from 21 different breeds. We also included 18 animals from 6 outgroups to derive the ancestral states of CNVs. We then compared this CNV call set with the existing cattle CNV call sets, validated several novel CNVR calls and discussed the evolutionary impact of cattle CNVs. Results and Discussion Optimization of cattle CNV detection A total of 58,336 markers were selected for the BovineSNP50 assay [4, 5]. Except for 1,389 markers which failed to pass manufacturer assay production pipeline, we intentionally kept all remaining 56,947 markers without any other filtering. These included 1,465 markers (2.57%) which had a call rate of 0. The markers with a call rate of 0 are resistant to the default biallelic SNP clustering and often fall in CNV regions. Compared to the standard BovineSNP50 Genotyping Beadchip v1 featuring 54,001 SNP probes, 2,946 more SNPs were included in our analysis, of which, ~17% located in cattle segmental duplication (SD) regions [32], ~9% overlapped with the CNVRs detected by array CGH method [29], and ~27% contributed to the CNVRs reported here. We tested the cattle CNV calls made with or without the -gcmodel option on Batu_4.0 to identify the impact of genomic waves on CNV calling. Agreeing with previous results [26], we found the total CNVR counts were higher without -gcmodel (719) than those with -gcmodel enabled (682). However, only 86.80% (592/682) of the gcmodel calls directly overlapped with 79.28% (570/719) calls made without gcmodel, revealing a ~20% CNV discordancy rate. These discordant calls were likely due to false positives called from the differentiating signal intensities caused by "genomic waves" rather than by real CNV events. This further demonstrated that genomic waves have a significant effect on this type of analysis. We also compared results of PennCNV using -test, -trio and -joint options sequentially. In other words, we compared data resultant from not considering trio information (-test), considering trio information only after calling (-trio) and finally by considering trio information in a simultaneous fashion during CNV calling (-joint) (Additional file 1: Table S5). Consistent with the earlier comparisons using simulated and real SNP data [27, 33], trio information significantly increased our CNV call rates. The result of the -joint option (1276 calls) was significantly higher than those of the other options: -test (684 calls) and -trio (1019 calls). After merging overlapping CNVs, ~87% of the 682 CNVRs deduced from the -joint option overlapped with those deduced from the -test and -trio options (both with a total of 621 CNVRs). Due to its improved call sensitivity and breakpoint inference, the -joint option reported about 13% more CNVRs which were not detected by the -test or -trio options. Cattle CNV discovery and distribution Due to issues regarding CNVR calls, we excluded chrX and chrUn from our analysis. In our initial analysis of chrX, it was found that almost half of the potential CNVRs were unreasonably large (> 1 Mb) and several events were present in high frequencies (> 25%). This is likely due to the fact that PennCNV assumes two copies of each SNP as the normal copy number state, which was likely not the case within the pseudoautosomal region [34] and segmental duplications [32] on chrX. Additionally, since chrX sequence and annotation also differ dramatically between Btau_4.0 and UMD3 builds, we considered the CNV calls on chrX as unreliable and excluded them from further analysis. Since chrUn only contains unassigned sequence contigs, it was not included due to the lack of sequence and SNPs as well as the SNP mapping uncertainty. Within the placed autosomes, a total of 3,666 CNVs in 521 samples were detected and an average of 7.09 gain or loss events were evident in each sample (Table 1). CNVRs were determined by aggregating overlapping CNVs identified across all samples, following previously published protocols [13]. A total of 682 high-confidence autosomal CNVRs were identified, covering 139.8 Mb of polymorphic sequence and corresponding to 5.49% of the autosomal genome sequence (139.8/2,545.9 Mb) and 4.60% of the whole cattle genome (139.8/3,036.6 Mb, Figure 1 and Additional file 1: Table S2). Table 1 CNV events by species and breeds. Figure 1 Genomic landscape of cattle copy number variations and segmental duplications. CNV regions (682 events, 139 Mb, ~4.60% of the bovine genome) reported by 521 SNP genotyped individuals are shown above the chromosomes in green (gain), red (loss) and dark blue (both), while below are the CNV regions (177 events, 28 Mb, ~1% of the bovine genome) reported by 90 array CGH experiments by Liu et al. The bar height represents their frequencies: short (appeared in 1 sample), median (≥2 samples) and tall (≥5 samples). Segmental duplications (94.4 Mb, 3.1% of the bovine genome) predicted by two independent computational approaches are illustrated on the chromosomes in red (WSSD), blue (WGAC) or purple (both). The patterns are depicted for all duplications for ≥5 kb in length and ≥90% sequence identity. The gaps in the assembly are represented on the chromosomes as white ticks. To test the stability of CNV calls with respect to different genome builds and SNP mapping, we also migrated 56,408 out of 56,947 SNP markers from Btau_4.0 to UMD3 using the UCSC liftOver tool [35], and repeated the entire calling analyses to ensure consistency in calls (Additional file 1: Tables S3 and S4). Only 61 more CNVRs were identified on the UMD3 assembly (making a total of 743 CNVRs). A simple comparison indicated that the total coverage of variable regions were 13.05% larger on UMD3 (158.0 Mb, Additional file 1: Table S3) than on Btau_4.0. For all three CNVR types (gain, loss and both), counts increased slightly. This was expected as both assemblies were based on the same raw WGS reads. The most obvious difference between the two assemblies is that Btau_4.0 unplaced contigs are placed on UMD3. This resulted in more markers that were on Btau_4.0 ChrUn contigs to be placed on UMD3 autosomes, which could partially explain the increase in the CNVR counts. Since the majority of cattle genome annotations were performed on the Btau_4.0 assembly, we focused on further characterization of the 682 high-confidence CNV regions from Btau_4.0 autosomes. These 682 CNVRs include 370 loss, 216 gain and 96 both (loss and gain within the same region) events, ranging from 32,566 to 5,569,091 bp with a mean or median of 204,965 or 131,179 bp, respectively (Additional file 1: Table S2). Loss events are approximately 1.7-fold more common than gain events, but have slightly smaller sizes than gain regions on average. Furthermore, 278 CNVRs were found in only one sample (Unique), 404 CNVRs were present in two or more animals or breeds and 18 of 404 multiple events had a frequency >5% (Table 1 and Additional file 1: Table S2). These datasets confirm that segregating CNVs exist among these 21 cattle breeds and/or groups, which is consistent with our earlier results based on array CGH [29]. In general, the number of CNVs identified in each sample is consistent with SNP estimates of breed-specific founding and effective population sizes and levels of polymorphism based on ≥50,000 SNPs [5]. As shown in Table 1, more CNV events were detected in indicine (11.41 per sample) than in African groups (7.21 per sample) and composite (7.17 per sample). The taurine breeds (6.23 per sample) had the fewest detected CNVs. While some of these differences could be related to the fact that the SNP markers were designed based on the Btau_4.0 reference genome (which was derived from the sequence of a Hereford cow of European origin; Dominette 01449), this observation is consistent with the concept of subspecies divergence and supports the hypothesis of multiple independent domestications of cattle in the Fertile Crescent, Southwest Asia and likely Africa [36, 37]. Cattle CNVs are distributed in a nonrandom fashion at two different levels. First, CNV content varies significantly among different chromosomes. The proportion of any given known chromosome susceptible to CNV regions varies from 1.32-8.80% (Additional file 1: Table S2). Chromosomes 1 and 6 show the greatest enrichment for CNV (Figure 1 and Additional file 1: Table S2) with almost two-fold of the variable content of the autosomal average. It is interesting to note that these chromosomes do not have the highest SD content [29, 32]. Furthermore, similar to the human, mouse, rat and dog genomes, there are a greater proportion of CNVs near pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions. Excluding chrX and chrUn, pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions each represent 3.42% of genomic sequence but show an enrichment of 1.5-2.4-fold more CNVRs (both P values <0.001) and contain 7.78-12.54% of all polymorphic sequence. Quality assessment of selected CNV Regions The quality of our 682 CNV calls was assessed in multiple ways, though our first assessment was a comparison against existing cattle CNV datasets (Table 2 and Figure 2). One of the earlier datasets included 79 filtered deletion variants (representing 42 unique genomic loci and 9 single SNPs) reported earlier using the Illumina genotyping software module cnvPartition v1.0.2 [5]. Nineteen of our CNVRs overlapped with 11 of the deletion variants (21.57%) in that dataset (Table 2). We also identified 129 CNVRs (18.91%) in our dataset that overlapped with 128 CNVRs from a SNP-based CNV study on 265 Korean Hanwoo cattle [31] (Figure 2B). The Hanwoo CNV study identified 368 CNVRs in total, so our dataset overlapped with 34.83% of their calls [31]. We then compared our calls against an array CGH-based study of 20 cattle from four breeds [30]. Since our dataset excluded CNV calls in the chrX, chrUn and mitochondrial sequences, we compared our autosomal CNVR calls (682 CNVRs) to the autosomal CNV calls of that study (254 CNVRs) [30]. Only 51 of our CNVRs (7.48%) directly overlapped with 55 of their calls (21.65%, Figure 2C). Our final comparison was against our previous array CGH-based study of 90 animals from 14 breeds which resulted in 163 autosomal CNVR calls [29]. In this comparison, 57 of our SNP-based CNVR calls (8.36%) overlapped with 59 CNVRs derived from array CGH (36.20%, Figure 2C). If we only focused on the 16 HapMap samples which were assessed by both platforms (60 CNVRs derived from array CGH and 106 CNVRs reported by SNP array), there were 21 overlapping CNVRs: 19 for array CGH (31.67%, 19/60), and 20 for SNP array (18.87%, 20/106). When we merged existing CNV datasets, a total of ~ 200 out of 682 (about 30%) newly identified CNVRs overlapped with them (Figure 2A). Table 2 Summary of genome-wide studies of cattle copy number variations Figure 2 Comparisons between identified 682 CNVRs in this study and the other existing cattle CNVR datasets in terms of count and length. A, compared to the total nonredundant CNVR merged from existing published datasets; B, compared to CNVR derived from SNP array (Bae et al, 2010); C, compared to two CNVR datasets derived from array CGH studies (Liu et al,2010; Fadista et al, 2010); D, the summaries and legends of existing cattle CNVR datasets. It is expected that the variants identified in these studies do not overlap, suggesting a vast amount of CNVs exist in cattle population and saturation for this type of variation has not yet been approached. It is likely that many thousands of more common structural variants may still remain undiscovered in the cattle genome. A similar situation was encountered in human CNV studies using the early version of SNP, CGH arrays and detection methods [38, 39]. For example, although cnvPartition detects CNVs by processing the similar raw data as PennCNV (i.e. LRR and BAF), it is based on a different proprietary sliding window algorithm. Only those homozygous deletion events segregating in different animals were reported due to concerns with the quality of calls [5]. In the future, high-density SNP arrays combined with improved CNV calling algorithms could remedy these differences. Besides the technology and detection method differences, the following could also contribute to the observed differences: (1) sampling differences: 521 individuals from 21 diverse breeds and/or groups were included in our study; (2) genome coverage biases: 56,947 markers were included in our study rather than a subset of "well-behaved" SNPs (54,001 markers) which exclude those SNPs in CNV-rich regions; (3) correction of genomic waves in order to minimize false positive calls; and (4) trio/pedigree information was fully explored in our study to improve the accuracy and call rate of CNVs. When filtering criteria varying the CNVR length and frequency were applied, we observed significant overlap within our 2 datasets derived from SNP arrays and array CGH (Additional file 1: Table S8). For example, when the large CNVRs (SNP count = 10, a median ~574kb) were considered, the overlap reached 21.74%. When the CNVR frequency was increased to 1, 2, or 5% (animal count = 5, 10, or 25, respectively), the overlap increased to 89.47%. When we filtered the CNVR frequency to greater than 10% of our population (50 animals), the overlap included 100% of our filtered dataset. This further demonstrated that large, common CNVRs can be reliably detected through using different detection technologies even when the majority of samples were different. For example, our current SNP array study identified most of the large, common CNVRs which were confirmed in our published results [29]. After comparison with other existing datasets, we found that ~70% of our CNVR calls were not reported in the literature. In order to confirm these novel CNVRs, we performed 24 quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for 15 low frequency, novel CNVR calls spread among seven individuals (Additional file 1: Table S9). Nine of the CNV regions had two target amplicons placed near two different SNP loci. Out of 24 total locations, 11 loci (~48%) were in agreement with CNV estimates by PennCNV (Additional file 1: Table S9 and Figure S1). When counting the CNV regions, 9 out of 15 (60%) CNV regions had positive qPCR confirmations in at least one location. If CNVRs previously validated in the literature [29] were also included, approximately two third (30% + 70% × 48%) of our detected CNVRs had positive confirmations. As expected, the Bovine SNP50 platform has a large resolution limit under the current PennCNV calling criteria. The size of the CNVRs detected ranged from 32.6 kb to 5.6 Mb, with a median size of 131.2 kb (Additional file 1: Table S2). This is partially due to the fact that the Bovine SNP50 assay was originally developed for high-throughput SNP genotyping in association studies. Although CNV detection is feasible with SNP arrays, it is impaired by low density and non-uniform distribution of SNPs, especially in CNV and SD regions. Compared to a CGH array, a SNP array lacks non-polymorphic probes designed specifically for CNV identification. Thus, only the large CNVRs are expected to be identified with the Bovine SNP50 assay. This explains the difference in CNV length between our study and the earlier results. The discrepancies between the qPCR and PennCNV results may represent small CNV events that were missed in the PennCNV calls, or instances where SNPs caused the qPCR reaction to fail or be suboptimal but did not affect the SNP assay. Despite the fact that a two-copy state was assumed for test PCR loci in Dominette, smaller CNV events in Dominette may have evaded detection by PennCNV. If our test primers amplified a small CNV event in Dominette, that would skew the relative copy number estimates of our qPCR reactions. Although qPCR primers were designed within 250 bp around the target SNP positions, additional SNPs and small indels may have influenced the hybridization of the qPCR primers in some animals, thereby reducing primer efficiency. Other causes may also contribute to the discrepancy in CNVR validation by qPCR. The draft status of the cattle genome assembly and the low SNP density of the Bovine SNP assay make it difficult to determine the real breakpoints of CNVRs. For example, multiple, neighboring, discrete CNV events could result in a larger call by PennCNV; therefore, giving an over estimation of the CNV size. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the qPCR primers used to confirm the CNVRs may have been designed outside the breakpoints. CNVs overlap with segmental duplications and other genomic features Following previous studies of other genomes, we detected the association between CNVRs and SDs. Agreeing with previous predictions regarding cattle SDs [32], a local tandem distribution pattern is predominant in our cattle CNVR dataset (Figure 1). It should be noted that about 25.66% (175/682) of CNV regions directly overlap with cattle SDs with an overlapping span of 16,283,071 bp (11.65% of the total 139,786,166 bp). Approximately 12.06% (356/2952) of the SDs (excluding chrX and chrUn) identified by WGAC and WSSD [32] exhibit CNVs. In comparison, 58.90% of the CNVRs (96/163) detected by using array CGH [29] excluding X chromosome overlap with cattle SDs, corresponding to 15,176,612 bp (60.56% of the total 25,061,646 bp). The proportion of our new CNVR calls (identified in this study) that overlap with SDs reaches approximately 40% compared to 61% in our previous study. This lower overlap fraction probably reflects the fact that the BovineSNP50 array used in this study is biased against cattle SD regions. SNP density on the array drops by one-third (from 21 probes/Mb in unique regions down to 14 probes/Mb) in SD regions. We also failed to detect any correlation between 682 CNV regions and evolutionary breakpoint regions (EBRs). Compared to the genomic averages, cattle-specific EBRs and artiodactyl-specific EBRs do not show enrichments of CNV sequences [40]. This negative result is consent with the fact that EBRs have fewer overlaps with SD regions. Gene Content of Cattle CNV regions Within autosomes, the 682 CNV regions overlap with 1,679 Ensembl peptides, corresponding to 1,263 unique Ensembl genes (Table 1 and Additional file 2: S6). About 55.57% (379/682) of high-confidence CNVRs completely or partially span cattle Ensembl genes. We assigned PANTHER accessions to a total of 1,263 overlapping genes. Statistically significant over or under representations were observed for multiple categories (Additional file 1: Table S10). This set of copy number variable genes possess a wide spectrum of molecular functions, and provides a rich resource for testing hypotheses on the genetic basis of phenotypic variation within and among breeds. Consistent with similar CNV analyses in other mammals (human, mouse and dog), several of these CNVs, which are important in drug detoxification, defense/innate and adaptive immunity and receptor and signal recognition, are also present in cattle. These gene families include olfactory receptors, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, Cytochrome P450, β-defensins, interleukins, the bovine MHC (BoLA) and multiple solute carrier family proteins which support the shared GO terms among mammals as shown in Additional file 1: Table S10. For gene families that went through cattle-specific gene duplication [32], such as interferon tau, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins, SCP2 and ULBP and WC1.1 subfamilies, we also detected marked variation in copy number between individuals and across diverse cattle breeds and/or groups (Additional file 2: Table S6). It is intriguing to note that we also detected variations of TLR3 (toll-like receptor 3) and PPARA (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha). This current CNV survey further supports a hypothesis that the generation of new CNV insertions and deletions may be a constant phenomenon in multiple cattle breeds/individuals [41]. We also overlapped our CNVRs with two sets of genomic regions under positive or balance selection detected by iHS and FST using SNP data [3, 10] (Additional file 3: Table S11). By doing so, we have identified CNV regions that may span potential cattle QTLs and human orthologous OMIM genes influencing disease susceptibility (Additional file 3: Table S11). For instance, multiple CNV regions directly overlap with QTLs for significant and typical economic traits and 87 out of 682 CNVRs correspond to loci known to cause disease in humans. However, since the cattle genome and cattle QTLs are less well defined, future study is warranted. Cattle CNV frequency differences among breeds To highlight the potential evolutionary contributions of these CNVs to cattle breed formation and adaptation, we queried 91 CNVRs that have breed-specific CNV frequency differences (Additional file 1: Table S12). We only considered breeds that had at least 12 samples and any detectable variations must be identified in at least 3 individuals or 10% of samples (for Holstein, Angus and Limousin where n > 30). Fifty-eight of these CNVRs correspond to annotated genes or gene families; many of which were identified in other mammals as influencing adaptation to the environment. Some of the annotated genes are known to be important in cattle adaptation including CNVR266(IFNT) in Brown Swiss, CNVR122 (SCP2) in Hereford [32] and CNVR178 (Olfactory Receptors) in most of breeds [See also [42]]. The differences of CNV frequency among cattle breeds supported our earlier hypothesis that some cattle CNVs are likely to arise independently in breeds, are likely to contribute to breed differences and are therefore related to the breed formation and adaptation. However, the observed differences between breed variations could be caused by both selection and genetic drift due to genetic bottlenecks for some breeds. Our findings, therefore, must be confirmed with an even larger sample size. CNVs in outgroup animals For the 18 individuals in outgroups, which were analyzed similarly together with 521 modern breeds individuals, 1003 CNVs and 483 CNVRs were detected, covering 276.8 Mb base pairs, with 21 gain and significantly more (458) loss events (Table 1 and Additional file 1: S7). About 34.60% of our current CNVRs (236/682) directly overlapped with 37.47% of these ancient CNVRs (181/483) derived from ancient outgroups, which indicates over one third of CNVRs were likely ancestral. We suspected this observation of more loss events than gain events was at least partially related to the high genetic divergences between these outgroup animals and the cattle reference genome. With additional cattle, sheep, goat and pig CNV papers published recently [4346], it will be interesting to look into the evolutionary mechanism of CNVs within livestock animals. We have performed a comprehensive genomic analysis of cattle CNVs based on whole genome SNP genotyping data, therefore providing a valuable genomic variation resource. A total of 682 CNVRs were identified, covering 139.8 megabases (~4.60%) of the genome. A subset of these CNVRs showed Mendelian inheritance and were also confirmed in other cattle CNV studies and other mammalian species. As high density cattle SNP genotyping data are becoming available, CNVs combined with SNPs, may help identify genes undergoing artificial selection in domesticated animals. Selection of cattle breeds and animals It has been demonstrated that the BovineSNP50 genotyping array provides a robust resource for genome-wide, high-density SNP genotyping of cattle and for population genetic analyses of closely related artiodactyl species [4, 47]. In which, less than 3% of markers had call rates below 99.94%, the average call rate for individual samples was greater than 97.5% and 85% of samples had call rates above 98.8% [5]. Cattle CNVs in this study were detected by using the same SNP genotyping results, including those collected for the Bovine HapMap project [3] (Additional file 1: Table S1). PennCNV quality filters were applied after the CNV detection, resulting in 521 distinct high quality genotyping results from the original 556 animals. This panel included 366 animals from 14 taurine dairy and beef breeds, 70 animals from three breeds of predominantly indicine background, 46 animals from two breeds that are Taurine × Indicine composites, and 39 animals from two African groups, one of which (Sheko) is an ancient hybrid. It is worth to note that for many of the breeds, individuals were sampled from more than one continent to represent the global cattle population. This panel contained 39 trios where both parents and an offspring were genotyped. Additionally, we included 18 animals from 6 outgroups (Bos gaurus - Gaur, Bos bison - North American Bison, Bubalus depressicornis- Lowland Anoa, Bos javanicus - Banteng, Bos grunniens - Yak, and Syncerus caffer -Cape Buffalo) with 1 trio information to derive the ancestral states of CNVs. Among these outgroups, the average sample call rate was 89.91%, reflecting their divergent relationship from Bos Taurus. Identification of cattle CNVs PennCNV algorithm [20] was only applied to autosomes (-lastchr 29) to detect cattle CNV in this study. In our initial analysis, chrX (-chrx) was also considered separately from automosomes. PennCNV incorporates multiple sources of information together, including LRR and BAF at each SNP marker, more realistic models for state transition between different copy number states based on the distance between neighboring SNPs, population frequency of B allele (PFB), the allele frequency of SNPs, and the pedigree information where available, into a hidden Markov model (HMM). Both LRR and BAF were exported from Illumina GenomeStudio Genotyping Module v1.0 software given the default clustering file for each SNP. The PFB file was calculated based on the BAF of each marker in this population. Because there were 153 out of 556 animals (~27.5%) with absolute values of waviness factor larger than 0.04 in our original analysis, the genomic waves were adjusted using the -gcmodel option. The cattle gcmodel file was generated by calculating the GC content of the 1Mb genomic region surrounding each marker (500kb each side). For comparison, the analysis without considering gcmodel was also conducted. Three different PennCNV options were performed wherever possible: 1) -test: the individual-calling algorithm that treats family members as if they were unrelated; 2) -trio: the posterior-calling algorithm which accommodates family information to improve the accuracy of individual-based CNV calling and boundary prediction; 3) -joint: the joint-calling algorithm that identifies CNVs using family data simultaneously. After CNV detection, filtering of low-quality samples was carried out with the default cutoffs: standard deviation (STD) of LRR as 0.30, BAF drift as 0.01 and waviness factor as 0.05. The filtered results from the three algorithms were compared in terms of CNV numbers, lengths and number of SNP in CNVs (Additional file 1: Table S5). The final CNVs set was the nonredundant combination of CNVs from the -joint results for family trio members and the -test results for unrelated individuals. For the outgroup animals, quality filtering was not performed due to their divergent relationship from Bos Taurus. CNVRs are determined by aggregating overlapping CNVs identified across all samples [13]. CNV validation array CGH experiments were performed as previously described [11]. Primers were designed for qPCR validation using the Primer3 webtool by limiting amplicon length to 150bp to 250bp and by incorporating a GC clamp of 2. All other settings were left at the default. Primer information is shown in Additional file 1: Table S9. Quantitative PCR experiments were conducted using SYBR green chemistry in triplicate reactions, each with a reaction volume of 25 μl. All reactions were amplified on a BioRad MyIQ thermocycler. An intron-exon junction of the BTF3 gene was chosen as a reference location for all qPCR experiments. Analysis of resultant crossing thresholds (Ct) was performed using the ΔΔCt method [48, 49]. Calibration ΔCt values were derived from amplification of reference and test primers on a genomic DNA template derived from the European Hereford, Dominette 01449. Since all reference and test primers did not overlap with any of Dominette's CNV regions, two-copy states were assumed for both amplicons in Dominette. Cattle CNV distribution and association with Segmental Duplications and other features We investigated the genomic distribution of 682 CNVRs by testing the hypothesis that pericentromeric and subtelomeric regions were enriched for CNVs as described previously [32]. Briefly, all predicted variable bases that overlapped with these regions were totaled and chi-square tests were used to test the null hypothesis of no enrichment. CNVRs were also overlapped with SD and the other genomic features such as evolutionary breakpoint regions (ERBs), which were obtained from literature and public databases listed in web site references. Gene content Gene content of cattle CNV regions was assessed using Ensembl genes, the Glean consensus gene set, cattle RefSeq and in silico mapped human RefSeq (the UCSC Genome Browser website at We obtained a catalog of all bovine peptides from Ensembl. This yielded 26,271 peptides, 1,679 of which overlap with predicted 682 high-confidence CNV regions, and correspond to 1,263 unique Ensembl genes. Using the PANTHER classification system, we tested the hypothesis that the PANTHER molecular function, biological process and pathway terms were under- or overrepresented in CNV regions after Bonferroni corrections [32]. It is worth noting that a portion of the genes in the bovine genome has not been annotated or has been annotated with unknown function, which may influence the outcome of this analysis. Web Site References The Database of Genomic Variants: Ensembl genes 1. 1. 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BMC Genomics. 2010, 11: 593- 47. 47. Decker JE, Pires JC, Conant GC, McKay SD, Heaton MP, Chen K, et al: Resolving the evolution of extant and extinct ruminants with high-throughput phylogenomics. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009, 106: 18644-18649. 10.1073/pnas.0904691106. 48. 48. 49. 49. Graubert TA, Cahan P, Edwin D, Selzer RR, Richmond TA, Eis PS, et al: A high-resolution map of segmental DNA copy number variation in the mouse genome. PLoS Genet. 2007, 3: e3-10.1371/journal.pgen.0030003. Download references We thank members of the Bovine HapMap Consortium for sharing their samples. We thank R. Anderson, J. Shaffer, D. Hebert, S. Schroeder and L. Shade for technical assistance. This work was supported by in part by NRI grant No. 2007-35205-17869 from USDA CSREES (now NIFA), Project 1265-31000-098-00 from USDA-ARS and Research Grant Award No. IS-4201-09 from BARD, United States - Israel Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund. Author information Correspondence to George E Liu. Additional information Authors' contributions YH, KW, EK, LKM, JS carried out computational analysis. DMB, MFC, MV carried out the experimental validations. PMV, TSS and CPVT participated in data collection. GEL conceived of the study and led in its design and coordination. All authors contributed to writing the manuscript, read and approved the final manuscript. Electronic supplementary material Additional file 1:Supplemental Material file. Table S1. Numbers of species, breeds, animals and trios used to call CNVs genotyped by BovineSNP50 assay. Table S2. Btau_4.0 cattle CNV regions and their frequencies. Table S3. Comparison of CNV regions identified on two cattle genome assemblies. Table S4. UMD3 cattle CNV regions and their frequencies. Table S5. The comparison of CNVs from 39 trios using three CNV calling algorithms: individual-calling, posterior-calling and joint-calling. Table S7. Outgroup CNV regions and their frequencies. Table S8. The effects of CNV length and frequency on calling consistances between CNV callings based on SNP array and aCGH. Table S9. qPCR Summary. Table S10. Over/Underrepresentation of PANTHER molecular function, biological process and pathway terms. Table S12. CNVR frequency differences among breeds. Figure S1. Illustration of a typical CNV call with qPCR validation. (DOC 3 MB) Additional file 2:Supplemental Material file. Table S6. Gene contents of cattle CNV regions. (XLS 454 KB) Additional file 3:Supplemental Material file. Table S11. Cattle CNV regions overlap with genomic regions under positive selection, human orthologous OMIM genes and cattle QTLs. (XLS 332 KB) Authors’ original submitted files for images Authors’ original file for figure 1 Authors’ original file for figure 2 Authors’ original file for figure 3 Rights and permissions Reprints and Permissions About this article Cite this article Hou, Y., Liu, G.E., Bickhart, D.M. et al. Genomic characteristics of cattle copy number variations. BMC Genomics 12, 127 (2011). Download citation • Copy Number Variation • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Marker • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Array • Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Data • Copy Number Variation Region
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This material is available only on Freebooksummary Traditional Symbolism in Crime and Punishment Traditional Symbolism in Crime and Punishment The whole doc is available only for registered users OPEN DOC Book: Crime and Punishment Pages: 7 Words: 1578 Views: 298 Access Full Document Please Sign Up to get full document. Access Full Document Please Sign Up to get full document. 1. Trace the psychological process of Raskolinkv’s mind from the planning stages of the murder to the final realization of love. Raskolikov’s mind goes through a series of stages as he progresses from the time of the murder to his eventual realization of love. At first, he believes that he is separated from society entirely and isn’t the same as most people. In essence, Raskolinov believes that he isn’t the same as most people and even considers himself above them. However, it is this very belief that isolates him from the rest of the world. Raskolikov puts this lonely life upon himself by believing that he is a “superman” or Ubermench. He doesn’t just think that he is above people’s way of thinking either; he believes that he is above all morals and ethics as well. The reason why Raskolikov commits the crime is to affirm the truth in his head that he is above all, including life and death. Even after committing the murder, he pushes away the notion that he could be wrong because he needs to have the feeling of superiority. It is only In the end of the novel, when he confesses and goes to jail in Siberia that Raskolikov finds that surrendering to the beauty of emotion and love and equality (not superiority) that his mind is finally more sane then it was. In that realization of love, Raskolikov changes his thoughts on himself to that of an equal and in doing so, enters himself back into society. 2. Explain the “superior man” argument and evaluate Raskolinkov by the theory. In Raskolikov’s mind in the beginning of the novel, he is wrongly convinced that he is above all morals and above the human race as a whole, both in his way of thinking and otherwise. He describes himself as a “superman” and thinks that he is a superior being (Ubermench). The reason why Roskolikov is isolated from society in the beginning of the book is because he chooses to alianate himself since he finds himself better than everyone. Raskolikov is trapped in an alternate reality where he thinks that his opinion and self worth are above others to the point where he is under the illusion that he is greater than life and death himself. The reasoning behind Raskolikov’s murders is to prove to himself that he is a superior being. However, after the murder, when he finds himself ridden with guilt, it becomes apparent that the “superman” theory isn’t accurate. Finally, at the end of the book, Raskolikov realizes he’s just like everyone else when he falls in love. 3. Compare the characters of Roskolnikov, Luzhin, and Svidrigailov. How is each of these men a “villain,” and to what extent are they guilty? How does each man face his guilt, and how does each suffer for it? Raskolinkov and Svidrigailov, while very different charectars, find themselves in the same situations often times. Svidrigailov is calm, cool, and well mannered while Raskolinkov has a moody and isolated personality, but both have dual personalities and a need for crime. For example, both have committed murders. However, Svidrigailov feels no remose. He kills and commits crime for selfish reasons and his own personal pleasure. Raskolinkov on the other hand, is a wreck after he commits his murders. He develops a fainting problem and is ridden by guilt and regret. Raskolinkov didn’t anticipate these reactions and sees himself as a character much like Svidiailov with the exception that Raskolinkov convinces himself that he is doing things in the pursuit of justice. Svidrigailov is esentially the “superman” himself. He is everything Raskolinkov envisioned for himself and meeting Svidrigailov is one of the things that prompted Raskolinkov to realize that isn’t what he wants. Raskolinkov and Svidrigailov are also similar in that they have a change of heart because of the people they love. Raskolinkov finds happiness in love and turns himself in for his murders because of it. Unfortunately, Svrigailov experiences the exact opposite. After discovering that the object of his love/obsession will truly never feel the same, Svrgailov kills himself. While Svrigailov obviously did a lot of horrible deeds in his lifetime, I still feel enormous amounts of pity for him. It is clear to me that Svrigailov had a lot of mental problems and probably should’ve seen professional help about. I think that although Raskolinkov experiences a great deal of pain throughout the novel, Svidrigailov experiences even more because of the lack of support and love in his life; Raskolikov has all of this but chooses to push it away until the end of the book. 3. Compare the characters of Roskolnikov, Luzhin, and Svidrigailov. How is each of these men a “villain,” and to what extent are they guilty? How does each man face his guilt, and how does each suffer for it? The three main male characters of crime and punishment all are villians in differents ways and each suffers from intensive grief and guilt because of it. Raskolikov is a villian because he murders Alyona Ivanovna and his mother and takes a great deal of her money (but never uses it). Raskolikov immerses himself in a delusion that he committed these murders for the good of mankind throughout the majority of the book. He struggles with his guilt throughout the entire story, which makes up a great deal of his punishment. Raskolikov constantly bargains with himself that he is innocent even though he is truly a guilty man and a lot of his punishment is within his own mind as he battles guilt and isolates himself. After realizing that he is, in fact, wrong in his actions and guilty he turns himself in and is subject to an official punishment of 8 years in Siberia, apart from the love of his life, Sonya. Svidrailgov, another main character is also a villain because of murder along with pedophilia. Svidrailgov has no apparent conscious and experiences no guilt within his head, but is punished internally by his incapability to show his true self and much like Raskolikov live a life of isolation. His true punishment, however, comes when the the woman he loves shows no feelings of return. He will do anything in life to get what he wants, especially in this situation, but Dunya (Raskolikov’s sister and the object of his affections) will give in to him. After Svididailgov attempts to rape her and she still will not fall victim to him, Svididailgov experiences his true punishment when he realizes he has finally failed at something in life. He kills himself because of it. The third main character, Luzhim, is the only villain who isn’t a villain because of murder. However, his motives are perhaps the worst. He tries to make Dunya marry his because he just wants someone who will be forever indebted to him. Luzhim is dying for people to like him and suffers through his guilt by manipulating people and bribing them. He faces his guilt in this way and by trying to hide his true personality. He suffers through isolation just like the other three as well. 6. Does the fact that Raskolinikov never uses he money he stole from the pawnbroker make him less-or more- guilty? Why do you think he never recovers the stolen items or cash? I think that the fact that Raskolikov never uses the money from the murder makes him more guilty; the whole reason why he committed the crime to begin with was supposed to be because he was going to share the money with less fortunate. In not doing any of this, any good intention Raskolikov had is a moot point. Any innocence or redeeming quality he may have had now does not even matter because he didn’t follow through in his good deed. I believe that Raskolikov didn’t keep any of the money and buried it with a rock because he was afraid of having any association with the crime. After seeing how much guilt the crime caused him, Raskolikov didn’t want to have anything that could possibly tie him to the crime. Moreover, I believe that Raskolikov regretted the murder and robbery so much that he wished it never happened and was intent on convincing himself and the outside world of that. 7. Compare the characters of Roskolnikov, Luzhin, and Svidrigailov. How is each of these men a “villain,” and to what extent are they guilty? How does each man face his guilt, and how does each suffer for it? Raskolikov, even in his time of most need of loving support from his family and friends, denies all of their tries of love and help from them for multiple reasons. First of all, Raskolikov is buried in a deep pit of guilt and despair. He is isolating himself to try and hide from that guilt; although alienating himself from society only leaves him wrapped up in his own head, leaving his unable to escape his guilt. The other reason Raskolikov doesn’t take any support from his family is because as the “Ubermench” or extraordinary man, superior being, “superman”, or however you choose to put it is supposed to be entirely self sufficient. Raskolikov isolates himself not only because of his guilt, but so he can prove that he can handle life on his own. Much like the murder, Raskolikov’s refusal to be comforted is more of a test to himself to prove that he is as superior as he believes he is more than anything else. Donnie Mathes Author: Donnie Mathes This material doesn't solve your task? Find the most relevant one
Wildfire smoke and your health: Do you need to worry? Data pix. Hazy, smoke-filled skies from the massive Carr wildfire and more than a dozen other large wildfires burning throughout California are causing poor air quality and health concerns. Officials there have issued unhealthy air quality and smoke warnings in multiple counties. And the forecast weather conditions might make the situation worse. On Monday in Western Washington, we’ll have hazy, smoky air from wildfires in British Columbia and even Siberia. Expect high temperatures in the low to mid-90s again. AIR QUALITY is degrading. Monday morning we had “moderate” air quality in the Seattle/Tacoma area and in Whatcom County, with air quality called “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” in Puyallup. AIR QUALITY this morning. Green dots indicate good air. Yellow dots indicate "moderate" air quality. Orange dots indicated air quality that is "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups." Puyallup is under this designation. Here is some advice for reducing your exposure risk and keeping yourself and your family safe. Why wildfire smoke makes you sick Wildfire smoke includes particles from burning vegetation and building materials mixed with gases. If your eyes feel like they're stinging, smoke exposure could also be inflicting other damage. Particles could be getting into your respiratory system. Exposure can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat or wheezing or bring on an asthma attack. Besides coughing and trouble breathing, many people experience symptoms similar to a sinus infection, such as headaches, sore throat, a runny nose and even tiredness, according to the CDC. Data pix. Wildfire smoke can be especially harmful to the elderly, pregnant women, children and those with chronic heart and lung diseases. Because children breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults and their airways are still developing, they may experience more severe symptoms. Those with asthma or lung disease should consult their doctors about navigating situations like this. Some people may even experience illnesses like bronchitis due to the fine particles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Staying healthy when it's smoky If you see a haze, smell smoke or know of a wildfire in your area or a place you plan to visit, check the Air Quality Index to see whether you need to limit your time outdoors. When advised to stay inside, keep your windows and doors closed. It's OK to keep the air conditioner running, but make sure the filter is clean, and close the fresh-air intake to prevent smoke from entering, according to the CDC. It's also important to keep indoor air clean by not burning candles, using the fireplace or gas stoves, or smoking. Running a vacuum can also keep particles circulating in the air. Dust masks actually trap large particles and don't protect your lungs from smoke inhalation, but a mask that uses a filtering respirator can offer some protection. The CDC also has tips for how effective different types of masks can be, depending on your exposure. Even if the air outside or in your home looks clear, it may not be free of harmful microscopic particles, especially if the wildfires and smoke persist for weeks. Pediatric pulmonologists at Children's Hospital Colorado's Breathing Institute also recommend changing your clothes if you've been outside, rinsing out red, irritated eyes and drinking fluids to keep from being dehydrated. Parents should seek emergency care for their children if they experience real difficulty breathing or a change in their level of consciousness. There is a low risk of long-term effects of wildfire smoke exposure for healthy individuals.
Key Take-aways From the 2019 HSC Chemistry Exam Don’t forget knowledge from Year 11 Chemistry Introduction to Quantitative Chemistry Yes, you need to know everything from Module 2 which includes calculation of moles, concentration, volume, pressure. Don’t forget situations which involve limiting reagents. Question 33 from the HSC 2019 exam requires knowledge from Module 2, 3 and 6. Enthalpy, entropy and Gibbs energy These three topics are the core focus of Module 4: Drivers of Reactions. You will need a strong understanding of the theory as well as how these concepts are related to the spontaneity of chemical reactions. Question 30 from the 2019 HSC Chemistry exam requires students to apply the equation `DeltaG=DeltaH-TDeltaS` in the context of solubility equilibria of ionic compounds (which is a Module 5 topic). In this question, the spontaneity (`DeltaG`) of each reaction is an indication of each compound’s solubility. Sample answer Both the dissolution of magnesium fluoride and magnesium chloride are exothermic at 298 K which means the process is enthalpically favourable. However, the magnitude of `DeltaH` of magnesium’s chloride is much larger than that of magnesium fluoride. This means it is more favourable. Similar to enthalpy, the entropy change of dissolution is negative for both compounds, indicating that the process is entropically unfavourable. However, the entropy change (`DeltaS`) for magnesium fluoride is more negative than that of magnesium chloride, so it is more unfavourable. For salts to be soluble (`DeltaG < 0`) the negative entropy change needs to be overcome by an even larger negative `DeltaH` value (`DeltaG=DeltaH-TDeltaS`). Evidently, magnesium chloride is soluble in water at 298K while magnesium fluoride is not. Understand equilibrium systems in terms of collision theory (not just Le Chátelier’s principle). This is one of the biggest differences between the old and new HSC Chemistry syllabus. In the old syllabus, Le Chatelier’s principle was always the ‘go-to’ principle when explaining concentration changes after a change has been imposed on an equilibrium system. However, in the new syllabus, questions can specifically ask for the collision theory as the basis of an explanation. Question 25 (2019 HSC) Using collision theory, explain the change in the concentration of CO after time T. Sample answer: Removal of CO reduces the collision rate between the reactants of the reverse reaction. According to collision theory, this causes the forward reaction rate to become greater than the reverse reaction rate, resulting in a gradual increase in [CO]. As [CO] increases, the collision rate increases and so does the reverse reaction rate. This continues until the dynamic equilibrium is re-established after which [CO] stays constant. Be familiar with both acid AND base chemistry This applies to both Module 5: Equilibrium and Acid Reactions and Module 6: Acid and Base Chemistry. In Module 5, familiarise yourself with both acid dissociation constant Ka and base dissociation constant Kb. Spend time understanding their relationship and how to determine one using the other. In Module 6, familiarise yourself with the concept of pH and pOH as well as their relationship. While learning this part of Module 6, be sure to use the opportunity to re-consolidate the concept of Ka and Kb as they are closely related to pH and pOH. Question 27 from the 2019 HSC Chemistry Exam exemplifies this: In part (b), students are expected to calculate pOH from [OH], which should be first determined from the base dissociation expression. After this, pH can be determined by subtracting the value of pOH from 14. A bigger focus on organic chemistry This is not unexpected since the new HSC chemistry syllabus has an entire module dedicated to organic chemistry. The new HSC chemistry exam reflects this change as at least 23 out of 100 marks encompasses organic chemistry concepts. This number increases to 32 if spectroscopy (NMR, IR, MS) questions that use organic molecules are included. In addition, expect to see more organic chemistry as the last question of the exam, not just in the HSC but in your school trial exam. The last question (Question 34) for the 2019 HSC is not as difficult as we predicted. However, regardless of its difficulty, these types of synthesis-related questions can easily determine whether you achieve a Band 5 or Band 6 in chemistry. Analysing graphs and tables in HSC Chemistry. Before the 2019 HSC Chemistry exam, NESA did inform students and teachers that the new syllabus will contain more graphical and data analysis to encourage students to think critically instead of memorising concepts. At least 15 questions out of the total 34 in the 2019 HSC Chemistry exam require students to analyse a form of data. As expected, a sizeable portion of these questions contains concepts from Module 8: Applying Chemical Ideas. Students and teachers will need to dedicate more time learning and teaching this section of the curriculum, particularly because of three reasons: 1. Module 8 is typically taught towards the end of Year 12, during which students may experience difficulties managing study time. 2. This module may not be tested extensively in your school’s trial exam which means you get less opportunity to check your understanding. 3. Analysing graphs and data is not a skill you can develop in a short time span, it requires consistent practice. If you are sitting the HSC Chemistry exam in 2020, what this means for you is that you need to pay more attention to the pace at which your teacher is going through the syllabus. If your class is behind, you may want to consider studying ahead to allow more time for learning Module 8 content and more importantly, developing graphic and data analytical skills. Did you find this article helpful? If so, subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates on new blog posts, tips and tricks for HSC Chemistry and Physics. Leave a comment Please note, comments must be approved before they are published
Produce a Resonant Sound with the Flute How To : Produce a resonant sound with the flute Many young players have a too tight, smile embouchure with the flute high on their lip and the hole almost entirely covered. Some were initially taught the coke-bottle method of blowing straight across the hole. This video addresses these common problems that many flutists hav ...more How To : Understand resonant frequencies In this video tutorial the instructor demonstrates resonant frequency. In this video the instructor shows the sound of resonance and how to generate it. Resonance is a forced vibration of energy into molecules of an object that makes those molecules vibrate at their resonant f ...more How To : Know different types of Native American flutes In this series, learn about the different types of Native American flutes. You will be amazed by the various sounds and pitches that these instruments can produce. Let Werner John show you some different styles of Native American flutes. He also plays these flutes so that you ...more Next Page Prev Page • Hot • Latest
Difference between revisions of "Embryology in the Quran" From WikiIslam, the online resource on Islam Jump to: navigation, search [checked revision][checked revision] (Scientific Accuracy) (See Also) Line 228: Line 228: ==See Also== ==See Also== * [[Scientific Miracles in the Quran]] Latest revision as of 16:30, 17 December 2019 Photo of Human Embryo (7 weeks) The concept of Embryology in the Quran claims that a scientifically accurate account of embryological development is available in the Quran. Apologists, Sheikhs, and the larger Muslim community regard the mention of embryological stages in the Quran to be a scientific miracle of Islam and evidence of claims to its divine origin. However, critics claim the verses to be scientifically inaccurate and influenced by Greek theories which had been available at the time. The apologetic interpretations of these verses began in earnest when books were published by non-Muslim medical experts Dr. Maurice Bucaille[1] and later by Dr. Keith Moore[2][3] (in a special edition of his book that was subtitled, "With Islamic Additions", alongside his co-author Abdul Majeed al-Zindani, a Wahhabi cleric). However, some critics believe Moore was only paying lip service to his hosts and investors, as he worked with the Embryology Committee of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah.[4] Moore's praise of Islamic claims have been repeated in talks by Dr. Zakir Naik, Harun Yahya, and other apologists. Critics, like Dr. P.Z. Myers, believe the Quranic verses that mention embryology are incomparable and unacceptable to scientific standards.[5] Many have written about the remarkable similarities between Quranic embryology and that taught by Galen of Pergamon. Galen was a highly influential Greek physician (b. 130 CE), whose works were studied in Syria and Egypt during Muhammad's time[6]. Some of the most obvious links with Galen (and also with the Talmud) are in statements about the nutfah (نُطْفَةً) stage of embryology in the Quran, and even more so in the hadith. See the article Greek and Jewish Ideas about Reproduction in the Quran and Hadith for the compelling evidence. Striking similarities exist between the other Quranic embryo stages and Galen too. However, while interesting and very probable, these influences cannot be proven for the Quran, and it is in any case unnecessary when examining the accuracy of the Quranic descriptions. This article will concentrate solely on apologetic claims made by Islamic websites and public figures and on criticisms concerning the validity of these claims. Terms used in Quran The Quran is written in Classical/Quranic Arabic. As such not all terms are easily translatable from Modern Standard Arabic.[7] For clarification purposes: 1. Nutfah (نُطْفَةً) - drop of semen[8] 2. Alaqah (عَلَقَةً) - leech and certain creatures that cling and suck blood, or blood, thick blood or clotted blood[9] 3. Mudghah (مُضْغَةً) - bite-sized morsel of flesh[10] 4. 'Itham (عِظَٰمًا) - bones, especially of the limbs[11] 5. Kasawa(كَسَوَ) - clothed[12] 6. Lahm (لَحْمًا) - flesh[13] Relevant Quotations Verily We created man from a product of wet earth [sulalatin min teenin سُلَٰلَةٍ مِّن طِينٍ]; Then placed him as a drop (of seed) [nutfatan نُطْفَةً] in a safe lodging [qararin makeenin قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ]; Then fashioned We the drop a clot ['alaqatan عَلَقَةً], then fashioned We the clot a little lump [mudghatan مُضْغَةً], then fashioned We the little lump bones ['ithaman عِظَٰمًا], then clothed [kasawna كَسَوْنَا] the bones with flesh [lahman لَحْمًا], and then produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators! O mankind! if ye are in doubt concerning the Resurrection, then lo! We have created you from dust [turabin تُرَابٍ], then from a drop of seed [nutfatin نُّطْفَةٍ], then from a clot [alaqatin عَلَقَةٍ], then from a little lump of flesh [mudghatin مُّضْغَةٍ] shapely and shapeless [mukhallaqatin waghayri mukhallaqatin مُّخَلَّقَةٍ وَغَيْرِ مُخَلَّقَةٍ], that We may make (it) clear for you. And We cause what We will to remain in the wombs for an appointed time, and afterward We bring you forth as infants, then (give you growth) that ye attain your full strength. And among you there is he who dieth (young), and among you there is he who is brought back to the most abject time of life, so that, after knowledge, he knoweth naught. And thou (Muhammad) seest the earth barren, but when We send down water thereon, it doth thrill and swell and put forth every lovely kind (of growth). He it is Who created you from dust [turabin تُرَابٍ], then from a drop (of seed) [nutfatin نُّطْفَةٍ] then from a clot [alaqatin عَلَقَةٍ], then bringeth you forth as a child, then (ordaineth) that ye attain full strength and afterward that ye become old men - though some among you die before - and that ye reach an appointed term, that haply ye may understand. Scientific Accuracy Empirical cycle - A.D. de Groot Embryology in the Quran is often criticised from a modern, scientific perspective. More details including references are given throughout this article, but the main criticisms are as follows: 1. A number of verses[14] collectively demonstrate a belief that the earliest, nutfah stage of development is made of semen, perhaps mixed with a female fluid, which is placed in the womb for a known term, and where it undergoes various stages of development (as also taught by Galen and in the Jewish Talmud). See this article for the most comprehensive explanation and evidence. Futhermore, there is no sign that the author of the Quran was aware of the female egg (ovum). In reality, a single sperm cell penetrates and fuses with the female ovum. This fertilised egg, called a zygote, is then pushed down the fallopian tube for a few days. On the way, cell division begins, and this multi-celled cluster, now called a blastocyst, implants in the uterus (womb).[15] 2. The embryo is then said to be congealed blood. [16] All the classical tafsirs (commentaries) understood the meaning of 'alaqah to be blood or congealed blood, and clotted blood is a definition of the word in classical Arabic dictionaries. Regardless of alternative meanings for this arabic word, it would be very foolish even to use a word whose main definitions include an explicit biological meaning (clotted blood) in a description of a biological process (embryology) if that meaning was not the one you intended. The choice of word now causes a well justified suspicion of inaccuracy, and for centuries misled people into thinking that the embryo is at one stage congealed blood (an actual embryo is at no point blood or a clot of blood[17]). Similarly, for the same reason it would also be foolish to use this word while intending blood clot as a mere visual analogy. 3. Bones are said to be formed before being clothed with flesh.[18] In fact cartilage models of the bones start to form at the same time as and in parallel with surrounding muscles, and this cartilage is literally replaced with bone.[19] The author of the Quran described a sequence of stages, which when examined without the false definitions and arbitrary assumptions made by apologists, clearly has no resemblance to the actual development process of a child in the womb, according to critics. Someone with a modern, scientific knowledge of embryology can instead marvel at the exquisite complexity that results from a process of co-ordinated cell differentiation and signalling, encoded in our genetic instruction set by millions of years of evolution. Apologetic Arguments Original Creation from Dust / Clay / Mud Confusion is sometimes caused by statements about dust (tubarin تُرَابٍ), mud (hamain حَمَإٍ), clay (teenin طِينٍ), or sounding clay (salsalin صَلْصَٰلٍ) in the Quranic embryology verses quoted above. Clarification is provided in other verses that this refers to the creation of Adam only, and that the subsequent statements about various stages relate to the development of humans since then.[20][21][22] This was also the opinion of classical scholars such as ibn Kathir. Verses like these refer to Adam specifically, that man was made from clay (min مِّنْ means 'from' or 'of'), and that clay was a building material which was moulded and shaped, and not a catalytic compound as some apologetics claim in an attempt to link the Quran with one theory about the origin of all life on Earth. While again not strictly related to embryology, another claim on some Islamic websites is that clay and humans have similar compositions. The Chambers Dictionary of Science and Technology defines clay as, "a fine textured, sedimentary, or residual deposit. It consists of hydrated silicates of aluminum mixed with various impurities". The essential elements in clay are thus silicon, aluminum, hydrogen and oxygen. Silicon and Aluminum have extremely limited, if any, roles to play in the maintenance of life.[23] Other human-required elements (such as nitrogen, sodium etc) are only found in trace amounts in clay and can be regarded as contaminants. There is no similarity between the compositions of clay and humans. The Nutfah (Semen) Stage The first stage of Quranic embryology is the nutfah stage. Translations typically use words like "sperm-drop", while apologetics tend to interpret it as the fertilised egg in the early stages of cell division (zygote, blastocyst). The word nutfah[8] literally meant a small amount of liquid, and was a euphemism for semen. The Lisan al Arab dictionary of classical Arabic gives the following definitions: A little water; a little water remaining in a waterskin; a little water remaining in a bucket; pure water, a little or a lot; the water of the man; semen is called nutfah for its small amount[24] نُّطْفَة in Lisan al Arab An example of nutfah usage can be found in a pre-Islamic poem where it is used to mean “the small quantity of wine that remained in a wineskin”.[25] Verses 80:18-19, and 77:20-22 together with 23:13 strongly imply that it is semen that is stored in the womb and developed into the embryo, as confirmed in the hadiths and previously believed by the Jews and Greeks. From what thing [shayinشَىْءٍ] doth He create him? From a drop of seed [nutfatin نُّطْفَةٍ]. He createth him and proportioneth him Did We not create you from a base fluid [ma-in maheenin مَّآءٍ مَّهِينٍ]? Which We laid up [jaAAalnahu جَعَلْنَٰهُ] in a safe abode [qararin makeenin قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ], For a period (of gestation), determined (according to need)? Then placed him [jaAAalnahu جَعَلْنَٰهُ] as a drop (of seed) [nutfatan نُطْفَةً] in a safe lodging [qararin makeenin قَرَارٍ مَّكِينٍ]; As can be seen in the above quotes, verses 77:20-21 closely parallel 23:13. Both say "We placed it (jaAAalnahu) in a safe abode (qararin makeen)", and one uses the word nutfah while the other uses the words maa' maheenin ('water distained'). Maa' was another common euphemism for semen. The 'hu' ending to jaAAalnahu in both verses can mean him or it, and probably means the former in 23:13 ('We placed him'). However, in 77:21 it must mean the latter ('We placed it') in reference to the liquid because the previous verse uses the 2nd person "you" and then mentions the liquid. Another criticism is that the Quran makes no mention of the female egg (ovum). It is merely an assumption by apologists that 'nutfatun amshajin' (amshajin means mixed[26]) in verse 76:2[27] includes the female gamete (ovum). The term ‘nutfatun amshaajin’ in verse 76:2 could alternatively refer to the sperm-menstrual blood union of Aristotle and the ancient Indian embryologists, or the two semens hypothesis of Hippocrates and Galen, or even the readily observed mingling of semen and vaginal discharge during sexual intercourse. In other words, the fact the Quran does not explicitly state that ‘nutfatun amshaajin’ contains the ovum, together with the existence of other possible explanations, means that it is illogical to assume the former and not the latter. Some critics argue that in fact, the Quran displays an understanding that is contrary to the role of the ovum in procreation, for verse 2:223 states that wives are tilth. This suggests they are like the earth, which simply provides nutrients and receives the seed from the male.[28] The 'Alaqah Stage The concensus in the tafsirs for the embryology verses was that 'alaqah meant blood. In numerous tafsirs it is variously described as blood (al dam الدم), congealed blood (al dam al jamid الدم الجامد), or simply, red 'alaqah ('alaqah hamra علقة حمراء). Nevertheless, in modern times some apologists, especially those who know that this contradicts the biological reality, have tried to reinterpret the word using some of the other dictionary definitions for 'alaqah or 'alaq. Each of these alternatives is problematic, as indeed is the mere fact that 'alaqah has clotted blood[9] as one of its main meanings. Clinging Thing One claim is that 'alaqah is used in the sense of a clinging thing in the Quran. However, the embryo does not cease to be attached to the uterine wall when the musculo-skeletal system begins to develop around the 5th week. Yet the Quranic stages appear to describe a transition between a succession of states. It would in any case be self-evident from aborted fetuses that at some stage the embryo becomes attached to something. Hanging / Suspended Also flawed is a related claim, that 'alaqah is used here in its meaning of a suspended, or hanging thing, because the early embryo is floating in amniotic fluid, and is attached via a connecting stalk to the uterine wall in which it is buried. The problem is that not all embryos hang downwards below their connecting stalk. Rather it depends where in the uterus implantation occurs. The uterus lies fairly horizontal at this time, so depending on the side of the uterus implantation occurs, the early embryo can also be above its stalk, as this diagram[29] of twins at 4 weeks demonstrates : Fraternal twins in womb-4 weeks.jpg Various studies of placentas and ultrasound scans have found that between 26% and 53% of implantations occur on the anterior (frontal) wall of the uterus (like the lower twin in the diagram).[30] Clearly apologists should expect better of the Quran's author than to say that as early embryos, humans are "hanging things" when such a description is untrue for a significant percentage of the population, not even a general rule. This scientific inaccuracy should be considered before even raising the doubts above concerning the suitability of the word 'alaqah to describe embryos that are on the posterior wall, and thus below their connecting stalks. For it is highly doubtful that 'alaqah in the sense of “hanging” would be a good way to describe the embryo in relation to the connecting stalk. Lane’s lexicon strongly indicates that 'alaq is not just the thing which is hung, but the entire apparatus or vertical rope by which means it is suspended, or even just the rope itself, giving the example of a suspended bucket in a well.[31] The stalk evidently has a certain amount of stiffness and does not hang vertically under gravity like a bucket in a well. Many apologists claim that 'alaqah in the Quran means a leech (in a metaphorical sense), and that this is similar to an embryo. However, unlike a leech, which simply sucks blood from its host, the embryo circulates and exchanges blood and waste products with its mother.[32] Furthermore, a leech attaches itself directly to the surface of its host. In contrast, the blastocyst stage embryo implants into the uterine wall (endometrium) by means of an outer cell layer surrounding it, called the syncytiotrophoblast. It is the syncytiotrophoblast which invades the endometrium, burying the entire embryo within the wall (unlike a leech), establishes a circulatory connection, and will later form the outer layer of the placenta. A leech has many characteristics such as size, behaviour, shape, color, appearance. It makes no sense for the author to have used 'alaqah in a metaphorical sense when his listeners could not be expected to know in what respect the analogy applies. It is no more than a Texan Sharpshooter fallacy[33], typical of Islamic miracle claims, to choose one characteristic - shape - which to a very and arbitrarily limited degree has similarity with that of an embryo (in their eyes) and to then draw any conclusions. This is particularly so given that the early embryo passes through a wide range of shapes and that both a leech and human embryo are biological organisms. Moreover, when depicting the embryo such apologetics have to conveniently ignore the embryo's yolk sac, which gradually becomes incorporated into its developing gut. Congealed Blood One of the meanings of 'alaqah is congealed blood, which was also the understanding given in numerous tafsirs, as detailed above. The Arab poet al-Nabigha alja'di النابغة الجعدي (died c.670 AD) was a contemporary of Muhammad and uses the word blood (al dam الدم) in exactly the same context in a poem about Allah.[34] It would be most unwise for the author of the Quran to use a word that has a specific, widely understood biological meaning to describe a biological process (embryology) if that meaning was not the intention. For the same reason it would be foolish even to use clotted blood merely as a visual metaphor. A perfect author would avoid arousing any such suspicion of inaccurate biology with his choice of words. The Mudghah Stage The word mudghah meant a bite sized morsel of meat suitable for chewing[10]. Islamic websites frequently claim, without citing any evidence, that it means a piece of meat that has actually been chewed, or even that has teeth marks on it. Readers of such websites are invited to admire the supposed similarities between an image of the somites of an embryo next to a piece of chewing gum with a row or two of teeth marks from a single bite. The problems with this argument include: 1. They are using a false definition of the word mudghah, as mentioned above. 2. It is a lot easier to leave neat teeth marks in chewing gum than on a piece of meat. 3. Somites (bilateral rows of blocks of cells that will migrate and develop into segments of the body) are protrusions, but teeth marks are indentations. Verse [35] mentions that the mudghah is formed and without form. Given that this stage appears before the 'itham (bones) stage, such a 'clarification' gives no additional information whatsoever. Such vagueness of description is typical of an author who is merely pretending to have true knowledge. The Bones and Clothing with Flesh Stages Bone and Muscle Formation According to Medical Science In order to compare with science the Quranic statement that Allah makes the lump of flesh bones ('ithaman[11]) and then clothes (fa-kasawna[12]) the bones with flesh (lahman[13]), first we should see what science has discovered about the process of bone and muscle formation. Here is a brief description for both of them, without any detail on the relative timing of parallel processes. The section that follows afterwards contains numerous cited scientific sources stating the timing of these processes. Finally we will compare this with the Quran. Mesoderm is the middle of the three layers of the early embryo. Some of the mesoderm cells (paraxial mesoderm) form a series of blocks called somites either side of the neural tube (this tube will eventually form the spinal cord and brain). These somites will differentiate into sclerotome and myotome, which form the cartilage 'models' (or 'templates') and become connective tissues (including muscles) respectively of the future axial skeleton (i.e. everything except the limbs, shoulders and pelvis). The myotome differentiates and migrates as the sclerotome is condensing into mesenchyme, which will produce cartilage. Each process occurs segmentally down the somites in a cranio-caudal sequence (head to tail). Another area of mesoderm (lateral plate mesoderm) proliferates especially quickly in certain positions to form the limb buds. There, mesenchyme cells condense into distinct masses within the limb buds. These mesenchyme cells differentiate into chondrocytes, which secrete the cartilage matrix and are embedded in it. Thus cartilage models of the future limb bones gradually form (chondrification). Once the cartilage models have formed and while they are still growing, the cartilage is literally replaced with actual bone by osteoblasts (ossification) working outwards from centres of the cartilage models. Osteoclasts remove the remnants of the mineralized cartilage. Ossification also starts in the axial skeleton some time after it has begun in the limbs, except for the upper and lower jaw, which start to ossify slightly earlier. Meanwhile, the process of limb muscle formation begins as soon as the limb buds appear. Myoblast cells migrate from somites to populate the limb buds. They aggregate into distinct masses, differentiating and fusing into muscle fibres, as the condensing mesenchyme starts to chondrify, and before the resulting cartilage models begin to ossify. The Timing of These Processes Here is the scientific evidence for the contemporaneous development of cartilage/bone and muscles. A very detailed account of musculo-skeletal development in the human limb by clinical-geneticist Robert Jan Galjaard can be read online.[36] It details that muscle precursor cells migrate from the somites into the limb buds (ca. day 26), well before the condensing core of mesenchyme has started to chondrify into cartilage bone models in the upper part of the upper limb (ca. day 37), followed by the lower part (ca. day 41). The myoblasts have grouped into distinct masses by this stage and are differentiating into muscle fibres. The upper limbs later start to ossify (ca. day 54). Chondrification of mesenchyme, the grouping of myogenic masses, and ossification all occur in a proximal-distal order (upper to lower part of each limb). The digits of the hands only start to chondrify ca. day 51. Professor Peter Law confirms that myoblasts are found in the limb buds day 26.[37] Myoblasts have aggregated into ventral and dorsal masses in the upper limb by day 36 and the start of chondrification.[38] A detailed account by Walker and Miranda, including useful diagrams, explains that after day 35, the premuscle regions of the limb containing myoblasts and fibroblasts become distinct, and by day 45 have started to fuse together to become myotubes (which form muscle fibres). With axial musculo-skeletal development, myotomes have migrated (these form axial muscle) and sclerotomes have started to condense into mesenchyme (which will form cartilage) in the 5th week.[39] According to Rugh, Building blocks are present for 40 pairs of muscles, which are located from the base of the skull to the bottom of the spinal column by day 28[40] (these are the myotomes of the somites). Muscles appear in the pelvis day 31[41]. Movement of the muscles is being controlled by the nervous system by the 6th week [42]. All of the muscle blocks have appeared by day 36 after conception[43]. In the 10th edition (2016) of the Developing Human, Keith Moore says that ossification of the long bones begins in the 8th week, starting with the upper limbs, followed by the lower limbs and pelvis[44] (which concurs with Galjaard cited above). It is apparent from the above that muscle masses have started to form around the mesenchyme condensations around the same time as they begin to chondrify into cartilage models of the limb bones, and long before they have even begun to ossify. Similarly, the process of muscle and cartilage formation begins at the same time for the axoskeleton. Muscles and cartilage, and bone that replaces it, continue their formation in parallel with each other. Problems With The Quranic Description Firstly, it is clear that bone formation (ossification) begins long after muscle has begun to develop around its precursors. Therefore, there is no scientific basis for the Quranic claim of a stage in which bone is later covered with flesh after its own formation. The prefix fa before kasawna means "and then", indicating an uninterrupted sequence.[45] Next, if proponents of Quranic embryology suppose that the Quran was only referring to precursor cartilage models of the bones and not bone itself, they have to explain why the author of the Quran mentioned not cartilage (ghudhroof)[46]) but only bone ('itham)[11], which starts to form well after muscles. In any case its embryology would still be wrong. We have seen that muscle and bone (or their precursors) develop contemporaneously, although the parallel processes start when muscle begins developing around condensations of mesenchyme that have only just begun to differentiate into cartilage, as detailed above. For the same reason the Quran would still be wrong even if, with further and unjustifiable generosity, we suppose that it means only the very beginning of the formation of the cartilage (chondrification) before they are in any sense complete shapes. Going back earlier still, it can even be pointed out that the precursors of muscles (myoblasts) and precursors to the cartilage (mesenchyme) are present in the limb bud as soon as it arises. Of course, the natural reading of verse 23:14 is that the bones have some sort of meaningful shape, and can meaningfully be called bones. This is certainly not the case when the condensed mesenchyme has merely started to produce cartilage. Furthermore, the natural reading of verse 23:14 is that all the bones have some meaningful presence worthy of the label 'bones' before Allah clothes them with flesh. As noted in the evidence above, fingers only start to even chondrify after muscle formation is already well underway in the upper part of the limbs. We have more evidence that 23:14 refers to things already recognisable as bones being clothed with muscles or flesh elsewhere in the Quran. Verse 2:259 uses the same Arabic words as does 23:14 for 'bones', 'clothed' and 'flesh' to describe the resurrection of a donkey which had been dead for 100 years.[47] The main embryology passages such as verse 22:5 suggest that embryological development has similarities with resurrection.[35] The New Creation Stage After the bones were clothed with flesh, the Quran finally says that Allah "produced it as another creation".[48] Some apologists identify this with the fetal period of pregnancy, which begins at week nine. Related claims Aside from the various stages described in the main Quranic embryology verses, some apologists claim to have found additional examples of miraculous knowledge relating to this topic. Gender Determination Some claim that verses 35:11 and 53:45-46 indicate that gender is determined at the nutfah stage, and specifically by sperm cells (which contain either an x or y chromosome to go with the x chromosome of the female ovum). Allah created you from dust [tubarin تُرَابٍ], then from a little fluid [nutfatin نُّطْفَةٍ], then He made you pairs [azwajan أَزْوَٰجًا](the male and female). No female beareth or bringeth forth save with His knowledge. And no-one groweth old who groweth old, nor is aught lessened of his life, but it is recorded in a Book, Lo! that is easy for Allah. And that He createth the two spouses, the male and the female [alzzawjayni alththakara waalontha ٱلزَّوْجَيْنِ ٱلذَّكَرَ وَٱلْأُنثَىٰ], From a drop (of seed) when it is poured forth [nutfatin itha tumna نُّطْفَةٍ إِذَا تُمْنَىٰ]; However, verses 75:37-39 use the same language about gender, but after the 'alaqah stage. 75:39 uses the exact same phrase as in 53:45, "alzzawjayni alththakara waalontha" ("of the two spouses, the male and the female"}, which is also similar to the word used in 35:11, azwajan (male / female pair). Was he not a drop [nutfatan نُطْفَةً] of fluid [manayin مَّنِىٍّ] which gushed forth [yumna يُمْنَىٰ]? Then he became a clot [alaqatan عَلَقَةً]; then (Allah) shaped and fashioned And made of him a pair, the male and female [alzzawjayni alththakara waalontha ٱلزَّوْجَيْنِ ٱلذَّكَرَ وَٱلْأُنثَىٰ]. Apologists interpret 75:39 to mean that the external genitalia and gonads are formed after the 'alaqah stage, knowing that the gender of the child has already been determined genetically at the moment of conception as stated above. To be consistent, they would have to accept that 35:11 and 53:45-46 are merely saying that babies, male and female, start off as a nutfah (drop of semen). Moreover, if 53:45 is taken literally as indicating 'when' gender is determined, it would be inaccurate, because millions of sperm are emitted, some with an x chromosome, some with a y chromosome. Gender is determined not when the semen is emitted, but when the egg is fertilized by one of the sperm cells, which can take anything from half an hour to 12 hours for the first of them to reach the egg, and then more time for one of the many that arrive to successfully penetrate it. It should also be remembered, as noted above, that the evidence is unanimous that nutfah means a small quantity of fluid, a euphemism for semen – there is no indication of sperm cells within the fluid. Furthermore, there are hadith even more explicit than Quran 75:37-39 which say that gender is decided after the mudghah stage[49] Intersex People Furthermore, not everyone is simply a male with XY sex chromosomes, or a female with XX sex chromosomes. A small minority are called intersex due to certain types of genetic or phenotypic sex variations, including:[50] • Those who are 46, XY intersex. The person has the chromosomes of a man, but the external genitals are incompletely formed, ambiguous, or clearly female. • Those who are 46, XX intersex. The person has the chromosomes of a woman, the ovaries of a woman, but external (outside) genitals that appear male. • True Gonadal intersex (formerly called True Hermaphroditism). Such people have both male and female gonads (ovaries and testes), and may have ambiguous external genitalia. • Other genetic configurations include XXX, and XXY (1 in 1000 people)[51]. These people have no discrepancy between their gonads and external genitalia, but there may be problems with sex hormone levels, and overall sexual development. According to Leonard Sax, when the term intersex is "restricted to those conditions in which chromosomal sex is inconsistent with phenotypic sex, or in which the phenotype is not classifiable as either male or female", around 0.018% of the population are intersex. This definition excludes Klinefelter syndrome and many other variations.[52] Sperm within Semen Others claim that verses 75:37[53] and 32:7-8[54] hint at sperm within the semen. These claims are discussed in the context of very similar verses at the end of the article Greek and Jewish Ideas about Reproduction in the Quran and Hadith Fetus is in Three Layers of darkness Some apologetics claim that Quran 39:6 accurately describes 3 dark layers around the fetus.[55] A common apologetic interpretation is that the "three darknesses" are the abdominal wall, the uterine wall, and the amniotic sac. The word butun (بطن)[56] means belly/abdomen/midriff, though some translators like to use the more specific word "womb". Tafsirs interpreted the "three darknesses" as the placenta, womb (uterus) and belly. There are in fact many more layers in the human body such as the endometrium, myometrium, perimetrium, peritoneum, besides the cervix uteri, corpus uteri, abdomen (with walls), and placenta (with layers). The idea of three membranes around the fetus - (chorion, allantois, and amnion) was taught by the highly influential Greek physician, Galen. Some critics suggest that the Quranic author is simply repeating this idea, which applies only to the embryonic membranes. The allantois is a sac-like structure which becomes part of the umbilical cord, and thus cannot be described as 'a darkness' for the embryo. The other two membranes, the chorion and amnion, together form the amniotic sac, which is quite thin and transparent. The Minimum Period of Fetal Viability Another claim is that the Quran correctly states that the minimum period for gestation of a viable baby is 6 months. This claim is based on two Quranic verses, the first of which states that a child is weaned for two years (24 lunar months), and the other that the bearing and weaning of a child lasts for 30 lunar months.[57][58] Yusuf Ali makes this claim in the notes of his translation for verse 46:15, presumably having noticed that the two verses in combination do not equate to a 9 month pregnancy. Six lunar months equates to 22 weeks. The claim that this is the minimum period for fetal viability is unsupported by modern medical science. It has changed, at least in recent history, and was never 22 weeks or 6 lunar months prior to the era of modern medicine, being likely to have been at least 30 weeks. Now, it has shrunk to only 19 weeks in countries with advanced pediatric medicine.[59] The minimum period of fetal viability in many third-world countries would still be around 30 weeks. The End of Cell Differentiation Some proponents of Quranic embryology state that the mudghah stage, which is described in one verse as "partly formed and partly unformed" or "shaped and shapeless", refers to the incomplete cell differentiation observed in this stage.[35] However, cell differentiation occurs throughout the embryonic stage, and even into the fetal period, for example as discussed above regarding bone and muscle development. See Also External Links 1. Bucaille, M., La Bible, le Coran et la Science : Les Écritures Saintes examinées à la lumière des connaissances modernes, Paris:Seghers, 1976, (ISBN 978-2221501535) 2. Keith L. Moore and Abdul-Majeed A. Zindani, The Developing Human With Islamic Additions, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders with Jeddah:Dar al-Qiblah for Islamic Literature, 1983 3. Later, Dr. Moore wrote a similarly popularised article for an Islamic journal: Dr. Moore, K., A Scientist's Interpretation of References to Embryology in the Qur'an, Journal of the Islamic Medical Association, 1986, vol.18(Jan-June):15-17 4. Keith L. Moore and Abdul-Majeed A. Zindani, The Developing Human With Islamic Additions, 3rd ed., Philadelphia: Saunders with Jeddah:Dar al-Qiblah for Islamic Literature, 1983, page viii insert c. 5. Dr. P.Z. Myers Islamic embryology: overblown balderdash, Pharyngula blog - Scienceblogs.com, 2011, accessed 4 Jan 2019 6. Marshall Clagett, “Greek Science in Antiquity”, pp.180-181, New York: Abelard-Schuman, 1955; Dover, 2001 7. "Phonetic and Phonological Aspects of Arabic Emphatics and Gutturals". University of Wisconsin–Madison. Bin-Muqbil, Musaed (2006). 8. 8.0 8.1 نُطْفَةً nutfah - Lane's Lexicon Suppliment, page 3034 9. 9.0 9.1 عَلَقَةً alaqah - Lane's Lexicon Volume 5, page 2134 10. 10.0 10.1 مُضْغَةً mudghah - Lane's Lexicon Suppliment, page 3021 11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 عِظَٰمًا 'itham - Lane's Lexicon Volume 5, page 2087 12. 12.0 12.1 كَسَوَ kasawa - Lane's Lexicon Suppliment, page 3000 13. 13.0 13.1 لَحْمًا lahm - Lane's Lexicon Suppliment, page 3008 and page 3009 14. Quran 23:13, Quran 70:20-22, Quran 80:18-19 See discussion in the Nutfah Stage section. 15. "Conception: How it Works", University of California San Francisco - Center for Reproductive Health, https://crh.ucsf.edu/fertility/conception. 16. Quran 23:14, Quran 22:5, Quran 40:67 See discussion in the 'Alaqah Stage section. 17. Dr Mark Hill, "Timeline human development", University of New South Wales, https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Timeline_human_development. 18. Quran 23:14 See discussion in the Bones and Clothing with Flesh Stages section. 19. See discussion and scientific references in the sub-sections to the Bones and Clothing with Flesh Stages section. 20. Who made all things good which He created, and He began the creation of man from clay [teenin طِينٍ]; Then He made his seed from a draught of despised fluid; The word translated “seed” in Pickthall’s translation is nasl, which means progeny (i.e. descendants). نسل nasl - Lane’s Lexicon Suppliment, page 3032 21. Lo! the likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust [turabin تُرَابٍ], then He said unto him: Be! and he is. Quran 3:59 22. We created man from sounding clay [salsalin صَلْصَٰلٍ], from mud [hamain حَمَإٍ] molded into shape; Quran 15:26 23. Fenchel, Tom 2003. The origin and Early Evolution of Life. Oxford University Press. Page 27. 24. Lisan al Arab 25. Irfan Shahid, “Byzantium and the Arabs in the sixth century. Volume 2, Part 2”, p.145, Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks, 2009 26. أَمْشَاج Amshajan - [1] Volume 7 Page 2717 27. Verily We created Man from a drop of mingled sperm [nutfatin amshajin نُّطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ], in order to try him: So We gave him (the gifts), of Hearing and Sight. Quran 76:2 28. Your women are a tilth for you (to cultivate) go to your tilth as ye will, and send (good deeds) before you for your souls, and fear Allah, and know that ye will (one day) meet Him. Give glad tidings to believers, (O Muhammad). Quran 2:223 29. Fraternal twins in the womb -- 4 weeks - BabyCenter Medical Advisory Board, June 1, 2013 30. Benirschke, K. & Kaufmann, B. 2000. Pathology of the Human Placenta. 4th Edition. Springer-Verlag, New York. Page 399 - 400 31. علق 'alaq - Lane's Lexicon Volume 5, page 2134 32. Barry Mitchell & Ram Sharma 2009. Embryology: An Illustrated Colour Text. Second Edition. Churchill Livingstone ElSevier. Page 10-11 33. "The Texas sharpshooter fallacy is an informal fallacy in which pieces of information that have no relationship to one another are called out for their similarities, and that similarity is used for claiming the existence of a pattern. This fallacy is the philosophical/rhetorical application of the multiple comparisons problem (in statistics) and apophenia (in cognitive psychology). It is related to the clustering illusion, which refers to the tendency in human cognition to interpret patterns where none actually exist. The name comes from a joke about a Texan who fires some shots at the side of a barn, then paints a target centered on the biggest cluster of hits and claims to be a sharpshooter." "Texas sharpshooter fallacy", Wikipedia, accessed August 13, 2013 (archived), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_sharpshooter_fallacy. 34. الخـالق البـارئ المصـور في الأرحام ماء حتى يصير دما Translation: The creator, the maker, the fashioner, in the wombs water until it becomes blood Water (maa') is used here as a euphemism for semen, just as we sometimes find in the Quran and hadiths (see above). Quran 22:5 36. Galjaard, R.J.H. Mapping Studies of Congenital Limb Anomalies. Ablasserdam: Haveka, B.V., 2003, page 16 webcitation archive link 37. Law, Peter et al., Pioneering Human Myoblast Genome Therapy as a Platform Technology of Regenerative Medicine. In: Stem Cell Therapy. Erik Greer (Editor). Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 2006. Page 3. 38. Sivakumar, B. et. al. Congenital Hand Differences in Farhadieh, R. et. al. (ed.) Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Approaches and Techniques, Chichester: Wiley, 2015, p.660 Google books preview 39. Walker, U. A., and Miranda, A. F. Muscle Metabolism in the Fetus and Neonate in Cowett, R. M. (ed.) Principles of Perinatal-Neonatal Metabolism, 2nd Edition, Volume 1, New York: Springer, 1998, pp.642-643 Google Books preview 40. Conception to Birth Roberts Rugh, Ph.D., Landrum B. Shettles, Ph.D., M.D. Harper & Row, (New York), 1971, p.35 41. ibid. p.43 42. ibid. p.34 43. ibid. p.46 44. Keith L. Moore, Ph..D., FIAC, FRSM T.V.N. Persaud, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., FRCPath W.B., The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology, , 10th Edition, Philadelphia: Elseiver, 2016, p. p.349 Google Books preview 45. فَ fa - Lane's Lexicon Volume 6, page 2322 46. غضروف ghudhroof, alternatively spelt غرضوف ghurdoof - Lane's Lexicon Volume 6, page 2248 47. [...]and look at your ass; and that We may make you a sign to men, and look at the bones, how We set them together, then clothed them with flesh[...] Transliteration: waonthur ila himarika walinajAAalaka ayatan lilnnasi waonthur ila alAAithami kayfa nunshizuha thumma naksooha lahman}} Quran 2:259 Quran 23:14 49. Narrated Anas bin Malik: Sahih Bukhari 1:6:315 50. Medline plus - Intersex 51. "How common is intersex? \| Intersex Society of North America", Isna.org, http://www.isna.org/faq/frequency. 52. Sax, L., How common is intersex? a response to Anne Fausto-Sterling Journal of Sex Research, volume 39, issue 3, pp.174–178 (2002) doi 10.1080/00224490209552139 pmid 12476264 53. Was he not a drop of fluid which gushed forth? Quran 75:37 Quran 32:7-8 Quran 39:6 56. بطن butun - [Lane's Lexicon Volume 1, page 220 57. And We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents. His mother beareth him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Give thanks unto Me and unto thy parents. Unto Me is the journeying. Quran 31:14 58. And We have commended unto man kindness toward parents. His mother beareth him with reluctance, and bringeth him forth with reluctance, and the bearing of him and the weaning of him is thirty months, till, when he attaineth full strength and reacheth forty years, he saith: My Lord! Arouse me that I may give thanks for the favour wherewith Thou hast favoured me and my parents, and that I may do right acceptable unto Thee. And be gracious unto me In the matter of my seed. Lo! I have turned unto Thee repentant, and lo! I am of those who surrender (unto Thee). Quran 46:15 59. "A fetus is defined as being viable if it has the ability to 'potentially able to live outside the mother's womb [that is, can survive], albeit with artificial help.' In the fifties viability was reached about 30 weeks after conception. Modern medical technology changed that to 25 weeks in the seventies. Now viability continues to be pushed further and further back in the pregnancy and is now as early as 19 weeks. 21 and 22 week premature babies are now supported routinely, and have a good chance of survival. By 24 weeks after conception, premature babies have a 40% chance of reaching adulthood without any major complications. By 28 weeks, the chance is 90%. By 29 weeks, survival is almost definite. (Note: These percentages are from reports written during the late 1980s. Current survival rates are most likely much higher.)" Fetal Development/Viability - Abortioninfo
Hand holding an electronic cigarette over a dark background. Health experts have reassured British vapers following a severe respiratory illness that has killed at least five people and hospitalised many more in the US. US officials said they were investigating over 450 possible cases, all linked to vaping, among otherwise “healthy young people.” Those affected experienced respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Some also vomited and had diarrhoea. Over a number of days or weeks, the symptoms got worse before the individual was admitted to hospital. Following the outbreak, fears have arisen that British vapers may be affected. But Martin Dockrell, head of Tobacco Control at Public Health England, said vaping in the UK is different from the US. According to reports, most US cases are linked to people using illegal vaping fluid, bought on the streets or homemade, some containing cannabis products such as THC, or synthetic cannabinoids like spice, Dockrell said. No serious side-effects have been reported in the UK so far, according to Deborah Arnott, the chief executive of the health charity Action on Smoking and Health. “In Britain, you can check on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website whether the product you’re using has been notified and can be legally sold,” she said. “It seems highly unlikely that widely available nicotine-containing vaping products, particularly of the type regulated in Europe, are causing these cases,” commented Prof Linda Bauld, a public health expert at Edinburgh University. “All the evidence to date suggests that illicit marijuana vaping products (THC oils) are the cause. In particular, a compound called tocopherol acetate may be the culprit.”
Broker Check National Preparedness Month September 05, 2018 Share \| September is officially National Preparedness Month, and it is no coincidence that this national awareness day happens to take place during peak hurricane season. As I am writing this, tropical storm Gordon is quickly approaching the Gulf Coast. Even if you don’t live near the coast, it’s Essential that you and your family are prepared for emergencies. Here are several things you can do today to become a little more prepared. Have a Plan The first step to being prepared is to have a plan. If a disaster strikes, where will you go? What will you do? How will others in your family know how to reach you or where you will be? All of these questions are Essential to building a successful plan. The four main questions to answer when building a plan according to are: -How will you continue to get emergency updates and alerts -What is my plan for shelter -What is my evacuation plan -How will I communicate with others in my family Once you have developed your plan, you can move on to gather those supplies that will help you through the disaster you may be facing. Gather Supplies Many things can help you survive an emergency situation but none is more important than clean drinking water. The human body can survive around three weeks without food but only three to four days without water. This makes water the most Essential item on our list outside of any medications you may normally take on a daily basis. It is recommended to have at least three-days-worth of clean water per person. For an active person, that comes out to about a third of a gallon per day. We prefer to keep 72 hours’ worth of water on hand since we live near the coast where hurricanes are so prevalent. Other items that are important are food, batteries, and necessary medical supplies in case of minor injuries. It is also important to plan around dietary restrictions, food and water for your pets, and different needs that each aged person might have. If you have little to no survival supplies we have put a list together for you here. Test Your Plan When emergencies happen, people have been known to become frozen in fear or panic which makes a situation worse. This is why the police, fire department, schools, and military all run emergency drills. The drills are designed to make responding to the high-stress situation second nature. You don’t need to think about where to go or what to do when the fire alarm goes off because you already know the quickest route away from danger. The same practice applies to emergency preparedness. Practicing your plan with your family will help ensure each member knows exactly what to do and where to go if something unexpected were to happen. Final Thoughts While it is unlikely that most of us will experience an extreme natural disaster, we understand it is still a possibility. This is why we focus on what we can actually control, our preparedness.
Glyphosate: What it is, how it works, and what it’s really doing to your body by Dr. David Minkoff August 30, 2018 9 min read 0 Comments “Of the 1000 or so people I tested, 100% of them tested positive for glyphosate” -Dr. David Minkoff Glyphosate, the active ingredient of the herbicide RoundUp, iseverywhere. It is in our soil. It is in our water. It is in our food. In the wake of the landmark $289 million lawsuit ruling that glyphosate gave a man cancer, we are just beginning to get a glimpse of what may be the single greatest health crisis of our time. However, to fully understand the health implications of glyphosate, we need to start with the basics. We need to look at why it is such a potent herbicide so we can clearly see how it affects our own biology. What is Glyphosate Glyphosate is essentially a variation on the amino acid glycine. Its name is derived from its structure. The “Gly” comes from “glycine” and the “phosate” comes from an extra “phosphonomethyl” group that gets attached on to the end. BodyHealth - Glycine vs. Glyphosate - Why Glyphosate is so dangerous in our bodiesGlycine is the smallest, simplest amino acid. This matters because amino acids are the building blocks of all protein. And protein is just about everything in biology. Your muscles are protein, so is all your connective tissue, and your cellular structures, digestive enzymes, detoxification enzymes, smooth muscle, organs, cellular receptors, and the bonds between cells that keep toxins and pathogens out. Your cells are little protein factories, and quality control is far from perfect. Sometimes the wrong amino acid gets put in the wrong place. Usually when this happens, the protein misfolds and gets marked for destruction. Glyphosate looks like an amino acid, so cells use it like an amino acid. It’s called a “glycine-glyphosate substitution.” It gets incorporated into proteins. According to Monsanto’s unpublished internal studies released through the Freedom of Information Act, mammals metabolize glyphosate and incorporate into their proteins [1]. The problem is because glyphosate is so similar to glycine, the protein doesn’t misfold, therefore is not discarded into the cellular garbage can. To your cell, the glyphosate proteinlooks fine… it just doesn’t function properly. How the World’s Most Powerful Weed Killer Works Glyphosate’s weed-killing action is entirely due to the disruption of a single enzyme. Just one. All the millions and millions of gallons of RoundUpflooding the world every single year are all to stop one enzyme: 5-enolpyruvylshikimate 3-phosphate synthase, or EPSP-Synthase. This enzyme is essential to a plant’s survival. It is the critical link in a biochemical process that creates the “aromatic amino acids” (amino acids with a ring attached): phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine. [2] Every plant dies without the ability to make these 3 critical amino acids. How Monsanto Can Claim RoundUp is “Safe” What’s interesting about these 3 amino acids, is that humans can’t make them. We call them “essential amino acids,” meaning we have to get them from our diet––mostly from plants. Therefore Monsanto claims that because humans don’t have this particular enzyme, glyphosate is safe for use. But there is one glaring problem here: Humans are made of amino acids. The same glycine-glyphosate substitution happens in our bodies. But before we get into details of how this is a problem, let’s look a little deeper at how glyphosate works. Why does glyphosate affect the EPSP-S enzyme? Enzymes work by creating an “active site” that catalyzes a chemical reaction For EPSP-Synthase the active site is a small “pocket” created by glycine. Glycine’s small size makes the space for the biochemical magic to happen. However, if a cell accidentally uses a glyphosate molecule instead of glycine, that extra “phosate” group fills up the pocket and blocks the active site. Without an active site, the reaction cannot happen. It’s like someone changing the lock on your door; the key just won’t fit. When this happens to the EPSP-Synthase enzyme, the plant (or bacteria or fungi) cannot make the amino acids it needs to function and the organism dies [2]. This raises a new question: if cells really use glyphosate like glycine, wouldn't we see it in other places also? Wouldn’t it cause more problems in other areas associated with glycine? The anwer points to some of the most mysterious and tragic epidemics of our time. J-E-L-L-Uh Oh... Giant Agribusinesses spray millions of pounds of RoundUp on corn and soy intended for livestock. The glyphosate in the feed accumulates in the animal tissue and bones. This same connective tissue is used to makegelatin, a key ingredient in processed foods, cream cheese, frosting, non-dairy creamer, baked goods, candy, cosmetics, gelcaps of capsules, “low fat” food products, and even “health products” like conventional bone broth and glucosamine. Glyphosate contamination goes far beyond agriculture. Glyphosate, Collagen and Chronic Pain Collagen contains the highest concentration of glycine of any protein: nearly 35% glycine by weight. And what do we see with glyphosate? Again, Monsanto’s internal studies reveal glyphosate accumulates the most in connective tissue and bones [1]. Collagen is the single most abundant protein in our body. It makes the fascia between your internal organs, makes your skin supple, protects your joints, and forms your ligaments. Its structure forms a tight, springy helix, which holds water as a cushion. When glyphosate is substituted for glycine, the structure loses its shape. The elasticity and strength become compromised. The joints lose their cushion. This is very likely to create chronic joint pain––one of the core drivers of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. [4] Collagen is also a critical player in gut issues, including inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. If collagen is malformed, gut function is also likely to be disrupted [3]. Microbiome Dysbiosis A healthy gut is a thriving ecosystem of trillions of bacteria. These bacteria perform thousands of critical functions for your health. Everything from digesting food to making neurotransmitters, to keeping pathogens in check and regulating your immune system. And many of these bacteria have the exact same enzyme as plants: EPSP-Synthase. Glyphosate kills these beneficial bacteria the same way it kills plants. Once these bacteria die off, the delicate balance of the microbiome is disrupted and pathogens like candida andsalmonella begin to take over [5]. Once the microbiome is out of balance, immunity, brain function, and energy levels are all compromised. Glyphopho-Food and Food Allergies Much like EPSP-Synthase, certain digestive enzymes also have glycine in a critical site for their action. This includes a digestive enzyme calledtrypsin, which has a special structure called a “glycine hinge.” Trypsin helps break down large globular proteins like casein in milk and gluten in wheat. When trypsin malfunctions, these proteins pass into the lower digestive tract undigested, where they cause intestinal inflammation. [6] This leads to the release of a compound called zonulin. Zonulin breaks down the tight junction between intestinal cells––normally a strong barrier between the digestive tract and the rest of your body. Not only is zonulin released, but a new study showed that glyphosate itself breaks down the tight junctions of the intestinal wall [7]. This breakdown is also known as “leaky gut.” Leaky gut, in turn, leads to a systemic immune response that can create a confusing variety of symptoms. Some of them include food allergies, autoimmune conditions,and many other health problems. Gut Peristalsis and Myosin Sabotage Myosin is the movement protein. It is at the core of muscle contraction and is essential forgut peristalsis.This is the slow, automatic contractions of the gut that move food and waste through the digestive tract. And glycine sits at a very important location in this protein. One study demonstrated if glycine is substituted with the amino acid alanine, myosin stops working [8]. They also found that if only 2% of myosin proteins in a muscle fiber are altered with alanine, the muscle fiber loses 50% of it’s contracting capacity. If glyphosate made the same substitution, the peristalsis would be severely compromised, resulting in constipation and further dysbiosis symptoms, potentially including SIBO. The Autism Connection Many of the issues described above are often present in autistic children. [9] 50-80% of autistic individuals have a “paralyzed gut.” The normal mechanisms of peristalsis simply don’t function. It is also common for them to experience muscle wasting: their muscles don’t work. Both of these are functions of myosin. Also, their gut flora often lack many of the most beneficial bacteria strains, especially bifididiumstrains. Many leading researchers, including MIT researcher Dr. Stephanie Seneff, now point to glyphosate as the common connection between dysfunctional myosin, gut paralysis, microbiome dysbiosis, autism and other cognitive impairments [10]. Impaired Detox and Digestion Another class of enzymes that depend on glycine are called CYP enzymes, also known as cytochrome P 450 enzymes [12]. These enzymes are mostly present in the liver where they help the body breakdown toxins and harmful chemicals. Glyphosate inhibits CYP [13]. Losing function of these enzymes amplifies effects of other environmental toxins. The long term negative effects of impaired detox range from obesity to cancer to autoimmunity to neurodegenerative disease [12,13] The Tip of the Iceberg This is only the beginning. If we look for other potential health issues with glycine-dependent proteins, glyphosate may be implicated in the massive increase in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune conditions, infertility, and cancer. Glyphosate is the most used pesticide in the history of the world. Agribusinesses and farmers sprayed 300 million pounds of RoundUp in 2016 alone. Over 8.6 billion pounds worldwide since it was introduced in 1974––nearly 75% of that in just the last 10 years. The bioaccumulation in our food supply, in our soil, in our water, is pervasive. Looking for more answers? Read this in depth article here >> What can you do? The effects of glyphosate take time to show, but are immensely toxic. And this chemical iseverywhere, including inside your body. So what can you do to protect yourself? The best option is prevention by avoiding exposure as much as possible. Here are 4 steps you can take to minimize your exposure to glyphosate: 1. Eat only organic fruits, and vegetables.Because RoundUp uses special chemicals called “surfactants” to help glyphosate penetrate the plant’s cell wall, you cannot wash glyphosate off of conventionally grown produce. The glyphosate isinside the food. The only way to avoid it is to not eat it. 2. Avoid all inorganic wheat and sugar products. RoundUp is used as an artificial “ripener” on wheat and sugar crops. A dying plant uses its last resources to ripen it’s seeds in hopes of procreating. Agribusinesses noticed this and now use RoundUp as the finishing touch on ALL wheat and sugar. Again, the glyphosate is incorporated into the plant. It is not washed off or processed away. The only way to protect yourself is to not consume it. 3. Eat only organic grass fed meat. Glyphosate drenches the corn and soy fed to factory farm animals. This means all inorganic meat is contaminated with glyphosate. All of it. If you eat meat, the only way to protect yourself is to buy meat that has been fed an organic grass diet. 4. Avoid processed foods made with gelatin. Animal gelatin is one of the most common additives to processed foods, especially anything gummy or “reduced fat.” Gelatin is derived from collagen and bone tissue, which is guaranteed to be contaminated with glyphosate. Glyphosate is already in our bodies. It’s unavoidable. To help mitigate the toxic effects here are 4 proactive steps you can take to detoxify and protect itself: 1. Fasting and Intermittent Fasting activates cellular cleansing processes that can clear out accumulated garbage like misfolded, dysfunctional proteins resulting from glyphosate substitution. 2. Sauna also triggers cellular cleansing processes as well as inducing the activation of a protein called Hsp72, which helps untangle and sort out misfolded proteins and help your body find potential cancerous cells. 3. Detox Supplements boost your body’s ability to handle extra toxic load. Milk thistle, dandelion root, and chicory are detoxifying herbs. BodyHealth’s Body Detox is also an exceptionally potent detox product created by a collaboration between BodyHealth founder Dr. Minkoff and a brilliant biochemist. 4. Healthy Protein and Amino Acids give your body the resources it needs to rebuild itself and replace dysfunctional, toxic proteins. Your entire detox system works on amino acids. Glutathione, the body’s most powerful antioxidant, is made from amino acids. BodyHealth’s PerfectAmino is a complete, balanced essential amino acid formula designed for 99% utilization. This means everything you take goes right to building the happy, healthy protein you need to stay strong, healthy, and free from the effects of glyphosate toxicity. 1. Ridley, W.P. & Mirly, K. The metabolism of glyphosate in Sprague Dawley rats. Part I. Excretion and tissue distribution of glyphosate and its metabolites following intravenous and oral administration (unpublished study MSL-7215 conducted by Monsanto’s Environmental Health Laboratory and submitted to the EPA July 1988)(MRID#407671-01) (1988) 7. Protective effects of lignite extract supplement on intestinal barrier function in glyphosate-mediated tight junction injury, JJ Gildea, DA Roberts, Z Bush - J Cin Nutr Diet, 2017 Dr. David Minkoff Dr. David Minkoff Dr. Minkoff graduated from the University of Wisconsin Medical School in 1974 and was elected to the “Phi Beta Kappa” of medical schools, the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Medical Fraternity for very high academic achievement. He then worked as an attending physician in infectious disease, co-directed a neo-natal intensive care unit and worked in emergency medicine until 1995. In 1997, his interest in alternative and complementary medicine led him to open LifeWorks Wellness Center, which has become one of the foremost alternative medicine clinics in the U.S. His search to find a source of the highest quality nutritional supplements led him to establish BodyHealth in 2000, a resource that could provide doctors with the best possible supplementation and education for their patients. Today, the BodyHealth products are used by hundreds of practitioners and individual consumers who seek all-natural wellness and detoxification supplements with a demonstrated high level of quality and effectiveness. In addition to their use by patients looking to heal disease, the BodyHealth products are also used by sports enthusiasts interested in achieving and maintaining optimal performance. As a 42-time Ironman triathlon finisher, (including 8 appearances at the Ironman World Championships) Dr. Minkoff has first-hand experience to help athletes achieve optimum conditioning. His expertise in protein synthesis, detoxification, and nutrition allow them to run, swim, and bike faster and longer. Today, Dr. Minkoff is an alternative healthcare expert, guest lecturer, writer, tv and radio show guest. He also authors two weekly newsletters, the BodyHealth Fitness Newsletter and the Optimum Health Report. Also in BodyHealth Pushing the Limits of Endurance: One Woman's Heroic Desert Crossing and The Power Of Essential Amino Acids by Dr. David Minkoff February 27, 2020 4 min read 0 Comments In 2003 a 51 year old woman took on one of the most impressive feats of endurance of the last 20 years. And chances are you never heard about it. Not even once. Because she didn’t do it for media attention or earning a world record or even as part of a competition. She did it to prove it was possible. She did it for science. Read More Chomping at the Bit 5 Tips for a Successful Racing Season Chomping at the Bit 5 Tips for a Successful Racing Season by CJ Hitz February 27, 2020 5 min read 0 Comments It’s hard to believe that (as you’re reading this) we’re moving quickly toward the spring season. Although here in Colorado, we sometimes bypass spring and move right into summer. If you’re like me, you begin getting a little more excited about your summer racing plans this time of year. You’ve been working hard over the past months to build a solid endurance base which will prepare your body for faster, more intense workouts. Read More The Role Nitric Oxide Plays in Exhaustion and Fatigue The Role Nitric Oxide Plays in Exhaustion and Fatigue by Dr. David Minkoff February 26, 2020 4 min read 0 Comments If you wake up feeling exhausted and not fully alive until you’ve had your daily dose of coffee, your body is sending you a message: it’s missing the nourishment it needs to perform. The lack of energy, sluggish feeling, and inability to enjoy life to the fullest often exists as a result of your body trying to function without critical nutrients. Imagine trying to run your car with low-grade fuel that only burns at 20% efficiency. Are you going to be driving at top speed? Well, that’s what happens when your body doesn’t have what it needs to perform. Read More
Words of Wisdom: • Flesch-Kincaid Score: 46.7 • Words: 3057 • Essay Grade: no grades • Report this Essay this and more now exists in nearly every business in the US and one out of computer. The electronic computer has been around for over a only in the last 40 years has it changed the American society. From the first wooden abacus to the latest high-speed microprocessor, the computer has changed nearly every aspect of people’s lives for the The very earliest existence of the modern day computer’s ancestor is the abacus. These date back to almost 2000 years ago. It is simply a wooden rack holding parallel wires on which beads are strung. When these beads are moved along the wire according to computers took place in 1694 when Blaise Pascal invented the first “digital calculating machine”. It could only add numbers and they had to be entered by turning dials. It was designed to help Pascal’s father who was a tax collector (Soma, 32). In the early 1800’s, a mathematics professor named Charles Babbage designed an automatic calculation machine. It was steam powered and could operations that included everything a modern general-purpose computer would need. It was programmed by--and stored data on--cards with holes punched in them, appropriately called “punchcards”. His inventions... 1. No comments
\| Marketing Essay \| Essay Sauce ESSAY SAUCE Essay details: • Subject area(s): Marketing • Price: Free download • Published on: 14th September 2019 • File format: Text • Number of pages: 2 Text preview of this essay: Korean pop is a music genre originating in South Korea. It is distinctly known for the vibrant melodies and audiovisual elements. In terms of “popular music” K-pop regards to most western genres like rock, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, reggae, electronica & techno. Some may simply describe K-pop as familiar sounding melodies with a string of the Korean language making up the lyrics. K-pop's frenzy of colours and clean cut choreography presents a disordered scene but behind all the three minute audiovisuals are years of work and calculation. Whilst Psy's “Gangnam Style” became known seemingly overnight, it was only after he had spent years cultivating the fame at home along a mass team marketing campaign to break the UK & US. Within this dissertation I will be discussing how K-pop came to be, the Korean wave, the rise of the likes of Psy as well as questioning the future of K-pop world domination. The history of Korean popular music can be traced to 1885 when Henry Appenzeller, an American missionary began teaching American folk songs at school. These songs were introduced as Changgu, in Korean, and were based on western melodies sung with Korean lyrics. During the Japanese rule from 1910-1945 in Korea, Changgu rose as the Koreans expressed their feelings and stories from the Japanese oppression. After the Korean war US troops were in South Korea for protection, for this reason American and worldly culture in South Korea became more accepted and common. The United Service Organization made it possible for big artists of that generation like Marilyn Monroe and Louis Armstrong to visit stations and perform for the troops in Korea. In 1957 the American Forces Network radio allowed American music to be broadcasted spreading the sound and gaining popularity for Western music, because of this American music influenced Korean music and popular Changgu started to be modeled after American ones. Just as each decade has a prominent genre and sound K-pop very much followed the way. For example, the 1970's iconically known for the hippie and folk songs, the 1980's with the era of ballads and the 1990's for the development of modern K-pop introducing styles like rap, rock, jazz, electronica and techno. It was in the 1990's where K-pop musicians not only gained recognition in the motherland but reached the global scene. South Korean pop culture has been on the rise in the West for the same time k-pop music rose in the 90's. This rise is specifically called the “Korean Wave” or otherwise known as Hallyu, a term coined by Chinese journalists referring to the significant increase in popularity of South Korean entertainment since the late 1990's. Hallyu is an umbrella term for all things entertainment and beauty encompassing music, movies, drama, online games to Korean cuisine and beauty. Hallyu has hallowed the businesses, culture, and country image for Korea. The Hallyu effect has been extraordinary, contributing to 0.2% of Korea's GDP in 2004, amounting to approximately USD 1.87 billion. More recently in 2014, Hallyu had an estimated USD 11.6 boost on the Korean economy Over the last two decades, South Korea has become extremely rich and beyond it's time. In 1965, Korea's GDP per capita was less than that of Ghana. Today, South Korea is the world's fifteen largest economy. Some say the pinnacle and height of K-pop so far is Psy's Gangnam Style, the song was released on July 15, 2012, a short 5 months on December 21, 2012, “Gangnam Style became the first ever YouTube video to reach a billion views. The song currently stands at 2.8 billion views. The back story of “Gangnam Style” influence is the place in Korea itself, the Gangnam District of Seoul with the song, in Korean lyrics, referring to the lifestyle in Gangnam where people are trendy and exude a high class persona. A way people of the western world understand this is by comparing Gangnam to Beverly Hills. Gangnam Style has received mixed reviews with praise to the catchy melody, beat and Psy's comical dance moves. By the end of 2012, the song topped the music charts of more than 30 countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the UK According to The Wall Street Journal, T-pain was among the first to have “send the video into the stratosphere” when he tweeted about it on July 29. It was then picked up a day after T-pain by Neetzan Zimmerman from the social blog Gawker, who blogged “Did this underground Hip Hop artist from South Korea just release the Best Music Video of the Year”. This soon followed by the likes of Robbie Williams, Katy Perry, Britney Spears and Tom Cruise who either commented or shared the video through online social media. Despite very many foreign songs becoming viral such as the “Macarena”, Gangnam Style was no organic natural hit with little if any false manipulation of traffic volumes and online mentions. Overall, rather than just celebrity tweets driving the popularity, it was well structured and meticulously executed campaign by the South Korean label behind the song, YG Entertainment. Paved by the record company behind Psy, YG Entertainment, the video was part of a larger business scheme and goal to break the UK and US music industry. Before the song came to existence, YG set up an office in America finding partnerships with valid artists such as Will.i.Am. A deal between Justin Bieber manager, Scooter Braun also happened preceding the release and was strategically planned to give the music campaign a boost. Pre-Gangnam, YG had over 2.5 million subscribers on their multiple YouTube channels along with a total 1.6 billion combined views of all music video's already released under YG. As YG had the right platforms and audiences to seed a viral campaign, when the best opportunity came along, they alongside Psy, focussed on the song and the video. The video and melody too would have factors to become an online hit, but a hit reaching all genres and territories. Gangnam Style was an eye catching hit, for all ages to be attracted to. Beyond this, language was not a barrier instead like many songs, encompassing a catchy chorus. Asking the question why a white american would listen to k-pop is like asking, why would a born and bred Russian listen to Justin Bieber. Although when taking into account statistics and history, both questions do not amount the same. English is the 2nd most spoken language in the whole world behind the Standard Chinese language by 548 million people (officially 359 million speakers) This can only strike up the question why a mere 77 million Korean Speakers (71% less speakers than English) globally can create history with Psy's K-pop hit Gangnam Style. Because of these statistics we can assume that music can cross cultural barriers and induce the same emotions in people despite upbringing and location. As Gangnam Style broke records, the hit became a household name throughout the world despite being sung entirely in Korean. A study in 2015 provided huge insight as to why the song gained the recognition it has, alongside the marketing behind it. The Frontier Journal stated that music was able to escape all lingual barriers and extract the same feelings in individuals. To prevail the language barrier, listeners chose an emotion most closely communicated the feelings the music elicited in them. According to Dr. Hauke Egermann, a researcher taking part in the study to prove so, released a statement to broke it down to “Certain low-level aspects of music such as tempo (or beat), pitch (how high or low the music is on the scale), and timbre (tone colour or quality)” Egermann's results help conclude why music is emotional for us, thereafter using his research to help understand the different factors and mechanisms that are at play when music impacts on us. Further on, how music can be used functionally for communication, therapy and marketing. Although we can ultimately conclude and justify why Gangnam Style became popular through the likes of YG, Scooter Braun and perfect timing, we can only question if K-pop will do so well in the near future, or if it has done so since Gangnam Style. Through a conducted research on 46 people, I myself sought out the percentage of what 18-35 year olds thought about Gangnam Style, there take on it's success and their willingness to listen to music of Korean music alongside other major territories. With 17% of under 18's and 83% of 18-35 year olds, 80% of which are white, we can assume they are monolingual meaning they willingly choose to listen to music they cannot understand. Over 69% listen to foreign music and those of which didn't, explained that they not only connect less with the lyrics but also don't come across foreign music, due to it not being mainstream. This reason in itself is two situations where it proves the point that the 69% who choose to listen to foreign music actively search. Establishing the major music territories / foreign language countries (excluding the UK & US) France, Japan, Korea and Latin, Korea came last in the study of willingness to listen music with 12 votes (26.1%) Although this study does not cover the world and can be London biased, it can be justified that the young adults of London still do not choose to listen to K-pop and for them is merely a passing viral trend. Despite the study, it doesn't account for the chart topping and sales success. Gangnam Style entered the UK Singles Chart at 196 on September 1st 2012 and in it's fourth week broke top 40 with sales rising 126% week on week. A week later reached top five, eventually the song peaked at number on the week of October 6 . Within the UK the song was the sixth biggest selling single of 2012 with 878,000 sales. Not only was the song the 129th track to sell over a million copies in the UK but also the first million seller by an Asian music star A more recent success for k-pop was BTS also known as the Bangtan Boys that consist of a 7 piece Korean boyband. They are the first ever Korean band/artist to be nominated a Billboard Music Award and win a Billboard Music Award in 2017, which is a highly acclaimed award show in the US surrounded on the Music Business, known globally. Not only is this accolade big for the K-pop scene but it was a category including the likes of Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande and Shawn Mendes.Their nomination for the “Top Social Artiste” award came as no surprise, seeing as they have a total of 9.27 million followers on their two accounts on twitter. BTS is also a strong contender on YouTube, as they currently hold the record for fastest K-pop music video by an idol (surpassing Psy's Gangnam Style) to reach 11 million views within 24 hours. Unlike Psy who can be clearly represented as a moulded act who reached stardom, BTS is a one of a kind act in Korea. The k-pop industry is brutal and most of all, manufactured. Those who want to become a star can take an average 5 years of constant training, only of course if you are resilient and are lucky enough to afford training. Before you earn the title of a trainee, you must undergo a strict audition process where all voice, dance moves should be showcase. Not to mention, physique and facial features are strictly commented on. Once successful,, training commences and pre-teen trainees undergo a ton of criticism day in and day out. BTS's music mainly distinguishes themselves from their competition and predecessors. BTS unlike most korean idols, write, compose, produce and remix their own music. This is a rare occurrence in Korea as idols are not involved in the process and only perform. Again, behind the manufactured fact. Due to the very recent accolade picked up by BTS, K-pop being known as a one hit viral song may be stomped over the success and BTS can only be argued that the height of success that Psy reached has been overturned. The future of any musical region and genre is always unknown but anyone can assume its success thus far and can determine and measure, with valid reasoning. Some may be for Gangnam Style being the pinnacle of K-pop thus far or with BTS being the latest success overriding Psy. Using media coverage, Gangnam Style faced both positive and comical media coverage ranging from blogs, broadsheets all the way to live news stations such as CNN. The average song, despite making the top 10 wouldn't reach the scale of which Gangnam Style was. It's arguable to say that Psy broke the internet and news not just as a audio but for they dance moves involved in the audiovisual. BTS media coverage regarding the Billboard Music Awards was media coverage in itself. The Billboard music awards are watched by millions all over the world and served as great recognition for the band as the award is the band's ground for social acceptance and honour over Psy's only one hit wonder since 2012. Other factors of which can be measured and analysed is money made through sales and publishing, social statistics across all social media and longevity of career. It may be the question of not will someone reach the success of psy but rather has BTS already done so and overrided Psy. We can conclude that both acts are successful and in some ways cannot be pit against or be combined into a category other than just k-pop stars, although my opinion is that the difference between successes was Psy's Gangnam Style was a well constructed marketing campaign which was pushed into the music stratosphere of which people could not escape. BTS was a social award chosen by the people and fans that they thought deserved it. People, in their own right can decide what has been the the best success between both artists although, there can never be a definitive answer as it can all be deemed subjective. For both acts, they each have their strong points regarding the factors mentioned. Whether or not in the future k-pop will be a reoccurring norm in the top 40 can only tell although looking at both BTS and Psy's track record, it can be said that k-pop viral hits or viral news may only ever be “viral” for a hot second. ...(download the rest of the essay above) About this essay: Essay Sauce, . Available from:< https://www.essaysauce.com/essays/marketing/2017-12-10-1512938412.php > [Accessed 29.02.20].
@article{item_2476754, title = {{Children, chimpanzees, and bonobos adjust the visibility of their actions for cooperators and competitors}}, author = {Gr\"uneisen, Sebastian and Duguid, Shona and Saur, Heiko and Tomasello, Michael}, language = {eng}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/s41598-017-08435-7}, publisher = {Nature Publishing Group}, address = {London, UK}, year = {2017}, date = {2017-08-17}, abstract = {{Chimpanzees and bonobos are highly capable of tracking other\textquotesingles mental states. It has been proposed, however, that in contrast to humans, chimpanzees are only able to do this in competitive interactions but this has rarely been directly tested. Here, pairs of chimpanzees or bonobos (Study 1) and 4-year-old children (Study 2) were presented with two almost identical tasks differing only regarding the social context. In the cooperation condition, players\textquotesingle interests were matched: they had to make corresponding choices to be mutually rewarded. To facilitate coordination, subjects should thus make their actions visible to their partner whose view was partially occluded. In the competition condition, players\textquotesingle interests were directly opposed: the partner tried to match the subject\textquotesingles choice but subjects were only rewarded if they chose differently, so that they benefited from hiding their actions. The apes successfully adapted their decisions to the social context and their performance was markedly better in the cooperation condition. Children also distinguished between the two contexts, but somewhat surprisingly, performed better in the competitive condition. These findings demonstrate experimentally that chimpanzees and bonobos can take into account what others can see in cooperative interactions. Their social-cognitive skills are thus more flexible than previously assumed.}}, journal = {{Scientific Reports}}, volume = {7}, eid = {8504}, }
/!\ This page is primarily intended for Mercurial's developers. Locking Design How locking works in Mercurial. 1. Overview There are two locks in Mercurial, known as "lock" (for repository data) and "wlock" (for working directory data). Generally speaking, locks are only taken by writers and there is no limit on the number of simultaneous readers. Consistency for readers is managed using atomic operations (like rename) and careful ordering of data visibility. 2. Lock files Lock files are implemented as symlinks where possible. This allows locks to be created and information about their owner stored in a single operation. 3. The repository lock The repository lock lives in .hg/store/lock and covers all data in store/. Writes to the repository are ordered as follows: Thus, if a reader starts at the changelog index and works down the tree in the opposite order, it will always see complete changesets without requiring a lock. Possible problems can occur if a reader reads files out of order. For instance, copying a repository with other tools (rsync, for instance) during a pull or commit may result in copying a changelog refers to a manifest entry that isn't in the copy. Note that the repository lock is also taken during a local hardlink clone for similar reasons, even though this is technically a read-only operation. 3.1. Interactions with non-append-only operations Mercurial's locking is designed with the assumption that all operations are append-only. If data in the repository disappears in the middle of a read operation, problems may occur. Thus, if Alice does a pull from Bob and Bob does a strip or rollback in the middle, Alice may get a damaged pull. To avoid this, Bob should take his repository offline when running a destructive operation. 4. The working directory lock The working directory lock (.hg/wlock) protects some of the files in .hg/ including: Note that it does not protect the contents of the working directory itself, as it's impractical to try to stop the user from clobbering their own data. Again, consistent view of these files is managed with atomic rename operations and readers do not need to acquire a lock. Readers that intend to subsequently write should probably acquire this lock before beginning so that they avoid races with other writers. /!\ This lock should be acquired BEFORE the repository lock to avoid AB-BA deadlocks. 5. Functions Locks are acquired with the two methods on the localrepository class: The usual pattern for acquiring both locks is: from lock import release wlock = lock = None wlock = repo.wlock() # must come first lock = repo.lock() tr = repo.transaction("foo") # perform write operation release(tr, lock, wlock) # reverse order or, using the objects as context managers (which ensures that locks are released in the correct, reverse order): with repo.wlock(): # must come first with repo.lock(): with repo.transaction("foo") as tr: # perform write operation Locks can be taken recursively. Atomic files are managed with the atomictemp flag to an opener: f = repo.opener("somefile", "w", atomictemp=True) # write to f f.close() # finalize the operation LockingDesign (last edited 2016-06-29 16:04:09 by MartijnPieters)
Crane Fly Tipula paludosa The Crane Fly is a lawn-damaging insect that can attack all types of cool-season grasses found in the American Northwest, the Northeast and also parts of Michigan. Generally, it's only considered a lawn pest in the Northwest and as a nuisance in the other parts of the country. Sub Surface Sub Surface The adult Crane Fly looks like a giant mosquito. This lawn pest has a brownish-tan, slender body, very long legs and one pair of long, smoky-brown wings. Crane Fly larvae are small and wormlike, ranging in color from olive-gray to greenish-brown. The tail end of their abdomen bears six fleshy, finger-like lobes. These lawn insects also have black-pointed heads that withdraw into the front parts of the body when disturbed. Most of the lawn damage caused by Crane Fly larvae and adults occurs in the spring, when larvae are feeding on grass roots, rhizomes, crowns and leaf blades. The result of these feeding habits are areas of sparse grass, missing foliage and bare grounds in both lawns and landscaping. Closer inspection of these areas may reveal large numbers of larvae in the thatch and upper soil, whereas large numbers of adults can be seen congregating on walls of buildings. Life Cycle Crane Flies produce only one generation per year. This lawn-damaging insect lays its eggs just under the soil surface because they require adequate moisture to survive. Crane Flies overwinter as larvae, but this only slows down its life cycle during cooler periods. Life Cycle Image There are two methods for controlling Crane Flies that TruGreen® recommends: 1. Use professionally applied pest control designed to prevent excess lawn pest populations, which can cause damage to your lawn 2. Kill insects, grubs and other lawn pests before they have a chance to damage your lawn Proper mowing and watering techniques can also help foster a healthy lawn that's more tolerant to lawn pest attacks—plus you'll get a lawn you'll want to live on in the process. Need Help? Call 1-800-464-0171
Narada is a Vedic sage who plays a prominent role in a number of Hindu texts, notably the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana. Narada is arguably ancient India’s most traveled sage with the ability to visit distant worlds and realms (Sanskrit lokas). He is depicted carrying a khartal and Veena and is generally regarded as one of the great masters of the ancient musical instrument. Narada is described as both wise and mischievous, creating some of Vedic literature’s more humorous tales. In the Mahabharata, Narada plays a critical role in many instances – his knowledge is used in critical situations to arrive at right conclusions. The Mahabharata explains Narada’s qualifications and experience in vivid detail – He was conversant with the Vedas and the Upanishads and was acquainted with history and Puranas. He had thorough knowledge of the six Angas – Pronunciation, grammar, prosody, explanation of basic terms, description of religious rites and astronomy. He was a perfect master in re-conciliatory texts and differentiating in applying general principles to particular cases. He could swiftly interpret contraries by references to differences in situation. He was eloquent, resolute, intelligent and possessor of powerful memory. He knew the science of morals, politics, skilled in drawing inference from evidence, and very proficient in distinguishing inferior things from superior ones. He was competent in judging the correctness and incorrectness of complex syllogistic statements consisting of 5 proponents. He possessed knowledge of this whole universe, above it, below it and everything surrounding it. He was the master of the Sankhya and Yoga systems of philosophy, conversant with sciences of war and treaty and proficient in drawing conclusions of judging things not within a direct knowledge. He was incapable of being repulsed by any science or any course of action. All loved him – be it gods, demons or human beings. He had one weakness – that of disclosing to gods and demons, the secrets about each other. Gods and demons, naturally, hated each other. Narada’s deeds often created trouble and friction among gods, demons and men, and such friction often led to a war in the end. Hence, Narada acquired the name ‘KALAHAPRIYA’, or the lover of quarrels. Narada’s intention was to espouse a good cause. Narada is a wanderer, traveling among all three worlds. Narada was not the kind of rishi who would sit at a place and meditate. He always strove for human welfare. Vyasa has described Narada as follows in the ADIPARVA of the Mahabharata: “Narada is a great scholar, he is well versed in Vedanta, he is serene and tender hearted. Human beings, angels and demons alike respect him. He has a lustrous personality, and is a veritable Brihaspati in intellectual powers. He has extraordinary proficiency in Samaveda and is an expert musician. He can set at naught any doubts and misgivings. He can always find devices on he spur of the moment for helping people out of difficulties. He can charm people with his pleasant speech. He knows the art of articulating each syllable and is also well versed in semantics. He knows the precise use of each word.”
Conditions at the frontlines were destructive for soldiers in WW1 discuss Essay by Annihilation22Junior High, 9th gradeA+, July 2004 download word file, 4 pages 0.0 Downloaded 35 times "Conditions at the front lines were destructive for the soldiers in WW1" There is no question that conditions in the front lines in WW1 were destructive for the soldiers. WW1 took the greatest toll on human life of any war until that time. I believe that the conditions in the front lines were particularly destructive and devastating to the men for many reasons. New techniques used in trench warfare and the relatively new kinds of weaponry being used, such as heavy artillery and poison gas contributed to a much higher death toll with little opportunity to bury the dead. This led to a dangerous lack of sanitisation, and also prevented the normal opportunities of personal hygiene. Shortage of men prevented the frequent replenishment of food and water supplies which also led to sickness and death. The constant bombardment was the cause that there were so many dead bodies that were unburied; just lying on the ground rotting. It was almost impossible for soldiers to get any rest or sleep with the constant bombardment of enemy fire. The men were forced to sleep standing up in the trenches so that they wouldn't run the risk of being killed. The heavy artillery were a constant threat as they could be fired over long distances and land in a trench blowing up any soldiers positioned in that part of the trench. Heavy artillery such as tanks and mortars being used usually meant that there would be an attempt to gain more territory in the next few days. (In the battle of the Somme for instance; the Germans realised this and rushed all their men forward so that they would be able to slaughter the English and Australians as they attacked. Going over the top is when the soldiers had to go over...
The brain stem is located deep in the brain and leads to the spinal cord. Controls breathing and heart rate Controls swallowing and blood pressure Controls the flow of messages between the brain and entire body Controls alertness and sleeping Reflexes to seeing and hearing Sense of balance Breathing and speech Difficulty swallowing food and water Trouble with organization and perception of the environment Problems with balance and movement Dizziness and nausea (Vertigo) Sleeping difficulties (Insomnia, sleep apnea)
Kamus Online suggested words Hasil cari dari kata atau frase: break off (0.01579 detik) Found 2 items, similar to break off. English → Indonesian (quick) Definition: break off af, cepol, coplok, menggentas English → English (WordNet) Definition: break off break off v 1: interrupt before its natural or planned end; “We had to cut short our vacation” [syn: cut short, break short] 2: prevent completion; “stop the project”; “break off the negociations” [syn: break, discontinue, stop] 3: break off (a piece from a whole); “Her tooth chipped” [syn: chip, chip off, come off, break away] 4: break a piece from a whole; “break a branch from a tree” [syn: break, snap off] 5: break a small piece off from; “chip the glass”; “chip a tooth” [syn: chip, knap, cut off] Cari kata di: Custom Search Touch version \| Android \| Disclaimer
Nepali Calendar Nepali Calendar uses lunar months and solar sidereal year. The New Year is on 1st Baishakh (mid of April). It is approximately 56 years and 8½ months ahead of the Gregorian calendar (A.D). Eastern Hindu lunar calendar is based on both the sun and the moon; it uses a solar year but divides it into 12 lunar months. A lunar month is precisely 29 days 12 hours 44 minutes and 3 seconds long. Twelve such months constitute a lunar year of 354 days 8 hours 48 minutes and 36 seconds. To help the lunar months coincide with the solar year, the practice of inserting an intercalary (extra) month arose. Hence an extra month, called the Purushottam month (Adhik Mas), is inserted every 3 years. Welcome to a young dynamic web portal that revolves around day to day activity of we Nepali people. NotesNepal offers little tools that we generally use like Calender, Date Changer, Phone Codes list, Unicode text change, Loadshedding Schedules etc. Here you have many Nepali tools that can make your headache of searching in different places go. Just use the Type in Nepali tool to get nepali text by using english font as Nepali eg. Our aim is to propel the masses by disseminating information that would enable them to think critically and have a sound impartial opinion. Propelling the masses towards empowerment in Nepal is necessary in order for the people to be intellectually capacitated. We propel ideas that will have the masses think and make a visible change for the betterment of the Nepalese society. Comment Here!
Popularly known as the “city of nawabs” today Lucknow is the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. This city was called ‘the Constantinople of India’. With an extraordinary historical background Lucknow scores high as the place of worth visit. This beautiful city had witnessed the gradual change of history starting from the reign of Delhi Sultanate, rule of the mighty Mughal emperors, Nawabs, British East India Company to the rebellion of India’s Independence Movement. The glorious period of Lucknow started during the reign of Nawab Asaf-Ud- Daula. That tie it was made the capital of Awadh region. All the stunning architectures that are still adorning the face of Lucknow were made during the rule of these Awadh Nawabs. Another famous Nawab was Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. He was exiled to Calcutta by the British East India Company. Lucknow also faced the heat of India’s First War of Independence better say the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Lucknow was annexed during 1856 and the forces sheltered at Residency were attacked by the Indian soldiers. Under the commond of Sir Collin Campbell the siege was relieved. Lucknow also took part in the modern Indian Freedom Movement. All the remains of that ancient past are bound to make you enchanted. Over the years the city has preserved this spirit of the bygone days. Lucknow took almost two centuries to grow to the size of a metropolis. The first hundred years of success belonged to the Nawab Wazirs which, in different degrees contributed to its growth and made it, what has been metaphorically called, the “Shiraz of Awadh” and the “Constantinople of India”. The nawabs were responsible for imparting a distinct image to the city, which indeed is unique. They worked meticulously to dress Lucknow with religious and secular edifices of uncomparable excellence. The surviving monuments of the city mark the evolution of an interesting style in architecture. In the reign of Nawab Asaf ud Duala, the Mughal stylistic legacy was re-interpreted in stone and stucco instead of marble and stone. Soon the builders began to experiment with European styles and attempts were made to fuse the occidental with the oriental. Consequently, the style that emerged could rival the best in the world. Modern city of Lucknow spread evenly on both sides of the Gomti, offers a tourist plenty of places of historical interest. Asafi Masjid The tomb of a Shi'ite Muslim holy man -- was built in 1784 by Asaf-ud-Daula as a famine relief project. The central hall of the Imamabad, 50 meters long and 15 meters high, is one of the largest vaulted galleries in the world and the roof has been put together with interlocking bricks without using a beam or a girder. Bada Imamabad Chhatar Manzil Chhota Imambara Chota Imambara is the landmark of Lucknow. This monument is also known as Husseinabad Imambara in Lucknow as this place was the office of the erstwhile Husseinabad trusts that owned the city once. Chota Imambara is an imposing monument located in the Old City area of Lucknow close to Chowk. Clock Tower Between the Bara Imambara and Chhota Imambara is the Clock Tower of Lucknow. This huge tower was constructed by Nawab Nasir-ud-Din Haider in the year 1880. The Clock Tower in Lucknow reaches up to a staggering height of 221 feet and is the tallest Clock Tower in India. The Clock tower also has the biggest fitted clock that cost the government around Rs. 1.75 lacks at that time. La Martiniere College Rumi Darwaza Shahnajaf Imambara
When companies use the term “going public”, it refers to making shares of the firm available for the general public to buy. “Going public” also refers to an initial public offering (IPO). An order to undertake an IPO, a business must go through an elaborate process requiring months and months of work and collaboration with other parties, including an investment bank and accounting firm. IPOs are a way for small businesses to obtain additional capital in order to sustain their growth and expand. However, IPOs have their difficulties as well, such as loss of management control and accountability. Just because a company has the means of becoming public does not mean that this is the best strategy in the long-term. Nowadays, the types of businesses that have the most success becoming public are in the high-tech sector, or those with trendy and popular consumer products. Manufacturing companies, or other businesses that are less “exciting” will less likely have the same appeal to investors. Company owners should be prepared to change the company direction from its initial goals when other shareholders are involved. Sometimes the market changes direction, opening up different opportunities that the owners had intended from the start. Owners should be prepared to accept input from investors and the board to change the firm products to serve an increasing demand elsewhere. Here, you will learn about the advantages and the disadvantages of going public, as well as things to consider should you proceed with an IPO. Advantages of Going Public As mentioned earlier, one of the biggest benefits of going public is raising capital. Capital is needed for businesses that are looking to expand, whether by introducing new product lines, or entering into different markets. The funds can be used for research and development purposes or capital expenditures such as equipment and software. Capital funding can even be used to help sustain a business and pay off its debt, so that the company can focus on its future strategy. Another advantage of going public is the prestige that comes with a public company. Publicly held firms hold a reputation as solid businesses that are accountable for their actions (whether or not it is true). There is publicity and increased awareness about the firm, which can help the business market its services or products to potential customers. A consequence of this effect is that investors become aware of the company and may follow the company to decide whether or not to invest. As for business operations and hiring talent, high-caliber employees may become attracted to working for the company and contribute to its overall successes. These actions can lead to increase market share for the company. Sometimes, the company founders decide to go public as an exit strategy. These founders have usually started the business from the ground up. Upon seeing that the company is prospering, they decide to cash in to reap the rewards of their hard work. Disadvantages of Going Public Undertaking an IPO has its disadvantages as well. Public companies face a loss of control with the increased shareholders, and a need to disclose financial statements to the public. Public companies are regulated by the Securities Exchange in their financial reporting, and are closely monitored by the SEC. Especially with the increased requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, public firms must be very careful to disclose the nature of their expenses and accounting methods, or face the consequences. These can include fines, negative publicity and possibly imprisonment for fraud perpetrators. Going public also involves the top management answering to a board of directors for their actions. The board oversees management actions and can replace them if business performance is not doing well. Consequently, management of public companies is often pressured to perform for short-term rather than long-term growth. Investors want to see that their shares are doing well, which may cause management to make decisions that boost earnings, but are in the best interests of the company in the long run. There are high costs involved with IPOs. The process requires months of time-consuming work and money before a company can go public. Around a quarter of the business’s gross capitalization can be expected to go towards the costs of going public. These funds go towards paying the underwriters, internal company costs and underpricing. After the business has gone public, the expenses don’t end there. A couple hundred thousand can be expected to go towards reporting fees, auditing, and SEC regulation requirements. Things to Consider Before Going Public If all the advantages and disadvantages above have made you even more eager to take your company public, there are key steps that should be taken before making the leap. 1. Look at your management team. The management team should have extensive business experience, and be well-versed in both the industry they are working in and financial management. Management should have solid plans and goals for the future. 2. Standardize company processes. The company should have a standard system in its operation, including pricing, hiring, and expenditures. A methodology for business operations should be in place. 3. Hire permanent staff. Having company employees rather than contracted workers helps ensure stability in the company and greater control over employee actions. The employees are more accountable for their actions and more involved in the company processes. 4. Keep company and personal finances separate. When a company becomes public, owners cannot take out company funds for personal use or mix personal and company resources together. The two must be kept separate. 5. Predictable flow. The company should be keeping track of its revenues and expenditures for a time period long enough that it can reasonably predict future performance. Having predictability improves budgeting and increases investor confidence. 6. Get contacts. Hiring board members and management that have extensive business experience will also have contacts in the financial industry. Introductions are important to selecting the right investment bank – one whom is interested in your company’s products and services, and has the right attitude to getting things done.
Personal Saving First, many people buy products spontaneously without planning to buy them in advance. That is, they buy a product or service, and decide to buy it, only immediately before they make the actual purchase. Most of us fall prey to unplanned spending every now and then. Retailers put a lot of effort to encourage unplanned spending. Take for example the sweets at the checkout of the supermarket, or the sales table in the middle of the toy store. Temptations like these make it much harder to control spending. Of course, these are many more examples how retailers can motivate people to make unplanned purchases. Luckily, there are many ways to limit these kinds of expenditures. You can, for example, make a shopping list before going to shop, hold less money in your pockets to decrease the tendency to buy food items on your way home, or leave your credit card at home when visiting the shopping mall. Besides, never go shopping when you are hungry. It makes you vulnerable to buying unplanned food items and overfilling your cart. Second, people tend to think it is more difficult for them to save money now (and spend less) than it will be in the future. For example, they want to go out of dinner this evening, they want to buy their partner a sweet gift, or they are planning to do something nice in the weekend. Obviously, in the short term people are aware and think of many things they want to spend money on. When they think about the future, they don’t know yet what they will be doing by then. As such, they are less aware of the temptations they will be facing in the future that might prevent them from saving more. Hence, they think it will be easier to save in the future. The point is, however, that they will also think this in a few months from now. Consequently, people tend to postpone saving more all the time. One way to avoid postponement is by committing yourself now to increase your savings rate at a certain point in the future. For example, you may want to consider arranging that a greater percentage of your monthly salary is automatically transferred to your savings account from a certain point in the future.
Tower of London The Tower of London is one of the UK’s famous historic castles and is located on the north bank of the River Thames in London. Its origins can be traced back to1066 and was part of the Norman Conquest of England. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new ruling elite. The castle was used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952 (Kray twins),[3] although that was not its primary purpose. Here is a small portfolio of images I have taken of the tower using Nikon D5600, GoPro Hero 5 and iPhone XR. Tower of London sunrise Image 1 of 4 The Tower of London, Photography, HDR, London Tower-of-London-GOPR94351906-x.jpg Why not also check out our other photos: All the photos are under copyright by aShawThing.
In August of 2017, Hurricane Harvey dumped several feet of rain on Houston, Texas, causing catastrophic flooding. Official responders didn’t have enough personnel or boats to rescue all the people trapped by the rising waters. So private citizens who owned small boats drove from all over Texas and beyond to help ferry people to safety. These were brave and generous acts. Extraordinary acts of kindness and concern for the well-being of others are not rare. People help their neighbors, rush to rescue a kid in a burning car, and more. But ask the same neighbor or pedestrian to pay more in taxes to improve schools and healthcare, or support regulations to limit climate change that leads to heavier rainfall in flood-prone areas, and likely as not they will hunker down, worrying instead about their own bank account and personal interests. Why are people kind and compassionate in some situations but suspicious and disobliging in others? Social scientists have long been asking questions like this because they are at the core of so many of the important concerns in society and how to address them. These debates seem to have intensified in a hyper-connected modern world, where the pace of change and dangers like climate change only accelerate. A Bid to Scale Connectedness The Bedari Foundation, a private family foundation established by Jennifer and Matthew C. Harris, has been supporting work in conservation, community, and health, and currently run programs in Africa and Asia. They’ve worked to encourage the sense of connectedness between people and nature, and between cultures, that they believe is central to humanity’s success. Now the Harrises want to support development of the science and the tools behind kindness and connectedness to scale these qualities for the global community. The Bedari Foundation recently committed $20 million to the University of California Los Angeles to create the new UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute, following a three-year period of development with UCLA officials. The institute will be housed within the university’s social science division, and will support interdisciplinary research into kindness in biology, psychology, evolutionary science, communications, economics and other specialties. Although kindness may seem not seem at first glance like a typical academic topic, researchers say it can and must be studied with the same tools we use to understand all other aspects of human behavior. "What we mean by kindness are the thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that motivate actions intended to benefit another party," said Daniel Fessler, Ph.D., a UCLA anthropologist named as the new institute’s faculty director. "In so many areas today, kindness or its absence is very relevant. People don’t always make decisions on a rational basis, so we need to understand how we can help people make decisions that are in their own interests and the interests of society, collectively." Commonly held perceptions and narratives that influence public debate in America and elsewhere, such as an “us-versus-them” mentality, winner-take-all, and xenophobia, said Fessler, are fundamentally problems of kindness. "We’re all in the same lifeboat and having a fight in the lifeboat is a very bad idea," said Fessler. "We are all interconnected now." Real-World Applications The institute will also seek to translate research into real-world applications. Unlike typical academic operations, the institute will work to engage the public, particularly in Los Angeles, applying its research to help address matters of public policy such as homelessness. As is increasingly seen in other areas of academia, the kindness institute is structured to focus researchers from across the campus on timely questions. "Many researchers at UCLA are working on topics that relate to kindness, and the institute will serve as a structure that allows people to come together across disciplinary boundaries to focus on these complex issues and important questions," said Darnell Hunt, Ph.D., the Dean of UCLA’s Social Sciences division, where the institute will reside. The institute aims to announce RFPs in the coming months and will begin offering courses at UCLA this year. UCLA’s kindness institute is pretty novel, but it’s not completely alone. Stanford Medicine houses the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education, and we recently wrote about a $100 million gift from South Dakota banking and credit billionaire T. Denny Sanford to University of San California San Diego, to establish the Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion. While those institutes will focus on compassion primarily within the medical profession, the UCLA initiative will work on a broader canvas. Share with cohorts
First 4cast indications of Winter arriving in Australia • 12th of May, 2019, forecast of cold air reaching into north Queensland. Pressure - cold air from the southern ocean crossing the continent. Temperature - cool air deep into the north. The weather cooled-off fairly early from about mid-April this year. • Sailor That’s interesting. To show clearly the cold air mass advection over Australia, I would display an animation or a screenshot of temperature at 850hPa. The demo would be more efficient, but need to explain that it is not the temperature at surface level, just the temperature of the air mass. • @idefix37 Sort of. Within the desert-like interior the air at 600 to 700 hPa is more indicative of what occurs under a winter High pressure system's descending air, with low winds over a rapidly cooling terrain and mostly clear sky. Then surface layer land breezes blow the descending cold air towards the warmer coastline during early morning hours. 600 hPa Temperature (5fps) • New snowfall in time for the beginning of Winter. New Snow. Temperature at ground level. Temperature at 10,000 ft. Pressure and wind flow. Log in to reply NodeBB & contributors, OSM & contributors, HERE maps
Anda di halaman 1dari 40 Spinning on the Drop Spindle, or Rock Chris Robertson (aka Mistress Yseult de Lacy) April 2006 Table of Contents This booklet was written primarily for the members of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a medieval-ambience social and educational group ( References to period mean before 1600. However, all spinning instructions are perfectly relevant for modern times. Master Alex the Potters website is Spinning on the Drop Spindle, or Rock Mistress Yseult de Lacy (Chris Robertson) Brief Historical Introduction Even before mankind began to herd sheep, he discovered that wool strands can be twisted together to make a thread. The scales on the surface of wool fibres encourage them to cling together, and once these bonds are set by heat and/or pressure they are both strong and stable. Until then, however, the resulting thread will happily unwind itself without much provocation, making it difficult to produce any reasonable length of thread before it unravels. The simplest answer to this problem is to wind the thread onto something like a nice smooth stick as it is twisted, and thus was born the spindle. (Winding the growing thread into a ball would also work, but would be much more difficult to manage and does not seem to have been done.) The tension of winding onto the spindle and the pressure of overlying thread in the wound mass set the bonds within the twisted fibres sufficiently to significantly discourage untwisting once the thread has been unwound, even before the twist has been permanently set by soaking in very hot water. By itself, a spindle is still of limited use, as the thread must be twisted by hand little by little and continuously wound up, which is fiddly and time-consuming (although some spinning is still done this way even today, with the thread rolled against the thigh to twist it). The second innovation, which made a world (pun intended) of difference, was the spindle whorl (pronounced whirl), which seems to have appeared very soon after the spindle itself. The whorl is a solid disk, lens, or spheroid (bead) made of lead, stone, clay, ceramic, or wood, with a central hole through which the spindle fits tightly. The whorl may be set at the lower or upper end of the spindle; in modern usage, it seems to be about half-and-half, but medieval usage seems to be predominantly at the lower end. In either case, a centimeter or three of spindle projects below or above the whorl, respectively. For a spindle with the whorl near the bottom, modern spinning technique wraps the thread around the lower projecting end of the spindle to tension it (see Figure 5); I have found no evidence to suggest this was done in period. What the whorl does is provide angular momentum in the spinning process. Rather than just twirling the fibres between the thumb and fingers, the rotation of the vertically-hanging weighted spindle now twists the fibres attached to it into a thread. This is more efficient than a simple fingertwist, since gravity provides the tension needed to keep the twist from unwinding as long as the spindle is spinning, freeing both hands to control the operation of draftingdrawing out the wool fibres from the wool mass so they can be twisted. It is still necessary to wind the thread onto the spindle by hand, but as a longer thread can be spun in one go this also becomes more efficient, further aided by the weight of the whorl in speeding the horizontal rotation of the spindle when winding-on. The final refinement to the spindle was a notch near its top to provide a secure anchorage for the thread (in modern spindles, this is often replaced by a little cup hook screwed vertically into the top end). The notch is not essential, as thread knotted in a half-hitch round the spindle will stay quite well in place under tension. It does, however, lessen the frequency of the thread slipping off and the spindle falling to the ground. As yet I have no idea when notches were first introduced; I have not found any clear illustration of one, and they may well not be period. "Drop spindle"the name is obvious. The spinning spindle drops, gravity provides tension, wool is drawn down, the thread extends. But why "rock?" Munro [2003] says that some early "spindles" were, in fact, simply rocks onto which the thread was first tied and then wound. And many early spindle whorls are indeed made of beautifully carved and decorated stonerock! So it appears that the concept of "rock" was sufficiently associated with spindles to pass the phrase into the language as "spinning on the rock" for drop spindle work. In modern times, the word "spinning" is almost always associated with "wheel." And the Great Wheel certainly existed in the Middle Agesit is pictured in the Lutterel Psalter c. 1330 (Figure 1), and was certainly known by 1224 [Munro 2003]. It was also banned from use for spinning at least warp threads for commercial use for quite some timefrom the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, depending on country. Why was this? Well, the Great Wheel produced thread inferior in strength and evenness to rock-spun thread. The spinner at the Great Wheel had to use one hand to spin it, while holding a distaff (stick about the length and thickness of a broomstick with a wool mass bound onto it) under the other arm or wool mass in the other hand, which meant she had less control of the drafting process and thus the thickness of the thread so produced. The Great Wheel is also known as the Walking Wheel, as the spinner walks slowly backwards while the thread lengthens. By contrast, while the rock spinner had a distaff tucked under her left arm or a wool mass held in her left hand, she was still able to use the fingers of both left and right hands for drafting, providing much finer control. Until well into the 1500s most spinning, whether of wool, flax, hemp, or ramie (nettle fibres), domestic or commercial, was done on the rock. Machines for spinning (throwing) silk were invented quite early and were in use by the 1300s; silk thread does not seem to have been domestically produced in medieval Europe. Figure 1. Spinning on the Great Wheel, c. 1330 (Lutterel Psalter) What we know as the modern spinning wheel was not invented until the late 1400s, when it was known as the Saxony Wheel. The wheel itself is turned by a foot treadle (early 1500s), freeing up both hands to control drafting. Winding the wool onto the spindle also happens automatically, whereas this still had to be done at frequent intervals when using the Great Wheel. The Saxony Wheel was also more productive; where the Great Wheel provided as much as a threefold increase over spinning on the rock, the Saxony Wheel provided twice that again [Munro 2003]. By the 1600s it was used extensively for both domestic and commercial spinning, and although like the Great Wheel it was initially banned by commercial wool producers on the grounds of quality control, these bans were soon lifted. While using a spinning wheel is more productive, it is not portable. A drop spindle can be tucked through a belt or into a pouch, and distaffs were typically held under one arm, enabling women to spin almost anywherein Figure 2 from the Lutterel Psalter, the farm wife has not bothered to put her distaff and spindle down while she is out in the yard feeding her poultry. In Figure 3, a woodcut of jugglers on the road from a broadside ballad c. 1450, not only is the wife balancing their entire household goods, plus the poultry and the baby, but she is spinning while they travel. And possibly patting the cat. It's rather hard to tell. (At least she gets to sit down!) While I feel there may be a certain amount of exaggeration in this picture, I am inclined to believe the spinning... So while a household might have a spinning wheel, there would certainly still be several drop spindles around, and little girls would have learned to spin on the rock well before they began to use a wheel. Figure 2. Woman with distaff feeding poultry c. 1330 (Lutterel Psalter) From ancient times spinning has always been, and still predominantly is, the province of women. Domestic textile production was part of women's work, and this continued even once the great commercial drapery houses had become established by the twelfth century. Although male weavers replaced female ones in the commercial houses with the invention of the horizontal loom [Munro 2003], spinners were women. Wool was typically parceled out to women working at home, or sometimes in a merchant's establishment, who were paid for piece-work rather than receiving wages. So when you are sitting quietly and contentedly spinning on the rock, think of your millions of sisters in spirit through the ages who have done exactly the same thing. - 10 - Figure 3. Jugglers on the road c. 1450 Drop Spindles Figure 4 below shows pictures of five medieval spindles, ranging in time from the 1300s to the 1500s, left to right. Figure 4. Medieval spindles from the 1300s to the 1500s The women are all spinning with a distaff essentially the same as the one shown in Figure 3, and I believe the fibre they are spinning is flax, not wool. I cannot think of any way to bundle up wool so it has that conical haystacklike appearance, whereas unspun flax consists of quite coarse stands 30cm or more long, and looks exactly like that when tied at one end to the distaff. My guess is that the farm wife in Figure 2 is spinning wool; note the quite different configuration of the fibre on the distaffan egg-shaped mass bound in place with crossed threads. In the centre image above the woman appears to be winding thread onto the horizontally-held spindle, rather than actually spinning it. The others are spinning. The first thing to notice is that the thread is all wound into a, well, spindleshape . The two leftmost spindles have no whorl visible. It is possible that the thread could be wound around the whorl, hiding it (possibly bead whorls), or else they really don't have whorls. In the three rightmost pictures, the thread is wound well above the whorl, leaving a short section of the spindle free just above it. This is quite unlike modern spinning practice, where the - 11 - thread is wound into a cone with the base hard against the whorl. The second thing to note is that the three visible whorls are quite small; indeed, very small by modern standards. The rightmost spindle, which comes from a Breughel painting, has the largest whorl, nearly the size of that on a small modern wooden spindle. It may be wood. My guess is that the two smaller whorls are lead, as lead whorls are quite a common archaeological find. See the photo to the right of a 14th century English lead whorl from the Strong Collection at Stone whorls, though also common, are much more spherical than those in Figure 4. See the photo at the right of a stone whorl from mid-16th century York, from The leftmost spindle does not seem to have a whorl at all, and I have seen other spindles with no whorls. Why would this be so, when it is the whorl that makes the spindles spin efficient? I believe the thread is flax, as I mentioned above. When spinning flax, the twist is given mainly by the fingers of the drafting hand, not the spindle itself (see Appendix 1), and hence a spindle whorl is not strictly necessary. The third thing to note is the complete absence of a thread wound round the spindle below the whorl and carrying back up to the top, as in modern technique (see Fig. 5). In the middle picture, where the spinner is winding thread onto the spindle, this would of course not appear, but if it was a common practice it should be shown in the two rightmost pictures, both of which are superior paintings showing great, and highly accurate, detail. I think we can safely assume that if it had been common to loop the thread round the spindle under the whorl, Breughel would have painted it. In modern spinning, the bottom loop provides tension on the thread so that the top half-hitch does not slip out of the notch and off the top of the spindle. In - 12 - all the spinning miniatures I have looked at, the thread seems to just end at the top of the spindle; I think this is so because it is lying hard against the spindle, with the tension to hold it in place supplied by friction against the wound thread and the spindle itself. If a tight turn or two were taken around the wound thread before the end was pulled up for the half-hitch around the top of the spindle, this would significantly aid the half-hitch to stay in place. The final thing to note is that there is no notch near the top of the spindle. This is particularly obvious in the middle picture. Of course, it could be that every picture of a medieval spindle I've seen so far (more than twenty) just happens to show the exact back of the spindle so the notch is invisible, or hide it with the spinners fingers, but somehow I feel this is straining coincidence a little far. Figure 5 below shows a fully-dressed modern spindle and my conjecture for the dressing of a typical medieval spindle, both ready to spin. - 13 - Figure 5. Dressed modern (left) and medieval (right) spindles. The medieval dressing is my conjecture. - 14 - I am going to explain how to spin on a typical modern spindle, for two reasons. Firstly, as yet I have not found any period descriptions of how to spin on the rock. This does not necessarily mean there are none, just that I haven't yet found any. Secondly, having tried my conjectural medieval spindle conformation, while it certainly works very nicely for spinning, the modern spindle dressing is easier to work with for a beginner. I am quite sure that the basic technique of drafting threads to be spun has not changed significantly since spinning was first invented. I am also going to concentrate on spinning wool, as I do not have that much experience with anything else except silk yet. I have spun a little cotton (from a packet of cotton wool bought at a supermarket!), and some flax. Techniques for these differ a little from those for wool; see Appendix 1. The next sections will cover fibres for spinning, initial dressing of the spindle, basic spinning technique, plying thread, winding a skein of wool, and setting the twist. Preparing wool for spinning will be covered in the final section. What Fibres Can Be Spun? First and foremost, wool, then flax (which produces linen), then hemp, were the fibres most commonly spun in our period. Nettle fibres, which produces ramie, a hard-wearing linen-like fabric, was also spun. Cotton was spun in increasing amounts through the later half of our period, particularly in southern Europe, although I believe it was only spun domestically quite late in period. Silk was also spun, but mostly in commercial houses and mostly by machine. Finally, asbestos was also spun and woven, although perhaps fortunately for the already-precarious health of the medieval woman, this was extremely rare! Camel hair was spun in the Middle East, and used for clothing and tents. The poet Mutanabbi (905-965) wrote, in his Song of Maisuna: - 15 - The russet suit of camel's hair, With spirits light, and eye serene, Is dearer to my bosom far Than all the trappings of a queen. It is also possible to spin goat hair and angora rabbit, and while I don't know if the bunnies were period, I'll bet there were farm wives who gathered shed goat hair and spun it. Goat and yak hair were certainly spun in the Far East [Ryder 1993]. The hair of some modern breeds of dog can be spun, but I doubt this was done in period. Cat hair, although it will felt, will not spin. Dressing the Spindle Although it is actually possible to twist a bit of wool into a short thread with your fingers, wrap this around the notch at the top of a spindle, and start to spin (personal experience), it's not easy and success depends very much on the type of wool you are trying to spin. The normal way to dress a bare spindle is to take 30cm or so of spun thread, and begin by knotting one end around the spindle just above the whorl. The thread is then pulled down over the edge of the whorl, wrapped around the bottom end of the spindle, and brought all the way back up to the top of the spindle to the notch. Holding the spindle between your knees when you get to this point will make it easier to work with. A half-hitch pulled tight around the spindle then secures the thread in the notch. (The half-hitch is made by holding the thread horizontally across the notch, passing the thread coming up from the whorl back up over the spindle top and then pulling the free end tight.) See Figure 6 for a diagram of a dressed spindle. - 16 - Starting to Spin You now have a spindle with ten or so centimeters of thread free at the top, secured at the notch. The wool you will be about to spin will be in one of four forms: a teased mass, a rolag, tops, or a combed staple. A teased mass is exactly what it sounds likea fluffy lump of wool which has been thoroughly pulled apart to separate the fibres, untangle them from dirt and burrs, and remove knots. A rolag is a cylinder of light, fluffy wool made by rolling carded wool off a carding comb (carder), a process described in the last section (p. 29). Tops are a long ribbon a few cm wide and thick of commercially carded wool with nearly all the fibres lying parallel. A combed staple is a lock (staple) of fibres which have all grown up closely together and are compressed at the tip (usually with dirt), which has been brushed apart so that the strands all lie parallel to each other (see p. 35). The techniques for spinning from a rolag and a teased mass are the same. Spinning from a combed staple is described later (p. 30). Hold the unspun wool gently in your left hand. Pinch out a bit of it between the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, and lay the end of the thread from the spindle in the middle of this pulled-out bit, overlapping one to two centimetres of the thread onto the wool. Hold this firmly in place at the top end of the thread with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand, and let go - 17 - with your right hand. You now have the spindle dangling from your left hand, held by the thread. Hold this firmly in place at the top end of the thread with the thumb and forefinger of your left hand, and let go with your right hand. You now have the spindle dangling from your left hand, held by the thread. Hold the top of the spindle between the thumb and first two fingers of your right hand, give it a nice vigorous twist clockwise, and let go. The spindle and thread are now spinning.1 You will see the wool fibres start to twist around the thread; as soon as this happens, pinch them firmly with your right thumb and forefinger, just below the left ones. Ease off on your left thumb and forefinger a bit and pull up with your left hand and down with your right hand so that a strand of fibres a few centimetres long is pulled out from the main wool body. See Fig. 7 for a diagram of this. Pinch firmly at the top end of this strand with your left hand, then let go with your right hand. The twist which has been accumulating in the thread from the spindle's spin will run ziiiiip! up the strand and turn it into thread. Pinch hard with your right fingers just below your left fingers, ease off with your left, draft out more fibres, and do it all again. That's all there is to it. Here are the steps for continuing to spin once you have got everything started: 1. Pinch hard with left fingers at top of thread, just below the unspun wool 2. Set spindle spinning or check spin is correct 3. Pinch hard with right fingers just below left ones 4. Ease left finger pinch and draft out a few cm of fibres 5. Pinch hard with left fingers 6. Let go with right fingers 7. Check that the twist has turned the strands to thread properly 8. Remove any burrs or lumps (stop the spindle while you do this) 9. Go back to step 2 You need to be careful to keep the end of the drafted-out strand pinched firmly just below the end of the unspun wool, so that you don't let the twist get up into the rest of the wool. It can be quite hard to untwist it if this happens, and you will suddenly find yourself spinning something that more closely resembles a sausage than a nice thin thread! If the spindle will not spin quickly and evenly, you probably need more weight on the whorl. A lump of Blue-Tack around the spindle underneath the whorl should do the trick. - 18 - Dont try to draft out too thick a strand of wool. Drop spindles like to spin fine thread. If you cant get your spindle to keep spinning (twist runs down too soon), you are probably trying to spin your thread too thick. Wool is quite tough stuffyou can spin it amazingly finely before it breaks. Experiment a bit and see how fine you can make your thread. As your thread lengthens, check that your spindle is still spinning, and still spinning clockwise. As the spin runs down there is an annoying tendency for the spindle to sneakily start spinning anticlockwise, undoing the nice twist you've put in the thread, and causing it to suddenly fall apart. When you draft out a strand and let go with your right hand, if the twist does not immediately run up the strand this is a sign that your spindle has stopped spinning or is not spinning fast enough. When the spindle reaches the floor, let it fall on its side to stop the spin, gather up the thread by winding it firmly around your left fingers a few times (it will twist up on itself if hanging free), unhook it from the notch and the bottom of the spindle, and wind it onto the spindle just above the whorl. Leave enough thread to wind around the bottom and up to the notch again, and carry on. If the spindle starts wobbling while it spins, try just touching the bottom point to the floor. This should steady it. Z-Twist and S-Twist You may have wondered why I specified spinning clockwise. Spinning the thread clockwise gives it what is known as a Ztwist, as opposed to the S-twist produced by anticlockwise spinning (see Figure 8). Due to the wool scales' configuration, a Z-twist produces a slightly stronger thread than an Stwist, although the S-twist is a little softer. Unless you are planning to weave and want your thread for the warp (lengthways threads) on the loom, it probably does not matter which way you twist, as long as you are consistent. When plying thread (see below), you take two or more threads of the same twist, and spin them in the opposite direction. This is part of what makes the plied yarn stay together (the other is setting the twist in hot water). - 19 - Slubs, Broken Threads, and Burrs Your first thread will not be a miracle of evenness, to say the least. You will have thin bits and thickish lumps, which are called slubs and are actually considered desirable in novelty yarns for knitting! You will be surprised, however, at how quickly the evenness of your thread improves, and you will probably find that you are naturally spinning finer thread as well. Most thread spun on the rock was woven into cloth rather than plied for knitting, although knitting certainly existed in period. If you wish to knit your spun wool, you can always ply several threads together (how to do this is described later); this will actually give a stronger and more even yarn than one thickly-spun thread. You will also have the thread break quite a lot, and get very used to retrieving your spindle from the floor. I suggest you hold the spindle over your lap when you are joining the thread after it breaks, so that you don't have to chase the spindle across the floor if the join doesn't take first time. Overlap the thread by at least 3 or 4 cm when you are joining it. Sometimes you will find that broken threads just will not rejoin, no matter how tightly you try to spin them. In this case, pinch off a little bit of unspun wool and join that to the thread attached to the spindle. Spin this little fluffy bit of wool into thread, leaving some loose at the other end so you can join in the thread still attached to the unspun wool. Unless you are spinning commercially carded wool, your wool will have burrs, grass seeds, chaff, dirt, and other assorted bits of muck (into the nature of which it is best not to enquire too closely) in it, even after carding. Pick off the obvious bits on the surface, and don't worry about the rest. They will either come off by themselves as you spin, or stick out of the thread, and you will be able to pick them off without too much trouble. While you are doing this, I suggest that you stop the spindle spinning (grab it between your feet or let it rest on the ground), so that it doesn't start to unspin the thread while you are removing the bits. Incidentally, I recommend bare feet while you're spinning in the privacy of your own bowernot only is it easy to hold the spindle between your feet, but you can pick it up with your toes when it gets away, and save that undignified groping around on the floor. - 20 - Kemp and Yolk There are two other things you may find in your wool. Kemp is a small clump of very short fibres, often a slightly different colour from the surrounding wool. Some breeds of sheep produce more of this than others; the sheep's follicles just seem to make a bunch of short fibres and shed them into the rest of the wool. Although it can probably be spun in with the rest of the fibres, it can be a royal pain to try, so it is easiest just to pick the kemp lumps out when you find them. Also, if you are planning to dye the wool, kemp may come out a different colour [Dalby and Christmas 1984]. Yolk (also known as canary stain) is a yellowish salt deposit on the fibres, some of which will come off when you are carding the wool. If your wool has a lot of yolk, you'll have to give the left-hand carder a good thump, teeth side down, against your leg now and then to get rid of it. Apart from this, the only problem with yolk is that if the bottom ends of the fibres are badly yellowed by it, they may not come completely clean despite thorough washing, giving an uneven result if you dye the wool. Dalby and Christmas [1984] recommend choosing a fleece with little yolk for spinning. When the Spindle is Full... When your spindle has a nice fat lot of thread wound on it, it's time to stop spinning and do something with it. Unhook the thread from the notch and the bottom of the spindle, and wind it into a ball. Don't forget to leave 30cm or so of thread on the spindle for starting your next lot of spinning. I suggest that you wind the thread around something like an old wooden cotton reel, or a short length of 19mm dowel, to give the ball a bit more weight. This will stop it jumping out of the cup and rolling onto the floor when you are plying the thread and getting near the end. You will now have a nice ball of thread the size of a golf ball or a small orange, depending on how much you've spun. Put it in a coffee cup or one of Master Alex the Potter's lovely little pottery cups, and make another one. If the thread breaks while you are winding it into a ball, you can either spin it back together, or if you are going to ply the thread you can just leave it and join it up when plying. - 21 - Plying Yarn To produce a plied yarn from thread, take two or more balls of thread spun with the same twist. I will assume you have followed my instructions and spun all your thread clockwise, with a Z-twist. Each of your balls of thread should be sitting in a cup; this is to stop them jumping about while they are being unrolled. Place the cups on a table rather than the floor, so that you have a minimum of unplied thread extended. This will help prevent the thread twisting up on itself excessively and tangling (you cannot prevent some twisting up). Unroll 50cm or so of thread from each ball and knot the ends of the threads together. Hook them around the notch of your empty spindle. You may need to twist it a couple of times to get it to stay in place. Now start the spindle spinning, but in an anticlockwise direction so the yarn will have an S-twist. Gently (so you don't break the thread) pull out more thread from the balls until your spindle is just off the floor. Give the spindle another vigorous twist and let it spin for a few seconds. Check that the twist is good enough (see below), wind up the yarn onto the spindle, dress the spindle as for ordinary spinning, and continue. Figure 9 shows a spindle full of plied wool and two of Master Alex's cups containing thread wound on wooden cotton reels. How do you know if the twist is enough? Bend a section a few centimeters long near the top of your yarn into a U-shape. If the threads loosen or untwist, it needs more twist. It is fully plied when the yarn tries to twist itself together rather than staying in an open U. If it looks like you have too much twist, don't worryit will loosen up somewhat when you wash the yarn in hot water. Plying is much easier than spinning. It can almost get boring! Nothing bad happens if the spindle stops spinning and starts to untwist, you just have to start it spinning again. The only tricky part is if you need to join a broken thread. I recommend overlapping by at least 6-8 cm and plying it with the join quite close to the spindle, rather than way up the thread. You may need to ply in a thin wisp of unspun wool to make the overlapping threads sit - 22 - tightly together. If both threads break at the same point, untwist the ends and cut a good 20cm off one thread. Join one thread on at this point, with a good overlap as above, and then do the second thread. If your overlap is not sufficient, the yarn may pull apart when you are winding it into a skein before washing it and setting the twist. Making a Skein You now have a spindle full of plied wool, which needs to be wound into a skein so it will not tangle when it is washed and/or dyed. The oldest way of winding a skein was around a helper's hands, held upright, palms facing, about 50cm apart. This still works quite well, since neither yarn nor people have changed much since the Middle Ages . However, apart from one's relatives, there were two devices which were used for winding skeins in medieval times: a niddy-noddy and a warp wheel. Both are still used today. A niddy-noddy (Figure 10) is essentially a pair of sticks set at right-angles to each other near the top and bottom of a vertical shaft of wood. The wool is wound from top front to bottom right to top back to bottom left and back up to top front. Figure 10. A niddy-noddy Figure 11. A skein wound on a warp wheel Why not just have a pair of pegs about a metre apart on piece of wood sitting on the table top? Because it would mean considerably more bending and stretching for the woman winding the skein, whereas with a niddy-noddy she could produce a nice long skein while keeping her arms essentially in front of - 23 - her body. Having wound skeins on chair backs, I can assure you that even moving only 60 cm or so side to side becomes work quite quickly. A warp wheel (Figure 11) also has the advantage of needing minimal movement. As its name suggests, it is a wheel 50 or so cm in diameter set vertically on an upright post or on an axle between two posts, which sits on a table. The wheel may have a rim with pegs projecting horizontally from it on which the yarn is wound, or it may be rimless as in Figure 11, with crescentshaped pieces at the end of the spokes to hold the yarn. The wheel in Figure 11 has a wooden tray at the bottom, presumably for holding wound skeins, spare spindles and so forth. (No date is given for Fig 11 in the source I took it from, but it looks early 1500s Flemish to me. The thread is probably linen.) For modern purposes, a straight chair back or the legs of a stool will do nicely. Measure the yarn path and count as you wind, so you will know how much yarn you have. Set the spindle of yarn upright in a coffee cup on the floor, having unwound the yarn from the notch and spindle bottom, and start winding onto the chair back. Try to keep the skein from getting too tight you don't need to have it under tension, just enough to stop it slipping down. If you have the spindle at the right angle in the cup, the yarn will simply unspool from it without needing to rotate the spindle at all (another advantage of the modern technique of winding the thread onto the spindle in a cone, rather than the medieval lens-shape). Alternatively, you can hold the spindle between your calves at the right angle for unspooling the yarn.. When the yarn is all wound, you need to tie the skein in at least four places to prevent it tangling. Use a figure-8 tie as shown in Figure 12; this helps keep the strands separate [Dalby and Christmas, 1974]. Figure 12. Tying the skein - 24 - Washing the Skein and Setting the Twist Fill a sink with enough very hot water to cover your skeins, drop them in, and let them soak for 10-15 minutes. The water should be hotter than you can keep your hands in. Add some soap or dishwashing detergent. After the skeins have soaked, swoosh them around gently to remove any remaining dirt. This will also remove the lanolin. Rinse the skeins in warm water until they are clean. Do not wring, scrub, or twist the skeins while washing them you don't want the wool to felt. Just squeeze the water out gently. Also, do not got from hot water directly to cold; this will shrink your wool. I let the sink of water cool till it is only warm, then rinse at the same temperature. Hang the skeins in a breezy place out of the sun, and weight them lightly at the bottom to stop them kinking up. I hook a garden gate hinge or shot-bolt onto the bottom of the skein as the weight. The soaking in hot water will have set the twist into the ply of the yarn, so that it will not unravel when loose. Once the skein is dry, remove the ties and roll it into a loose ball. If you intend to dye it, leave it as a skein and don't remove the ties (in this case you must also have used soap when washing). Figures 13 and 14 show how amazingly dirty my black wool was, even after vigorous brushing, and a couple of skeins hanging up to dry from wire hooks with my highly ersatz skein-weights. Figure 13. First wash for two skeins, Figure 14. Weighted skeins no soap hanging to dry - 25 - Preparing Wool for Spinning In this section we will take a quick look at what raw wool is like, and how it was prepared in period. Believe me, you wouldn't want to put a medieval wool comb anywhere near your head! We will also cover three ways of preparing wool for spinning: teasing, carding, and combing. Straight Off the Sheep's Back, Then and Now A fleece of raw wool has several different types of wool in it, ranging from easy to moderately difficult to spin. The best quality wool comes from the sheep's shoulders, back, and head; the worst, from the belly, legs, and rump. For beginners, a fleece with a longer staple (fibre length) is easier to spin than a short-staple fleece. Here in Australia we have predominantly merino sheep, with a short- to medium-length very fine staple which is extremely crinkly (crimped). This is only moderately like the wool from a medieval sheep, which was, on average, not as fine or as crimped. The Spanish merino sheep from which our modern ones were bred appeared quite late in our period, and their wool was not widespread until the 1500s. English wool was considered the highest quality and most desirable for luxury cloth until the 1500s, when its quality declined and merino moved into first place [Munro 2003]. There were laws passed in most of the great textile centres stating that a certain percentage of English wool must be used in cloth-making, with penalties for those drapers found to be using poorerquality substitutes. The best luxury cloths ("scarlets") were produced from fine, short-staple wool prepared by combing rather than carding (combing removed the very short fibres, leaving a wool mass of even length and mostly parallel fibres). The resulting cloth was then fulledfelted within an inch of its life and any nap closely shorn off, producing a smooth, fine, strong cloth which would not fray at the edges and would last several lifetimes. Such cloth was for the aristocratic market; for an example of the cost, to buy a single broadcloth of about 30m x 2m would cost about 17 months' wages for a Flemish master mason or carpenter in the mid 1400s [Munro 2003]. A single weaving and fulling team could produce about 20 such cloths per year. Longer-staple and coarser wool was made into ordinary cloth ("stuffs"), which was naturally much cheaper. And of course, woolen cloth was produced domestically throughout our period; its quality would have - 26 - depended on the care and pasturage of the sheep and the skill of the women of the household. A staple is a lock of fibres which have grown up as a single clump and are caught together at the tip (usually with dirt ). Figure 15 shows two kinds of raw fleece and some individual staples, from pure merino (back or shoulder wool, I think) and a Romney Marsh (belly wool on the left, shoulder wool on the right). The Romney Marsh wool is coarser and much longer-stapled, with less crimp. My guess is that good-quality medieval wool lay somewhere between these two, a bit closer to the merino. A close-up of a merino staple is shown in Figure 16; you can just see that there are about 5 crimps to the centimeter (12 per inch). Figure 15. Merino (left) and Romney Marsh raw wool - 27 - Fig 16. Close-up of merino staple showing crimping The Tools Medieval wool was prepared for spinning by first beating it thoroughly with willow sticks to loosen dirt and break the closely-clumped staples apart ("willeying"), and then combing or carding it [Munro 2003]. If you were too poor to own tools, you used a dried teasel seed headteasel is a kind of thistleto card the wool (Figure 19), or simply teased the fibres apart in your fingers. Combs had existed since ancient times, and were fearsome things. A pair of broomstick-sized sticks about 40cm long were joined in a T-shape, and the top of the T had a row of five to seven conical steel spikes 30-40 cm long, like an odd garden rake. Munro [2003] says that combs most typically had three rows of seven spikes rather than the single row shown in Figure 17, where a woman is holding one comb just above another mounted on a vertical post. As can be seen in Fig 17, the shorter fibres coiled up round the base of the spikes of the lower comb, leaving the longer fibres lying mostly parallel in the upper comb. I have no idea what is in the basket between the two combs lying on the ground. Thread spun from combed wool is known as worsted, named for the English town that was the centre of this type of thread production. It is smooth and - 28 - strong, and was generally used for the warp fibres in weaving, which are under tension. Figure 17. A 15th century woman combing wool for spinning Carders were introduced from the Middle East towards the end of the 1200s, possibly earlier in Italy [Munro 2003]. A carder is a rectangle of wood about 25cm x 15cm with a handle in the middle of one long edge. The working surface often has a convex curve, and is covered in hundreds of little hooked spikes about 1cm long made by poking thin, stiff wire through a piece of leather. The wire is bent about half-way along, with the bent top pointing towards the handle. Modern carders are almost exactly the same, except that some kind of synthetic cloth holds the teeth rather than leather. Figure 18 from the Lutterel Psalter (c. 1330) shows a woman carding wool with a pair of - 29 - carders, and three finished rolags lie on a plate next to her (or else she is going to have very long, skinny sausages for lunch). Figure 18. Carding wool into rolags, c.1330 (Lutterel Psalter) The term "carding" comes from the latin word for "thistle," carduus. Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.), a member of the thistle family, was the earliest carding tool and continued to be used to raise the nap on cloth during the complicated fulling process in commercial production. Dry teasel seed heads such as would have been used in medieval times are shown in Figure 19, and a pair of modern carders in Figure 20. Carders are used in pairs, with the wool being transferred from one carder to the other several times as they are drawn across each other, and finally rolled off the carder to form a rolag. The difference between carding and combing is that the shorter fibres are not removed by carding, but instead blended in among the longer ones. This results in woolen thread, fuzzier and slightly weaker than worsted. Woolen thread was commonly used as the weft in medieval weaving [Munro 2003]. Carded wool was also banned for commercial luxury cloth production for many years on the grounds of thread quality, but Munro [2003] suggests it was more probably because carding made it easy to adulterate expensive highquality wool with cheaper wool, since it blends the fibres so evenly. - 30 - Figure 19. Dry teasel seed heads Figure 20. Modern carders Teasing Wool To tease wool, hold a couple of staples in your left hand, bottoms between your thumb and fourth finger, tops between your fore- and middle fingers. Pinch the edge of the outer staple with the thumb and forefinger of your right hand, near the top, and pull apart (see Figure 21). You will end up holding a fan of fibres in your left hand, and you can then separate the bottoms of the staples. You will need to tease several staples out lightly before carding them into a rolag. - 31 - Figure 21. Teasing wool staples Carding Wool into a Rolag Figure 22 (next few pages) gives step-by-step instructions in carding raw wool into a rolag. The pictures are taken from Dalby and Christmas [1984]. Be very careful when you're first carding, as it is all too easy to rake your knuckles with the sharp teeth of the carder. I seriously suggest you stick a bandaid over the first knuckle of each hand when you begin cardingI gave myself a couple of quite nasty scrapes before my skill improved. When you've taken the rolag off the left carder, you may want to roll it very gently across the teeth to tuck the loose edge in. Rolags should be light and fluffy and full of air, so take care not to squash them. Thread spun from a rolag of mixed short and long fibres produces woolen-type thread, similar to that used as the weft in medieval weaving. Unfortunately, full-sized carders are not cheap; you'll be lucky to see change from $60 for a pair unless you can get them second-hand. - 32 - 1. Hold one carder on your left thigh, teeth upwards. Place four or five lightly teased staples on it, cut ends towards the handle, tips to the edge. Pat them down a bit. 2. Place the top edge of the right carder near the top of the left carder, and draw the right carder to the right across the left one. Do this several times, moving the top of the right carder nearer to the bottom (handle side) of the left carder as you go. You will have to hold the wool down to stop it being all pulled off the left carder on the first stroke. 3. The fibres will be pulled out from the left carder and will transfer to the right carder. Lift the right carder upwards with a rocking motion as you pull it quite lightly across the left carder; this will help transfer the wool. 4. If you cannot get all the fibres off the left carder, turn the right carder around so that it is almost at rightangles to the left one, with the top of the right near the bottom of the left, and pull it upwards across the left carder. - 33 - 5. All fibres are now on the right carder. Transfer them back to the left one by placing the top edge of the right carder near the bottom edge of the left one, laying the fringe of wool at the top of the left carder's teeth, and pushing the right carder slowly downwards across the left one. 6. The fibres will transfer to the left carder; you may have to push the right carder quite sharply downwards at the last bit. 8. Lift up the fibres at the top edge 7. Virtually all the wool is now sitting lightly on the left carder. of the left carder with the top edge of the right carder, and continue rolling them up with the carder or your fingers. I find fingers easier. - 34 - 9. The rolag is now completely rolled up and ready to take off. 10. The finished rolag after gentle rolling across the left carder. Figure 22. Step-by-step carding instructions for making a rolag Making a Teased Mass and a Combed Staple If you don't have carders, you have two options: teasing or combing (not the same as the medieval technique). How to tease out fibres from staples is shown in Figure 21 (p. 29). For a teased mass of wool, you just pinch as small a clump as you can manage when you are pulling the fibres out, and once the staple is all separated, keep pulling at it gently until you have separated as many strands as you can without starting to felt the wool. For making combed staples, I use an alternative to a full cardera flick carder. This is smaller than a full-size carder, and much cheaper. Mine is actually a dog brush that I got for a few dollars from a discount store! Figure 23. Using a flick carder. - 35 - You can use an old hairbrush instead of a flick carder; don't pick one of the kind that has lumps on the ends of the bristles. Tease the staple lightly without separating the bottom end, then hold this end with one hand against your thigh and brush out the top end, using a flicking action (bounce the carder/brush down onto the end of the staple, then pull lightly up and out); see Fig. 23. When the staple is all nicely separated, hold the top end down and brush out the bottom end. You will end up with a rectangular lump of parallel fibres, with most of the shortest fibres stuck in the carder or brush (see Fig. 24). Figure 24. A fully combed staple. Combed staples will spin into a worsted-type thread, very smooth and strong. Worsted is similar to medieval thread for luxury cloth, and is preferred for the warp threads in weaving. To draft out fibres from a combed staple, fold it over the forefinger of your left hand and hold the ends between your thumb and your other fingers (see Figure 25). Draft the fibres out from the edge of the middle of the staple where it lies over your forefinger, and you will get a nice smooth strand. If you try to draft from the ends of the staple, they will clump up and tangle. This is known as the "folded lock" technique [Dalby and Christmas, 1984]. - 36 - Dalby, Gill & Christmas, Liz. Spinning & Dyeing, An Introductory Manual. 0-7153-8515-1. David and Charles Inc., London, 1984 Hower, Virginia G. Weaving, Spinning, & Dyeing, A Beginner's Manual. ISBN 0-13-947804-3. Prentice-Hall Inc, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1976. Munro, John. Medieval Woolens: Textiles, Textile Technology, and Industrial Organisation, c. 800 - 1500, in David Jenkins, ed., The Cambridge History of Western Textiles, 2 vols. (Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003), Vol. I, chapter 4, pp. 181-227. Munro, John. in Medieval Woolens: The Western European Woolen Industries and their Struggles for International Markets, c.1000 - 1500, in David Jenkins, ed., The Cambridge History of Western Textiles, 2 vols. (Cambridge and New York: Cambridge University Press, 2003), Vol. I, chapter 5, pp. 228-324, 378-86 (bibliography). Ryder, M. L. 'The use of goat hair: an introductory historical review', Anthropozoologica 17 (1993), pp. 37-46. Ryder, M. L 'Coats of Himalayan Ruminants Elucidated by Study of a "Yeti" Skin', The Linnean 9 (1993), pp. 21-6. - 37 - - 38 - Appendix 1: Spinning Silk, Cotton, and Flax Silk must be spun tight and under tension. You need to keep the spindle spinning fast, and never let it touch the floor while youre drafting, or your lovely thread will just fall apart in bits. However, it drafts out like a dream, and I have never lost the end of the thread among the other strands on the spindle or bobbin, which I have done annoyingly often on both dropspindle and wheel-spun wool. Silk also seems to have less tendency to unspin itself at the end than wool. Set the twist in hot water as for wool. Since silk does not shrink when wet, you will not need to weight silk skeins when drying them. Silk can be significantly harder to join than wool. If the thread breaks in the middle, it's best to pull the remaining thread off the silk mass and join the pulled-out fluffy end to the spindle-end, then join in the new end to the mass again. Joining two spun ends often won't work. I have only spun silk from tops, which are a long ribbon a couple of cm wide of parallel fibres. My technique is to pull off a 20cm length, fold it in half, put it into a little cotton bag (so it doesnt stick to my hand) with the fold poking out, pull out a few strands, and spin from there. This results in a very smooth, fine thread. It is also possible to spin from the end of a length, or from what is effectively a teased mass once you get near the end of the length and things have got rather bunched up. This results in more slubs, however. Cotton seems to be pretty much like wool, except you are dealing with shorter fibres and cannot draft out too long a thread at one time. This may be better when spinning tops; I was spinning cotton wool from a supermarket packet, which definitely cant be described as top-quality spinning cotton! - 39 - Flax, as far as I know, was always spun from a distaff in medieval times. However, I assumed that I'd find it much like wool. I pulled off about 20cm of the flax tops I'd been given, bunched it up in my left hand, pulled out a bit, attached it to the leader thread on my drop spindle, and began to spin. Ten minutes of spinning told me why they used a distaff for flax. All goes well for a bit, but then you are trying to pull flax fibres out of a clumped mass and they just wont draft out. Flax fibres stick together quite a lot better than wool when scrunched up. The conical-haystack distaff arrangement for flax shown in miniatures such as the cover and Figure 3 ensures that the fibres lie parallel and don't form crosslinks too soon. Modern flax spinners also spin the thread wet, either from a distaff or laid flat between two damp teatowels. In period, the fibres were typically moistened with spit. Wetting the fibres helps separate them for drafting out, and results in a smoother thread when it has dried. Looking at pictures of spinning flax, one thing that really takes the eye is the position of the spindle in relation to the distaff. The distaff is typically under the left arm, but the spindle is nearly always down by the right calf, with the thread lying loose across the spinner's lap. Left hand is up near the draft of flax from the distaff, right hand is a little above the spindle. In this position, the spindle cannot be spun to twist the thread as it comes away from the distaff. My own experiments with spinning flax suggest that unlike wool, where the spin of the spindle is the most significant element in actually twisting the thread, for flax the spindle's spin is almost entirely secondary, and used mostly for re-joining broken thread. I believe the primary twist for the thread was given by the left-hand fingers as they drafted the thread out from the distaff. This, incidentally, also explains the lack of a spindle whorl on many illustrations of spinning flaxit simply isn't needed if the spindle doesn't spin. (These illuminations tend to be earlierthe "typical" household spindle may well have been multi-purpose later.) I have quite successfully spun linen thread with twist supplied only by the drafting hand. [This conclusion has been affirmed by Mistress Rowan Perigrynne from her books on spinning flax.] - 40 -
Neat Register Design to Avoid Races As I see it, it is the fact that the processor cannot address small enough units atomically. The read-modify-write that was used to start the discussion in the Embedded Bridge #37 was needed in order to get the current state of a configuration register, change some setting that only occupied a few bits in it, and write back the result to the register. The way most configuration registers that I have seen in practice works. But if each setting could be given its own register, the problem would go away. Each operation would target a unique address, achieving the same effect as the bit-wise masks or write-1 solutions proposed. The core problem is that hardware tends to share settings into registers, as it has been considered too expensive to put information that might cover a range as small as [0,1] into a 32-bit register. Probably, since there is a lack of addresses for registers, you cannot have 1000 settings cause each simple device to use up 1000 words of physical addresses. But is that really an issue, if we look forward? It seems to me that, as 64-bit instruction sets and addressing systems penetrate down into more and more embedded systems, a simple solution would be to throw address space at the problem. I don’t think it is uneconomical to allocate huge chunks of memory space to each device, giving each setting its own register, when you have 64 bit virtual addresses to work with. There is no way you can fill up a physical memory system (guess that will some day come back to haunt me)… even the highest-end machines today only use something like 40 bits for actually addressing physical memories. The software would be simpler and more robust, with virtually no cost. Another solution that I have also seen starting to appear is to dispense with register settings altogether, and rather define a command API that the processor “calls” by putting in command packets into some memory area. This does require quite a bit of silicon for a decoder, but it provides for a much higher level of interaction with devices. As hardware devices get defined in successively higher-level languages (C, C++, UML, MatLab, …), and their programming interfaces and associated drivers get autogenerated, this solution makes eminent sense. One thought on “Neat Register Design to Avoid Races” 1. Hm. Interesting… assuming Moore’s law is still a good predictor, that would mean we’ll start hitting 64 bits somewhere around 2046. Let’s see: 40 bits today makes 60 years, which brings us back to 1950. Yep, almost spookily accurate. Leave a Reply
The Democratic primary explained Who’s running in the 2020 Democratic primary and how do they work? The Iowa caucuses are just around the corner and the race for who will be the Democrats’ next nominee is heating up. Given how much they oppose Trump, Democrats are particularly concerned with choosing a candidate who can win in 2020, but deciding who is the best candidate to do this is easier said than done. So how do Democrats go about choosing? Primaries and caucuses The nomination process for choosing a candidate is divided up into primaries and caucuses. Primaries work a lot like regular elections, with voters going into booths and selecting the candidate they prefer. Caucuses work more like town halls, with voters choosing candidates by a show of hands or segregating themselves into groups. Every state and territory uses either caucuses or primaries or a combination of both to choose their candidate. When do they start? The Democratic primaries start on 3 February with the Iowa caucuses. They run until 6 June when the Virgin Islands decide. In total, there are 57 states or territories taking part, but it is “Super Tuesday” held on 3 March that will go a long way to deciding the next nominee. It’s on this day that 14 states vote, including California with its 494 delegates, with nearly a third of the total votes being cast in the nomination process. Who’s running for president? The main presidential candidates are former Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and former Mayor of New York Michael Bloomberg. All of the candidates just mentioned have a reasonable chance of winning, but Biden remains the clear frontrunner. Joe Biden (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images) Despite his age (77) and persistent slip-ups in the debates, Joe Biden is supported by about 29% of Democrats nationally and is seen as the candidate most likely to beat Trump in the general. After that, Bernie Sanders is widely regarded as the next best shot, with polls putting him at 23% nationally. Of the other candidates running, Elizabeth Warren is probably the most conventional choice, and retains the support of around 15% of Democrats. However Michael Bloomberg has been gaining a lot in the polls recently, and despite the fact that he will miss the first four states of voting, is seen as the dark horse in this race. Michael Bloomberg (Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) Pete Buttigieg retains an outside chance of winning the nomination, but with support at around 7% nationally, he will need to win big in Iowa if he is to propel himself to the front of the pack. You can follow Cal Byrne on Twitter You can follow upday UK and Ireland on Twitter
Tips for improving Korean essay writing Master written language This means practicing and getting comfortable with plain speech. Plain-style Korean, or 해라체, is used in books, newspapers, blogs — basically any form of writing where you’re not directly addressing someone else. For example, you’d use plain style to write a blog post in Korean, but use proper politeness (i.e. -요 or -ㅂ니다) levels when responding to comments. Sentences in plain-style Korean end with -(ㄴ)다 (present/future) or -ㅆ다 (past). There are a number of useful textbooks out there that cover Korean grammar; I’m personally a fan of 빈도별 토픽 for more advanced learners and the Integrated Korean series for beginners and intermediate learners. When going through these books, keep in mind that not all verb endings are appropriate for written Korean. Endings like -지요 and -잖아요, for example, only make sense when you’re talking to someone else. Use inductive reasoning Obviously not a hard and fast rule (depends on the discipline, writer’s style, etc.), but after reading a number of Korean op-eds and personal essays, the biggest difference between Korean and English essay writing that I’ve noticed is the underlying logic of the work. Korean essays are mostly built on inductive reasoning: they start out with anecdotes, examples, and research to draw the reader step-by-step to the main point of the essay. If you’re reading a long opinion piece in Korean, you might make it through 50% or more before you realize what exactly the author’s trying to say. This is counter to the typical “five paragraph essay” taught in American high schools, where you’re told to state a main point for each paragraph and then support it with evidence (more deductive than inductive reasoning). Tip! I’ve found that because of this logic structure, skimming long chunks of Korean prose — especially during TOPIK — is challenging for me. If you’re pressed for time, read the last couple sentences of every paragraph to get a decent tl;dr. Memorize transition words and phrases These are words like 그런데, 그리고, 게다가, 반면에, etc., that link one sentence to the next or one paragraph to the next. When you’re reading essays, news articles, or even TOPIK passages, take a second to identify and write down these transition words/phrases. Memorize them and practice using them in your own writing, so you won’t default to the boring ones I listed as examples above. Put the most important part of the sentence first One of my favorite things about Korean writing is the flexibility of word order within a sentence. That said, I often get told by my teacher to not be so careless about it when writing essays. A writing tic of mine, for instance, is to include every relevant detail that I possibly can into a relative clause that modifies the topic or subject of my sentence; that means my sentences are “top heavy” with the most important part usually coming near the end. In longer compositions, though, it’s important to make sure your key point shows up at the beginning of the sentence for clarity. For example, take a look at these two sentences. The first is what I wrote and the second is a revision. (1) 마지막으로 직장 관련 이야기가 듣기 싫다는 대답을 선택한 여성들에 비해 2배 이상 많은 남성들이 있다는 결과가 나왔다. (2) 마지막으로, 여성들에 비해 2배 이상 많은 남성들이 직장 관련 이야기가 듣기 싫다는 대답을 선택한 결과가 나왔다. I was trying to describe that, according to the results of the given survey, more than twice the number of men versus women said they did not want to discuss work [with their extended families during the holiday]. In sentence (1), the key point ‘여성들에 비해 2배 이상 많은 남성’ shows up at the end of the sentence; in sentence (2), it shows up right after the transition word. Use! The! Right! Particles!! Believe me when I say that it is worth investing time into understanding the difference between topic particles (은/는) and subject particles (이/가). For a lot of beginners, this is one of the most difficult concepts to grasp, especially if English is your native language. If you’re only writing a couple short sentences at a time, to a limited (!) extent, you can get by mixing up the two without dire consequences. For example: (1) 그 남자 나를 좋아한다고 고백했다. (2) 그 남자 나를 좋아한다고 고백했다. Both sentences have differences in nuance but more or less mean the same thing. When sentences get long with different topics, subjects, and clauses, using the wrong particle can really mess up the meaning of your sentence. And when you’re introducing different points in an essay, mastering 은/는 and 이/가 will help direct the logical flow of your writing and lend it clarity. The best way to grasp particles? Write a lot, but don’t just write disparate sentences. Write a paragraph or two on one idea and then have your writing reviewed by a native speaker. Synonyms are your friend This is good writing advice no matter what language you’re writing in. No one wants to read the same adjective or verb over and over again, so it’s good to pay attention to different ways to say the same thing. This is particularly important, I think, for the analytical writing part of TOPIK, which asks you to describe the results of a survey or research study. You’ll be using a lot of phrases like “X increased by Y%” or “A decreased by B%” or things like “it was revealed that XX,” “the results showed,” “the participants chose,” etc. Tip! Compared to the longer essay in TOPIK II, the analytical essays are actually where you can improve your score the fastest, in my opinion. One easy way to do that is by diversifying your sentences with different synonyms and phrases related to analysis and trends. On one of my early practice tests, I used the word 증가하다 three sentences in a row — don’t do that. Last but not least: read actively An obvious one, but worth mentioning. Now, when I read non-fiction in Korean, I don’t just read for comprehension. I read for writing style. And I mean, I really break down the structure of the composition. I start out by picking out where the main idea shows up in each paragraph and then jot it down. Then I try to pay attention to how the sentences are connected to one another, noting specifically how the author shifts topics and subjects from sentence to sentence and how transition phrases/words help build the logic of the narrative. And then I try putting in any new words and sentence structures/phrases I’ve learned into practice. In order to build your vocabulary, it’s important to read widely. But in order to become a better writer, I think it’s important to read closely. Closing thoughts I think being able to write naturally, using standard grammar, is an important tenet of fluency. But I don’t think you have to be a “good” writer to consider yourself fluent — though, of course, it depends on what your ambitions and/or goals are. In English, writing is like breathing for me. So it’s important to me that I can write something that would be considered generally good writing in Korean, not just comprehensible or “good for a foreigner.” That’s what I’m working toward, at least. To that end, I do have a ((new)) blog in Korean, up on the interwebs somewhere. I’m waiting until I write a few more posts before I officially share it here, but if keep your eyes peeled if you’re interested! [Photo by Deanna Tan on Unsplash] 10 comments on “Tips for improving Korean essay writing” 1. what do you think about the hanguel-only thing as it relates to writing?? do you find it limits your writing ie changing a word because there’s a lot of homophones? 1. That’s an interesting perspective. I don’t think I’ve ever felt limited by Hangeul as a writer. If I’m worried about being misunderstood because of a homophone issue, I just look up the hanja and put it in parentheses. As a reader, though, I can see how Hangeul might seem limiting, e.g., looking up hanja is an extra step I have to go through to understand whatever I’m reading, or worse, if there is no hanja, I expend more mental energy trying to figure what the author means. Liked by 1 person 2. also have you noticed bad writing in Korean in korean newspapers, articles etc now that you’re more skilled in writing?? Or are there certain things you see korean writers do that annoy you ?? I was reading the japanese internet about reading korean and of course there’s negative stuff. I would love to hear your thoughts about it. if you use rikai-chan or some pop-up dictionary i’m sure you can understand it… i’ll paste it… （１位香港　2位韓国　3位日本・・・・）童貞　同情　　　同志　冬至　　　史記　詐欺紳士　神社　　　郵政　友情　　　首相　受賞火傷　画像　　　市長　市場　　　風速　風俗映画　栄華　　　戦死　戦士　　　歩道　報道犬喰　見識　　　日傘　量産　　　数値　羞恥お腹　お船　　　烈火　劣化　　　主義　注意読者　独自　　　団扇　負債　　　停電　停戦大使　台詞　　　諸国　帝国　　　諸島　制度声明　姓名　　　無力　武力　　　全員　田園定木　定規　　　全力　電力　　　代弁　大便捕鯨　包茎　　　地図　指導　　　素数　小数対局　大国　　　誇張　課長　　　インド　引導初代　招待　　　朝鮮　造船　　　駅舎　歴史発光　発狂　　　定額　精液　　　火傷　画像反戦　反転　　　反日　半日　　　武士　無事大便　代弁　　　無力　武力　　　電車　戦車連覇　連敗　　　恨国　韓国　　　祈願　起源競技　景気　　　放火　防火一言で言うと「馬鹿」としか思えない。　いや、馬鹿なんだろう。 [05:52:03] jk 1. Whoops your last two comments got flagged as spam so I’m seeing them just now. Hmm, I wouldn’t say that I’m skilled enough to differentiate between good and bad journalistic writing just yet. I /can/ tell the skill difference between, say, a newbie writer who publishes web novels on Naver and more experienced novelist. In terms of annoying things Korean writers do… hm… I don’t think I’m widely read enough to make too many sweeping judgments here but I have noticed that in a lot of literary writing, Korean authors tend to use adjectives that are near synonyms of each other, one after the other in the same sentence. e.g. “her face was pale and white” or “the rain fell heavily and strongly.” Sometimes I think the slight nuance helps add atmosphere but when it happens sentence after sentence it becomes tedious to read (and translate). The other thing I personally like in my fiction is varying sentence lengths. It changes up the . cadence of the prose and keeps things interesting. I find that a lot of Korean sentences are similar in length (longggg) one after the other. Interesting… I’ll take a look at those Japanese comments (let’s see how far I get before the Kanji kicks my ass and I need to use a dictionary lol). Thanks for sharing! Liked by 1 person 1. WelL theres lots of cool popup dictionaries to save you time like rikaichan and yomikun. From my limited experience of reading Korean articles I have to agree with the Japanese people lol. They were just describing what I was thinking but wasn’t confident enough to say since reading Korean isn’t that comfortable at times. Like you I don’t think I’m good enough to decide whether someone’s writing is bad or good Liked by 1 person 1. here’s one of the original sites in case you were curious this is 58 this is post 60 they were the posts that post 62 responded too. 4. I love this! My long term goal is also to write as well and with as much confidence in Korean as I do in English, so this was extremely helpful. Can’t wait to check out your Korean-language blog — I started one a few months ago but only have three posts so far ㅎㅎ 화이팅! Liked by 1 person 5. I’m just a beginner but I think these are very valuable advice even for beginners to keep in mind as they progress. The point about plain style especially hit home for me, because for the longest time I didn’t even know it existed. Every single textbook I have only ever mentioned -이에요/예요 and -(스)ㅂ니다. This made it very difficult to search for anything online as most blogs and websites are written in plain style, and I wasn’t able to read even the simplest stories written in Korean because I was not familiar with the endings. I wish textbooks would at least mention the existence of this style sooner. Liked by 1 person Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Google photo Twitter picture Facebook photo Connecting to %s
Conditioned Stimulus: Examples & Definition question 1 of 3 One morning, a car runs a red light and hits Jenny at a prominent intersection on her normal route. After that, every time she approaches the intersection, Jenny's hands begin to sweat and her heart races. Which of these is the conditioned stimulus in the case of Jenny? Create Your Account To Take This Quiz Try it risk-free Try it risk-free for 30 days. Cancel anytime Already registered? Log in here for access 1. Little Albert was shown a white rat, and he had no reaction to it. Then, he was shown the rat several more times, and each time he heard a loud noise that scared him and made him cry. Eventually, just the sight of the white rat was enough to scare him and make him cry. Little Albert became afraid of the rat because: 2. What is a conditioned stimulus? Create your account to access this entire worksheet Access to all video lessons Quizzes, practice exams & worksheets Certificate of Completion Access to instructors Create an account to get started Create Account About This Quiz & Worksheet How can one be conditioned to respond to specific stimuli? This quiz and corresponding worksheet will help you quickly assess your understanding of this process and the examples that illustrate it. Quiz and Worksheet Goals In these assessments you'll be tested on the following: • Ability to recognize the conditioned stimulus in a fictitious scenario • Reason a child became conditioned to a stimulus in an example offered in the lesson • Definition of a conditioned stimulus Skills Practiced This worksheet and quiz allow you to test the following skills: • Reading comprehension - ensure that you draw the most important information regarding experiments conducted in classical conditioning and examples of conditioned stimulus • Knowledge application - use what you've learned to identify the role of the bell in Pavlov's experiment • Information recall - access the knowledge you've gained regarding conditioned stimuli Additional Learning To learn more about this topic, review the accompanying lesson called Conditioned Stimulus: Examples & Definition. The lesson addresses the following objectives: • Describe conditioned stimulus • Identify the theory of psychology with which conditioned stimulus is associated • Provide details of a classic experiment that illustrated the idea of conditioned stimulus • Offer examples of conditioned stimulus
• Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times Meditation, yoga, tai chi and other practices often are mentioned in passing as being good for health. However, it is surprising how little medical research has been devoted to testing such claims. Perhaps equally surprising is that until recently little work had been undertaken to quantify the impact of stress on aging. Of course, people often talk about reducing stress and note that too much stress is not good for us, but how much is too much and what, exactly, is the impact on the length of life? It took the interest of a Nobel Prize Winner finally to direct research at medical schools towards these questions. A paper by Epel and Blackburn on the impact of stress on the length of telomeres, a direct cellular measure of successful aging, only appeared in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in December 2004.1 More than a decade later, meditation has begun to be accepted as a low cost /no cost approach to health benefits. Stress and Adrenal Fatigue In medical circles, two syndromes often are discussed with regard to what laymen consider to be the consequences of stress. The first is adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones, primarily cortisol; it also may include impaired production of aldosterone (a mineralocorticoid), which regulates sodium conservation, potassium secretion, and water retention. Craving for salt or salty foods due to the urinary losses of sodium is common. Adrenal insufficiency is a medical condition that requires intervention beyond dietary supplements. Adrenal fatigue occupies a bit of a nether world in many medical circles, meaning that allopathic medicine is not quite sure that it is real. According to the Mayo Clinic, adrenal fatigue is a term often applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems. However, it also is used as a catch-all for the exhaustion caused by placing demands upon the body that are beyond its normal recovery capacity. Very important in this picture is cortisol, a hormone manufactured in the adrenals, but also exhibits a metabolism that is regulated strongly in various peripheral tissues, such as in fat stores. The counter-regulatory or "stress" hormone cortisol plays crucial everyday roles in the regulation of blood sugar levels, inflammation and the circadian rhythm. Cortisol should be relatively low late in the day as we unwind and prepare for sleep and should rise quite significantly starting an hour or two before waking. The circadian pattern of cortisol release generally is considerably more important than is its total 24-hour level. Acute demands outside the normal range and chronic stress alter this picture. Recurrent increases in stress levels, both from psychological and physiological sources, can result in excess cortisol production or alterations in cortisol release timing leading to a disrupted homeostasis and directly affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the nervous system, and an array of other body systems. Immediate responses to stress Typical acute phase reactions to stress are increases in heart and respiratory rates, elevations in blood pressure and blood sugar, and a general increase in cellular metabolism. Post-stress reactions Those in good health, especially younger individuals, quickly recovery equilibrium. However, stress in excess of immediate recovery capacity can lead to bouts of hyperglycemia, fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, etc. Poor recovery from stress Chronic stress disrupts the normal equilibrium of the body. Chronic elevations of cortisol and the neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine initially cause people to feel energetic, yet unable to rest. Indeed, there is increasing dysregulation of an array of hormonal systems, including growth hormone, glucocorticoids, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), mineral corticoids, angiotensin, and others. Ultimately a number of vicious cycles can be set in motion. These include set points involving mineral corticoids and insulin. One example of this is a cycle involving blood sugar, insulin and cortisol: chronic ↑ blood sugar => ↑ insulin + ↑ leptin => insulin resistance + leptin resistance => ↑ cortisol => ↑ blood sugar Depending on the individual's starting constitution and habits, this can lead to elevations of blood sugar and lipids, water retention, mood swings, a loss of lean tissue followed by a gain in fat tissue, generalized fatigue and other symptoms. The goal of any program aimed at controlling stress and reducing adrenal fatigue is to promote adaptation. One classic way of thinking about this issue is to consider the medical concept of allostasis, the process of achieving stability, or homeostasis, through physiological or behavioral changes. This can be carried out by means of alterations in HPA axis hormones, the autonomic nervous system, cytokines, or a number of other systems, and is generally adaptive in the short term. This adaptation calls upon mediators such as adrenalin, cortisol and other chemical messengers with the obvious corollary of increasing demands on precursor substrates and the production of downstream metabolites. Repeated episodes of allostasis increase allostatic load. This means that repeated episodes of stress increase the demands that are placed on the body. Even the body's attempts at rebalancing can lead to cumulative damaging effects. The burden of the level of responses required either repeatedly or chronically itself becomes an insult (stressor) in its own right.2,3 Meditation, Stress and Telomeres The pioneering work of Epel and Blackburn linked perceived stress to shorter telomeres in healthy women as well as in Alzheimerfs caregivers, victims of domestic abuse and earlylife trauma, and people with major depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Telomeres are a repeating DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence that "caps" or shields the ends of the chromosomes each time that cells divide and the DNA is copied. With successive cell divisions, the protective caps wear down. Blackburn received a Nobel Prize for discovering an enzyme called telomerase that can protect and rebuild telomeres. This enzyme slows the slide towards telomeres becoming too short to protect the chromosomes and leading to a loss of the ability of cells to divide. The length of telomeres thus is one measure of how many cycles the cells have left, a measure of aging. The key finding regarding stress and aging is that stress and our ability to cope with stress strongly affect telomere length. Subsequent work in other labs revealed that the stress hormone cortisol reduces the activity of telomerase. Oxidative stress and inflammation—the physiological fallout of stress—appear to erode telomeres directly.4,5 There are various ways of attempting to control stress its negative effects, including exercise, social support groups, eating advice, and so forth. One of the most successful in trials is meditation. As reported in an excellent 2104 BBC review,6 Western style research thus increasingly is validating meditation as a tool for combatting known markers for aging. The next issue is whether meditation improves individual conditions, such as high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Meditation and Specific Conditions Telomere length and the production of telomerase to regenerate telomeres are indirect measurements of health. Impacts on these markers can suggest anti-aging benefits, but true clinical findings involve endpoints, not markers, i.e., were subjects followed long enough to demonstrate an actual increase in longevity? With long-lived animals such as human beings, this type of follow-through is difficult. However, meditation has been tested in regard to specific medical conditions, including blood pressure, blood sugar and mental aging. Results have been positive in all three. Blood Pressure Although statistical reviews typically have found that clinically meaningful changes in health related to blood pressure usually take place only when systolic blood pressure (SBP, the upper figure) exceeds 140 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) exceeds 90, in recent years increasing attention has been paid to the category of prehypertension. Nearly 60 million Americans have blood pressure (BP) in the prehypertensive range (SBP of 120– 139 and/or DBP of 80–89). These numbers do not yet warrant medication, yet may signal that changes in diet, exercise and other habits should be undertaken to prevent the emergence of the clinical condition that does require treatment. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) is a change in habits that has been tested under controlled conditions. In a trial published in 2013, it involved body scanning exercises, sitting meditation and yoga exercises performed in eight supervised group sessions totaling 2½ hours per week. Subjects also were encouraged to practice at home. The trial examined 56 men and women averaging 50.3 years of age with BP in the prehypertensive range randomized to eight weeks of either MBSR or active control conditioning consisting of progressive muscle relaxation training (PMR) (the control arm).7 Patients in the MBSR group exhibited significant reductions in blood pressure measurements; systolic blood pressure decreased by an average of 4.8 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) compared to 0.7 mm Hg with the control group, which did not receive the mindfulness intervention. Diastolic blood pressure also was lower in the mindfulness-based intervention group with a reduction of 1.9 mm Hg compared to an increase of 1.2 mm Hg in the control group. Blood Sugar As is true of blood pressure, in free-living populations meditation and other mind-body practices long have been associated with better body mass index and blood sugar regulation.8 Nevertheless, without prospective clinical trials, such benefits cannot be definitively claimed to be due to any given factor. Over the last handful of years, studies have gone some way towards remedying this issue. In 2015, the Endocrine Society presented information on the effects of MBSR on fasting blood glucose in overweight and obese women. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the NIH National Center for Research Resources and the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences funded the study.9 A pilot randomized controlled trial of 86 overweight or obese women (similar in age and body mass index) tracked eight weeks of either MBSR or health education control (HEC) with tests of fasting blood work and completed questionnaires at baseline, eight weeks and then at 16 weeks. The MBSR group's mindfulness scores significantly increased and its perceived stress scores significantly decreased compared to the HEC group's scores. Fasting glucose dropped significantly and quality of life improved significantly in the MBSR group, but not in the HEC group. Other measures were similar between the two groups. Results with the MBSR intervention were good with regard to blood sugar just as with blood pressure. A different form of meditation may be even more successful. Traditional Buddhist walking meditation in a 2016 trial improved not only fasting blood glucose and blood pressure, but also glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c, a measure of long term blood sugar control) and other factors above the results found with walking alone in diabetic test groups.10 Twenty-three type 2 diabetics were split into two groups that performed a 12-week exercise program that consisted of walking on the treadmill at an exercise intensity of 50–70 percent maximum heart rate for 30 min/session, 3 times/week. In the Buddhism-based walking meditation exercise (WM) training program, the participants performed walking on the treadmill while concentrating on foot stepping by voiced "Budd" and "Dha" with each footstep that contacted the floor to practice mindfulness while walking. Both arms in this trial improved. After 12 weeks, maximal oxygen consumption increased and fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly in both groups. In contrast, walking meditation exceeded simple treadmill exercise in other areas. There were significant decreases in HbA1c and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure only in the WM group. Again, arterial stiffness was improved only in the WM group and blood cortisol levels were reduced only in the WM group. Brain Aging Another area, one that concerns all of us who are getting a bit older, is brain aging. Observational studies and a number of studies have indicated that meditation can exert a positive influence, yet the question of "how" remains poorly determined. Does it involve telomeres, inflammation, stress regulation, macroscopic brain anatomy or other mechanisms? Answers suitable to the Western allopathic medical model only now are beginning to be uncovered. A review published in 2017 attempts to survey the relevant issues.11 It judges that "preliminary evidence for possible age-defying effects of meditation mostly stems from cross-sectional studies and/or from using indirect markers associated with aging. In contrast, controlled longitudinal studies between meditation and diminished brain aging are still missing." Nevertheless, "[w]ithout a doubt, the accumulating scientific evidence is very encouraging, especially given that meditation is relatively easy to integrate in everyone's every-day life." A philosophical person—a lover of wisdom—indulges his appetites neither too much nor too little, but just enough to lay them to sleep and prevent them from interfering with higher activities. He collects himself in meditation to pursue spiritual investigations, seeking and discovering unrealized realities of the past, present, and future. Through identifying with his Higher Self in meditation he avoids being the victim of fantastic and uncivilized vagaries and most effectively attains Truth. Plato, Commonwealth 9, 571d12 We tend to think of meditation as an "Eastern" tradition, but, in fact, very similar practices existed in the ancient Greco-Roman world until the closure of the Platonic Academy in 529 AD by Justinian I. A major goal of meditation is to attain inner balance neither by indulging the passions nor by stifling them. Many different techniques exist. Overall, the goal of classic meditation exercises was and remains spiritual benefit. Modern research has discovered that even those not directly interested in religious or philosophical paths can obtain quite real and tangible benefits from meditative practices. These benefits include stress reduction, a balancing of blood pressure and blood sugar and, perhaps, greater longevity. 1. Epel ES, Blackburn EH, Lin J, Dhabhar FS, Adler NE, Morrow JD, Cawthon RM. Accelerated telomere shortening in response to life stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2004 Dec 7;101(49):17312–5. 4. Marchant J. Can Meditation Help Prevent the Effects of Aging? July 1, 2014. delay-ageing 6. Marchant (op. cit.) 7. Hughes JW, Fresco DM, Myerscough R, van Dulmen MH, Carlson LE, Josephson R. Randomized controlled trial of mindfulness-based stress reduction for prehypertension. Psychosom Med. 2013 Oct;75(8):721–8. 8. Younge JO, Leening MJ, Tiemeier H, Franco OH, Kiefte-de Jong J, Hofman A, Roos-Hesselink JW, Hunink MG. Association Between Mind-Body Practice and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The Rotterdam Study. Psychosom Med. 2015 Sep;77(7):775–83. 9. The Endocrine Society. "Stress reduction may reduce fasting glucose in overweight and obese women." ScienceDaily, 6 March 2015. 10. Gainey A, Himathongkam T, Tanaka H, Suksom D. Effects of Buddhist walking meditation on glycemic control and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes. Complement Ther Med. 2016 Jun;26:92–7. 11. Kurth F, Cherbuin N, Luders E. Promising Links between Meditation and Reduced (Brain) Aging: An Attempt to Bridge Some Gaps between the Alleged Fountain of Youth and the Youth of the Field. Front Psychol. 2017 May 30;8:860. 12. An admittedly idiosyncratic, yet helpful translation found at Dallas Clouatre, PhD
Radiance distribution To understand fully the underwater light field we need a detailed knowledge of the angular distribution of radiant flux at all depths. Some information on the angular structure of the field can be derived from the measurements of irradiance discussed above. Irradiance reflectance (R = Eu/Ed) is a crude measure of angular structure. More information is contained in the three average cosines: M for the total light field, ~pd for the downwelling stream and Mu for the upwelling stream, all of which can be derived from irradiance and scalar irradiance values For a complete description, however, we need the value of radiance at all vertical and azimuthal angles, i.e. the radiance distribution. Radiance is a measure of the radiant intensity (per unit projected area) in a specified direction at a particular point in the field, and so should be measured with a meter that can be oriented in that direction and that ideally should have an infinitesimally small acceptance angle. In reality, to ensure that the meter collects enough light to measure with reasonable accuracy, particularly in the dim light fields existing at greater depths, acceptance angles of 4 to 7° may be used. The simplest type of radiance meter is known as a Gershun tube photometer, after the Russian physicist Gershun, who made notable contributions to our understanding of the structure of light fields in the 1930s. It uses a cylindrical tube to limit the acceptance angle; the photodetector, with a filter in front of it, is at the bottom (Fig. 5.6). To achieve the necessary sensitivity, a photomultiplier would normally be used as the detector. The most difficult problem encountered in the measurement of underwater radiance is that of accurately controlling the zenith and azimuth angle of the photometer tube: quite complex systems involving built-in compasses, servo mechanisms and propellers to rotate the instrument are required.636,1172,1380 Another problem is that to determine a complete radiance distribution with a radiance meter is likely to take quite a long time, during which the position of the Sun will change. For example, if radiance is measured at intervals of 10° for the zenith angle (0-180°) and 20° for the azimuth angle (0-180° is sufficient, the distribution being symmetrical about the plane of the Sun) then 190 separate values must be recorded. Smith, Austin and Tyler (1970) developed a photographic technique by means of which radiance distribution data can be recorded quickly. Their instrument consists of two cameras placed back to back, each equipped with a 180°-field-of-view lens. One camera photographs the upper and the other photographs the lower hemisphere. By densitometry of the film, the relative radiance values over all zenith and azimuth angles can be determined at whatever degree of resolution is required, at a later time. In a further refinement of the same principle, Voss (1989) developed an electro-optic radiance distribution camera system, in which the radiance distribution is recorded, not on film, but with a 260 x 253 pixel electro-optic charge injection device. Of particular interest in the context of remote sensing of the ocean is the nadir radiance. This is the upward radiance (Lu) in a small angular interval centred around the vertical, i.e. it is the radiance measured by a radiance meter pointing vertically downward. As noted earlier in the case of irradiance, self-shading by the instrument itself can cause errors. On the basis of Monte Carlo modelling, Gordon and Ding (1992) found that for direct sunlight with the refracted solar beam at a solar zenith angle of 0w, the proportionate error in Lu, defined by r true _ r measured e = L-—u--(5.5) true Lu is a function of the product of the absorption coefficient (a) and the radius (R) of the instrument in accordance with e « 1 - e-kaR (5.6) where k = 2/tan 0w. A relationship of the same general form, but with a different k, is obtained for that part of the incident flux contributed by skylight. Field data obtained with radiometers of varying diameter by Zibordi and Ferrari (1995) in the Lago di Varese (Italy) are in good agreement with the Gordon and Ding predictions, and errors can range from a few per cent to several tens of per cent. Aas and Korsb0 (1997) found the relative self-shading error for an instrument radius of 7.5 cm to be in the range 0.04 to 0.18 in average optical conditions in the Oslofjord (Norway). Was this article helpful? 0 0 Post a comment
Margaret Mead Review article The Pathophysiology of Perceived Social Isolation: Effects on Health and Mortality Perceived social isolation (PSI) is a deficit in normal human social interaction, which has been associated with negative health outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms through which PSI influences human health are not fully known. This review aims at bringing out what is known about these pathways through which social isolation affects human health. We searched PubMed, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Psychological Information Database (PsycINFO), and Cochrane Library in addition to secondary references from primary journal articles for the most relevant and recent information concerning the research topic. The keywords used were perceived social isolation, loneliness, health outcomes, cardiovascular effects, neuroendocrine effects, depression, and cognitive decline, in animal and human populations. There are clear linkages between PSI and the cardiovascular system, neuroendocrine system, and cognitive functioning. PSI also leads to depression, cognitive decline, and sleep problems. The mechanisms through which PSI causes these effects are neural, hormonal, genetic, emotional, and behavioral. The effects of PSI on health are both direct and indirect. There is a complex interconnected network of pathways through which PSI negatively influences health. These hypothetical pathways using which the effects of PSI have been explained form the base on which further analyses can be carried out. Introduction & Background The concept of perceived social isolation (PSI) has been receiving a lot of attention from researchers recently, especially as a result of the advent of increasing social disconnectedness and increasing life expectancy, which has led to rising populations of elderly people [1]. Humans are a social species and so thrive on a wide variety of social interactions and networks. The social characteristics of most species have been described to reflect a broad range of affiliative behaviors which vary in manner and complexity according to the type of species [1-2]. It has been pointed out that sociality hinges on a set of behaviors that enable or impede the initiation and maintenance of social relationships [3]. The occurrence of deficits in these relationships affords researchers the opportunity to measure and evaluate how significant social interactions are to human health and fitness. An instance of how important social relationships are to human survival is the relationship between a mother and her child and how vital this interaction is for the child’s fitness. This type of relationship is just the beginning of a lifelong process of initiating and maintaining one-on-one and group relationships that develop through the different developmental stages [3]. An understanding of the importance of social interactions to human functioning also leads to the question of what happens when these interactions or relationships are not present or functional. This has driven inquiries to a relatively novel concept, PSI, which has also been referred to in many studies as ‘loneliness’ [3-4] and a perceived lack of social support [5]. It merges the subjective feeling of loneliness and the objective deficiencies associated with social interactions and networks [3]. Various factors account for why an individual becomes socially isolated. Risk factors such as health problems, disability, gender discrimination, loss of loved ones (spouse), living alone, reduced social networks, poverty, and aging have been associated with the occurrence of social isolation [6]. When the individual develops the subjective feeling of being isolated, what happens to the health of the individual? This question has been a central concern for research in health. It also brings to the fore a number of animal studies that have tried to elucidate the health effects of loneliness. These studies have shown how significantly social isolation can affect the health of mammals. Even though taking an animal out of its social group and making it exist alone cannot be compared adequately to the pain of human PSI, it nevertheless suggests how dramatic and significant the effect of absent or inadequate social interaction can be. These animal models have been of great value in helping researchers understand the pathways through which social isolation affects the human body and health. The relationship between PSI and cognitive decline in the elderly has been pointed out by a few studies that have shown that loneliness is indeed a predictor and marker of pathological brain changes in this group of people [7]. In younger adults, loneliness has been associated with poor sleep habits, increased risk of depression and suicides, and a greater risk of cardiovascular disorders [8-9]. In addition to adults, children and adolescents have also been shown to be susceptible to the negative effects of social isolation. Children are at a greater risk of depressive symptoms, poor sleep, and impaired executive functioning when they face prolonged periods of social isolation [8, 10]. A large part of these studies have focused on the sleep and mental health effects of PSI, despite evidences suggesting that the effects of social isolation cut across every aspect of human psychological and physiological functioning [3]. To further bolster this, a significant volume of research has highlighted the link between social isolation and poor health, including depression, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease [11-13]. The risks associated with social loneliness are therefore obvious. However, the mechanisms through which these risks occur, and the complexities associated with these negative health outcomes, cannot be captured with a mere measure of prevalence or statistical association. It is then necessary to determine whether there are actual pathological linkages between the social concept of loneliness and human physiology rather than just mere statistical findings. This then becomes the focus of this review: to find out what health outcomes are possible with PSI and to identify the pathways through which PSI affects human health. To access the most relevant content, studies containing the following keywords were sought: PSI, loneliness, health outcomes, cardiovascular effects, neuroendocrine effects, depression, and cognitive decline, in varying animal and human populations. The following abbreviations were used: PSI (perceived social isolation) and CVD (cardiovascular disease). Data sources We used the following sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. We also extrapolated from the references from each primary source and searched for additional relevant journal articles. We focused on articles written in or translated into English. A full online search was also conducted using Google Scholar, and where necessary, authors were contacted. Eligibility criteria We incorporated articles that provided precise data on PSI and its association with varying health outcomes. We did not use the size of subject populations, the type of study design, or the specific outcomes of the studies to screen any research. We included studies in which PSI or social isolation was the focus and outcomes were defined as physiological or physical, emotional, cognitive, genetic, cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and psychological. The selected journal titles and abstracts were screened by the authors, and those that did not fit the inclusion criteria, or in which there was no consensus between the authors, were discarded. One common conclusion in many studies that have examined the deleterious health effects of social isolation is that there is a direct relationship between PSI and morbidity/mortality, or that there is an inverse relationship between social support and morbidity/mortality [14-16]. Some other studies have gone further to point out precisely how risk factors such as obesity, overeating, and diabetes contribute to mortality [3]. Cardiovascular effects of PSI One of the most prevalent killers of middle-aged and elderly individuals in the United States is cardiovascular disease [17]. Social isolation has been implicated as a predictor of increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) [18]. A few epidemiological studies have shown that individuals with poor social support are prone to having hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), or cardiac failure [11, 12, 17, 19]. For those who already have one or more of these conditions, a deficiency in social support has also been associated with a faster progression of atherosclerosis, greater risk of major cardiovascular events such as a stroke or myocardial infarction, and doubled risk of CVD mortality [17, 19]. Experimental studies on animals have established that socially isolating animals places them at an increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus [20]. These same animals also face increased risk of developing CVD, inappropriate inflammatory responses, and an unnecessarily augmented response to stress [21]. The exaggerated stress response may put extra load on the heart and systemic vasculature, contributing in a great way to organ damage. Correlating with human participants, research has shown that subjects with poor social support have exaggerated blood pressure and heart rate responses to stressful situations with a remarkably slow recovery time [22]. These same set of people also experience autonomic imbalances [23], exaggerated inflammation [24], increased calcification in the coronary arteries [25], and significant hypertrophy of the left ventricle [26]. These evidences support the hypothesis that social isolation contributes to CVD morbidity and mortality. Neuroendocrine effects of PSI Extant data from human research suggest that there is a relationship between PSI and abnormal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis which is a major component of the endocrine system [27]. An association between loneliness and increased blood levels of catecholamines has also been suggested [12, 28]. As far back as 1984, loneliness studies have shown a poorer competence of the cellular immune system as evidenced by considerably high levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody titers in specific groups of medical students who experience prolonged periods of social isolation [29]. Further confirming the role of the HPA axis in mediating the effects of loneliness on the neuroendocrine system, a study showed that non-psychotic psychiatric inpatients who experienced loneliness had higher urine levels of cortisol than inpatients who had experienced more social support [30]. This result was independent of the influence of stressful life events, as that did not have any impact on the findings. It is important to note that loneliness in this case was self-reported, a parameter that was used to segregate the inpatients into either high or low groups based on self-reported scores. Another study which measured cortisol levels in the saliva of undergraduate students found that there was a positive correlation between loneliness and salivary cortisol levels, although this correlation became statistically significant only when the loneliness was chronic [31]. In this study, the time the students spent alone did not have any influence on the outcome. Other researchers have confirmed the positive association between PSI and salivary cortisol levels [12, 28, 32]. Besides the influence of loneliness on glucocorticoids levels, research has also gone further to investigate its association with glucocorticoid resistance. First, animal models suggested that negatively perceived social factors and isolation can trigger glucocorticoid resistance, where there is poor response to glucocorticoid signals transduced via glucocorticoid receptors [33]. In humans aged 54 years and above in Taiwan, it has been shown that PSI is associated with smaller neutrophil to monocyte and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, which are consistent with glucocorticoid resistance in white blood cells [34]. Genetic effects of PSI The genetic effects of social isolation has been revealed through genome microarray analyses which have pointed out the following genetic responses: a reduction in gene expression for genes which modulate glucocorticoid production and response effects; an upregulation of proinflammatory mRNAs (leading to increased production and activation of proinflammatory cytokines and other mediators), and a downregulation of inflammatory regulatory markers in adults (middle- and older-aged) who experienced significant periods of loneliness [35] Psychological/behavioral effects of PSI The linkage between loneliness and depression has been established in several studies. In a group of 296 British children who were followed up at ages five, nine, and 13, it was found out that early childhood loneliness (at ages five and nine) was predictive of significant depressive illness later in life [36]. More recent studies measuring ‘cumulative relationship risk’ in middle-aged individuals showed that exposure to factors such as loneliness, low parental support, instability in romantic relationships, and intimate partner violence, correlates with the occurrence of depressive symptoms, with the dose response increasing progressively depending on the number of risks faced by the individual [3, 37]. PSI has also been associated with suicidal ideation in adults, where those who frequently experienced loneliness were at 21% increased risk of having suicidal thoughts (as against 2.5% of those who were not as frequently lonely) and had a 8.4% chance of attempting suicide as against 0.7% for those who were less frequently lonely [38]. These results were recorded in a sample of more than 19,000 individuals older than 14 years. In elderly individuals, loneliness has been linked with cognitive deficits and later dementia [3, 39-42]. These effects significantly reduce the individual’s quality of life and make maintaining social relationships more difficult – leading to a vicious cycle. In a cohort of 70-year-old individuals, a significant inverse relationship was found between the intensity of loneliness and memory, processing capabilities, and general cognitive ability [40]. Other studies have also predicted rapid cognitive decline and increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in adults [41]. In addition, there is an impairment of executive control in older adults as a result of reduced support. Evidences from self-reports have shown a link between loneliness and reduced effort at expressing positive emotions – a maladaptive response that makes the regulation of other self-controlled behaviors difficult [3,42]. This partly explains the reduced inclination in these older adults to engage in healthful physical activities [43]. Other effects of PSI Sleep is deficient in quality in individuals who are deprived of social support [3]. In a research conducted on a group of lonely young adults, it was found that they exhibited significant amounts of restless sleep, indicated by the amount of wakeful periods during sleep [44]. Unlike the effect of loneliness on the quality of sleep, the effect of social isolation on the duration of sleep has been found to be negligible [3]. Nonetheless, lonely individuals still have to contend with daytime dysfunction and fatigue as a result of the less restful sleep they got during the night [45]. Pathophysiology of the effects of PSI The effects of PSI on the health of individuals are difficult to discuss singly. This is because the human body functions as a holistic combination of different organs and systems working together to ensure the survival and fitness of the individual. Likewise, the effects of loneliness on health are all-encompassing; it affects multiple organ systems, often together, as the results of the various studies presented earlier have shown [11]. PSI is associated with effects on the cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, and central nervous systems as well as genetic mechanisms and mental health. Comparatively, it is difficult to identify which system suffers the most, as existing information suggests that so many factors complicate physical and mental health outcomes [5]. However, from the standpoint of the affected individual, what is most important is the mechanisms through which PSI leads to worse health and how these can be tackled [11]. In theory, humans have an instinctive need to belong; this need is as basic to human functioning and survival as the need to obtain food, water, and shelter [46]. When this need fails or is not satisfied, there are internal reactions which range from physiological to neurological and psychological [17]. These reactions have been compared with human bodily responses to physical and psychological pain with particular reference to the utilization of the same neurological substrates to mediate these responses [47]. The initial goal of activating this response system is to prevent potential social death, but this objective also leads to deleterious effects on the functioning of the cardiovascular, neurological, and cognitive systems [17]. The effect of PSI on the cardiovascular system has been hypothesized to be both biological and psychological/behavioral. Studies have suggested that individuals who have significant social support and networks have at their disposal tangible resources that can help them live and promote a healthy lifestyle [17]. These individuals tend to be more active and are less likely to engage in risky health behaviors such as excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, or maintaining poor eating habits [48]. On the other hand, individuals who have less social support tend to take risky decisions and are also at an increased risk of death from cardiovascular emergencies due to the absence or lack of close individuals who can get them the prompt medical attention they need at such times [49]. In addition, the presence of social support is known to serve as a stress-buffer – a way to take one’s mind off stressful life situations and reduce physiological stimulation and overall allostatic load [17]. The biological evidences of the influence of loneliness on cardiovascular health come from animal models which showed a significant increase in the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, abnormal inflammatory responses, and augmented stress reactivity in caged animals [20]. However, in humans, it has been shown that prolonged exposure to stress puts a lot of load on the cardiovascular system as a whole and contributes to the development of target organ damage [17]. More so, lonely human subjects exhibited slow recovery from exaggerated blood pressure and pulse rate responses to perceived stress in addition to other evidences such as significant left ventricular hypertrophy, autonomic imbalance, increased systemic inflammation, and the rapid calcification of coronary arteries [22-26]. Going further, research has suggested that there is a link between cardiovascular health and cognitive function with respect to the effects of PSI. Particularly, White, et al. presented a model that hypothesizes that PSI directly affects cardiovascular functioning and also affects cognitive functioning by decreasing cerebral blood flow and inhibiting neurovascular coupling [17]. These effects lead to overall deficits in neural integrity and cognitive functioning. Even though this model is yet to be tested, it presents a valid theoretical rationale for the decline in cognitive functioning which has been found in many elderly patients with PSI (Figure 1). On the neuroendocrine effects of PSI, there is evidence supporting the fact that loneliness is associated with the hyperactivity of the HPA axis and increased blood levels of catecholamines [27, 28]. Both human and animal studies have found higher levels of HPA activity as a result of loneliness, even though the strength of this association has been said to depend on factors such as the time of day when the measurements were made, the duration of loneliness, the type of tissue assayed, the parameters used to evaluate HPA activity, and the reliability of measurements [35]. Loneliness has been positively correlated with salivary and urinary cortisol levels in humans. Overproduction of cortisol negatively affects the physiological functions which the hormone mediates – body metabolism, glucose control, apoptosis, inflammatory regulation, immunity, reproduction, and cardiovascular activity. Even though the body regulates the production of cortisol through negative feedback mechanisms, social factors such as the deprivation of social support have been associated with glucocorticoid resistance, in which the efficiency of glucocorticoid receptors at transducing endogenous signals and mediating negative feedback becomes reduced, leading to pathologic inflammatory processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases such as atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration, and tumor generation [33, 35]. The link between depression and PSI has been well established by a number of studies [36-38]. Theoretically, loneliness and depression have been conceptualized as two overlapping negative and unpleasant states that are distinguished on the basis of the feelings toward social connections [50]. Even though there is limited information regarding the pathways through which loneliness leads to depression, significant findings back up the existence of loneliness as a predictor of depressive symptoms [3]. It is clear that multiple biological and psychological pathways link PSI to health outcomes. PSI leads to acute neuroendocrine changes that influence cardiovascular and other physiologic responses in a way that causes unwanted physical symptoms. How factual these hypotheses are remains the subject of future studies as no evidence has precisely elucidated the causal roles of PSI in humans. This study has established the associations between PSI and the etiology and pathogenesis of illnesses – cardiovascular, inflammatory, neuroendocrine, cognitive, and affective disorders. It is clear that the lack of social support influences a wide range of internal processes that result in deranged and inappropriate responses leading to disease. In general, the effects of lack of perceived social support on health can be direct or indirect, which is mostly detrimental. This study has also succeeded in pointing out that there is no single separate way in which social isolation negatively influences human health, but that PSI affects physiologic and psychological functioning in a complex dynamic manner. The studies examined in this research have provided evidences linking PSI to increased morbidity and mortality. Individuals who face prolonged periods of loneliness are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular emergencies; they face unnecessarily augmented inflammatory responses, are prone to cognitive decline, and also have to deal with a wide range of metabolic and hormonal imbalances. 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Arch Intern Med. 2012, 172:1086–1095. 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.2782 50. Weiss RS: Loneliness: The experience of emotional and social isolation . Weiss RS (ed): MIT Press, Massachusetts; 1973. Review article The Pathophysiology of Perceived Social Isolation: Effects on Health and Mortality Author Information Adnan Bashir Bhatti Corresponding Author Medical Director of Clinical Research, Spine Surgery, Tristate Brain and Spine Institute, United States, Atlanta, USA Anwar ul Haq Department of Psychiatry, Capital Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan Ethics Statement and Conflict of Interest Disclosures Review article The Pathophysiology of Perceived Social Isolation: Effects on Health and Mortality Figures etc.
Everyone Needs To Stop Assuming Autonomous Vehicles Are Going To Be Safer Than Humans Articles about how autonomous vehicles are almost here and how big a deal it’ll be aren’t exactly uncommon, but this one from a couple of days ago over at Interesting Engineering struck me in particular because it rehashes an idea that’s at the root of so many articles and self-righteous online arguments from Tesla owners about autonomous cars: that autonomous vehicles will unquestionably be safer than human drivers. I think there’s a bit of a logical fallacy there, and there’s no reason we have to keep perpetuating this idea. The Interesting Engineering article is called Will Our Children Ever Learn To Drive and is, in turn, inspired by a Motor Trend story about a robotics expert who predicts that kids born today won’t ever drive a car, as our “autonomous future is only 10, 15 years out.” Now, there’s plenty to unpack and discuss right there, as I personally think those timelines are wildly optimistic and don’t factor in any number of realities of driving and the world that could affect whether or not your kid chooses to learn to drive, but I want to focus more on one particular part of the IE article. This part: Would having no human drivers be better? Our children may then have a choice to drive a car, but they will probably never have to drive a car if they don’t want to. As a parent myself, I personally hope my children never have to drive a car for one main reason – safety. The crash rate for young drivers (16-19) is 2.7 times higher than for any other age group, according to the California DMV. In general, people are not great at driving, but teens are especially not great at driving. 94% of all motor vehicle accidents are because of human error. That means that 94% of all accidents could hypothetically be stopped with the implementation of autonomous vehicles (ideally). Having a computer drive your car will be much safer than driving a car yourself. That’s not an opinion, but a fact. That last line there sums up the issue: the idea that a computer driving a car is always safer and always will be safer than a human driving. The author here even boldly states that “that’s not an opinion, but a fact,” even though it is in no possible way a fact. I’m not even sure it counts as an opinion, because we simply do not have enough evidence to prove it one way or the other. Let’s look at the paragraph above that boldly inane—but incredibly common—statement. I’m absolutely willing to accept that 94% of accidents are caused by human error, but the leap from that idea to ...is a huge problem, and is tainting the whole popular perception of autonomous vehicles. Even with those (ideally) and “hypothetically” qualifiers, this statement is a complete load of shit. It’s only true if we assume that the computers driving autonomous vehicles will make no mistakes at all, ever, and there is no way that will be the case. This idea, though, is old and pervasive. The “computers never make mistakes” conceit is a strangely powerful holdover from the early days of computing, when computers were remote, massive gods kept alive by white-coated acolytes in specially air-conditioned rooms, and who jealously and stingily doled out computer time and solemnly gifted you with stacks of punched cards containing the Holy Calculated Results. The fundamental belief is still around, even though you’d think, with the near-constant access we all have to computing devices, we’d have realised that computer systems can be as flawed and inefficient as any human. Let’s face it: computers, for all their speed and power and capabilities, are fundamentally idiots. Don’t forget that we fool them on a daily basis with squiggly letters or finding pictures of stoplights or crosswalks (when you do that, by the way, you’re helping to train future AVs). Even the term “artificial intelligence” is misleading, because what those computers are doing is in no way like what we understand as “intelligence.” AI is maybe “simulated intelligence” at best, because what it’s really doing is using all kinds of algorithmic and brute-force methods to achieve results similar to what we’d expect out of a being with actual intelligence, even though the actual processes are absolutely nothing alike. What I’m getting at here is that this fundamental assumption that computer-driven cars will be safer than human drivers is by no means something we should assume. Sure, there’s plenty of issues an AV won’t have to deal with that humans do: being distracted by your phone or having to pee, road rage or uncontrolled horniness or fatigue or hunger or any number of other biological urges and issues that can afflict any of us. But AVs will have their own issues, because they’re stupid machines that can only react and branch off decision trees based on how they’re programmed, and the chaos and uncertainty of the real world can throw any number of baffling situations to them that a human wouldn’t even worry about for a moment. Dirty sensors, odd reflected light, confusing billboards, clouds of smoke or dust, unpredictable animal or human behaviours, a bunch of paper blowing in the wind, any of these things can completely lock up even the most advanced AV humans have built. Sure, hypothetically, and assuming a whole entire cooperative infrastructure, both of physical materials and of wireless data transmissions, an AV can likely end up proving to be, on the whole, safer than human drivers. But we’re a long, long way from that point, and even then I suspect some actual human brains may need to be sprinkled into the mix of technologies somewhere, to give some good old biological common sense to machine conundrums. I’m no luddite, but I’ve also spent far too much time around computers in my life to just blindly bow down to their superiority. The more complex computer systems become, the more points of failure can be introduced, and the less predictable those points become. I do believe that we will eventually develop nearly fully-autonomous vehicles that can perform almost all the driving tasks we need—but I don’t for a minute think they will be universally infallible, nor do I think they will entirely eclipse the need for human-driven vehicles. And I don’t think that’s a problem. The problem is the nearly religious faith so many AV pundits seem to have in the abilities of the computers that will drive their cars. Have these people never actually used computers before? Tried to get something to print? Sometimes everything works great, and sometimes it’s a shitshow. Just like people. At this point in the game, we need to look at replacing human drivers with computers with swapping out one set of problems with another, different set. It may prove to be that the set of problems AVs have can be engineered out, or that we, as humans, are lazy enough or bored with driving enough that we choose to focus on fixing the machine problems instead of the human ones, and that’s fine. Every technological advance has its own compromises, and if we choose to develop AVs that can fuck up in their own way as opposed to how human drivers fuck up, then, great, have at it. But let’s knock it off with the still completely unproven notion that an all-AV future will be inherently safer. Maybe it will. But, for right now, I’ll happily go all John Henry and put myself head-to-head against any AV vehicle that’s out now or will come out this year. Autonomous vehicle builders and fetishists, you know where to find me. Trending Stories Right Now
The Gravity of our Situation This year, the Montauk School joined the Resilient Schools Consortium or RiSC, a NOAA- and FEMA-funded climate program that helps students develop a better understanding of the science behind climate change, guides them through an investigation of the ways in which sea level rise and extreme heat will impact their communities, and supports them as they learn to advocate for actions and improvements that can help protect people and the environment. We have a great team of 25 8th graders who meet every Wednesday after school to do things like explore the history of severe flooding in New York City (using the NYC Flood Mapper tool I mentioned in an earlier post), take classes in public speaking, design resilient coastlines, and participate in shoreline improvement activities. Everything I have learned down here has reinforced the need for students, educators, scientists, public servants - really, everyone, to pursue improving the resilience of our communities with great urgency. The ice is melting. You're seeing it in the news there. Scientists are seeing it in their data and in reality here. The focus of the work on this expedition has been the Thwaites Glacier, which isn't really all that big in an Antarctica-level scheme of things - but this relatively tiny glacier is now accounting for about 4% of sea level rise each year. If all of Thwaites melted, it would raise global sea levels by as much as two feet. My RiSC students are starting to understand what that could mean for people in New York City, not just in terms of day-to-day changes in the high tide line but also for the severity of and damage created by flooding during major storms. I remember well the sensation of the whole city holding its breath, waiting for Superstorm Sandy to strike in 2012 and the way we were reeling in its aftermath, schools closed for a week when the storm had passed as the city struggled to regain its equilibrium. Events like Sandy will happen more often and in more places and the consequences will be more dire. Satellite imagery shows the disintegration of the Pine Island Glacier on February 11, 2020 A single image from an animation of Sentinel1 images compiled by Adrian Luckman that shows the most recent calving of icebergs off the Pine Island Glacier in the Amundsen Sea. A high-resolution version of the animation, which shows three major Pine Island Glacier calving events can be seen here. Oddly enough, as the ice in Antarctica melts, sea level here is expected to decrease. More than 70% of the Earth's fresh water is held in Antarctica's glaciers, with ice more than a mile thick across most of the continent. All of that ice has a lot of mass - no seriously, A LOT of mass. Enough to increase the gravitational pull of the southern pole so that the water in Earth's oceans is actually drawn towards Antarctica and the land under the ice is literally squished down by all the weight on top of it. As the ice melts, Antarctica will be freed - like my neighbor's dog Sadie after Ted stops pinning her down during one of their Wrestlemania sessions - and will bounce back up, increasing the height of the land above sea level. At the same time, the ocean's water will not be as gravitationally attracted to Antarctica, so it will shift and rise in other places - like New York City. The loss of ice here will have multiplying consequences that'll be felt the most in low-lying cities in the Northern Hemisphere. Keep up the good hard work, RiSC students. We're going to need your help. An iceberg off the starboard bow of the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer icebreaker A tabular iceberg is eroded by the wind off the starboard bow of the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer in the Amundsen Sea. 75° 3' 13" S , 102° 21' 10" W Onboard the R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer icebreaker in the Amundsen Sea off the southwest coast of Antarctica. Weather Summary Partly cloudy skies, cold, and windy. Wind Speed 34 knots out of the SSE Wind Chill Add Comment Emily Fano Hi Sarah, the blog is fantastic! Thanks so much for writing and posting it! Our blog team at National Wildlife Federation is reading it now. Jennifer Morocho Hi Ms slack its Jennifer 813 Jennifer Morocho i have a question how far away are you from antartica. Sarah Slack Hi Jennifer! I'm so happy you're following the blog. We have gotten a few hundred meters (maybe about half a mile) from the edge of the continent- the selfie I took in an earlier blog post and the picture of the Protected Species Observers both have the ice of the coast of Antarctica in the background- you can kind of get a sense of how close we are. Lynn Shon Awesome post, Sarah. We're following you and rooting for you back here in BK.
Young Writers Society Home » Literary works » Short Story » Historical Fiction It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas by LadyVendetta The night was filled with a steady silence, pierced by the occasional snore and grunt. Snowflakes drifted down casting a white glow on the dead grass and land outside of the small barracks in the middle of nowhere. An untouched blanket of virgin snow failed to set a mood for the holidays. It didn’t feel like Christmas, for there was no merry singing to keep Thomas awake, no people chatting on the streets, an absence on the lingering smell of gingerbread and Evergreen. There was a fear for his life, a dark, rooted pain that was missing his wife and children back in America. There were twenty-something other men in the same barracks as him letting out a symphony of sighs and snorts; and there was the feeling of something being off, but that was what Thomas was used to. Thomas sat by his bed, holding a box that was hidden in his mattress, a small hole, torn with the help of his knife. Bits of stuffing was scattered around him as he eagerly opened the small box with shaking hands, his eyes studied the familiar print that was exclaiming about how their brand of cigarettes was recommended by three out of five doctors. Inside were letters, written in the familiar hand of his wife, Linda, and two daughters, Lucy and Samantha. The notes’ contents were filled with compassion, littered with “I miss you”, and decorated in tear-stains that blotted the ink. As he devoured the intimate sentences, Thomas prayed his children would be at peace as he blinked back the tears that were threatening to spill. The night felt too calm to be disturbed by Thomas’s selfish cries. He returned the precious box and its contents to the mattress and caught a glimpse of the outside. A fresh blanket of snow covered everything, footprints ruined the purity of white snow. Without missing a beat, he rushed to the bed of his pal, Mark, and shook him awake. “The hell?” Mark shouted, stirring a few more men as he surveyed Thomas, obviously looking for bruises or life-threatening cuts. Mark saw nothing that warranted taking him from his dreams, so he huffed and said in a loud, steely voice, “What?” “There’s footprints on fresh snow, I think someone’s invading.” Thomas stumbled on his words while trying to get them out. Mark jumped up, along with everyone he had woken up. “Guns!” he yelled, waking up even the heaviest of sleepers as he ran to the storage chest and picked up a rifle. As he quickly loaded it the other men scrambled in his wake, their hair messy but their eyes alert and terrified. It was eerily silent as they waited for the sound of bullets to fly through the only window, the sound of someone’s dying scream. When? Where? Thomas’s hands shook as he was the last to load his gun for he was unable to keep his hands still, his heart beat was so fast he was sure everyone could hear it, and he thought he could hear Mark’s, who was by his side. A head shorter than him, Mark’s blonde head of hair, blue eyes, and uniform attracted many women but his sweetheart Linda, was back in America, pregnant with his daughter. “We can do this,” Thomas whispered to Mark, knowing his mind was on his unborn child. Mark patted his back as the suspicious men went to hide behind beds and equipment, guns at the ready, pointing to the door. One, two, three minutes of tense silence went by. Mark, who was by Thomas’s side whispered, “Are you sure it was new snow.” Thomas peeped through the window, footsteps only leading to the barracks. “Yes.” he replied firmly. Any second now, blood would spill. As everyone seemed to be letting their guard down, the barn door opened and German’s stormed in, stopping dead in their tracks at the empty building. “Sie sind nicht hier,” a guttural voice declared. Thomas, who knew little German, knew the man was stating the obvious. “Unmöglich,” a softer voice replied. “Hello? Anyone here?” The accent was thick but Thomas heard his last words as James stood up from behind a bed and shot him in the head. There was a ringing sound as the bullet’s noise stung Thomas’s ears. But, as if on cue, the other soldiers of the barrack started shooting, some aimlessly, others at certain target, catching their foe off guard for a moment. After a minute, the gunfire ceased and the only thing left was the smell of gunpowder and blood. About a dozen Germans lay dead on the ground, others rushing out of the building. Thomas looked around, and saw, as if by some kind of miracle, their men weren't injured. He stood dumbstruck before turning to Mark, and saw him on his knees, blood gushing from his arm. “I’ve been shot,” he weakly stated. “I need bandages,” Thomas called out to the dark room and men rushed to Mark’s aid, using a bit of whiskey to clean the wound and bandages to make a makeshift sling and patch him up. Luckily, it was rather artificial and Mark seemed to be in little pain. “We survived!” Thomas yelled, the men roared and clapped, a euphoric feeling took over him, and the dead Germans seemed insignificant. All was calm, it was almost bright outside, and it was Christmas, and they were all in one piece. “Let’s drink!” cheered Mark, who was resting on his bed, and the men agreed with whistles and whoops. Whiskey and caroling, making fun of the German. Thomas could feel his cheeks going pink and his brown eyes grew moist. Nobody asked questions, of how the Germans found them, why them, or what took them so long. No one cared enough to. Though he may not be hanging ornaments on the Christmas tree, or roasting chestnuts with his wife, he finally felt okay. It finally felt like Christmas. Is this a review? User avatar 79 Reviews Points: 1923 Reviews: 79 Sat Jan 25, 2020 2:33 am View Likes dahlia58 wrote a review... This was great. I mean it. In fact, this feels like something that might appear in a textbook, if it were a bit longer (school stuff is always long...). The only issues with this short story are mostly grammatical ones, which you can easily fix. In the first paragraph, there needs to be a comma before "casting." Since you already said Thomas' name in the previous sentence, "Thomas sat by his bed" can be "He sat by his bed." The comma before "his eyes studied" should be a period. A "but" needs to be included in the clause "footprints ruined the purity of white snow." Also, the apostrophe in "German's stormed in" is probably just a typo. That's about everything. Honestly, I was scared the American troops might die at the end, and I'm glad they didn't. LadyVendetta says... Aw, thank you! If you can't already tell, I don't proofread ;) User avatar 1151 Reviews Points: 6433 Reviews: 1151 Sat Jan 11, 2020 3:26 am View Likes Elinor wrote a review... Hey LadyVendetta! Thanks so much for entering the Holiday Writing Contest. I hope you enjoyed writing your story as much as I enjoyed reading it and putting the competition together. What I loved the most about this story was how it brought me into Thomas's world. I felt his of isolation and despair, and I felt his joy when he and his fellow soldiers were finally safe. I also thought you did a great job of setting the scene of this snowy European village. I also loved this bit: One thing I wanted was more of Thomas's backstory. You tell us that he misses his wife, but we don't quite see that what looks like. Does he have any particular memories of his wife or his kids that he revisits in tough times? What about his relationship to the soldiers? Does he distance himself from them at first, and then realize they have a lot in common, especially when they're all drinking at the end? Thanks again for writing! Hope you're having a wonderful time in the new year! All the best, LadyVendetta says... Thank you! User avatar 91 Reviews Points: 4914 Reviews: 91 Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:23 pm View Likes WinnyWriter wrote a review... Hey, there. This is a cool little historical fiction short story. I like how you make it feel real by giving a glimpse of insight into the men's lives and their emotional ties. Also, your use of what I'm assuming is actual German is great. It signifies knowledge and/or good research on your part. There were a few grammatical errors, so watch out for those. Mostly, pay attention to proper sentence structure. Overall I like this work, and I commend you on your project! LadyVendetta says... Thank you for the review :) User avatar 13 Reviews Points: 662 Reviews: 13 Mon Dec 23, 2019 12:50 am View Likes stinasobi wrote a review... This is a good story, I really liked the progression and the heartfelt theme of it despite the setting it's in. One thing I'd change is the repetition of words, like the word something, u seem to use that one a lot. And one more part that I found confusing was the place where the fight took place, like I know they are in the barracks, and u say barn doors after that, which I'm guessing is the barracks doors bc that's where the soldiers are..? And then like r they just celebrating right in front of a bunch of dead German soldiers? Like if if that's normal then it's ok but it seemed a little weird lol. But overall, it's a very cute story, and my heart definitely jumped when Mark got shot ah. nice job :)) LadyVendetta says... Their barracks has barn doors, I hope that clears that up and they didn't care about the dead soldiers as stated, they were just happy to be alive and death is common in wars so they we're kinda immune to the fact people were dead... Now I'm rambling XD But I'm glad you liked it :) stinasobi says... Of course, and yeah that really clears it up thanks lol — The Bee Movie
AsanjoKutch - Home Family Business Professional Telephone Blood Donors Homepages Matrimonials Flora & Fauna Visitors Guide Fair and Festivals At a Glance Guest Book Kutchhi Publications 99 Yatra Kutch is situated on the western border of India. It has sea at one side and desert covering the other side. The border of Kutch is guarded by the highest hill. 12km from the village of Khavda in Bhuj, the highest hill guards the Kutch region. It is 1515 feet high and in present days is a tourist attraction with tourists tracking on the hill. From Bhuj this hill is 85 km and is covered with different kinds of trees and tall grass. According to Geologists, thousands of years ago, the land of Kutch was at the sea bed and due to activities of the crust of the earth, this land emerged above the sea. The region of Kutch is located 22 degree north of the tropic of cancer i.e. at 44'-11' or 24degree from the north pole, 41-25'north latitude and 68 degree, 09'-46' and 71 degree, 54'-47' east degree of longitude. On its north and northwest lies Pakistan, on the east Banarskantha and Maherana, while on its southeast is Surendranagar and its south has the Bay of Kutch and the district of Rajkot. The Arabic Sea lies to its southwest and west. The total area of Kutch is of 45692 square km, of which 23310 square km is desert. Kutch comprises Gujrat's 23.27% area. It has a total 949 villages and 10 cities. It is known that Kutch region is prone to tectonic quakes. Earthquakes often occur in this region and this affects its geographical situations. These earthquakes affect the atmosphere, its land and its minerals. The land of 'Allah Bandh' in the middle of the Sidhu River is because of one such earthquake, which stopped the rivers flow. Kutch's deserts in the world, is unique as it doesn't have sand. It is a desert where the land is full of salt and salt stones. The land is smooth and dry. This 23,143 square km desert is geographically divided into two, small and big deserts. The big desert is situated on the south, northwest direction and northeast direction. Its area is 18,000 sq. km, while the small is in the southeast quarter. Its area covers 5,143 square km. 100 years ago when Hkra and Sindhu rivers used to flow in this region, it was a fertile land. But because of geographical changes, the flow of these rivers changed and it became dry and barren. Here, the rainwater won't seep but slowly goes into the land. The water from Bay of Kutch and sea water from channel of Kari mixes with this rainwater and when it dries, the salt from the water covers the land. Thus, the layers of salt have been built here. The salt in the land attracts moisture from the atmosphere and that makes the surface smooth and full of moisture. That is the reason that the land here stays hard even in hard summer days. A mirage emerges on this white salty land when the sunbeam hits the land. Kutch is a wonderful land and so has its special place in the places of tourist attractions in the world. © Powered By E-Trends Communications
5 Simple Statements About Quasi una fantasia Explained [3] Beethoven wrote the Moonlight Sonata in his early thirties, following he had concluded with a few commissioned get the job done; there is not any evidence that he was commissioned to write down this sonata.[3] Provided is usually a pay a visit to to Peter and Paul fortress and after lunch ashore, we take a look at the entire world- renowned Hermitage museum. A magnificent collection of artwork is housed inside the winter palace of Catherine The nice. Among the biggest museums on the globe and Started in 1764, its collection incorporates above two.seven million merchandise. Beethoven wrote the Moonlight Sonata in his early thirties, and did so just after he experienced concluded with a few commissioned get the job done; there isn't a proof that he was commissioned to jot down this sonata One particular alternative is just to change the damper pedal periodically where by important to prevent abnormal dissonance. That is observed, For example, in the editorially equipped pedal marks from the Ricordi version with the sonata.[24] In contrast, performers who hire a Traditionally primarily based instrument (either a restored outdated piano or a modern instrument crafted on historic principles) are typically a lot more prepared to comply with Beethoven's path pretty much. The Island has become selected a UNESCO Environment Heritage website and is also the emphasize of any Russian river cruise. Return to your boat to established sail before lunch, and expertise an afternoon of functions, which can include a tea ceremony, classical concert, Russian language lesson, or Captain’s Bridge tour just before savoring meal and musicians concert. A melody that Hector Berlioz referred to as a “lamentation”, largely by the best hand, is performed from an accompanying ostinato triplet rhythm, at the same time performed by the appropriate hand. The beethoven moonlight sonata motion is performed pianissimo or “pretty quietly”, and also the loudest it will get is mezzo forte or “reasonably loud”. Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer, the predominant musical figure during the transitional period of time amongst the… The adagio sostenuto has created a robust perception on numerous listeners; By way of example, Berlioz mentioned of it that it "is one of those poems that human language isn't going to know how to qualify".[19] Beethoven's university student Carl Czerny referred to as it "a nocturnal scene, in which a mournful ghostly voice Seems from the distance". Uglich. Following breakfast, check out the city of Uglich within the Volga River, initially documented in 1148. The town’s historical importance is due to the suspicious Dying of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Horrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich immediately after his father’s death in 1584 but was located useless in questionable circumstances seven yrs later. We welcome prompt advancements to any of our content. You may make it less complicated for us to overview and, ideally, publish your contribution by maintaining a couple of points in your mind. Encyclopædia Britannica article content are written within a neutral goal tone to get a common viewers. ("A single will have to Perform this whole piece [this means "motion"] really delicately and without dampers.") The modern piano contains a a lot longer sustain time than the devices of Beethoven's day, leaving to get a alternatively blurry and dissonant tone. Whilst no direct testimony exists as to the specific explanation why Beethoven decided to title both equally the Op. 27 functions as Sonata quasi una fantasia, it could be substantial which the format of your current do the job isn't going to follow the standard movement arrangement while in the Classical period of rapidly–slow–[rapidly]–fast. Alternatively, the sonata possesses an end-weighted trajectory, Together with the rapid tunes held off till the 3rd movement. There will be time to visit the Church of St Nicholas the Wonderworker, inbuilt 1620 and to get some free time Discovering the neighborhood markets. Return for the boat just before environment sail and making the most of evening meal while you cruise. Comments on “5 Simple Statements About Quasi una fantasia Explained” Leave a Reply
Dark Matter Photo credit TNG collaboration: Of all the mass energy in the universe, the particles comprising everything we’ve ever measured or observed directly—stars, planets, interstellar gas, all life on Earth — make up only 15% of the cosmic pie chart. The vast majority of the mass of the universe has only been observed indirectly, and has been dubbed dark matter. Despite this, the gravitational effects of dark matter are numerous and profound, and many independent measurements have all converged on a remarkably consistent story. The problem is, we know nothing about dark matter apart from the fact that it’s there. What is the mass of the dark matter particle? Does it interact with itself, or weakly with ordinary particles? Are there multiple species of dark matter, perhaps analogous to the proton, neutron, and electron which make up ordinary matter? How was dark matter produced in the early universe, and how did it interact with the thermal bath of Standard Model particles as the universe cooled? Our group is interested in addressing these questions through a combination of new terrestrial and astrophysical detection methods, new analyses of existing data, and new frameworks for understanding the thermal history of dark matter. The Energy Frontier Photo credit CMS experiment: Large Hadron Collider (LHC) discovered the Higgs boson in 2012 and remains an unprecedentedly powerful general-purpose discovery machine. In upcoming runs, the LHC will push further forward into unexplored territory, searching for light and weakly coupled particles as well as probing the highest reaches of the energy frontier. Other collider-based experiments such as the B-meson factory BELLE and special-purpose detectors such as MATHUSLA and CODEXb offer unique capabilities for discovery. The Higgs boson remains one of the least well-understood pieces of the Standard Model. Research in the group studies how precision characterization of the Higgs at current and future colliders can shed new light on the particle physics of our universe, as well as developing discovery opportunities in a wide range of current and planned experiments. Early Universe Cosmology Photo credit NASA: is now well established as the leading theoretical paradigm for fixing the initial state of the Universe. However, we still do not have a detailed understanding of the microphysical origin of the accelerated expansion. Furthermore, the early thermal history of the universe, from the end of inflation until the light elements are produced at Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, remains one of the most poorly understood periods of our cosmic history. We do not understand how inflation ends, and the connection between the standard model and the physics that drives inflation is poorly constrained. Consequently, the mechanism by which the Universe is reheated from its super-cooled post-inflationary state into a thermalized plasma, the detailed mechanism responsible for the matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the detailed particle origin of dark matter are, as yet, unknown. The key objectives of our group's research are to address these gaps in our understanding of the history of the Universe by exploring the connection between the physics that drives the inflationary epoch, and the physics that ignites the hot Big Bang. Effective Field Theory Photo credit: field theory (EFT) is the basic theoretical framework that underlies the modern understanding of particle physics. However, despite its vast successes, the application of EFT to our universe raises new puzzles. The Standard Model exhibits a number of fine-tuning problems, where input parameters appear unnaturally small and enormously fine-tuned, including the electroweak hierarchy problem, the strong CP problem, and the cosmological constant problem. Furthermore, evidence from black hole thermodynamics and string theory suggests that not every EFT is permissible once gravity is included in the theory, but the full set of "rules" is unknown. Research at Illinois includes studies of solutions to the fine-tuning problems and their phenomenological consequences, as well as the exploration of new techniques and criteria that can be used to constrain which EFTs might arise in our Universe.
What is a phobia? PhobiaA phobia is defined as an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme and irrational fear of simple things or social situations. It differs from other anxiety disorders in the fact that there is not an underlying anxiety present for all or most of the time, but only when the "trigger" or source of the fear is physically present. In the presence of the trigger, the phobic response is immediate and can be very severe. Interestingly, the fear response can also happen just by thinking about or imagining the trigger stimulus. NLP has several tools to tackle the thought processes behind the phobic response. Living without fear Usually one or two sessions are sufficient. More information Please read this page to find more general information about anxiety disorders and use the links at the very top of the page to discover more about the different approaches and techniques available.
Career College Students must plan ahead and opt for an education program that will contribute towards their professional development in order to have a successful career. Recruitment trends have also influenced and improved the education system. Many institutions are developing programs that train students for specific careers rather than giving them a general education. The field of education has seen rise of career collegeswhich prepares individuals for professional careers. A career college focuses on teaching job-centric skills in a variety of career fields including business, medical, dental, legal, design, electronics, computers, and construction trades among others. While the students are getting good education, their job skills are being developed as well. A career college designs curriculum in such a way that it prepares students for professional careers and gives them specialized training in a particular field. There are many high school students who work part-time. The time they spend working enables them to enter professional market quickly rather than waiting to get four years degree. Joining a Career College A career college is different from professional colleges. While a professional college trains students for a more advance career, career colleges focus primarily on those subjects that are directly related to the field a student is interested in. Eligibility and pre-requisites for enrolling in a career college are different than a traditional college. Though every college has its own admission criteria, some might include additional specifications. A career college generallyrequires a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate. Students are not required to fulfill general education requirements and are mostly taught courses that are related to their chosen careers. The number of courses, their length as well as the level all depends on the type of training program a student has enrolled in. Some career training programs might take one year while a highly technical program can take up to three years. During their training in a career college students are expected to complete assignments, take examinations and work on projects. Like in every other college, to successfully complete a course students have to meet the course requirements. Only when all requirements are met the final grade is given and if a student fails its necessary to retake that particular course. A career college provides various degrees and certificates depending on the accreditation status of that institution. Graduates from such colleges can start work immediately but certain fields like medical and legal also require certification. Since a career college also offers certifications, getting one shouldn’t be a problem for the students. Why opt for a Career College A career college works best for those people who are more focused on developing skills and getting direct training instead of going through the whole process of acquiring a wide-based knowledge. It ensures fast-paced training as students receive specialized education. A career college offers a quick and an effective way to enter into the professional world. Every course is designed keeping in mind the career a student has opted for. Frequently Asked Question(s) Q:Searching for a career working on ATV mentioned ANSI. What is the purpose of this organization? A:Searching for a career working on ATV would mention ANSI. ANSI stands for American National Standard Institute. This organization is responsible for facilitating the development of American National Standards by accrediting Standard Developing Organizations. More than 200 of SDO's have been accredited by this organization. The main purpose of this organization is to enhance global competitiveness of US businesses and improve quality of life in the process. Q:While searching on career schools in Florida, I came across Masters in Guidance and Counseling program. Can you tell me the contents of this program? A:You often come across the mention of programs and courses in a search like Career Schools In Florida. Master in Guidance and Counseling is a two year program and offers courses such as guidance counseling theory and technique, vocational counseling theory, human growth and development, educational planning, interviewing skills development, student appraisal and group counseling theory. Ask your Question * All Fields are Required Call Now(877) 721-2529
Bowling Ten Pin In its most rudimentary incarnation, bowling ten pin is simply the act of attempting to knock over pins by hurling a rounded object towards them. Hit the pins? Good. If not, try again. The basic concept of bowling ten pin has been around since the days of the ancient Egyptians, and its no wonder why. The game of bowling is as exciting and challenging as it was thousands of years ago. Bowling tenpin Bowling ten pin is one of the oldest sports in the world, and has not changed much since its inception. Archaeologists have uncovered proof of “bowling-esque” objects dating back thousands of years. Most of the aspects of bowling today are exactly the same as those employed by the Egyptians, with just a little push from technology. A few thousand years after the Ancient Egyptians, bowling ten pin begun to catch on in Europe and quickly became a popular sport. The idea of bowling as we know it today was pretty much the same back then and, in theory, the basic game of bowling can be played with any ball shaped object whereby the player is trying to knock over objects by rolling the ball. After that, tenpin bowling started to become very popular in the United States, and fast became a favourite of gamblers. Eventually, a law was passed to prohibit owning a bowling alley. This was a vain attempt to try and disband the gambling community, but the game of bowling persevered throughout the ages. Because the law prohibited ninepin bowling alleys, gamblers quickly caught on and started tenpin bowling, as this was not illegal. Tenpin bowling grew in popularity, and is currently the most popular form of bowling worldwide. Although tenpin bowling is no longer a major attraction for gamblers, it is them we have to thank for popularizing the timeless game of bowling. Share This!
Sex-Switching Frogs Milana Bochkur Dratver \| July 6, 2017 Sex-Switching Frogs Has road salt ever saved you from slipping on ice? While the salt might have saved you from a fall, human interference in the natural habitat can lead to detrimental effects in our neighborhood animal populations. Researchers at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies have found that road salt causes frog sex ratios to change. The researchers reared frogs in multiple 500-liter tanks containing various levels of road salt and leaf litter to mimic a typical forest pond. In the absence of salt, frogs show a female-biased sex ratio of 63% female. They found that when frogs are exposed to road salt, the percentage of females can decrease by up to 10%. Not only are there fewer females, but the remaining females are smaller and likely carry fewer eggs. The scientists conclude that this could be due to elements such as sodium binding to cell receptors and mimicking testosterone, triggering masculinization. Millions of tons of salt are dumped on roads in the United States every year in the winter to prevent snow or rain from freezing and potentially causing car accidents, and this can cause permanent alterations in the frog population. Lead author of the study and Yale Forestry and Environmental Studies (F&ES) graduate student Max Lambert explained that these results have implications beyond frog sex ratios: “The conclusions point to the fact that daily use chemicals are altering sex-hormone pathways.” In a broader health perspective, this means that “benign” chemicals can have relevant hormonal effects. Some research suggests, for instance, that repeated exposure to chlorine, commonly found in drinking water and swimming pools, is associated with hypothyroidism in people. The findings of this study point to the importance of understanding the chemicals in our surroundings, as they can affect multiple physiological pathways in the body, whether human or frog. As for helping out our frog neighbors, possible solutions would be to reduce salt usage or find alternatives during the winter.
Prehistoric times From Wikibooks, open books for an open world Jump to navigation Jump to search ← Introduction ·Palaeolithic age → The history of Pakistan is the history of humanity itself. The land of Pakistan stands witness to the early journey of human beings (and other related hominin species) out of Africa. It is a well-established fact that the early migrations of archaic and modern humans out of Africa began nearly 1.8 million years ago − the earliest of which was the exodus of Homo erectus into the Middle East and Asia. A careful study of the human fossils and stone-age artefacts reveal the story of these early migrations of hominini into South Asia and Pakistan. Early hominin migration[edit] Early palaeolithic settlements[edit] Some of the key sites for this early migration out of Africa are Riwat in Pakistan,[1] Ubeidiya in the Levant and Dmanisi in the Caucasus.[2] These early hominini lived in a hunter-gatherer society and utilised fire. They were the first hominin species that lived in small band-societies, hunted in coordinated groups, used complex tools and cared for their weak companions. There is ample evidence suggesting that some of these early hunter-gatherers settled in what are now the Sivalik regions of Pakistan. From hunter-gatherers to farmers[edit] An ornate statuette figurine from Mehrgarh, c. 3000 BCE. The earliest evidence of food processing in the region comes from tools and implements found at Mehrgarh in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Mehrgarh is one of the most important Neolithic sites in archaeology. It is regarded as one of the earliest sites with evidence of farming and herding in South Asia. Early farming and herding[edit] The semi-nomadic people that came to occupy this land used plants such as wheat and barley and animals such as sheep, goats and cattle. Their settlements were established with simple mud buildings and most of them had four internal subdivisions. Numerous burials have been found, many with elaborate goods such as baskets, stone and bone tools, beads, bangles, pendants and occasionally animal sacrifices, with more goods left with burials of males. Neolithic proto-dentistry[edit] In 2001, archaeologists studying the remains of two men from Mehrgarh made the discovery that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization, from the early Harappan periods, had knowledge of proto-dentistry. Subsequently, in April 2006, it was announced in the scientific journal Nature that the oldest (and first early Neolithic) evidence for the drilling of human teeth in vivo (i.e. in a living person) was found in Mehrgarh.[3] The cradle of civilisation[edit] The notion of prehistory is often derived from the knowledge of society and places reaching an advanced stage of social development and organisation, which is often encompassed in a broader sense by the word ‘civilisation’. Prehistoric Pakistan has been a host to one such remarkable civilisation − the Indus Valley Civilisation. The Indus Valley Civilisation is one of the oldest known human civilisations and was a contemporary of the ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilisations. It is also one of the first human civilisations to use writing as a form of communication where pictographic writing commenced as early as 3,000 BCE.[4] 1. Fleagle et al. (2010) 2. Garcia et al. (2010) 3. Coppa et al. (2006): Flint tips were surprisingly effective for drilling tooth enamel in a prehistoric population ... eleven drilled molar crowns from nine adults discovered in a Neolithic graveyard in Pakistan that dates from 7,500–9,000 years ago. 4. Bellwood & Ness (2014, p. 224): "Pictographic writing had commenced by 3000 BCE in the Middle East, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Pakistan, by 1500 BCE in China, and by 100 BCE amongst the Mayas of Mesoamerica."
728 x 90 Joan of Arc was committed to Church for punishment Joan of Arc Joan of Arc January 3, 1431: Joan of Arc was committed to Church for punishment On January 3, 1431, the French freedom loving heroine, who was sold in Luxemburg to the British due to the treason of pro-British French, was committed to Church for trial. Joan of Arc, a young villager girl who had worn military suit to defend her homeland became the commander of French forces for liberation of Orleans and liberated that city. Later on, she was injured during efforts for liberation of Paris; being betrayed, she was arrested and sold to the British forces. Finally she was sentenced to death in a church court on charge of sorcery and wearing men’s suit. She was burned in a roofless bazaar before the people. She was 19 at the time of being burned. 25 years after her death in 1456, the French bishops rehabilitated her, and later she obtained French heroine title and the Pope canonized her. Latest News and Articles
SAGARIKA group in a society is differentiated by ROLL NO. – h2017ws014 We Will Write a Custom Essay Specifically For You For Only $13.90/page! order now 2017-2019 BATCH Q. Culture is an important site for understanding society: Discuss? Human elements are defined by its culture for instance, the norms and values, learned or acquired behaviours, religious beliefs, art and fashion and so on. Any group in a society is differentiated by its culture. Different societies have different culture and the idea of culture and society are also different. Neither culture nor society can exist without each other. ” Culture… taken in its wide ethnographic sense is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society. The condition of culture among the various societies of mankind, in so far as it is capable of being investigated on general principles, is a subject apt for the study of laws of human thought and action” (Tylor 187:1) Culture refers to the learned, socially acquired traditions of thought and behaviour found in human societies. It is socially acquired lifestyle that includes patterned, repetitive ways of thinking, feeling and acting. The definition of culture consists of patterns of behaviours as well as pattern of thoughts which forms a society. The term society refers to an organized group of people living in common territory, interaction and culture. All societies contain groups of people who have lifestyles that are not shared by the rest of the society, such groups are known as subculture. Every small societies have subcultures A society comprises of different patterns of culture, this culture has evolved over thousands of years and can be identified in five broad categories of components: beliefs, values, language, norms and technology. The content of each category varies from culture to culture and from society to society. A belief is an assumption and convictions that is considered as true by an individual or a group regarding any concepts, events, people and things which is based on past experiences, scientific evidences, religious faith or public opinion. For instance, in India people believe having sweet curd before exams will bring good luck, if the boy’s and the girl’s horoscopes matches before the marriage then their marriage will be successful, which is considered to be good signs whereas there are beliefs which are considered as bad such as while leaving the home sighting a widow or a barren women is considered as unlucky, after the husband’s death his widow is not allowed wear colourful sarees and bindis or eat good food, kept away from auspicious occasions, ostracized from villages and are made to stay on outskirts of villages in inhuman conditions. Beliefs are therefore plays an important role in constructing the mind-set of the people living in a society and these societal beliefs exercises the means of rewarding and punishing the one who violates or follows it. In a social life, the shared agreements which are considered as desirable or undesirable by the members of the society are known as values. Values are generalized standards which define what is important worthwhile and worth striving for. Individual values are strongly influenced by their specific culture. Hierarchy in the society has evolved from traditional values for instance Brahmins occupy the highest position as it is believed that they are emerged from the mouth of the creator whereas Sudras are considered from the lower caste as they are believed to be emerged from the feet of the God. This is how the system of superiority and inferiority comes into the society which has led to other social problems such as untouchability. Values have evolved through ages and they have their importance in all societies but on the main tasks of the contemporary Indian society are to bring synthesis between the traditional social values and the modern social values. Language is a medium of sharing ideas, thoughts, interventions and memories to individuals and to generations. It helps in maintaining social traditions and activities within individuals and across generations and also facilitates social change. Every society follows different linguistic styles and it is common for certain linguistic dialects to be considered as superior to others. Members of the elite strata often consider as their dialect as superior as compare to the dialect of those who belong to lower strata. For instance, in India it is seen that the people who can speak in English fluently are considered superior to the one who can only speak their regional language. In universities and even in government jobs require fluency in English as mandated by the ruling elite and therefore the socioeconomic status of the person is judged by his or her fluency in the language. Language is marked as a social identity and as a result carries importance in defining culture in any society. The established standards of social behaviour which every members of the society are expected to follow are known as social norms. These norms depend on societal sanctions which can be positive or negative. In case of positive sanctions the person is rewarded whereas in negative sanction, the violator of norms suffers from penalties. For instance, in some communities in Haryana, India inter-caste marriage is not allowed as they believe that a girl should get married to her caste only and this norm has been followed by the people since ages. If any man or woman violates this particular norm the consequences are really severe that is it reaches to a level that this community can even kill the girl and the boy in order to protect their honour and tradition. Norms are something which are rooted in institutions and are mainly informally enforced on the individual. The choice of individual for striving towards the cultural goal is regulated and guided by norm. There is a cyclic relationship between technology and culture. Culture develops technology based on the needs or desires of the people and the technology affects the lives of the people, their culture and living standards. This change in lifestyle emerges when the technology developed outside the culture is introduced to the culture providing an external influence. For instance, nowadays we often hide the messages send electronically rather than discussing the issues in person. If one discusses any issue in person, the feelings and thoughts are opened up and are exposed to share and therefore it is convenient for a person to communicate electronically. The culture is as such that we are not building relationships with each other but building relationships with technology and it plays a major role in developing a new form of culture in the society. Ethnocentrism is a belief that one own culture is superior to any other culture. People of that particular culture are in the influence that their culture is best in the world as culture preserves their social heritage, instils pride and fosters loyalty. For instance, terrorism and other hate crimes occurs when one particular community or religion believes that their religion or community is better and superior that others. It generally tends to blind people from looking things from another perspective only because they do things differently which impacts the society in a large way. Ethnocentrism can make people feel as if other community or religion is bad or wrong and provoke them to indulge into terrorist attacks or hate crimes. “The belief that cultures must be judged on their own terms rather than by the standards of another culture is called cultural relativism.” (Eshleman and Cashion, 1983). This gives a perception that an act, idea, form of dress and other cultural manifestation is not right or wrong but it does mean that appropriate behaviour at one place may not be considered as appropriate in other places. It denies the existence of truth independent and different from itself. For instance, in India the practice of polygamy may not be accepted in Hindu culture but in Muslim culture this practice is legal and also prevailing in some parts of the country. Therefore, according to cultural relativism the practice of polygamy is considered right when viewed in cultural context. Culture highly differs from society to society. The Indian way of behaving and living is very different from Western/Arabic/Chinese societies. For instance, in the West a boy or a girl has the freedom to choose their own partner for the marriage whereas in India, till today, leaving few cases aside, the system of finding a suitable match for boy and girl is done by the parents. These diversities make a society or a community unique or different as compare to others. All societies attempt to provide basic human needs that are food, clothing and shelter despite having difference in culture. Cultures are shared and learned behaviour known as cultural universals. Apart from having diverse cultural patterns, there is a fundamental uniformity in these universals. Such universals are marriage, family, food habits, language, housing, religion and other cultural practices. -Paulo CoelhoCulture has great importance and also an identity for the nation, without culture existence of a society is not possible. The components of culture play a vital role in defining the society and the concepts of ethnocentrism, cultural relativism, cultural diversity, universality of culture helps in understanding the society better. Thus, culture is an important site for understanding society. Abraham, M. (2006). Contemporary Sociology. New Delhi, India: Oxford University Press Gaur, V.K. (2009). Growing Cultural Deficit of Contemporary Indian Society. Economic and Political Weekly, 44(21), 23-27. Retrieved from Greertz, C. (1973). The Interpretation of Culture: Selected essays. New York: Basic Books Harris, M. & Johnson, O. (2000). Cultural Anthropology. United States of America: Pearson Publication. Jodhka, S.S. (2013). A Handbook of Contemporary India. Economic and Political Weekly, 48(2), xix+914. Retrieved from McMicheal, P. (2000). Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective. Thousand Oaks, California: Pine Forge Press
Visit Rebecca’s helpful guide for language teachers The Picture Dictionary contains 63 worksheets for learners to color and collect. Each sheet covers a topic such as animals, objects, verbs, or rhymes, making it easy for teachers to prepare for lessons. Buy the whole book or select just the pages you need, using the free table of contents as a guide. Individual pages Table of Contents 1.1 How do you feel? 1.2 Opposites 1.3 This is the opposite 1.4 What is the opposite? 2.1 A Day at the Zoo 2.2 Animals at the Zoo 2.3 Animals of the World 2.4 Let's visit the farm! 2.5 Sea Creatures 2.6 The Pet Shop 2.7 They live in the garden! 2.8 Who's in the forest? 3.1 Don't forget! 3.2 What are you wearing? 3.3 Winter Clothes 4.1 From the Fruit Farm 4.2 Fruit Salad 4.3 In the Vegetable Patch 4.4 It is sweet to eat! 4.5 It's time for breakfast! 4.6 It's time for lunch! 4.7 Our Garden 4.8 Please pass the salt 4.9 The Shopping List 5.1 Christmas Toys 5.2 Happy Halloween! 5.3 Happy Holidays! 6.1 Color the rainbow 6.2 Let's count! 6.3 Pictures from A to Z 6.4 Shapes 6.5 What time is it? 7.1 Around the Room 7.2 At the Beach 7.3 At the Playground 7.4 Furniture 7.5 In the Toolbox 7.6 It's bedtime! 7.7 It's time for sports! 7.8 Let's go outside! 7.9 Let's have a costume party! 7.10 Let's make a rhyme! 7.11 Let's make some music! 7.12 Let's tidy up! 7.13 My School Supplies 7.14 On the Table 7.15 Our City 7.16 Our House 7.17 Outdoor Adventure 7.18 Outside 7.19 Rhyme Time 7.20 The Seasons 7.21 These are the parts of everybody! 7.22 We can go by... 7.23 Wet Weather 7.24 What's in the bathroom? 7.25 What's in your house? 8.1 Big People 8.2 Family 9.1 Pronouns 10.1 He is busy! 10.2 The child is... 10.3 What is he doing? This collection of colorful flashcards contains over 500 pictures of objects, verbs, adjectives, and more, spanning 128 pages. Each A4 sheet contains 4 flashcards with guidelines for cutting. Buy the whole set or try the free supplement cards below before you decide. A pattern for the back is also included. Supplement cards, 14 pages Table of Contents, 4 pages Back of Cards, 1 page The Activity Worksheets are the perfect follow-up pages for practicing new words or reviewing old lessons. Each topic has one worksheet for young learners and another for writers. There are also several templates for classroom activities such as paper money, holiday crafts, and game pieces.
What Really is Innovation Apparently, this is a simple question. Unfortunately, innovation is highly misunderstood word. In Google search, innovation shows up as lightbulbs, with spark in them.Commonly, innovation is perceived as the creative spark in the mind of genius—giving the impression that only genius innovates . with spark in them.C It’s also perceived as just a different way of doing thing.Here, I will address innovation from the perspective of taking an idea to market to generate profitable revenue. From this perspective, innovation can take three major distinct forms: • 1. Innovating new product, • 2. Improving existing products, and • 3. Improving the processes to make products. The journey of taking a new product, usually around a new technology core, begins with a loss making revenue. Initially, the product shows up in a bit primitive from, and the cost is also high. Turning this natural tendency of loss making revenue is a challenge.The journey then gets upgraded to continuously improving the underlyingtechnologies, adding new features, and also improving the existing ones. The process of producing the product also become the subject of improvement. Objective of these improvements are basically to keep improving thequality and reducing the cost of subsequent versions, for turning the loss making revenue into profit. Unfortunately, many innovation journeys fail in turning the loss making revenue to profit. This has been the root cause of high start-up failure. Despite the great idea and charismatic leadership, Tesla has beenstruggling to reach profit, in taking the electric vehicle idea to market. Once the innovative product starts showing the indication of making profit, followers show up. To counter this imitation force, the product is to be kept improving at a faster rate than followers can imitate. Some of the imitators also graduate as innovators—succeeding in bringing better version. For example, Samsung entered the smartphone industry as imitator, but graduated as an innovator. Dealing with this competition force is a serious challenge in succeeding with innovation.With the success of generating profitable revenue, innovation faces the challenge of substitution, with the threat of disruption. To counter it, often the option is to switch the technology core. But when to switch becomes a question. Nokia’s failure to make such a switch led to catastrophic disasters. To succeed in innovation, it’s more than having creative ideas. Here are some basic principles in articulating the journey of innovation in taking ideas to market at profit.
I ask because Kleene mentions the possibility in Mathematical Logic, but I am not sure if he meant this as something he's aware of, or as a hypothetical possibility. I also enjoy the first part of Gensler's Introduction to Logic where he develops a simple formal calculus based on Aristotle's term logic where the WFF's must be in one of the forms: all A is B, some A is B, no A is B, some A is not B, a is B, a is not B, a is b, and a is not b. Capital letters represent groups (sets) and small letters represent individuals (members). More here on his system. To me, this represents a pretty good example of a restricted English formal system. I also enjoy how many arguments, both philosophical and informal, can be analyzed in this simple notation. But now I wonder about extending his notation so that more of first order logic can be translated into this restricted English formal system. For instance, I'm wondering about the possibilities of extending the syntax the include extensions of the Aristotlean form where the predicate term is another categorical proposition, such as "all A is some B", or including relations like "all A is R to some B". I doubt the entire first-order logic can be translated in this way without creating a syntax more difficult, or convoluted, than the terse symbolic notation that is now in common use. It could be asked why I would want something like this, why don't I just use the existing notation. I think the main reason is that my primary interest isn't in mathematics, and I've just found it difficult to translate arguments I read in works of philosophy, or even with informal reasoning, into this terse symbolic notation. I've been studying logic on my own for years, but never had much success actually applying the discipline until I started reading Gensler's book. I think it might be better for non-mathematical purposes to develop a notation for logic that is closer to the idioms of English to ease transcription both ways, but can still be just as easily transcribed into the full first-order notation when the correctness of the logic is in dispute. So basically, does something like this already exist that goes further than Gensler's simple system? • 1 I wonder what exactly you are looking for. I would say that it is fairly straightforward to develop a restricted English to express concepts out of set-theory: not that you're looking for an English version of set-theory, but that anything expressible in mathematics can be expressed in a so-called "natural" language if you use the words carefully (though almost any ideas you wish to convey will likely involve a great many non-logical axioms: merely to express the concept of time, for instance). – Niel de Beaudrap Dec 1 '13 at 18:06 • 1 In some sense, a number of research programmes in logic (such as modal logic and deontic logic specifically) are motivated by trying to formalize certain naive expectations of "should do" and "could have been"; these would lend themselves fairly naturally to transliteration back into English. The same could be said of any programme in logic which attempts to extend or alter the mainstream logical framework by accomodating features which are motivated by the causal daily use of language. – Niel de Beaudrap Dec 1 '13 at 18:11 • My interest is not in mathematics, but in philosophical or informal reasoning. I'm looking to see if someone has already developed a syntax for first order, or some fragment of first order, logic that is more idiomatic while straightforwardly translatable into standard first order logic (for establishing correctness, etc). I just wonder if anyone knows if this has been done, in a comprehensive and rigorous way, or if this is perhaps not something of interest to logicians. Basically, it is something that I think I would like to work on, if it hasn't been done. – Kevin Holmes Dec 2 '13 at 19:53 • Gensler's system above is sort of what I have in mind, but I would like to avoid the use of variables as much as possible (when you convert (x)(cat(x) -> mammal(x)) to All cats are mammals, the variables disappear), and I would like to go beyond the Aristotlean forms. I would also like to include modal logic, and dealing with logic in intensional contexts, but I do worry about making the logic too computationally complex, as I don't have the knowledge or skills personally to determine if the system remains decidable. – Kevin Holmes Dec 2 '13 at 19:58 • Basically, I want to see a set of logical constants that aren't terse mathematical symbols, but are idiomatic words like "some", "all", "implies", and "not. Parenthesis will probably be required. Instead of single letters to represent non-logical constants, you should be able to insert entire English expressions that will represent non-analyzed expressions that might be broken down further. Basically, the point is to adapt logical symbolism for analysis of reasoning than for use in mathematics or for the investigation into logic as such. – Kevin Holmes Dec 2 '13 at 20:07 If I understand what it is you are looking for, then it might be "Controlled English". One well-known specific system is Attempto Controlled English (I would start with the wikipedia article), but I think that there are others as well. I'm pretty sure Attempto goes beyond syllogism, but I don't know whether it actually captures all of first order logic. • 1 I like the inherent humbleness in how they named it... – Chris Sunami Oct 12 '17 at 15:52 Professors Fred Sommers and George Englebretsen have developed a logical system comparable in power to the first-order predicate calculus, but which is "Aristotelian" in spirit. That is to say, it's more like natural language and thus easier to translate natural language expressions into logical notation. See Something To Reckon With : The Logic of Terms (Englebretsen) and An Invitation To Formal Reasoning : The Logic of Terms (Sommers & Englebretsen) Both available from Amazon. See also Hanoch Ben-Yami's Logic & Natural Language, which you can download from here. Your Answer
Tus cosas (0) & MENU PLANNER: Kale is a super-popular vegetable and with good reason! There are also many varieties of kale. It is easy to grow, hardy, tasty, and a nutritional powerhouse. It comes from the Brassicaceae family and is related to cabbage. Why is it good for my body? Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K and manganese. It is also a good source of fiber, copper, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6. Where does it come from? Kale is grown and eaten worldwide. Historically, kale has proven to be a food that would grow during harsh winters in Europe since it can withstand temperatures as low as 10 degrees. It is inexpensive so it remains a staple in hard times. What season is it fresh? Kale likes cooler temperatures so it is available fresh from the farm in the spring and fall, often growing right up until the first frost. Because it is so popular, it is available year-round in grocery stores. How do I store and handle it? Store your kale in the refrigerator, and wash it well before use. What are ways to eat it? Kale can be eaten raw in salads or smoothies. Kale chips are a favorite in the Yum Kitchen! We also love to add kale to soups, stews, egg dishes, and stir fry. Found in the Produce section kale in meal-o-matic
Explore Teaching Examples \| Provide Feedback Hovmoller Diagrams Hovmoller diagrams are great for displaying large amounts of data in a meaningful and understandable form. The image on the left graphical shows the El Nino signal in the equatorial Pacific (100 W to 140 E longitude) since 1986(click to enlarge). This is a Hovmoller plot of 5-day mean, 2 N to 2S Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) and SST anomalies in the tropical pacific from NOAA PMEL (more info) As another example this second image summarizes the vertical profile of ozone over the South Pole as measured by ozone sondes during the year 2001. This Hovmoller plot was obtained from NOAA CMDL . It clearly shows two important features of the ozone hole. The first is that the ozone hole occurs during September and October and is not a year-long phenomenon. Secondly, the ozone hole is not like a hole through your pants but more like a 3-dimensional hole in a loaf of bread.
The Symptoms and Causes of Hypersomnia sleep options memory foam mattress, sleep options natural latex mattress, sleep options mattress,Hypersomnia is a disorder characterized by excessive sleepiness. It is a condition that is opposite to insomnia, in which people have trouble staying awake during the day. People who have hypersomnia are able to fall asleep at any point in time, whether it be during work or while they’re driving. The National Sleep Foundation has reported that up to 40% of Americans have experienced hypersomnia symptoms at some point in their life. Symptoms: Hypersomnia causes people to experience prolonged periods of sleep, in which they have difficulty waking up from and feel disoriented when doing so. People with hypersomnia may sleep up to 12 hours per night but still need to take frequent naps during the day. These naps can occur at any point: during work, while they’re enjoying a meal or during a normal conversation. While napping is a reaction to excessive daytime sleepiness, they usually provide no relief from the symptoms. Other symptoms can include anxiety, hallucinations, slow speech and thinking, decreased energy, loss of appetite, trouble with memory, restlessness and increased irritability. These symptoms may have a profound impact on their family, social and occupational relationships, as a person may have difficulty functioning in these settings. The symptoms usually appear in young adolescence or early adulthood and can be categorized in two different ways: primary hypersomnia and recurrent hypersomnia. Primary hypersomnia is when a person displays symptoms steadily for months or even years. Someone who suffers from recurrent hypersomnia may experience symptoms many times throughout the year mixed with normal sleep cycles. Causes: Hypersomnia may be caused by an array of conditions and disorders. Brain damage, celiac disease, fibromyalgia, and depression have all been linked to hypersomnia. Additionally, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder can play a role in hypersomnia. Sleep deprivation, being overweight, certain medications, head injuries, drug or alcohol abuse and genetics are more causes associated with the sleep disorder as well. If you are constantly feeling drowsy during the day, it is important that you speak to your doctor. If you are diagnosed with hypersomnia, your doctor will be able to prescribe medications or other treatments that will best counteract the causes of your excessive daytime sleepiness. If you or anyone you know has dealt with hypersomnia, please feel free to share your experience in the comments. Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Google photo Twitter picture Facebook photo Connecting to %s
Mad Cow Regulations Still Outdated (en anglais seulement) Nearly four months have passed since the discovery of a solitary case of mad cow disease threw Canada's beef business into turmoil, and what has changed? When it comes to the rules aimed at preventing the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy through tainted cattle feed, the answer is: nothing. The regulations that were in place before the crisis remain unrevised, even though federal officials admit they are clearly outdated. In June, an international team of experts asked by Ottawa to study the system proposed key reforms, and Agriculture Minister Lyle Vanclief and Health Minister Anne McLellan promised a quick response. But as of last week, federal officials would only say that the panel's recommendations are still being mulled over - and the government refuses to be pushed into setting a timetable for action. The go-slow approach might be unsurprising if Canada's existing safeguards were considered good enough. The main one is a ban on feeding the rendered remains of cows, sheep and other ruminants to, well, cows, sheep and other ruminants. After that unnatural diet was found to be at the root of Britain's BSE epidemic, Canada and the U.S. moved together to outlaw the practice in 1997. Bone and meat meal made from cattle, however, is still allowed to be mixed into feed meant for other farm animals, such as pigs and chickens. That raises the possibility of feeds getting mixed up - a serious risk flagged by both the international panel and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization. But in 1997, when the regulations were put in place, along with an inspection regime to enforce them, BSE was still considered a remote risk in North America. "Now we're having to deal with a real-life finding," Sergio Tolusso, feed program coordinator for the federal Canadian Food Inspection Agency, told Maclean's. "So we have to revisit what we're doing and perhaps make some changes." As well, Canada has not yet acted on the panel's call for a total ban on the use of so-called specified risk materials in all animal feeds, such as bovine spinal cords and brains, the body parts most likely to be infected with BSE. (Ottawa banned such high-risk material this summer from human food products.) Farmers, feed makers and government officials are quick to claim that the risk of cross-contamination is small. But the margin of error when it comes to mad cow disease has to be exceedingly slim - given the economic havoc wreaked by just one case. And the current rules are not always being followed. About 600 feed plants and 30 renderers are inspected once a year by Tolusso's agency. He said that in 2001-2002, the latest figures available, three per cent of the feed plants inspected were not in compliance with the ruminant feed restrictions. "We haven't found any cases of complete lack of control where people are willfully putting the wrong things in the wrong place," he said. What sorts of violations are being discovered, then? Tolusso puts it this way: "There's human errors, there's oversights, and there's perhaps a lack of understanding on the industry's part of what the expectations are." Nor does the feed industry know what to expect next. "Frankly, we're really not sure what direction the government wants to take," said Christine Mercier, general manager of the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada, which represents feed companies. As for the cattle farmers, their umbrella group, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, argues the expert panel's recommendations would raise costs unnecessarily, and is pleased Ottawa hasn't moved yet to implement them. "We're satisfied that they're not jumping too far ahead," said Rob McNabb, the association's assistant manager. He urges Ottawa not to tighten feed rules except in coordination with the United States. And with cattle producers resisting tougher regulations, federal politicians are sticking with the ones their own officials admit need to be overhauled. THE FARMERS GAMBLE: Is it better to sell cattle at a loss or keep them? AUTUMN is a pivotal season for the cattle industry. It's when cow/calf operators usually ship most of their young animals to feedlots, to be raised to market weight, then sold again to processors. It's also the time when many ranchers look to "cull" - the industry's polite term for slaughter - breeding cattle more than 30 months old to make room for younger animals. But this fall, the traditional rhythms have been rent asunder by the fallout over one mad cow discovered in Alberta on May 20. With the crucial American market still shut tight against all live cattle exports as well as meat products from older animals, Canadian cattle prices are half of what they were just four months ago. Producers face an unpalatable choice: either dispense with their cattle now at fire-sale prices or try to wait out the border closure and incur the costs of keeping their animals alive through the winter. Canada's beef industry has lost an estimated $11 million a day in export sales since 34 countries sealed their borders in May. A hint of relief came in August when the United States and Mexico, Canada's two largest customers, agreed to accept boneless meat cuts from cattle under 30 months of age - animals considered too young to contract mad cow disease. But the continuing ban on live animals is punishing: in 2002, Canada exported $1.8 billion worth of live cattle, almost all of it to the U.S. Meanwhile, the shunning of older cows threatens to create further backlogs in the production cycle. In response, some farm groups are pressing for a government-subsidized slaughter of more than 600,000 older cattle; in a worst-case scenario, some carcasses would simply be buried. But both the Canadian Cattlemen's Association and the Alberta Beef Producers, which together represent more than 100,000 cattle operators, reject that approach. Among other things, they fear the public would recoil at the image of mass cattle graves. With export bans likely to stay in effect for several more months, keeping the support of domestic customers is a top industry priority. When Britain and Japan suffered mad cow outbreaks, consumers responded by dramatically cutting back on beef. By contrast, Canadians, apparently convinced their beef remains safe to eat, purchased 62 per cent more burgers, steaks and roasts this July than in the same month last year. Without that vote of confidence, says Ron Axelson, general manager of the Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association, "this industry would be dead by now." See also: Agriculture and Food; Animal Agriculture; Beef Cattle Farming Maclean's September 22, 2003
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Washington Irving Literary Birthday – 3 April – Washington Irving Nine Quotes 1. The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper with use. 5. He is the true enchanter, whose spell operates, not upon the senses, but upon the imagination and the heart. 7. There is never jealousy where there is not strong regard. Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, biographer and historian. Irving is remembered for his fictional works, including Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. He also wrote biographies and historical non-fiction. He was one of the first noted American authors to be highly acclaimed in Europe during his life time. Many of Irving’s works have inspired adaptations to the stage and film. Irving served as the United States ambassador to Spain and promoted international copyright. by Amanda Patterson Become A Writers Write Patron
Ex 2.2 Q4 Fractions-and-Decimals-Solutions NCERT Maths Class 7 Go back to 'Ex.2.2' (i) $\begin{align}\frac{1}{2}\end{align}$ of the circles in box (a) (ii) $\begin{align}\frac{2}{3}\end{align}$ of the triangles in box (b) (iii) $\begin{align}\frac{3}{5}\end{align}$ of the squares in box (c) Text Solution What is known? Fraction of the figure to be shaded and unshaded figure. What is unknown? Shaded figure according to given fraction. First multiple the fraction by number of parts of given figure that’s how we will get what number of parts need to be shade. (i) Total number of circles in box $(a) = 12$ $\begin{align}\frac{1}{2}\text{ of circles}&=\frac{1}{2} \times 12 \\&= 6\, \text{circles}\end{align}$ So, $6$ circles should be shaded (ii) Total number of triangles in box $(b) = 9$ $\begin{align}\frac{2}{3} \text{ of triangles} &=\frac{2}{3} \times 9 \\&= 6 \,\text{triangles}\end{align}$ So, $6$ triangles should be shaded. iii) Total number of squares in box $(c) = 15 $ $\begin{align}\frac{3}{5} \,{\rm of }\,\times 15\, \text{squares} &= \frac{3}{5} \times 15 \\&= 3 \times 3 \\&= 9 \text{ squares}\end{align}$ So, $9$ squares should be shaded Learn from the best math teachers and top your exams • Live one on one classroom and doubt clearing • Practice worksheets in and after class for conceptual clarity • Personalized curriculum to keep up with school
Transformer Cooling System Transformer Cooling System: Transformer Cooling System (Large Units) – Basically, there are two seats of losses in a transformer namely: • Core, where eddy current and hysteresis losses occur (caused by alternating density). • Windings (primary and secondary) where I2R or copper loss occurs because of the current flowing in these. Heat due to losses must be removed efficiently from these two main parts of the transformer so that steady temperature rise is limited to allowable figure imposed by the class of insulation used. The problem of cooling in transformers (and in fact for all electric machinery) is rendered increasingly difficult with increasing size of the transformer. This is argued as below: The same specific loss (loss/unit volume) is maintained by keeping constant core flux density and current density in the conductor as the transformer rating is increased. Imagine that the linear dimensions of transformer are increased k times. Its core flux and conductor current would then increase by k2 times and so its rating becomes k4 times. The losses increase by a factor of k3 (same as volume), while the surface area (which helps dissipate heat) increases only by a factor of k2. So the loss per unit area to be dissipated is increased k times. Larger units therefore become increasingly more difficult to cool compared to the smaller ones. This can lead to formation of hot spots deep inside the conductors and core which can damage the insulation and core properties. More effective means of heat removal must therefore be adopted with ducts inside the core and windings to remove the heat right from the seats of its generation.
El Salvador’s Metal-mining Ban El Salvador’s Metal-mining Ban Guarantee Basic Rights and Responsibilities In 2017, El Salvador became the first country to ban all activities of metal-mining within its borders. Mining metals is an intensive process that requires large amounts of water to extract the minerals. It also causes pollution and water contamination. As the most densely populated country in Central America, with rich metal resources, but scarce water sources, 90% of El Salvador`s surface water is polluted and not fit for consumption even after it is chlorinated or filtered. There is a danger of extreme scarcity if no preventive measures are taken. As a big step towards protecting the existing water resources, and improving the health conditions of the public, El Salvador banned metal-mining on 29 March 2017, with a legislative decision that united the entire political spectrum of the country and received support from 77% of the population. At a Glance “No to mining, yes to life” Slogan of anti-mining protests • El Salvador officially banned metal mining on 29 March 2017 unanimously, 69 to 0, with every party voting in favour of the ban. • Being the most densely populated country in Central America and possessing scarce water resources, El Salvador chose to protect its water supply and chose not to exploit its rich metal resources. • The ban united different groups within the country and set an example to other countries with similar problems. Policy Reference Connected Policies Selection as a Future-Just Policy El Salvador banned all metal-mining activities within its border by passing the legislation unanimously in March 2017. El Salvador is a water scarce country, with 90% of its surface water polluted. It is also the most densely populated country in Central America which magnifies the water supply problems. The climate of El Salvador is also a factor. Tropical storms and hurricanes that typically occur often spread the chemicals used in mining. As a country that has engaged in metal-mining for centuries, El Salvador’s decision to ban all metal-mining was not reached easily. It was a grassroots movement led by local communities who experienced health problems and scarce clean water that led the Legislative Commission to pass the ban. After the increasing environmental damage and a highly publicised international law suit by a foreign firm demanding millions of dollars unless allowed to continue its damaging activities, the people of El Salvador decided to ban metal-mining, with an overwhelming 77% of the people supporting the ban. The creation and implementation of the Metal-mining Ban are in line with the Future-Just Policy criteria. Future-Just Policy Scorecard Our “Best Policies” are those that meet the Future Just Lawmaking Principles and recognise the interconnected challenges we face today. The goal of principled policy work is to ensure that important universal standards of sustainability and equity, human rights and freedoms, and respect for the environment are taken into account. It also helps to increase policy coherence between different sectors. Sustainable use of natural resources • In El Salvador, 90% of the surface water is polluted in a way that it is not fit for consumption even after the water is boiled, chlorinated or filtered. The quality of the water is not the only problem, since the quantity of water supplies is very limited. • Metal-mining requires large amounts of water and there is evidence suggesting that it causes acid drainage. San Sebastian River contained cyanide levels nine times above and iron levels 1000 times above the maximum allowable limit according to a test conducted by the El Salvador Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources. • The ban will provide much needed protection for the remaining water supplies and will improve the existing water supplies and health problems associated with mining activities. Equity and poverty eradication • The ban upholds the human right to water and provides protection against irresponsible exploitation of natural resources. • The voice of the local communities is heard, empowering them in the process of decision making, which could have a spill-over effect to other policy areas. Precautionary approach • Given the existing problems with water resources, El Salvador took the necessary step to protect its water resources from further damage. • The ban is the result of public opinion and concern over the dangers of metal mining; the public decided that metal-mining was not worth risking further damage to precious water supplies. Public participation, access to information and justice • The creation and implementation of the ban was achieved due to powerful demands of the local communities. • The public was the determining force in the decision to ban all metal-mining, a high degree of public participation was achieved. • The ban was perceived by the public as a just resolution to long term unjust activities. Good governance and human security • The relation of the ban with some controversial provisions of free trade agreements highlights the need for just and democratic governance. • Public health has been prioritized over short term financial gain and the ban contributes to securing the future generations` access to clean water. • The ban improves both the water supplies and the health problems associated with mining, thus improving the overall conditions in the affected areas. Integration and interrelationship • The ban addresses an environmental problem which was also causing inequality and a sense of injustice within the community. • The unfair consequences of free trade agreements were also addressed because the ban affirms El Salvador sovereignty on its own resources. Common but differentiated responsibilities • The Legislative Assembly took responsibility in reflecting the local reality by turning the demands of the local communities into official legislation. • The ban was passed by the parliament due to efforts from both NGOs and the broader public. • Groups with different political views were united with the aim to implement the ban after the country experienced an unjustly filed law suit and the murders of local activists. After the devastating effects of the civil war, El Salvador tried to improve its economic stance by pursuing developments in the mining sector. In 1996, the Congress approved a law to promote foreign investment in mining and welcomed international investors. However, when scarce water supplies started to deteriorate and health problems such as dermatological, ocular, nervous and respiratory problems caused by contaminated water became widespread, local communities began opposing the existence of mines and a bottom-to-top growing awareness against mines reached high levels. Strong demand from the public urged the government to stop issuing metal-mining permits in 2006. In 2009, a foreign mining firm filed a law suit against the country, demanding around 300 million USD in damages, for refusing to allow its mining activities. The highly publicized case increased the opposition and awareness amongst the public and the murders of local environmental activists fueled the sentiment against international mining firms even more. With the additional support from the Catholic Church, the public was able to influence the Legislative Commission towards the direction of passing the ban and the official ban was declared in 2017. The objective of the metal-mining ban is to protect El Salvador`s clean water supply and avoid the further pollution of its scarce water resources. Methods of Implementation The government stopped issuing and renewing mining permits in 2006. The existing mining firms could have continued their activities until their permit expired but this measure was dissuasive for both existing and potential newcomer firms, since the permits would not be renewed. The legislation officially banning metal-mining within the borders was passed unanimously by the parliament in March 2017. The environmental impact of the policy is yet to be seen but the ban will stop the pollution of water supplies. Health problems caused by metal-mining will also decrease due to less pollution, improving the overall living conditions for local communities. The ban has empowered both the local communities who were faced with the negative consequences of metal-mining and the local civil activists. The successful grassroots movement proved to the locals that other issues can be resolved by raising their concerns and becoming more involved in decisions affecting their lives. Women were particularly active in such activities, which makes the implementation of the ban especially empowering to women. The success of the co-operation of local communities is inspiring and creates a potential transferable model, especially for neighbouring countries experiencing similar problems due to metal-mining. Potential as a Transferable Model The policy set an example to countries with similar environmental circumstances. Partial bans on mining, such as banning the use of cyanide and open pit mining do exist in countries like Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Turkey, Costa Rica and Colombia, but El Salvador is the first country to introduce a blanket metal-mining ban. Therefore, positive results of this policy have the potential to influence many other countries. Additionally, the high degree of public participation in the process will inspire local communities, who live in problematic mining areas in other parts of the world, to act against destructive mining activities. Additional Resources Ford Foundation “Choosing Water Over Gold” Oxfam America, ‘“Members of Congress urge El Salvador to protect environment and communities from mining”‘. Oxfam International, ‘“El Salvador takes historic step with national ban on mining projects”‘. Almendares, J., Epstein, P., Climate change and health vulnerabilities, State of the World, W.W.. Norton Company, New York, 2009. Print this page
Home Geospatial Applications Miscellaneous China to launch space station modules China to launch space station modules The Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which put China’s first manned spacecraft onto the orbit early this month, is capable of launching modules of space stations in the future. Some facilities at the center as well as the propellant of the rocket might need to be upgraded however, said Yu Jianping, deputydesigner-in-chief of the launch center system and director of the Beijing Special Engineering Design Institute. The center was world-class and could be used to launch a 10-tonmodule of space station after the upgrading. Construction of the launch center began in 1993 and was completed in 1998. It assembles, tests and transports rockets and space vehicles in an upright way and through remote and automatic control. It was of the most advanced model in the world, ensuring the efficiency and quality of rocket and spacecraft assembly and testing. The center had two upright assembly platforms and one launch pad, which allowed it to launch a space station capable of dockingby different modules in the space. The center could conduct two launches a week. All the equipment and installations at the center were designedto accommodate the launch of space stations in the future. The assembly workshop had an access, eight meters tall and eight meters wide, to allow for the future movement of a space station.
Using technology for social impact Watch this short video Introducing Mangoman Watch this Q&A from the World Health Organization for the answers. What is a coronavirus? Where do they come from? How can I protect myself? Click here for more information This video is an eye opener. In this video, António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations warns of the dangerous threat posed by climate change. Sustainable development is the only solution. Over 820 million people are suffering from hunger Globally Limit global warming to 1.50C to avoid irreversible and catastrophic impacts. Cyber Crime Cybercrime is a crime that involves a computer and a network. The computer may have been used in the commission of a crime. Online payment frauds have become rampant in recent times, and Mangoman is committed to educating the citizens on how the crime takes place and the steps to be taken aftermath of the crime. Watch our first video of the series about the Voucher Scam. Our fight against Fake News on social media Fake News can be disastrous for you and everyone around you if shared without verifying the source. This video highlights five reasons why fake news goes viral. Always verify the source of news/information before sharing. We all read Wikipedia but ever thought that someone is bearing the cost to maintain it? The Wikimedia Foundation hosts Wikipedia, and the price of a cup of coffee is all they ask. Mangoman advocates the use of technology for social impact, and Wikipedia plays a significant role in providing non-commercial, bias-free information to its users. Let us contribute any possible amount to keep it online and unbiased in the years to come. Your Donation is used to maintain Wikipedia's servers, bandwidth, maintenance, and development. For questions, please contact Videos worth watching
Study: Red Meat May Increase Risk for Breast Cancer According to a new study from scientists at Harvard University, eating red meat may lead to an increased risk for breast cancer. The research was published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine. NPR logo Study: Red Meat May Increase Risk for Breast Cancer Study: Red Meat May Increase Risk for Breast Cancer Audio is no longer available Today, there's new information about risk factors for breast cancer. According to a study from scientists at Harvard University, eating red meat may lead to an increased risk for the disease. The research was published yesterday in the Archives of Internal Medicine, and is no doubt of great interest to women. Breast cancer is one of the diseases women fear most. But sorting through all the research on risk factors can be difficult. If you have a question of this new research or other risk factors for breast cancer, give us a call at 1-800-989-TALK. And joining us now is Dr. Deborah Armstrong. She is an associate professor of oncology, gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. And she joins us now from the studios of WYPR in Baltimore. Thanks so much for being with us. Dr. DEBORAH ARMSTRONG (Oncology, Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University): You're welcome, Lynn. NEARY: Now, tell us about this new study. How did the researchers collect their findings? Dr. ARMSTRONG: Well, this is actually part of a very longstanding study - the Nurses' Health Study II - and actually that's the second part of the Nurses' Health Study. In these studies, nurses every two years fill out fairly detailed information, including dietary information and sometimes send in specimens of toenails and hair. And it's considered very reliable data. This is a group of women who are very motivated to do the reports. And they, over time, also report any diseases or medical illnesses that they have. So the unique aspects of this study are: number one, that it's prospective, meaning that it's not going back in time and looking at what happened, but it's actually taking women as they go along in time and looking at health effects. The second is that it's actually looking at a fairly young group of women when we're talking about looking at risk factors for breast cancer. These women were between 26 and 46 when they started doing the questionnaires. And it looked at a specific subtype of breast cancer in this group of patients. And that's - in particular, the hormone receptor positive breast cancers, which is responsible for a little over half of the breast cancers that we see. And so it was a fairly unique study in the realm of these large dietary and other risk factor studies. NEARY: Well, can you just tell us specifically what - how big a risk factor is eating red meat? I mean, how does somebody sort this out? I mean, everybody eats red meat, you know - a lot of people do, should they be concerned? Should anyone who eats red meat - any woman who eats red meat be concerned? Dr. ARMSTRONG: Well, I think the first thing is that number one, there's been a very large number of studies over the past years that have not clearly correlated red meat consumption with breast cancer risk. I think that's the first thing. But, in particular, because they looked at a specific subgroup of women - younger women - and a specific subgroup of cancers, that may explain why this study shows a positive correlation with increasing red meat consumption compared to those other studies. And what they did was they basically quantified women. Did they eat three or fewer servings of red meat a week? Did they eat somewhere four to five? More than five? Or more than one and a half servings of red meat a day? And they really quantified those into basically five groups and they looked at the breast cancer risk in those groups. And what they really found was, you know, if you look at kind of a linear progression of risk across those groups, there's a pretty clear cut increase in the risk of breast cancer across that increasing use of red meat. NEARY: So that - I think so the message is cut out red meat? Is that the message? Dr. ARMSTRONG: Well, I don't know that it necessarily means cut out red meat. I think like most dietary issues, it's probably not quite as simple as that. I think the issue with red meat is that it's not like it's a medication that you need to take, and if you don't take it there's going to be some negative health effects. So what I think almost all the studies have persistently shown is that variety is important, not having one type of food that you eat constantly. But I think certainly from this study it would suggest that women should take in three or fewer servings of red meat a week if they are concerned about their risk of breast cancer. NEARY: All right. Let's take a call now from Jim in Cleveland, Ohio. JIM (Caller): Yes. Can you hear me? NEARY: Yes, go ahead. JIM: Yes. I'm wondering about the link just between animal protein and cancer. That's - you know, studies have been done years ago, and a book like The China Study, you know, covers that quite extensively. And I'm wondering what your take is, you know, on that. Dr. ARMSTRONG: I think that's actually a good question. You know, one of the reasons that these researchers did this study was because they had previously looked not at meat per se, but they had looked at fat intake. And what they found was that the total fat intake did not appear to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. But increased animal fat uptake, which obviously, depending on the type of meat you eat, you will get more or less animal fat. And that really prompted to do this study. You know, one of the issues when you look at animal protein intake is that if woman, or if anybody, takes in less animal protein, they're usually taking in more of something else, and that may be, for example, plant-based proteins or it may be vegetables. And maybe there's a positive health effect from taking in more of those. And so it's sometimes hard to say is it really decreasing eating less red meat, or is the fact that when you eat less red meat you may eat more of other things that have a positive health benefit. And I think those remain a little bit difficult to tease out. NEARY: All right. Thanks for your call, Jim. JIM: Okay, thank you. NEARY: Now this risk factor joins a list of other risk factors that have been known about for some time. First, maybe you could remind us what the other risk factors are, and how does this fit in with them? How does a woman make a decision about what's the most serious one for her? Dr. ARMSTRONG: Sure. Well, first is that breast cancer is a disease of aging; and as women get older, their risk of breast cancer goes up. Family history also definitely contributes to breast cancer risk. There are some genes that people can inherit that put them at very high risk. That's not responsible for a lot of breast cancer, but it's responsible for probably somewhere around 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer. Most of the other risk factors appear to be pretty clearly hormonal risk factors. And what they basically have shown is sort of the longer you are exposed to the normal female hormones that are produced by the - normally produced by the ovaries, the higher the risk of breast cancer. So starting your menses early in life, going through menopause later in life, essentially extending the period of hormonal exposure by taking hormone-replacement therapy at menopause, are risk factors. And in fact it may be that these dietary issues really are indirect measures of hormonal exposure. One of the things that we know is that when meat is well cooked, that some of the compounds that formed actually stimulate hormone production in women. So really this may be another form of a hormonal risk for breast cancer. NEARY: Interesting. All right. We're going to take another call now from Lisa(ph) in San Francisco. Hi, Lisa. LISA (Caller): Yes, hello. NEARY: Go ahead. LISA: My sister was diagnosed two weeks ago with breast cancer. NEARY: Oh, I'm sorry. How is she doing? LISA: She's doing all right, she is. But my question to you is if you could just speak a little bit more about family history. You did just speak about it. NEARY: Sure. LISA: And you said that it has to do with 5 to 10 percent. I'm not terribly articulate. NEARY: That's okay. LISA: (unintelligible) take a second. Dr. ARMSTRONG: Well, Lisa, you sound young. How old is your sister? LISA: Well, I'm 45, and my sister is 48 years old, and… Dr. ARMSTRONG: The things that we know about, Lisa, about familial breast cancer are usually that there will be early onset breast cancer, and we consider below the age of 50 early onset. LISA: Okay. Dr. ARMSTRONG: There will usually be multiple cases in the family that span multiple generations, but in small families you might not see that. LISA: Right. Dr. ARMSTRONG: There's also an association with ovarian cancer. So if there's ovarian cancer in the family, that might prompt concern about this. And it's also associated with male breast cancer, which I think, as most of us know, men don't get breast cancer very often. But when there's male breast cancer in a family with early-onset breast cancer in women, it's one of those red flags. And what one can do is you can - a patient who may be in a family like this can actually see a genetic counselor and consider testing for some of the genes that we know put people at risk, and these can be done by a blood test. And this is most effective when the person who's been diagnosed with cancer is the person who gets testing first. So at some point in time - I mean, your sister has many things that she has to think about right now. LISA: Yes. Dr. ARMSTRONG: But at some point in time in the next few months, that may be something that her physicians would recommend to her. And then that information can potentially be useful to you and to other family members. NEARY: Okay, thanks… LISA: Could I also just ask - is there a book, a pretty definitive book that you could recommend off the top of your head, just sort of a beginning point, because there's so much information out there and it's really overwhelming. Dr. ARMSTRONG: One of the issues with books about medical care is that books become pretty obsolete pretty quickly. By the time it's published, frequently the data is not particularly good. Nancy Brinker, who founded the Susan G. Komen Foundation, has written a book that kind of talks about a variety of issues, including families with breast cancer, her experience with breast cancer. And I think that's a very helpful book. Susan Love has also written a book that really has a very kind of broad discussion about breast cancer, including risk and screening and treatments. And I think those are two good places where you might potentially start. LISA: Thank you very much for speaking with me today. Dr. ARMSTRONG: Good luck, Lisa. NEARY: Good luck, Lisa. LISA: Okay. NEARY: Thanks for your call. All right, we're going to take another call now. We're going to go to Darden(ph), and she's calling from Ohio. Darden, go ahead. DARDEN (Caller): Hi, yes. My question is years ago, there was some question about the link between breast cancer and birth control. And I have a 15-year-old daughter who has irregular periods and they're recommending to put her on birth control, and I don't know what the latest research is along those lines. Dr. ARMSTRONG: That's actually - it's an excellent question. What we know about birth control pills, which actually the way birth control pills work is they mimic being pregnant and so they suppress ovulation. And what happens for women who take birth control pills is there's a very, very small increase in the risk of breast cancer while women are taking the pill. Now most women who are taking birth control pills are not at an age where they're at very high risk. So what we call the attributable risk, meaning the fraction of breast cancer that can be attributed to the use of oral contraceptive, is very, very small. And in a teenage girl, I think if she - if there are other medical reasons why it was being recommended, I would not be particularly concerned about breast cancer risk. DARDEN: Okay, thank you very much. Dr. ARMSTRONG: Good luck. NEARY: We are talking with Dr. Deborah Armstrong about risk factors for breast cancer. If you'd like to talk with Dr. Armstrong, give us a call at 989-8255. And you're listening to TALK OF THE NATION from NPR News. You know, it's so hard, Dr. Armstrong, for people to sort through these risk factors, and I wonder if you have any advice about that. Dr. ARMSTRONG: Well, I think it's hard for all of us who are trying to look at the field. I think one of the issues that we certainly recognize is that, first of all, you know, the milieu that we look at for people today is very different from what it was 20 years ago or 100 years ago. We can say that about diet, we can say that about exercise, we can say that about reproductive factors. And so it sometimes is very hard to know, you know, what of the many, many things that have changed over the decades is the thing that we can sort of put our finger on. I think the biggest issue is, you know, what are the things that we can put our finger on that we can do something about? You know, we can't do something about, for example, our family history, and most of us are not going to make decisions about having children based on breast cancer risk. But for - this study, for example, provides us with some information that women who want to be proactive, that there is something potentially that they can do that, frankly, really doesn't have much of a downside: By reducing the amount of red meat that you eat in your diet, that you may have a positive impact and reduce your risk of breast cancer. NEARY: All right, let's take a call now from Brianna(ph) in… BRIANNA (Caller): Hi. BRIANNA: I'm a new mom. And having been to La Leche League meetings and finding out all these wonderful things about continuing to nurse your baby, I was wondering if there has been any research on length of time that women do nurse their children versus an increased risk of breast cancer, either for themselves or for their children. Dr. ARMSTRONG: Well, the question about children becomes even more complicated, and that one's a difficult one. What we do know is that breast-feeding and increased duration of breast-feeding has a small effect on breast cancer risk, but it's a positive one. One of the issues in the United States, though, is that when we're talking about long-duration breast-feeding, we're usually talking about on the order of months. And this is quite different than women, for example, in the developing world, where very commonly they might nurse their children for years. It may be the main source of nutrition for a young child. So it's quite different for the United States than it is in other areas of the world. NEARY: All right, we're going to see if we're going to get one more phone call in here. Let's go to Diana(ph), and she is in Ithaca, New York. Hi, Diana. DIANA (Caller): Hello. NEARY: Go ahead. DIANA: Hi. I'm a naturopathic doctor and a certified midwife, and I'm specially trained in a program called the Healthy Breast Program for breast cancer prevention. And I live in an intentional community, and we do organic farming. And I'm wondering if you looked at the quality of the meat, being that the pesticides in the feed and the hormones that are given to the animals can affect the quality of the meat and also increase the risk of breast cancer, as well as the quality; it changes the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in ratio with arachidonic acid, which is pro-inflammatory. Dr. ARMSTRONG: I think that's an excellent question, and the authors of the study were very quick to point out that they could not sort of tease out those kinds of issues. They basically clumped red meat - they did look at some sub-group analyses of, you know, more processed meats like, you know, sausages and bacon, but they really could not tease out the data on more organic types of meat. You know, we think that potentially this red meat exposure is a hormonal factor. And is that because the meat does something to change the normal hormone production in a woman, or is that because of hormones that could be in the meat? And this study unfortunately doesn't answer that question. But I think it actually remains something that people are very actively investigating. NEARY: So more research is going to be done on this link. Dr. ARMSTRONG: Absolutely. NEARY: And you mentioned something about bacon and sausage. Are there some kinds of meat that are worse than others? Dr. ARMSTRONG: You know, they were not able to find any clear-cut correlation between the types of red meat items and the risk factors. NEARY: All right. Well, thanks so much for being with us today, Dr. Armstrong. Dr. ARMSTRONG: It was my pleasure. NEARY: Dr. Deborah Armstrong is an associate professor of oncology, gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. This is TALK OF THE NATION from NPR News. I'm Lynn Neary.
Updated: 2/17/2020 This storyboard was created with StoryboardThat.com Storyboard Text • I went to this space at the dark, scary cave. I locked by bike, went mining for gold, explored the area and went back out. Spaces are the significance of a location and ways they are organised and managed And the natural/built features and where they are. There are two types of space, absolute location and relative location. • Scary! • This is my dream place and it is super cool! You can do everything here, there is free money. This would be my favourite spot in the world! This place is the place I want to be in. A place is where something is located at. • There are two types of environment: man made or a natural place or land. I am at a natural environment with a river next to a tree with a hole. There are many different environments like desert, rainforest and grasslands. • Living and non living items never stop changing. Some change slowly like glaciers and volcanoes which take a long time, and some quickly like bushland which gets cut for construction. The solar system is always changing and the sun could explode soon! • Interconnection means that all things, living or non living things, events, processes on Earth are connected. There are two types of interconnection, environmental processes (Like the water cycle. and human processes. (like migration) Everything is connected in different ways. • Sustainability can be made by savingwater such as, shorter showers, using the half flush, putting covers on your pools, and buying plastic water bottles. Sustainability is the present world to support and maintain living things. Scale is the different stages when geographical processes/events are observed, detected, and investigated Over 12 Million Storyboards Created Storyboard That Family
Denison Forum on Truth and Culture logo Why did God tell the Jews to kill the Canaanites? The book of Joshua presents most readers with a troubling question: how can a God of love command his followers to destroy an entire nation of people? The Canaanites had lived in their land for centuries before Joshua and his people came to claim it for themselves. While some in Canaan fought against God's people and were destroyed as a result (cf. the battle of Ai, 8:14ff), others did not attempt armed aggression against Israel. The people of Jericho, for instance, retreated inside their city walls and mounted no attack against the Jews. Nonetheless, following divine orders, the Israeli soldiers "destroyed with the sword every living thing in it—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys" (6:21). The God of Joshua also required a similar kind of wrathful judgment against his own people when they sinned. Following the battle of Jericho, a soldier named Achan took in plunder "a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels" (7:21). He did so in direct disobedience to the divine command that "All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the Lord and must go into his treasury" (6.19). Such vengeance sounds very little like the God who is love (1 Jn 4:8), the One who would send his own Son to die on a cross in place of our disobedient race. How are we to reconcile the first Joshua with the Second? Four facts may help us. Facts to remember First, the Promised Land belonged to God before the Canaanites established temporary residency there. It had always been his plan to give this land to the descendants of Abraham: "In the fourth generation your descendants will come back here" (Gen 15:16a). The Lord did not take from the Canaanites that which was "theirs"—he reclaimed that which was his according to his foreordained purposes. Second, the Canaanites lived in wicked rebellion against the will and purposes of God. The Lord had predicted that Abraham's descendants would claim the land when "the sin of the Amorites" reached its "full measure" (Gen 15:16b). This "full measure" of sin was attained by the Canaanites in the generation leading to the Jewish conquest. Moses warned his people about these sins they would encounter upon entering the Promised Land: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead" (Deut 18:10-11). He stated that anyone who practices such sins is "detestable to the Lord," and explained that "because of these detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you" (v. 12). Those who were conquered by Joshua and his armies were not innocent victims, but wicked sinners who received the judgment their transgressions had warranted. Fourth, in these formative early years of Israel's history it was imperative that the people be kept from the influence of sinners without or within their nation. The holy God who gave them their land would uproot them from it if they rebelled against him (Deut 28:63-68). This warning came to pass centuries later at the hands of Assyria and then Babylon, and ultimately in the national destruction wrought by Rome in the first century of the Christian era. And so God had to bring severe judgment against Achan, lest he and his family spread the cancer of their disobedience within the nation. He ordered his people to destroy all they found within Canaanite civilization, lest it continue to tempt them to disobedience and eventual destruction. We find similar severity during the formative years of the Christian movement in God's judgment against Ananias and Sapphira (Ac 5:1-11). Now we are taught to love our enemies and pray for our persecutors (Mt 5:44). Not because God has changed, for such love proves that we are "sons of your Father in heaven" (v. 45). Rather, because such love expresses his grace toward us and all mankind.
Provided by: manpages_4.13-3_all bug signal - overview of signals real-time signals. Signal dispositions Each signal has a current disposition, which determines how the process behaves when it is delivered the signal. The entries in the "Action" column of the tables below specify the default disposition for each signal, as follows: Term Default action is to terminate the process. Ign Default action is to ignore the signal. Core Default action is to terminate the process and dump core (see core(5)). Stop Default action is to stop the process. Cont Default action is to continue the process if it is currently stopped. A process can change the disposition of a signal using sigaction(2) or signal(2). (The latter is less portable when establishing a signal handler; see signal(2) for details.) Using these system calls, a process can elect one of the following behaviors to occur on delivery of the signal: perform the default action; ignore the signal; or catch the signal with a signal handler, a programmer-defined function that is automatically invoked when the signal is delivered. (By default, the signal handler is invoked on the normal process stack. It is possible to arrange that the signal handler uses an alternate stack; see sigaltstack(2) for a discussion of how to do this and when it might be useful.) The signal disposition is a per-process attribute: in a multithreaded application, the disposition of a particular signal is the same for all threads. dispositions of ignored signals are left unchanged. Sending a signal The following system calls and library functions allow the caller to send a signal: raise(3) Sends a signal to the calling thread. kill(2) Sends a signal to a specified process, to all members of a specified process group, or to all processes on the system. killpg(3) Sends a signal to all of the members of a specified process group. pthread_kill(3) Sends a signal to a specified POSIX thread in the same process as the tgkill(2) Sends a signal to a specified thread within a specific process. (This is the system call used to implement pthread_kill(3).) sigqueue(3) Sends a real-time signal with accompanying data to a specified process. Waiting for a signal to be caught The following system calls suspend execution of the calling process or thread until a signal is caught (or an unhandled signal terminates the process): pause(2) Suspends execution until any signal is caught. sigsuspend(2) Temporarily changes the signal mask (see below) and suspends execution until one of the unmasked signals is caught. Synchronously accepting a signal Rather than asynchronously catching a signal via a signal handler, it is possible to synchronously accept the signal, that is, to block execution until the signal is delivered, at which point the kernel returns information about the signal to the caller. There are two general ways to do this: the delivered signal. * signalfd(2) returns a file descriptor that can be used to read information about signals Signal mask and pending signals A signal may be blocked, which means that it will not be delivered until it is later unblocked. Between the time when it is generated and when it is delivered a signal is said to be pending. Each thread in a process has an independent signal mask, which indicates the set of signals that the thread is currently blocking. A thread can manipulate its signal mask using pthread_sigmask(3). In a traditional single-threaded application, sigprocmask(2) can be used to manipulate the signal mask. is preserved across execve(2). A signal may be generated (and thus pending) for a process as a whole (e.g., when sent using kill(2)) or for a specific thread (e.g., certain signals, such as SIGSEGV and SIGFPE, generated as a consequence of executing a specific machine-language instruction are thread directed, as are signals targeted at a specific thread using pthread_kill(3)). A process-directed signal may be delivered to any one of the threads that does not currently have the signal blocked. If more than one of the threads has the signal unblocked, then the kernel chooses an arbitrary thread to which to deliver the signal. A thread can obtain the set of signals that it currently has pending using sigpending(2). This set will consist of the union of the set of pending process-directed signals and the set of signals pending for the calling thread. set is preserved across an execve(2). Standard signals Linux supports the standard signals listed below. Several signal numbers are architecture-dependent, as indicated in the "Value" column. (Where three values are given, the first one is usually valid for alpha and sparc, the middle one for x86, arm, and most other architectures, and the last one for mips. (Values for parisc are not shown; see the Linux kernel source for signal numbering on that architecture.) A dash (-) denotes that a signal is absent on the corresponding architecture. Signal Value Action Comment SIGHUP 1 Term Hangup detected on controlling terminal or death of controlling process SIGINT 2 Term Interrupt from keyboard SIGQUIT 3 Core Quit from keyboard SIGILL 4 Core Illegal Instruction SIGABRT 6 Core Abort signal from abort(3) SIGFPE 8 Core Floating-point exception SIGKILL 9 Term Kill signal SIGSEGV 11 Core Invalid memory reference SIGPIPE 13 Term Broken pipe: write to pipe with no readers; see pipe(7) SIGALRM 14 Term Timer signal from alarm(2) SIGTERM 15 Term Termination signal SIGUSR1 30,10,16 Term User-defined signal 1 SIGUSR2 31,12,17 Term User-defined signal 2 SIGCHLD 20,17,18 Ign Child stopped or terminated SIGCONT 19,18,25 Cont Continue if stopped SIGSTOP 17,19,23 Stop Stop process SIGTSTP 18,20,24 Stop Stop typed at terminal SIGTTIN 21,21,26 Stop Terminal input for background process SIGTTOU 22,22,27 Stop Terminal output for background process Next the signals not in the POSIX.1-1990 standard but described in SUSv2 and POSIX.1-2001. Signal Value Action Comment SIGBUS 10,7,10 Core Bus error (bad memory access) SIGPOLL Term Pollable event (Sys V). Synonym for SIGIO SIGPROF 27,27,29 Term Profiling timer expired SIGSYS 12,31,12 Core Bad system call (SVr4); see also seccomp(2) SIGTRAP 5 Core Trace/breakpoint trap SIGURG 16,23,21 Ign Urgent condition on socket (4.2BSD) SIGVTALRM 26,26,28 Term Virtual alarm clock (4.2BSD) SIGXCPU 24,24,30 Core CPU time limit exceeded (4.2BSD); see setrlimit(2) SIGXFSZ 25,25,31 Core File size limit exceeded (4.2BSD); see setrlimit(2) Up to and including Linux 2.2, the default behavior for SIGSYS, SIGXCPU, SIGXFSZ, and (on core dump). (On some other UNIX systems the default action for SIGXCPU and SIGXFSZ is to terminate the process without a core dump.) Linux 2.4 conforms to the POSIX.1-2001 Next various other signals. Signal Value Action Comment SIGIOT 6 Core IOT trap. A synonym for SIGABRT SIGEMT 7,-,7 Term Emulator trap SIGIO 23,29,22 Term I/O now possible (4.2BSD) SIGCLD -,-,18 Ign A synonym for SIGCHLD SIGPWR 29,30,19 Term Power failure (System V) SIGINFO 29,-,- A synonym for SIGPWR SIGLOST -,-,- Term File lock lost (unused) SIGWINCH 28,28,20 Ign Window resize signal (4.3BSD, Sun) SIGUNUSED -,31,- Core Synonymous with SIGSYS SIGEMT is not specified in POSIX.1-2001, but nevertheless appears on most other UNIX systems, where its default action is typically to terminate the process with a core dump. SIGPWR (which is not specified in POSIX.1-2001) is typically ignored by default on those other UNIX systems where it appears. SIGIO (which is not specified in POSIX.1-2001) is ignored by default on several other UNIX Where defined, SIGUNUSED is synonymous with SIGSYS on most architectures. Since glibc 2.26, SIGUNUSED is no longer defined on any architecture. Real-time signals Starting with version 2.2, Linux supports real-time signals as originally defined in the POSIX.1b real-time extensions (and now included in POSIX.1-2001). The range of supported real-time signals is defined by the macros SIGRTMIN and SIGRTMAX. POSIX.1-2001 requires that an implementation support at least _POSIX_RTSIG_MAX (8) real-time signals. The Linux kernel supports a range of 33 different real-time signals, numbered 32 to 64. However, the glibc POSIX threads implementation internally uses two (for NPTL) or three (for LinuxThreads) real-time signals (see pthreads(7)), and adjusts the value of SIGRTMIN suitably (to 34 or 35). Because the range of available real-time signals varies according to the glibc threading implementation (and this variation can occur at run time according to the available kernel and glibc), and indeed the range of real-time signals varies across UNIX systems, programs should never refer to real-time signals using hard-coded numbers, but instead should always refer to real-time signals using the notation SIGRTMIN+n, and include suitable (run-time) checks that SIGRTMIN+n does not exceed Real-time signals are distinguished by the following: then only one instance is queued. 2. If the signal is sent using sigqueue(3), an accompanying value (either an integer or a signal. (I.e., low-numbered signals have highest priority.) By contrast, if multiple standard signals are pending for a process, the order in which they are delivered is priority to standard signals in this case. real-time signals to be queued to a process. However, Linux does things differently. In kernels up to and including 2.6.7, Linux imposes a system-wide limit on the number of queued real-time signals for all processes. This limit can be viewed and (with privilege) nr, can be used to find out how many real-time signals are currently queued. In Linux 2.6.8, these /proc interfaces were replaced by the RLIMIT_SIGPENDING resource limit, which specifies a per-user limit for queued signals; see setrlimit(2) for further details. The addition of real-time signals required the widening of the signal set structure (sigset_t) from 32 to 64 bits. Consequently, various system calls were superseded by new system calls that supported the larger signal sets. The old and new system calls are as Linux 2.0 and earlier Linux 2.2 and later sigaction(2) rt_sigaction(2) sigpending(2) rt_sigpending(2) sigprocmask(2) rt_sigprocmask(2) sigreturn(2) rt_sigreturn(2) sigsuspend(2) rt_sigsuspend(2) sigtimedwait(2) rt_sigtimedwait(2) Interruption of system calls and library functions by signal handlers If a signal handler is invoked while a system call or library function call is blocked, then either: * the call is automatically restarted after the signal handler returns; or * the call fails with the error EINTR. Which of these two behaviors occurs depends on the interface and whether or not the signal handler was established using the SA_RESTART flag (see sigaction(2)). The details vary across UNIX systems; below, the details for Linux. If a blocked call to one of the following interfaces is interrupted by a signal handler, SA_RESTART flag was used; otherwise the call will fail with the error EINTR: * read(2), readv(2), write(2), writev(2), and ioctl(2) calls on "slow" devices. A "slow" device is one where the I/O call may block for an indefinite time, for example, a terminal, pipe, or socket. If an I/O call on a slow device has already transferred some data by the time it is interrupted by a signal handler, then the call will return a success status (normally, the number of bytes transferred). Note that a (local) disk is not a slow device according to this definition; I/O operations on disk devices are not interrupted by signals. * open(2), if it can block (e.g., when opening a FIFO; see fifo(7)). * wait(2), wait3(2), wait4(2), waitid(2), and waitpid(2). * Socket interfaces: accept(2), connect(2), recv(2), recvfrom(2), recvmmsg(2), recvmsg(2), send(2), sendto(2), and sendmsg(2), unless a timeout has been set on the socket (see * File locking interfaces: flock(2) and the F_SETLKW and F_OFD_SETLKW operations of * POSIX message queue interfaces: mq_receive(3), mq_timedreceive(3), mq_send(3), and * futex(2) FUTEX_WAIT (since Linux 2.6.22; beforehand, always failed with EINTR). * getrandom(2). * pthread_mutex_lock(3), pthread_cond_wait(3), and related APIs. * futex(2) FUTEX_WAIT_BITSET. * POSIX semaphore interfaces: sem_wait(3) and sem_timedwait(3) (since Linux 2.6.22; beforehand, always failed with EINTR). * read(2) from an inotify(7) file descriptor (since Linux 3.8; beforehand, always failed with EINTR). The following interfaces are never restarted after being interrupted by a signal handler, regardless of the use of SA_RESTART; they always fail with the error EINTR when interrupted by a signal handler: * "Input" socket interfaces, when a timeout (SO_RCVTIMEO) has been set on the socket using setsockopt(2): accept(2), recv(2), recvfrom(2), recvmmsg(2) (also with a non-NULL timeout argument), and recvmsg(2). * "Output" socket interfaces, when a timeout (SO_RCVTIMEO) has been set on the socket using setsockopt(2): connect(2), send(2), sendto(2), and sendmsg(2). * Interfaces used to wait for signals: pause(2), sigsuspend(2), sigtimedwait(2), and * File descriptor multiplexing interfaces: epoll_wait(2), epoll_pwait(2), poll(2), * System V IPC interfaces: msgrcv(2), msgsnd(2), semop(2), and semtimedop(2). * Sleep interfaces: clock_nanosleep(2), nanosleep(2), and usleep(3). * io_getevents(2). The sleep(3) function is also never restarted if interrupted by a handler, but gives a success return: the number of seconds remaining to sleep. Interruption of system calls and library functions by stop signals On Linux, even in the absence of signal handlers, certain blocking interfaces can fail with the error EINTR after the process is stopped by one of the stop signals and then resumed via SIGCONT. This behavior is not sanctioned by POSIX.1, and doesn't occur on other systems. The Linux interfaces that display this behavior are: timeout argument), and recvmsg(2). using setsockopt(2): connect(2), send(2), sendto(2), and sendmsg(2), if a send timeout (SO_SNDTIMEO) has been set. * epoll_wait(2), epoll_pwait(2). * semop(2), semtimedop(2). * sigtimedwait(2), sigwaitinfo(2). * Linux 3.7 and earlier: read(2) from an inotify(7) file descriptor * Linux 2.6.21 and earlier: futex(2) FUTEX_WAIT, sem_timedwait(3), sem_wait(3). * Linux 2.6.8 and earlier: msgrcv(2), msgsnd(2). * Linux 2.4 and earlier: nanosleep(2). POSIX.1, except as noted. For a discussion of async-signal-safe functions, see signal-safety(7). kill(1), getrlimit(2), kill(2), restart_syscall(2), rt_sigqueueinfo(2), setitimer(2), setrlimit(2), sgetmask(2), sigaction(2), sigaltstack(2), signal(2), signalfd(2), sigpending(2), sigprocmask(2), sigreturn(2), sigsuspend(2), sigwaitinfo(2), abort(3), bsd_signal(3), killpg(3), longjmp(3), pthread_sigqueue(3), raise(3), sigqueue(3), sigset(3), sigsetops(3), sigvec(3), sigwait(3), strsignal(3), sysv_signal(3), core(5), proc(5), nptl(7), pthreads(7), sigevent(7) found at
No Screen Can Ever Replace Print By Luis Quintanilla From the static hissing one hears when placing a new record on the record player to the now instantaneous playback given by simply tapping the shuffle button on one’s phone. From shelves filled with a collection of books, each of their spines vying for room, to now a nearly a limitless supply of books held within the black box in one’s pockets. From daily newspapers stacked on top each other on street corners, their bold headlines of global events drawing passerbys’ eyes as they walk on by, to nearly all of the world’s current events summed up on the front pages of social media. The world is more connected and moving faster than ever before. In an unprecedented era of human history, nearly 8 billion people are connected through a global network of communication and can access any information they need or want to know within minutes, thanks in part to the internet and the digital age. Without going into a history lesson, this kind of connectivity and access to information has never quite been seen before. Up until 500 years ago, millions of people were unaware that two continents filled with their own civilizations laid beyond the western horizon of the Atlantic Ocean. Even in the European world prior to inventions like the printing press, information between other countries and even local people was not as instantaneous or encompassing as the norm has become today, messages often traveling long distances and taking days to reach the recipient. As humans, it is essential to us that we communicate. Again, avoiding a history lesson, this can be seen as far back as nearly 50,000 years ago in some of the earliest cave drawings according to Ancient History Encyclopedia, but that is going beyond the topic. Point being, even in these simple drawings depicting everyday concepts, humans find it necessary to communicate ideas, knowledge, news, needs, culture, among other things to aid us to better understand our world and the events and people surrounding it. From ancient divinations written on Chinese oracle bones to the first American newspaper published, Publick Occurrences, for thousands of years humans have been trying to find better ways to communicate. Humans were able to tap into mass communication once invention such as the Gutenberg press arose in the 15th century. This opened the door for the masses to receive information on a grand scale. This eventually evolved into newspapers and books, to radio, to tv just 80 years ago, to finally one ends up in the information age, the era the world finds itself in now. The information age is marked by the sophistication and increase of technology and the subsequent digitalization this has had on today’s society. Now one does not have to wait a week or even a day to receive news of events occuring on the other side of globe, anyone can simply open Twitter and know the U.S. has just killed an Iranian military official within minutes of it happening. Letters to long lost friends across the country or globe have been replaced with the sound of a sent message reading “Delivered” within seconds. This kind of connectivity and access the information is revolutionary, as one can connect with nearly any human in any corner of the globe instantaneously, and teach him or herself the theory of relativity somewhat proficiently by a simple Google search. However, in doing so the world should not let age old communications die out. In the evolving world, all media has adapted in some way. Radios now stream, TV now can be streamed on one’s phone, and even magazines such as Nat Geo post snippets of stories on Instagram, but mediums such as newspaper have felt the blow of this digitized world. Of course many newspapers stand strong to this day: US Today, The New York Times, and even local papers such as the Tennessean. However, these are big newspapers, capable of holding their own in this revolutionized world, many of them doing just fine running their news online as well. But for the most part, not many people take time to reach down and grab a newspaper off the stands on street corners or in store. Whatever news or information they need, they know they will find it on the TV later that night, or within minutes of checking their phone. The world seems keen to dive into this digital age, and there’s no stopping that accelerating train. No one can argue with its convenience and utility. Thousands of songs can be held and shuffled instantaneously on one’s phone. Reading books no longer requires flipping through cream colored pages, but instead just the swipe of a finger from side of the screen to the next. But age old mediums such as print should not be forgotten and left as relics. For as long as humans have been around, the physical representation and embodiment of our ideas, knowledge, and culture have been written down, able for us to feel in our hands and pass onto others. It’s is seemingly in our bones to want to do so, and no amount of pixels on a screen or information up in the cloud can ever replace that.
Definition: What Is a Bond? At NerdWallet, we make every effort to help you make monetary decisions with confidence. To do this, lots of or every one of the products featured below are from our partners. However, this does not affect our analyses. Our point of views are our own. Quick realities regarding bonds Bond interpretation: A bond is a lending to a business or government that pays financiers a set price of return over a specific timeframe • Average returns: Long-term federal government bonds traditionally earn around 5% in ordinary yearly returns versus 7% to 10% stocks have gained • Dangers: A bond’s risk is based primarily on the company’s credit reliability • Advantages: The loved one safety of bonds aids stabilize the dangers related to stock-based financial investments • Bonds are a possession course where the financier lends a government or service cash for a set time period, with the assurance of repayment of that cash plus passion. Bonds are a crucial component in a well balanced profile. Most investment portfolios need to consist of some bonds, which help cancel dangers over time. If stock markets drop, bonds can help support the strike. Bonds function by repaying a normal amount, likewise called a “coupon price,” and are therefore described as a sort of fixed-income protection. As an example, a $10,000 bond with a 10-year maturation date and also a voucher price of 5% would pay $500 a year for a years, after which the original $10,000 face value of the bond is paid back to the financier. ” All set to add bonds to your portfolio? See our overview on how to acquire bonds Are bonds a great investment? Unlike stocks, which are purchased shares of possession in a business, bonds are the purchase of a company or public entity’s financial debt obligation. Thought about a much safer investment than stocks, bonds additionally normally make a reduced return on your financial investment. For instance, long-term government bonds traditionally gain around 5% in annual returns. Stocks are more unstable but have made an average of in between 7% as well as 10% yearly. If you’re in your 20s, 10%of your profile might be in bonds; by the time you’re 65, that portion is likely to be closer to 40%or 50%. The even more time you have to come through market fluctuations, the greater your concentration in stocks can be. However as you near retired life and also have much less time to ride out harsh spots that could deteriorate your nest egg, you’ll want more bonds in your profile. If you’re in your 20s, 10% of your portfolio might be in bonds; by the time you’re 65, that percent is most likely to be closer to 40% or 50%. Another difference in between stocks and bonds: The prospective tax obligation breaks. Interest settlements on municipal bonds (additionally referred to as “muni bonds”) are not subject to government taxes. These bonds are provided by state as well as local governments to help money public jobs like construction of institutions. Muni bonds likewise may be exempt from state and local tax obligations if they’re issued in the state or city where you live. However bonds, like all financial investments, still carry dangers– like the possibility that the customer will certainly go bankrupt before settling the financial obligation. ” Find out how bonds as well as deposit slips compare in our overview bonds vs. CDs Key things to know about bonds U.S. federal government bonds are considered the safest investment. Likewise known as Treasurys, these bonds are backed by the “full belief and also credit report” of the United States. Bonds provided by states and also local governments normally are thought about the next-safest investment, complied with by business bonds. Bonds are rated by score firms such as Moody’s and Requirement & & Poor’s; the higher the ranking, the lower the danger that the consumer will fail. A bond’s rate of interest is tied to the creditworthiness of the provider. Treasurys provide a reduced price due to the fact that there’s less risk the federal government will certainly fail. A sketchy business, on the various other hand, may use a greater rate on bonds it problems because of the enhanced risk the company could fall short prior to settling the debt. The rate is repaired at the time of the bond purchase, as well as interest is paid on a regular basis– month-to-month, quarterly, semiannually or annually– for the life of the bond, after which the full original financial investment is paid back. How much time you hold onto a bond matters. Bonds are cost a fixed term, typically from one year to 30 years. You can sell a bond on the second market before it matures, yet you run the risk of not making back your initial investment, or “principal.” Alternatively, several investors acquire right into a mutual fund that swimming pools a variety of bonds in order to diversify their profile. But these funds are extra unpredictable because they don’t have a set price or interest rate. Bonds frequently shed market value when interest rates increase. As rate of interest climb up, so do the coupon prices of brand-new bonds hitting the market. That makes the acquisition of brand-new bonds much more eye-catching and also diminishes the resale worth of older bonds stuck at a lower rates of interest. With bond fundamentals under your belt, continue reading to read more about: • Just how to buy bonds: A step-by-step overview • Buying bonds: Just how to allocate bonds in your financial investment portfolio • How to spend for temporary or long-lasting objectives Kevin Voigt is a staff author at NerdWallet, a personal finance site. Email: [e-mail safeguarded]. Twitter: @kevinvoigt. Leave a Reply
The Tiger I Ausf E This German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI can be found at the French Tank Museum in Saumur in the Loire Valley. The Museum is called Musée des Blindés ou Association des Amis du Musée des Blindés, 1043, route de Fontevraud, 49400 Saumur, France . The word Blindés means armoured. Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI German mid 1944 Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf.E Tiger I heavy tank with overlapping road wheels, fitted with narrow transport tracks. It originally had the tactical number 114 on its turret when it was part of the 1st Company, 1st Battalion, 102th SS Heavy Tank Regiment. On 19 August 1944, three Tiger tanks were retreating to the north-west. They encounter a British anti-tank gun battery ambush position covering the road they were using. Tiger tank 114 was the third tank. The lead Tiger manages to pass the guns with out damage and continues along the road at full speed. The second tiger tank, number 241, manages to open fire on British positions but receives two direct hits. That tank's radio operator and driver are badly injured. Tank 114 was following the second Tiger 241 too close and colides with the rear of the second tank at full speed. The dent in the upper front of the Saumur tiger is the result of the collision with the other Tiger tank. Issued to 2nd company of the SS Heavy Panzer Battalion 102. This Tiger fought near Cauville. She was abandoned by her crew after a mechanical breakdown. The tank was recovered and repaired. She was recommissioned at Colmar with the 2nd squadron of the 6th Cuirassier Regiment. It took part in the fighting retreat all the way back to Germany. After the war some German Panther tanks and this Tiger tank were used in the French '6eme Regiment de Cuirassier' Squadron Besnier, based in Treve, Germany. Six Panthers and one Tiger tank were used operationally by the 2nd Squadron from the French 6eme Regiment de Cuirassier. When the regiment left Treve in 1960 for Indochina (Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) they transferred the German tanks to the French tank builder AMX (Atelier de Construction d'Issy-les-Moulineaux) tank development centre in Satory where they were used for testing. In 1965 they were transferred to a little military museum and then in 1968-70 they were transported to the French Tank Museum in Saumur. It is believed that the nunmber on the turret was painted 221 at the museum on instructions of the first Museum Director in the early 1980s as it was the number on the first Tiger tank he saw. The next time it is repainted the original numbers 114 will be put back on. Tiger vs Sherman at point black range After the Allies finally took the city of Caen in Normandy the next objective was to force the Germans off a five Kilometre long 30 metre high ridge to the south called Verrieres Ridge, that gave commanding views of the country the advancing infantry and tanks would have to cross. It was an ideal defensive position for the Germans. The Germans deployed seventy two 88mm anti-tank guns, 40 Panzer Mark V Panther tanks and 80 Panzer Mark VI Tiger tanks. On 18th July 1944, nine days after entering Caen, the British and Canadian forces launch Operation Goodwood with the objective of taking Verrières Ridge. Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI Canadian Trooper Phil Lawrence was in a Sherbrooke Fusiliers Regiment M4 Sherman tank at the time. They had been ordered to advance and take a small village at the foot of the Verrières Ridge. "I remember at the time going to a village called Saint-André-sur-Orne. They had reported that there were 64 German tanks in Saint-André-sur-Orne. We said, ‘Well that probably means there is only eight tanks’. From experience we went on 10% of what they reported. So we thought to be safe we would send in 12 Shermans into the village. " "We got in there and by God there were 64 tanks, and we could not get organised to take them on. There were a lot of people getting knocked out. It was raining and we could not see very well. It was very hard to make anything out. We lost touch with everybody. We thought we had better find a safe position and some targets. " Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI "We found an excellent position by a stone building that covered our right side. In front you could hardly see us because of this tall hedge. There were 9 panthers out about 1,000 yards or so. I had taken one last look out of my turret because I was still having trouble with the mist and the rain. Then a Tiger tank came around the other side of the building and hedge and pulled right in front of us." "They had got the same idea. What a great ambush position. They hadn’t seen us on the other side of the hedge. It was point blank range. We were facing each other. It was just the scariest dammed apparition I had ever seen." Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI Even the rear armour of a German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank was 80mm thick The Tiger has 100mm of frontal armour and an 88mm gun that can destroy a M4 Sherman tank 2km away. "It just loomed up like that. We were almost touching one another. So I slid an AP shell up the spout and hit him. It just bounced off. After that we fired high explosive shells as fast as we could, one after the other, bang, bang, bang, bang. I was literally just holding the firing button down, recoiling, loading, firing, recoiling, loading, firing. I was praying the shells were going in. " The shells were hitting the Tiger Tank's turret which had 120mm armour. The nominal armour thickness of the Tiger reached up to 200 mm at the gun mantel. There was no way any of the Sherman tank's shells, AP or HE, were going to penetrate that thickness of armour even at point blank range. "Then he fired back. There are no words that can convey the incredible violence of that strike. The AP shell hit the top of our turret. It looked like someone had taken a welding torch and burnt a channel on the top of the turret front to back. Driver revers hard right. Our co-driver was driving and he was not a very good driver. When he went to go into reverse he revved up the engine. The real driver grabbed the hand throttles and rammed the gear stick into reverse. He yelled into the face of the co-driver, ‘Let out that clutch and get the hell out of here’, and so we went shooting back." Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank had 80mm of armour on the side of its turret The Sherbrooke Fusiliers loose half of their tank strength. Other units suffer similar losses and are forced to retreat. Operation Goodwood is a disaster. British Sherman tank crew member Lance Corporal Ken Tout, 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry, remarked, "The Allies sent 800 tanks across that open ground south of Caen and 400 of them were knocked out. The Germans were up on the Verrières Ridge were able to see for miles and miles. Along those miles the Germans were entrenched. In farm houses they had hidden away their big guns. They were able to see everything that moved. They were able to cover the whole area with their 88mm anti-tank guns." Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI On the 21st July 1944 the offensive against Verrières Ridge is called off as the enormity of the loses sink in. in just four days the Allies loose just over 6,000 men and the Germans remain very much in control of Verrières Ridge. The Tiger tank in Vimoutiers, Normandy, France On the outskirts of the Normandy town of Vimoutiers you will find a preserved German Tiger I Ausf. E on the D979 heading towards Gacé. There are only eight surviving Tiger I tanks left. France has two examples. It was abandoned by its tank crew after it ran out of fuel during the battle for the Falaise pocket August 1944. It needs to be taken care of better. It is a rare beast. It should not be left our side to rust away. Surviving German Tiger I Ausf. E Heavy Tank panzerkampfwagen VI Where can I find other preserved Tiger Tanks? WW2 tank books
From Romans to Muslims, several peoples left their mark in the Historic Villages of Portugal – forever defining a region that is unique and unparalleled in all the world. The Romans were the first to occupy the territory of the Historic Villages of Portugal. Their legacy is still visible, especially in the Historic Village of Idanha-a-Velha, where a new door of Roman origin was recently discovered. Erected in the space where the ancient capital of Civitas Igaeditanorum, Igaedis, once stood, Idanha-a-Velha still preserves the remnants of what once had been one of the main cities of the Roman Empire in the current Beira Interior region. For example, the Ponte Velha (Old Bridge) over the Ponsul river is worth a visit. Of Roman origin, this bridge would lead to the road that connected Mérida to Braga. The region of the Historic Villages of Portugal also came under Swabian reign (419-585) and then Visigothic reign (568-711). With the former, the Historic Village of Idanha-a-Velha became Episcopal Headquarters, a function that it maintained with the latter. Under Visigothic reign, Idanha-a-Velha and Monsanto had the rare privilege of coining tridents (Visigothic gold coins). Some time afterward, Muslims occupied the region of the Historic Villages of Portugal. Idanha-a-Velha was the first Historic Village that they took over in 713. The most important historical references and testaments to their rule may be found today in Castelo Rodrigo, Idanha-a-Velha (Kuwar headquarters, the Muslim administrative unit that is similar to a district), and Trancoso. Arabic toponyms are frequent in the region, and three Historic Villages inherited names with this origin: Almeida, Idanha-a-Velha, and Marialva. Christians arrived in the region of the Historic Villages either in the last quarter of the 9th century (after 878) or in the first decades of the 10th century. They conquered the zone east of Lamego, between Távora and the Côa, and under their rule, they incorporated the Historic Village of Trancoso, where they built one of the first castles on Portuguese territory. To the east of the Côa River (where the Historic Villages of Almeida and Castelo Rodrigo are located, for example), a more or less continuous Muslim presence remained until Ferdinand the Great took over Castro de São Justo (the Historic Village of Marialva), among other territories, during his Campaign of the Beiras (1055-1064). Notwithstanding, due to its strategic importance, the East zone of the Côa River drew the attention of the Portuguese and Leonese crowns, evidenced by the support both gave to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Aguiar (near Castelo Rodrigo). Therefore, in the final quarter of the 12th century and throughout most of the 13th century, the Riba Côa territory to the East of this river was under Leonese rule. It was not until Denis of Portugal ascended to the throne that the Portuguese crown seized Riba Côa. With the signing of the Treaty of Alciñes in 1297, Denis of Portugal was able to define the border that we maintain today. The treaty incorporated Riba Côa into national territory, including the castles of Alfaiates, Almeida, Caria Atalaia, Castelo Bom, Castelo Melhor, Castelo Rodrigo, Monforte de Riba Côa, Sabugal, and Vilar Maior. But the peace that Denis of Portugal secured would not last long without coming under threat. In 1383, the king Dom Ferdinand I of Portugal died without leaving behind any male heirs, throwing the country into a dynastic crisis. John I of Castile, married to Dona Beatrice (the only daughter from the marriage between Dom Ferdinand and Leonor Teles de Meneses) then began a series of military campaigns to take over Portugal through Castile. One of the most famous battles between the Castilians and Portuguese, the Battle of São Marcos, took place alongside the Historic Village of Trancoso, and the Portuguese won. This battle was the turning point for what would begin to define the destiny held in store for them at Aljubarrota. With the Napoleonic Wars in the 19th century, the French would be the last people to invade the region of the Historic Villages of Portugal in pursuit of the Portuguese throne. Of the three invasions (1807-1808, 1809, and 1810-1811), the first and third penetrated the region of the Historic Villages of Portugal upon invasion and retreat. Three Historic Villages (Almeida, Sortelha, and Trancoso) were directly involved in this war. Battles that set the destiny of the Peninsular War erupted either in their defensive structures (as in the case of Almeida) or their surroundings. It is easy to see why the region of the Historic Villages of Portugal holds many references and traces of such diverse peoples. A visit to this destination that is in fact 12 also offers an opportunity for us to get to know the roots of our own History.
The Basics Of Geographic Restrictions The term geographic restriction refers to the clever use of IP addresses to limit accessibility in specific web content. In modern information technology culture, geographic restrictions carry a lot of advantages but also a few inconveniences that can easily mute the value of the internet as a whole. This post is dedicated to briefly discussing the many facets of geographic restrictions as well as employing the right strategy to counter the disadvantages that arise from this useful but oftentimes irritating technology. What is a Geographic Restriction? A geographic restriction is a protocol employed by certain websites to screen the user’s identity prior to granting access to any content. It typically does this by looking at the user’s IP address to determine the original location of that user. The geographic restriction coding is typically setup such that the network will only respond to data requests from certain countries or geographic locations while blocking out others. A geographic restriction is actually useful for a variety of reasons. 1. First, it is a great way to limit content that may otherwise have intellectual property implications and potential violations when distributed in other territories. By geographically restricting content to a few countries, network administrators can ascertain that only those with intellectual property licenses are allowed to view that specific content. This is particularly true of movies, or sports videos with heavily regulated distribution agreements. 2. Geographic restrictions are also useful for limiting traffic. Oftentimes, network administrators are faced with the challenge of extensive data requests that may overwhelm the network. The best way to address this is via geographic locations that selectively cut off users that are pre-classified as not privy to the data being distributed. The Problems and the Solutions to Geo Limitations Of course, the nature of the geo restriction system means that some users are essentially cut off from the content they want. If you are in Europe, chances are that you can’t stream Netflix or Hulu. If you are in Asia, you are most likely blocked watching football videos on ESPN. These limitations are oftentimes annoying to the perspective of the user. A great solution to this problem is achieved with the use of the best VPN service. It bypass geo limitations by masking and switching your IP such that the administrator will see the address as compatible to the permitted access and therefore responds to its data requests. The best VPN connections also come with ample security and privacy features that up the ante on the value of a good VPN. If you are planning to get one to finally address your geo restriction problems, make sure to read VPN reviews on the best VPN providers so you can get the one that’s best for you. It will require payment of regular subscription fees but given its benefits, it’s well worth the value. Try it today and see what doors it opens to help you satiate your thirst for new content. Haros wrote this article and you can check out his blog for more details. Author: Editor
Business and IT Glossary > Digital Labor Digital Labor Digital labor is a term that applies to the automation of tasks that are performed by computer applications. These tasks were formerly performed by humans. Digital labor can be used for data entry, for warehouse operations by a robot, or in call centers to solve the problems that humans are having with a particular product or service. One of the big aspects of the rise of AI is understanding the shift to digital labor. Bots, or fully-featured digital assistants, can be looked at as a digital labor element. Today, nearly all contact centers are staffed by humans, but bots are rising as they get better at handling specific repeatable use cases. Prediction: By YE 2021, digital labor will become a key feature of intelligent contact center offerings. This will force enterprises to do planning for the ratio of human labor to digital labor.
Construction and the environment What do businesses stand to gain from the use of latest generation electrical cables? How can this reduce their carbon footprint? Historically, the construction sector has not been known for its green credentials. By nature, building activity impacts on the natural environment, whether this is in terms the development of greenfield sites, consumption of resources or waste generation/pollution. According to the UK Green Building Council, construction and demolition businesses are responsible for approximately 120 million tonnes of waste every year - around one-third of the UK total. Inevitably, there will always be redundant and leftover materials which have no practical use, which pose challenges as businesses aim to reduce their carbon footprint. That said, the construction industry is making significant strides to improve its green performance - by using resources more efficiently and minimising its impact on the environment. Conscious of international regulatory requirements, and demand from society for improved performance, building firms actively trying to raise standards within the sector. This involves the development and deployment of cleaner technologies, building techniques and practices, with a view to ensuring greater sustainability. Construction is going green Construction firms recognise that green practice is good for their public image - and can potentially help attract trade - but they are also conscious of the direct costs of waste generation. According to Wrap, waste management and disposal cost the industry the equivalent of 30 per cent of pretax profits, and with landfill tax set to rise to £80 per tonne, there is a clear financial incentive to use resources more efficiently. Even without political and public pressure, it makes sense for businesses to adopt a more proactive approach to waste management - one that considers all aspects of building activity, right through from the planning stage to project delivery and beyond. The global green and sustainable building industry is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 22.8 per cent between 2013 and 2017, according to ibisWorld. And McGrawHill Construction research indicates that around half the architects, engineers, contractors, building owners and building consultants around the world think at least 60 per cent of their work will be green by 2015. When questioned in 2012, just 28 per cent thought this would be the case, and five years ago in 2009 and it was only 13 per cent. This emphasises how quickly the industry is moving towards greener practices - and the growing importance of the green agenda to the sector as a whole in 2014. Cables impact the environment Cabling is a major aspect of any new building development, with business premises, new homes and other constructions needing wires to deliver an electricity supply, and form the backbone of the communications infrastructure. For this reason, it should come as little surprise that electrical wires were the top imported construction material in the UK in 2012, at a total value of £1.381 billion. They were also the second-most exported material after paints and varnishes, generating £512 million for the UK economy that year. Network cables are required for new construction projects - where premises are built from the ground up - and also retrofits, for instance older buildings not designed with the needs of 21st century inhabitants in mind. Where there are light bulbs or any other electrical device - such as televisions, fridge-freezers, washing machines, computers, servers or printers - there needs to be a power source. Also, in the digital world of today, it is vital for businesses and residents to have high-grade connectivity, facilitating the transfer of data at faster and faster speeds. Despite the emergence of Wi-Fi and mobile broadband technologies, physical networks still form the backbone the internet, so it is essential they extend into every room. The fact that cables are produced, transported, deployed and ultimately disposed of in such volumes means they can potentially have a significant impact on the environment. This is before you even consider the effects of electricity consumption - which cables facilitate - on end-users' carbon footprints. As such, construction firms are targeting increased efficiency in the design, delivery and deployment of cables, eager to improve their own environmental standing. They want to use longer-lasting solutions, those which need replacing less frequently - something that not only reduces costs but also the number of redundant electrical wires which need disposing of following use. The importance of cable innovation Research and development within the cabling sector is playing its part here, with new and innovative solutions arriving on the market all the time. Manufacturers are developing tougher, more resilient durable cables which have a longer life expectancy, and are capable of operating at extreme temperatures. The improved performance of latest-generation solutions means end-users are less likely to make regular replacements, helping to reduce waste. The fact that the latest cables are smaller and lighter also helps. Due to their size, they fit seamlessly into the space vacated by the old cables - and this is a major positive. Were this not the case, it may be necessary to carry out significant renovation work within buildings, such as removing plastering or even taking down walls. Aside from the time and money required to do this work, it would result in the generation of additional waste restoring the room to its previous condition. The lightweight nature of cables means they are easier to support, but also simpler to transport and deliver - which can help minimise costs throughout the supply chain. Remember, these wires are one of the most frequently imported and exported construction materials. So when considered in bulk, across the entire sector, the efficiency savings soon stack up. Another way cable manufacturers are helping the environment is through their choice of materials. Since the latest generation of solutions contain no heavy metals, halogens or phthalates, they pose less of a threat during and beyond their useful life. The fact that cables can now be recycled is a major advance- it means redundant wires are no longer destined for landfill. Making construction cleaner It will never be possible to completely alleviate the impacts of construction activity on the environment, but operators have plenty of scope to minimise the effects of building activity. Providing they are willing to embrace industry best practice, and challenge inefficiency at every level, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint. The use of innovative new cabling technology is just one way they can improve performance and reduce environmental impact - something which can benefit their public image, cost base and ultimately the bottom line.
Home » Pros and Cons » 12 Internal Rate of Return Method Advantages and Disadvantages 12 Internal Rate of Return Method Advantages and Disadvantages The internal rate of return, or IRR, is the interest rate where the net present value of all cash flows from a project or an investment equal zero. IRR involves positive and negative cash flows. It is used to evaluate how attractive a specific investment or project happens to be. If the IRR falls below a required return rate, then investors know that the idea should be avoided or rejected. On the other hand, if it falls above the required return rate, then the risks of losing the investment are much lower and should be considered or accepted. Every project can be evaluated using IRR calculations. Projects can even be compared to one another to determine which options are the best for investors. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the internal rate of return method to consider. List of the Advantages of the Internal Rate of Return Method 1. It incorporates the time value of money into the calculation. IRR is measured when you calculate the interest rate where the present value of a future cash flow equates to the required capital investment. That means all cash flows in the future are considered as part of the IRR calculation. That allows every cash flow to be assigned an equal weight when looking at the value of money from a time perspective. 2. It is a simple calculation. IRR is an easy measurement to calculate. The information it provides makes it simple to compare the value or worth of various projects that may be under consideration at any given time. When calculated correctly, business owners are able to quickly see which projects would generate the most potential cash flows in the future. It is also possible to use IRR as a way to find cost-savings opportunities with future purchases or investments. 3. It offers a method to rank projects for profitability. The goal of the internal rate of return is to maximize overall profitability. It is able to do this by allowing you to compare the positive or negative outcomes of all projects under consideration. You can then rank the results in order, from high to low, to evaluate which projects create the best possible chances to achieve cash flows that will lead to profitability. Because the calculation produces a percentage routine, the ranking process is very fast when compared to other forms of project evaluation. 4. It works well with other evaluation factors. One of the biggest mistakes that is made with the internal rate of return method is that it is the only calculation used to evaluate the viability of a project. That action leads to a number of potential disadvantages. The IRR method is better used with multiple evaluation factors. That way, you’re able to compare the positive or negative percentages from this calculation to other business factors. That provides you with a better picture of the financial health of a specific project. 5. It is not linked with the required rate of return. When using the IRR method, you’re able to compare it to the rough estimates generated by the required rate of return. This rough estimate is not used with the internal rate of return method which means the two common calculations are not linked to one another. That makes it easier to make a decision with fewer risks because there is more information available. List of the Disadvantages of the internal Rate of Return Method 1. It can provide an incomplete picture of the future. When using the IRR calculation, the cost of capital is not required to be part of the equation. Sometimes referred to as the “hurdle rate,” this figure is the required rate of return which would be needed to fund the project. Although this can be an advantage as the hurdle rate is sometimes a subjective figure, it can also sometimes be a confirmed figure. In that situation, the IRR may not provide an accurate estimated cost. 2. It ignores the overall size and scope of the project. When using the internal rate of return method to compare projects, it is important to remember that this method does not look at the size or scope of the project for comparison. It will only compare the cash flows to the amount of capital being spent to generate those cash flows. If there are two different projects requiring very different levels of capital, larger projects tend to be under-valued compared to smaller projects when using IRR calculations. If this is the only tool being used, a business may find itself avoiding long-term projects which may offer much better cash flows over time. 3. It ignores future costs within the calculation. The goal of the internal rate of return method is to determine a projected cash flow from an injection of capital. It does not account for the potential costs that may affect profits in the future. Many costs, such as fuel and maintenance, are variable for businesses over time. By ignore these future costs, the cash flows being projected may not be as accurate when evaluating the full scope of the project. 4. It does not account for reinvestments. Perhaps the biggest weakness of the IRR calculation is that it makes assumptions that future cash flows can be invested as the same rate as the internal rate of return. In reality, the number generated by the IRR can be quite high. The number of opportunities which are available that would yield such a return are usually minimal at best, creating an unrealistic picture for some companies looking to maximize future cash flows. 5. It struggles to keep up with multiple cash flows. The IRR calculation is a good evaluation of potential risk because it produces a simple positive or negative result when the equation is completed. If there are multiple cash flows involved with the calculation, then sometimes the internal rate of return method can be misleading. Although this issue can be somewhat tempered by creating an assumed reinvestment rate that is specifically added into the calculation (see Con #3) and by bringing in interim or intermittent cash flows, this is all based on assumption. If you add more variables into the calculation, you are reducing the overall accuracy of the IRR. 6. It requires calculations that are quite tedious for the average person. To calculate the IRR for a project, you must use the same formula as the net present value to determine an outcome. That means you must be able to take the number of time periods by the net cash inflow during the time period over the discount rate. You must then subtract the total initial investment costs from the calculation, based on the idea that the net present value is equal to solve. There are several resources which take you through this calculation, but you will need to have the specific figures available to begin the calculation process. 7. It places the top priority of the calculation on profitability. If your primary need is to determine future profitability, then the IRR method is a good calculation to consider. If you’re looking to see how fast you’ll be able to recoup your capital expenditure, then the IRR is not going to provide you with the information that is needed. It can be easy to think that you can recoup expenses faster on smaller projects when, in reality, some projects may not be able to fully recoup the capital expenditure since the future tends to be unpredictable. The advantages and disadvantages of the internal rate of return method make it easy to compare some projects. In return, certain decisions may be easier to make. It must also be remembered that the information the IRR provides is somewhat limited and should only be used to compare projects of similar size and scope. Otherwise, the information generated by this calculation may not be as beneficial as it appears to be. About The Author
Sei sulla pagina 1di 3 Intonation is a feature of pronunciation, one of the criteria by which your Speaking is assessed. Other features which define this criterion include the following. Be aware of and listen out for English stress and rhythm patterns. Practise these patterns by imitating the speech of native speakers. Pronunciation Features Rhythm Number and length of stressed Stress Syllable and sentence stress Intonation Rising and falling tones of your Sounds Pronunciation of sounds In the IELTS interview remember to speak with a clear and strong voice. Use a rising tone when asking for clarification and a falling tone when making a statement. Speaking English naturally and fluently means speaking with English stress and rhythm patterns. It is sentence stress that actually gives the English language its rhythm. Try saying this sentence aloud. I really admire my university professor. How many stresses are there in the sentence? 'really ad 'mire my uni 'versity pro There are four strong stresses or beats. Now, tap out the beats with your hands. The beat occurs on the strong stresses or 1 and a 2 and then a 3 and then a The stressed syllables occur at regular intervals while the unstressed ones in between are said more quickly to keep the rhythm pattern of English. Rhythm and sentence stress English is a stress-timed language. This means that the timing between stressed syllables in a spoken sentence comes at regular intervals regardless of the number of syllables that may occur between the stressed ones. There may be one, two or three syllables between the stressed ones as in the example above. Stressed syllables occur on certain words within a spoken sentence. There are two types of word in sentences: content or information words function or grammar words Page 1 of 3 Content words are the important words in the sentence. They carry the meaning or sense and are stressed. Function words are the smaller words and give the sentence its structure and make it grammatically correct. The following table shows the types and examples of content and function words. Content words stressed main verbs wh-question words Function words unstressed auxiliary verbs modal auxiliary verbs admire, teach, know, write, think, dream, learn, talk, describe, professor, rhythm, knowledge, information, success, nice, good, talented, smaller, excited, famous, confident, really, quickly, surprisingly, creatively, environmentally-friendly arent, cant, dont, no, not, none this, that, these, those who, what, when, which, why I, you, he, she, his, her, it , we, our, they, their a, an, the and, but, or, for, because, as, while, although, so, yet be, do, have will, can, may, might, could, would, should, must Rhythm patterns of a sentence are created using stressed and unstressed syllables. The stressed syllables carry the strong beat. They are pronounced longer and somewhat louder. Unstressed syllables are weak and pronounced using a short vowel / / or schwa //. Here are some examples of rhythm patterns. A phonetic transcription is given of the unstressed syllables and/or words. Hes a tall man with dark hair. Hes a /'h z/ beat 1 beat 2 'man with /w / beat 3 beat 4 You promised to help me with my pronunciation. beat 1 'promised to /m st/ beat 2 'help me with my pronunci /m w ma prn nsi/ beat 3 Page 2 of 3 The city is full of great restaurants and pubs. beat 1 'city is /tij z/ beat 2 'full of beat 3 beat 5 My goal in life is to run my own business in five years time. beat 1 'goal in /ma / beat 2 'life is to / zt/ beat 3 'run my own /ma j / / n/ beat 4 'restaurants and /tr ntsn/ beat 4 'business in /ns n beat 5 beat 6 beat 7 Shes the funniest person Ive ever met. Shes the / z/ beat 1 /n jst/ beat 2 'person Ive /sn a v/ beat 3 beat 4 Communicating different meaning It is important to know that placing a stronger emphasis on a word in an utterance can also affect its meaning. In the single utterance below a different word is stressed changing the meaning in each. Stressed word Id like you to talk to her older sister. Id like you to talk to her older sister. Id like you to talk to her older sister. Id like you to talk to her older sister. The emphasis is on you, meaning that the person is referring to you specifically, and not someone The emphasis is on talk, meaning that the person doesnt want you to write, email or take any other The emphasis is on older, meaning that its not the younger or the oldest sister, but the older one that the person wants you to talk to. The emphasis is on the sister, meaning that its the sister in particular that the person wants you to talk to and not her brother. Practising using rhythm and the stress patterns of English will help to improve not only your speaking but listening skills as well. Because English is a stressed-timed language not every word will be heard loudly and clearly. Being aware of this can help overcome some difficulties when listening. Be careful also that particular meaning may be conveyed when more emphasis is placed on a word. Page 3 of 3
How to Make Polymer Clay Cats Author Info Updated: November 4, 2017 1. 1 Start by kneading the clay into a ball. Squish and roll it and warm it until is a soft pliable consistency. Make it spherical and work it from there. 2. 2 3. 3 4. 4 5. 5 6. 6 7. 7 8. 8 9. 9 10. 10 11. 11 • A tail is a beautifully expressive thing. For instance, when a cat is mad, it is moving slowly. • The way it is standing is crucial. 12. 12 13. 13 Method 1 of 1: Make Ball Cats 1. 1 "To make a ball cat, you need to have one main colour. Use this to make 2 big balls, then chop the smaller one into sixths. Make four of them balls again. The other 2 should be slightly triangular. Put them on the intact ball." 2. 2 " Now you have the ears, put the four balls on the other side of them - make it look like a cat car with no windows. " 3. 3 " Next, make a fat sausage for the tail if you want it to look bushy and more like an original ball cat. If not, then do a tail like a thin worm. Put it on, and make sure that it is smoothed on." 4. 4 "Now we need to do the eyes. Make two small white ovals and squish them on ts head. They should get bigger. Make black circles very small. Squish them on. 5. 5 "Voila! You're done. Bake it on a tray and follow the instructions on the packet that the clay came in. try to use the same clay for your products as the different clay may need to be baked at different times and temperatures!" Community Q&A Add New Question • Question Does this work for air dry clay as well? Community Answer Yes, but just be aware that parts may fall off if you don't secure and support them properly. • Question How do I model a realistic cat, rather than a cartoon cat? Community Answer It's all about practice. Study photos of cats, and observe their personalities. Get the basics of clay cats and get to work, practicing and refining your work. • Question How did you learn how to make this Community Answer We use photos to study the anatomy of cats and simplify it until it becomes sculptable for people of all ages. • Question How do I affix the eyes to the cat? Use a tiny toothpick to hold it in place? Won’t it come off if it's just pressed on? EchosRun InMyBlood Community Answer When you put the clay on, just press it on. The clay shouldn't fall off, but if it does after it is baked, you can just super glue it back on. Ask a Question 200 characters left Things You'll Need • Colors of your choice. • For the pupils buy black or other dark polymer clay. About This Article 71 votes - 58% Co-authors: 17 Updated: November 4, 2017 Views: 151,102 Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 151,102 times. Did this article help you?
GMOpigGM products have a long history of harmful biological reactions when ingested by humans and other animals. Studies done on rodents using GM crops often produced animals with advanced, terminal disease causing death in many. Despite this grizzly track record, both inside and outside the lab, government and corporate entities continue to push for the approval of these unsafe frankenfoods. The pattern of disease, death and suffering cataloged and ignored in lab studies will only continue if GMO’s continue to dominate the food supply. Discussed here are just a few examples of this disturbing phenomenon, hopefully providing ample reason to avoid these foods on an individual basis. The Centre for research on globalization echoed the story of one Danish farmer who began to notice changes in piglets born under his care. He noticed more and more of his sowes birthed malformed babies with skull gaps, missing limbs, and abnormal bone structure just to name a few. One female piglet was even born with testicals, exactly what was causing the increasing number of defects was completely unknown. Tracing the deformities to their origin, the farmer realized the plague began once he switched over to Monsanto’s GMO feed. Grown in glyphosate enriched soil, it was no surprise when autopsies showed high levels of the corporations Round-up poisons in the piglet’s organs. Once published in the journal of environmental and analytical toxicology, the findings damaged Monsanto’s push for the pesticides’ approval. The corporation insisted its pesticides were safe for human and animal consumption, boasting a battery of tests proving so without going into detail. Although vague studies focused on GMO’s and pesticides independently, none assessed the effect both elements have in conjecture. Glyphosate is also known to run-off into rivers further damaging whatever environment is carelessly exposed. In the past, the poison has been linked to DNA damage, premature births, defects, and neurological chaos unseen in other substances. ADD, ADHD, and autism have also been linked to the poison, possibly explaining the inexplicable and exponential rise in these disorders in recent decades. One study conducted by the Union of concerned scientists called pesticide damage, “insidious and manifests slowly over time as inflammation damages cellular systems throughout the body.” The Institute for responsible technology cataloged several studies investigating the risk of GM foods to humans, livestock, and the environment. According to IFRT, rats fed GM potatoes producing their own insecticides massively devastated the rat’s bodies. Researchers noted pre-cancerous cell growth in digestive tracts, damaged immune systems and brain development, and liver atrophy. Interestingly, the study suggested such effects did not stem from the poison but rather from the very process of genetic modification. Another study provided rats with GM “flavorsavr tomato’s” for 28 days, 7 out of 20 developed bleeding stomachs while 7 out of 40 died within two weeks and were later replaced. Questions posed by FDA scientists on the results were ignored by authorities and the product was approved for distribution. According to IRT, Monsanto’s Bt corn was also studied for 90 days during which time rodents developed diseased blood cells. In response to these findings the corporation used “unscientific, contradictory arguments to dismiss concerns.” Bt corn was also linked to the death’s of 25% of an Indian sheep flock inside a week, which grazed on the crop. Other research suggested surviving animals avoided GM crops altogether, opting for more lengthy searches for food. These are just a few points of interest suggesting the consequences of ingesting GM food, particularly from Monsanto. Measures taken by the corporation to purge its own studies of inconvenient evidence as well as harm the reputations of researchers is inexcusable. More studies need to be done in order to trace the origin of these defects and deaths, though this is impossible with the current political atmosphere. Favoring entities whose sole interest is profit gain will prove to be the downfall of entire populations, as these anecdotes and studies suggest. Our government, and those of other nations, must step back and take lessons from the animals who turn their noses up at Monsanto’s GM foods. Im just sayin! By Isiah Holmes
Red China Shows the (Wrong) Way Print Friendly and PDF And now a message from the planet... Year's biggest sandstorm turns Beijing sky orange, AP, March 19, 2010 China's capital woke up to orange-tinted skies Saturday as the strongest sandstorm so far this year hit the country's north, delaying some flights at Beijing's airport and prompting a dust warning for Seoul. The sky glowed and a thin dusting of sand covered Beijing, causing workers to muffle their faces in vast Tiananmen Square. The city's weather bureau gave air quality a rare hazardous ranking. Air quality is "very bad for the health," China's national weather bureau warned. It said people should cover their mouths when outside and keep doors and windows closed. China's expanding deserts now cover one-third of the country because of overgrazing, deforestation, urban sprawl and drought. The shifting sands have led to a sharp increase in sandstorms - the grit from which can travel as far as the western United States. Three out of four reasons named for Red China's increasing desertification are human caused. The People's Republic is home to 1.3 billion residents, which is more than double the number counted in its 1953 census, when the population stood at 582 million. Meanwhile, the population of the United States also grows rapidly beyond environmental sustainability and will continue to do so into the distant future unless the immigration firehose is stopped. The high Census projection for late in this century shows our country topping the one billion mark in 2089. Red China has done us an odd sort of favor by demonstrating one symptom of what overpopulation can do. It's certainly wrong to hope that the supposedly pro-environment Obama administration could learn something from the Chinese and other examples of overusing natural resources. The Obama pursuit of an amnesty which would eventually add tens of millions more people via chain migration indicates willful ignorance of environmental consequences of overpopulation plus a severe lack of responsibility toward future generations. Below, a girl in Tiananmen Square experiences a recent sandstorm. Print Friendly and PDF
Solve, create, share and talk about jigsaw puzzles Elks (Harlem, 1931) ~ James VanDerZee Bookmarked Bookmark Solve this jigsaw puzzle later ShareShare with your friends ReportReport as inappropriate 180 pieces 4 solves Solve puzzle Thanks for sharing. Here is your html-code: Why are you reporting this puzzle? James Augustus Joseph VanDerZee (1896-1983) was a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. For six decades VanDerZee photographed the most celebrated and famous: Marcus Garvey, Bojangles Robinson, Countee Collen, Bill Cosby, Basquiat. But it was ordinary folks whom he photographed the most. Through his lens he captured the citizens of Harlem in lodges and clubs, weddings and funerals. He made studio portraits of actors, political figures, artists, soldiers, church groups, or people who simply wanted a photograph of themselves in elegant attire. VanDerZee’s realistic representation of the Harlem community countered the stereotypical and offensive caricature views of African Americans. His photographs earnestly visualize the pride and beauty of the African American community. His prolific documentation of his time and place is unmatched: 100,000 photographic prints, negatives, and glass plates that archive black life in America. In 1969, decades after he had disappeared into obscurity, the art world came calling for photographs for the exhibition "Harlem on My Mind" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photographer Reginald McGhee, the exhibition’s director of photographic research, had rediscovered VanDerZee’s archive. In 1993, 10 years after VanDerZee’s death, a major retrospective at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC recognized him as the premier chronicler of Harlem life. Add new comment
Editor’s Note: The Caprock Chronicles are edited by Jack Becker a Librarian at Texas Tech University Libraries. He can be contacted at jack.becker@ttu.edu. Jean Stuntz, Ph. D., teaches History at West Texas A&M University. Her research interests include, women and the law, women in the Texas Revolution, and women of the Texas Panhandle Plains. She recently authored a chapter in Texas Women and Ranching edited by Deborah M. Liles and Cecilia G. Verable, Texas A&M Press, 2019. In 1885, Mary Jane Alexander, her husband Reverend C. W. Alexander, and their five children moved from Sherman to Mobeetie, Texas. Rev. Alexander had been asked to start a new Presbyterian church in the Wild West town of Mobeetie in the Eastern Panhandle. As the family journeyed there, they crossed the Pease River, which was in flood. While crossing a tree or other large mass hit their wagon. Reverend Alexander and Mary Jane were both thrown out of the wagon and into the river. C. W. was upstream, and though he went under the water, the current pushed him into the horses and he was able to use their harnesses to pull himself back up. Mary Jane was holding their baby but she still managed to grab onto the wagon tongue and keep both their heads above water. After arriving at Mobeetie, the Alexanders moved into a small house and C.W. began his ministry, which took him all around the Eastern Panhandle. Shortly afterwards, he was caught out in a freezing rain one night and that, combined with the water that had gotten into his lungs during his plunge into the Pease River, caused his death in 1885. Mary Jane was left a widow at 46 with five children in a place where she had few friends and no relations. While most women in this position would have quickly remarried or moved back East, Mary Jane instead filed for homestead on one section of land and bought an adjoining section on Washita Creek near the border with Indian Territory. This was the beginning of the Alexander Ranch. She and her children fought for their survival, gathering wild grasses to sell to the soldiers in Fort Elliott as hay and wild plums, which she made into jelly for the soldiers and the people of Mobeetie. (Mary Jane gathered empty whiskey bottles from around the saloon tents in Mobeetie and turned them into jelly jars.) Her sons gathered bones left by the buffalo hunters and took them to Dodge City Kansas, to sell. The second youngest son, R. T., at the age of fourteen, became a freighter after these trips, carrying supplies from Wheeler County to Dodge City and back again. The family was always on the lookout for unbranded cattle that had strayed from nearby ranches. The ranch owners and managers all admired and respected Mary Jane and allowed her sons to claim these calves as their own. The cowboys came to visit often, both to get a home-cooked meal and to teach some of their skills to the Alexander family. Mary Jane was always ready to whip up another pan of biscuits for the young men. As R. T. grew up, he studied animal husbandry and bred the strays he found into a magnificent heard of Herefords. If you could have asked her neighbors about Mary Jane Alexander, they would have described her as a very religious women who was known for her hospitality and determination to give her children a better life. She educated all her children at Polk College in Missouri. Her oldest son, Hugh, became a Presbyterian minister like his father, the second son, (R. T.) became a respected rancher, and the third son, Erastus, became a doctor. Her two daughters were also college educated, Nona became a teacher until she married and Lucy a missionary to China. When Nona married and moved to Canadian, Mary Jane went with her. Here, too, she was widely respected for her piety, charity, and kindness. When it became obvious that she was nearing her end, people came from all over to say goodbye, to tell her how much they appreciated all the things she had done for them. She died in 1929. One reason that we know so much about this pioneer is that in 1991 the Alexander Ranch received an honor from the Texas Land heritage organization, part of the Texas Department of Agriculture, for being the longest continually operating, family-owned ranch in Hemphill County and to receive that honor they had to prove up their history. Mary Jane was celebrated earlier, in 1961, as being the first woman rancher in the Texas Panhandle. The family put some of their papers in the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum Research Center and donated money for a gallery in the museum to honor the Panhandle pioneers. Mary Jane Alexander epitomizes the Texas pioneer woman. She centered her life on family, her faith, and her community. She was hard-working, resourceful, and generous. It was women like her who made the Panhandle and the southern plains into the amazing communities they are today.
PDC Homepage Home » Products » Purchase The Proceedings of the Twenty-First World Congress of Philosophy Volume 7, 2007 Philosophy of Culture(s) Edward Demenchonok Pages 27-31 DOI: 10.5840/wcp2120077143 Intercultural Philosophy This paper focuses on the philosophical analysis of interculturality. Globalization involves the problem of the universal and its relation to the particular in cultures. In some interpretations, universality is sharply opposed to particularity (Arjun Appadurai's theory of "break" in culture). In contrast to this, there are authors who allow for both particular and universal, focusing on their interrelation. Roland Robertson shows that diversity and multiculturality do not exclude forms of cultural unity. The analysis involves the current debate regarding the term "intercultural philosophy" (Ram Adhar Mall, Franz Wimmer). Intercultural philosophy raises questions about philosophy itself, and involves the revision of the whole concept of philosophy. It brings to the forefront the problem of the interrelations between the cultural-specific and the universal in philosophy. For some philosophers, the notion intercultural seems to be incompatible with philosophy as universal knowledge. However, the adherents of interculturality develop a broader and more pluralistic concept of philosophy, viewed as embedded in certain cultural and philosophical traditions while dealing with perennial questions and aiming to give universally valid answers. Two main paradigms of interculturality are distinguished: one is Raimundo Panikkar's "intercultural-interreligious paradigm"; the other is the "intercultural-liberation paradigm" developed by Raul Fornet-Betancourt. At the heart of this analysis is Fornet- Betancourt's concept of the intercultural transformation of philosophy. It is related to interculturality, or the dialogue of cultures. It challenges the Eurocentric philosophical historiography and claims the necessity of the reconstruction of the history of ideas in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, thus creating a new view of the history of philosophy. The concept of intercultural dialogue is also considered as a "regulative idea" in creating an alternative to current globalization. Usage and Metrics
Leftovers from Scotch whisky distillation got another shot as nourishment for algae that scientists processed into a pet food ingredient. Algae grown on pot ale, a co-product of the liquor industry, could replace fish as a source of omega-3 fatty acids in both human and pet food, with potential ecological and economic benefits. Edinburgh-based MiAlgae developed a process for upcycling pot ale into algae alimentation. MiAlgae recently made its first sale to a premium dog food company. While Ruairidh Henderson, general manager of MiAlgae, couldn’t share details, he said that the pet food brand was actively seeking an alternative to fish oil for the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The pet food company wanted a fatty acid source that was ocean friendly and ethically sourced. Using algae to produce omega-3s could reduce pressure on marine ecosystems. “Fish are not able to produce or synthesise omega-3,” he said. “They simply accumulate it from their food. We estimate 1 tonne of our algae saves around 30 tonnes of wild fish. In a similar way, pets can’t produce omega-3 either, so it is essential they consume them as part of a healthy, balanced diet. The company were aware that plant sourced omega 3 (alpha-linolenic acid, ALA) is not easily digested by pets.” Omega-3 fatty acids play important roles in animal cell membranes, hearts, immune and endocrine systems and brains, along with other roles, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Mammals, including dogs, cats and humans, can’t make omega-3 fatty acids, so we must consume them, but not all these chemicals are the same. Omega-3 fatty acids differ from each other in length, for one thing. Our bodies can turn smaller fatty acids into larger ones by extending the chain of amino acids that make up the fatty acids and by forging double bonds along the chain. For example, after a person eats a shorter chain omega-3 like ALA, the body can use the chemical to synthesize EPA and then DHA. Potential to expand to other whiskey producing regions MiAlgae’s process could be repeated in lands where whisky is spelled with an e, outside of Scotland. “Pot ale is a nutrient rich mix of water, sugar and yeast,” Henderson said. “Pot ale is what remains in the copper still after the first distillation, once the alcohol has been evaporated and condensed to mature in casks. It takes around 10-15 liters of pot ale to produce one liter of whisky so there is a plentiful supply. “We can use co-products from any distillation process and this includes American, Irish or even Japanese whisky,” he said. “We are also starting trials with beer and white-spirit producers and plans are underway for our US expansion...” “We are always interested in other sources of clean waste for nutrient recycling, this could essentially derive from any food and drink manufacturing process.” Environmental and economic aspects of algae from whiskey co-product Scotland’s environment, and the rest of the planet, could benefit from using a co-product of the nation’s most iconic beverage. “We’re effectively taking a problem for one of Scotland’s biggest industries (whisky) and turning into a solution for others (pet food and salmon farming),” he said. “Pet food is a higher value market for us but as our production increases we need to look to higher volume markets like aquaculture.” Henderson listed these benefits for the whisky industry: • Reduced waste and water usage by distillers – MiAlgae’s process removes the dissolved solids meaning the water can be reused in process. • Increased value from whisky co-products that were otherwise spread on fields, discharged into the ocean or sent to an anaerobic digester. • Reduction of harmful algal blooms at sea caused by industrial and agricultural run off. • Treating and dewatering the co-product at source reduces transit miles to point of disposal. Benefits for aquaculture and pet food: • Reduced costs of raw ingredients - Instead of shipping fish oil and meal from South America, it is produced at the distillery up the glen in Scotland. • Reduced carbon footprint • Reduced impact on the environment by leaving the wild forage fish (anchovies and sardines) in the ocean • Reduced build up of heavy metals and dioxins as algae are at the bottom of the food chain. • Vegan alternative
Skip to main navigation Skin cancer is by far the most common kind of cancer, and the head and neck are the most frequently affected areas of the body. The goals of skin cancer treatment are to remove the cancer and then restore the affected area so that ideally the scars are imperceptible. Skin cancer comes in three main forms 1. Basal cell cancers are the most common. They are also the least aggressive and most easily treated. They tend to start as pearly nodules with superficial blood vessels across the surface. With time, they grow and can ulcerate. 2. Squamous cell cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer. It tends to be more aggressive than basal cell cancer, but usually can still be easily treated if caught early. Lesions typically start as a red, rough, scaly patch that may bleed. With time, they get larger and may spread. 3. Melanoma is the most aggressive kind of skin cancer. Melanomas arise from pigment-containing skin cells. Frequently, melanoma patients will require additional treatment beyond simple excision of the lesion. Both basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are relatively easy to treat with surgery. The tumor is removed along with a rim of normal tissue. A pathologist checks the lesion to be sure all of it was removed before a repair is done. Reconstructive techniques usually involve using skin surrounding a surgical defect to repair the wound. This is done by freeing it up and moving it or making additional incisions that allow skin to be rotated into a wound. Infrequently, we may take skin from other areas of your head and neck to repair a wound. While we can not do a surgery that leaves no scars, our repair techniques are designed to make scars as invisible as possible. Please visit our photo gallery to see our skin cancer patients’ results. Prevention is always the best strategy for dealing with skin cancer. Dr. Schmidt recommends that all patients wear physical-based sun screen when they are going to be in the sun. If you ever have a skin lesion that you are concerned about, have it checked. For more of Dr. Schmidt’s thoughts on skin cancer and facial reconstruction, check out our blog post archives: Four things you NEED to know about SKIN CANCER How do you take care of stitches? Surgery that leaves no scars? Not Exactly… Part 2! What is the proper way to take care of a scar? Surgery that leaves no scars? Not exactly… PART ONE Use sunscreen, friends! View Gallery
Image stabilization, explained: Inside the camera tech that keeps out the shakes Camera shake can leave video viewers feeling like they just stepped off a roller coaster without the actual thrill of the drops and loops. And for still photographers, shake creates detail-obscuring blur. Image stabilization — whether it’s called Vibration Reduction (VR), Optical Stabilization (OS), or Shake Reduction (SR) — can help fight the shake of long lenses, hand tremors, or even moving while shooting. Image stabilization has become a headline feature on mirrorless cameras and smaller action cameras. DSLRs, save for Pentax, typically do not have in-body stabilization systems, preferring lens-based stabilization. This alone can sway some users to move from DSLR to mirrorless — or to choose one mirrorless brand over another if the latter doesn’t put stabilization into its cameras (we’re looking at you, Canon). Why do you need image stabilization? Image stabilization fights the movement of the camera to create sharper still photos and steadier videos. A camera with image stabilization can shoot at much lower shutter speeds than one without, creating a cleaner, crisper low-light image than the alternative of raising the ISO, which introduces noise. The reciprocal rule suggests that a 100mm lens shouldn’t be shot lower than 1/100 second shutter speed — but with stabilization, you can push that shutter speed even lower. That allows photographers to shoot in low light, or to use big lenses without a tripod. Stabilization also helps in smaller, but important, ways. It stabilizes your view through the viewfinder even before you take a picture, helping you keep your subject in the frame right where you want it. This is particularly useful when working with long telephoto lenses which can otherwise “bounce” all over the place. In the same way, stabilization also helps your autofocus system by keeping the subject steady under the same focusing points, giving you a better chance at tack-sharp accuracy. But the specifics of your camera’s stabilization can be tough to decipher. What’s the difference between optical and digital stabilization? Is in-body image stabilization better than lens stabilization? What do camera companies mean when they advertise “5-stops of stabilization?” Here’s everything you need to know to answer these questions and more. What is optical image stabilization? Optical image stabilization is the type of stabilization that happens as the photo or video is being captured, not after, through parts inside the lens or camera body. This type of stabilization has a mechanical component to it, as physical parts inside a lens or camera move to counter the shake introduced by your hands and body. olympus pen e pl9 review sample 11 Daven Mathies/Digital Trends There are two different types of optical image stabilization. Traditionally, it was built-in to the lens, and such lens-based stabilization is still common today. A gyroscope reads the camera movement, while certain elements within the lens can move in response to it, resulting in a steadier image. Optical stabilization can also be housed inside the camera body itself. Sensor-shift stabilization uses a gyroscope to move the sensor, rather than a lens element. While many mirrorless cameras use in-body stabilization, DSLRs traditionally used only lens stabilization, as this allows the effect of stabilization to be seen through the optical viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras, being live-view-only, are able to preview stabilization whether it is lens- or sensor-based. Both lens stabilization and sensor stabilization will result in an image with less blur or steadier videos. Sensor stabilization is often more convenient, because any lens can be stabilized. Stabilized lenses are often more expensive, so working with a stabilized body can be more cost effective than buying several stabilized lenses. Finally, for some systems, in-body and in-lens stabilization can be combined, resulting in even more stabilizing power. For long lenses, however, an in-lens system often works better than an in-body system as it can be optimized for the lens’ focal length. Finding out if a camera has in-body stabilization is as simple as looking at the specifications. (It may be abbreviated as IBIS, for in-body image stabilization). For lenses, whether or not stabilization is built-in is more obvious, if you can decipher the jumble of letters and numbers in the name. Each manufacturer has a different name for image stabilization, but if you see any of these designations in the lens name, it’s stabilized: • Canon and Olympus – IS • Nikon – VR • Sony – OSS • Fujifilm, Panasonic, Leica – OIS • Sigma – OS • Tamron – VC What is digital stabilization? Like digital zoom, digital stabilization is generally inferior to the optical type. But advancements to the technology have made some digital systems a headlining feature, and rightly so. Digital stabilization is pretty much only used for video. It happens after the video is captured by cropping the image and reframing it automatically for a smoother output, albeit with a reduced field of view. Anytime a video is cropped, pixels are thrown away, which is why optical stabilization is still superior to the digital type. gopro hero8 black review dm 1 Digital stabilization is getting better, however. GoPro’s impressive HyperSmooth uses scene recognition and, rather than universally applying a steadying algorithm, analyzes how that scene is moving. The computer crops the footage based on that movement, and the crop is only 10 percent. Given how rough action camera footage often is, the steadier HyperSmooth video almost always looks better than a non-cropped, non-stabilized version. 360 cameras have a unique advantage when it comes to digital stabilization. Since the camera captures a full spherical area around it, it has infinite freedom to reframe the active field of view without cropping, resulting in superior stabilization without throwing away pixels. Optical vs. Digital stabilization: Which is better Unlike optical stabilization, digital stabilization only works with video. Digital stabilization won’t help you take photos in low light, for example. That makes optical stabilization the obvious winner for photography. Optical stabilization still comes out on top for video in most cases too, however. With an optical stabilization system, you don’t sacrifice any video resolution. Think of optical stabilization as having a mini gimbal built into the camera. A gimbal is smoother thanks to its much greater range of motion, but for having nothing extra to carry, optical stabilization can be quite effective. While image stabilization is an advantage to most shots, sometimes the feature should be turned off. If the camera is mounted on a tripod, for example, the stabilization system can actually work against itself. Some camera lenses have an “active” mode, which is designed to use while shooting from a moving vehicle, or different modes for panning versus standing still. Consult your manual for details. In most cases, stabilization is a big plus. The optical type, however, can make the camera body or lens a bit larger than similar lenses without stabilization. (That’s why the Nikon Z 50 does not have in-body stabilization like the Z 6, for example). In most cases, the benefit of stabilization outweighs the added size, particularly for long lenses and working in low light. In cameras too small for optical stabilization, digital stabilization is necessary. While the average digital system isn’t anything to get excited about, GoPro’s HyperSmooth and DJI’s Rock Steady are examples of digital stabilization done right, and make a huge difference for video. Why is stabilization rated in “stops?” olympus mzuiko 12 100mm f4 is pro review m zuiko sample 2 This long exposure was shot without a tripod, thanks to 7.5 stops of stabilization. Hillary Grigonis/Digital Trends Image stabilization systems are typically either three-axis or five-axis systems, which refers to the number of directions the system can move to counter shake. A three-axis system will reduce the camera’s movement three different ways, while a five-axis system offers the maximum stabilization possible, working across pitch, yaw, roll, and vertical and horizontal shift. But along with the number of different directions of movement the system corrects, image stabilization is also rated by stops. This specification tells you how much you can reduce the shutter speed by to still get a sharp shot using that stabilization system. A stop, in photography terms, simply refers to doubling or halving the amount of light in the image. For image stabilization, each stop refers to how many times you can cut your shutter speed in half and still shoot handheld. A stabilization system rated at 5 stops can cut the shutter speed in half five times and still get a sharp shot without a tripod. For example, if you are working with a 125mm lens, the slowest shutter speed that you can typically use is 1/125. But, with a five-stop stabilization system, you can cut 1/125 in half five times — which means you can theoretically shoot down to 1/4 of a second. The rating is based on the best-case scenario — so a 1/4-second shot may still be a bit of a stretch. But, those numbers help you compare different stabilized cameras and lenses. A lens that’s rated to 3 stops won’t be able to go quite as low as a lens that’s rated to 5-stops. 5-stop stabilization is excellent — but not the best. Olympus has managed to get up to 7.5 stops on its flagship OM-D E-M1X when paired with specific lenses. That allowed us to shoot a 10-second long exposure without a tripod. Editors’ Recommendations Let’s block ads! (Why?) Photography \| Digital Trends Leave a Reply
The Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostrus) shown here are from Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida. The warm water springs provide habitats for the manatee populations that migrate here each winter. The shots in blue water were taken inside the springs, the low viz shots in green water in the canal outside the springs. Manatees are mammals that belong to the order of Sirenea. Which is derived from mermaids. It seems that Columbus when he spotted manatees along the coastline of America believed that what he saw were the legendary mermaids. One says that the manatee is closely related to the elephant, with which they share a common ancestor. There are definitely some striking resemblances: the manatee is a vegetarian equipped with flexible muscular lips for ripping of vegetation like the elephants trunk. It has molar teeth that move forward in the mouth. A grey skin covered with sparse hairs, finger nails like the elephant toenails and a spherical shaped heart. See album: Manatees
Biasd Na Srogaig Variations: Biasd Na Sgrogag, Biasd Na Grogaig (typo), Béist Na Sgrogaig, The Beast of the Lowering Horn The Biasd Na Srogaig, the “Beast of the Lowering Horn”, is a unicorn or lake monster native to the lochs in the Scottish Isle of Skye. Other than a single large horn on its forehead, it had little in common with the true unicorn, being tall and clumsy, with long gangly legs and an awkward gait. Originally a nursery bogey, the biasd na srogaig eventually developed a life of its own as children brought their fears into adulthood. Campbell derives the biasd na srogaig’s name from scrogag, a term applied to snuff horns. It is more correctly written as sgrogag, “crumpled horn”. To further muddle the etymological mixture, béist na sgrogaig has been used as synonymous with the heraldic unicorn. Campbell, J. G. (1900) Superstitions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. James MacLehose and Sons, Glasgow. Campbell, J. G.; Black, R. (ed.) (2005) The Gaelic Otherworld. Antony Rowe Ltd, Chippenham. Variations: The Beast Presumably the man was not well-liked. Swan Valley Monster Swan Valley Monster The Swan Valley Monster made its appearance on August 22, 1868, in the otherwise tranquil locale of Swan Valley, Idaho. Its presence was witnessed and reacted to by an unnamed old-timer crossing the river at Olds Ferry. The first thing he saw of the monster was an elephant’s trunk rising from below the surface and spouting water. This was followed by a snake-like head the size of a washtub, with a single horn that kept moving up and down, and long black whiskers on both sides of the face. It had ten-inch-long fangs and a red forked tongue that spewed green poison. When it hauled its massive body onto the shore, the old-timer noted that it must have been twenty feet long, and it stank to high heaven. A pair of wing-like fins – or fin-like wings – came out of the sides of its neck. Its forward half was like a snake, the thickness of a calf, greenish-yellow with red and black spots; this in turn led into a fish-like section with hand-sized rainbow scales shining in the sun; finally, the tail was a drab, scaly gray like a crocodile or lizard tail. Shiny black barbed spines, like those of a porcupine, lined its back from head to tail. Finally, it had twelve stubby legs that were easily missed at first glance; the first pair under the fins had hoofs, followed by two pairs of legs with razor-sharp claws, then a pair of hoofed feet, a pair of clawed feet, and another pair of hoofed feet near the tail. Of course, the old-timer’s first reaction to the abomination slithering up the bank was to fire a slug into its eye. The monster reared up, hissing, bellowing, and spurting poison over its surroundings, so it got shot a second time in its yellow belly, convulsed, and stopped moving. Everything its poison had touched, whether trees or grass or other living beings, withered and died. As the monster was too large to be carried off by one man, the old-timer returned to town to fetch a wagon and six strapping lads to help him, as well as a tarp to protect them from the poison. They could smell the odoriferous creature a hundred yards away, and one of the men had to stay with the horses to keep them from bolting, while another got sick and refused to come any closer. But when they reached the bank where the monster had fallen, there was nothing but withered vegetation and a trail leading to the water. Presumably the Swan Valley monster had crawled back into the river to die – or perhaps it didn’t die. Whatever its fate, the old-timer recommended keeping a close watch on the river, as “I’ve hunted an trapped an fished all over the state fer nigh ontuh seventy-five year… but I ain’t never seen nothin tuh compare with that speciment”. Clough, B. C. (1947) The American Imagination at Work. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. Fisher, V. ed. (1939) Idaho Lore. Federal Writers’ Project, The Caxton Printers, Caldwell. Butatsch Cun Ilgs Variations: Butatsch-ah-ilgs (erroneously, apparently a typo in Rose’s encyclopedia) Butatsch Cun Ilgs The Lüschersee, a small Swiss alpine lake nestled in the heather-covered hills of Graubünden, seems tranquil enough on the surface. Yet it is said that the lake’s waters reach down to the center of the Earth, where eternal fires rage. This is the home of the Butatsch Cun Ilgs, the “Cow’s Stomach”. Long ago, during a more feudal time, the shepherds of Graubünden were in a constant struggle for freedom from the cruel barons and lords of the land. Their masters were prone to treating them unjustly, and even harming them for sport. A group of noblemen once returned from an ibex hunt to find herds of cattle and sheep grazing peacefully by the Lüschersee. Naturally they decided to kill them. With loud whoops and peals of laughter, they drove the animals before them, hacking at them with their swords and forcing them into the lake to drown. The peasants could only watch as the lords mocked them. It was then that the water started to foam and bubble, and the Butatsch cun ilgs heaved itself onto the shore. It had the appearance of an enormous cow’s stomach, and was covered with thousands of eyes. The eyes had hypnotic powers, and if they focused on one point, bone-melting flames would erupt. Mesmerized by the Butatsch cun ilgs, the lords stood dumbly as the enormous mass trampled and crushed them. Butatsch cun ilgs slipped back into the water after killing them all, leaving the shepherds terrified but unharmed. Since then Butatsch cun ilgs has only reappeared twice, in 100-year intervals. The second time it came out of the Lüschersee, it gouged the rapids of the Nolla along its path. The third time was during a terrifying thunderstorm, when the monster of the Lüschersee slithered through a rivulet, tearing out the banks, causing massive landslides, and creating ravines. After this last appearance – the starmentusa notg or “Night of Terror” – the Butatsch cun ilgs was not seen again. Yet sometimes a distant, unearthly bellowing can be heard over the still waters of the lake… “The Lüschersee roars”, say the shepherds, and bring the hay in. Burde-Schneidewind, G. (1977) Historische Volkssagen Aus Dem 13. Bis 19. Jahrhundert. Akademie-Verlag, Berlin. Derichsweiler, W. Das Safiental. In Schweizer Alpenclub (1919) Jahrbuch das Schweizer Alpenclub. Stämpfl & Co., Bern. Jecklin, D. (1874) Volksthümliches aus Graubünden. Orell Füssli & Co., Zürich.
With the new technology that has heated global conversations for over a year now, where can we put our developing nations? Are we truly ready for the changing world? How can we also take a grip of this newly produced technology to solve a problem of problems? On the 17th of February 2018, the Hackathon info-session was held at the premises of ISpace Foundation at Labone to discuss these important questions and how the nation can work together to solve their own problems. This is a response to the excessive dependence of citizens on government to solve all problems. Block chain as defined by the authors of Block chain Revolution is “an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually everything of value.” Basically, this technology keeps information as it is – the database is not stored at one single location which means that records kept will be actually public and easily confirmable. Mr. Papa Kow Bartels, of the Ministry of Trade, geared the young minds in the Hackathon teams to learn how to move ahead than the government. It is their role now to use the block chain technology to help the government solve their 10 goals. There are several problems including poverty, food security, and human settlement, addressing enterprise development, education sectors and several others that can be solved with the use of technology. Mr. Bartels enforced on the local experts finding bankable solutions that can help the government in solving these problems. The structure of industries in Ghana is highly dominated by services (83%) of which retail and wholesale champion with 53%. It is saddening that agriculture which is the backbone of the Ghanaian economy has remained history and currently non-existing in the structure of industries. The remaining 17% is made up of small scale industries such as the corn milling industry and several others. It came as a shock to the whole Hackathon teams that several enterprises that are responsible for electrical supply are non-existing in the Ghanaian industry. This rings an alarm for several young Hackathon members to start brainstorming on how they can steer up Ghana’s industrial technology through the use of the currently induced block chain technology. This new technology has been made available to everyone. Thus, it is our responsibility to solve a lot of our problems using block chain technologies and in order to better the country. By Maureen Molly Basemera and Pearl Abbam Leave a Reply You are commenting using your account. Log Out / Change ) Google photo Twitter picture Facebook photo Connecting to %s
• Latin: Ornithogalum pyrenaicum • English: Prussian asparagus, Wild asparagus, Bath asparagus, Pyrenees star of Bethlehem • French: Ornithogale des Pyrénées, Ornithogale des Pyrénées, Asperge des bois, Aspergette • Italian: Latte di gallina dei Pirenei • Dutch: Bosvogelmelk, Pruisische asperge, Pyrenese vogelmelk • German: Milchsterne, Vogelmilch, Stern von Bethlehem, Gärtnertod, Gärtnerschreck • Swedish: Spansk stjärnlök Once widely available from the Caucasus to the Mediterranean, the Bath Asparagus is not an asparagus (asparagus officinalis) but part of the lily family. Now a rare plant in the wild, it is only found in the UK in some places such as the south of Bath. Hence the English name “Bath Asparagus“. It is believed that the plant was introduced to Bath by the Romans two thousand years ago due to the uneven distribution. Bath asparagus is not wild asparagus Wild asparagus are not different from cultivated asparagus, they are both Asparagus officinalis. Wild asparagus are thus feral. Bath asparagus are truly wild, and taste slightly milder than real asparagus. Hence there is often confusion between the two. Why is Bath asparagus called “Pyrenees star of Bethlehem”? As a wild lily plant, the flowers of bath asparagus are white and star-shaped. The genus Ornithogalum is thus named after the Star of Bethlehem in the Bible. The plant is widely distributed in the Pyrenees, hence the scientific name Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, which is reflected in its French, Spanish and Italian names. Curiously the plant’s Germanic names – “Vogelmelk” in Dutch, “Vogelmilch” in German – come from ancient Greek: ὄρνις/ornis means “bird” and γάλα/gala means “milk”. How do you eat bath asparagus? You can very much use bath asparagus like normal asparagus. They are about 30-50cm tall and should be consumed before the flower buds mature, and are a delicacy in spring. I generally cook them in butter, in olive oil and garlic, simply put them on the grill. Click to support this site!
By Al Bates Members of Arizona’s First Territorial Legislature, which met in late 1864, were collectively saluted for their teamwork and considerable accomplishments in establishing a firm foundation for future development. By contrast, after the Second Legislature met a year later, only one legislator was singled out for any honors. Daniel Hodges Stickney, member of the House of Representatives from Pima County, alone was singled out for praise for his “unselfish devotion to the true interests and prosperity of the Territory” in a resolution that appears in The Journals of the Second Legislative Assembly. But why was this distinction awarded to just one member of the bicameral legislature? The short answer is that without Mr. Stickney’s actions, the Second Legislature would have been unable to accomplish anything. Period. The citation’s preamble summarizes the situation: “No member elect from the County of Pima [excepting Mr. Stickney] has attended this session of the Legislature, or shown to this House any reason for non-attendance during the session.” The preamble goes on to reveal that without Stickney’s presence, the House could not have organized nor transacted any business for lack of a quorum. All the other delegates from Pima County for both the House and the upper chamber (or Council) were unanimous in boycotting the session. Because of the way in which seats had been allocated to the legislative assembly by the departed Governor Goodwin, the Council had a bare quorum without the Pima delegates, but it was a different story in the House. Except for Mr. Stickney’s attendance, that body would have been one vote shy of the necessary minimum. Available official publications recorded the facts, but shed no light on why the boycott was staged or why Mr. Stickney resisted its call. One can only surmise for what regional or political reasons the extreme action was taken, but lingering hard feelings from the just-ended Civil War are almost certain to have played a part. Governor Goodwin had made strong efforts to placate the residents of Tucson, where the majority of Pima County voters resided, but somehow fell short of meeting their desires—even though Pima County was assigned the largest legislative representation of any county. By the time that the Third Legislature convened a year later, the apportionment was unchanged, but a new set of Pima County legislators had been voted into office and the boycott ended. Significantly, control of both the council presidency and House speakership then came into the hands of Pima County. Relatively little is known of Daniel Stickney’s early years. Born in 1815 in Massachusetts, he moved to Alabama as a young man, where he married and fathered four children. He came to the Gadsden Purchase in 1857, settling at first near Tucson as a merchant. He was mostly a bit player in those early years, but his name pops up frequently in various accounts of the period. With the onset of the Civil War, and withdrawal of Federal troops, he was secretary for an early-1861 meeting at Tucson that pinned local hopes for protection from the Apaches on the Confederacy. By the dreadful spring and summer days of 1861 when Apache attacks on white settlers became increasingly vicious, he was employed briefly at the Santa Rita Mine near Tubac. Like most of the other settlers in the area south of Tucson, he soon sought a safer haven—in his case by moving to Mesilla. Just getting there proved a challenge when the wagon train he was traveling with was attacked by Apaches at Cooke’s Canyon and he suffered minor wounds. While in Mesilla he supported the Rebel cause, first becoming court bailiff and then joining Captain Sherod Hunter’s military expedition into southern Arizona as a civilian where he pursued the purchase of supplies for the Rebels. Left behind in Mexico when Hunter’s expedition returned suddenly to Mesilla in the spring of 1862, Stickney was soon in Union captivity and was incarcerated at Fort Yuma and later at Fort Alcatraz. He was back in Arizona in early 1864, traveling from the Pacific Coast with Charles Poston’s party. Stickney’s next noteworthy events were his election to the First Territorial Legislature as a member of the House from the First District and reelection a year later representing the newly established Pima County. The voters of Pima County did not take offense at Stickney’s actions in ignoring the 1865 boycott, returning him to the Council for the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Legislatures. He also served an appointive term as Territorial Adjutant General between the Fifth and Sixth Legislatures. He was serving as Council President for the Sixth Legislature when he died in harness in 1871.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013 Admiral Benbow John Benbow was born in March 1653 at Coton Hill in Shropshire, a village which is now a suburb of Shrewsbury. His father, who seems to have been a tanner, died when he was still young. Benbow joined the navy at the age of 25. In those days, the navy was one of the few institutions in which a man from humble origins could rise to a position of wealth and importance; especially when there was fighting to be done, which was the case during his career. He quickly saw action in the Mediterranean in 1678-81, when Admiral Herbert led attacks on the corsairs operating out of the ports on the coast of Algeria: the notorious "Barbary Shore". These corsairs were a serious threat: they had in the past raided as far as Cornwall, and kidnapped whole villages to sell as slaves. The campaign was successful, but disputes over prize-money led to Benbow transferring to the merchant service for the next few years. But the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688-9, which brought William of Orange to the throne, quickly led to war with France, and he returned to the Royal Navy. He was appointed captain of HMS "Sovereign",and later promoted to Rear-Admiral, and then to Vice-Admiral. He took part in the naval battles at Beachy Head, Barfleur and La Hogue, and in raids on St. Malo, Dunkirk and Calais; and his courage and tactical skill were noted and admired. It was in this war that the British navy established a supremacy over the French which was never subsequently lost. When peace was eventually signed, Benbow was sent to American waters, to protect trading vessels against piracy. But within a few years, it became clear that hostilities with France were about to resume. This would become known to history as the War of the Spanish Succession, and may justifiably be considered as the first-ever world war, with fighting not only in Europe but also across the Atlantic. In 1702, in anticipation of this, King William dispatched Benbow in command of a small fleet to the West Indies. There in mid-August he fought a running battle of several days against a French squadron under Admiral Jean du Casse. But some of Benbow's captains, led by Richard Kirkby, apparently refused to follow orders, and the action proved indecisive. The British ships which did go into combat were outnumbered, and some sustained heavy damage. Benbow's leg was shattered by chain-shot. He was determined to continue the fight, but to his fury Kirkby and other captains refused. The squadron had to return to Jamaica, where Benbow ordered the arrest of the captains, branding them cowards and traitors. In a development which seems extraordinary nowadays, Benbow received a letter from du Casse, acknowledging that Benbow ought to have won the battle, adding, "As for those cowardly captains who deserted you, hang them up, for by God they deserve it". Was this a case of a chivalrous relationship between commanders, or was du Casse simply trying to stir up trouble? Benbow died of his wounds in Jamaica on November 4th. His tombstone, with an appropriate inscription, is in St. Andrew's church, Kingston. Captains Kirkby and Wade were tried by court-martial for cowardice and disobedience of orders, and condemned to death. They were shot on board HMS "Bristol" in Plymouth on April 16th 1703. Others of Benbow's captains were also convicted, but were later pardoned. Benbow quickly became a popular hero. One would have thought that a commander who could not persuade his subordinates to follow orders had failed in the most fundamental way, but it was Benbow's final disaster rather than his earlier successes which inspired the balladeer:- "Come all ye sailors bold, and draw near, and draw near, And listen to my lay without fear. It is of an Admiral's fame Great Benbow was his name, How he fought out on the main Ye shall hear, ye shall hear. Brave Benbow he set sail for to fight, for to fight, Until Du Casse's ships they came in sight. Brave Benbow he set sail In a fine and pleasant gale But his captains they turned tail In a fright, in a fright Said Kirkby unto Wade, We shall run, we shall run, Said Kirkby unto Wade, We shall run, For I value not disgrace Or the saving of my face, but the French I dare not face Or his gun, or his gun" - and so on for several more verses. Those who know that great classic adventure story "Treasure Island" may recall that the first chapter opens with Billy Bones, First Mate to the legendary pirate Captain Flint, turning up at the inn called the "Admiral Benbow" and living in fear of encountering a mysterious seafaring man who has lost a leg (Long John Silver, of course!) Benbow remains well-known in his native Shrewsbury, with a memorial tablet in the church of St. Mary the Virgin and a pub named after him (though I don't think he would have worn this kind of wig). There has been a move to erect a statue of him in the town, though so far without result. Thursday, 10 October 2013 The Columbus Misconception It is a common belief that Columbus set sail to prove the world was round, which people at the time did not believe. But this is entirely false. Ever since the writings of Aristotle and other ancient authors were rediscovered in the 12th century, all educated people knew very well that the world was round. This is clear in, for instance, Dante’s “Divine Comedy”, written almost two centuries before Columbus. Dante even has an understanding of gravity, attracting everything towards the centre of the earth. (Strictly speaking, Dante and other mediaeval writers had no evidence to support this belief in a round earth, but they approached the ancient writers in an entirely uncritical spirit: if Aristotle said so, it had to be true!) One ancient Greek scientist, Eratosthenes of Alexandria, had attempted to measure the size of the earth, and had produced an estimate surprisingly close to the true figure. Marco Polo’s account of his travels to China in the 13th century was very widely read, and European explorers and traders longed to gain access to the vast riches of the East of which he wrote. But with the arrival of the Turks, the overland route across Central Asia was no longer open. What to do instead? Some of the ancient geographers had believed there was a way south round Africa, from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean, and for a generation before Columbus Portuguese explorers had been venturing down the west coast of Africa. But what they discovered was that Africa was very much bigger than expected, so that a voyage round the Cape to India and back might take years rather than months. Furthermore, the Portuguese kept their navigation charts top secret, and prevented any other ships from venturing that way. Columbus therefore had the idea of reaching India and China by sailing westwards across the Atlantic. The trouble was, he grossly overestimated the size of Asia, and he did not believe the ancient Greek calculations of the size of the earth: he thought it was much smaller! He therefore believed that the coast of China lay approximately at the position of Kansas City, in terms of distance. He spent years attempting to get one of the kings of Europe (including Henry VII of England) to sponsor his voyage. The reason his efforts were fruitless for so long was nothing to do with a belief the world was flat. What happened instead was that the kings would consult their learned men, who would say, “This fellow Columbus doesn’t know what he’s talking about! The world is much bigger than he thinks, and China is much further away - so far away, in fact, that no ship can carry enough food and water for such a long voyage. Columbus’s crew will all have died of starvation long before they get to China!” The irony is, of course, that these learned men were quite right: Columbus didn’t know what he was talking about! Eventually Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain thought Columbus was worth a speculative punt, if only to try and outflank the Portuguese. Although Columbus made four transatlantic voyages altogether, he never realised he had discovered a new continent, but believed he had found the western route to the fabled Indies, and that the coast of China couldn’t be far away. This is why the islands he discovered are still called the West Indies, and the inhabitants of North America were called, until very recently, Red Indians. On a world map produced in 1507 the new continent was named not after Columbus, but after a slightly later explorer, Amerigo Vespucci; though the reason for this remains unclear. It was left to Magellan, a generation after Columbus, to find a way round South America and across the Pacific to the actual Indies - and, incidentally, to disprove Columbus‘s estimate of the size of the earth.
It’s hard to pinpoint how many variants of poker there are around the world, and it’s as challenging to think about the history of the game. Some attribute its development to the French game poque while others suggest that the prototype of poker is the ancient Arabian game As-Nas. None of these has been proven. But one thing’s for sure: poker was invented in the States in the early 20th century, although it would take almost 100 years for the game to become what it is today. Texas Hold ‘em While Texas Hold ‘em was invented much earlier before it caught on, it wasn’t until the late half of the 20th century that it first took hold in Las Vegas. Texas Hold ‘em was a novelty at the time, as it allowed four bets instead of the two in draw poker, so many believed this variant would catch on. But it wasn’t until the 70s that the first major tournament — the World Series of Poker (WSOP) — would be conceived, featuring Texas Hold ‘em as the game of choice for the final. Back then, the event included only eight players. By 1982, there were 100, and a decade later, that doubled. By that time, Texas hold ‘em had become widespread all over the country, and by the late 90s, it received global acclaim thanks to advancements in technology, allowing for televised tournaments and paving the way for online gaming. Knowing whether to play and when to fold is what separates good players from “meh” ones. [Source:] Omaha Hold ‘em Omaha Hold ‘em is another poker variant where all players share the same five community cards. However, this one was only introduced in the 80s as a result of the reinvention of older styles. While the game is similar to Texas hold ‘em, there are some significant differences. For example, in Omaha Hold ‘em, each player receives four hole cards instead of two. Another difference is that in the Omaha variant, all subsequent bets are equal, and each player must make a hand from two holes and three community cards. Such allows for more possible combinations, which necessitate a strong strategy. Invented in the 80s, today, Omaha Hold ‘em is the second most popular poker style after it’s Texas counterpart. So, now that we saw that the late 20th century gave another big thing to poker, let’s consider how the last three decades of the 20th century influenced the poker variant of Razz. In games such as Razz, the ace is considered the lowest card. [Source:] Razz is a form of stud poker, which means that players receive hole cards, some of which are visible to all other players. The game of Razz is played as lowball poker — in other words, a player must make the lowest five-card combination from seven hole cards. As in most poker games, the ace is the lowest card one can get. And while Razz was developed on the basis of the now ancient Seven-card stud, the variant only appeared at the WSOP in 1971. The Razz variant is the supporting hero of an exciting poker happening from the 90s. In 1992, the Greece-born Archie Karas went on to conquer the world of poker. The trouble was that he only had come with $50. Some Razz games later, Karas turned that $50 into $30,000, which he then multiplied to $7,000,000. Later, he filled his bank account with $50 million, only to lose it all to dices and baccarat. Seven-Card Stud Seven-card stud poker can safely be called the father of the game. Before Texas Hold ‘em took over players and tournaments, it was the seven-card stud that was the go-to poker variant. The rules are slightly less straightforward than in other poker styles and the action plays out in several rounds. In the beginning, each player receives three hole cards — two facedown and one faceup. The player with the lowest faceup card pays a bring-in (a form of ante), and after that, the betting begins. Subsequently, four faceup and one facedown cards are dealt, with betting in between the dealings. The widespread popularity of seven-card stud lived for decades until the late 20th century when Texas Hold ‘em took over as the king of poker and let the seven-card step down from the throne. Seven-Card Stud Hi-Lo Split-Eight or Better As the name suggests, this one is a mixture of a seven-card stud and split-eight or better. Players receive seven cards, and the plot is split between the player with the highest and the one holding the lowest hand. It is an intricate game where one can hope for getting the best or the worst hand and still come out a winner. On top of that, players can choose a different combination for making a high or low hand, thus making things more complicated but also getting a higher chance for a win. This poker variant is among the least popular but also among the most exciting ones. Its history is not clear, though it is based upon the seven-card stud mentioned above. Thus, it’s safe to assume that this one, too, faded away sometime in the better half of the last century. The five poker variants mentioned here are sometimes played in rotation in what’s known as H.O.R.S.E. (a letter for each style). These are also the most common poker styles, and each one of them began or ended its glory days sometime between the 70s and the 90s. Still, all these games are found all over the globe, and they serve as a reminder of how dynamic and intriguing the game of poker is. [Banner image source:]
Skip to content Big data = big finds: Clinical trial for deadly lung cancer launched by Stanford study applesandorangesMy colleague Bruce Goldman has written elegantly here before about how large biological databases (a phenomenon commonly known as "big data") are a treasure trove of information - for those who know where to look for it. Bruce has referred to the computerized technique, which pairs existing drugs with human diseases (sometimes vastly different from the conditions for which the drugs were originally developed) as a molecular And although the hook-ups are sometimes apples-and-oranges odd, they're showing lots of promise. Last night, Stanford researchers Atul Butte, MD, PhD, and Julien Sage, PhD, published a study in Cancer Discovery (subscription required) describing how they've used this algorithm developed in the Butte lab to identify a possible new treatment for small cell lung cancer, which is particularly deadly. And because the drug, an antidepressant called imipramine, is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans, they've been able to quickly and (relatively) inexpensively move into human trials. As Butte, the director of the Center for Pediatric Bioinformatics at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford described in our release: How exactly does it work? More from our release: Patients with small cell lung cancer account for only about 15 percent of all lung cancers, but their prognosis is particularly poor. The disease belongs to a particular class of cancers called neuroendocrine tumors that arise from cells that couple signals from our nervous system to the release of hormones within the body. Some pancreatic and aggressive gastrointestinal tumors also belong to this class. As Sage explains: The five-year survival for small-cell lung cancer is only 5 percent. There has not been a single efficient therapy developed in the last 30 years. But when we began to test these drugs in human cancer cells grown in a dish and in a mouse model, they worked, and they worked, and they worked. The drugs (one a tricylic antidepressant no longer often prescribed) identified by the algorithm activated a cellular self-destruct pathway that killed the cancer cells. Sage and Butte have since collaborated with Joel Neal, MD, PhD, to launch a Phase II clinical trial to test the treatment. For more information about the ongoing clinical trial, which uses a molecule related to imipramine called desipramine, contact the Stanford Cancer Clinical Trials Office at (650) 498-7061 or e-mail Previously: Clinical trials: My next good chance, Mining medical discoveries from a mountain of ones and zeros, Cheap data! Stanford scientists' "opposites attract" algorithm plunders public databases, scores surprising drug-disease hook-ups, and Atul Butte discusses why big data is a big deal in biomedicine Photo by Covert Oddity Popular posts

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