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This will be my first time “teaching” anyone Java Script but I will do my best in this lesson and the next couple to explain the very basics of the language and how it works.
The first thing that you need to understand is that every coding language has a syntax. This is the way that the code is written and what specific signs or symbols may need to be typed in to make it work/run. The most basic and arguably most important syntax in Java Script is the semicolon “;”. This handy character allows us to essentially finish our lines of code in Java Script letting the computer know that we are done typing into this specific line of code. Forgetting to type this symbol at the end of lines of code is the most basic error that is made by beginners but it is not a big deal as websites such as code.org let you know when this happens
This is what it looks like in code.org when there is no semicolon at the end of a line of code. When there is it should look like this.
You should be able to see the number and that indicates the line of code your on and that you have no errors. The yellow caution signs indicate a minor error in your code such as a slightly incorrect syntax or a missing semicolon however if there is a large red square that indicates a big error in your code that will cause it to not run.
Can you spot the error? The problem is there is no parenthesis around the quoted text hello world. This causes the computer to think you are typing out one solid command that says in console log hello world as opposed to in console log display text hello world.
The final part of this lesson will go over the first place we will apply our coding knowledge, The console log. The console log is essentially a separate mini code player that can be used primarily to display text. We can use the variable operator console.log () to display numbers and console.log (“”) to display text or strings. Strings are just a fancy way of saying text that is used by computers. Strings need the quotation marks to identify themselves because they work differently than numbers.
These are the exact same code using the division operator however one is a number being divided the other is a string. The string cannot be divided so this becomes the output for the code
It becomes 10 which is the correct output for out first line of code but it becomes NaN or not a number for our second line of code. This is because strings can only be used with the addition operator. But I will get into that next lesson.
Thank you all for reading I hope you enjoyed and as always feel free to swing by my YouTube channel where I just uploaded a new video! | <urn:uuid:e912f963-a55c-4af2-9e6e-ecebe5aae806> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.kidskodingacademy.com/2021/11/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.946875 | 567 | 3.640625 | 4 |
People’s personalities can change over time… and now we know the same is true for DOGS. According to the Journal of Research in Personality, dogs’ personalities aren’t set in stone, and, just like humans, they can go through dramatic personality changes throughout their lives. It was the largest study of dog personality ever done… and the experts looked at 50 different dog breeds. And they found, when humans go through big changes in life, that may influence a change in their dogs. Like if someone goes through a personal trauma, and they become more withdrawn, the same can happen to the dog.
The study also found that dogs and owners DO have similar personalities. For example, extroverted people were more likely to have dogs that were excitable and active. People who were laid back had laid back dogs that were less fearful and aggressive. The study also found that dogs that have had training, or gone to obedience classes had more positive personality traits throughout the dog’s lifespan.
One more finding from the study? There’s a “sweet spot” for training your dog… and it’s not while they’re young! Contrary to the belief that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. The ‘sweet spot’ for teaching a dog obedience is around age 6, or middle age for a dog! By then, they’ve outgrown their puppy stage, but they’re not yet too set in their ways to easily adopt new behaviors. | <urn:uuid:7ee8c533-8e19-44e3-8097-8b65e9fe456c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.kmxs.com/dogs-personalities-can-change/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.977877 | 315 | 2.59375 | 3 |
The fairs of yester-year were far different from the fairs we know today. Dr. Stroup discusses what fairs were like before The Civil War. In this time period, fairs were held locally, and each county had their own. These fairs held competitions for events such as shooting, horse-racing, and cock-fighting. Farmers and planters also had competitions to show off their crops and livestock. These traditions originated around the 1720’s, and continued on until the late 18th century. Around the 19th century, we see the increased emergence of farmers’ societies. One key factor for the success of fairs after 1855 was due to the railroads. The “State Fair” was just one of many fairs going on throughout the state. | <urn:uuid:fc088749-9199-4911-902e-343f1e9352ca> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.knowitall.org/audio/fairs-civil-war-walter-edgars-journal | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.993585 | 165 | 3.796875 | 4 |
Hickey Creek Mitigation Park is co-managed by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It consists of a variety of habitats including palmetto-oak scrub, pine flatwoods, and seasonal wetlands. Views of scenic Hickey Creek can be enjoyed from the trail and overlook areas. The ecosystem presently supports the threatened Florida Scrub-Jay and gopher tortoises.
Environmental mitigation is an attempt to offset the detrimental impacts of development on a certain species or a type of native plant community. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) implemented the Mitigation Park Program as an alternative to developers compensating for the impacts of their developments on their own lands. Mitigation Parks are an effective way to protect native plant communities and the plants and animals that rely on them. Hickey Creek Mitigation Park was originally established by the FWC and Lee County to mitigate for gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) habitat destroyed by development in southwest Florida. | <urn:uuid:d81780fb-5078-40d2-8889-e891bc317552> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.lazynaturalist.com/hickey-creek/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.947454 | 207 | 2.890625 | 3 |
- Udangudi Panangarupatti
- Exercise CHAKRAVAT
Recently, Udangudi ‘Panangkarupatti’ (palm jaggery/ gur) from Tamil Nadu has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
GS III: Indian Economy
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Udangudi Panangarupatti
- Geographical Indications (GI) Tag
About Udangudi Panangarupatti:
- Palm jaggery production in Udangudi Panangarupatti remains traditional, devoid of modern methods.
- The palm jaggery, locally known as karupatti, made from palm sap in Udangudi region (Tiruchendur taluk, Thoothukudi district), stands out due to its distinctive characteristics.
- The presence of red sand dune soil in the region contributes to its uniqueness.
- The soil has low groundwater retention, and the dry climate leads to high sucrose content, enhancing its taste.
- The arid climate also facilitates long-term storage of karupatti.
- Unlike some other jaggery production methods, there are no chemical additives like Triple super phosphate and phosphoric acid used in its preparation.
Geographical Indications (GI) Tag
Definition and Importance:
- Geographical Indications of Goods indicate the country or place of origin of a product.
- They assure consumers of the product’s quality and distinctiveness derived from its specific geographical locality.
- GI tags are an essential component of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and are protected under international agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS.
Administration and Registration:
- Geographical Indications registration in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- The registration and protection are administered by the Geographical Indication Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DIPIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- The registration is valid for 10 years, and it can be renewed for further periods of 10 years each.
Significance and Examples:
- GI tags provide a unique identity and reputation to products based on their geographical origin.
- The first product in India to receive a GI tag was Darjeeling tea.
- Karnataka has the highest number of GI tags with 47 registered products, followed by Tamil Nadu with 39.
Ownership and Proprietorship:
- Any association, organization, or authority established by law can be a registered proprietor of a GI tag.
- The registered proprietor’s name is entered in the Register of Geographical Indication for the applied product.
- Protection and Enforcement:
- Geographical Indications protect the interests of producers and prevent unauthorized use of the product’s name or origin.
- Enforcement of GI rights helps maintain the quality and reputation of the products associated with their specific geographical regions.
Location of the Geographical Indications Registry:
- The Geographical Indications Registry is located in Chennai, India.
The 2023 edition of the Annual Joint HADR Exercise, CHAKRAVAT, is being hosted by the Indian Navy at Goa from 09 to 11 Oct 23.
GS III: Security Challenges
- Nature of the Exercise: Exercise CHAKRAVAT is an Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
- Evolution: Since its inception in 2015, CHAKRAVAT has evolved into a multi-agency exercise involving various stakeholders.
- Participants: The exercise includes participation from all three Services, Paramilitary Forces, disaster response organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and international organizations.
- International Participation: The 2023 edition of the exercise will involve eight countries from the Indian Ocean Region, promoting regional cooperation.
- Rotational Hosts: CHAKRAVAT has been conducted in rotation by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force since 2016.
- Host for 2023: The Indian Navy will host the 2023 edition of the exercise in Goa.
- National Agencies: Various national agencies, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), National Institute for Disaster Management (NIDM), Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Coast Guard, Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), and other organizations, will participate.
- Logo Symbolism: The exercise’s logo features the crests and logos of all participating agencies and flags of nations, symbolizing the need for joint and integrated action in HADR efforts. | <urn:uuid:5ec84727-c788-4cd1-b2f3-e21c91458755> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.legacyias.com/pib-summaries-10-october-2023/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.871496 | 962 | 2.65625 | 3 |
Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This The Importance of H2O lesson plan also includes:
- Join to access all included materials
Learners engage in an activity designed to show them the rarity and value of fresh water and the percentage of water that is accessible to people and animals on Earth.
3 Views 0 Downloads | <urn:uuid:f30184be-6638-41b5-a034-3d91eac50cb2> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.lessonplanet.com/teachers/the-importance-of-h2o | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.944097 | 69 | 3.53125 | 4 |
They wanted to celebrate International Women’s Month by taking a themed online experience about Women in Ancient Rome.
That sounded so interesting and exciting, so I started my research to get some detailed women information to include into our this experience.
What came up from my research was super interesting and a little unexpected..
The questions I was looking to answer were: what was life like for women in ancient Rome? Ancient Rome was so sophisticated and advanced for the time. Was it the same for women’s conditions?
Which kind of women were considered role models? Who are the most famous women of the time? And which locations of Ancient Rome are connected to the most important events related to women?
You’ll learn the answers to all of these questions and much more in this article, so keep reading!
A little bit of context to understand women’s life in Ancient Rome
Before discovering the women of Ancient Rome, first we need to imagine their context.
The time span of the ancient Roman legacy is over 1000 years, which means the traditions and circumstances varied a lot over time. Therefore an ancient Roman woman of the first years of the Roman monarchy was in very different conditions than an ancient Roman woman in the imperial period.
In fact, when Rome was a monarchy (since its foundation in 753 BC, until 509 BC), women were sitting in the corner in silence and they could not even join the banquets where men were participating.
On the other hand, after the republic and the beginning of the Roman empire (27 BC), the conditions of the ancient Roman women are comparable to women today!
What was life like for women in ancient Rome?
During the Roman empire, women could divorce, and you could find a lot of women that divorced multiple times.
During the republican period, marriage was always in favor of the husband, because the woman went from the jurisdiction of her father to the jurisdiction of her husband, as if she was a pet or an object.
In this context, women could not divorce from their husbands, while he could repudiate her for any reason, even for the most insignificant one..
This changed during the empire. In fact marriage became sine manu, which meant that the jurisdiction of the woman remained with her family, and didn’t transfer to her husband. This meant that women could then also repudiate their husbands, which resulted in women to be way more independent.
Divorce and children in Ancient Rome
Later on divorce became socially accepted and it wasn’t something to be ashamed of. Divorce in the Roman empire was very easy: it was enough that either the husband or the wife pronounced a specific formula in the presence of a witness.
In the meantime the senate also promulgated laws allowing women to independently manage their inheritance and their properties.
Also important to note is that women, especially in the upper classes, deliberately refused to have kids. Why?
Considering the multiple divorces they went through during their lives, kids could represent a problem.
Also, childbirth was way more risky than today, and women were risking their lives every time they gave birth to a baby.
This resulted in families adopting grown-ups, just for the sake of preserving their descent, without taking too many risks.
When it came to sociality, women in the Roman empire were informed, they read a lot and they were able to participate in any discussion on any topic.
Therefore we now have a picture of the women in the Roman empire: free to divorce, free to manage their belongings, without the shame of being repudiated.
The differences between women of upper and lower classes of the Roman society
Was the above applicable to ALL the women of the ancient Roman society? Not at all.
The situation for women of the lower classes of society was very different. In fact they still lived in the old concept of woman, which belonged to the monarchy and republican period.
While women in the upper class discussed politics and read books, women of the lower classes lived a completely different life.
Poor women could get married even at 10 years of age! In that case the family made an agreement with the husband, forbidding sexual intercourse with the girl.
Why were they getting married so early?
This was due to the fact that child mortality was very high, about 20%. During the first year of life it reached 40%!
Therefore, because so many of these kids were bound to die, it was considered wise to start making kids as soon as possible, and to make as many as possible.
So imagine how much physical effort these women’s bodies had to endure, one pregnancy after the other. Which is also why the upper class women did not want to have kids, to preserve their body shape.
Now that we have a picture of what it meant to be a woman in ancient Rome, let’s pick some of the most famous women events and female personalities of Ancient Rome.
Did women in Ancient Rome demonstrate for their rights?
Yes, they did! To mention two of the most famous demonstrations for women’ rights, we need to imagine the most important square of ancient Rome: the Roman Forum.
This was the place where in the 2nd century BC, women for the first time took the streets, actually took the forum for the abrogation of a law, the so-called lex Oppia.
This law forbade women the possession of jewelry and other status symbols, because they were seen as the cause of the decadence of society.
Another demonstration took place in the Roman Forum in the 1st century, led by the first woman lawyer of Ancient Rome, Ortensia.
On this occasion Ortensia stood for 1400 women who were asked to pay the costs of the wars. One of Ortensia’s main points was that they can’t charge women, if women have no word in war or political matters. She appealed to the principle of “No taxation without representation”, that’s why she is remembered to be way ahead of her times!
Unfortunately this demonstration only partially succeeded. Eventually only 400 out of 1400 (less than a third) women had to contribute economically. However, since this episode, the senate banned the legal profession for women.
Famous women in ancient Rome
When I was thinking of strong women in the history of Rome to mention in this article, at first I thought “well, there’s a lot of famous Roman women”!
But then I’ve realized that overall those women fell into two precise categories:
- the perfect Roman woman: obedient daughter, loyal wife, loving mother, perfect at weaving
- the crazy loose evil woman that eventually kills his husband
So I wondered, how is it possible that all the women remembered in ancient Roman history fit into those two categories? Is there really nothing in the middle?
I had to answer that question, so I’ve made some research and this is what I’ve noticed:
- ancient Rome history is mainly written by men
- historians used these women’s stories to publicly promote the good and the bad example of woman
This was quite limiting for a woman, but some of the smartest women used this limitation to their advantage!
They made sure that they followed those models to have visibility and therefore be able to accomplish things.
There are two women in particular that I’d like to mention today: Cornelia and Livia. They both made sure they strictly followed the perfect Roman woman model. Society appreciated them because they even brought that to the next level. For example, they never cried publicly when their sons died, nor they were wearing any jewelry. Even though they were rich and their visibility and power came and started from that.
Cornelia, mother of the Gracchi
We remember Cornelia as the mother of the Gracchi. Her sons, Caius and Tiberius, became tribunes (an important political position) and that promoted an agricultural reformation that would equally distribute lands, and would not allow wealthy owners to own more than a certain amount of land. Obviously many rich people in Rome did not appreciate this and eventually Tiberius was assassinated. As well as his brother Caio that became tribune after his brother and continued promoting the same laws.
None of these laws carry Cornelia’s name, but there wouldn’ be any of these laws without Cornelia and her dedication.
Because she was the one that raised those two kids in such a stimulating and intellectual environment, which inspired the mission of her two sons.
Who was Cornelia?
Cornelia was the daughter of Scipio Africanus and wife of Tiberius Gracchus. She lived between 190 BC and 110 BC.
Cornelia and Tiberius had 12 children, 9 of which died when they were still little. The surviving kids were two boys, Caius and Tiberius, and one girl, Cornelia.
Cornelia’s husband, Tiberius, died and she ended up alone with her three kids. Historians remember her as the perfect role model for widows and a great and proud educator for her kids.
Cornelia was a type of woman that no one ever saw in Rome before.
She was a great intellectual and she often organized social and cultural gatherings in her own house.
Her gatherings were so exclusive, that some of the most important personalities of the political scene, artists, philosophers used to take part in them.
Basically she brought together the best of the best of the Roman society of the time in terms of experience, intelligence and power. People that had their influence on the topics which were then discussed in the senate.
Some context of the times before we continue.
In that period, agriculture was in the hands of the big landowners, which exploited their slaves’ work to the limit. Therefore small and medium landowners could not hold the competition and they were in difficulty.
In the meantime the Roman society was relying a lot on raids outside of the borders of the Republic, and on the exploitation of slaves within the borders.
Therefore the amount of slaves increased exponentially, lowering the labor cost and causing unemployment among the Romans.
The sons of Cornelia: Tiberius and Caius
This is where Tiberius Gracco, son of Cornelia comes into the scene. Because in 133 BC he became tribune of the plebs.
Tiberius grew up with radical ideas, which he nurtured in his mother’s cultural gatherings. He claimed that the Italian peninsula would have fallen apart if agriculture remained in the hands of the big landowners. That was unavoidable if Rome kept exploiting the slaves while the working class lived of idleness and subsidies.
To fix the situation, Tiberius proposed an agricultural reformation that would equally distribute lands, and would not allow wealthy owners to own more than a certain amount of land. Obviously many rich people of Rome did not appreciate this, and eventually they assassinated Tiberius. Same thing happened to his brother Caius who became tribune after his brother and continued promoting the same laws.
Therefore Cornelia lost her last two sons.
She anyway continued with dignity nurturing culture in her house until her old age (she lived over 90 yo!).
We need to imagine that in ancient Roman society, fitting the role of the perfect married woman was the only way to gain visibility through the public appreciation of men. The historians and politicians of the time highlighted role models like Cornelia to preach how a Roman woman should have behaved. And as a side effect, those women, like Cornelia, that represented that model, had the power to have an influence on the course of events.
Livia, the very “first lady” of the Roman empire
After Julius Caesar, the Roman republic was over. His successor was Augustus, and he restored the power, centralizing it into one person: the emperor. August founded the empire, the Roman empire, and he was the first emperor.
After the republic, Augustus brought everything into a more individualistic focus.
There was still a senate, but it didn’t have the same power as in the republic.
There was one emperor, and this emperor ruled from his imperial house.
And the house, the household was the place for women to be in Ancient Rome. So as a consequence, women were involved in political matters because these political matters were happening in the household.
During the empire of Augustus, women’s roles had a shift. This happened with the first “first-lady” of the Roman empire, Augustus’ wife: Livia.
We can compare Livia’s role to the one of a counselor for Augustus. Someone that is there and influences the emperor’s decisions. Even though she wasn’t officially appointed a role.
Roman historians have always remembered her as the perfect Roman woman.
She was a loyal wife, she never lost her temper, she never abandoned herself to a messy desperation when her son died, she was always supportive to her husband. Always very humble and modest. Never showed any drama publicly.
And most of all, people remembered her because she was kind, she was listening to people’s pledges and bringing them to the imperial house for attention.
On the other hand, other historians depicted her as a woman with a rare hunger for power. Some suggested she was the one killing all Augustus’s heirs so that her first son from her previous marriage could succeed Augustus as an emperor. We will never know if she actually did that.
What we can observe here is that Ancient Roman women never had any official political role. However the wealthiest ones, especially if closer to the emperor, could actually influence the course of some important matters.
This influence was happening only provided that they would observe the set standards of the perfect Roman woman. Because they had to gain visibility first, and to gain visibility they had to first of all, be wealthy, and second, they had to receive the appreciation of the male counterpart. Because the Roman men used the “good” Roman women as demonstrations of good examples for other women to follow.
So we don’t know if Livia’s behavior was coming from her natural way of being, or if she forced that to maintain her position. So the paradox is, to gain independence and visibility, Roman women had to follow the standards set by men.
- “Impero”, Alberto Angela
- “Storia di Roma”, Indro Montanelli
- “La donna romana”, Francesca Cenerini
Save this article for later, pin it! | <urn:uuid:13221967-82b9-4b23-91d3-21c04b1ce010> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.livevirtualguide.com/post/women-in-ancient-rome/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.981475 | 3,034 | 2.8125 | 3 |
The Joseph Priestley House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Portions of the content on this web page were adapted from a copy of the original nomination document.
The Joseph Priestley House stands on a rise above the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, at Northumberland, Pennsylvania. Priestley built the house circa 1794. It is a two-and-a-half story frame house, covered with white clapboards and resting on a stone foundation. The clapboards were kiln-dried on the grounds. The house consists of the two-and-a-half story center section, measuring 48 by 43 feet, and two set-back one story wings on the north and south measuring approximately 22 by 21 feet. These wings housed Priestley's laboratory and the summer kitchen, and there is a small woodshed attached to the kitchen wing.
The center section has a gable roof, with a deck and railing. The roofing is slate tiles, and there are three internal gable end chimneys, one for the main kitchen, and each with a fireplace on the first and second floor.
The front of the house faces the river, and a circular carriage drive in the front yard is historic in design but concrete has replaced the gravel and clay. The twin front door and fanlight is sheltered by a shallow portico, as is the rear door. A dentil cornice runs above the five second floor windows on the front and rear.
The interior of the center section consists of four rooms over four, on each floor, a center hall, and an intersecting hall to the laboratory. The attic has three servants rooms and a larger storage room. The four part cellar houses a modern heating plant.
Furnishings are correct for the 1794-1804 period, with some Priestley scientific apparatus displayed in the laboratory and library.
The house has been restored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, but there are intrusions on the property i.e., the 1926 brick structure east of the house, which is used to house exhibits, and the Pennsylvania Canal (closed 1902) and the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad, which run across the original lawn, between the house and the river.
The brilliant chemist Joseph Priestley, was responsible for several major breakthroughs in pneumatic chemistry, including the discovery of oxygen and carbon monoxide. Despite his scientific achievements, however, Priestley's liberal political and religious views generated such strong sentiment against him that he chose to emigrate to America. The Country's reception of the Englishman not only testified to the democratic spirit of the young Nation, but also stimulated her scientific development.
The Joseph Priestley House, on Priestley Avenue, in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, was built by the chemist and served as his home from 1794 until his death in 1804. It has been restored and is maintained as a museum today by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.
Priestley was born in Leeds, England, on March 13, 1733. Reared in a Calvinist environment, he decided to be a minister, and finished his theological training when 22. He possessed very liberal views and became a dissenting minister. In 1761, Priestley became a teacher at the Warrington Academy, where he stayed until 1767. It was during this period that he first became interested in chemistry. Perhaps his friendship with Benjamin Franklin spurred his scientific interests, for that association stimulated Priestley to write a History and Present State of Electricity. The Royal Society of London awarded him a membership in 1766 because of that book. In the following year, the neophyte scientist moved to Mill's Hill Chapel, Leeds, where his position allowed more time for scientific study.
Untrained in science as he was, Priestley chose a field that offered great opportunity for new work, pneumatic chemistry. The study of gases had attracted attention prior to Priestley's time, but it was he who became the "Columbus" of the gaseous world. And it was the brewing of beer that caused this keen observer to investigate gases.
The smoke that hovered over beer as it was brewed in a brewery near Priestley's residence in Leeds intrigued the minister. He set out to study the gas, and in 1772 he published his initial paper on pneumatic chemistry. In it he described his experiments with carbon dioxide; the paper won him the Copley medal in 1773. Hampered by a lack of implements, Priestley devised his own equipment, most of which has been little modified and is still used. Fascinated with his investigations, Priestley pursued his study and in 1776 discovered one of the key elements, oxygen. It was an astounding discovery for an individual who had been untrained in science and who had only initiated his work a few years earlier. Priestley continued his scientific investigations after 1774, although oxygen remained his great discovery, and by 1786 he had published six volumes of scientific writings.
Priestley's work in science had not completely dominated him. He continued to be active in religious affairs, as well as assuming a positive role in political matters. The liberal religious and political views he espoused maddened many. In 1780, the fearless crusader became the leader of a dissenting group in Birmingham, which city expressed small love for a new book of Priestley's, Corruptions of Christianity. Moreover, he gained additional enemies, some of them in powerful positions, when on January 1, 1791, he published a strong defense of the French Revolution. The pamphlet fearlessly denounced Edmund Burke's castigation of the revolution across the English Channel.
Priestley's courage soon brought personal disaster. A mob howled through Birmingham for three days in July, 1791, and it destroyed the scientist's meetinghouse and home. Priestley, personally uninjured, then moved to London, where he lived for three years. Already unpopular, Priestley's stock did not rise when France honored him with French citizenship. In these circumstances, it is not strange that he turned to America.
Priestley's sons had already migrated to the United States, and on April 8, 1794, the scientist boarded the Sansom for the trip to America. The emigre, who was sea-sick during voyage, landed in New York on June 4. On the following day, the American Daily Adviser welcomed Priestley and his wife, saying that America "has become the asylum of the greatest characters of the present age." The new immigrant went to Philadelphia on June 18, where he was welcomed by the American Philosophical Society. Perhaps the Society's members would have been a little piqued if they had learned that Priestley wrote a friend, saying "I never saw a town I like less than Philadelphia." By the end of August, Priestley had bought land in Northumberland, where he built a house.
The scientist continued his investigations in his new home. His most important discovery between 1794 and 1804, when he died, was carbon monoxide. He also became a member of the American Philosophical Society and contributed several papers to it.
At his death, on February 6, 1804, America lost a new son and the world an eminent scientist.
Quoted in Edgar F. Smith, Priestley in America, 1794-1804 (Philadelphia, 1920), 20.
Quoted in ibid,. 55.
S. Sydney Bradford, "Joseph Priestley House," National Survey of Historic Sites and Buildings form 10-317 (March 24, 1964).
William Henry, "Joseph Priestley," Great Chemists, edited by Edward Farber (New York, 1961).
Edgar F. Smith, Priestley in America (Philadelphia, 1920).
John Maxson Stillman, The Story of Early Chemistry (New York, 1924). | <urn:uuid:d56b655d-e0d7-4abc-88b1-e582163d99ab> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.livingplaces.com/PA/Northumberland_County/Northumberland_Borough/Joseph_Priestley_House.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.977517 | 1,611 | 2.921875 | 3 |
The vertical axis is the vertical number line on the coordinate plane.
In the image above, we show the vertical axis with a red line. The vertical axis is the same as the y-axis on the graph.
Math words beginning with the letter v
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Mar 08, 23 01:27 PM
Mar 08, 23 07:03 AM | <urn:uuid:b62e56e2-0c35-45b2-bc80-eba201503094> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.math-dictionary.com/what-is-a-vertical-axis.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.884353 | 90 | 3.125 | 3 |
Irregular menstruation or no periods are the typical symptoms of the polycystic ovarian
disorder (PCOD). Multiple ovarian cysts, frequently present in PCOD patients, are caused by
excessive production of androgen hormones.
Insulin levels in PCOD patients are reported to be higher than usual frequently. The
pancreas is where the hormone insulin is made, which assists the body's cells to convert
sugar into energy.
Your blood sugar levels may increase if your body doesn't create enough insulin. This can
also occur if you have insulin resistance, preventing you from adequately using your insulin.
A greater body mass index may also contribute to insulin resistance. People with PCOD
frequently struggle with this problem due to insulin resistance, which can make weight loss
more difficult. A diet rich in refined carbohydrates, such as starchy and sugary meals, might
make it more difficult to control insulin resistance and, consequently, weight loss.
Impact of PCOD on health:
One of the primary reasons why infertility is on the rise is polycystic ovarian disorder or PCOD. It often emerges in late adolescence or the early 20s. PCOD impacts the ovaries’ functions. Although the precise origin of PCOD is yet unclear, genetics and hormone abnormalities are thought to have a role. In some cases, it can even run in families.
Every menstrual cycle, women generate an egg or ovum from their ovaries. This process is called ovulation. Women with PCOD experience irregular ovulation that causes irregular menstruation periods and makes getting pregnant difficult. As a result of PCOD, multiple cysts end up developing in the ovaries.
This leads to excessive androgen hormones. In females, an elevated testosterone level causes excessive hair growth and male-pattern baldness.
Foods to avoid in PCOD:
When you have PCOD, it's crucial to eat frequently, maintain a stable blood sugar level throughout the day, and select balanced and nutritious meals. It is best to avoid low-carb, keto, intermittent fasting, and other popular diets, and eat modest, frequent meals throughout the day instead.
Here are 5 foods that experts recommend you avoid if you have PCOD:
Foods with excess sugar: It's important to keep sugar and PCOD as far apart as possible. This is because sugar impairs the control of insulin and induces inflammation. Half of fructose and half of glucose make up for sugar/sucrose.
Since fructose was hardly ever a part of the paleolithic diet, fructose consumption is not recommended for humans. Endotoxemia is caused by the average western diet's increased fructose intake, which weakens the intestinal barrier. Toxins from our stomach enter the circulation at this point which triggers an inflammatory reaction.
Foods with excess carbohydrates: Foods that include carbohydrates can be categorized as "simple" or "complicated." Sugars like sucrose, fructose, and glucose are examples of simple and easily accessible carbohydrates. Contrarily, the primary component of starchy meals is complex carbohydrates.
Foods rich in carbohydrates break down into glucose. The energy required for a healthy metabolism is then delivered by them when they enter circulation. The glycaemic index (GI) is the rate at which a meal raises blood sugar levels is indicated higher number. Our insulin levels will increase as the GI increases. Root vegetables are an example of a high-fiber, low-GI diet that humans are very well adapted to. However, consuming high-GI, glucose-rich meals daily might lead to insulin resistance and worsen PCOD.
Processed foods: The issue with processed meals is that they include a lot of sugar and carbohydrates, which work as preservatives to keep them useful for a long. Consuming processed foods regularly ends up interfering with your normal blood sugar management. Additionally, they frequently include dairy, gluten, vegetable oils, and food additives. These components cause inflammation in the body.
A classic example of processed food is fast food. However, processed food is an agricultural product undergoing mechanical, thermal, or chemical processing. It's crucial to realize that the elements matter more than the definition in this case.
Alcohol: Alcohol is one of the most harmful items to avoid from a nutritional standpoint if you have PCOD. Even occasional consumption of alcohol has been linked to higher risks of liver problems in PCOD-affected women. According to studies, this risk applies to all PCOD women irrespective of their weight.
Alcohol drinking in moderation may throw the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio off balance brutally. Additionally, it has been linked to decreased fertility and is dangerous to consume during pregnancy.
Alcohol consumption, no matter the quantity, badly interferes with your sleep patterns too. Additionally, it is known to weaken willpower and heighten appetites. That might be a big issue if you're trying hard to improve your eating or exercise routines. Alcohol consumption also impacts your metabolism severely.
Foods with vegetable oils:
Industrial seed oils are commonly referred to as "vegetable oil." These refined oils are made from soy, maize, canola, cottonseed, and sunflower seeds. Any of these oils are used extensively in processed and fried items that are bad for your health. Women with PCOD should refrain from consuming such oils as they lead to inflammation in the body.
The imbalance of omega fats in industrial seed oils can lead to inflammation. While omega-3 fats lead to anti-inflammatory derivatives, omega-6 fats create pro-inflammatory metabolites. Omega 6:omega 3 ratios between 4:1 and 1:1 are regarded as optimum. However, a ratio of 20:1 or greater is the outcome of the typical Western diet. The main contributor to this imbalance is frequently the use of industrial seed oil. This is due to their high levels of omega-6 fats and low levels of omega-3 fats. | <urn:uuid:5e428d2d-0ff2-4604-8fb2-c116518d29c3> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/5-foods-you-should-never-consume-if-you-have-pcod | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.943362 | 1,214 | 2.875 | 3 |
When it comes to learning preferences, NBCT Elizabeth Stein recommends finding a flexible balance. Encourage students to let teachers know how they feel they can best learn in a given situation, while also challenging them to strengthen their ability to learn in other ways.
Tagged: learning styles
Are you a multitasker? Do you use interesting examples to make learning more relatable? Do you teach to learning styles? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be interested in Five Teaching and Learning Myths Debunked, says principal Rita Platt.
Stressing learning styles and multiple intelligences has limited value in understanding what kids *need* to learn, says award winning teacher Dr. Curtis Chandler. He suggests strategies that emphasize a systematic focus on readiness and thinking metacognitively.
Students’ success in making connections – whether listening, writing, or linking ideas with bits of yarn – is essential to learning. Mary Tarashuk sees those connections in her 4th graders’ notebooks and in their eyes. But can PARCC prompts capture them?
Helen Hume’s comprehensive resource guide can help teachers across the curriculum integrate the arts into lesson planning, says ELA teacher Julia Colombo.
Learning styles theory is not an effective way to design lessons for diverse learners, says special educator Elizabeth Stein. Teachers need better glue. | <urn:uuid:f167d226-1156-4d33-b5c9-e3bd81df2bb4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.middleweb.com/tag/learning-styles/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.912276 | 276 | 3.5 | 4 |
Take a guess. What percent of your body is made up of water? Don’t peek! Take a guess first. The average adult human body averages around 57-60% water.
Water is very important for your body
According to Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water. The skin contains 64% water. The lungs are about 83% water, and muscles and kidneys are 79% water. Even bones have 31% water. Wow, clearly water is a large part of our makeup.
How much water do you need
So, how much water should you drink per day? According to the Mayo Clinic, senior adult males need about 15.5 cups and senior adult females need roughly 11.5 cups per day. This can be obtained by drinking plain water, low sugar juices, coffee, and tea. Yes, according to WebMD, the myth that caffeinated beverages are dehydrating has been debunked. Also, eating foods that contain water such as fresh fruits and vegetables are a great way to get enough fluid.
Older adults don’t drink enough water
As we age, the sensation of thirst diminishes according to Anne Vanderbilt, a geriatric nurse with The Cleveland Clinic. In addition, many of the early signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, low blood pressure and muscle cramps can easily be attributed to other medical conditions, medications, or natural effects of aging. As a result, older adults don’t drink enough fluids causing dehydration which is a common cause of hospitalization in the senior population.
Lastly, here are some GREAT TIPS to insure that you get enough fluid.
By: Karen Paulder, Fitness Instructor at The Crossings
Karen graduated with a BS in Fitness and Human Performance from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. She has been with The Crossings for about two years. Previously, she worked for Houston Methodist Clear Lake in the Wellness department. | <urn:uuid:8f1af284-5fa7-4212-9f12-7b920351f449> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.mrcthecrossings.org/blog/water-does-a-body-even-better | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.96275 | 401 | 2.84375 | 3 |
Virtual-reality technology is being used to decode the inner workings of the human brain. By tasking people and rodents with solving puzzles inside virtual spaces, neuroscientists hope to learn how the brain navigates the environment and remembers spatial information. In this documentary, Shamini Bundell visits three neuroscience labs that are using virtual-reality technology to explore the brain. She uncovers the many benefits — and unsolved challenges — of performing experiments in virtual worlds.
For more stories at the cutting edge of neuroscience, including a forgotten aspect of memory that is challenging conventional thinking, visit Nature Outlook: The brain. | <urn:uuid:4324498f-678f-4bc7-aef6-d7e62a1a18d2> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02154-x?error=cookies_not_supported&code=86ba8dd0-e064-42da-9bb6-111719c4f28a | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.902151 | 121 | 3.546875 | 4 |
Fashion Icons Throughout History: Their Impact and Enduring Influence
Fashion has been an integral part of human culture since ancient times. It has served as a means of expression, a reflection of societal values, and an art form that transcends time. Within the realm of fashion, there have always been individuals who push boundaries, challenge norms, and redefine the concept of style. These pioneers, known as fashion icons, have played a pivotal role in shaping the way we dress and perceive fashion. From the extravagant gowns of Marie Antoinette to the iconic little black dress of Audrey Hepburn, fashion icons throughout history have left an indelible mark on the industry and continue to inspire designers and enthusiasts alike.
One of the earliest fashion icons in recorded history is Queen Nefertiti of Ancient Egypt. Known for her stunning beauty and impeccable sense of style, Nefertiti established herself as a symbol of elegance and power. Her asymmetrical hairstyles, draped garments, and elaborate headdresses set the standard for opulence and femininity that have influenced fashion trends for centuries.
Fast forward to the 18th century, where Marie Antoinette, the queen of France, made waves with her extravagant and sometimes controversial fashion choices. She embraced luxurious fabrics, intricate embellishments, and exaggerated styles that often defied convention and challenged societal norms. Despite her many critics, Marie Antoinette’s fashion legacy has endured, with her gowns and hairstyles serving as inspiration for contemporary designers who strive to create unique and innovative pieces.
Moving into the 20th century, we encounter the eternal style icon Coco Chanel. Known for revolutionizing women’s fashion, Chanel introduced simplicity, comfort, and a new sense of freedom in her designs. She famously popularized the little black dress, which became an essential wardrobe staple for women around the world. By breaking away from the constraints of corsets and excessive ornamentation, Chanel empowered women to embrace their individuality and redefine fashion. Her legacy continues to shape the fashion industry today, as the influence of Chanel can be seen in countless collections and the adherence to her timeless motto: “Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
No discussion of fashion icons would be complete without mention of Audrey Hepburn. The epitome of elegance and grace, Hepburn effortlessly melded sophistication with a touch of gamine charm. Her collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy resulted in iconic looks, including the little black dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and the floor-length dress in “Sabrina.” Hepburn’s timeless style and impeccable taste have left an indelible mark on the fashion world, inspiring generations to embrace simplicity, femininity, and the power of understated elegance.
In more recent years, fashion icons such as Kate Moss and Rihanna have emerged, breaking traditional molds and redefining what it means to be a fashion icon in the modern age. Kate Moss, with her waif-like figure and grungy style, challenged the notion of perfection and brought a new edginess to the fashion industry. As for Rihanna, her fearless experimentation with fashion has made her a force to be reckoned with. From her daring red carpet looks to her successful ventures in fashion design, Rihanna has proven that style knows no boundaries.
The impact of fashion icons is not limited to the runway or red carpet. Their influence extends to everyday life, as ordinary individuals find inspiration in their style choices. Fashion bloggers and social media influencers often draw inspiration from these icons, interpreting their signature looks in unique and accessible ways. Whether it’s incorporating vintage elements into a contemporary ensemble or embracing a minimalistic approach to dressing, the influence of fashion icons can be seen all around us.
Fashion icons throughout history have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping trends, and inspiring countless individuals. From Queen Nefertiti to contemporary icons like Rihanna, their enduring influence transcends time and continues to drive the evolution of fashion. By challenging conventions, embracing individuality, and pushing boundaries, these icons have not only shaped the way we dress but also how we perceive and express ourselves. The legacy of fashion icons serves as a constant reminder that fashion is more than just clothing—it is a form of self-expression, creativity, and a testament to the enduring power of style. | <urn:uuid:9eeced0c-619f-45d1-8b27-f66980ef3932> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.newsplanettoday.com/fashion-icons-throughout-history-their-impact-and-enduring-influence/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.936132 | 902 | 3.421875 | 3 |
Of Seeds, Trees, & Squirrels
For homeowners, the floating, spinning or tumbling tree seeds that collect on lawns, patios, gutters and driveways require raking or sweeping. Those "pesky" shade trees! Yet consider the tremendous wildlife food source and genetic wealth that seed crops represent, particularly cyclical acorn crops in NH!
Like a squirrel, I began searching for acorns in late summer. The results were inconclusive. Not a bumper acorn crop this year, but a heavy beechnut crop has been reported locally. Lately, there seems to be more regional variability than any reliable statewide trends.
The most prolific annual seed producers are the sun-loving "pioneer" tree species: gray birch, white birch and poplar. These fast-growing and relatively short-lived species produce 1 to 4 million tiny, wind-borne seeds in every pound! By comparison, white pines produce 26,000 seeds per pound and sugar maple produce only 7,000 larger winged seeds per pound.
A much greater overall investment per seed is made by nut-producers: beech and oak. Beech trees pack an average of 1,600 beechnuts per pound. Red oak only 125 acorns per pound. Contrast their seed strategy to the millions of wind-borne seeds of aspen and birch scattered like plankton to the wind.
Seeds are the genetic vault of tree traits for an as-yet unborn forest! Seeds of sun-loving pin cherry and black raspberry remain viable in the soil for a century… Or sometimes they merely feed hungry birds and squirrels! | <urn:uuid:aea23f1f-d592-4057-8a04-65c23d83dbb9> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.nhpr.org/something-wild/2013-10-11/of-seeds-trees-squirrels | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.919344 | 335 | 2.984375 | 3 |
1. Why is a house called "White Haven" painted green?
Perhaps the most frequent topic for visitor questions is the house’s historic Paris Green color. Previous Dent family residences in England and Maryland were called "White Haven," so the familiar name carried over to this property. The Paris Green color dates to the 1870s, and was quite popular during that era. Paint sampling and historic store ledgers confirm that this was indeed the color of the house. Some of the original paint is visible on the back porch, inside the mud room.
2. What types of wood were used for constructing the house?
Oak and pine varieties are by far the most common woods used in the house’s construction. Walnut was also used fairly extensively.
3. Why is the house unfurnished?
Unfortunately, we do not know the types of furnishings that were used in the home. The Grants furnishings were burned in a fire at Wish-ton-wish (another building on the property) in 1873. Since we lack the necessary information, the National Park Service has chosen to use a few representative pieces as touchstones for the Grant’s story.
4. What was on the interior walls of the house in the Grants’ day?
We know that at least one room was wallpapered, and we have replicated that wallpaper in the dining room. The remaining rooms are restored to how they would have looked, using the wall and trim paint colors confirmed through research and sampling.
5. When was the house built?
This question has a fairly complex answer, due to the many additions throughout the early history of the structure. The original two-story main section is called the Long House (after owner William Lindsay Long), and dates to around 1818. The next owners, the Hunt family, added the two-room portion to the back of the house (called the "Hunt Addition") by 1820. The West Wing addition (on the left side, if you are facing the house) and back porch were added by 1840, and the East Wing addition (on the right side, if you are facing the house) was added sometime after the Civil War. The first-floor kitchen and mud room were added by 1868.
6. Are the buildings in their original locations?
Yes and no. All of the historic structures are, with the exception of the chicken house and barn. Although it dates to the historic period, the chicken house was located elsewhere on the site, perhaps near the barn, which was originally located southeast of its current location prior to being moved in 1962.
7. Are the floors in the house original?
No, although they do emulate the appearance of the original floor, which is located just underneath the current one.
8. What’s upstairs, and why can’t I go up there?
Two bedrooms (on the second floor) and an attic are upstairs. Due to safety concerns they are not accessible to the public.
9. Why is there a closet in one room?
The room, called the West Wing addition, is a vertical log structure which was attached to the west exterior wall of the main house. The chimney stack for the dining room separates this wall from the West Wing, creating a closet space.
10. Where did the slaves live?
We know that both the winter and summer kitchens also served as living quarters for some of the enslaved, but the majority of the slaves lived in cabins somewhere beyond the rear of the house. The exact location is unknown.
11. What parts of the house are original? Why does the back of the house have such a "new" look?
A significant amount of the wood, stone, and glass you see in the house is original. The back porch and additions to the house look new because they had been demolished and had to be reconstructed.
12. Why aren’t the house and summer kitchen air conditioned?
This was intentionally done to convey a sense of what these structures would have felt like during the warm weather months, as well as to reduce the intrusive physical impact. In the 19th century, window and door placement, as well as the actual facing of the house, were done with air flow and breezes in mind.
13. What was the original access route for the winter kitchen? Is the bark on the beams real?
Archeological evidence indicates that a door existed at the rear of the house, leading down into the winter kitchen. The small trap door was probably used for unloading supplies, such as wood for the fireplace. And yes, those are the original beams, and the bark is real.
14. What is that concrete thing in the ground behind the house?
That is a cistern, used for gathering and storing rain water. Since it is no longer used it has been capped for safety reasons. Incidentally, a well (also capped) is located near the road as you exit the parking lot.
15. What’s the modern history of the site? How long has the National Park Service been here?
The White Haven property was owned by the Wenzlick family for most of the 20th century. A local organization, Save Grant’s White Haven, Inc., helped preserve the site from development in the 1980s and guided it toward federal management as a unit of the National Park Service. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site was authorized by Congress in 1989, and the park was officially established in 1990.
16. Have any more questions?
Please ask at the Visitor Center! If we cannot answer your question immediately, we’ll be sure to research it and get back in touch with you.
Last updated: January 29, 2020 | <urn:uuid:111a9f3c-8795-4f81-ada0-71ae33bc6b14> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.nps.gov/ulsg/faqs.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.981358 | 1,185 | 2.6875 | 3 |
Sometimes nature comes up with ingenious ways to attract pollinators – by sexual deception! Fly Orchids flowers are shaped just like female flies. Male insects are attracted to the flower so they come to mate. Once they land, pollen gets stuck on their bodies which in turn fertilizes the next orchid that they fly to. The Fly Orchid is one of those species of orchids that is not considered attractive. In fact, many find it an ugly species of orchid. Imagine male insects getting enticed to mate with a flower – that is the power of nature to mimic its own creations! Male flies and other insects do not get what they anticipate when they sit on the flowers of the Fly Orchid. They are fooled and, as with some other flowers, they do not even get the benefit of nectar as a consolation.
Despite this clever and deceptive way of propagating itself only about 10% of Fly Orchid plants are pollinated by the insects . To combat this low success rate the Fly Orchid has another trick up its sleeve. Every pollinated flower produces more than 10,000 seeds to make sure that the species remains preserved. It also propagates at a fast pace so that, if only one in 10 flowers gets pollinated, there is still a great chance of success.
Facts About the Fly Orchid
- Habitat: Central Europe (Ireland, Spain, Romania, Greece, Ukraine, Norway)
- Scientific name: Ophrys Insectifera
- Other common names: Fly orchid
The Fly Orchid is a terrestrial plant that remains under the ground in the form of a tuber until late summer when it starts to sprout. When the bulbous tuber starts to dry out, for want of food reserves, a cluster of leaves starts to form . Interestingly, the plant begins to develop a new tuber at the same time – perhaps to get itself ready for a new beginning the following year. What is amazing about the Fly Orchid is that the leaves of the plant start to wilt just as the flowers bloom. This makes the stalk look like it is occupied solely by the female flies.
The Fly Orchid is a species of orchid that grows in clusters – meaning you will find 10-15 plants in a colony. You can grow them in your lawn if you keep the plants well drained. The Fly Orchid also likes a relatively alkaline soil and the tubers need to be at least 5cm below the surface of the soil. | <urn:uuid:e1eb7d46-e710-4003-aa8c-40a45c3f0fd9> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.orchidsplus.com/fly-orchid-facts/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.953403 | 505 | 2.953125 | 3 |
About this project
Visible ecological impacts of food production, recurring food scandals and extensive information available on the widespread use of cheap, unhealthy and often toxic ingredients illustrate the political role and relevance which consuming certain food can have. Nonetheless, people may be informed and educated, affluent, aware of sustainability and health issues and endorse ecological values, but yet they do not engage in sustainable, healthy and - more generally - political consumption behaviors; or they do so, but discontinuously.
The project addresses these inconsistencies, shedding light on whether, when and in what ways attitudes and behaviors observed in one’s social environment form (non-)political consumerism in general, and (non‐)sustainable food consumption in particular. Furthermore, the project investigates if and how politics and policy‐making can feed into, buffer or be overplayed by social dynamics.
The project is a part of Örebro University’s focus area Food and Health | <urn:uuid:935a2282-3a88-4b67-9e83-9d2d2d03f6bc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.oru.se/english/research/research-projects/rp/?rdb=p2075 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.895346 | 189 | 2.875 | 3 |
The living is the most important aspect of Life. But for some, life is searching ways and methods by which they can help and improve others life.
Curiosity led us to the discovery of Planet Mars by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) with the possibility that we humans could make it our new home due to the presence of water but no life has been found yet.
Why we need that? The man has destroyed and has exploited Earth for his greed so much that in the near future we might lose the Earth as we know it. And also the world is worried if Man starts 3rd world war, we all be gone. Recently, North Korea really threatened America saying it’ll launch its missiles’.
So, the question is how? Isn’t it expensive to go to Mars? Therefore, SpaceX a private American Aerospace manufacturer and transport service which designs, manufactures and launches rocket and space crafts headed by the Visionary and Super Intelligent Elon musk who has earlier been involved with Tesla.Inc, PayPal, Neuralink, X.com just a few of the influential and remarkable work of him. SpaceX was established in 2002 HQ in Hawthorne, California, the USA with more than 5000 employees.
So, SpaceX is the first company to send its satellite in the International Space Station (ISS) is a space station, or a habitable artificial satellite, in low Earth orbit named Dragon (designed to carry astronauts to space). SpaceX works towards developing fully and reusable rockets, helping to reduce the costs. The main motive of SpaceX is to improve the cost and reliability of access to space. He’ll be able to send the human to Mars within 10 to 20 years and according to him, Humans can live there. Musk also stated that, since Mars’ atmosphere lacks oxygen, all transportation would have to be electric.
Till date, SpaceX has secured more than 100 missions and over 12$ billion in contracts. Even NASA has agreed to help them in their mission 2018 to mars where they will land, communicate and find ways to help their spaceships along with has signed many contracts with them including Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) contract to demonstrate cargo delivery to the ISS, with a possible option for crew transport, Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) are a series of contracts awarded by NASA from 2008–2016 for delivery of cargo and supplies to the ISS on commercially operated spacecraft are just a few to name.
On Feb 6th2018, SpaceX has launched the Falcon Heavy, the fourth-highest capacity rocket ever built is the most powerful rocket in operation as of 2018. The inaugural mission carried a Tesla Roadster belonging to Musk as a dummy payload, the first time ever a car has been sent to space with fun touches like a “Made on Earth by Humans” printed on a circuit board and a “Don’t Panic” message on the dashboard. The reason for sending the car was that there is a good chance this monster rocket blows up, so I just wouldn’t put anything of irreplaceable sentimental value on it” – Elon Musk with an interview with SyFy. The short Flight from earth o Mars will start from mid 2019s.
So, we can say He’s the Tony Stark of Real world. He’s handsome, Smart, philanthropist, he’s Half Republican and Half Democrat. He’s worried more of AI than Nukes and does believe there will be a 3rd world war. He’s more inclined towards how technology can help us live life effectively and efficiently. He’s like Tony Stark who’s a sucker for more. | <urn:uuid:2a84d2bf-fe83-44c5-b8cd-25fa0d5c1319> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.pal4real.com/2018/03/12/making-life-multiplanetary/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.958168 | 751 | 2.875 | 3 |
By Joey and Carla Link
October 20, 2021
Giving kids chores is normal for parents to do, but WHY do we? Is it just to make Mom and Dad’s life easier? It really doesn’t as it takes more time to get kids to do the chores and do them the right way, then check up on them to make sure they did them. Carla and I should have kept count of how many times we muttered to ourselves, “It would be easier to do this myself!”
SO, WHY give kids chores? The primary goal is to teach them responsibility and how to have a good work ethic. We did feel a moment of satisfaction recently while talking to one of our grown kids about her job. She was dealing with an employee who made her job harder as he wasn’t carrying his load and she said, “I wish their parents taught them how to work, like you taught me!”
Kids need to do chores, to learn how to work! They’re going to take their habits, good or bad, into the jobs they get as adults. So, what’s a good work ethic? First, let’s look at how you teach your kids to do chores.
How do parents teach kids to do chores the right way?
1.Tell them about the chore. Give them the overview for what you expect and how and when you expect it will be done.
2.Show them how you expect it to be done. Do you have a way you want their beds to be made? Their toys picked up? Clothes put away? Show them how to do it one day and watch them do it the next.
3.Set a boundary of when it needs to be done by. Tell them you want their bed made, hair combed and teeth brushed before they come to breakfast. If they don’t meet the boundary, they need to sit until they are ready to apologize and then get a logical consequence, which is taking away what they were misusing. What were your kids doing instead of their chores? That is what you take away for a period of time.
4.Teach them to be consistent by being consistent yourself. For 4 weeks, check to be sure your child is doing chores completely and on time every day. After that, do surprise checks for a couple weeks.
Doing chores the right way is the first step to acquiring a good work ethic. There is more to it than that however. This is what an appropriate work ethic looks like.
1.Require your kids to do their jobs without reminders from you and without lectures from you which will teach them to think and learn to manage their time as needed. This is how your child will take ownership of getting his/her chores and schoolwork done. This means you will need to give them the freedom to fail. A mom once asked me in frustration how she could get her daughters to get ready on time for school. They constantly missed the bus and she had to drive them to school. I (Carla) asked her if she and her husband were willing to let them get detention for being late. She had to think about that and ask her husband what he thought. They reluctantly agreed they were willing to try anything. This is what giving them the freedom to fail looks like. I told her not to push them and make them ask her to drive them to school. If she was busy, she didn’t need to drop everything to get them there when they asked. She charged each of them gas money and an hourly wage for her time. When the girls had to serve detention time and they realized this was the way it was going to be, they managed to get ready for school, eat breakfast and get on the bus on time.
2.Require them to do their chores and schoolwork the exact way they are supposed to be done. If you allow them to do sloppy work when doing their chores or turn in incomplete homework assignments, you are allowing them to develop work habits that will not allow them to succeed later on. Giving them the freedom to fail regarding turning in incomplete schoolwork or not getting papers done on time is a good reminder to them that their schoolwork is their responsibility, not yours. We told our kids they were going to have to get scholarships to go to college and their GPA accumulated from the day they started their freshman year of high school.
As far as chores, we required our kids to do the work at home the right way before we allowed them to do it for someone else with pay. Our son mowed our lawn for three summers before he bothered to do it the way I (Joey) had shown him it was to be done.
I (Carla) offered to babysit kids at our home so their parents could have a date night and had my girls take care of them. They learned to make a schedule of activities they could do with the kids, learned how to care for a fussy baby and to feed them and put them to bed when their parents had asked them to. They did this with me for several months before I told them they were ready to babysit on their own. I taught piano lessons and I told my kids they could begin teaching beginning lessons when they turned 14 yrs. old. I listened to their lessons and gave them pointers and watched to see if they used them before I started paying them for their time. Your kids are not going to do in public what they are not already doing at home.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”Luke 16:10 | <urn:uuid:d6636713-d6bc-4104-b6b5-4867cde427e7> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.parentingmadepractical.com/why-give-kids-chores/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.991262 | 1,174 | 2.625 | 3 |
In Key Stage 2, we teach daily spelling, punctuation and grammar sessions (SPAG), where children are given opportunities to apply new skills in a wide range of reading and writing activities. We follow the National Curriculum and Purple Mash Spelling for this. Purple Mash Spelling will also be used as a practice and consolidation tool that children can interact with at home and school. This will link to their weekly spelling rule and should create some enthusiasm around spellings through game like activities.
Spelling patterns and rules for the week are introduced each Monday and the revisited and practiced through the use of dictated sentences each Tuesday. The focus each Wednesday is punctuation, on Thursday it is Grammar and then Friday spellings through dictation, and addressing misconceptions.
Common Exception Words
As in Reception and Key Stage 1, there are common exception words which we teach the children in Key Stage 2. Different words are identified for each year group. Common exception words are words that do not follow the common phonetic spelling rules. They are sometimes referred to as tricky words. They are words which appear frequently in texts and help readers to understand what they are reading, for example 'the' in Reception. We send copies of these words home so that children can practise reading them easily and at speed. | <urn:uuid:38b22ac8-5542-4a80-b295-1fc7dd40f52b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.pennineway.cumbria.sch.uk/spag/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.954795 | 262 | 3.78125 | 4 |
Botanical name: Toxicodendron
Botanical name: Toxicodendron
The toxicodendron (Toxicodendron) are a group of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees in the sumac family. Many of its species are famous for their skin-irritating properties, which are caused by a compound called urushiol. Some people can have extremely adverse reactions to toxicodendron, and these plants should be judiciously avoided. A few species of toxicodendron have uses, though – the irritating sap of the Laqcuer Tree (T. vernicifluum) has been used in east Asia for centuries to create a high-quality lacquer.
Species of Toxicodendron
Rhus sylvestris produces a rich brown dye due to the tannins in its leaves. The seeds also have value, as their oil can be used to make candles. These candles produce a bright flame and unpleasant-scented smoke. Sap in the stems is used as a lacquer on decorative objects.
The wax tree is a plant with yellowish-green flowers that is similar to the sumac tree. Because of the possibility of allergic reactions while handling plant parts, it is listed as a toxic weed in New Zealand and Australia. It is a city tree symbol in Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan.
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Pacific poison oak
Pacific poison oak is a woody vine or shrub found in the Western United States. Try to avoid this plant when hiking or camping, as the leaves and stem have a surface oil that causes an allergic skin reaction in 4 out of 5 people. A good reminder when it comes to pacific poison oak is “Leaves of three, let it be.”
Atlantic poison oak
Atlantic poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens) is a plant native to North America that causes an itchy rash in sensitive people. The plant can appear shrub-like or vine-like, with young leaves being bright green or reddish, and older stalks appearing grayish or woody.
Western poison ivy
Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii) is a perennial shrub that grows similar to a vine. It produces very small, cup-like white flowers in summer, followed by white fruit that ripens in fall. Fruit can remain on the stems all winter. The oils of the plant are highly toxic and even the slightest brush against this shrub can cause dermatitis outbreaks with a rash of itchy blisters. Grows in sun or partial shade.
Mountain lacquer tree
The leaves are odd-winged double leaves with 4-8 pairs of leaflets. The leaves are ring-shaped and the smaller the lower leaves. Hair grows densely on both sides of the leaf. The leaves of mature trees are rounded but the leaves of young trees have saw teeth. The petioles and leaf stems also have hair and are reddish. It turns red in the fall. It is a hermaphroditic strain with yellow-green flowers around spring. The fruit is tonsil-like and has stings on the surface.
Poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is a woody shrub whose oil causes an itchy, burning rash. It's considered more allergenic than poison ivy and poison oak. The sap from this plant is sometimes used to make a black varnish for woodworking.
Chinese lacquer tree
Chinese lacquer tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum) is an important commercial tree. The sap of the chinese lacquer tree is used for making lacquer - a pigmented coating that creates a glossy finish. This sap contains a chemical compound called urushiol that has allergenic properties. The wax from the tree is used for candles.
The manzanillo (Toxicodendron striatum) are a group of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees in the sumac family. Many of its species are famous for their skin-irritating properties, which are caused by a compound called urushiol. Some people can have extremely adverse reactions to manzanillo, and these plants should be judiciously avoided. A few species of manzanillo have uses, though – the irritating sap of the Laqcuer Tree (T. vernicifluum) has been used in east Asia for centuries to create a high-quality lacquer. | <urn:uuid:5d174340-a95e-457a-9529-5736e1586f06> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Toxicodendron.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.944407 | 1,039 | 3.25 | 3 |
According to MSN Lifestyle's latest report, air-conditioning may increase the risk of further infection caused by the novel coronavirus.
In the United States, 5.4 million air-conditioning units were manufactured in 2019 to prepare for this year's summer season. However, experts say it isn't the best time to use ACs as two studies discovered that COVID-19 particles can spread by ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning.
(Photo : CDC on Unsplash)
9 People Infected By COVID-19; Air-Conditioning Is The Main Cause Experts Say; Here's Why You Shouldn't Use AC!
According to the report, most individuals spend 90% of their lives in built environments like cars, public transportation, and buildings, breathing in shared indoor air and touching potentially contaminated surfaces.
"Air conditioners will take air and re-circulate it through the room, and it's through that mechanism that these coronavirus droplets can be transmitted," said Qingyan Chen, a mechanical engineering professor at Purdue University.
Chen brought up that the 700 individuals out of 3,000 passengers on the Diamon Princess Cruise Shop got infected. "After quarantine, many people still got sick on the ship and I suspect that the air conditioning system could play a role there," he said.
However, other experts are skeptical about the report. Meghan May, an epidemiologist and professor at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, said that prioritizing physical distance is more important than worrying about air-conditioning.
"I'm not yet convinced it is a concern. But if it is, I would say air-conditioning is the least of your worries in mass transit or apartments," she said in the report of Business Insider.
Nine people infected by COVID-19; Air-conditioning is the main cause, experts say
According to MSN Lifestyle, a study discovered that nine people in a restaurant were infected because of air-conditioning which blew the coronavirus droplets.
The study was published in the Journal Emerging Infectious Diseases on April 2, focusing on the infected causes in a restaurant located in China which raised concerns about AC's risk factors.
(Photo : Ashkan Forouza on Unsplash)
Nine infections in Guanzhou were linked by the researchers to one 63-year-old woman. Most of the infected individuals didn't have direct contact with the woman, but they sat on the tables near her. The study concluded that the air-conditioning of the restaurant blew the particles around infecting the other individuals.
The report stated that the finding is alarming since it implies that air-conditioning can increase the risk of getting the virus without having direct contact with an infected individual.
However, it was also stated that the droplets which came from the infected woman didn't spread too far from her position; only 10 individuals out of 83 customers of the restaurant were infected.
The study serves as a warning to those restaurants and other establishments with wide air-conditioning units that are looking to open up for the summer to take precautionary measures to avoid further spreading the virus. | <urn:uuid:ce08e858-391f-48fa-a2b5-8e7998e8c580> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.polytrendy.com/covid-19-update-9-people-infected-because-of-air-conditioning-don-t-use-ac-experts-say/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.972085 | 656 | 2.546875 | 3 |
Nutrition for Students is Fun!
Your body needs nutritious foods to grow and stay healthy, so make sure you take care of your body by eating the right food and getting plenty of exercise. Whether you are grabbing breakfast before school or choosing a snack after sports practice, now is the time to start learning to make healthy choices. Your body and brain need healthy fuel to perform, to learn, to grow, and to ward off illness and disease. You will feel better and do better in school and at play.
Develop the healthy eating habits today that will last a lifetime. Eat a balanced diet from each of the 5 food groups everyday: Grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, and meat & beans...and go light on the junk!
Test your skills with these fun nutrition and fitness games! | <urn:uuid:e0c34dbb-eac7-45f2-9dd7-2bf9f7012bca> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.portage.k12.in.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2456366&type=d&pREC_ID=2271196 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.947332 | 162 | 2.8125 | 3 |
Equivalised household incomes are incomes that have been adjusted to make it possible to compare the incomes of households of different sizes and compositions.They reflect that larger households need more money to achieve the same standard of living than smaller households.
In 2016, the median equivalised weekly household income for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 15 and over was $623, an increase from $522 in 2011 (AIHW 2019).
In 2016, the median weekly personal income for Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over was $441. Those living in Major cities had higher median weekly personal income ($513) compared to those living in Remote ($388) and Very remote areas ($286) (Figure EW 21).
In 2016, 15% (59,199) of Indigenous Australians aged 18 and over earned a total gross weekly individual income of $150–$299, while 1% (4,812) earned $3,000 or more (Figure EW 22).
At June 2018, 45% (233,700 recipients) of Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over received some form of income support payment (AIHW 2019). The most common income support was Newstart Allowance (76,200 recipients). Other support types were:
- disability support pension (48,500 recipients)
- parenting payment single (36,800 recipients)
- the age pension (19,900 recipients) (Figure EW 23).
In 2018–19, among Indigenous Australians aged 15 and over:
- 39% (207,900) lived in households that had days without money for basic living expenses in the last 12 months.
- In remote areas, 49% (50,000) lived in households that had days without money for basic living expenses in the last 12 months.
- 53% (268,100) lived in households that could not raise $2,000 within a week in an emergency.
- Those in remote areas (76% or 73,100) were more likely to live in households that could not raise $2,000 within a week in an emergency, than those in non-remote areas (48% or 195,200) (Figure EW 24). | <urn:uuid:75c16dab-53a5-476d-b4d1-ab82a0d004a5> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.rific.gov.au/Topics/Education-work/Employment/Income | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.956113 | 441 | 3.28125 | 3 |
The Ancient Central Andes
The Ancient Central Andes presents a general overview of the prehistoric peoples and cultures of the Central Andes, the region now encompassing most of Peru and significant parts of Ecuador, Bolivia, northern Chile, and northwestern Argentina.
The book contextualizes past and modern scholarship and provides a balanced view of current research. Two opening chapters present the intellectual, political, and practical background and history of research in the Central Andes and the spatial, temporal, and formal dimensions of the study of its past. Chapters then proceed in chronological order from remote antiquity to the Spanish Conquest. A number of important themes run through the book, including: the tension between those scholars who wish to study Peruvian antiquity on a comparative basis and those who take historicist approaches; the concept of "Lo Andino," commonly used by many specialists that assumes long-term, unchanging patterns of culture some of which are claimed to persist to the present; and culture change related to severe environmental events. Consensus opinions on interpretations are highlighted as are disputes among scholars regarding interpretations of the past.
The Ancient Central Andes provides an up-to-date, objective survey of the archaeology of the Central Andes that is much needed. Students and interested readers will benefit greatly from this introduction to a key period in South America’s past.
1. Backgrounds; 2. Space, time, and form in the Central Andes; 3. The Early and Middle Preceramic Periods; 4. The Late Preceramic Period; 5. The Initial Period; 6. The Early Horizon; 7. The Early Intermediate Period; 8. The Middle Horizon; 9. The Late Intermediate Period; 10. The Late Horizon; 11. The Conquest and Colonial Periods
"The first edition of The Ancient Central Andes was the best text on the region when it came out in 2014. This new edition maintains that preeminence. Jeffrey Quilter has brought the narrative up to date with the most exciting and significant recent discoveries—this is the text for a course on the ancient Andes and a valuable addition to every archaeologist's bookshelf." Daniel H. Sandweiss, Professor of Anthropology and Climate Studies, University of Maine, USA | <urn:uuid:797307ea-b3e8-4a2d-8294-8d8a4d0c3f32> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.routledge.com/The-Ancient-Central-Andes/Quilter/p/book/9780367481513 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.901164 | 454 | 3.546875 | 4 |
"In the abundant world in which we now find ourselves, transformation in schools must be about empowering learners to organize their own learning and about delving deeply into the subjects that interest them, to live on a “perpetual learning curve.” Those are the skills they need to be successful learners in their adult lives. The emphasis shifts from knowing to learning." - From Master Teacher to Master Learner, Will Richardson
Here is my visual interpretation of what Will Richardson calls the perpetual learning curve of the modern learner. I have no scientific basis for this graphic other than the influence of co-learners (PLN contributors) like Will Richardson, Jackie Gerstein, Jon Andrews, Aaron Davis, George Siemens, Yong Zhao, Stewart Hase, Alan November, and many others.
Edutopia, Rebecca Alber
Inquiry - Justin Tarte, Jackie Gerstein, and Alan November will tell you that deep, meaningful learning is preceded by powerful, essential questions developed by the learner. According to Linda Nitsche, an essential question provokes deeper thinking, solicits information, drives further investigation, and results in an original answer or idea.
"Although essential questions are powerful advance organizers and curriculum drivers, the problem is that the essential questions are typically developed by the educator, not the learners. The educator may find these questions interesting and engaging, but that does not insure that students will find them as such." - Dr. Jackie Gerstein
Edutopia, John Larmer
Investigation - Not homework, but extended learning opportunities become beneficial when learners are empowered to pursue answers to questions of their own choosing. More than research, investigation means reaching out to experts, digging deep to find original sources, organizing a disjointed collection of material into a meaningful center. Educators Paul Solarz and Joy Kirr, are champions of Genius Hour and digital portfolio development because choice, voice, and self-organization are engaging, and empowering processes for the participant learner.
Edutopia, Josh Weisgrau
Contribution - Transparently sharing products of learning with authentic audiences is an impactful leap forward. Contribution pushes the bar higher by asking learners to support and advance the learning of others. Some students are fortunate enough to make global connections, and gain a new perspective through the self-publishing of their work to the web. Alan November when contrasting the difference between technology and innovation asks, "Is there an opportunity for students to create a contribution (purposeful work)? - Transformational Six
Edutopia, Mirjam Schoning
Reflection - What am I doing? Why am I doing this? What have I learned? What new questions do I have? What could I have done differently? How will this help me and others? Reflection takes time and practice, but it is the essential step in crystallizing and perpetuating deeper learning. Will Richardson, in describing productive learning, quotes Seymour Sarason in his recent publication, From Master Teacher to Master Learner, "the learning process is one which engenders and reinforces wanting to learn more." Reflection keeps the inquiry door open so that we can learn more. The modern learning cycle repeats and the learning never stops.
Edutopia, Beth Holland | <urn:uuid:f42874a2-fdb3-4a69-b2aa-4e86fdc46a95> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.rtschuetz.net/2015/06/the-modern-learning-cycle.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.935319 | 659 | 2.875 | 3 |
No matter how much discipline we try to exert over our bodies, in some ways they’re just going to do what they’re going to do. We breathe, we have reflexes, when we’re scared our bodies make ready to fight or flee. And anyone who has ever diapered a boy baby has probably seen a tiny erection, a reflexive physical reaction.
It is absurd to think that a baby’s genital feelings are sexual — babies have no concept of sexuality and just naturally respond to anything that feels good. Human bodies are wired to react to many types of stimulation without conscious decision — like getting goose bumps, or blinking. These types of bodily responses, including physical arousal of the genitalia, are called autonomic responses. They are governed by the autonomic nervous system and not conscious choice.
What does this have to do with sexual health and safety?
Many popular sex abuse prevention programs focus on teaching kids about “good touch-bad touch”, but the words of one adult survivor of sexual abuse must be heard: “No one ever tells a child that a wrong touch might actually feel good!” In fact, molesters often count on a child not knowing this critical fact of life, and use a child’s physical response to convince him or her that they were a willing participant. Similarly, a young man who does not know that his arousal came directly from his own brain may choose to ‘blame’ his arousal on someone and attempt to coerce them to relieve it, an all too familiar story heard from sexually aggressive adolescents. Parents of young children have an opportunity to set a foundation for sexual health and safety by helping make sure their child understands how their genitals work.
Transmitting this message to kids can be as easy as doing nothing. Simply, a non-reaction to a baby handling their genitals gives the message that as parents we’ll treat all body parts equally. As babies become toddlers, we can set boundaries around genital play, focusing on privacy, much the same way as we present potty-training; there’s a time and place for everything. We can also begin to introduce the difference between privacy and secrecy; a child can learn that there are things she can do in private, but Mom and Dad need to know about them. Parents of toddlers can prepare to answer questions coming from a child who knows that he can ask his parents anything.
One mom interviewed for The Sex-wise Parent shared her total meltdown when her 3 1/2 year-old son asked, “Mommy, why does my winky get big sometimes?” Another expressed how hard she had to work not to reprimand her four-year-old daughter who loved to rub favorite toys on her genitals in the bath. Both of these parents were off to a good start by not punishing their child for talking about sex or pleasuring themselves, and both have an opportunity to do more.
A question about an erection can be answered with an age-appropriate version of this: “Sometimes our bodies do things all by themselves because of how they feel, like when you laugh if you’re tickled. Penises get bigger when they feel good, whether you told it to nor not.” The pre-school girl may be ready to hear, “I know it feels special when you rub your vagina, but don’t rub too hard; vaginas can get scratched too, like your knee did when you feel off your bike yesterday.”
Speaking like this to your child may feel odd at first; a great way to prepare is to practice with your spouse or a friend. Take turns thinking of the toughest question you fear hearing from a little one, then help each other craft short, clear answers. The more you say the words and phrases with a trusted friend or partner, the easier it will be to speak to your child with pleasant authority instead of discomfort.
Comfort, knowledge and language about the sexual parts of the body are crucial to the foundation of sexual health and safety for our kids. Children with knowledge and language are less appealing to molesters, who seek out kids lacking the tools to speak up. Children who know the fundamental difference between healthy privacy (“I can do it without Mom or Dad watching“) and secrecy (“Mom and Dad can’t know about this“) are less likely to be sworn to the silence that provides cover to people who sexually abuse children. And, if a child is touched inappropriately like thousands are each year, the knowledge that their body’s autonomic reaction doesn’t make them complicit and that there are no secrets from mom and dad will spare them the devastating confusion resulting from experiencing a physical response that they neither wanted nor expected.
Having those frank discussions about genitalia with your children while they’re still young enough to want your answers means they’ll be more likely to listen to you as they negotiate the turbulent teen years. Good luck!
This post was written for the Healthy Kids column at Philly.com, published 9/24/2013 | <urn:uuid:28c655c2-cd54-4169-b2a1-ca6b19efdd6f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.sexwiseparent.com/2013/09/24/what-parents-need-to-know-the-one-fact-of-life-that-kids-must-learn-early/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.965866 | 1,053 | 2.90625 | 3 |
The Monumental Houses of Elm
14 October 2021
The picturesque village of Elm is located in the canton of Glarus in the Sernftal valley. In the eighth century, the Säckingen (Germany) abbey acquired the Glarus region.
Saint Fridolin was the patron saint of this abbey and the canton of Glarus, as can still be seen from the canton’s flag.
The Habsburgs ruled Glarus and Elm until the battle of Näfels in 1388. Elm bought itself free from Säckingen Abbey in 1395. Elm adopted the Protestant faith in 1528.
Russia, Austria and France fought in the area in 1799. The Russian general Alexander Suvorov (1730-1800) passed through Elm on his retreat over the Panixer Pass on 5 October 1799, one of the most famous military expeditions across the Alps.
Today, Elm is known for its characteristic and monumental Elmer and Glarus farmhouses.
(Source and further information: www.elm.ch). | <urn:uuid:bf19714a-7d24-44ae-8cae-d4b154ee8623> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.swiss-spectator.ch/nederlands-de-monumenten-van-elm/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.945981 | 226 | 3.28125 | 3 |
Are you forgetting something? It isn’t your imagination. Remembering everyday things is getting more and more difficult. Once you become aware of it, memory loss seems to advance quickly. The more aware you are of it, the more debilitating it is. Did you know memory loss is linked to hearing loss?
If you believe that this is just a normal part of getting older, you would be wrong. There’s always a root cause for the loss of the ability to process memories.
For many people that cause is neglected hearing loss. Is your memory being impacted by hearing loss? By identifying the cause of your memory loss, you can take measures to delay its advancement significantly and, in many cases, bring your memory back.
Here are a few facts to think about.
How untreated hearing loss can lead to memory loss
They’re not unrelated. Cognitive problems, such as Alzheimer’s and memory loss, were 24% more likely in people who have hearing loss.
There are complex interrelated reasons for this.
To begin with, hearing loss causes the brain to work extra hard. You have to strain to hear things. Now, your brain has to work extra hard where before it just happened naturally.
You start to use your deductive reasoning abilities. When trying to hear, you eliminate the unlikely possibilities to determine what someone most likely said.
This puts a lot of extra stress on the brain. And when you’re unable to accurately use those deductive reasoning skills it can be especially stressful. The outcome of this can be misconceptions, embarrassment, and sometimes even resentment.
Stress has a major impact on how we process memory. Mental resources that we should be using for memory get tied up when we’re dealing with stress.
And something new begins to happen as hearing loss advances.
This strain of having to work overtime to hear and needing people to repeat themselves makes a person “feel older” than they actually are. If you’re constantly thinking that you’re getting old, it can come to be a self fulfilling prophecy.
We’re all familiar with that narrative of someone whose loneliness causes them to lose touch with the world around them. We humans are social creatures. Even introverts struggle when they’re never with other people.
A person with neglected hearing loss slowly becomes isolated. Talking on the phone becomes a chore. Social get-togethers are not so enjoyable because you need to ask people to repeat themselves. You begin to be excluded from conversations by family and friends. You might be off in space feeling separated even when you’re with a room full of people. The radio may not even be there to keep you company over time.
Being on your own just seems simpler. You feel older than people your age and don’t feel that you can relate to them now.
When your brain isn’t regularly stimulated it becomes hard to process new information.
As somebody with untreated hearing loss begins to seclude themselves either physically or even mentally, a chain reaction starts in the brain. Parts of the brain are no longer being stimulated. They stop working.
There’s a high level of interconnectivity between the different parts of the brain. Abilities like problem solving, learning, speech, and memory are all connected to hearing.
This lack of function in one region of the brain can slowly move to other brain functions including hearing. Loss of memory is linked to this process.
It’s just like the legs of a bedridden person. When they’re sick in bed for a long time, leg muscles get really weak. They may possibly just quit working completely. They might have to get physical therapy to learn to walk again.
But the brain is different. Once it goes down this slippery slope, it’s hard to undo the damage. Shrinkage actually happens to the brain. Brain Scans demonstrate this shrinkage.
How memory loss can be stopped by hearing aids
If you’re reading this, then you’re probably still in the early stages of memory loss. It might be hardly noticeable. The great news is that it’s not the hearing loss that contributes to memory loss.
It’s untreated hearing loss.
In this research, individuals who were wearing their hearing aids on a regular basis were no more likely to have memory loss than someone around the same age who has healthy hearing. People who began wearing hearing aids after symptoms began were able to delay the progression considerably.
Stay connected and active as you age. Keep your memories, memory loss is connected to hearing loss. Pay attention to the health of your hearing. Get your hearing examined. And consult us about a solution if you’re not using your hearing aid for some reason. | <urn:uuid:27f663f5-8d77-4c21-bbee-92ae27a21bb6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.tallahasseehearinghelp.com/hearing-loss-articles/forgot-something-memory-loss-is-connected-to-hearing-loss/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.96328 | 988 | 2.734375 | 3 |
There’s a very basic message for anyone suffering from hearing loss: Use hearing aids.
Why? A recent study found that people were less likely to develop health issues like anxiety, dementia, depression, and dangerous falls if they started wearing hearing aids within three years of being diagnosed with hearing impairment. While this doesn’t prove hearing aids prevent these health issues, their use is connected with fewer health issues. Results from the study demonstrated that hearing aid users were 18% less likely to develop dementia, 11% less likely to develop depression or anxiety, and 13% less likely to suffer a dangerous fall.
Refrain From Making Excuses
If these numbers seem low to you, it’s significant to recall that your health is at stake, and every little bit counts. Prior studies have shown a correlation between hearing loss and other serious health problems, but this study verified it’s an ongoing, worsening problem. It’s essential to remember that many individuals diagnosed with hearing loss don’t bother buying hearing aids. Why not? For many, the lack of insurance coverage is an issue. Even among those who have insurance, the expense could seem too high.
Others go through the motions, getting fitted for hearing aids and bringing them home only to leave them in the case because using them seems like too much of a hassle. Many individuals don’t view hearing loss as a major issue because they can turn up the TV volume to solve the problem.
Higher volume on the TV won’t solve the issue, though, and while hearing loss may seem to be an unavoidable part of getting older, there is a lot more to it.
The Importance of Healthy Hearing
Clearly, a primary aspect of communication is the ability to hear. If your inability to communicate causes you to miss an essential instruction by your physician or guidance by a family member, that’s an issue. Consequently, communicating your concerns and symptoms will be a challenge.
Other issues linked to a lack of reliable communication are less apparent. When you strain to hear and follow a conversation on the phone, you may lose touch with some of the people in your support system due to embarrassment and frustration. And obviously, your chance of developing dementia is higher if your brain doesn’t get enough stimulation which occurs when you can’t hear.
Hearing Aid Benefits
Buying a hearing aid isn’t only about severe, long-term concerns. Wearing a hearing aid will immediately enhance your quality of life, as well as your long-term outlook. If you can hear and participate in conversations, it minimizes your chances of feeling isolated and allows you to participate more fully in your social life. You will decrease your anxiety even further when you are able to precisely communicate your health concerns with your physician and understanding his guidance for treatment.
Should I get hearing aids? If you have any of the following symptoms, the answer is yes:
- Difficulty hearing the person you’re speaking to if there is background sound
- Frequently needing people to repeat themselves
- Watching TV at very high volume
- Being so intimidated that you won’t be able to follow conversations, you avoid social situations
These and potentially other symptoms could be an indication that it’s time to consider getting a hearing aid. If any of them sound familiar, ask us if a hearing aid may be right for you. | <urn:uuid:70c60477-2133-4388-a548-75b5dc5ad26f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.tallahasseehearinghelp.com/hearing-loss-articles/seniors-can-lower-their-risk-of-health-issues-by-doing-this/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.958459 | 697 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Having a disability can make it difficult to do things that many of us take for granted, such as getting dressed, cooking a meal, or using the bathroom. It’s not always easy to find ways to adapt to these challenges, but occupational therapy can help.
In this article, we’ll look at what occupational therapy is, how it can help adults with disabilities, and what you can expect from treatment.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy is a type of therapy that helps people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities. The goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to live as independently as possible.
Occupational therapists work with adults who have conditions that affect their ability to function in daily life. These conditions can be the result of an injury, a chronic health condition, or a developmental disorder. Occupational therapy can help people with physical limitations, sensory impairments, and cognitive impairment.
How can occupational therapy help?
Occupational therapy can help adults with disabilities in many ways. It’s not just about helping people to regain the ability to perform everyday tasks; it’s also about helping them to adapt and find new ways to do things.
Occupational therapists work with their patients to assess their needs and develop a treatment plan. This plan may involve teaching new skills, providing equipment or adaptations, and offering support and advice. Treatment may focus on helping you to:
- regain or improve your ability to perform everyday tasks
- adapt to changes in your ability to function
- cope with the psychological effects of your disability
- find ways to participate in activities that are important to you
These are just a few examples of how occupational therapy can help. The specific goals of treatment will be tailored to your needs and abilities.
What can you expect from occupational therapy?
If you’re considering occupational therapy, it’s important to know what to expect from treatment. Here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Occupational therapy is usually provided on an outpatient basis, which means you can receive treatment without being hospitalized.
- Treatment is typically provided by a team of therapists who specialize in different areas.
- Therapy may be provided individually or in a group setting, depending on your needs.
- Treatment is typically long-term, and you may need to see a therapist for several months or even years.
You should also be prepared to put in some effort outside of therapy. Occupational therapy is not a quick fix, and you’ll need to practice the skills you learn in order to make progress.
How to avail of Occupational Therapy?
There are a number of ways to avail of occupational therapy. One way is to contact your local community health center or hospital and inquire about their occupational therapy services. Many health insurance plans also cover occupational therapy billing, so you may want to check with your insurance provider to see if therapy is covered under your plan. You can also find occupational therapists in private practice.
Occupational therapy can be an effective way to improve your ability to function in daily life. If you’re considering this type of treatment, it’s important to know what to expect. With the help of a qualified therapist, you can regain your independence and live a more fulfilling life. | <urn:uuid:34821138-dd29-4721-8b9e-674fc07ebb73> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.techdailytimes.com/how-occupational-therapy-can-help-adults/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.956656 | 670 | 3.484375 | 3 |
Quality professionals whose work requires non-destructive thickness measurements use ultrasonic gauges. These gauges are utilized for calculating the wall thickness of parts in situations where limited access prevents the use of calipers or micrometers. There are many types of wall thickness gauges which are preferred by industries. Among all of them, the most popular testing instrument, based on the Hall-effect method is Magna-Mike 8600.
It works on the principles of electromagnetism and can be used on plastics and composites and other nonconductive materials. Magna-Mike 8600 is particularly important in the blow molding industry for measurement of wall thickness in plastic bottles and similar containers, as well as many other situations involving relatively thin, nonmagnetic products such as aluminum containers, plastic and glass tubing, scientific glassware, and many small machined or molded plastic and composite parts.
The old traditional testing method
Hence the need for quick, simple and reliable nondestructive wall thickness measurement was generated. The wall thickness is an important aspect and is very important. It is a property of the material to be of a specific thickness as per the application. And variation in that thickness can create disturbance in the application. Magnamike is used by placing the target ball at the one side of the material surface and the probe on to another surface. The probe works on the principle of magnetic Hall Effect principle. | <urn:uuid:1eaf65bd-72ef-4338-99a0-68a36620afac> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.testing-instruments.com/blog/maintain-precise-wall-thickness-with-magna-mike-8600/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.928838 | 287 | 2.859375 | 3 |
If you are a collector of China then you most certainly have been in contact with Bone China. But what is Bone China actually? Simply put its a type of China created from a Porcelain that contains Bone Ash and other materials.
Bone China was created in the early 1790's by Josiah Spode who was an English Potter. He further developed a formula originally created by Thomas Frye. Josiah's formulation included 6 parts bone ash, 4 parts china stone and 3.5 parts china clay. The bone ash is created from cattle bones because they have a lower content of iron. This formula is still used as the base for all bone china. Josiah also had great success with his pottery company “Spode” that he founded in 1767 which is still a popular brand. | <urn:uuid:43ba6762-7592-4c4c-9419-dbf63bb04e11> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.tgldirect.com/blog/china | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.981839 | 166 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Many of us have seen movies with donkeys as sidekicks to cartoon characters. Some of these donkeys are pranksters and able to speak — sometimes in sarcastic fashion.
Did you know that there is a talking donkey in the Bible?
Beasts of burden
Donkeys are always a beast of burden in the Bible. In the Old Testament, Abraham used a donkey to carry wood for the sacrifice of Isaac. As King David prepared to die, he ordered that his son Solomon should mount the king’s own mule — the offspring of a horse and donkey — and be taken to be anointed as king of Israel (1 Kgs 1:32-34).
The prophecy of Zechariah that was fulfilled when Jesus rode into Jerusalem specifically speaks of the Messiah riding a donkey: “Exult greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout for joy, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold: your king is coming to you, a just savior is he, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zec 9:9).
Christian tradition tells us that Mary rode a donkey on her way to Bethlehem and on the Flight into Egypt. And Nativity scenes always have a donkey — not just because of Mary, but because of the prophet Isaiah. In the very beginning of his long book in the Old Testament, Isaiah relates a vision in which the Lord God says, “An ox knows its owner, and an ass, its master’s manger …” (1:3). This is seen as a prophecy of the Christ Child’s manger.
In the Bible, donkeys also carry supplies and trade goods, or plow fields (Is 30:24). When Jesus told the Good Samaritan parable, he mentioned the Samaritan putting the injured man on his own donkey.
Donkeys seem to have been so important in biblical history that the Ten Commandments warn against coveting your neighbor’s donkeys (Ex 20:17, along with your neighbor’s ox, slaves and wife).
Samson used the “jawbone of an ass” to slay 1,000 Philistines (Jgs 15:16). Even Israel’s first king, Saul, worked with donkeys. When we first see him, Saul is searching for the lost donkeys belonging to his father, Kish (1 Sam 9).
Perhaps Kish had used those donkeys the way donkeys are still used today — with herds of sheep, as guard donkeys able to warn the shepherds in enough time to make a difference.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of the province of Ontario, Canada, suggests the use of donkeys as guard animals. The ministry notes that donkeys use sight and sound to spot predators, and that sheep instinctively hide behind donkeys. “The donkeys’ loud brays and quick pursuit will scare away predators and may also alert the shepherd. In most instances donkeys will confront and chase dogs or coyotes out of the pasture. If the canines do not retreat quickly the donkeys will attack them by rising up on their hind legs and striking with both front feet.”
A donkey’s keen sight may be behind the story of the talking donkey in the Bible. We find the story in the Book of Numbers, chapter 22. In it, the Moabites implore the prophet Balaam to come to Moab and curse the Israelites, who have camped outside of the city of Jericho.
Balaam does not want to go, since the Lord God has told him not to. But, for some reason, God seems to change his mind and orders Balaam to go along with the princes from Moab.
Riding along with two servants, Balaam doesn’t see the danger ahead of him.
There, an angel with a sword blocks his path. The she-donkey Balaam is riding sees the danger and turns aside. Balaam, angry at her, beats the donkey. But she refuses to go on — turning aside, pressing Balaam’s leg against a wall. He becomes even more angry. Finally, the donkey lies down, refusing to move. Balaam beats the donkey more.
Suddenly, God gives the donkey speech: “What have I done to you that you beat me these three times?” she ask.s
Balaam, apparently not noticing how odd a talking donkey is, says that he is angry she is disobeying him. He even says he would kill her “if I only had a sword at hand.”
The donkey answers him, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have always ridden until now? Have I been in the habit of treating you this way before?” It is a gentle reproach, considering his threats.
And then God lets Balaam see the angel. The angel tells the prophet that he would have killed Balaam had he gone farther, “though I would have spared her,” meaning the donkey.
Needless to say, Balaam doesn’t curse the Israelites. He went home, on his faithful donkey.
There is another story about a faithful donkey and Holy Week that is upon us. While not in the Bible, it has become a traditional story.
It says that the donkey that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday continued to follow him that entire week. When Jesus was led to the cross, the donkey followed and stood in the cross’ shadow, its head bowed in sorrow. This, the story goes, is why donkeys have a cross–shaped marking (now called a “dorsal stripe”) in their fur to this day.
While the story may be fanciful, the stripes across donkeys’ shoulders are real. These dorsal stripes are a genetic trait that donkeys share with zebras, some horses and various wild asses, such as the Turkmenian kulan of central Asia.
Whether or not donkeys can talk, they certainly have a few stories to tell in Christian history.
Sources: The Jerusalem Post; Bibletools.org; Catholic Encyclopedia; fisheaters.com; jewishtreats.org; livescience.com; Australian Broadcasting Corporation at abc.net.au; toledovisitation.org; Aleteia.org; and Ontario’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural affairs at omafra.gov.on.ca | <urn:uuid:340c3874-36f7-49e8-8ea8-01672715212d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thecompassnews.org/2020/04/a-talking-donkey-in-the-bible/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.951398 | 1,368 | 2.859375 | 3 |
There are several different organizations that are important in classifying lubricants. These organizations set standards of quality and consistency for the industry. The most well known are:
American Petroleum Institute (API) - Trade association that represents the oil and gas industry. They define standards for motor oil energy conservation and lend their stamp of approval to certified products. The group has been creating standards since 1924, with more than 700 recommended standards and practices on the books. They are the most widely cited industry standards and many of their standards have been incorporated into federal and state laws.
SAE International - Sets the standards for various aspects of the automotive and industries. Most commonly seen in reference to viscosity grades. The SAE is one of the premier standards for both commercial and passenger vehicles, as well as the aerospace industry. These standards are created by technical committees made up of experts in their respective fields.
ASTM International (ASTM) – Sets standards for lubricant testing requirements. Standards are created by volunteer committees of industry experts and customers. Like the API, compliance with many ASTM standards have been adopted into federal and state law. Many companies that do business internationally also reference these standards.
International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) – Created by automakers. ILSAC also has a set of standards for oil quality and often works closely with the API. The group was formed in 1992 by American and Japanese automaker organizations, along with representatives from Chrysler, Ford and General Motors. The group’s standards often require lubricants to meet API standars while also passing additional tests. Lubricants that meet these standards will usually include the API starburst or doughnut logos.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – International developer of voluntary standards, many of which impact lubricants and equipment[JS1] . ISO has a huge catalog of standards that cover just about every industry. Their standards are universally recognized and following them is considered a best practice by many.
National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) – The NLGI is a trade association made up of grease manufacturers and consumers. Unlike the other organizations, they focus on one specific product and their classifications can help users determine which greases fit OEM or other specifications. | <urn:uuid:6fb8f394-8d00-4d08-be4f-d615e014b4b8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thelubricantstore.com/important-lubricant-organizations | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.966291 | 457 | 3.140625 | 3 |
Dahlias are a genus of flowers in the daisy family native to Central and South America. With eight sets of chromosomes they vary in color, shape and size far more than most flowers. So, whether you want bold drama or whimsy, classic formality or a romantic cottage-garden feel, you can find the perfect dahlia for your garden that will bloom from mid to late summer until frost.
If you’re thinking about growing dahlias for the first time, it may be because you’ve seen a photograph of a spectacular flower - an enormous Cafe au Lait, a sculptural ball-form like cornel bronze, or an otherworldly cactus-form dahlia - and you want one for your own garden. In that case, you’ll want to purchase tubers - large underground roots like flower bulbs that form and multiply underground as a dahlia plant grows. Growing dahlias from tubers is the only way to get an exact clone of a specific variety you may want.
However, if you’re less particular about growing specific varieties, it is also possible to grow dahlias from seed that will produce tubers by the end of the growing season.
Why Grow Dahlias from Seed (VS Tubers)
The most important thing to know when deciding how you will grow your dahlias is that dahlia tubers will produce a clone of the original plant; one with exactly the same characteristics. Whereas dahlia seeds will not produce exact clones of their mother plant and may even look quite different. In other words, unlike tubers, dahlia seeds are not true to type.
At the same time, seed-grown dahlias aren’t completely random. They are likely to share at least some characteristics of the original plant. So it’s possible to buy seed mixtures that will produce a range of dahlias within certain parameters. For instance, Sarah Raven’s popular Bishop’s children mix will produce dahlias in a range of colors, sizes and petal shapes that all have dark purple to black foliage. Other mixes allow you to select for characteristics like height, double blooms, or a collarette or cactus shape.
On the other hand, if a random mix of dahlias is what you are looking for, some Dahlia farms, like the popular “bee’s choice” mix from Floret, offer random mixes of seeds from their farm’s selection. You may also be able to find a similar mix at a small dahlia farm that’s local to you. Keep in mind, though, that these sorts of mixes will tend to produce mostly single open-centre types of dahlias.
You may want to grow dahlias from tubers if:
- You want a specific variety in your garden.
- You prefer elaborate/non-single varieties of flowers.
- You don’t have the time to start and care for a lot of seedlings, stake the plants and dig the tubers in winter
You may want to grow dahlias from seed if:
- You want to save money in your garden - even if it means spending more time - by growing more plants for the cost of a few packets of seed.
- You want to learn to grow dahlias before investing in tubers. There is a lot of room for error when growing dahlias, from planting to staking and tuber storage. The stakes won’t be as high while you learn if your dahlias were grown from seed.
- You like surprises in the garden. With dahlia seeds you can never be sure exactly what flowers you will get, which can be part of the fun of gardening.
- You’re interested in creating your own Dahlia varieties
- You’re in it for the bees and pollinators. Seed grown dahlias tend to have open centers full of pollen that the bees absolutely love.
- You want to grow dahlias as annuals. Dahlias are not a low-maintenance flower, but you can eliminate a lot of the time required if you grow them from seed as annuals.
- Your garden is new and you’d like to fill in space until you can plant trees, shrubs and perennials, or until existing plants grow to their full size. Dahlias are perfect fillers as they can grow huge in one season.
Looking for more ways to create an exuberant garden without spending a fortune? Try propagating boxwood from cuttings.
How to Start Dahlia Seeds
Unless you live in a very warm climate with a long growing season, or don’t mind waiting till late summer for blooms, you will need to start your dahlia seeds indoors. In general, the best time to start is about 6-8 weeks before your last frost date, around the time you start your tomatoes. The exact right time for you will depend on a number of variables like your climate, how early you’d like to get blooms and the amount of effort you’re willing to put into caring for seedlings.
If you’d like to get dahlia blooms earlier in the season, you can start your dahlia seeds even earlier, anywhere from 8-12 weeks before your last frost, though you will need to pot them up into larger containers one or two times before it will be safe to transplant them outdoors. This approach has the added benefit of giving you enough time to start more seeds if the germination rate of your initial seeds is low.
Notes on Dahlia Seed Germination
Dahlia seeds tend to have a relatively low germination rate that can be anywhere from 30% - 75%. This means you shouldn’t expect all of the seeds you sow to germinate and that is perfectly normal.
To maximize your germination rate:
- Start more seeds than you think you will want or need.
- Keep your dahlia seeds warm as you wait for them to germinate. Dahlia seeds like warm temperatures between 18F and 21C (64-70F). Placing your seed trays on a heat mat will help maintain that temperature. If you don’t have a heat mat you can try placing them in a relatively warm place in your house like a sunny window or on top of your refrigerator or dryer.
- Keep the growing medium moist but not soggy. If you have it, sprinkle the top of your seed trays with a thin layer of fine vermiculite and/or keep them covered with a plastic dome or plastic wrap until the seeds germinate so the top of the soil does not dry out.
Starting seeds with low germination rates can waste growing medium and space under your grow lights as cells remain empty with seeds that don’t germinate. This can be especially frustrating if you’re short on growing space or are trying to fit your seeds on a heat mat. There are a few germination strategies you can try to save space when working with tricky-to germinate seeds like dahlias:
- Try over-sowing seeds closely together in shallow single-cell trays rather than sowing one or two seeds in individual cells of standard cell trays. Plastic takeout containers and aluminum grilling trays work well for this. Once germination begins, prick the tiny seedlings out of the tray and transfer them to individual cell trays.
- Try the paper towel method of germination. Place your seeds on a damp paper towel, fold the towel over and place inside a plastic bag. Check regularly to see if the seeds have begun to germinate and transfer any that do to cell trays.
- Try starting your dahlia seeds in individual small ¾” soil blocks. Among its other advantages, soil-blocking is a great space-saving solution for when you are starting a lot of seeds, especially flowers and herbs with tiny seeds and slow growth or anything with low germination rates, like dahlias.
What you will Need to Grow Dahlias from Seed:
- Dahlia seeds
- Seed starting mix or soilless potting mix
- Seed trays or pots
- Heat mat (optional but recommended)
- Indoor grow lights
How to Start Dahlia Seeds: Step-by-Step
- Pre-moisten your growing medium. Ideally a seed-starting mix or a soilless potting mix. Avoid using soil from your garden.
- Fill your seed trays or pots with the growing medium, tamping it down to ensure the trays are full.
- Plant your dahlia seeds by placing them on the top of the growing medium and pressing them a few millimeters into the soil. If you are using cell packs, use 1-2 seeds per cell. If you are using a shallow tray with the intention of pricking seedlings out after they germinate, broadcast the seeds closely together over the top of the tray.
- Cover the tops of the seeds with the growing medium and top with a thin layer of fine vermiculite, if you have it.
- Mist the tops of the trays lightly with water and use either a plastic dome or a piece of plastic wrap to trap moisture around the seeds.
- Label your trays with the variety names.
- Place your seed trays or pots in a warm location, preferably on top of a heat mat.
- Once the seeds begin to germinate, move the trays beneath grow lights hung 1-2 inches above the trays.
For more details on how to start seeds, check out my guide to the basics of starting vegetable seeds indoors!
Temperature, Moisture, light & Feeding
- Dahlia seedlings do best in slightly cooler temperatures than those required for germination. Remove them from the heat mat after germination.
- Maintain good ventilation around your seedlings. Don’t crowd them together too tightly if you can and use a small oscillating fan to mimic a slight breeze.
- Check the growing medium regularly and maintain a consistent level of moisture. You want the growing medium to be moist but not soggy. Ideally, water from the bottom.
- Dahlias need a lot of light. Keep them under grow lights for 14-16 hours a day, turning them off at night. If they get too large to fit under your grow lights you can transfer them to a bright south-facing window. As temperatures rise above 10C (50F) in the daytime, you can also begin to harden them off outside during the day, bringing them back inside at night.
- Once your dahlia seedlings have their first set of true leaves, fertilize them regularly. There are many approaches to doing this. Fertilize every 2 weeks or so and use whatever balanced water-soluble fertilizer you can find, dilute it with water to between ¼ and ½ of the recommended application and bottom-water your seedlings with it.
Pinching out the tops of your dahlia plants is a pruning technique that encourages some plants, like dahlias, to produce more branching, sturdier stems and more blooms. Like all pruning, pinching is a way of working with your plants, not against them, to produce the best possible plant. It can be difficult to do after taking so much care to grow your seedlings in the first place, but it’s for the best. I like to think of pinching out like killing your darlings - removing a sometimes beloved piece to make the whole better. Getting used to doing this will strengthen your plants and make you a better gardener.
To pinch your dahlias, wait for the seedlings to reach 6-12 inches tall and use a pair of sharp clean pruners to snip off the top three to four inches from the main growing stem, cutting just above a leaf node. Dahlias are resilient plants, often growing back even when they are snapped off at ground level by the wind. They will quickly produce new growth after being pinched and by the end of the season you will have sturdier plants with far more blooms than if you had left the main stem to grow.
Depending on how early you start your dahlia seeds, you may need to pot them up once, or even twice, into larger containers before transplanting them into the garden. As your seedlings grow, periodically check their root growth by looking at the bottom of the tray to see if any roots are emerging from the drainage holes or popping them out of their pots to take a look at the roots. If the roots are filling up the growing medium and beginning to spiral, if the seedlings are getting very top-heavy for their pots or if they start drying out very quickly, it’s probably time to transfer them to a larger pot.
Transplanting Dahlia Seedlings Outside
Timing & Hardening Off
- Dahlias are very frost sensitive so you need to wait until any chance of frost has passed before transplanting your seedlings outside into the ground.
- Dahlias prefer night time temperatures of at least 15C (60F) (similar to warm-season vegetables like peppers and eggplants) So, depending on how quickly your climate warms up in the spring, you may need to wait a few weeks longer than your last frost date to plant them outside.
- A few weeks before you plant to transplant your seedlings, begin to harden off your dahlia seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Start them off with short periods outside in a protected shady location and slowly move them to sunny areas for longer periods of time. Be sure to bring them back inside at night.
Location & Spacing
- When ready to transplant, choose a warm location that gets full-sun and has well-draining soil. Dahlias don’t love soil that’s too dry but they also don’t like heavy and overly wet soil. If your soil is too wet or heavy, add compost or grit at planting time. Dahlias work well in their own dedicated bed, especially if you plan to use them as cut flowers, or tucked in amongst other plants in herbaceous borders. You can also grow dahlias in pots, though they will require more maintenance. Use the largest pots you can and choose shorter or dwarf varieties.
- Dahlias can grow quite large, so plan to give each dahlia two or three feet if planting in mixed borders (though I like a closer spacing at about 12-18” between each plant). If planting in a dedicated dahlia bed, plant them closer together with 12” between each plant in rows about three feet apart.
Support & Staking
- Dahlia plants have delicate hollow stems so they will usually require some sort of staking or support. Stake your dahlias as early as possible, preferably at planting time.
- There are many ways to support your dahlias. Some people use 1-3 stakes per dahlia plant. I like to group 3 dahlias together around a sturdy foraged branch. If your dahlias are spaced closely together in dedicated dahlia beds, you may want to build a framework or grid around them using stakes and twine or netting. Foraged branches, bamboo canes and metal poles all make good staking materials.
- If you’d rather not bother with staking, choose shorter dahlia varieties like dwarf or bedding types, be sure to pinch the plants back to encourage sturdier bushier plants, and plant them in areas where they will be protected from strong winds. You risk losing plants if you don’t support them, though the plants will often grow back.
Care Over the Growing Season
- Dahlias are heavy feeders. I like to top with compost after planting, which I use as mulch, and sprinkle some all purpose slow release fertilizer - like a granular chicken manure - or bone meal over the soil. As the season progresses, fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks but avoid fertilizers that are high in nitrogen.
- Like most plants, dahlias need about 1 inch of water per week, sometimes 2 in the hot summer, but this will vary based on where you live, how much rain and humidity you get and how windy your garden is.
- Mulch your dahlias to conserve moisture and water deeply about once per week, 2-3 times a week during the hottest months of summer, unless it has rained a lot. Avoid watering over the top of your plants, aiming the water instead towards the base of the plants.
- Deadhead dahlias regularly to ensure a long flowering season. | <urn:uuid:0887a4bf-14f5-4656-926b-9c9fcad6ad62> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.themakermakes.com/blog/growing-dahlias-from-seed-why-how-and-what-youll-need | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.923643 | 3,507 | 2.59375 | 3 |
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most powerful technologies in molecular biology. Using PCR, specific sequences within a DNA or complementary DNA (cDNA) template can be copied, or “amplified,” many thousand- to million-fold. In traditional endpoint PCR, detection and quantification of the amplified sequence are performed at the end of the reaction after the last PCR cycle and involve post-PCR analysis such as gel electrophoresis and image analysis. Because reactions are checked after they have completed, endpoint PCR data is semi-quantitative and typically used to determine if amplification was successful or not. In real-time or quantitative PCR, often shortened to real-time PCR or qPCR, PCR product is measured at each cycle. By monitoring reactions during the exponential amplification phase of the reaction, users can determine the initial quantity of the target with great precision. There are several reaction chemistries that enable this process but Applied Biosystems™ TaqMan™ Assays have long been the gold standard for making qPCR simple, precise, specific and effective at scale.
So how do they work?
Primers, probes and fluorescent glows
The defining feature of a TaqMan Assay is the probe. This small piece of DNA matched to the DNA template being measured has two special molecules attached: a fluorescent reporter dye (R) and a quencher (Q). While both molecules are attached to the probe, the fluorescence of the dye is suppressed by the quencher. These probes bind to the template DNA after it has been denatured into single strands but before it has begun duplicating, making sure that all duplications of the template interact with the probe.
A unique feature of the TaqMan Probe is the addition of a minor groove binder (MGB) moiety at the 3’ end that increases the melting temperature (Tm) of the probe and stabilizes probe–target hybrids. This means that TaqMan MGB probes can be significantly shorter than traditional probes, providing better sequence discrimination and flexibility to accommodate more targets.
Primers are short sequences of DNA that bind to the two ends (5’ and 3’) of the template strand. These are carefully designed to be as specific as possible for the template and serve to anchor the reaction, enabling taq polymerase to start duplicating the DNA template. Without good primers, a PCR reaction — quantitative or otherwise — might not duplicate any DNA, or might introduce confound analysis with off-target duplication. This is a particular concern with the other most common qPCR chemistry, SYBR Green dye, which binds to any double-stranded DNA and therefore may lead to amplification (duplication) of unintended targets.
Taq polymerase is a special version of DNA polymerase adapted from the thermophile bacterium Thermus aquaticus, which tolerates much higher temperatures than DNA polymerase from most other organisms. The Taq polymerase has an additional benefit: exonuclease activity. When the polymerase encounters the probe already bound to the template strand it is duplicating, it digests it and gets on with duplicating the rest of the strand. In so doing, the polymerase frees the fluorescent dye and the quencher from each other, relieving quencher-mediated suppression and producing a fluorescent signal that the qPCR instrument detects.
Because this signal is exactly proportional to the amount of template DNA in the reaction, it makes the qPCR quantitative.
TaqMan Assays have an additional advantage over many other qPCR chemistries, in that they are compatible with numerous different fluorescent probes. This means that multiple DNA templates can be investigated simultaneously, in the same qPCR reaction, because their readings will not overlap. This is called multiplexing and is a capability not available to SYBR Green reactions, in which a single fluorescent dye activates in response to any and all double-stranded DNA in the reaction, specific or not.
Enterprising researchers can take advantage of our custom assay design process, in which assays are tailored for specific applications that might be too rare or unusual for off-the-shelf solutions. But for researchers investigating common gene targets, predesigned TaqMan Assays greatly simplify the qPCR workflow. With predesigned assays, no additional design, optimization, melt-curve analysis or other verification is required — just add sample and master mix. Further, every predesigned TaqMan Assay is backed by a performance guarantee,* providing confidence in your results. Thermo Fisher offers more than 21 million predesigned TaqMan Assays across an abundance of genes and species, so there is a high probability that one already exists for your use case. A robust bioinformatics and design process ensures that predesigned TaqMan Assays feature top-of-the-line specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility for excellent results every time.
To learn more about TaqMan assays and what they can do for your lab, have a look at this rundown of how they work, a deeper dive, or an investigation of the theory and practice of their design.
Real-Time PCR Digital Handbook 2.0: Discover real-time PCR best practices, basic principles and troubleshooting tips.
Check out the entire Applied Biosystems Taq Talk Video Series: As veterans in real-time PCR, we address your most frequently asked real-time PCR questions and challenges in this video series.
*Terms and conditions apply. To see full details of the guarantee, go to thermofisher.com/taqmanguarantee.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. | <urn:uuid:dba060c4-3b15-42e2-8c9f-d153aaff1849> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/behindthebench/how-taqman-assays-work/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.916349 | 1,181 | 3.109375 | 3 |
Ford is using the same material used to produce Coca-Cola's "green" PlantBottles to make an eco-friendly fabric for cars. All of the interior fabric in a prototype version of Ford's Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is made using the PlantBottle technology, which is made of up to 30 percent plant-based materials.
PlantBottle essentially uses biofuels (in this case, ethanol derived from sugar cane) to create a modified PET (a type of plastic resin used commonly for bottles). Regular PET, although recyclable, is created using petroleum, a finite resource. The fabric in Ford's new car replaces the PET used to make polyester with Coca-Cola's PlantBottle PET.
PlantBottle replaces petroleum with sugar cane ethanol
Coca-Cola says it's already distributed over 18 billion PlantBottle packages, saving 400,000 barrels of oil in the process, and notes that if the new fabric were to be used across the majority of US Ford models it would save a further 6,000 barrels. Other companies involved in the development and deployment of PlantBottle include Heinz (which already uses the material in some product packaging), Nike, and Proctor & Gamble.
Although biofuels offer a viable alternative to petroleum, some have noted the rise in their popularity is having knock-on effects elsewhere. Several non-government organizations have argued that farmers are being pushed off fertile land without due compensation, and others have complained that land that should be used for growing crops in areas with food shortages is now being used to provide fuel for developed nations. | <urn:uuid:8d4a0a4a-b7ec-413f-9bb2-3b21cdcdb9c0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.theverge.com/2013/11/15/5107116/ford-fusion-energi-coca-cola-plantbottle-concept | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.949304 | 328 | 2.640625 | 3 |
2nd November 2021
Agriculture sits squarely at the centre of the war against climate change. It is an industry vulnerable to extreme weather events, which also needs to use large amounts of energy. Meanwhile a growing population and changing weather conditions cause frequent crop shortages, adding fuel to the fire.
No wonder farmers often need to diversify as they struggle to survive on a traditional single income stream. Increasingly, the industry is finding ways to use land to create or store energy. This generates new revenue streams while playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Using land to create energy is nothing new — reportedly 40% of UK farmers already use sun, wind and farm by-products to generate electricity for farms. However, expanding on this premise is where the money lies — developers are hunting for large-scale solar sites and will pay a premium to lease vast areas of land for solar generation. A recent report found that, depending on the site, a landowner could expect £850 per acre of available land, with a solar-plus-storage site generating an income of £1,000 per acre plus £2,000 for each megawatt of storage.
We can learn great lessons from examples such as Apsley Farms in Hampshire, which diversified its business by investing in an anaerobic digester. This uses plant-derived materials, including manure, crop residues, compost, municipal solid waste, food waste and paper, breaking them down in a sealed tank to force digestion by micro-organisms. The resulting biogas is used to generate heat and power, and the nutrient-rich by-product — digestate — can be sold as a fertilizer
Linking a generator to a transmission network or distribution system allows the export of electricity, and reducing landfill is tax-efficient. The potential for multiple revenue streams, as well as the holistic benefits of creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly process, makes anaerobic digestion a sound investment opportunity for landowners. Such is Apsley Farms ’success that, in 2016, it added a CO2 recovery system, which separates CO2 from CH4 (methane), with the former released into the atmosphere and the latter sent to the grid. A further incentive is to capture the CO2, analyse it for quality and sell it as a by-product.
Even smaller farms with less capacity for large-scale plants can benefit by burning biogas in a boiler and using it on-site.
Evolving technology also provides the scope to store excess energy in battery storage, increasing the potential of an additional revenue stream while mitigating grid and network limitations that are found in rural areas. Releasing energy at peak times helps protects against fluctuating prices.
In uncertain times, agro-energy production has huge potential for farmers, creating sustainable, resilient and future-proof income, while helping to ensure a brighter, greener future for us all. We’d call that a win-win!
To find out more how our agriculture experts can help you and your business, please click here. | <urn:uuid:62ba56ad-b524-4e8e-aa67-b22eaee5e600> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thrings.com/blog/how-farm-diversification-can-put-energy-behind-the-battle-against-climate-change | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.929949 | 620 | 3.484375 | 3 |
WHO WAS JACOPONE DA TODI?
At the bottom of Saint Fortunatus staircase you can see a stone monument dedicated to the most important person from Todi, Jacopone.
Jacopone was a Franciscan friar; he was born in 1230, 4 years after the death of St. Francis, and is very famous in Italy and in the world as a poet.
Along with other Italian poets and writers, such as Dante Alighieri, he contributed to the birth of the modern Italian language by composing about 90 poems called “laude”.
The lauda was a religious poem: the word lauda means hymn, praise to God. This kind of religious poetry began to spread in Italy in the mid-13th century and was usually written by closed brotherhoods of Laudesi.
-THE LAUDA AS A BASE OF THE MODERN ITALIAN LANGUAGE-
The laude were important to the birth of the modern Italian language because they were composed no longer in Latin (the old language used by civil and religious authorities), but in the spoken language used by everyday people. Thus, everyone could understand them.
The laude were usually told publicly in front of churches or in the squares. They were easy to understand and easy to remember because they were set to music.
-THE BOOKS OF LAUDE-
The laude were collected into books, called Laudari: in the Laudari the poems were grouped by topic to make it easier to find a particular lauda. The principal topics were: the Nativity, the Passion, the Madonna, the Saints, and the transience and corruption of wordly goods.
Jacopone wrote only one lauda (also called “sequence”) in Latin: the Stabat Mater.
It was so famous that it has been put to music by many composers over the centuries (such as Verdi, Rossini, Dvorak…). Probably the best known version is the one by G.B. Pergolesi, written in 1735. An excerpt of the Stabat Mater will give you a feel for this lauda:
Stabat mater dolorosa
juxta Crucem lacrimosa,
dum pendebat Filius.
At the Cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to her Son to the last.
Fac, ut ardeat cor meum
in amando Christum Deum
ut sibi complaceam.
Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ my Lord.
Quando corpus morietur,
fac, ut animæ donetur
paradisi gloria. Amen.
While my body here decays,
may my soul Thy goodness praise,
Safe in Paradise with Thee.
Translation by Edward Caswall
Lyra Catholica (1849)
-EARLY LIFE: THE PARTY BOY –
According to history and tradition, Jacopone belonged to a very noble and rich family of Todi, the Benedettoni. As a young man, he was a libertine and a lover of wordly goods, but also a cultured man who had probably studied at Bologna University. Thanks to some old documents, we know for a fact that he worked in the legal department of the municipality of Todi as a lawyer or notary.
When he was about 38 years old, he got married to the countess Vanna of Coldimezzo, a noble and very religious woman. We don’t know for sure what happened: maybe this pious woman began step by step to change Jacopone’s mind and heart… The fact is that 6 months after the marriage, his wife suddenly died and Jacopone changed his life forever, committing himself to a devout life and giving all his goods to the poor.
–A NEW LIFE AS A PENITENT-
For the next 10 years Jacopone lived without a fixed address like a “bizzoco”, a spiritual penitent: he was trying to do penance for the sins he had committed during his first 38 years of life. In the meantime he also tried to be admitted to the monastery by the Franciscans: he strongly desired to become a Franciscan, but the friars were afraid that his desire was just madness and not a true vocation.
-JACOPONE IS FINALLY A FRANCISCAN-
After 10 long years of observation and tests, the Franciscans realized that the vocation of Jacopone was real; the 48-year-old man was finally able to take vows.
As a friar, he was very active as an educator and preacher. He spent much time composing and reading his laude (about 90 poems) and other works written in Latin (above all, “tractatus”). He really tried to teach the common people and Franciscan novices as much as possible about the true love of life that is Jesus Christ.
LAUDA 89 (EXCERPTS, translated by Elisa Picchiotti)
Amor de Caritate, perchè m’ài ssì feruto?
Lo cor tutt’ho partuto, et arde per amore.
… Bellezza antiqua e nova de po’ ch’eo t’ho trovata,
o luc’esmesurata de sì dolce sprandore!
… Cristo sì me tra tutto, tanto è bello!
Abràcciome con ello e per amor sì clamo:
“Amor, cui tanto abramo, fan’me morir d’amore!”
… ‘Amore, Amore’ grida tutto ‘l mondo,
‘Amore, Amore’ onne cosa clama.
Amore, Amore, tanto si prefondo, chi plu t’abraccia, sempre plu t’abrama!
… Iesu, speranza mia, abissame enn amore!
Love of Charity, why did you hurt me so much?
My heart is broken and burns for love.
…Ancient beauty, but new as well, since I have found you,
Oh endless light with a splendor so sweet!
… Jesus Christ completely attracts me, since He is so beautiful!
I embrace him and thus I invoke God:
“Love, who I long so much for, let me die for love!”
… Love, Love all the world cries out,
Love, Love declares everything openly.
Love, Love, you are so deep that the more you embrace Him, the more you desire Him… that he who embraces you most, desires you even more.
… Jesus, my hope, let me fall into the abyss of love / let me sink into the abyss of love!
-UNEXPECTED TURNING POINT: IN TROUBLE WITH THE POPE-
His life changed again in 1294, when Pope Celestinus V (who was beloved by Franciscans) abdicated.. At this time, Benedetto Caetani was a candidate for the papacy. Jacopone knew him well – as a religious figure and as a person – and thought he would be a poor choice to lead the Catholic Church. Jacopone spoke out against the candidacy (he was not alone: later Dante Alighieri would place the future Pope in hell in his Divine Comedy). However, Benedetto Caetani was elected pope and took the name of Boniface VIII; after the election, Jacopone continued to criticize him openly. Because of his rebellion, Jacopone was excommunicated and imprisoned; according to tradition, Jacopone was locked in the dungeon of the Franciscan monastery in Todi.
By this time he was an old man, about 67 years old. He remained in prison until 1303, when Boniface VIII died and his successor Benedict XI lifted the excommunication and freed Jacopone.
THE DEATH: THE FUNERAL MONUMENT
Jacopone da Todi died in 1306 from failing health. However there was a problem: because of his earlier excommunication, burial in consecrated ground was not allowed. But because of his popularity, a simple burial elsewhere would not be accepted by the inhabitants of Todi. For lack of a solution, his body was placed in a sarcophagus which stayed in the sacristy for almost 300 years.
Jacopone was finally buried in the crypt of S. Fortunato’s Basilica in 1596. The construction of both the crypt and the tomb was entirely financed by the bishop Angelo Cesi, the “mecenate” (patron) of Todi par excellence: he was bishop of Todi for 40 years (1566-1606).
-BEATIFIED BY POPULAR ACCLAIM-
On the tomb you can read “beati” (beatified): Jacopone was never officially beatified by the church, but only by popular acclaim; he has always been called Beato Jacopone.
THE MOST FAMOUS LAUDA BY JACOPONE OF TODI: “DONNA DE PARADISO”
This moving lauda is the dramatic dialogue between the Virgin Mary, a messenger and Jesus Christ under the cross, during the crucifixion. Mary Magdalene and St. John the Evangelist are also there, near the Madonna, but Jacopone doesn’t let them speak: they are questioned by Mary, but they don’t answer.
This lauda is quite long; here you can read the beginning and the end of the poem (translated by Elisa Picchiotti).
Messenger: “Donna de Paradiso,
lo tuo figliolo è preso
Iesù Cristo beato.
Accurre, donna e vide
che la gente l’allide;
credo che lo s’occide,
tanto l’ò flagellato.”
Virgin Mary: Figlio bianco e vermiglio,
figlio senza simiglio,
figlio, e a ccui m’apiglio?
Figlio, pur m’ài lassato!
Figlio bianco e biondo,
figlio volto iocondo,
figlio, perché t’à el mondo,
figlio, cusì sprezzato?
Figlio dolc’e placente,
figlio de la dolente,
figlio àte la gente
mala mente trattato.
Ioanni, figlio novello,
morto s’è ’l tuo fratello.
Ora sento ’l coltello
che fo profitizzato.
Che moga figlio e mate
d’una morte afferrate,
mat’e figlio impiccato!”
“ Heaven’s Woman
your son has been captured
holy Jesus Christ.
Rush, woman, because people are mocking him:
I believe they are about to kill Him,
Since they flagellated Him so long.”
“My son, white and purple,
Son without compare,
Son, who I can hold tight to?
Son, you left me completely!
My Son white and blonde,
Son, cheerful face,
Son, why did the world
Son, despise you so much?
My Son, sweet and lovely,
Son of the sorrowful woman,
Son, people have treated
You so badly.”
John, my new son,
Your brother is dead.
Now I can feel
The prophesied knife.
Die the mother and the son,
Caught by the same death,
We stay embraced,
The Mother and the hanged son”
MORE INFO IN THE BROCHURE (WRITTEN BY ELISA) THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE AS A GIFT AT THE END OF TODI GUIDED TOUR!!! | <urn:uuid:bc3567b9-38da-419e-8942-aa8b7cf08adb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.todiguide.com/tourist-guide-of-umbria/jacopone-da-todi-the-man-the-friar-the-poet/?lang=en | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.947179 | 2,647 | 3.640625 | 4 |
How long will plants keep rescuing us?
Current anthropogenic warming, as a result of greenhouse emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), poses a very high risk to nature and human well-being. Up to now, this risk has been buffered by a key group of other species on the planet, terrestrial plants, which have assimilated almost a third of emissions, helping us avoid a much stronger and faster degree of warming.
In a new paper published in One Earth journal we raise the question of how long plants will continue to rescue us. Several signs suggest that this carbon sink activity could be declining in efficiency and slowing down its rate of increase. This decrease would be a consequence of limitations of nutrients, water, heat, fires, pollution and the reduction of the residence time of carbon in the vegetation.
If we focus on nutrient limitations, we must take into account that plant production requires more nutrients than carbon and nitrogen. Bioelements such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, molybdenum, manganese and zinc are necessary for cell structure and function, and therefore for plant growth. Thus, although the availability of carbon from rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and of nitrogen from various human-induced inputs to ecosystems, is continuously increasing. However, these increases are not paralleled by a similar increase in all these other bio-elements.
Many other limitations linked to climate change itself are also restricting the increase in carbon sinks, many other limitations are linked to climate change itself, which raises temperatures above the optimum and drives aridification of many regions. With all these conspiring factors, we can thus expect the pace of current carbon sinks to slow because of decreased efficiency.
This scenario calls for a reconsideration of IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) climate projections toward a possible reduction in the mitigation capacity of the terrestrial biosphere even warmer conditions than currently projected and stronger impacts. If current models continue to ignore it, they may overestimate carbon sinks and mitigation potential and thus underestimate climate warming.
Currently, countries develop adaptation strategies that are largely fragmented, local, and incremental, with limited evidence of transformational adaptation and negligible evidence of risk reduction outcomes. Unfortunately, climate change is already here and it can become even stronger if mitigation actions are not fully successful. Climate projections must consider a biosphere dominated by warming and not by fertilization, only then countries will be able to develop better management adaptation strategies.
CREAF, Cerdanyola del Valles
CSIC, Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB
Penuelas, J. 2023. Decreasing efficiency and slowdown of the increase in terrestrial carbon-sink activity. One Earth, Vol. 6, Issue 6, p591–594 Published in issue: June 16, 2023 | <urn:uuid:d12a8b03-e06d-4205-b918-6033c35a6914> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.uab.cat/web/news-detail/how-long-will-plants-keep-rescuing-us-1345680342044.html?noticiaid=1345893867476 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.926484 | 565 | 3.796875 | 4 |
by Ingrid Justick:
Vol. 28, No. 1
Consider this New Year’s resolution: easing month by month into a greener world!
Living in tune with nature is an invitation to live creatively. This calendar of twelve simple but healthy baby steps will help you into a greener way of life.
JANUARY Green Step: Replace your conventional personal-care products (deodorants, shampoos, body lotions, etc.) with non-toxic organic choices. For green options check www.BurtBees.com, www.AubreyOrganics.com or www.Aveda.com
FEBRUARY Green Step: Bring commercial pesticides to your local hazardous waste center. Almost half of the most widely used pesticides are classified as carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency. Visit www.PlanetNatural.com for non-toxic alternatives.
MARCH Green Step: Check labels on cleaning products for toxic ingredients (chlorine or ammonia) or warnings (hazardous or poisonous.) Replace them with green cleaners, available at health food stores and select grocery stores.
APRIL Green Step: Take off your shoes when you enter your home or every chemical and pesticide from the street and lawn comes inside with you.
MAY Green Step: Shift to organic coffee and milk. Coffee crops are among the most heavily sprayed with pesticides and cows providing most milk are treated with hormones and antibiotics.
JUNE Green Step: Park your car and walk whenever possible. Formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide are six to ten times higher in cars than outside.
JULY Green Step: Replace polyester or permanent press bedding with untreated organic cotton. Conventional cotton fields are doused with pesticides.
AUGUST Green Step: Reconsider dry cleaning. Most dry cleaners use a very toxic solvent, called perchloroethylene. Find a “Wet Cleaner” who uses no toxic chemicals. And note that many garments labeled “Dry Clean Only” can be washed by hand.
SEPTEMBER Green Step: Add one meatless meal per week. It takes seven or more pounds of grain and 840 gallons of fresh water to produce one pound of beef.
OCTOBER Green Step: Buy at least one organic fruit and vegetable each week, to replace those that may have been grown and sprayed with pesticides.
NOVEMBER Green Step: Replace your plastic shower curtains for those made with organic cotton or hemp. The plastic variety contains toxic chemicals, called phthalates, which you inhale.
DECEMBER Green Step: Open your windows for at least 15 minutes every day. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is up to 90% more polluted than outdoors!
Change does not happen with a single action but step by step
with a series of small gestures. | <urn:uuid:df7bbe4f-30f5-4cc0-a5e2-e54771b58f43> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.unitybytheshore.org/living-greener-month-by-month/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.889467 | 588 | 2.953125 | 3 |
Share your desire to help and offer help: “When you vape, I worry about your health. I would like to help you work out what to do.”
Examples of things young people say help manage their desire to vape:
Examples of things young people say are not helpful:
Your young person might feel like everyone is vaping and, as a result, may feel pressure from their broader peer group to give vaping a go. Try asking them “How many young people do you think in Australia have tried vaping?”. Be ready with the stats - roughly 1/3 of teens have tried vaping. The key message is that despite what it looks like in school bathrooms or on social media, the vast majority of young people do not vape.
Ask them to think about not only their friends, but also people who share their interest such as team mates, coaches, older siblings and positive role models who they admire and look up to.
Your young person may be using vaping to distract from negative feelings. Gently over time explore what is causing stress. Is it bullying, feeling overwhelmed with school demands or social pressures? It is very important to encourage they seek support to solve the underlying stressor and develop stress management skills. Your GP is a great resource for not only support with vaping, but also for linking in with mental health supports.
Often young people do well with making changes when they can explore this outside the home with a psychologist, GP, or Quitline. Having someone who is neutral gives them the space to deeply understand their behaviour and to freely work out their goals – what they want to do compared to what they know they should do (perhaps to please you!). Services like Quitline (phone 13 7848 or contact online via quit.org.au) can then help them work out a plan to reach their goal. You can help your young person by encouraging them to talk to someone. | <urn:uuid:02334b3f-fe46-4175-b22f-0286d631f144> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.vapingfacts.org.au/start-the-conversation/practical-tips | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.96862 | 389 | 2.9375 | 3 |
Tennessee residents understand that certain driving behaviors pose a higher risk than others. For example, distracted driving increases your chance of getting into a crash. But do you know what causes distracted driving? Do you know why it is so risky?
Today we will look at the answers to those questions. We will examine dangerous driving behavior. In particular, we will focus on distracted driving and why it poses a risk to drivers.
Main areas of driver focus
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has much information on safe driving. They discuss distracted driving in detail, pointing out what makes it so dangerous. First, they point out that there are three main areas of driver focus. This includes cognitive, visual and physical focus. In order for a driver to engage in safe driving, you need all three of these areas.
This is why distracted driving poses such a risk. It distracts you from one or even all three areas of focus. For example, let us look at texting while driving. You are looking at your phone and typing. You are likely focusing on the conversation you are having. What does this mean? It is a distraction for all three areas of driver focus. Your eyes are not on the road. Your hands are not on the wheel. Your mind is not on the task at hand.
What is a driver distraction?
Anything that distracts you is a driver distraction. This includes some things that may surprise some, such as changing the radio station. Even having conversations with your passengers is a distraction. It takes your mind off of driving and sometimes causes you to look away from the road.
Understanding just how many things are distractions may help drivers combat distracted driving. Being aware of distraction often paves the way for safer driving habits. | <urn:uuid:24b31d5e-b54a-4b71-8a94-832e74064792> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.waldronfann.com/blog/2020/05/what-are-the-three-areas-of-driver-focus/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.970778 | 352 | 3.21875 | 3 |
From the Occupy Wall Street protests to the policies of Bernie Sanders, Marxism has taken root in American society and enjoyed renewed interest among younger generations of Americans. There are a number of countries that still exercise socialist policies and have strict state regulated marketplaces, such as China, Sweden, and Denmark.
A recent survey by the Victims of Communism Memorial Fund found that 44% of millennials would prefer to live in a socialist country than a capitalist country. The survey also found that more than half of millennials found state run economic systems, including communism and fascism, more preferable than capitalism.
What we refer to as modern day socialists and marxists stem from the neo-marxist tradition of the twentieth century, which found roots in Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex and Jean Paul Sartre’s brand of existentialism. What we refer to as modern marxism extends far beyond markets and economics and has been applied to many social sciences, including women’s studies, race relations, psychology, and anthropology.
The roots of marxism and his moral critique of capitalism lies in man’s everlasting class struggle against the rich bourgeoisie. Along with Max Weber, Marx is actually considered one of three founders of sociology.
A split among socialist and marxists thinkers exists whether the solution for capitalism should arise from state run enterprise or worker’s control of the means of production, resembling a sort of syndicalist system.
As many attitudes toward socialism and communism soured during the 1960’s and 70s, many of its greatest sympathizers found footholds in France, east Germany, and in underground America. In the west, many far-left candidates, including Jeremy Corbyn, Francois Hollande, and Bernie Sanders have become hugely influential in their native countries through their progressive policies and marxist policies, such as universal health care and an expanded social safety net. Beyond this, there are many example of Marx’s influence still present and growing in American society.
Marxism in Modern Markets and Government
A lot of federal policies have actually been shaped by marxist ideology and worker’s rights movements in the early 20th century.
- 40 hour work week
- Social security and federal insurance programs
- Free public education
- Government funded infrastructure and libraries
There are also many other programs the federal government supplies that are geared toward supporting the economic development of poor people. Federal programs have been aimed to provide affordable real estate prices for Americans looking to buy a home and provide low-interest loans to help poorer americans purchase a mortgage. Most notably, renewed interest in green technology and energy management have been spurred by progressive policies aimed to provide sustainable energy.
Other initiatives have sprouted from this tradition, including federal grants for research and the funding of Planned Parenthood. This mostly took root in the Great Society program instituted by Linden B. Johnson during the 1960s, which saw the creation of Medicare and Medicaid among many other federal welfare programs.
Many worker owned partnerships and corporations have sprouted up across the United States in the past decade. Some of these have been realized in employee stock-ownership plans; approximately 7,000 ESOPs operate in the United States and are operated by about 14 million workers. This number continues to grow each year and many younger and poorer Americans are starting to embrace socialist-esque policies as a path forward toward collective prosperity.
Will the Communist Movement Ever Be
Many of Marx’s predictions of capitalism have actually been realized in the modern world.
- The globalization of commerce
- Growing income gap between the rich and poor
- Slowdown of economic growth and GDP resulting from reduced profits
- Stagnant wage growth
This begs the question how much mainstream play the marxist ideology will get in the upcoming years. With rising national debt, action will be required to fix a broken spending system. Whether this will involve austerity measures with market based policies or greater government control over the market is yet to be seen.
Cryptocurrencies and deregulated currencies also pose a threat to the marxist ideology and make it nearly impossible to impose taxation policies that benefit the state. This also begs the question of whether America’s unnatural appetites toward luxurious consumer goods will be enough to pacify them toward real change. Would Marx’s revolution truly be realized with American workers listening to an audiobook of the Communist Manifesto as they nestle up with their tablets and scroll through Facebook?
With racial divides and unequal gender pay still a political hotbed in America, marxism will remain an important topic of discussion in the social sciences. Judging from history, marxism will never truly metastasize in the American consciousness and form into a viable party platform. The socialist revolutions of the world were built out of an opportune moment, will that moment be realized here in the United States under our current course? | <urn:uuid:77a68dc8-2158-45b2-a998-c742f1a2eb86> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wayodd.com/marxism-in-the-modern-era-an-observation/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.950684 | 995 | 3.046875 | 3 |
Recently, a client mentioned that their employee had “the twitter virus” on their computer and they were wondering how to get rid of it. The employee had opened an email they thought was from twitter, which was so convincing that they clicked a link in the email. Unfortunately the email was not from twitter and the link took them to a website that placed a virus on their computer. The virus then placed pornography on their computer and told them they had to pay hundreds of dollars to have the virus removed. Instead of paying the ransom, they took the computer to a legitimate tech support company and had them remove the virus. The spammers did not make money on the transaction, but my client still had to pay out-of-pocket to have the computer cleaned up.
I am aware of these scams and was wondering how they were fooled so easily. The very next morning I opened an email from LinkedIn, clicked a link that indicated I had 8 messages waiting, and found out that I was not as careful as I thought.
So, let’s review ways to avoid viruses and scams from emails.
NEVER download an email attachment ending in .exe. Delete the email immediately! Files ending in .exe are executable files for the Windows operating system and those send by email are always up to no good. They can add a program to your computer that can do just about anything i.e. lock up your computer and require payment for it’s removal, copy your key strokes, and thus, capture your passwords, find financial information you store on your hard drive, or destroy your hard drive completely. The list goes on... Your friends and business associates will not knowingly send you .exe files.
MS Word and Excel files can contain viruses in the Macros section of the file. Microsoft typically notifies you when you open a file containing a macro and gives you the option to “disable” the macros. Someone may unknowingly send you a file containing a virus. Even if the file is from someone you know and trust, disabling macros will keep you from spreading the virus to your computer.
Look before you leap. Do not click hyperlinks in emails you did not request. If you receive an email from what looks like twitter, or facebook, or other organization that you have an account with, instead of clicking a link in the email, go directly to their website and login. Also, twitter, paypal, your bank, etc. will typically include your first name when they send emails to you. If the email is addressed generically, assume it is spam. Unfortunately, the email that fooled me was addressed to me. Usually I find spelling errors or something else is that not quite right that tips me off, but they did such a good job of duplicating LinkedIn emails, that I did not question it at all.
Check out the source code of emails you do not recognized or that look suspicious BEFORE opening them. Look for View – Source or something similar depending upon your email software. Look at the FROM email address and look at the web addresses in the hyperlinks. If they differ from the intended message, it is mostly likely spam.
Spammers add 1 pixel x 1 pixel images to their emails to track which emails are opened. If you open an email from a spammer, they will know it and they will send you more spam. If you review the source code of an email, decide it is spam, and delete it without opening it, the spammer will assuming the emails aren’t being opened and will hopefully take you off their list.
Your bank will NEVER send you an email asking you to click a link and update your personal information. If you receive such an email, most likely it is spam, but you can call your bank directly, and ask them for clarification if you are unsure.
Have you received email from someone in a foreign country asking you to help transfer money to the USA? Did they mention that they would pay you 10% for your help? Did you believe them? Yes? Then I have swampland in Florida I want to sell to you.
Want to know what really happens when you give your banking information to these people? They clear out every penny of your checking account as they laugh at your trusting nature.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, trash it immediately!
We want to hear from you! Share your tips for avoiding email viruses and scams by clicking the “Reply to Post” hyperlink below. | <urn:uuid:0dcdc216-b372-4cbd-b778-10c117f857d9> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.webtipswednesday.com/tips/?23-avoiding-email-viruses-and-scams | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.973825 | 919 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Arbor Week 2012
What is National Arbor Week?
South Africa celebrated its first Arbor Day in 1983. However, in 1999, the National Government of South Africa made the decision to extend the day-long celebration into National Arbor Week, which is celebrated from 1 September to 7 September every year, to emphasise the importance of trees in our modern environment. The theme for National Arbor Week 2012 is "Our Forests - Our Future ".
Why are Trees and Plants Important?
Trees and plants have many uses, from being used for furniture, paper and building materials to being a source of medicines and food. Trees and plants also help to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is extremely important for minimising the effects of global warming.
- Which Kinds of Trees Should You Plant?
The best sorts of trees to plant are those that are indigenous to your region.
It is important to remember that young trees need some nurturing, so make sure to use good fertiliser and to provide regular watering.
Every year, the National Government highlights indigenous trees which are recommended for planting during Arbor Week. View the trees for 2012. | <urn:uuid:5fb5e333-5185-4ac4-a07f-49269c82a888> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/arbor-week-2012 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.958638 | 230 | 3.171875 | 3 |
Taking care of oneself goes beyond bubble baths, decadent desserts, and picturesque getaways. Real self-care involves taking some crucial steps towards fostering a more desirable level of physical and mental health to ensure a long and enjoyable life. If you need help looking for a place to start, why not begin with some activities that are backed by research to provide results? Read on for our 5 self-care tips and learn how to truly care for yourself!
Get Some Fresh Air
Spring has sprung, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping! Studies show that spending time outdoors offers a plethora of benefits to both our health and mood, such as reduced blood pressure and heart rate, while also cutting down our levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A little bit of fresh air can go a long way, so get out there and explore the beautiful, wooded campus of Westminster Woods! 90 minutes of walking outside is all it takes to cut down on stress and negative thoughts while boosting health.
Spend Time with Friends
Humans are social by nature and that is because our brains are wired to release positive chemicals during social interaction. High-fives and handshakes are all it takes to produce oxytocin – a feel-good chemical in the brain that reduces stress. Furthermore, studies have shown that having close friends later in life may even help prevent mental decline. Seniors are at an increased risk for social isolation compared to other age demographics, so it is worth it to reach out to friends!
Work Those Muscles
Apart from the obvious physical health benefits of exercise, it is also proven to be good for mental health too. Aerobic exercise such as walking or jogging causes our brains to release endorphins, our body’s natural positive hormone. This is where the term “runner’s high” comes from! No matter what you enjoy doing – swimming, dancing, yoga, or even gardening – exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal. Exciting wellness opportunities await right outside your door at Julington Creek.
Can you believe that something as basic as drinking water is proven to foster long-term health? Dehydration can produce headaches and negative moods. One study shows that drinking fewer than two glasses of water per day increases the risk of depression by 73% in men and 54% in women. Drinking plenty of water each day will help our bodies stay regulated while keeping our brains operating like a well-oiled machine.
Reach Out for Help
It is estimated that roughly 20% of adults over the age of 55 experience mental health concerns but this age group is also the least likely to seek treatment due to stigmas and shaming. The reality is that mental health disorders are nothing to be ashamed of. If you experience depression, anxiety, or loneliness, turn to a doctor or therapist for much-needed support. These experts have access to special tools and techniques that are sure to lift your spirits and get you feeling back to normal.
Enjoy convenient access to all the resources you will need for lifelong physical and mental wellness at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek! Our independent living facilities offer an active lifestyle without compromises. We handle all the maintenance so that you can commit your time to kicking back and enjoying fantastic amenities and services, such as our My W Life wellbeing program and fitness center. Westminster Woods is the natural choice for seniors looking to spend more active time amidst nature! | <urn:uuid:8d850535-0aec-4609-900d-d5d8c07854e0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.westminsterwoodsfl.org/2021/02/17/5-self-care-tips-for-independent-living-seniors-jacksonville-fl/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.944854 | 707 | 2.6875 | 3 |
Saturday, August 14th marked the 80th anniversary of the death of Fr. Maximilian Mary Kolbe in Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi concentration camp in southern Poland.Fr. Kolbe was by no means the only priest or pastor to be interned and executed by Hitler’s regime. (At the beginning of World War II there were 10,217 Catholic priests in Poland.Over one-third [3,646] were sent to concentration camps, and of these, two-thirds [2,647] eventually died).
However, it is the situation surrounding Fr. Kolbe’s death that makes his story so remarkable.
On February 17th, 1941, Fr. Kolbe and four of his colleagues were arrested by the Gestapo at the Franciscan monastery Niepokalanów near Warsaw, which he had established in 1927. Their ‘crime’ was offering shelter to thousands of refugees from Greater Poland including Jews, and publishing anti-Nazi material.
On May 28th, Fr. Kolbe was transferred to Auschwitz and branded prisoner number 16670.
During the following months, Fr. Kolbe was forced to perform hard labour in the work camp, which included carrying planks and blocks of heavy stone for the building of the crematorium wall. Nevertheless, he continued to act as a priest in the camp, secretly saying Mass, hearing confessions, and sharing his meagre rations of food with others.
For his trouble, Fr. Kolbe was subjected to violent harassment, including beatings and lashings. He was singled out for particularly brutal treatment by the capo overseeing the work party, a vicious ex-criminal known as ‘Bloody Krott’. Yet even after being beaten within an inch of his life, Fr. Kolbe continued to proclaim the goodness and mercy of God, and exhort his fellow prisoners to pray for the conversion of their Nazi tormentors.
On July 24th or 25th, Fr. Kolbe was transferred to Block 14. Shortly afterwards one of the inmates from the block attempted to escape. As a result, all of the men in Block 14 were forced to stand for a day-long roll call in the hot sun, in ten lines of about sixty men. Exhausted and paralysed by fear, they heard the deputy camp commander, SS-Hauptsturmführer Karl Fritzsch, announce: “The fugitive has not been found. In reprisal for your comrade’s escape, ten of you will die by starvation.”
The officer passed slowly along the columns of terrified men and began to randomly select his victims. Suddenly one of the condemned men started sobbing and cried out, “My wife! My children!” The man’s name was Franciszek Gajowniczek, a 40-year-old Polish army sergeant from Warsaw. At that point, another man stepped forward, unbidden — Maximilian Kolbe. “I want to speak to the commander … I want to make a request, please … I want to die in place of this prisoner.”
Hearing the commotion, the Nazi commander said, “What does this Polish pig want?” Fr. Kolbe pointed with his hand to Franciszek Gajowniczek and repeated, “I am a Catholic priest from Poland. I would like to take his place because he has a wife and children.”
Somewhat flabbergasted, the commander ordered Gajowniczek back to the ranks and accepted Fr. Kolbe in his place. Ted Wojtkowski, an inmate of Block 14, recalled thinking at that moment, “I’ve just seen a saint made.” Years later, Gajowniczek described the immensity of the sacrifice that saved his life:
“I could only thank him with my eyes. I was stunned and could hardly grasp what was going on. The immensity of it: I, the condemned, am to live and someone else willingly and voluntarily offers his life for me — a stranger. Is this some dream? I was put back into my place without having had time to say anything to Maximilian Kolbe. I was saved. And I owe to him the fact that I could tell you all this. The news quickly spread all round the camp. It was the first and the last time that such an incident happened in the whole history of Auschwitz.”
Fr. Kolbe and the other condemned men were stripped naked and taken to a dark, fetid underground bunker. They were left with no food and no water — just a bucket in which to relieve themselves. Throughout the following two weeks, Fr. Kolbe led the dying men in prayers, rosaries, and hymns. Each time the guards checked on the prisoners, Fr. Kolbe could be seen praying in the middle of the cell. Bruno Borgowiec, a Polish prisoner who served as an interpreter in the dungeon, shared this eyewitness account with his parish priest before he died in 1947:
“Each day when the guards made their routine visits, they ordered prisoners to carry off the bodies of the men who had died during the night. I was always present during these visits because I had to write the names of the dead into the records and translate what the prisoners had to say or request.
“From the cell where the unfortunate men were, one heard prayers being said aloud. These included the Rosary and hymns. Prisoners in other cells joined the activities. During moments when the guards were away, I went down into the dungeon to say something and console the companions.
“Fervent prayers and hymns to the Blessed Virgin resounded throughout the dungeon. I felt like I was in church. Father Maximilian Kolbe led the prayers and all the others gave the response. Sometimes they were so engrossed in prayer that they did not notice the approach of the guards for the routine visit. At a shout from them, the voices would hush.
“At length, as they were getting weak, they said the prayers softly. When all were lying on the floor, one would see on every visit Father Maximilian Kolbe on his feet or on his knees in their midst, peacefully watching for the approach of the guards. The guards knew he had offered to die, and they knew all those who were with him were dying innocently. Therefore, they felt respect for Father Kolbe and said to one another: “That priest is certainly a good man. We have not had anyone here like him up to now.”
One by one, the prisoners died in excruciating agony. By the third week, only four of them remained alive, including Fr. Kolbe. The guards wanted the cell emptied, so they ordered the director of the infirmary, a German criminal named Boch, to give the men an injection of carbolic acid. Those present said that Fr. Kolbe calmly accepted death, and extended his arm to the executioner.
When Bruno Borgowiec returned to the cell, he found Fr. Kolbe with eyes opened, seated, leaning against the wall and head bowed to his left (his habitual posture). “His body was very clean and luminously glowing. Anyone would have been impressed by his appearance and would have thought himself to be in the presence of a saint. His face beamed with peace, in contrast to the other dead, whose bodies, stretched out on the floor, were soiled and whose faces showed suffering … His eyes were wide open and concentrated on one point. His whole appearance was one in ecstasy. It was a sight I shall never forget.”
It could be said that Fr. Kolbe’s whole life had been directed toward this moment. When he was twelve years old, he had a vision of the Virgin Mary, holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked Kolbe if he was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that he should persevere in purity. The red one indicated that he should become a martyr. Kolbe replied that he would accept them both.
On October 10th, 1982, Maximilian Mary Kolbe was canonised by his fellow Pole, Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyla), at the Vatican. Among the 150,000 people who filled St. Peter’s Square was a haggard, tall and gray-haired Polish peasant. At the end of the three-hour ceremony, Pope John Paul II descended from the altar in front of the doors of St. Peter’s Basilica, and walked over to the man. The Pope embraced the old man and kissed him. He was prisoner number 5659, Franciszek Gajowniczek, the man Fr. Kolbe had died to save. The Pope said, “Maximilian did not die, but gave his life … for his brother.”
Maximilian Kolbe’s heroic act of self-sacrifice is exemplary, but it should not be exceptional. According to Jesus, the willingness to ‘lay down one’s life’, whether literally or figuratively, is the litmus test of a genuine shepherd (John 10.11). On the other hand, Jesus castigated the religious leaders of his day, referring to them as ‘hirelings’ whose main motivation was self-preservation: “A hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep” (John 10.12-13).
Similarly, David, a man after God’s heart, demonstrated the character of a true shepherd when he risked his own life to rescue the lambs from ravenous lions and bears (1 Sam 17.34-35). But in stark contrast, the Lord pronounced judgment on the shepherds of Israel who amassed personal wealth and power at the expense of the flock: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock” (Ezek 34.2-3).
To be honest, I find it hard to imagine a modern-day TV evangelist or celebrity pastor making the same kind of sacrifice as Fr. Kolbe. After all, they’re too crucial to the program to die for an obscure individual like John or Jane Doe. (Remember, the show must go on ….). Yet ironically, the greatest pastor of all, Jesus Christ, did precisely that. He took my place on the Cross. He suffered in my stead. He bore the punishment for my sins.
And as a good shepherd he laid down his own life, a life that was infinitely more valuable than mine, that I may live forever in the presence of the Lord. | <urn:uuid:b52d720b-de98-45aa-bf99-8353e63cbf21> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wordofthefather.com/post/the-priest-who-volunteered-to-die | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.98314 | 2,311 | 2.734375 | 3 |
Poseidon: Myths and Facts about the Greek God of the Sea
Known as the Greek sea god, stories about Poseidon have fascinated both ancient and modern cultures. There are literally a plethora of myths and literature works about him. In Hollywood, for example, several movies have been made about this great Greek Olympian god of the sea and oceans. He’s the brother of the Olympian god king Zeus and Hades, the boss of the Underworld. In the eyes of the ancient Romans, Poseidon is the equivalent of the god Neptune. Regardless of Greek or Roman mythology, Poseidon has always been identified in imagery by his trident.
In today’s piece of writing, we have carefully summarized some very interesting Greek myths and facts about Poseidon. It includes everything that you need to know about Poseidon in terms of his powers, symbols, and family history.
Who is Poseidon?
Poseidon was born to first generation titans Cronus and Rhea. It is said that Cronus swallowed his children for fear that they would one day overthrow him. Some lores state that he swallowed Poseidon along with Hades, Hestia, Demeter, and Hera.
However, other accounts state that Poseidon was not swallowed by his father because Rhea, his mother, hid him among a flock of lambs. Instead, Rhea pretended she gave birth to a colt which Cronus swallowed.
Another lore states that he was sent to Rhodes by his mother to be taken care of by the daughter of Oceanus, Capheira, and the Telchines. This was his mother’s way of hiding him from Cronus.
Poseidon was not just a sea god but was also believed to be the god of all the other waters, earthquakes, the storms, and even horses. According to ancient Greek religion, he was one of the twelve Olympians that domiciled at Mount Olympus. Additionally, he was hailed as the highest deity at Pylos and Thebes. Poseidon’s Roman equivalent is Neptune.
Lord of the Sea and Oceans
Shortly after the Olympians (that is the new gods) overthrew Cronus and his titan gods, the world was divided into three sections among three Olympian brothers: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Greek mythology has it that the brothers drew straws to determine which part of the world they would rule.
Zeus had control of the skies; Hades was in charge of the underworld and; Poseidon ruled the seas and all water bodies. The Iliad by Homer is the only piece of literary reference to this division by the Greek gods.
Common Characteristics of Poseidon
Poseidon’s name was Greek for “husband”. As a result, he was worshiped as a fertility god. Sailors also relied on him for safe passage across the seas. Because of this, he was worshiped as the god of navigation.
In all his imagery, he is seen wielding a trident. It is believed he could produce an earthquake by striking his trident on the earth. For this reason, he was nicknamed the ‘Earth-shaker’. Some Greek mythological accounts depict him as a very hot-headed god. Whenever he was furious, seas would rise and the mountains would tremble very violently.
Works and Attributions of Poseidon
He is praised as the god that created horses. The ancient Greeks believed that the first horse, Skyphios, came to being after Poseidon hit a rock with his trident.
Furthermore, he had a reputation for being in disputes with gods and even men. His most famous disputes were with Athena and Odysseus.
Poseidon had a palace made of coral and gems which were located on the ocean floor. However, it was believed that he spent more time on Mount Olympus rather than in his magnificent palaces in the ocean. It was also believed that he liked to force his power and manliness on women.
Typically, Poseidon got around places by riding his four-horse chariot while carrying his trident across the waves.
Another great feat of work by the god of the sea is that he buried the giant Polybotes under a piece of the island of Kos. He formed this island by breaking the earth with his trident.
Poseidon’s Battles and Fights
Sometimes, Poseidon’s temper was as rough and chaotic as the oceans. His inability to control this often resulted in him coming into direct confrontations with many Olympian gods and goddesses. The following are some examples of the fights Poseidon had with his fellow gods:
Poseidon fought both gods and men. He was very impulsive and violent. He felt Zeus was arrogant as a ruler and he could not tolerate it. He, therefore, partnered with Athena and Hera to challenge Zeus. In the end, and with the support of Thetis and Briareus, Zeus came out on top.
Owing to some conflict, Zeus punished Poseidon by sending him and Apollo to work for Laomedon, the Trojan king. Zeus ordered them to build fortified walls all around Troy. After a great deal of effort, the wall was completed. To the surprise of the two gods, Laomedon refused to pay them for their labor. Zeus advised Poseidon to let it go but he refused. As punishment for Troy’s betrayal, Poseidon supported the Greek side during the Trojan war. He sent the sea monster Cetus to frustrate and terrorize the Trojans.
With the Greeks and Odysseus
The Greeks felt the wrath of Poseidon when he broke down their walls. Poseidon did this because he believed only walls built by him were worthy. He also had a feud with Odysseus for years for blinding his son.
Greek god Poseidon hit his trident against a rock, creating a stream of seawater, which gathered in the temple of Frechtheion. He did this because he was envious of the manner in which the Athenians revered Athena, goddess of strategic warfare and wisdom.
Poseidon desired to bring Athens under his control. He insinuated that their lands will fare better under his rule. Athena, in turn, gave roots to an olive tree in Athens. Looking favorably on those olive roots, Cecrops (the first king of Athens) decided that Athena’s gift was of more value. The Athenians valued the olive tree because it gave them wood, fruit, and oil. As a result, Athena was allowed to keep Athens. Today, the olive branch is considered a symbol of peace universally.
Poseidon’s Life with Women and His Children
Poseidon absolutely adored women, but unfortunately, they didn’t like him in return. Since he couldn’t get them to like him, he decided to use wit and violence to bring them under his control. Here are examples of Poseidon’s encounters and shenanigans with women:
Medusa and Caenus
Poseidon forced himself on both women. In a very weird turn of events, Athena, hearing of it, decided to punish Medusa for allowing Poseidon to have his way with her. According to Greek mythology, just after Perseus beheaded Medusa, Medusa gave birth to Poseidon’s children: Chrysaor and Pegasus.
Aethra, Demeter, and Amymone
Demeter turned into a mare in order to escape Poseidon’s advances but he transformed himself into a stallion and got her pregnant. Afterward, she gave birth to the nymph Despoena and the talking horse Arion. Poseidon also impregnated Amymone and fathered Nauplius with her. Similarly, he and Aethra had a child together called Theseus.
Amphitrite the Neried
In the case of Amphitrite, she also did not want Poseidon so she fled to the Atlas Mountain. Incorrigible as Poseidon was, he refused to give up. He sent Delphinus to win her over on his behalf. So skilled was Delphinus that he succeeded in accomplishing his task in no time.
As an appreciation for Delphinus’ kind gesture, the god of the sea set Delphinus’ image, the constellation dolphin, among the stars. Amphitrite was faithful to Poseidon and bore him three children: Triton, Rhode, and Benthesikyme.
Other consorts and children of Poseidon
Poseidon’s countless amorous relationships with many Greek gods and creatures produced several offspring. Below are some of the most famous consorts and children of Poseidon:
After the mortal woman Tyro’s advances were rejected by the river god Enipeus, Poseidon swooped in and took advantage of the situation. He disguised himself as Enipeus and thereafter slept with Tyro. From that union came forth Pelias and Neleus.
A known abductor of women, Poseidon abducted Caenis and thereafter raped her. After the horrendous act, Poseidon complied with Caenis wishes to be turned into a man who later came to be called Caeneus.
By Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty, love and sex, Poseidon fathered two daughters called Herophilos and Rhodos.
Abilities and powers
He is famed in the myths for having the ability to create new islands and submerge existing islands beneath the sea. Poseidon also has the extraordinary power to calm the wildest of storms at sea. He was also brutal in the sense that he could unleash powerful waves and storms upon sailors that wronged him.
Another bad side to the god is that he could cause massive natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. Sailors that drowned or got shipwrecked at sea were believed to have incurred the wrath of this Olympian sea god.
For the above reasons, ancient Greek sailors and fisherman had a strong reverence for Poseidon. It was also not uncommon for sailors to put up a horse at the altar as a sacrifice to the god. In some cases, to appease the very turbulent god, sailors will throw a horse into the sea.
To many inhabitants of ancient Greek islands, especially the Arcadians, Poseidon was seen as a horse. His association with horses meant that he was sometimes known as “The Tamer of Horses”. Other symbols of Poseidon are dolphin, horse, bull, and fish.
Poseidon’s Trident and Chariot
Of all the items associated with Poseidon, the trident is perhaps the most famous symbol of the sea god. The trident of Poseidon is a three-pronged powerful spear that Poseidon wields to wreck unimaginable devastation on his enemies. In some cases, he uses the trident to control waves and even fish.
For his transportation, Poseidon rides a powerful chariot that is pulled by a fierce hippocampus. In ancient Greece, the hippocampus was considered a mythical creature that has the body of a horse and fins for hooves. Poseidon’s chariot has the ability to move both on sea and on land.
Poseidon and Demeter
Quite typical of many Greek gods, Poseidon was known as a shapshifter in the myths. He once shape shifted into a horse in order to pursue the goddess Demeter. The goddess had earlier shapshifted into a mare in order to avoid the unwelcomed glances of Poseidon. However, a relentless Poseidon one-upped the goddess and turned himself into a stallion. The union between Poseidon and Demeter produced the mare Despoina and the stallion Arion.
Poseidon and Aethra
In some versions, famous Greek hero and founder of Athens Theseus is sometimes considered the son of Poseidon. In that account, Aethra – the daughter of King Pittheus of Troezen – slept with both King Aegeus of Athens and Poseidon in a single night. The story goes on to say that Aethra got pregnant by both the mortal Aegeus and the god Poseidon. This explains why in some other versions, Theseus is considered the son of King Aegeus.
The above myth also explains why Theseus has demi-god-like abilities. Such were those abilities that Theseus accomplished many feats, including slaying the Minotaur, a half-man half-bull that lived in the center of the Labyrinth.
Poseidon’s birth story
Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, was one of the five Olympian gods that was eaten by the mad titan Cronus. The titan Cronus, like his father before him Uranus, lived in constant fear that his children would grow to remove him from power. Cronus therefore resorted to gulping up every child he bore (with Rhea). Poseidon and his siblings – Hestia, Hera, Hades, and Demeter – were swallowed at birth.
Ultimately his younger Zeus, who had been kept hidden by the goddesses Rhea and Gaia, came to the rescue of Poseidon and his other siblings. Zeus disguised himself as Cronus maidservant and laced Cronus’ drink with a magical potion that caused Cronus to disgorging Poseidon and his four siblings.
Poseidon in the Titanomachy
Poseidon would then join forces with Zeus and his other siblings to topple the crazed Titan Cronus and his band of fierce titans. The two sides – the Olympians and the Titans – fought a fierce war. The Olympians were aided by their uncles – the Cyclopes and the Hecatonchires.
How Poseidon tried to overthrow Zeus
Ancient Greek myths are full of many stories about rebellions and power plays. One famous example is the time when Poseidon connived with Hera, Zeus’ wife and Queen of Mount Olympus, to overthrow Zeus. Joining the fray was Apollo, the Greek Olympian and son of Zeus. Hera used a magical potion to put Zeus to sleep. Poseidon and Apollo then proceeded to chain Zeus to his bed. The revolting gods also took away Zeus’ most favorite weapon, his thunderbolt.
Briareus – one of the three Hecatonchires in Greek myth – got wind of the treacherous act of Poseidon and Hera. Briareus felt that he owed Zeus a favor since Zeus had earlier freed him from Tartarus. Therefore Briareus – a being with hundred arms and fifty heads – deftly sneaked himself into the place where Zeus had been bound. Briareus then unshackled Zeus from his bondage.
Obviously furious, Zeus proceeded to punish Poseidon and Apollo for their treachery. Poseidon and Apollo were sent to work as servants for King Laomedon of Troy for a period of time. In that period, the two gods single-handedly built the walls around Troy, which would later Troy an impenetrable city.
Poseidon in the Trojan War
Perhaps one of the most famous wars in Greek mythology, the Trojan War saw the Greeks lock horns with the Trojans. Although a mortal affair, the Greek gods and goddesses intervened, with many working either for or against one side. Poseidon once helped lift the spirits of Greek soldiers to keep fighting courageously against the Trojans.
Poseidon and Odysseus
Poseidon is the father of the Cyclops Polyphemus, one eyed creature that feeds on humans. In the myths, Polyphemus is the creature responsible for slaughtering the Greek hero Odysseus’s crew. After blinding Polyphemus, Odysseus and the remainder of his crew manage to escape. Polyphemus then begs his father Poseidon to curse Odysseus. Poseidon obliges and punishes Odysseus by making him roam the seas for close to twenty years.
Read More: Greatest Greek Heroes in Greek Mythology
Poseidon and the Cretan Bull
In a bitter power struggle between Minos of Crete and his brother, the former prayed to Poseidon to intercede. Poseidon sends a magnificently beautiful white bull, i.e. the Cretan Bull, as a sign of Minos right to rule the Kingdom of Crete. Poseidon specifically told Minos to sacrifice the bull; however, Minos could not bring himself to sacrifice such a beautiful creature, instead he sacrificed a different bull.
Minos’ disobedience caused Poseidon to exact a steep punishment on Minos. The god cast a spell on the wife of Minos, Pasiphae, making her fall madly in love with the bull. From the union between Pasiphaë and the Cretan Bull came forth the ferocious Minotaur, a half man and half bull creature who fed only on humans to survive.
How Poseidon turned his granddaughter into a spring
The master weaver Arachne certainly did not mince words when she wove her beautiful embroidery showing how malicious and outright controlling many Greek gods and goddesses can be. This is epitomized in the myth where Greek god Poseidon has an affair with Alope, his own granddaughter. Upon hearing of the affair, Alope’s father killed Alope by burying the young woman alive. Perhaps out of remorse, Poseidon uses his magic to turn Alope’s body into a wonderful spring near Eleusis.
Frequently asked questions about Poseidon
1- Who are Poseidon’s consorts?
Poseidon took many women as his consorts, including Amphitrite, Amymone, and Aethra
2- Does Poseidon have children?
Poseidon is depicted as having numerous children, including Theseus, the Cyclops Polyphemus, Nauplius, the twins Pelias and Neleus, and Triton.
3- Who are Poseidon’s siblings?
Poseidon has two brothers – Zeus and Hades. He has three sisters – Hestia, Hera, and Demeter.
4- Who are Poseidon’s parents?
Poseidon’s parents are first generation titans Cronus and Rhea.
5- What is Poseidon’s heavenly field?
Poseidon’s spends the bulk of his time on Mount Olympus. However, his domain is in the deepest part of the ocean, where his has spectacular castles and mansions.
6- What is Poseidon the god of?
Poseidon is the god of the sea, oceans, horses, earthquakes, and sailors.
7- How does Poseidon travel?
Poseidon rides a chariot pulled by a mythical creature called hippocampus.
8- What are Poseidon’s symbols?
Poseidon’s symbols include horses, dolphin, fish, bull, and most importantly the trident.
9- What are some of the common epithets of Poseidon?
In the myths, Poseidon goes by a number of epithets, including “the Earth Shaker”, “Protector of Sailors” and “Tamer of Horses”. | <urn:uuid:eb1366e8-a029-46fa-a673-74fa1160f69a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.worldhistoryedu.com/poseidon-myths-and-facts-about-the-greek-god-of-the-sea/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.973705 | 4,008 | 2.671875 | 3 |
PMS and Cramps Are Not the Same
Riding the wave that is the menstrual cycle can get crazy. PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) and menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) ripple through the lives of people with wombs flooding them with mixed emotions and symptoms. The feelings we express inside tell its story: “Why am I so hungry... It's been three days bloated already and I am over it... Am I really crying over this right now... Seriously, these cramps are at a 10 when they need to be at a 2.” Experiencing these symptoms can overwhelm daily life, especially when we don't know what phase of the menstrual cycle our bodies are going through.
This confusion stems further from the stigmas around PMS and cramps within our global society, even the scientific community. Restrictions around the conversations and studies for the conditions menstruating people endure have led to a hollow consensus of their root causes. Historically, period symptoms have been viewed as a "weakness" that gave ground to deny women opportunities in life. This lingering culture has bred anxiety around this essential conversation. Today it's common for women to overlook their symptoms. The belief that monthly discomfort is a justified norm will not suffice for modern life. To create more wellness one must understand the symptoms and timing of PMS and cramps. From this, we can decode our experiences and thus gain a better sense of the right course of specific treatment.
What is PMS?
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) occurs during the luteal phase. This takes place between ovulation and the start of a period. It typically lasts between 9 to 16 days or 14 days on average. An array of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms kick in due to hormonal changes in the body. Although there’s scientific debate about what exact hormones trigger it, it is believed that PMS is attributed to the hormonal fluctuations of progesterone and estrogen. Physical symptoms can arise such as:
- Tender swollen breasts
Behavioral signals of PMS vary from:
- Change in libido
- Food cravings
- Increased appetite
The psychological symptoms can fluctuate between various states such as irritability, depressed mood, crying and tearfulness, anxiety, tension, mood swings, lack of concentration, confusion, forgetfulness, restlessness, loneliness, decreased self-esteem, and tension.
Related to: The Science behind PMS
What causes menstrual cramps?
The start of a period marks the beginning of a new cycle and is followed by menstrual cramps, also known as “dysmenorrhea”. Cramps can start 1 to 3 days before your period and usually peaks 24 hours after the onset of your period to then subside in 2 to 3 days on average. Unfortunately, cramps are not the sole physical symptom that comes with a monthly moon. The cramping or throbbing pain in the lower abdomen can also be accompanied by pain that extends to your lower back and thighs, nausea, loose stools, headache, and dizziness. It is reported that between 50 to 90 % of people who menstruate are affected by dysmenorrhea. The prostaglandins produced in the body can be held accountable for these cramps. These fatty lipid compounds are released in the body to induce uterus contractions for the shedding of its lining.
PMS and menstrual cramps often blend into a whirlwind of bodily symptoms. Despite any confusion that arises, the reality is that the two conditions go hand in hand. PMS symptoms typically begin 1-2 weeks prior to your period, overlap into the first few days of the period, and then usually subside after the first few days. Subsequently, menstrual cramps occur with the arrival of a period and dwindle in intensity, depending on any existing health conditions.
The delicate dance between PMS & cramps
Distinguishing the unique schedule and duration of PMS and cramps in your own body can easily be done through cycle tracking. Try free mobile apps such as Clue or Eve that provide a tracking calendar and cycle predictions based on historical input. Cycle trackers help to maintain a consistent log of symptoms and the time between each phase. Over time, you can become well acquainted with the body’s natural rhythms to anticipate when certain symptoms arise throughout the menstrual cycle. Taking care of your body during these cyclical changes does not have to end at tracking though. You can align your lifestyle with a more pleasant period throughout your cycle by modifying your daily habits.
- Plan de-stressing activities around your calendar
- Ease muscle tension and bodily discomfort with light exercise (Give yoga a try!)
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods with high antioxidants (Think: lots of berries and leafy greens!)
For the pain that arises and lingers while experiencing PMS or cramps, you can swap over-the-counter medicines for herbal supplements. In addition to promoting psychological ease, herbs serve as an exceptional holistic alternative to pills for treating physical symptoms that arise during the period. Ingredients such as red raspberry leaf is known to aid in uterine health to reduce symptoms of PMS and menstrual cramps with regular use (mhm! moon + mood).
Also, passionflower and mugwort are two herbal staples that can be used to quiet your period cramps. Passionflower has an antispasmodic effect to ease the muscle spasms and cramps that come with your period, whilst mugwort gently eases the nervous system and menstrual cramps (happy period).
Managing life around the womb’s many cycles requires us to understand our individual cyclical nature. With consistent, intuitive observation, it becomes easier to decipher the language of our bodies. Noting the symptoms that mark the phases of our cycle helps to bring clarity to the progressions of our monthly moon and to find grounding within as they change.
Kho KA, Shields JK. Diagnosis and Management of Primary Dysmenorrhea. JAMA. 2020 Jan 21;323(3):268-269. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.16921. PMID: 31855238.A
merican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/premenstrual-syndrome
Gudipally PR, Sharma GK. Premenstrual Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Jul 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560698/ | <urn:uuid:b025e003-f6fb-43fe-9e9c-8fd46ebf8381> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.xulaherbs.com/blogs/blog/pms-and-cramps-arent-the-same | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.928948 | 1,386 | 2.9375 | 3 |
Titanosaurs belonged to a group of dinosaurs called sauropods — the largest terrestrial creatures that ever roamed the Earth. But while most sauropods disappeared during the Late Cretaceous 100 million years ago, Titanosaurs thrived during that period. However, the early evolution of this group is not that well known because not many fossils have been discovered.
This is where Mnyamawamtuka moyowamkia comes in. Its name is derived from Swahili for “animal of the Mtuka (with) a heart-shaped tail”, in reference to the name of the riverbed (Mtuka) in which it was discovered and due to the unique heart-shape of its tail bones. Mnyamawamtuka was first discovered in 2004 when parts of its skeleton were found high in a cliff wall overlooking the seasonally dry Mtuka riverbed in Tanzania. Excavations continued, at times requiring extreme dedication: often, the digging team was suspended by ropes or climbing gear over the wall. If the digging would have been delayed even by just a few years, erosion might have destroyed much of this skeleton.
Researchers note that the finding is particularly important as it provides a much-needed puzzle piece in understanding Titanosaur evolution, as well as the general evolution of African fauna during the Cretaceous.
“Although titanosaurs became one of the most successful dinosaur groups before the infamous mass extinction capping the Age of Dinosaurs, their early evolutionary history remains obscure, and Mnyamawamtuka helps tell those beginnings, especially for their African-side of the story,” said lead author Dr. Eric Gorscak. “The wealth of information from the skeleton indicates it was distantly related to other known African titanosaurs, except for some interesting similarities with another dinosaur, Malawisaurus, from just across the Tanzania-Malawi border,” noted Dr. Gorscak.
This isn’t the only important finding from the area. Among others, researchers have found evidence of two other titanosaurs (Shingopana songwensis and Rukwatitan bisepultus), a mammal-like crocodile (Pakasuchus kapilimai), evidence of the monkey-ape split, as well as early evidence of insect farming.
This new find also suggests a close relationship titanosaurs from Africa and South America — two continents which were joined together 180 million years ago.
“This new dinosaur gives us important information about African fauna during a time of evolutionary change,” said Judy Skog, a program director in the National Science Foundation’s Division of Earth Sciences, which funded the research. “The discovery offers insights into paleogeography during the Cretaceous. It’s also timely information about an animal with heart-shaped tail bones during this week of Valentine’s Day.”
Journal Reference: Gorscak E, O’Connor PM (2019) A new African Titanosaurian Sauropod Dinosaur from the middle Cretaceous Galula Formation (Mtuka Member), Rukwa Rift Basin, Southwestern Tanzania. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0211412. https:/ | <urn:uuid:e29789d4-95a9-4717-88bc-8cfea826018e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.zmescience.com/science/biology/titanosaur-heart-shaped-tail-100202019/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.955793 | 668 | 4.0625 | 4 |
A 600-year-old bridge in Prague, Czech Republic, is often considered the most beautiful bridge in Europe. A famous statue remembers a grim part of its history.
Prague lies along the 267-mile-long Vltava River that runs north and south through central Europe. By the Middle Ages, Prague had become the capital of Bohemia and an important trading city, with a fording site on the river. In 1170, the king of Bohemia built a bridge at the fording site, which was destroyed by a flood in 1342. In 1355, Charles IV became Holy Roman Emperor, determined to make his native Prague the most important city in the Empire. In 1357, he began building a new bridge across the Vltava, linking Prague Castle with Old Town. When completed in 1402, the bridge, later named Charles Bridge, was 1,693 feet long and 33 feet wide, supported on 16 sandstone arches. Traffic entered the bridge though massive Gothic towers.
In 1393, a cleric named John of Nepomuk became involved in a bitter religious dispute with Wenceslaus IV, the king of Bohemia. When John refused to back down, Wenceslaus ordered him tortured and thrown from the incomplete Charles Bridge into the river, where he drowned. John was buried in the Prague Cathedral and became the patron saint of Bohemia. In March 1683, on what was incorrectly thought to be the 300th anniversary of St. John’s death, a bronze statue of him was erected along the south side of the Charles Bridge, his head surrounded by five stars. During the following century, 29 more statues of saints were erected along the bridge.
Following reconstruction of the Charles Bridge in the 1970s, all but pedestrian traffic was banned. For good luck, many crossing the bridge touch it just below the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, now a replica of the original. | <urn:uuid:1ca34f52-0ff8-41b1-8f68-44dabd897986> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://youarecurrent.com/2020/09/08/column-crossing-pragues-charles-bridge/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100603.33/warc/CC-MAIN-20231206194439-20231206224439-00199.warc.gz | en | 0.979234 | 393 | 3.390625 | 3 |
This dissertation addresses the problem of Internet routing, which is a critical element in modern networking. The Internet consists of thousands of autonomous, competing networks that must exchange reachability information among themselves. To accomplish the goals of different networks, network operators must frequently change routing protocols, making it impossible to predict how they will behave. To help resolve this problem, this dissertation develops techniques for predicting dynamic behavior of Internet routing. It also focuses on interdomain routing, which provides flexibility for independent networks.
The origins of internet routing were not built with security against adversarial attacks in mind. Instead, the goal of the infrastructure was to route traffic through decentralized networks and avoid dropped or incomplete information packets. Today, this security problem has become an ongoing concern for network operators, and a more secure approach is necessary to combat it. Network operators are working to develop countermeasures against bogus routing information. The FCC should also establish regulatory authority over all relevant players.
The Internet routing table describes the path a packet must take to reach its destination. Each network has a unique IP address, and the default gateway is the router that points to it. For example, a computer W sending a packet to a z/OS host on a different LAN must use an IP route to reach it. In this case, the default gateway must use a second NIC. A default gateway may have an IP route for the destination network, but does not have one for the source network.
An internet router should be easy to configure. Routing tables are important when you have many different networks connected to the same network. Having a reliable Internet connection is imperative, so make sure to implement all of the required software. This article will provide an overview of the various routing protocols and their implementation. When implementing internet routing, you should be familiar with RFC 898. This document describes the status of gateways and provides basic routing tables.
Peering is a common practice for larger ISPs and schools. Peering allows them to share routes between their customers, and this is done through an agreement. Peering is divided into two types: private and public. For example, JoeBob might be connected to two different ISPs. Each will pay a different price for sending traffic to JoeBob, but if he pays a lower price, he would get the cheaper link.
The metric is a standard measurement used to calculate the best path to reach a specific destination. In this case, the most cost-effective path is chosen, and the shortest route will be determined by comparing hop counts. These metrics can be static or dynamic. Once the routing table has been created, the routing algorithm will determine the best path to take. RIP is an example of a distance-vector routing protocol, as it contains information on both hop count and destination.
However, traceroute may not identify every hop. There are some routers that perform zero-TTL forwarding, in which packets with TTLs of 0 have zero TTLs are forwarded. Thus, if the TTL is zero, the router is unable to determine the address of the next hop. Likewise, in some networks that use MPLS, routers may be configured not to decrement IP headers, because of the MPLS headers’ own TTLs. | <urn:uuid:adef6134-13c2-4898-8910-e20a7941ffad> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://chimneyhillpizza.com/the-origins-of-internet-routing-were-not-built-with-security/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.939595 | 648 | 3.484375 | 3 |
The Betsy Ross flag is an early design of the flag of the United States, popularly attributed to Betsy Ross, using the common motifs of alternating red-and-white striped field with five-pointed stars in a blue canton. The flag was designed during the American Revolution and features 13 stars to represent the original 13 colonies. The distinctive feature of the Ross flag is the arrangement of the stars in a circle.
Although the Betsy Ross story is accepted by most Americans, some flag historians and revisionists do not accept the Betsy Ross design as the first American flag. According to the traditional account, the original flag was made in June 1776, when a small committee— including George Washington, Robert Morris and relative George Ross— visited Betsy and discussed the need for a new American flag. Betsy accepted the job to manufacture the flag, altering the committee’s design by replacing the six-pointed stars with five-pointed stars.
While the Betsy Ross legend is questionable, the flag design is known to have been in use by 1777; Alfred B. Street described it at the surrender of General Burgoyne and understood the circle of stars to represent equality among the American states. It is one of the oldest versions of U.S. flags known to exist; while it is not the oldest surviving flag artifact in cloth form, its likeness appears on older physical relics, namely, the contemporary battlefield paintings by John Trumbull and Charles Willson Peale. They depict the circular star arrangement being flown from ship masts and many other places, and thus provide the first known historical documentation of the flag’s appearance.
The Betsy Ross design of 13-star US flags has been featured in many popular artworks (sometimes inaccurately, as in Washington Crossing the Delaware) and films, such as the 1960 version of Pollyanna. The flag continues to be one of the most popular symbols of the American Revolution.
Text source: Wikipedia.com | <urn:uuid:c8aadd5c-633c-4da1-901f-87466714526c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://radicalsurvivalism.com/web/2012/07/29/flags-of-our-forefathers-the-betsy-ross-flag/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.951988 | 397 | 3.78125 | 4 |
Word Aware 2: Early Years
Word Aware 2 was published in 2016. It is based on the same principals as Word Aware but it is adapted for the Early Years. It includes the fun and engaging ‘Concept Cat’ method to teach children early verbal concepts such as ‘both, corner, smooth and after’. Word Aware 2: Early Years book is available from Routledge.
The Routledge Speechmark website has downloadable resources that accompany the book. You need to own a copy of the book and have it handy, in order to login. Click on ‘Sign in or Request access’. Then ‘Request access’.
There are sing along versions of Word Aware songs on YouTube
Here is the Concept Cat song
Reviews for ‘Word Aware 2: Early Years’
The book starts with a detailed, interesting and clearly referenced introduction, which would be very useful for teaching staff and is a great refresher for SLTs. I like the fact that the approach is designed for the whole class, so it’s inclusive and that there is a strong emphasis on the importance of Adult Child Interaction.”
Rhiannan Walton, Therapy Ideas Blog. Full review
In summary, Word Aware is a great resource for anyone working with Early Years children and I would highly recommend it. It has a good mix of theory and practical activities which can be put into practice immediately with education staff and parents.”
Emmy Pratt, Speech and Language Therapist. Full review | <urn:uuid:90fd8eb5-79e3-49f3-8be5-be0f34fd386a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://thinkingtalking.co.uk/word-aware/word-aware-2/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.954349 | 312 | 2.703125 | 3 |
Thirty-six prominent international health and development experts including representatives from WaterAid, AMREF Health Africa, the World Medical Association, Commonwealth Medical Association, Global Health Council, International Confederation of Midwifes, the Nigerian Medical Association, Nigeria’s National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the Nigerian Medical Students Association have called for an end to the sanitation predicament.
On the occasion of the World Toilet Day 2014, it is estimated that the sanitation situation has claimed the lives of over 10 million children under the age of five since the year 2000, with 1.1 million having died over this period in Nigeria also contributing to this figure.
In an open letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, the signatories who represent over 620,000 health professionals globally highlight the desperate waste of life caused by people not having access to a basic toilet. Without basic sanitation, children have no choice but to live and play in areas contaminated by human waste.
Seven in 10 children in Nigeria do not have access to a basic toilet, which alongside unsafe drinking water and a lack of hygiene services, contributes to three of the main killers of children: under nutrition, pneumonia and diarrhoea, the letter states.
The letter, coordinated by the international development organisation WaterAid, has been published to coincide with World Toilet Day. It also highlights that the sanitation ‘crisis touches every moment of every child’s life, from birth to adulthood, if they are lucky enough to make it that far‘.
“The WTD also sadly reminds us of the current crisis we are facing in West Africa where Ebola has taken the lives of so many. This is further exacerbated by the cholera outbreak that has continued to plague neighbouring countries like Niger, Ghana and Sierra Leone as well as pocket outbreaks of the disease in Nigeria – resulting in many sick children in our part of the world. A lack of safe toilets and clean water is a major factor contributing to this,” disclosed WaterAid.
WaterAid Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Michael Ojo, said: “The dangers of poor sanitation and dirty water have been known for around 150 years, yet 121 million people (about 72% of the population) do not have a basic toilet to use in Nigeria and nearly 40 million still defecate in the open. This lack of access to basic sanitation harms the health of children and often leaves a lifetime legacy of disease and poverty. Those children need our government to collectively step up and commit that by 2030 no home, hospital or school will be without a toilet and clean water.”
The open letter to the UN Secretary-General coincides with a new briefing released by WaterAid: ‘Child of Mine’ which states that sanitation ‘remains one of the most neglected issues in developing countries and international development aid’. As the briefing highlights, this is despite a quarter of the 162 million children globally who have had their growth stunted and their physical and cognitive development impaired, because they suffered repeated bouts of diarrhoea when very young.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 88% of cases of diarrhoea are caused by a lack of access to basic sanitation, unsafe drinking water and poor hygiene provision. Globally, over 12 million children are estimated to have died from 2000 to 2013 because of diarrhoeal diseases. Of these deaths, 10.6 million have been as a result of a lack of these services.
The release of the letter to the UN Secretary-General and the publication of the ‘Child of Mine’ briefing come as governments work to complete the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that run from 2000 to 2015, and negotiate the new Sustainable Development Goals, which will replace them. WaterAid Nigeria called on government to commit to backing a new goal for everyone everywhere to have access to clean water and basic sanitation by 2030.
Executive Director of Nigeria’s National Primary Health Development Agency, Dr. Ado Mohammed, in his correspondence to WaterAid, said: “Poor sanitation, hygiene and lack of clean water contribute to the deplorable health conditions especially among children and women in Nigeria. In view of this and of our goal to eradicate transmission of the Wild Poliovirus in Nigeria at the end of the year – polio being an oral faecal disease thriving under poor hygiene and sanitation conditions as well as an unavailability of clean water sources – we lend our voice to the call for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene.”
Amref Health Africa, which works in nine African countries to improve health through community work and strengthening health systems, is also a signatory to the letter. Amref Health Africa’s Director General, Dr Teguest Guerma, said: “Safe sanitation, good hygiene practice and clean water are fundamental to improving health and well-being. But the shocking reality is that far too many people lack even these basic services. As a result, millions of people die every year from diseases that could have been prevented.
“Progress in tackling this crisis has been far too slow but governments can take the first crucial step by strongly and publicly backing calls for universal access to these services during negotiations around the Sustainable Development Goals. As experts in health, we know that this is the necessary prescription.”
The open letter includes the call for the UN Chief, Ban-Ki Moon, ‘to lead the world to a future of better health, dignity and prosperity for all by championing a dedicated goal to deliver water and sanitation to everyone, everywhere by 2030.’ | <urn:uuid:46c1f2af-4cfe-48e9-83ca-355bae2b23c8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.environewsnigeria.com/lack-toilets-traced-high-child-mortality-rate/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.949428 | 1,151 | 3.0625 | 3 |
This article aims to delve into the reasons behind the promotion of hacker activities on the internet, shedding light on the motivations and implications of such actions. The internet, a vast digital realm, is home to a multitude of voices and perspectives, including those that promote the activities of hackers. By frequently switching between different compromised cards, they minimize the chance of detection. Changing Cards: Fraudsters may employ multiple stolen card Buy Bulk Twitter Accounts to spread out the risk and avoid suspicion.
Fraudsters aim to complete the series of unauthorized purchases before the initial authorization lapses or is flagged by the cardholder or financial institution. Timing: The timing of transactions is critical. Financial Analytics: Payment processors, banks, and financial institutions analyze dumps to understand transaction trends, customer behavior, and fraud patterns, which helps improve security measures and prevent fraud. Understanding BIN Checker Software: BIN (Bank Identification Number) Checker Software is a specialized tool that allows businesses to verify the authenticity and details of payment cards, such as credit and debit cards, by analyzing the first few digits of the card number.
These digits provide essential information about the issuing bank, card type, and geographic location. Faster Checkout: A smooth and efficient checkout process enhances customer satisfaction. BIN Checker Software helps expedite the verification process, minimizing the time customers spend at the checkout page. Masking Suspicion: Since these transactions occur within the authorized credit limit, they often escape immediate notice, allowing fraudsters to make several unauthorized purchases before the cardholder realizes something is amiss. | <urn:uuid:9475d2b5-c51d-47eb-9ed4-073997b3be00> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://zwergenland.org/a-wise-academic-look-at-what-dumps-online-actually-does-in-our-world/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.89569 | 313 | 2.625 | 3 |
Publicado en 3C TIC – Volume 12 Issue 1 (Ed. 42)
With the technological development of movement recognition based on machine learning model algorithms, the content and movements for physical dance teaching are also seeking changes and innovations. In this paper, a set of three-dimensional convolutional neural network recognition algorithms based on a machine learning model is constructed through the collection to recognition of sports dance movement data. By collecting the skeleton information of typical movements of physical dance, a typical movement dataset of physical dance is constructed, which is recognized by the improved 3D convolutional neural network recognition algorithm under the machine learning model, and the method is validated on the public dataset. The experimental results show that the 3D CNNs in this paper can produce relatively satisfactory results for sports dance action recognition with high accuracy of action recognition, which verifies the feasibility of the 3D convolutional neural network action recognition algorithm under the machine learning model for the acquisition to recognition of sports dance actions. It illustrates that the future can be better to open a new direction of physical dance education content through machine learning models in this form.
KeywordsMachine learning model; sports dance movements; DDPG algorithm model; 3D convolutional neural network movement recognition algorithm; movement skeleton information dataset
- Particulate Matter Levels Classification Using Modified and Combined ResNet Models with Low Features Extraction
- The role of social networking sites in promoting the culture of Iraqi rural women and empowering them
- Quantization and application of low-rank tensor decomposition based on the deep learning model
- The Optimization Path of Higher Education Resource Allocation in China Based on Fuzzy Set Theory
- Fabric yarn detection based on improved fast R-CNN model
- A strategy for building a smart sports platform based on machine learning models
- Exploring the direction of the English translation of environmental protection articles based on the robot cognitive- emotional interaction model
- Innovation of college pop music teaching in traditional music culture based on robot cognitive-emotional interaction model
- Application of AR virtual implantation technology based on deep learning and emotional technology in the creation of interactive picture books.
- Calculation and analysis of the impact of Microsoft security-assisted physical education model on college basketball teaching in the Internet information era | <urn:uuid:8137737f-27e5-4a45-9993-864a3fcd86eb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://3ciencias.com/en/articulos/articulo/reconstruction-of-physical-dance-teaching-content-and-movement-recognition-based-on-a-machine-learning-model/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.87956 | 458 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Measurement of mixed venous oxygen saturation helps determine whether cardiac output and oxygen delivery are sufficient for metabolic needs. As recommended by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses guideline, blood samples for determining mixed venous oxygen saturation are obtained by slowly, in 1 to 2 minutes, withdrawing 1.5 mL of blood from the distal port of the pulmonary artery catheter. In theory, the negative force of rapid withdrawal could pull oxygenated blood from the pulmonary capillary bed, causing falsely elevated saturation values.
To determine if the speed of withdrawal affects oxygen content in blood samples used to measure mixed venous oxygen saturation.
The sample consisted of heart failure patients with pulmonary artery catheters admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit. A prospective, randomized, 2 × 2 crossover design was used to compare mixed venous oxygen saturation in blood samples obtained quickly or slowly. A total of 50 sets of saturation values were analyzed. Each set included 1 blood sample obtained slowly, in 1 to 2 minutes, and 1 obtained rapidly, in 5 seconds.
The mean difference in saturation values between the fast and the slow groups was −0.3 (CI, −1.5 to 0.8; P = .55), indicating that no meaningful systematic bias is attributable to fast withdrawal of blood.
Rapid blood sampling does not falsely elevate measurements of mixed venous oxygen saturation. | <urn:uuid:251a1ec6-5474-4d89-9291-0a1409e9d8bd> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://aacnjournals.org/ajcconline/article-abstract/23/6/486/4000/Speed-of-Blood-Withdrawal-and-Accurate-Measurement?redirectedFrom=fulltext | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.912817 | 276 | 2.625 | 3 |
The Three Components That Make Up Your Air Comfort System
If you find yourself cold during winter or hot during summer, the first place you go is to your thermostat to turn on your heating and cooling system. But how does this important appliance keep your home comfortable when the weather outside is anything but? Few people know the ins and outs of how this complex and intricate system actually works, and that’s what we’d like to explain in this blog. Your HVAC system is kind of like a three-legged stool: each of the three legs needs to work together or the entire thing collapses. If a problem happens with one leg, the other two simply can’t do their job properly, and your air comfort ultimately falls apart. The three components are your HVAC equipment, your air distribution system, and your building envelope.
The term “HVAC” stands for “heating, ventilation, and air conditioning,” and is an inclusive term to refer to all of the various equipment and components that make up your indoor and outdoor units, as well as the lines that connect the two of them. That means your blower fan, your evaporator coil, your condenser, your heat exchanger, and plenty of other parts as well all fall into this envelope.
When you refer to your heating and cooling system, this is what the majority of people think of, and for good reason: when something goes wrong, there’s a strong chance that this is where the problem is. The HVAC equipment features a number of moving parts and components that need to operate under some fairly extreme conditions. It also includes the electrical components that make your HVAC equipment work properly. Because mechanical parts can and do eventually fail, this is where you will find the majority of the major problems you encounter.
Air Distribution System
Here’s the thing with your HVAC equipment: it produces a lot of wonderful, conditioned air, but it doesn’t really have any ability to do anything with it once it does. That’s what your air distribution system is for. Your air distribution system is responsible for taking this conditioned air and spreading it around your home quickly and efficiently, and this is usually done through a duct network. The majority of air ducts are made from sheet metal and fiberglass duct board with flexible wire helix branch lines. If located in unconditioned space, they should always be insulated to minimize heat loss, and should be built in a way that they can withstand the pressure created by a blower fan, creating a “forced air” system without leaking.
Air ducts have no moving parts, so naturally, it’s easy to ignore them as a potential site for problems. However, ducts can and do experience issues. Animals love to break into ducts, particularly during summer months, as they are dark, cool, and sheltered from the world around them. They typically get in by breaking holes in the wall of your duct system, creating a large air gap that reduces airflow and allows conditioned air to escape. However, ducts can wear out even without interference from pests. Moisture in the air can cause sheet metal to rust and rot if it isn’t treated properly, and shifting through either expansion and contraction or inadvertent adjustment can create gaps and cracks that let air out that you would rather have kept. If your energy bills are absurdly high for reasons you can’t quite place, or your HVAC system can’t seem to keep up with the heat or the cold any longer, then your ducts might be the issue you’re dealing with.
Your building envelope is the term used to describe the outer limits of your home’s structure, or the walls and planes that form it. In other words, your walls, floors, and roof. Your building’s envelope is not a perfectly sealed surface—you probably have windows, doors, vents, and other gaps that can create a way for conditioned air to escape. That’s why we have air seals like weather stripping and insulation. However, these materials wear out over time.
Checking your building envelope is something we recommend each and every year. Notably, check around your windows and doors for any signs of a draft to make sure air isn’t escaping. We also recommend sealing any gaps in your ceiling and having a professional roofer change any damaged or worn-out flashing that might be creating an obnoxious energy leak in your attic.Does your air comfort system need to be repaired? Contact us at 434-293-4556 or by clicking here. Check out our Google Reviews!
What a pleasure it was turning on the shower last night and having immediate hot water! Also, using the much more comfortable and clean toilets! Once again, we are very pleased with the work your crew did!
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The technicians are always punctual, polite, and knowledgeable and take the time to explain their recommendations.
The technician was personable and knowledgeable on the repair. Great experience. I would use AH&A again!
The technician conducted a routine checkup of my HVAC system. He called me before he arrived, early in the four-hour window. He made sure to wear coverings on his feet. Told me what he was doing as he worked ... | <urn:uuid:1d7b3b94-2ad0-4170-9625-9c1d924f7887> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://albemarleheating.net/blog/air-comfort-components/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.964772 | 1,190 | 2.859375 | 3 |
Paul said that the Household of God was built on the foundation of Apostles and Prophets, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. During his ministry, Jesus commissioned twelve special messengers, or Apostles, to assist in spreading the Gospel. All twelve were Judean Hebrews.
The word apostle comes from the Greek apostolos which means one who is sent away, an emissary. It thus means a messenger sent to convey the “good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” See Matthew 10:1-7.
Twelve Men for Twelve Tribes
Twelve men were selected, which symbolized the twelve tribes of Israel as found in the Old Testament. Jesus set apart the Twelve Apostles, sending them out in pairs to preach the Gospel. Additionally, the Apostles were given the power to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead as part of their ministry.
Each of the Twelve Apostles gave up their livelihoods and all else to follow Jesus when called. Ten of these men were Galilean Jews who had Aramaic names. Peter and Andrew had Greek names. Other Apostles mentioned in the New Testament were Matthias, Barnabas, Adronicus, Junia, Silas, Timothy, and Apollos.
The Twelve Apostles are identified below, along with the traditional manner of their deaths.
1. Simon Peter: Also known as Simon bar Jonah, Simon bar Jochanan (Aramaic) and Cephas. Jesus called him Peter (meaning rock or foundation of the Church). He was a fisherman from Bethsaida of Galilee. About to be martyred in Rome in C.E. 64, he asked to be crucified upside-down as he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.
2. Andrew: A former disciple of John the Baptist, he was the brother of Simon Peter and a fisherman in Bethsaida of Galilee. Crucified upon an X-shaped cross.
3. James, son of Zebedee: The brother of John. The first of the Apostles to be put to death, by Herod Agrippa I, 11 years after the death of Christ (C.E. 44).
4. John, son of Zebedee: The brother of James, both named by Jesus the sons of thunder. Death unknown. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that John still walks the earth and will see the Second Coming of Christ in the flesh.
5. Philip: From Bethsaida of Galilee. Crucified in C.E. 64.
6. Bartholomew; usually identified with Nathanael. Thought by some to have been skinned alive, then beheaded.
7. Matthew: The tax collector Matthew may have also been identified as Levi. He was killed by axe.
8. Thomas: Judas Thomas Didymus. Also known as Doubting Thomas. Killed by a spear in India in C.E. 72.
9. James, son of Alphaeus: Generally identified with “James the Less”, brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem Church. Also identified by Roman Catholics with “James the Just”. Stoned at age 90, then clubbed to death.
10. Thaddeus: Traditionally identified with Jude. Crucified.
11. Simon the Zealot: or Simon the Cananite. Some have identified him with Simeon of Jerusalem. Believed by some to have been crucified in C.E. 74.
12. Judas Iscariot: The Apostle who betrayed Jesus. Also referred to as “Judas, the son of Simon.” He committed suicide.
13. Matthias was selected by the surviviing Eleven to replace Judas Iscariot. Matthias was stoned, then beheaded. | <urn:uuid:0d18da7a-997c-4d87-be7a-1ccb3497df3d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://anomalien.com/the-twelve-apostles-and-the-gruesome-manner-of-their-deaths/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.96209 | 803 | 2.90625 | 3 |
Found in 8 Collections and/or Records:
The Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts was founded in 1993 "to nurture and showcase the literary, visual, musical and performing arts within the Society of Friends, for the purpose of Quaker expression, ministry, witness and outreach," according to the group's mission statement. The collection contains the records of the Fellowship of Quakers in the Arts from its founding in 1993 until 1998, including administrative documents, newsletters, and member information.
The Ladies Art Association was founded in New York City in 1867, and its members were involved in studio art and art education. Many of its members and officers were Quakers. The collection contains the Association's constitution, publicity materials, correspondence (1887-1914), and other records.
This small collection contains drawings by Lucy Sikes, a Brooklyn, New York, Quaker artist, and her email correspondence with Friends Historial Library with printed attachments. Her drawings, often drawn during meeting sessions, appeared in Spark, the newsletter of New York Yearly Meeting, and other Quaker publications.
The collection contains typescripts of lectures written by Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist Signe Wilkinson. Most are autobiographical and reflect her Quaker beliefs as well as activism through art. The papers are annotated and often include doodles and sketches. | <urn:uuid:cd602a25-b940-402b-89bc-2b6ee5844475> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://archives.tricolib.brynmawr.edu/subjects/4755 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.962814 | 271 | 2.625 | 3 |
European Southern Observatory | 2012 Sep 12
A New View of The Pencil Nebula
The Pencil Nebula is pictured in a new image from ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile. This peculiar cloud of glowing gas is part of a huge ring of wreckage left over after a supernova explosion that took place about 11 000 years ago. This detailed view was produced by the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope.
Credit: ESO/MPG/ESO 2.2-Meter Telescope/WFI
Credit: ESO/Digitized Sky Survey 2; Acknowledgment: Davide De Martin.
Despite the tranquil and apparently unchanging beauty of a starry night, the Universe is far from being a quiet place. Stars are being born and dying in an endless cycle, and sometimes the death of a star can create a vista of unequalled beauty as material is blasted out into space to form strange structures in the sky.
This new image from the Wide Field Imager on the MPG/ESO 2.2-metre telescope at ESO’s La Silla Observatory in Chile shows the Pencil Nebula against a rich starry background. This oddly shaped cloud, which is also known as NGC 2736, is a small part of a supernova remnant in the southern constellation of Vela (The Sails). These glowing filaments were created by the violent death of a star that took place about 11 000 years ago. The brightest part resembles a pencil; hence the name, but the whole structure looks rather more like a traditional witch’s broom.
The Vela supernova remnant is an expanding shell of gas that originated from the supernova explosion. Initially the shock wave was moving at millions of kilometres per hour, but as it expanded through space it ploughed through the gas between the stars, which has slowed it considerably and created strangely shaped folds of nebulosity. The Pencil Nebula is the brightest part of this huge shell.
This new image shows large, wispy filamentary structures, smaller bright knots of gas and patches of diffuse gas. The nebula's luminous appearance comes from dense gas regions that have been struck by the supernova shock wave. As the shock wave travels through space, it rams into the interstellar material. At first, the gas was heated to millions of degrees, but it then subsequently cooled down and is still giving off the faint glow that was captured in the new image.
By looking at the different colours of the nebula, astronomers have been able to map the temperature of the gas. Some regions are still so hot that the emission is dominated by ionised oxygen atoms, which glow blue in the picture. Other cooler regions are seen glowing red, due to emission from hydrogen.
The Pencil Nebula measures about 0.75 light-years across and is moving through the interstellar medium at about 650 000 kilometres per hour. Remarkably, even at its distance of approximately 800 light-years from Earth, this means that it will noticeably change its position relative to the background stars within a human lifetime. Even after 11 000 years the supernova explosion is still changing the face of the night sky.
Zoomable Image: Close Up
Zoomable Image: Wide Field | <urn:uuid:2152d0b3-0ff2-498c-be71-9294403683be> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://asterisk.apod.com/viewtopic.php?t=29530 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.944368 | 675 | 3.3125 | 3 |
Cancer: Doctor confirms risks linked to red meat consumption
While there are many factors at play, poor lifestyle decisions are one of the culprits that can pave the way to cancer.
Fortunately, this means that a healthy diet can be a great weapon to add to your arsenal of protection.
Dr Sunni Patel, from Dish Dash Deets, shared with Express.co.uk eight “best” foods that could do this with gusto.
1. Cruciferous vegetables
From broccoli to cauliflower and Brussels sprouts to kale, these vegetables contain phytochemicals like sulforaphane, which may have cancer-fighting properties.
Plus, they are also a source of fibre which aids in digestion, ciprofloxacin hcl chemical name helps maintain a healthy weight, and can lower the risk of bowel cancer, according to the doctor.
READ MORE Dr Michael Mosley shares leftover pasta can slash your cancer risk
He said: “Include vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale in your meals regularly. A serving is about 80 grams (a small handful).”
Packed with antioxidants, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries offer more than a sweet addition to your breakfast.
The doctor explained that antioxidants help neutralise harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage DNA and increase your risk of cancer.
“Enjoy a handful of berries like blueberries or strawberries as a snack or part of a meal a few times a week,” Dr Patel said.
3. Leafy greens
Another group of green vegetables that is worth mentioning is leafy greens, which are rich in all sorts of vitamins and minerals.
According to the expert, the likes of spinach, kale, Swiss chard, and other leafy greens could support your overall health.
He recommended incorporating leafy greens such as spinach and kale into your salads, sandwiches, or smoothies. “Aim for at least a couple of portions per day,” Dr Patel added.
4. Whole grains
From brown rice to quinoa, whole grains are a good source of fibre and nutrients.
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The doctor said: “Choose whole grains like whole wheat bread, whole grain pasta, and brown rice over refined grains. A portion is typically about 65 to 75 grams of cooked grains.”
Beans, lentils, and peas are packed with fibre and protein and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, according to Dr Patel.
Therefore, he recommended including beans, lentils, and peas in your diet a few times a week. “A portion is around 80 grams of cooked legumes.”
6. Nuts and seeds
Sources of healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants, almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all “good options” to add to your dietary regimen, the doctor shared.
What’s more, consuming just a small handful, about 30 grams, of nuts and seeds daily should be enough to reap the benefits.
7. Fatty fish
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines could offer anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower your risk of the deadly condition.
Dr Patel said: “Enjoy oily fish like salmon, mackerel, or sardines at least twice a week. A portion is typically about 140 grams of cooked fish.”
The active compound hidden in turmeric, known as curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be “beneficial” in cancer prevention, according to the doctor.
Remember, you need to combine turmeric with black pepper or fat to activate its potent powers.
Source: Read Full Article | <urn:uuid:bdbfdddc-52f4-4a04-8191-239ae4c53df1> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://awebfind.biz/online/effexor-ansiedade/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.919744 | 876 | 2.671875 | 3 |
Perimenopause marks the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by shifts and imbalances in hormonal levels that can trigger various changes within the body. Typically occurring in the mid to late 40s, though ranging from the 30s to the 50s, this phase can extend up to 15 years, manifesting in evolving and often intensifying symptoms.
Menopause itself, a natural occurrence, is an inevitability for every woman. It is officially defined as the cessation of menstrual periods for an entire year. Though the average age of menopause hovers around 52, it can emerge as early as 30 years old.
Interestingly, these biological transformations don't merely impact internal processes—they also exert a noticeable influence on the skin. The skin's physiology undergoes unique modifications during and after menopause, largely due to the hormonal shifts.
One of the most common effects is dry skin. Estrogen, responsible for fostering skin-smoothing collagen and oils, diminishes in production as menopause approaches. Consequently, dry and itchy skin becomes a frequent issue. The decline in estrogen levels, coupled with altering hormone ratios, not only curbs oil production but also impedes the skin's capacity to retain moisture.
As a woman nears menopause, several notable skin changes emerge:
Oily Skin: While B-Estradiol prompts sebaceous glands to produce fluid secretions that combat acne, the decline in estrogen during menopause exposes testosterone's effects. Testosterone stimulates the secretion of thicker sebum, leading to an oily skin appearance and, in some cases, adult acne.
Facial Hair: The unmasking of testosterone can lead to facial hair growth, particularly in the chin region.
Sagging Skin and Wrinkles: Estrogen influences fat distribution in the body. Reduced estrogen levels during menopause lead to the concentration of fat deposits in areas like the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. This reallocation results in a loss of supportive fat beneath the skin of the face, neck, hands, and arms, contributing to sagging wrinkles and decreased skin mobility. Breast fat reduction can also cause sagging and flattening.
Elastosis: Estrogens play a role in collagen and elastin production and repair. With decreased estrogen levels, the skin's dermal layer experiences reduced collagen and elastin synthesis, especially when exposed to UV rays. This results in elastosis, diminishing the skin's resiliency.
Thinning Epidermis: Estrogens influence blood capillary growth in the dermis. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, blood flow decreases, limiting nutrient and oxygen supply to the epidermis. This leads to epidermal thinning, slower cell turnover, elevated trans-epidermal water loss, and dry skin.
Increased Sun Vulnerability: Estrogens impact melanocyte maintenance and melanin production. As menopause progresses, fewer melanocytes remain, leading to reduced melanin production and increased susceptibility to sun damage. Sun protection becomes even more critical.
Hyperpigmentation / Age Spots: Estrogens regulate melanin production. As menopause unfolds and estrogen's regulatory influence wanes, melanin synthesis rises, potentially resulting in age spots on various body areas exposed to UV rays.
Hot Flashes: These episodes entail warmth sensations, primarily on the face, accompanied by excessive sweating. Though previously attributed solely to B-Estradiol reduction, they are now understood to be influenced by the heightened activity of the sympathetic nervous system due to low estrogen levels.
Dry Skin: Estrogen stimulate the formation of skin-smoothing collagen and oils. That's why, as menopause approaches and estrogen production diminishes, dry, itchy skin becomes very common.
That reduction of estrogen, and the changing ratios of hormones in your body, don't just slow down your body's oil production, they also reduce your body's ability to retain moisture. So what does this have to do with the skin? A lot. The hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause tend to change the skin’s physiology in new and different ways.
For managing dry skin during menopause, experts offer several suggestions:
- Prioritize Essential Fatty Acids: Incorporate omega-3s from sources like salmon, walnuts, fortified eggs, or algae oils to nurture your skin's oil barrier and maintain hydration.
- Apply Sunscreen: Shield your skin with broad-spectrum sunblock offering protection against UVA and UVB rays, irrespective of weather conditions.
- Limit Hot Showers: While appealing, hot water can deplete skin's natural oils. Opt for shorter, warm showers instead.
- Choose Gentle Cleansers: Opt for unscented or lightly scented soaps to avoid stripping essential oils from your skin.
- Embrace Moisturizers: Utilize natural, rich moisturizers after a warm shower to maintain hydration. Ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, algae, vitamin C, and green tea can help lock in moisture.
- Exfoliate: Enhance moisturizer penetration by exfoliating with gentle scrubs containing alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin E to support skin health.
By understanding and addressing these skin changes, women can navigate the perimenopausal and menopausal phases while adopting effective skincare routines to support skin health and vitality.
Tips for Dry Skin Care During Menopause
To address dry skin concerns on the face, consider using moisturizers enriched with ingredients such as Shea butter, Hyaluronic Acid, and Algae. These components aid in effectively retaining moisture. To enhance the absorption of moisturizers, incorporate exfoliation into your routine. Gently exfoliate the top layer of dead skin using scrubs or masks containing alpha-hydroxy acids and vitamin E. This not only gently dissolve proteins in lifeless skin cells, and instantly rejuvenating and softening the surface, but also provides elevated nourishment to the skin. | <urn:uuid:5808841e-0c6e-4ec2-b27c-a632b876533e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://ayeletnaturals.com/blogs/news/menopause-and-your-skin | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.9064 | 1,239 | 2.65625 | 3 |
Presentation #107.05 in the session “Ground-Based Asteroid Surveys”.
The Center for Solar Systems Studies (CS3) is located in the California high desert at Landers, about 20 miles northwest of Joshua Tree National Park. For this work, we used seven telescopes located in four observatories with roll off roofs. The facility is fully robotic with local computers running the telescope/camera software as well opening and closing the roofs via Internet accessible power switches. The CS3 computers are accessed via the Internet using remote desktop software so that we can monitor operations and change scripts to work new targets when needed. Since inception in 2013, CS3 has observed on more than 2,000 nights or about 76% of the time. As of 2020 August 05, we obtained dense lightcurves for 2,021 distinct objects, observing 300 of them multiple times. Almost 900 of the distinct objects observed were NEAs. In this time frame, we observed 127 confirmed or suspected binary asteroids. This represents almost 26% of all of the confirmed or suspected binary asteroids reported in the Lightcurve Database for that time frame. We will present results and lightcurves for 4 recent binary discoveries; 1656 Suomi, 5817 Robertfrazer, (85275) 1994 LY, and (85628) 1998 KV2. | <urn:uuid:0b5d441f-b066-4c7e-96a7-83f6604e4143> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://baas.aas.org/pub/2020n6i107p05/release/1 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.925466 | 273 | 2.8125 | 3 |
In a year marked by yet more climate-linked floods, hurricanes and droughts, governments and companies were forced to look more closely at the financial risks and their exposure to liability.
Nowhere was this more apparent than at the UN climate conference in Egypt, where countries reached a landmark agreement to set up a fund to help poor countries cope with climate-fueled disaster costs.
Egypt's COP27 talks did little, however, to address the cause of those disasters – the ever-rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
That kind of slow progress in tackling climate change made vulnerable countries determined to get the so-called Loss and Damage fund approved – after yet another year of extreme weather disasters including record heatwaves from the United States to China, glaciers collapsing in India and Europe, and unending drought pushing millions toward famine in East Africa.
Insurers were feeling the pain, as the year delivered three of the decade's costliest disasters - "dystopian" flooding that delivered $40 billion in damages to Pakistan, a series of deadly summer heatwaves that collectively caused more than $10 billion in losses for Europe, and Hurricane Ian tearing across Florida and South Carolina to the cost of $100 billion, according to risk modeling firm RMS.
The Loss and Damage fund also marked a diplomatic coup by poor nations, after decades of US and European resistance over fears it could open them to legal liability for their historical emissions. But countries agreed the fund would pull from existing financial institutions rather than rich nations, assuaging those liability concerns - for now.
WHY IT MATTERS
As watchdog groups called out companies for failing to disclose how climate change might threaten them financially, investors faced increasing pressure both for going too far to address climate risks and for not going far enough.
"It's the wild west in terms of what companies should do. And there are some that are greenwashing, yes," said Katharine Hayhoe, a Canadian climatologist and chief scientist at the Nature Conservancy. But some making a sincere effort are "getting pushback from the purity culture, people saying that anything but perfection isn't worth it."
Even Hayhoe and others warning about the dangers of climate change didn't escape censure, with some activists laying into them for flying to conferences or eating meat.
At some point, people started throwing soup and paint and gluing themselves to things.
"I get it," Hayhoe said. "It's a psychological reaction to the genuine fear that people feel when they start to understand the magnitude of this problem."
Others sought to take their grievances to court. As of today, there are 2,176 climate-related lawsuits in play across the world, including 654 filed in U.S. courtrooms, according to the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University.
And scientists and economists are making further advances in calculating exactly how much a country's activity may have contributed to climate change – and to specific disasters. This line of argument, referred to as "climate attribution science," made its way into more courtrooms.
"So far it's been a battle of the experts on paper," said Sabin Center's executive director, Michael Burger. "What we have not yet seen is an actual trial" presenting evidence toward attributing a certain percent of obligation to a climate-polluting company or country.
But it's just a matter of time, experts say.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR 2023?
With the new year, expect more public anxiety as climate change continues to escalate – and more worry among companies and governments over liability and risk.
Companies and investors will face pressure to climate-proof their supply chains and operations.
Court rooms will see more climate cases filed, he said - focused both on challenging national governments to increase their climate policy ambitions and on holding corporations accountable for their emissions or deceptive practices.
At the end of the year, countries will meet again at the next UN climate summit, COP28, in Dubai. And they will be under extra pressure to see that emissions are cut in half by 2030 and to net-zero by 2050 - the only path to holding global warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius.
"An increasing number of powerful actors are coming to terms with the fact that we can't keep sticking our heads in the sand," Burger said.
Explore the round-up of news stories that dominated the year, and the outlook for 2023. | <urn:uuid:be1f9a66-537d-402b-a841-c1c258247a43> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://bdnews24.com/environment/svbmujqap7 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.962403 | 905 | 2.515625 | 3 |
ENVIRONMENT The Nile river and its fertile delta were long the source of Egypt’s wealth and greatness. Today, they face relentless assault from both land and sea. (Yale Environment 360) Navigate the anatomy of the Nile with our video and map resource. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources, including today’s MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas According to the Yale article, the … Continue reading The Vanishing Nile
SPORTS This month, competitors representing the nations participating in the 2016 Rio Olympics will be joined by a small group walking without a national flag—refugee athletes set to make history on the global sporting stage. (Geographical) Use our resources to learn more about refugees. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including a link to today’s MapMaker Interactive … Continue reading What is the Refugee Olympic Team?
ENVIRONMENT So far, more than 150 countries have outlined how, when, and by how much each would cut carbon dioxide emissions. So which countries are doing the most (or least) to tackle greenhouse gases? (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn more about climate change and what we can do to mitigate it. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in … Continue reading Climate Talks: The Good, the Bad, the Bewildering
SCIENCE Two lower jawbones point to East Africa as the birthplace of our evolutionary lineage. One jaw is a new discovery, while one was discovered by the Leakey family 50 years ago. (Nat Geo News) Read our interviews with Meave and Louise Leakey to understand the evolving life of a paleoanthropologist. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. … Continue reading Scientists Identify Oldest Human Fossil
WORLD “Ethiopia is killing us,” Egyptian taxi driver Ahmed Hossam says. “If they build this dam, there will be no Nile. If there’s no Nile, then there’s no Egypt.” (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand how stakeholders reflect the diversity of economic, political, geographic, and environmental conflicts inherent in dam-building. Discussion Ideas Read through our lesson “Making Informed Environmental Decisions,” which concerns … Continue reading Egyptians Oppose Ethiopian Dam | <urn:uuid:586d855c-7d41-494d-a873-754472b55ece> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.education.nationalgeographic.org/tag/ethiopia/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.886171 | 499 | 3.140625 | 3 |
Is MJF 3D printing the right manufacturing technique for you? MultiJet Fusion is just one of many modern 3D printing methods used to create functional prototypes and end-use parts. So, when should you choose it over other options?
A guide to MJF 3D printing
How it works
MJF printing uses an inkjet array to deposit, fuse, and detail agents in a bed of powder material. Like all 3D printing techniques, MJF is an additive process that builds parts layer by layer. And once a layer has been finished, the printer’s build unit retracts to create space for the next layer of material.
After MJF printing, the final product must undergo post-processing. This procedure involves cooling, recovering unused powder, and bead blasting.
Multi Jet Fusion makes use of two types of materials: rigid plastics and flexible plastics. Some examples of rigid plastics include nylon and polypropylene (PP), while thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) are considered flexible plastics.
The benefits of MJF printing
MJF is one of the fastest 3D printing methods, even surpassing the speeds of selective laser sintering. Also, the materials used in MJF are easily obtainable, making the process ideal for low-volume rapid manufacturing.
Parts made with Multi Jet Fusion exhibit excellent physical and mechanical properties. This is because the process prints in incredibly thin layers, resulting in a product with low porosity and high density.
In addition, MJF can produce highly isotropic parts with outstanding strength, consistency, resolution, and dimensional accuracy.
- Reduced waste
3D printing processes tend to generate less waste than traditional manufacturing techniques. Multi Jet Fusion, for example, allows manufacturers to recover up to 50% of the used material, which can be reused for future layers and parts.
Are you planning to use MJF 3D printing for your parts? It’s best to work with an accredited manufacturing services provider in China to ensure the quality and accuracy of your products! | <urn:uuid:07cc197f-e498-4aed-a887-2dc1b23c91e7> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.hlhproto.com/blog/2022/10/15/what-is-mjf-3d-printing-a-complete-overview/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.892878 | 417 | 2.5625 | 3 |
Celia Reina, William K. Gemmill Term Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, recently received the National Science Foundation’s CAREER Award for interdisciplinary research spanning mechanical engineering, statistical physics and machine learning. The Award will fund Reina’s research and multiple associated outreach initiatives designed to increase gender, racial and socioeconomic diversity in STEM.
Reina’s research focuses on understanding the mechanical response of materials when subjected to external forces. These responses stem from the material’s underlying microstructure, or the specific arrangement of atoms or particles within it. By understanding this link, materials can be designed faster and made stronger, boosting their reliability for use in many engineering applications.
“We are working on the fundamentals; how to understand, quantify and predict how complex materials deform through a microscopic understanding of material response,” says Reina.
In our everyday lives, materials undergo different, complex deformation processes, whether it’s toothpaste being squeezed out of its tube, a cookie crumbling as we chew, or sand being pulled through an hourglass. Understanding how certain materials react to a specific kind of deformation, such as the impact of a rock hitting a car windshield, is therefore critical in improving their design and expanding their range of applications. However, the complex particle rearrangements during these large deformations make it inherently challenging to predict how the material will behave under stress.
Reina’s work aims to advance our understanding and predictive capability of some of these behaviors.
“For example, when you bend a paper clip it stays in its new shape, which means there was particle rearrangement within the structure,” Reina says. “If we could use the microscopic particle structure and dynamics to better predict how the material will react to external forces on a large scale, we could design those materials faster, at lower costs, and with more reliability.”
Reina’s CAREER Award will involve the use of machine learning to better understand how the microstructure of a material affects its effective mechanical response.
“Machine learning is a useful tool for understanding complex systems where physical intuition may fail us,” says Reina. “Once you move from a well-understood and highly predictable material description at the atomic or particle scale, to a continuum description, the models become simplified, which introduces assumptions and uncertainty in their prediction. Machine learning can guide us in our modeling assumptions to retain, to the extent possible, the high predictability from the atomic description, as we scale up to the continuum level. I am excited to be collaborating with internal and external experts in machine learning as well as a new graduate student to learn more about this tool and its applications in my research.”
Reina embraces interdisciplinary approaches to answer the research questions that drive her scientific career. For her CAREER Award project, she will be partnering with other Penn Engineering researchers to validate the predictions of her computational simulations with experiments on real materials. Specifically, she will be using colloids, which are particles suspended in a medium.
“The benefit of using colloids when studying material response is the ability to observe each particle dispersed in the medium individually and follow its motion, which would be impossible at the atomic scale,” says Reina. “Additionally, Penn is home to a large community of researchers already using colloids and other disordered systems, which will provide an invaluable resource for the proposed investigation.”
Having experimental systems that can be directly observed and manipulated can benefit researchers, but is essential for students just beginning to learn about the fundamentals of science. Reina plans to share the CAREER Award-funded research with the public and underrepresented STEM students through interactive presentations.
“Of the many outreach projects planned, one is an interactive science experiment through the Franklin Institute, where we plan to engage the public with the idea of irreversible versus reversible deformations of materials. For example, an egg cracking or ice cream melting are examples of processes that cannot be easily reversed, while bouncing a tennis ball is a good example of deformation that can.”
Outreach and mentorship are important to Reina as she recognizes the mentors in her life that have been essential to her pursuit of a STEM research career. She hopes to inspire underrepresented students to continually diversify the field. To this aim, Reina plans to share her research at the Women in Computer Science (WICS) high school day for girls, as well as to engage with Penn’s collaboration with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR).
“I wanted my outreach events to increase gender and racial equity in STEM, and I have a personal desire to connect with students who are underrepresented,” says Reina. “I would like to establish a Research Experience for Undergraduates program for a student at UPR to join my lab on Penn’s campus, and I hope that being from Spain and speaking Spanish will make that supervisor-student connection more personal.”
“I am working on some of the fundamentals of mechanical engineering research that down the line will have much larger applications, and I think it is important for the public to engage with this science. Fortunately, I will be receiving science communication training through the Franklin Institute so that these outreach activities can make a bigger impact.” | <urn:uuid:93b230c2-1438-46dd-b284-6c2c1af9911f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.seas.upenn.edu/2021-career-award-recipient-celia-reina/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.938252 | 1,094 | 2.65625 | 3 |
A New Way to Fly, Built Up From the Nanoscale
Super-thin ‘nanocardboard’ can levitate using only the power of light, opening the door to tiny flying machines with no moving parts.
By Gwyneth K. Shaw
Take a sheet of paper and blow on it. What happens? It might soar very briefly, but quickly flops back down, the air you’re expelling blowing around and through it.
Now, think about an ultra-light material that’s stiff enough to sustain that lift, but light enough that an amazingly small amount of energy — just a beam of light — can make it rise.
Inside mechanical engineer Igor Bargatin’s lab, this possibility is reality. After years of work and refinement, he and his team have developed what they call “nanocardboard,” a material that’s as thin as a few strands of DNA and weighs less than a thousandth of a gram, but stiff enough to resist flopping.
“What we have here is actually a composite of solid and empty space. We’re specifically putting the solid material only in places where it matters the most and take the advantage of the weightless empty space,” says Sam Nicaise, a postdoctoral researcher in Bargatin’s lab.
Over the past few years, Bargatin and researchers in his lab have been working on these plate mechanical metamaterials: Structures that are super thin, perhaps just a few tens of nanometers, but big enough that you can hold them in your hands. The nanocardboard breakthrough was published in Nature Communications last year.
As they honed their materials, they realized that the very lightness of the material opened the door to light-driven movement — initially, just brief levitation but eventually, perhaps, sustained controlled flight. Bargatin just received a prestigious CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to pursue this tantalizing possibility.
Bargatin was inspired by a simple instrument that’s been around for more than a century, a device known as a Crookes radiometer. (You may have had one in your house as a kid or seen one in a glassblower’s shop.) Also known as a light mill, the instrument is essentially a glass bulb under partial vacuum with paper vanes that are black on one side and white on the other.
When the radiometer is exposed to sunlight, the black sides of the vanes absorb some of the energy and heat up a little bit.
“What’s happening then is the air molecules hit the black side, absorb some of the heat, and then leave with a higher speed than it came in with. In physics, we know that whenever you have a change of momentum, or speed, there must be a recoil, there must be a reaction force. The recoil pushes harder on the hotter black sides than the cooler white sides of the vanes and can make the Crookes radiometer rotate pretty quickly if you put it out in direct sunlight,” Bargatin says.
“Sometimes people think that the Crookes radiometer is driven by light pressure,” he adds. “The light pressure is obviously there, but it is much smaller and points the opposite way. The force that we observe and use is a thermal effect, based on the interaction between the gas molecules and a heated solid.”
Although the Crookes radiometer has been around for more than a century, no one has yet been able to use these forces to overcome gravity and make the vanes levitate. That’s where the new nanocardboard plates come in. Because they’re so light, thermal forces that are too small to lift paper can lift the nanocardboard pieces into the air.
“It’s exciting because it’s essentially a new mechanism of flight,” Bargatin says. “We’re talking about a structure half an inch in size that can fly around without any moving parts. These structures create a jet of air and a corresponding lift force, just based on the temperature differences that exist in the structure.
“The most exciting thing is thinking about how far we can push it in terms of payloads and dreaming about what else we could do.”
The possibilities are dazzling. Using light, whether it’s sunlight or a laser beam, to power a flying device opens the door to a huge range of potential uses.
For about 20 years, academics have explored the concept of “smart dust”: ultra-small particles that can work as sensors, measuring temperature, pressure, and more.
Imagine a search and rescue operation using “microflyers” that could dart in and out of tiny holes in the rubble, to help find trapped people without putting first responders at risk. Or a tiny robot with a camera that could inspect a jet engine for wear and other problems without taking the engine apart.
Continue reading at Penn Today. | <urn:uuid:c17c06d2-0508-4ff5-984e-461aaee02d44> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.seas.upenn.edu/a-new-way-to-fly-built-up-from-the-nanoscale-ffa24c4a0527/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.952575 | 1,037 | 3.75 | 4 |
The students’ research projects are well underway, with all students having now begun fieldwork. Here, Elaine, Emily and Carla share updates on their projects as well as providing some context on what they hope to achieve from their research.
“I am using existing information about species held in zoos to examine reproductive success of original wild caught animals as a proxy for fitness. I’m interested in whether evolved life history traits such as such as body size, habitat utilisation and diet, among others, are associated with species response to translocation into captivity, as an example of an intensive conservation intervention.
I hope that this information can be used to determine whether some species are more challenged by conservation interventions, and perhaps enable us to better anticipate species responses to a changing world.”
“Marwell Wildlife has been part of a sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) captive breeding programme for reintroduction in partnership with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) Trust for over 25 years.
My research focuses on how individual differences among sand lizards affect the success of a reintroduction. In particular, I am looking at their behaviour to search for evidence of personalities, and whether these may have an impact on their tendency to disperse. This should inform further efforts to help conserve this beautiful, rare reptile in the UK.”
“I am comparing grazing management systems across three sites in northern Hampshire and Surrey to see how grazing intensity affects reptile assemblages. I hope to be able to find out which form of management is most suitable for reptile species.
My data collection involves walking through the (very muddy) sites and lifting up reptile tins that have been placed to see which species are hiding underneath and basking on top. Aside from a few foot-in-bog incidents, so far it’s going well! Now that the weather has finally started to improve, the reptiles are coming out and I have seen many slow worms (Anguis fragilis), common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) and two sub-adult adders (Vipera berus)!
Over the coming weeks I will continue these reptile surveys three times per week, hopefully find some grass snakes, and start my vegetation surveys to look at the grazing intensity across the sites.”
Posted By : Aggie Thompson | <urn:uuid:645395ff-3260-4724-93e2-32c4264db2ed> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.soton.ac.uk/wildlifeconservation/2018/05/29/research-project-updates/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.935662 | 487 | 2.546875 | 3 |
Suriname, a Dutch colony from 1667 to 1975, borders the Atlantic Ocean to the north and is bounded by French Guiana to the east, English-speaking Guyana to the west and Brazil to the south. The size of the U.S. state of Georgia, this fertile tropical outpost produced sugar, coffee, cacao, cotton and hardwood lumber during the colonial period. These crops were planted, cultivated, harvested and processed by African slaves, who were forcibly transported to the Americas from what is today Ghana, Benin, Togo, Nigeria, Angola and Cameroon.
Ninety percent of Suriname’s population consisted of Africans. Sephardi and Ashkenazi Jews comprised up to two-thirds of its white residents, some of whom were planters and slave owners.
In Jewish Autonomy In A Slave Society: Suriname in the Atlantic World, 1651-1825 (University of Pennsylvania Press), the historian Aviva Ben-Ur comprehensively examines the status of Jews in this remote South American colony, much of which is covered by dense jungles and bisected by mighty rivers.
The numerically largest group of Jews to settle in Suriname were Portuguese, many of whom hailed from New Christian families that had been compelled to convert to Roman Catholicism. These settlers embraced their Jewish roots after sojourns in Amsterdam and London.
They were followed to Suriname by Ashkenazim, who began arriving in the late 17th century. The majority were petty traders and merchants who resided in the capital, Paramaribo.
By the late 18th century, Suriname was home to some 1,400 Jews. As whites, they were privy to privileges denied to Jews in Europe. “Eager to retain and increase the white population, colonial authorities extended to Jews a territorial and communal autonomy unparalleled in the Jewish Diaspora of the time,” writes Ben-Ur, a professor of Judaic and Near Eastern Studies at the University of Massachusetts. “The confidence and insistence with which Jews continually and largely successfully negotiated the safeguarding and expansion of the favors and exceptions they enjoyed … speak to the central role of Jews in the colony both as whites and planters.”
According to Ben-Ur, the Jews of Suriname were civically better off than their coreligionists in Holland, where they were collectively excluded from guilds, industry, agriculture, shipping and the military.
Wielding a remarkable degree of self-rule, Jews were the founders of Jodensavanne, a hillside village on the banks of the Suriname River that adjoined a vast rainforest. Founded in 1685, it was established on land donated by the son of one of Suriname’s first Jewish settlers, David Cohen Nassi, who was born in Portugal as a New Christian but who returned to Judaism in Holland. Extremely wealthy, he earned his fortune in the slave trade. Only the governor of Suriname owned more slaves than him.
As Ben-Ur observes, Jodensavanne — a stronghold of Portuguese-Jewish culture and self-determination — clung to a precarious existence, fending off attacks by Indigenous people, rebellious slaves and outlaw Maroons, enslaved Africans who had escaped into the jungle.
And as Ben-Ur adds, most of the permanent inhabitants of Jodensavanne were poor, eking out a bare living as estate servants, low-ranking army functionaries, boat drivers, peddlers, bakers and laundry washers. More often than not, they survived on charitable contributions, donations from relatives, and subsidies from affluent Jews in Paramaribo.
By the 19th century, mixed-race Jews, or mulattoes or coloreds, constituted half of Suriname’s Jewish population, which suffered from a dearth of women.
“The sharp growth of the African population vis-a-vis whites dramatically increased sexual contact between white men (including Jews) and enslaved women,” writes Ben-Ur. “In the early period of colonial rule, rich Jews collectively owned proportionally more slaves than their Christian counterparts. By 1684, 232 Jewish households, comprising 28.6 percent of Suriname’s European-origin population, owned 30.3 percent of the colony’s enslaved Africans. Sexual relationships between European-origin Jews and enslaved women of African origin must have been especially common on Jewish plantations.”
Some of these women converted to Judaism, with the conversion process being regulated by what Ben-Ur describes as rabbinical leaders.
“The tendency of many Surinamese Jewish masters to convert their slaves to Judaism and recognize them as heirs partly resulted from the paucity of white women in the community, infertility among some biologically related white couples, and the predominance of males … Another factor was the non-racial rabbinical approach to conversion …”
The frequency of such unions prompted an American rabbi visiting Suriname in 1954 to write, “A glance at some of these descendants of the early Jewish settlers is enough to make one realize that there has been a good deal of intermarriage with the native population.”
Interestingly enough, as Ben-Ur points out, conversion to Christianity and intermarriage with white Christians remained rare in Suriname. As a result, Surinamese Jews “continued to constitute a community apart from white Christians.”
Ben-Ur’s book, a portrait of a unique Jewish community in the Diaspora, is both substantive and intriguing. | <urn:uuid:e06b855a-5114-466b-9bf4-178c3efa9028> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/jewish-autonomy-in-a-slave-society/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.960512 | 1,148 | 4.125 | 4 |
Today's consumers are more conscious about what kinds of products they use to take care of their bodies, and that's a good thing. Conventional skincare products, including deodorant, are filled with potentially dangerous chemicals.
The problem is, while few people would question the wisdom of switching to all-natural lotions or moisturizers, many are skeptical about using organic deodorant. That's a shame since conventional, chemical deodorants and antiperspirants contain ingredients that may contribute to a range of serious diseases, from breast cancer to Alzheimer's disease.
Interested in making the switch but want to know if it's really worth using a natural organic deodorant? Read on to find out about the benefits of detoxing from chemical deodorants and how to ease the transition.
Why Going Organic Is Better
Everyone knows that eating organic food is healthier. What many people don't realize is that the digestive tract isn't the only way toxins can enter the body. They can also be absorbed through the skin and the sweat glands. Here's why it's better to find an organic deodorant that works and stick with it:
Put a Stop to Skin Irritation
Chemical antiperspirants use aluminum salts, propylene glycol, and other non-organic agents to close up pores and prevent sweating. The body continues to produce sweat, though, and it builds up beneath the skin, often causing itchy and uncomfortable bumps. For those dealing with constant rashes and razor burn, switching to a natural organic deodorant may be the perfect solution.
Reduce Exposure to Toxic Chemicals
Some researchers believe that the chemicals found in standard deodorants and antiperspirants create estrogen-like hormonal effects in the body. Products that contain aluminum may contribute to both Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer, and multiple brands of chemical deodorant have been found to contain toxins linked to infertility. The best organic deodorant won't contain any of these potentially damaging toxins.
Unclog Sweat Glands
The body needs to sweat. Nobody likes having sweaty armpits, but the alternative of blocking sweat glands makes it more difficult for the body to flush itself of toxins and regulate temperature properly. Letting those pores breathe by switching to an all natural deodorant without antiperspirant qualities can improve health.
Manage Body Odor Naturally
Sweat isn't what causes body odor. It's the combination of salt, water, and the bacteria on people's skin that generates unpleasant smells, and chemical antiperspirants can disrupt the balance of natural bacteria, making problems with body odor even worse. Switching to a natural deodorant that works by reducing odor without disrupting natural bacterial colonies can make a huge difference. It also means users won't smell as bad if they forget to apply deodorant for a day.
Reduce Perspiration Without Clogging Sweat Glands
Some bacteria naturally help to digest sweat. Chemical antiperspirants disrupt the proliferation of those bacteria, allowing the bad bacteria that cause odor to thrive. They may work well if worn consistently every day, but try forgetting to apply antiperspirant for a day or two. The amount of sweat produced by the body in response will be overwhelming. Natural deodorant doesn't act as an antiperspirant in that it doesn't block the sweat glands, but it does keep healthy bacteria in balance to reduce overall perspiration.
Say Goodbye to Sweat Stains
It's not sweating that causes those gross yellow stains on people's shirts. It's the aluminum found in antiperspirants. When they switch to the best all natural deodorant, consumers can also say goodbye to awkward sweat stains.
It Works Better Than Most People Think
It's common to hear health-conscious friends and family members talk about trying to find the best organic deodorant and giving up after just a day or two. The problem is, it takes a while to get used to natural skincare products. Stick with it for a month instead of just a few days or a week, and it will be clear that an all natural deodorant is just as effective and much less dangerous than a chemical antiperspirant.
How to Make the Switch Successfully
There's a reason so many people think even the best all natural deodorant won't work for them. The body needs to go through a detox period to get rid of the aluminum salts and propylene glycol found in chemical antiperspirants before even the best natural deodorant will work.
During this period, the body purges all the chemicals and bad bacteria from the body. It's these toxins that create the supposedly desirable antiperspirant effect by blocking the sweat glands. When released en masse during a detox period, they can create some uniquely unpleasant odors. Here's how to ease the transition:
Develop Realistic Expectations
Only the best natural deodorant manufacturers even mention that switching to natural products requires an unpleasant but necessary detox period. Knowing to expect some extra sweat and body odor for a few weeks allows those ready to make the switch to get prepared.
Expedite the Detox Process
Taking hot baths can help to expedite the antiperspirant detox process by opening up the pores and encouraging sweat. Some people also apply clay masks to their underarms to help draw out impurities. It will still take a few weeks to purge all the toxins, but it can reduce the amount of time it takes to switch to a natural deodorant that works.
Carry Deodorant Wipes or Sticks
Once they've gotten through the detox phase, most people can apply their favorite products once a day like a traditional antiperspirant. During the first month, keeping body odor at bay may require more frequent applications. Carry natural wipes or a deodorant stick and reapply it every few hours at work or at school to reduce body odors.
Buy Products That Treat the Body Right
Looking for an organic deodorant that works? Briut natural deodorants are made with only organic materials, so they're easy on the skin and healthy for anyone. Place an order online and commit to trying one for at least a month. It's worth the hassle of going through an aluminum detox to switch to a healthier, all-natural product. | <urn:uuid:440c748b-73cd-4848-b77a-e0fd3cf4211e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://briutessentials.com/blogs/briut-blog/benefits-of-switching-to-an-organic-deodorant | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.930894 | 1,299 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Good vision is essential in childhood development and regular eye examinations are the key to good vision.
Research has shown that one in five school children have an undetected eye problem. As 80% of a child’s learning occurs visually, many children cannot see well enough to reach their full potential or enjoy everyday childhood activities as much as they could.
A child may not realise if their vision is not clear – they assume the way they see is normal. Therefore regular eye examinations are advised for all children under the age of 16 once per year or as advised.
Typical warning signs to look out for:
- One eye turns in, out, up or down
- Complaints of frequent headaches
- Frequently rubs eyes or blinks a lot
- Screws up eyes when reading or watching television
- Avoids reading, writing or drawing
- Has difficulty catching a ball
- Fails to make expected progress at school
- Develops behavioural or concentration problems at school
Children should have their first eye examination by the age of four, sooner if any problems are suspected. The earlier a problem is detected, the more effectively it can be treated.
It doesn’t matter if your child is too young to talk or read a letter chart, as we use a range of techniques and modern equipment to detect visual problems at any age.
Such equipment used is a computerised test chart which allows us to use pictures, numbers, shapes as well as letters to check the child’s vision.
At Peter Brooks Optometrists, we have a long history of interest and engagement in childrens eyecare. We have participated in many shared care schemes in collaberation with the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion – Peter, Laura and Claire all worked closely with Opthalmology and Orthoptics in the delivery of the long running Lothian Orthoptic Optometry Clinic scheme. Both Laura and Claire have previously engaged with Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion in work as sessional Optometrists within paediatric clinics each over several years, stopping only when their own family life and commitments here at Peter Brooks had to take presidence.
Peter Brooks Optometrists provides free NHS eye tests for all children. If a child is found to need spectacles, a contribution is provided by the NHS.
At Peter Brooks Optometrists, we stock a wide range of spectacles specially designed for children’s faces from which, with our help, you can choose. Many have soft nose pads for extra comfort and sprung hinges to withstand extra wear and tear. So remember, regular eye examinations could be crucial for your child’s health care and personal development, so don’t delay and contact us, at Peter Brooks, for an appointment as soon as possible. | <urn:uuid:bb2cebf4-becb-44c5-9f07-1bf4c035aff3> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://brooksoptom.co.uk/services/childrens-eyecare/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.94891 | 565 | 2.65625 | 3 |
What is the profitability of dairy farming in general?Dairy farming profitability varies depending on various factors, including the location, size of the farm, and management practices. However, several factors have a significant impact on the profitability of dairy farming. In this article, we will explore what makes dairy farming profitable and provide examples and cases.
Firstly, it is essential to have a good understanding of the market demand and commodity prices. The price of milk can fluctuate significantly based on several factors such as supply and demand, production costs, demand for dairy products, and seasonal cycles. An excellent way to ensure that your dairy farm is profitable is by tracking the trends and changes in the market and making adjustments accordingly.
Another crucial aspect that affects the profitability of dairy farming is the cost of production. It is vital that dairy farmers take a close look at their production costs to ensure they are not spending too much money. Some of the costs that a dairy farmer may incur are the cost of feed, labor costs, expenses related to animal health and veterinary care, and equipment and machinery maintenance costs.
Tips & Trics:
- Monitor the market trends and changes regularly to stay updated with the pricing and cost fluctuations
- Invest in high yielding animal breeds and efficient feeding/dairy processing practices
- Regularly evaluate your farm's financial performance to identify areas for improvement.
Another factor that affects the profitability of dairy farming is the organization and management practices. Farmers who run their operations in a more organized and efficient way often earn higher profits. This includes keeping accurate financial records, efficiently managing the supply chain, and reducing waste at every stage of the production process.
It is worth noting that dairy farming profitability can vary significantly between different types of dairy farms. For example, smaller-scale dairy farms can have lower production costs and may have a market for niche dairy products such as organic or artisanal-style cheeses. Alternatively, large-scale dairy farms can benefit from economies of scale, resulting in lower costs per unit of milk.
In conclusion, dairy farming can be a profitable venture if managed correctly. It is crucial to stay up-to-date with market trends and changes, control production costs, have a structured organization, and be open-minded to innovative farming methods to keep your dairy farm profitable.
- Dairy farmers can increase profits by improving efficiency and diversifying their product offerings.
- The profitability of a dairy farm is influenced by a variety of factors, including government subsidies and programs.
- Investment in a dairy farm can yield an expected return but it is important to carefully consider all factors before making a decision.
Dairy Farming Business Plan
How can dairy farmers increase their profits?
Dairy farming can be a profitable business, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure maximum profitability. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks that can help dairy farmers increase their profits.
Tips & Tricks
- Invest in quality feed: The quality of feed is critical in dairy farming as it impacts the quality of milk produced. So, investing in high-quality feed can increase the milk production and ultimately, the profits. Farmers can collaborate with other farmers to buy feed in bulk to get better deals.
- Improve breeding program: The genetic makeup of the cows determines their productivity. So, developing a breeding program that selects the best traits for breeding will increase milk production, leading to higher profits. Farmers need to monitor the breeding program and ensure that their cows are producing high-quality milk.
- Implement effective disease management: Diseases can impact the productivity of cows and can lead to loss of profit. Dairy farmers should work with veterinarians to develop a comprehensive disease management program. This can include vaccination, regular health checks, and proper hygiene in the farm.
In addition to tips and tricks, dairy farmers can also look at other factors to increase their profitability. For example, identifying and targeting high-value markets can increase the price of milk. The farmers can also diversify their income streams by selling value-added products like cheese or butter.
Another way dairy farmers can increase their profits is by reducing their operating costs. Farmers should monitor their farm expenses and identify areas where they can save money, for example, by using energy-efficient equipment or reducing waste.
Finally, farmers can also improve their management practices to increase efficiency in their farms. They should establish clear goals, monitor performance, and continually look for ways to improve their management practices.
In conclusion, dairy farming can be a lucrative business, but it requires careful planning and execution to ensure maximum profitability. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, dairy farmers can increase their profits and create a sustainable business model.
Factors Influencing the Profitability of a Dairy Farm
Dairy farming is a challenging business with multiple factors that can influence its profitability. A successful dairy farmer must pay close attention to market conditions, animal health, milk production, and feed costs. In this article, we will discuss the primary factors that influence the profitability of a dairy farm with relevant examples and cases.1. Milk Production and Quality
Milk production is a crucial factor that impacts the profitability of a dairy farm. The amount of milk a cow produces determines the income generated by the farm. Additionally, the quality of the milk produced can impact the price received for the milk.
It is essential to take measures to improve the milk production capacity of cows, such as ensuring that cows receive proper nutrition and medical care. For example, a farmer in Wisconsin increased his cows' milk production by 15% by using improved breeding practices and ensuring that the cows were well-fed.
Tips & Tricks:
- Regularly monitor milk production
- Ensure that cows receive proper nutrition and medical care
- Implement breeding practices that result in higher milk production
Feed cost is one of the most significant expenses in dairy farming. The cost of cow feed can vary widely, depending on market conditions, the types of feed used, and the quantity needed to sustain the herd.
A successful dairy farmer must manage their feed costs carefully, sourcing cost-effective options and minimizing wastage. Implementing good feed management practices can help decrease stress on the cows and contribute to their overall health and well-being, increasing milk production. A farmer in New York reduced his feed cost by 10% by switching to genetic feed types, reducing wastage, and using silage crops instead of hay.
Tips & Tricks:
- Source cost-effective feed options
- Implement good feed management practices
- Use genetic feed types and silage crops instead of hay where possible to reduce feed wastage and cost
The price of milk is subject to regular market fluctuations, making it essential to adopt measures that protect the farm from significant price swings. A successful dairy farmer must stay informed about the current milk market trends and implement risk management strategies where necessary.
A farmer in California utilized risk management strategies such as forward contracts and hedging to protect against the volatility of milk prices. By doing so, he was able to secure a higher price for his milk when market conditions were unfavorable.
Tips & Tricks:
- Stay informed about current market trends
- Implement risk management strategies such as forward contracts and hedging where necessary
- Consider diversifying sources of income to mitigate the impact of price volatility on milk sales
In conclusion, the profitability of a dairy farm is influenced by milk production and quality, feed cost and management, and market volatility. Effective management strategies that focus on these factors can increase profitability and overall success of the farm.
What is the Expected Return on Investment for a Dairy Farm?
Investing in a dairy farm can be a profitable business venture, but the expected return on investment (ROI) may vary depending on several factors. Understanding these factors is essential to determine the profitability of a dairy farm. In this article, we will explore the expected ROI for a dairy farm along with some tips and tricks to help maximize the profitability of your investment.
Tips & Tricks:
- Minimize feed costs by using high-quality feed
- Ensure proper hygiene to reduce the risk of diseases in cows
- Invest in modern technology for efficient operations
The expected ROI for a dairy farm can vary depending on factors such as the size of the operation, the quality of the cows, milk production, and market prices. For instance, a small dairy farm with around 50 cows can have an ROI of around 25%, while a large farm with over 200 cows can have an ROI of up to 40%. However, this estimation can vary greatly based on the business' operations, costs, profits and depreciation years.
Cows play a critical role in determining the ROI of a dairy farm. High-quality cows can produce more milk, which can lead to higher profits. For example, a cow that produces 60-70 pounds of milk per day can generate about $5 to $6 per cow in milk sales. However, it's important to factor in the cost of feeding the cows and maintaining their health, which affects profitability.
The production of milk also plays a crucial role in determining the expected ROI for a dairy farm. For example, a herd that produces 22,000 pounds of milk per year can garner a gross revenue of about $30,000 to $40,000. However, this estimation can vary depending on the capacity of the dairy farm as well as milk market prices.
In summary, investing in a dairy farm can be profitable. However, it's important to consider factors such as the size of the operation, the quality of cows, milk production, and market prices. Minimizing feed costs, ensuring proper hygiene, and investing in modern technology are some tips and tricks that can help maximize the profitability of your investment.
Are There Any Government Subsidies or Programs Available for Dairy Farmers to Improve Profitability?
As a professional business consultant, I have helped numerous dairy farmers increase their profitability. One question that frequently arises is whether there are any government subsidies or programs available to support their efforts. The answer is yes, there are several opportunities that may help. In this article, we will examine these options and provide examples and cases to illustrate their effectiveness.1. Dairy Margin Coverage Program
- The Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMCP) is a risk management tool for dairy farmers.
- This program protects against unexpected drops in milk prices or spikes in feed costs that can significantly impact dairy farmers' profitability.
- DMCP was introduced in 2018 and provides support to producers when the difference between the national all-milk price and the average feed cost for specific feed rations falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the farmer.
One example of DMCP is Matt Brawner’s farm in New York State. Brawner found it difficult to manage his dairy farm efficiently due to the unpredictability of milk prices. However, he was able to thrive by enrolling in the DMCP program and managed to buffer himself from market price fluctuations.2. Environmental Quality Incentives Program
- The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is designed to provide farmers with financial assistance to improve and maintain soil, water, and air quality.
- This program can provide dairy farmers with support to implement a range of best management practices (BMPs) to conserve and manage natural resources on their land.
- EQIP can cover up to 75% of the cost of these BMPs and other conservation activities, including nutrient management plans, irrigation systems, and waste management systems, to support and improve the efficiency of the farm.
Johnny Guenther, a dairy farmer near Caledonia in Minnesota, was able to improve his farm’s nutrient management by using EQIP funds to install a manure injection system. This enabled him to inject manure directly into the soil and avoid runoff, which had been a significant source of expense for his farm prior to the installation of this system.
Tip & Tricks
- Before applying for any subsidies, make sure you thoroughly understand the guidelines and requirements to ensure that your farm is eligible.
- Be sure to keep records of all your practices and production data, as some programs require that you provide documentation of your farm management practices.
- Always be on the lookout for new programs that could provide support to your farm. Consult with other farmers or a professional business consultant to learn about the latest opportunities.
As you can see, there are government subsidies and programs available for dairy farmers to improve profitability. From the DMCP to EQIP, these programs can make a significant difference in helping dairy farmers to manage risk and increase efficiency of their farming operations. By taking the time to research and apply for these opportunities, dairy farmers are more likely to thrive in today’s challenging market.
How important is efficiency in dairy farming for increasing profits?
As a business consultant with years of experience in the industry, I can say that efficiency is a vital component of profit maximization in dairy farming. A well-thought-out plan to optimize operations, such as reducing waste, improving yield, and minimizing costs, can significantly enhance the bottom line. In this article, I will discuss the importance of efficiency in dairy farming and back it up with examples and cases.
Let us begin by examining the impact of waste reduction on profitability. Dairy farming is a capital-intensive business, where every penny counts. Identifying and reducing waste can result in substantial savings. For example, a study conducted by an Australian farm management consulting firm found that reducing wastage of feed by 10% resulted in increased profits of 15%, or $41,000 per annum, for a farm with 250 cows. Besides, experiencing fewer losses of milk during harvesting, storage, and transportation can further boost revenue.
The yield per cow is another important determinant of efficiency. A healthy and well-fed cow produces more milk, which translates to higher profits for the farmer. Ensuring that cows' nutritional requirements are met, reducing stress, and preventing diseases can result in optimal yields. Studies have shown that farmers who invest in regular cow check-ups have achieved a 30% higher milk production than those who do not. Furthermore, implementing a good record-keeping system can aid in identifying opportunities for yield improvements.
Finally, minimizing costs is crucial for achieving efficiency in dairy farming. The cost of rearing and feeding cows, veterinary services, and energy costs can all impact profitability. Investing in technologies such as efficient feeding systems, energy-saving equipment, and renewable energy sources can yield significant cost savings. For example, a farm in the United States, which installed solar panels, reduced its power costs by 85% and saved $30,000 per annum.
Tips & Trics to Improve Efficiency in Dairy Farming
- Regular cow check-ups and ensuring their nutritional needs are met are essential for optimal yield.
- Installation of energy-saving equipment and renewable energy sources can yield significant cost savings.
- Investing in a good record-keeping system can aid in identifying opportunities for yield improvements.
In conclusion, efficiency is crucial for achieving optimal profitability in dairy farming. Reduction of wastage, improving yields per cow, and minimizing costs are essential components of a well-executed plan. By implementing these strategies, farmers can enhance profits, improve the bottom line, and build a sustainable business.
Can dairy farms diversify their product offerings to increase profitability?
Dairy farming has been a traditional form of agriculture for centuries, producing milk, cheese, cream, and other dairy products. But with the changing times and the increasing demand for diverse food items, dairy farmers need to focus on product diversification to increase profit margins. Diversification allows farmers to produce an array of goods that cater to the varying demands of customers and markets.
One way dairy farms can diversify their product offerings is by producing organic dairy products. Organic dairy products are in high demand and can fetch up to 50% higher prices compared to conventional dairy products. Many consumers are willing to pay more for organic dairy products because they believe that they are healthier and taste better.
Another way dairy farms can diversify their product offerings is by producing artisanal dairy products. Artisanal products, such as specialty cheeses, yogurts, and butters, have a higher profit margin than commercial dairy products. They are also in high demand at local food markets and specialty stores.
Dairy farms can also diversify by producing non-dairy products such as almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk. Non-dairy products, often favored by lactose-intolerant or vegan consumers, are becoming increasingly popular making a non-dairy option for milk ideal for stores and cafes.
Tips & Tricks
- Before diversifying, dairy farms should conduct a thorough market research to determine the demand for different dairy products in their target market.
- Develop innovative strategies, such as using social media to promote products and connect with customers, or partnering with other businesses for distribution - the key is working with all resources around to help attract customers and make everyone benefit.
- Ensure a sufficient supply of feed and water for the cows, and adequate facilities for storage, transportation, and packaging to ensure high quality and safe produced products.
In conclusion, product diversification is critical to the success of dairy farms in the modern age. Dairy farmers who specialize in a unique product line, whether it's organic, artisanal or non-dairy, can earn higher profits than those who depend only on traditional dairy products. For that reason, it is highly recommended that dairy farmers embrace product diversification as a way to remain competitive and profitable in today's market.
After reading about how profitable dairy farming can be, it is clear that it can be a lucrative and sustainable business if done correctly. While there are certainly challenges and considerations such as land, equipment, and labor costs, the potential for profits through milk production, cheese making, and other dairy products is significant. Additionally, the growing interest in organic and locally-produced products provides even more opportunities for profitability in the dairy industry. That being said, it is important for farmers to carefully evaluate their resources and market demand before jumping into dairy farming, in order to ensure the best chance of success.
MAC & PC Compatible | <urn:uuid:be3a202f-cf26-4c71-8ecc-b14350e12021> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://businessplan-templates.com/blogs/blog/dairy-farming-profitability | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.949975 | 3,708 | 2.859375 | 3 |
What is cable?
Cable is a term used for the exchange rate between the United States dollar (USD) and the British pound. (GBP). But what does cable mean? Let’s dive a little deeper into a cable definition to understand what cable means in forex trading.
The word is used in forex trading, for example “cable is trading low today” or “cable is trending high recently”. The term is limited to the British pound and US dollar, and cannot be associated with any other currency.
History of cable
International Monetary Fund data for 2020 ranks GBP as the world’s fourth largest reserve currency. The pound remains the base currency against the US dollar, Canadian dollar (CAD) and Japanese yen (JPY). The exchange is generally quoted as GBP/USD, GBP/CAD, and GBP/JPY. | <urn:uuid:85b7d1b6-4dda-419e-aac8-29850baa130c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://capital.com/cable-definition | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.936287 | 188 | 2.5625 | 3 |
Learning that your child has a rare heart condition such as an aortopulmonary window can be scary for a parent. While this is a serious diagnosis, aortopulmonary window can often be treated, particularly if it is identified early.
We’re happy to share the following guide to help you learn more about this condition and how to care for a child dealing with an aortopulmonary window. Being informed on the causes, treatments, and care options will help you make informed decisions that will help your child and family achieve the best possible outcome.
What is an aortopulmonary window?
An aortopulmonary window is a congenital heart defect where there is a hole, or window, between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. The aorta is the major artery that helps to transport blood from the heart to the body. The pulmonary artery takes blood from the heart to the lungs.
The aorta and pulmonary artery are right next to each other, and when the walls between the two arteries do not fully close during development, it can cause too much blood to pump into the lungs.
Congenital heart defects are present at birth and can result from a random mutation, an inherited genetic trait, or unknown causes. With an aortopulmonary window, the aorta and pulmonary valve do not divide properly while the baby is developing in the womb. In most cases, doctors cannot find a specific cause for this type of heart defect.
Aortopulmonary Window Symptoms
When an aortopulmonary window is present, it can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs, which can cause breathing problems and other symptoms. The most common symptoms of an aortopulmonary window in babies are:
Difficulty breathing and rapid breathing
Elevated heart rate
Difficulty eating and lack of weight gain
Aortopulmonary Window Complications
Complications can include an increased risk of respiratory infections, delayed growth, and in most serious cases, lung failure and heart failure.
Diagnosing an Aortopulmonary Window
If symptoms and complications point toward the possibility of an aortopulmonary window or other congenital heart defect, doctors can take many steps to diagnose the condition, including:
Discussing specific symptoms
Reviewing medical history
Listening to the heart through a stethoscope
Ordering an Echocardiogram
Ordering a chest X-ray
Ordering a cardiac MRI
Performing cardiac catheterization, which involves inserting small tubes into the blood vessels to directly measure blood pressure in the lungs and heart
Aortopulmonary Window Treatment Options
In most cases, doctors will recommend surgery to close the aortopulmonary window almost immediately after diagnosis. Often, the procedure will be performed when the baby is a newborn. The procedure will involve accessing the heart and patching the hole between the aorta and the pulmonary artery.
Caring for a Child with an Aortopulmonary Window
Although surgery is usually successful, children recovering from surgery to treat an aortopulmonary window can still have considerable care needs. Patients will often need regular follow-up appointments to ensure the heart and lungs continue to work properly.
Children dealing with and recovering from an aortopulmonary window may require activity modification, specialized nutritional needs, and prescription medication. These additional care steps can be essential if another congenital heart defect is present.
There are also steps families often take to help children adjusting to a congenital heart defect enjoy a healthy and happy childhood. For example, support groups and counseling can help manage emotional and behavioral concerns. It is also important to ensure your child has opportunities to be active and socialize with children their age as much as possible.
Pediatric home health care is another increasingly popular form of support for families dealing with congenital heart diseases, including an aortopulmonary window. A dedicated and compassionate home health professional can help your child receive the care and attention they need to thrive. Services can be customized for nearly any situation to meet your family’s specific needs. This can include assisting with medication and nutrition, accompanying children to appointments, so you can run errands or have personal time.
Contact Care Options for Kids for Home Health Care in Florida
It can be hard to balance your time between work, home, and caring for a child. That’s why our team of professionals at Care Options for Kids is here to help. We have been enforcing precautionary measures and following the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 to ensure the safety and health of our clients and employees.
Our home health care services offer one-on-one support in the comfort of your home. We refer loving and competent nurses to provide customized care for families — from a few hours a day to around-the-clock supervision. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or request a free in-home assessment. Together we can determine the best plan of action to keep your loved ones happy and healthy.
If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Health Care Services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Care Options for Kids. Call today at (888) 592-5855. | <urn:uuid:27b04a00-783f-4764-b358-84a1dedf9cb6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://careoptionsforkids.com/blog/aortopulmonary-window | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.925207 | 1,082 | 3.140625 | 3 |
Sjogren’s syndrome primarily affects adults but can also occur in children. Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and dysfunction of the exocrine glands, leading to symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue. Exocrine glands are special types of glands in our bodies that produce substances, such as sweat, saliva, or digestive enzymes, and release them through ducts to the surface of the skin or into body cavities. Though Sjogren’s syndrome in children presents unique challenges, early diagnosis and management can improve their quality of life. This article delves into details of Sjogren’s syndrome in children, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What is Sjogren’s syndrome in children?
Sjogren’s syndrome in children, often called pediatric Sjogren’s syndrome, is a rare condition with limited research compared to its adult counterpart. While the exact cause of this condition remains unclear, it is believed to have genetic and environmental causes. The primary characteristic of Sjogren’s syndrome is that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, reducing saliva and tears.
Symptoms and Challenges of Sjogren’s Syndrome
The symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome in children are similar to those experienced by adults, though there may be some variations. Common symptoms include:
Persistent dryness of the eyes and mouth
Recurrent eye infections
Children may also exhibit additional symptoms such as:
Growth and developmental issues
Frequent respiratory infections
The diverse nature of symptoms in children can make the diagnosis more challenging, often leading to delays in identification.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Sjogren’s Syndrome
Diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome in children can be complex, as symptoms may overlap with other conditions. A comprehensive evaluation of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests are usually performed to reach a diagnosis. Blood tests can detect specific autoantibodies and markers of inflammation, while imaging tests and biopsies may be conducted to assess glandular function and tissue abnormalities.
Sjogren’s Syndrome Treatment Options
There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, relieve discomfort, and prevent complications. Treatment plans for children often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including pediatric rheumatologists.
1. Symptomatic relief
Artificial tears, lubricating eye gels, and saliva substitutes can help alleviate dryness. Chewing sugar-free gum or using saliva-stimulating medications may also provide relief.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), immunosuppressive drugs, or corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage immune responses.
3. Dental care
Regular dental visits and preventive measures can help maintain oral health, as children with Sjogren’s syndrome may be prone to cavities and dental decay.
4. Patient education and support
Providing children and their families with information about the condition, coping mechanisms, and connecting them with support groups can be beneficial in managing the emotional and social aspects of living with Sjogren’s syndrome.
Sjogren’s syndrome in children is a relatively rare condition that poses unique challenges for diagnosis and treatment. The diverse range of symptoms and the limited research on pediatric cases highlight the importance of increased awareness and research in this area. Early detection, appropriate management, and a multidisciplinary approach can help improve the quality of life for children living with Sjogren’s syndrome. By fostering collaboration between medical professionals, families, and support networks, we can work towards enhancing the understanding and care of children with this autoimmune disorder.
Contact Care Options for Kids for Home Health Care in Florida
It can be hard to balance your time between work, home, and caring for a child. That’s why our team of skilled professionals at Care Options for Kids is here to help.
Our home health care services offer one-on-one care in the comfort of your home. We refer loving and competent nurses to provide customized care for families — from a few hours a day to around-the-clock supervision. Contact us directly to speak with a home health care professional or request a free Pediatric Consultation. Together we can determine the best plan of action to keep your loved ones happy and healthy.
If you or a loved one are considering Pediatric Home Health Care Services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Care Options for Kids. Call today at (888) 592-5855. | <urn:uuid:4e0f9285-877c-45ee-b220-a94e059432cc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://careoptionsforkids.com/blog/sjogrens-syndrome-in-children | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.921733 | 981 | 3.796875 | 4 |
Please refer to Class 11 Economics Sample Paper Term 2 With Solutions Set A provided below. The Sample Papers for Class 11 Economics have been prepared based on the latest pattern issued by CBSE. Students should practice these guess papers for class 11 Economics to gain more practice and get better marks in examinations. The Term 2 Sample Papers for Economics Standard 11 will help you to understand the type of questions which can be asked in upcoming examinations.
Term 2 Sample Paper for Class 11 Economics With Solutions Set A
Statistics for Economics
Case Based MCQ
Analyse the following case study graphs carefully and answer the question no. 1 to 5 on the basis of the same.
1. Coefficient of correlation has how many degrees?
2. Figure 3 represents ………… correlation.
(b) perfect positive
(d) perfect negative
3. What will be the degree of coefficient of correlation if Rxy is 0.75?
(a) High degree of positive correlation
(b) Moderate degree of positive correlation
(c) Low degree of positive correlation
(d) Perfect positive correlation
4. Karl Pearson’s coefficient of correlation can be calculated using …………… .
(a) assumed mean
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
5. If the degree of correlation is 0.03, the series show ……… degree of ……… correlation.
(a) high, positive
(b) low, positive
(c) high, negative
(d) low, negative
Short Answer Type Questions
6. “Correlation is preferred to covariance as a measure of association.” Explain
Ans. Both, correlation coefficient and covariance measure the degree of linear relationship between two variables, but correlation coefficient is generally preferred to covariance. It is due to the following reasons
(i) The correlation coefficient has no unit.
(ii) The correlation coefficient is independent of origin as well as of scale.
(iii) The correlation coefficient suggests cause and effect relationship between different variables.
“There are some pre-requisites of a good index number.” Defend.
Ans. Pre-requisites of an ideal index number are as follows
(i) It should be a composite calculation i.e., consider every type of items.
(ii) It should facilitate international comparision.
(iii) It should be rigidly defined.
7. Calculate standard deviation from the following data
Ans. Let assumed mean be (A) = 30
8. Calculate simple average of price relative from the following data
Compute Laspeyre’s index from the following data
9. The following information is given regarding series X and Y. Compute coefficient of correlation.
Ans. We are given that,
Number of items (n) = 15
Standard Deviation of X (σx ) = 3.01
Standard Deviation of Y (σy ) = 3.03
Sum of products of deviations of X and Y from their respective means (∑xy) = 120
Coefficient of Correlation (r ) = ∑xy / n.σx .σy = 120 / 15 x 3.01 x 3.03 = 120 / 136.80 = 0.88
It is a indicative of high degree of positive correlation.
10. “There exists a unique relationship between Average Variable Cost (AVC) and Marginal Cost (MC).” Comment.
Ans. Relationship between AVC and MC
(i) AVC and MC starts from same point and are ‘U’ shaped.
(ii) When MC < AVC, AVC falls.
(iii) MC = AVC, at the minimum point of AVC.
(iv) When MC > AVC, AVC rises.
Do you agree with the view that TP increases even when MP is decreasing?
Ans. Yes, TP increases even when MP is decreasing, because MP is an addition to TP. When MP is decreasing, only an addition to TP is decreasing i.e. TP continues to increase, though at a diminishing rate. TP starts declining only when MP becomes negative.
Long Answer Type Questions
11. (i) Can Marginal Revenue (MR) be negative? Explain your answer with the help of example.
(ii) Total Revenue (TR) of a firm, dealing in a particular commodity, initially was Rs 15,000. It reduces to Rs 13,500. Also, AR increases from Rs 150 to Rs 270. Find the change in market demand for that commodity.
Ans. (i) Yes, Marginal Revenue (MR) can be negative. It can be negative only when average revenue is decreasing or when the price is declining as under monopoly and monopolistic competition. This can be explained by the following example
When price = Rs 20, output = 50
Total revenue of 50 units (TR 50) =P × Q= 20 × 50 = Rs 1,000
When price fall to Rs 19, output = 51
Total revenue of 51 units (TR 51) = P × Q= 19 × 51 = Rs 969
MR 51 = TR 51 – TR 50 = 969 −1,000 = Rs (31)
i.e., Marginal Revenue (MR) is negative.
(ii) TR = Rs 15,000, P(= AR) = Rs 150
TR = P × Q ⇒ Q = TR / P = 15000 / 150 = 100 units
When TR = Rs 13,500, P(= AR) = Rs 270
TR = P × Q ⇒ Q = TR / P = 13500 / 270 = 50 units
Change in market demand = 50 −100 = −50 units
i.e., market demand falls by 50 units
State whether the following statements are true or false. Give reasons for your answer.
(i) When Marginal Revenue (MR) is constant and not equal to zero, then Total Revenue (TR) will also be constant.
(ii) As soon as Marginal Cost (MC) starts rising, Average Variable Cost (AVC) also starts rising.
(iii) Total Product (TP) always increases whether there is increasing returns or diminishing returns to a factor.
Ans. (i) False, because when Marginal Revenue (MR) is constant, Total Revenue (TR) is increasing at a constant rate, only when marginal revenue is zero, total revenue is constant.
(ii) False, Average Variable Cost (AVC) can fall even when Marginal Cost (MC) starts rising. See Average Variable Cost (AVC) and Marginal Cost (MC) corresponding to output range (MQ) in the diagram.
(iii) True, because in a situation of increasing returns to a factor, marginal product tends to rise accordingly, Total Product (TP) should be increasing at an increasing rate. Under diminishing returns to a factor, Marginal Product (MP) tends to fall. Falling Marginal Product (MP) implies that Total Product (TP) should be increasing, though at a decreasing rate.
12. Explain the effect of decrease in supply when
(i) demand is perfectly elastic
(ii) demand is perfectly inelastic
Ans. The effect of decrease in supply when
(i) Demand is Perfectly Elastic Decrease in supply of commodity does not cause any change in its price in case demand for the commodity is perfectly elastic. Only equilibrium quantity tends to change.
Demand is infinite at existing price. So, decrease in supply does not cause any change in price.
(ii) Demand is Perfectly Inelastic Decrease in supply of commodity causes rise in price and equilibrium quantity remains constant when demand for commodity is inelastic.
Demand is constant at every price. So, decrease in supply does not cause any change in price.
13. State the law of supply, the assumptions on which it is based and exceptions to the law of supply.
Ans. Law of supply derives the relationship between price and quantity supplied. According to this law, quantity supplied of a commodity is directly related to the price of a commodity, provided all other determinants are constant. The quantity supplied increases with increase in price and vice-versa.
Assumptions of the Law of Supply
The various assumptions of the law of supply are given below
(i) There is no change in the price of the factors of production.
(ii) There is no change in the techniques of production.
(iii) There is no change in the goal of the firm.
(iv) There is no change in the price of related goods.
Exceptions to the Law of Supply
The following are the exceptions to the law of supply (any four)
(i) Agricultural Goods Law of supply does not apply for agricultural goods, as their supply depends on climatic conditions and not on price.
(ii) Perishable Goods Perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, milk and milk products cannot be held for long. Therefore, suppliers are willing to supply these products, even when prices are less, for fear that they would become totally useless.
(iii) Antique Goods, Rare Articles and Paintings These goods are highly priced, but still their supply is limited, as supply here is affected by factors other than price. e.g., the supply of Hussain’s paintings cannot be increased even if buyers are willing to pay high price for it.
(iv) Future Expectations regarding Prices If prices are rising, but sellers anticipate that they would rise further in future, then they would not increase their supply now.
(v) Lack of Resources In underdeveloped or backward economies, supply cannot be increased due to lack of resources.
(vi) Labour Market In the labour market, it is observed that as the wage rate rises, the workers tend to work for less hours, so as to enjoy more leisure. This causes the supply of workers to decrease at increased wage rate.
“Law of variable proportion in terms of marginal product gives another law known as law of diminishing marginal product.” Explain this law by giving schedule and graph.
Ans. Law of diminishing marginal product states that with the increase in a variable factor, keeping all other factors constant, the marginal product of the variable factor diminishes after a certain level of production and eventually becomes negative. This law was given by classical economists and related to agriculture.
This law may be explained with the help of an imaginary schedule and diagram
Note Law of diminishing marginal product operates in the second stage of law of variable proportion.
In the above diagram, after point ‘a’ on MP curve, marginal product diminishes continuously, showing the law of diminishing marginal product, i.e., with the employment of 6th labour, diminishing returns operates.
14. (i) How a firm is a price taker in perfect competition?
(ii) Why does it earns only normal profits in long-run?
Ans. (i) A firm under perfect competition, is a price taker, not a price maker because of the following three reasons
(a) Large number of buyers and sellers. (b) Homogeneous product. (c) Perfect knowledge.
(ii) A firm under perfect competition earns only normal profits in the long-run. This is because if the firms earn abnormal profits, then this would lead to increase in market supply because of entry of new firms thereby causing the market price to fall upto the level of normal profits.
On the other hand, if the firms earn abnormal losses, then this would force some marginal firms to exit from the market, causing market supply to fall. This will cause the market price to rise upto the level of normal profits.
At a given price of a commodity there is ‘excess supply’. Is this the equilibrium price? If not, how will the equilibrium price be reached?
Ans. Equilibrium price refers to the price at which market demand is equal to market supply (i.e., there is no excess demand or excess supply). So, the price with ‘excess supply’ is not the equilibrium price.
This can be illustrated with the help of the following figure
The given figure depicts, that excess supply is equal to AB = Q1Q2 It implies that market supply is greater than market demand.
This puts pressure on price (OP1 ) to decline. The producers reduce the quantity supplied at the lower price OP from OQ2 to OQ. The consumers react by increasing the quantity demanded from OQ1 (at OP1 price) to OQ (at OP price). Equilibrium is struck at point ‘E’. Thus, OP and OQare the equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity respectively with no excess supply. | <urn:uuid:fbd128f1-6dd5-405b-ad52-1fe918a4cc10> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cbsencertsolutions.com/class-11-economics-sample-paper-term-2-with-solutions-set-a/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.914145 | 2,661 | 3.25 | 3 |
A thorough understanding of rainfall patterns is vital for the hydrological and agricultural models that are used to project flooding, stream flow and crop growth around the world. A study at KAUST has generated an accurate method for modeling precipitation events based on data from rain gauges in the United States.
Rainfall data are collected on different space-time scales depending on the instruments used. For example, satellites gather information on precipitation down to a resolution of around one square kilometer over days, while an individual rain gauge collects data from around one square meter as often as once every minute. The intermittent and random nature of rainfall events means that modeling a precipitation field is challenging, and the best models for simulating where and when rain might fall require a probabilistic element.
Ying Sun from the University's Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering Division and Michael Stein at the University of Chicago (U.S.) have developed a novel precipitation occurrence model that generates realistic patterns of rainfall events at multiple locations every 15 minutes.
The researchers used high-quality data gathered at rain gauges in Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina to develop their "stochastic" model. Stochastic modeling allows for random fluctuations in multiple simulations and provides a collection of possible outcomes that can help scientists understand rainfall variability across space and time.
“Our model, a truncated non-Gaussian distribution, allows for areas to have zero rainfall and gives us a higher chance of simulating extreme values than in previous models,” said Sun. Sun’s model also uses a "random field" that connects all the sites and describes the spatial and temporal patterns, such as the tendency for one site to experience rainfall a few hours after another. “For example, if five sites out of 10 have rain, the random field model decides which five sites have rain and how long it rains for at each site,” she said.
Read the full article | <urn:uuid:6e918dae-e9c1-4057-b8bd-2c33dcba8c28> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cemse.kaust.edu.sa/amcs/news/clearer-view-rainfall-patterns | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.911745 | 394 | 3.90625 | 4 |
As we have seen, the writers of Scripture had good reason for employing fantastic elements in their prophetic writing. The Bible also includes another kind of literature that uses fantastic elements. This kind of literature is called fable. To be clear, the biblical writers do not tell fables, but they do record fables that are told by characters within the text. In what follows I would like to examine two of these fables.
Before I do, however, I want to distinguish fables from parables. One mark of a fable is that it depicts animals, plants, or even objects that think, speak, and act as if they were persons. In some cases, these creatures possess some other marvelous property, such as the goose that laid the golden eggs. Fables also usually have some moral or allegorical meaning behind them. Thus, the fable of the goose is a warning against greed. The fable of the city mouse and the country mouse teaches that safety is better than extravagance. The fable of the tortoise and the hare teaches that persistence is better than brilliance.
Parables also teach lessons, but they teach these lessons without resorting to fantastic elements. A sower who goes out to sow is nothing special. We are not surprised by the action of leaven in a lump of dough. Even when parables contain unusual or even astonishing elements (a treasure in a field, for example, or a pearl of great price), these elements are the kind of things that might and sometimes do occur in real life. Biblical parables may contain exaggerations or improbabilities, but they do not contain outright impossibilities.
What about the story of Lazarus and the rich man? Should it be classified as fable, parable, a satire, an actual history, or something else? Students of the Bible have debated this question. The story, which Jesus tells in Luke 16:19–31, follows a string of parables. The last of those parables even begins with the same language: “There was a certain rich man…” (Luke 16:1). These factors could indicate that the story is a parable.
Other considerations, however, suggest that it might not be. Before beginning the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the string of parables is broken when Jesus summarizes His application from the last parable and then engages in a bit of dialogue with the Pharisees (Luke 16:14–18). During this section, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees. The story of Lazarus and the rich man underscores an aspect of Jesus’ rebuke and constitutes a warning against greed. Importantly, Jesus names a character in this story—Lazarus—which is something that He does in no acknowledged parable.
The most likely understanding of the story is that both Lazarus and the rich man were real people, and that Jesus is narrating a part of their story. This story includes elements that occur both before and after their deaths. The postmortem elements should not be viewed as any more fantastic than the antemortem elements. In other words, this story qualifies as occult literature in the sense in which I have used that expression. It grants a glimpse into the otherwise hidden world of souls during the intermediate state (the state between death and resurrection) for both saved and lost individuals. Most likely, the story is not a fable, fantasy, or parable. It is a straightforward narrative, parts of which ought to horrify us.
The account of Lazarus and the rich man is not a fable, but the Bible does record fables. These biblical fables are examples of how the Bible uses fantastic literature. Two examples of biblical fables are the fable of the thistle and the cedar (2 Kgs 14:9–10) and the fable of the trees electing a king (Judg 9:7–20).
2 Kings 14 opens with Amaziah becoming king of Judah. Upon ascending to the throne, he first brings order to his own kingdom. Next, Amaziah defeats Edom in battle. Flush with victory he sends messengers to Jehoash, king of Israel, challenging him to battle. Jehoash replies with a fable in which a thistle asks a cedar of Lebanon to give its daughter as wife for the thistle’s son. Instead, a wild animal tramples the thistle. Jehoash then makes the lesson clear: Amaziah is not nearly as important as he thinks he is and he should remember his place.
The contrast in size between the thistle and the mighty cedar is what makes this fable work. The effrontery of the thistle is comical, and the thistle’s weakness is emphasized by the fact that it is destroyed when an animal steps on it. No animal would ever trample a cedar of Lebanon. If Jehoash intended to get people to laugh at Amaziah, then he went about it the right way.
The other fable is found in Judges 9:8-15. As the story opens, the judge Gideon has died. His illegitimate son Abimelech treacherously murders all of Gideon’s legitimate sons (sixty-nine of them) except Jotham, the youngest. Abimelech is then proclaimed king of Shechem by his half-brothers on his mother’s side.
In the face of this travesty, the surviving son Jotham stands atop Mount Gerizim and tells a fable in which the trees meet to choose a king. The olive tree, fig tree, and grape vine all decline on the grounds that they already have important tasks to perform. Finally, the bramble bush invites the trees to shelter under its shade, threatening any who reject it with fire. Jotham then applies this fable to the regency of Abimelech, forecasting the betrayal and destruction that would follow.
These two biblical fables are instructive, not only for what they teach, but also for how they teach it. Both Jotham and Jehoash wanted to make a point. Both chose a fable as the ideal literary form for the point they wanted to make. By examining how these two biblical characters used their fables we can learn important lessons, not only about fables, but about the legitimate uses of fantastic writing in general. We shall examine those matters in greater detail in the next essay.
This essay is by Kevin T. Bauder, Research Professor of Systematic Theology at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Not every one of the professors, students, or alumni of Central Seminary necessarily agrees with every opinion that it expresses.
from La Corona
John Donne (1572–1631)
By miracles exceeding power of man,
He faith in some, envy in some begat,
For, what weak spirits admire, ambitious hate:
In both affections many to Him ran.
But O! the worst are most, they will and can,
Alas! and do, unto th’ Immaculate,
Whose creature Fate is, now prescribe a fate,
Measuring self-life’s infinity to’a span,
Nay to an inch. Lo! where condemned He
Bears His own cross, with pain, yet by and by
When it bears him, He must bear more and die.
Now Thou art lifted up, draw me to Thee,
And at Thy death giving such liberal dole,
Moist with one drop of Thy blood my dry soul. | <urn:uuid:512d95c7-42bd-44ab-9f64-1def0cc31664> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://centralseminary.edu/the-christian-and-fantastic-literature-part-6-fantasy-and-fable/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.952386 | 1,565 | 3.171875 | 3 |
We Tripantu is the Mapuche celebration of the new year. This year, it falls on June 21. And, for the first time, it is a national holiday.
On June 21, the Mapuche celebrate We Tripantu. It begins on the night of the winter solstice, the shortest night of the year, and it celebrates the days becoming longer.
According to Mapuche International Link, We Tripantu is “participating together with nature in the renovation and emergence of our lives. Humans, as components of nature, make this life renovation ceremony theirs and their family’s.”
The celebration starts the day before, right before the sun sets. People from every age range get together and say prayers in Mapudungún. Families then gather at their rucas (homes), tell stories and legends, and enjoy traditional meals, such as muday, catuto, sopaipillas, and mote.
Children also play awar kuden, a traditional game, played with broad beans, while singing a song for good luck. Whoever wins the game, gets to keep an object from the loser. Kids usually offer up their toys.
In the early hours of the morning, people then bathe in rivers or creeks, to “receive the water that will allow them to purify their body and spirit,” according to Mapuche Nation. The water takes away bad spirits, disease, and bad thoughts. They then go back to their rucas before the sun rises.
Once the sun comes up, a new ceremony begins, in which people dance around the rucas and play traditional instruments, dancing as the sun begins to light up the day. They also perform a Llellipun, which is a connection ritual with the spirits of nature and their ancestors, to whom they thank for another year of life and ask for help preparing for the upcoming cycle.
Children also hit fruit tree trunks – especially those to trees that didn’t produce much in the preceding year – to wake the sap for the new cycle.
Watch this (Spanish) documentary on We Tripantu
Other rituals include the Katan, a ceremony in which little girls get their ears pierced, which symbolizes their new role as women.
There is also the Misawün, a ceremony in which two people eat from the same plate, in order to commemorate their friendship or bond as two individuals.
And, lastly, there is the Akutun, in which grandfathers pass their names or their ancestors names onto the boys of the family.
Due to the pandemic, the government asked indigenous communities to be cautious when celebrating We Tripantu, and social gatherings will be reduced to a minimum this year. For example, the Araucanía Regional Health’s Secretary’s Office (SEREMI) tweeted a video, asking people to celebrate with close family and keep their distance when performing the traditional rituals.
This year, We Tripantu became an official, national holiday, after President Sebastián Piñera promulgated the designating law last week. This makes June 24 the National Indigenous Communities Holiday (which previously fell on October 12, Columbus Day).
Debido a que aún estamos con un alto número de contagios en la región, nuestra Cuadrilla Sanitaria Intercultural entrega recomendaciones para la celebración del próximo We Tripantu 🌿🌱#SigamosCuidándonos pic.twitter.com/Sv3Bp2SRsj
— SeremiSaludAraucania (@SeremiSalud_IX) June 14, 2021
Javiera is from Santiago de Chile, she is studying journalism at Universidad de Chile, since 2017 and doing her internship at Chile Today. | <urn:uuid:6b5c3d6a-7e52-4d50-ab7d-8e4040dbc362> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://chiletoday.cl/we-tripantu-what-does-the-mapuche-new-year-mean/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.928809 | 817 | 3.203125 | 3 |
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Protect land: Protect land in perpetuity
Protected conservation lands are depicted in three layers: 1) Conservation Restrictions Areas (private lands currently protected from development through the use of conservation restrictions), 2) protected open space that is owned by land trusts and other private conservation organizations, and 3) conservation lands owned by public agencies (federal, state, county or municipal). Data on protected open space is from MassGIS. The next two layers depict areas identified as Biomap2 Core Habitat or Critical Natural Landscape, areas identified by the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife as being of high priority for land protection to conserve fish, wildlife and biodiversity. Conductance is a measure of importance for regional-scale connectivity based on the Critical Linkages analyses conducted by UMass Amherst. Areas with high conductance values are represented in brown; the darker the color the more valuable the area is for connectivity.Hide
Protected conservation lands are depicted in three layers: 1) Conservation Restrictions Areas (private lands currently protected from development through the use of conservation restrictions), 2...Read More
Adaptation Strategies and Actions
Protect land: Protect land in perpetuity
Permanently protect enough undeveloped land to ensure healthy, self-sustaining ecosystems and maintain the Commonwealth’s fish, wildlife and biodiversity resources
Unlike western states, where public lands make up a large proportion of the landscape, the vast majority of Massachusetts is private land. Given the large number of landowners in MA, it is an ongoing challenge to protect interconnected areas of sufficient size to support wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystem services? for future generations. Large, interconnected conservation lands are particularly important as a strategy for adapting to climate change because the distributions of plants and animals are likely to shift and keep shifting as temperatures, precipitation, storms, sea level rise and the timing of seasons continue to change over the next several decades.
Protect your land and encourage others to protect their land
The concept of land ownership means little to forests, wildlife, water and soil. Yet to ensure that the wild lands of Massachusetts retain their capacity to support healthy ecosystems, we must permanently protect a substantial portion of our undeveloped land. Private landowners have an enormous role to play in this process as nearly all unprotected land is in private hands.
Many landowners are unaware of how their land fits in to the network of large protected land areas and interconnecting habitat that needs to be protected to maintain fish, wildlife, forests, wetlands and the other natural resources on which we depend. The maps associated with this page provide information about some of the core areas and interconnecting habitat that are of high priority for protection to cope with climate change.
Patterns of land ownership have changed dramatically over the past several decades. There are fewer large tracts of land that have been handed down through the family for generations. Families are changing too; with younger generations often venturing farther from home to pursue their own families and careers. Many Massachusetts landowners are over sixty years old. Over the next 10-20 years, Massachusetts will see a significant generational turnover in land ownership.
Estate planning is an excellent process for thinking about the future of your land and the steps you can take to ensure that your desires and intentions about the land are fulfilled. Engaging in conservation-based estate planning can help you make formal plans to ensure that some or all of your land remains undeveloped while meeting your family's financial and personal goals. For more information about Estate Planning, visit the MassWoods website.
There are a number of options landowners can use to protect their land. Some involve selling or donating the land for conservation; other options allow you to continue to own the land and protect it from development.
Options for protecting your land1:
Donating or Selling Conservation Restrictions: Your land includes several different types of rights, including the right to develop your land, farm, hunt, and manage your woods. A conservation restriction (known as a conservation easement in states other than Massachusetts) is a legal agreement that extinguishes some or all of the development rights of the land forever, but allows your other rights, such as farming, forestry, and recreation to continue, all while maintaining your ownership of the land.
A conservation restriction (CR) is a flexible tool that can be placed on all or only designated parts of your land, allowing you to reserve house lots to provide financial value or housing options for your family. Some CRs allow public access, others do not—it usually depends on which organization you work with and whether you are receiving funds for your CR.
A CR can be donated, which often provides the landowner with a tax deduction for a charitable gift. A CR can be sold for income if the land has exceptional natural resources. A CR can also be sold below market value for both income and tax benefits (see “Bargain Sale” below).
Donating or Selling Land: Land can be permanently protected by donating it or selling it to a qualified conservation organization, such as a land trust or state conservation organization. Donations of land may provide significant tax advantages as a charitable gift.
Bargain Sale: Landowners can sell their land or conservation restrictions at a price below its fair market value. The difference between the appraised market value and the sale price to a qualified conservation organization, such as a land trust or a state conservation organization, is considered a tax-deductible charitable contribution, providing some income and potentially some tax benefits.
Bequest: A donation of land or a conservation restriction through your will is another way to ensure your land’s permanent protection and potentially to reduce your estate tax burden. You can change your will at any time, and a bequest does not become effective until your death. This is a good approach if you need to keep the financial value of your property in reserve in case of unexpected medical bills or other needs, but want to be sure the land will be conserved if you do not need to sell it during your lifetime.
Reserved Life Estate: Landowners sometimes negotiate a gift or sale of the property while reserving the right to occupy and use the property for life. Upon the death of the landowner, control of the property automatically transfers to a conservation organization. The gift of a property with a reserved life estate can qualify the donor for a charitable deduction based on the value of the property donated and the reserved life estate, which is all based on the donor’s age.
Limited Development: Limited development protects the majority of the land while a small portion is sold or maintained by the landowner for future development. In a limited development scenario, the areas with the greatest conservation value are protected through one of the tools described above, while other less sensitive areas of the land are set aside for future development.
For more information about each of these options, visit the MassWoods website. The site includes a feature you can use to find land trusts and other professionals in your area that you can work with to protect your land. For parcel level information about the habitat value of undeveloped land, use Massachusetts Audubon's Mapping & Prioritizing Parcels for Resilience Project tool.
Target Species, Species Groups, Habitats and Stressors
Scope and Constraints
Click link above to view references.
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Bookmark your favorite pages here. See the "add this page link" to add a page to your favorites. Click the X to remove a page from the list. | <urn:uuid:901e7a98-44e3-4ba5-9656-d94543469337> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://climateactiontool.org/content/protect-land-protect-land-perpetuity | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.929561 | 1,532 | 3.328125 | 3 |
Clinical microbiology laboratories were central to the tough but successful fight against infectious diseases in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries, and resonate in the names of now-iconic figures from Jenner, Pasteur and Lister to Koch, Gram and Fleming.
In the 1980s and 1990s, breakthroughs in biotechnology, especially DNA sequencing and genomics, arrived as game-changers. Over 1,000 bacterial genomes and 3,000 viral genomes, including representatives of all significant human pathogens, have already been sequenced. Coupled with novel proteomic analyses, this has led to unprecedented advances in pathogen diagnosis and genotyping and in the detection of virulence and antibiotic resistance.
Together with high-speed computing and automation, increasingly sophisticated genomic tools now play a central role in the clinical microbiology laboratory and seem set to continue shaping its role in the 21st century.
Tough new strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria
The need for a sophisticated arsenal of technological tools in the microbiology lab is dictated by two recent developments. The first is the emergence and growth of tough strains of microbes resistant to antibiotics, even as the pipeline of new antibiotics is drying up. Microorganisms such as K. pneumoniae and E. coli have become resistant to third-generation cephalosporins as well as carbapenems. In April 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that antibiotic-resistant superbugs threaten to take us to the pre-penicillin era, where even the smallest infection could potentially be fatal. Resistant bacterial strains are also pervasive. In Holland, 94% of a representative sample of chicken meat at retailers was found to be contaminated with resistant E. coli isolates. In June 2011, 70 global experts, including many clinical microbiologists, met in France to issue the so-called Pensières Antibiotic Resistance Call to Action, which seeks a coordinated worldwide response to the challenge.
Globalization: the need for speed
The second factor is globalization, which has sharply accelerated the numbers of people travelling across frontiers, and sometimes carrying diseases. The number of international tourists grew from 69 million in 1960 to 278 million in 1980 and 687 million in 2000. By 2012, the number had crossed 1 billion. This trend is of specific concern for viral outbreaks of respiratory diseases such as SARS and avian flu. It also has relevance for certain bacterial conditions such as salmonella, which has witnessed the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains and is estimated to result “in more than hundred thousand deaths” a year.
New diagnostic tools in the lab, therefore, have to be fast. Traditional techniques, based on culturing the pathogenic agent, often take several days to provide results.
Diagnostic systems also need to scale up quickly, should mass screening be required. Unfortunately, this carries a price. In the case of influenza, for instance, point-of-care enzyme immunoassays (EIAs) can provide results in 15 minutes. However, they still have considerable potential for false negatives.
The promise of molecular technologies
Several emerging molecular array techniques hold the potential for clinical microbiologists to meet the twin challenges of speed and scale, and to do so with accuracy. Above all, these consist of direct nucleic acid detection techniques, high-throughput nucleic acid extraction techniques and next-generation sequencing. These, in turn, are coupled with automated platforms, which provide labs with a capability to perform on-demand testing, in increasingly shorter turnaround times. The focus of researchers now is to move beyond detecting single-analytes to multiplex targets and detect more pathogens from a single specimen.
These new techniques have been enthusiastically adopted, in particular by virologists, and have almost entirely replaced traditional viral tube culturing. Indeed, only modest improvements in culture-based systems have been made over many years, and they are simply not enough for sustainability in this century and beyond. On the other hand, molecular methods have led to discoveries never before imagined.
Direct nucleic acid detection
Direct nucleic acid detection is based on supplementing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification technology with an enzyme reverse transcriptase step (RT), in order to trace viral RNA at low levels. New molecular assays such as nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAAT), which use a series of repeated reactions to make numerous copies of the DNA or RNA, allow for greater degrees of analytical sensitivity and specificity than PCR. The latest generation of tests can detect infectious agents during their incubation period and hold forth the capability to identify any virus.
High-throughput magnetic bead extraction
High-throughput nucleic acid extraction adds more ammunition to the lab arsenal, with faster, cleaner and more consistent results. State-of-the-art extraction technologies are increasingly based on magnetic beads rather than vacuum/silica filtration, which entails longer processing times and volume limitations, and also complicates integration with automated systems. Some magnetic bead extraction systems (such as PerkinElmer’s chemagic MSM1) dramatically enhance flexibility in sample handling, expanding maximum input volume levels from 500 or 1,000 µl to 10,000 µl, while reducing minimum levels from 100 or 200 µl to 10 µl. They also increase precision by eliminating the need for pipetting, and have features such as cover plates to reduce contamination. Finally, such systems are designed to directly interface with LIMS rather than PCs, CDs or USBs. The chemagic MSM1 allows for almost 2,500 tests per 8-hour day from 200-500 in typical vacuum extraction systems. However, most magnetic bead-based systems retain lower throughputs, and base their USPs on heightened pipetting efficiency (below 2% compared to the 4-5% in vacuum technologies) as well as lower sample input requirements. On another front, certain vendors have developed systems such as the BioRobot Universal, which can be based on either vacuum or magnetic bead technology.
Next generation sequencing
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is another tool for highly multiplexed tests on infectious disease. It is a follow-on to capillary-electrophoresis (CE)-based Sanger sequencing, which has been adopted by labs around the world but has been hampered by inherent limitations in throughput, scalability, speed and resolution. The underlying principle of NGS is similar to CE, by which DNA fragments are identified by signals as they are resynthesized from a template strand. However, while CE is limited to one or a few DNA fragments, NGS uses massively parallel processes to cover millions. This allows for identification of DNA base pairs covering whole genomes.
The latest NGS systems can generate up to 300 Gb per flow cell, discover SNPs and chromosomal rearrangements, conduct transcriptome analysis, generate expression profiles, detect splice variants and quantify protein-DNA interactions.
One key application of NGS is the rapid detection of viral resistance.
Another is diagnostic. For example, the market for DNA-sequencing-based tests for Down Syndrome has recently been estimated at upwards of $6 billion.
Molecular diagnostics also has immense potential in bacteriology, by allowing for identification, antibiotic resistance tests, and the monitoring of pathogen growth. Adoption is being led in instances where their twin advantage, of speed and scale, are especially pronounced. One application of molecular diagnostic tests are in hospital-acquired infections (HAI), especially Clostridium difficile and septicemia.
A widely-cited animal study on antibiotic treatment for E. coli septic shock found an inflexion zone of 12-15 hours in terms of survival. Treatment initiated before 12 hours showed a 20% mortality rate, but this rose sharply to 85% after 15 hours. Rapid diagnostics therefore seems to be a critical factor for bloodstream infections.
Hospital acquired C. difficile has also been increasing dramatically in recent years, with molecular assays commercially available for identification and detection as well as corresponding antibiotic resistance markers.
The use of more efficient molecular diagnostics has also driven development of tests against diseases with prospectively large scales of infection.
Indeed, the first NAATs to be approved in the USA were for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis, as far back as 1993. Since then, more sophisticated NAATs for chlamydia as well as other STDs such as gonorrhoea have minimized inhibition from sample components and improved workflow.
Molecular tests look especially promising for tuberculosis mycobacterium testing, where whole-genome sequencing is believed to have equivalent cost-effectiveness as MTBDR assays, but also provides species identification and resistance determinants. In 2008, the Association of Public Health Laboratories and the US Centers for Disease Control recommended NAATs as standard practice to aid in the initial diagnosis of patients with suspected TB, and in August 2013 the FDA approved its first NAAT for rifampin-resistant strains.
NAATs: New weapon in surveillance arsenal
The final driver is surveillance. NAATs are already recommended by the WHO for drug-resistant TB. A number of health agencies, including Britain’s, are exploring the adoption of whole-genome sequencing to eventually implement it “as the preferred typing method for outbreak investigation and pathogen surveillance.” One powerful argument in favour of molecular tests here is that “in principle, detection of an outbreak could occur as early as the first secondary case.”
Cost and regulations remain barrier
However, there are some obstacles to the growth of molecular diagnostics in bacteriology. One of the biggest is cost. Molecular testing is not yet considered affordable by smaller laboratories.
A more serious problem pertains to the regulatory context of a microbiology laboratory.
The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases laments that the two specialties “have different training requirements” in different EU countries, and, worse, are not even “universally recognized as professions.” Evidently, this poses some problem for the adoption of expensive, cutting-edge lab technologies targeted at infectious diseases.
Across the Atlantic, the American College of Microbiology notes that despite “the pivotal role of clinical microbiology laboratories in our healthcare system,” they “are victims of difficult times.” In an assessment of the lab’s role in the 21st century, the College highlights difficulties “in translating promising research achievements into tangible improvements” in the fight against infectious diseases. The main reason for this, it notes, is a lack in the number of laboratories with expertise “to perform increasingly complicated laboratory tests,” especially “in the area of molecular diagnostics.” | <urn:uuid:d1ca5c21-865a-4b3d-91da-5558431c3039> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://clinlabint.com/clinical-microbiology-labs-gearing-up-for-new-challenges/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.943626 | 2,202 | 3.4375 | 3 |
Climeworks is lending one of its first CO2 collectors to the Science Museum – one of the key objects in the exhibition. Thus, visitors can see closely the technology that Climeworks is already operating in 14 facilities across Europe, with Orca being its 15th and the largest.
By being part of Our Future Planet, Climeworks wants to highlight the importance of technological solutions to remove CO2, which are needed in addition to natural removal solutions and emission reduction if the world wants to get to net-zero emissions.
While planting trees comes with added benefits such as increased biodiversity, it cannot be easily scaled due to its water and surface area requirements and competition with other land uses. Also, since trees store CO2 in their biomass while growing, it cannot always be guaranteed that the CO2 is removed permanently: wildfires or deforestation can destroy forests and release CO2 back into the atmosphere.
Direct air capture is a complementary approach to planting trees: it is highly scalable due to its small physical footprint and removing CO2 via direct air capture is permanent and fully measurable.
By being part of Our Future Planet, Climeworks wants to demonstrate that anyone can play a role in scaling solutions like direct air capture. The company strives to make our solution accessible to everyone by allowing people to join our mission and remove CO2 with their technology, which is showcased in the museum.
Climeworks is grateful for the opportunity to be part of Our Future Planet, as this creates more awareness around technological solutions to climate change.
About the exhibition:
The exhibition showcases different carbon capture solutions and runs from 19 May 2021 to 4 September 2022 in time for the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference COP26, taking place in Glasgow in November.
With its exhibition, the Science Museum creates awareness around the need to actively remove CO2 from the air in addition to reducing current emissions. Both are required to get to net-zero emissions globally.
Our Future Planet features nature-based methods to remove carbon dioxide from the air, such as trees, as well as technological solutions like direct air capture. The exhibition also highlights CO2 storage options, such as the underground mineralization of CO2 or storage beneath the seabed (something the UK and Norway are exploring for the North Sea) as well as possible uses of air-captured CO2. Additionally, systems that capture CO2 directly at the point of emission are discussed. In the final section, visitors will learn how these technologies could impact their lives, from captured carbon being used in toothpaste, yoga mats and even vodka, and inspire them with the ways carbon capture technology can help mitigate climate change. | <urn:uuid:e60b90cb-54b0-4dc3-b5bc-e9d9de580858> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://connectedenergysolutions.co.uk/science-museums-exhibition-supporting-co2-reduction-gains-new-supporter/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.95828 | 530 | 3.28125 | 3 |
The allergic reaction depends on an individual’s level of sensitivity to latex, as well as the degree of contact. The reaction can worsen each time someone encounters latex, so a mild first reaction could be followed by moderate or even severe symptoms next time. Symptoms typically manifest after touching products containing latex but can also develop after inhalation of latex particles in the air.
On the mild end of the spectrum, latex allergy symptoms include itching, hives (urticaria), or skin redness.
Patients with more severe latex allergies may experience some of the following:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction to latex, is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical care. It rarely occurs upon first exposure to latex. Signs of anaphylaxis are:
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Dizziness and fainting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hives or swelling
- Rapid heartbeat
While latex allergy symptoms are systemic and can become dangerous, allergic contact dermatitis is a less serious (yet aggravating) reaction that causes a poison ivy-like rash on the hands one to three days after wearing latex gloves.
Researchers have not pinpointed precisely why latex allergies occur. They do understand that the more often someone is exposed to latex, the worse the allergic response is likely to be (a process called sensitization). This explains why latex allergies occur at a higher rate in healthcare workers and other fields in which latex products are prevalent.
- While no exhaustive list exists, the following are some of the everyday items that may include latex:
- Rubber bands
- Shoe soles
- Pacifiers and bottle nipples
- Medical supplies such as bandages, catheters, and stethoscopes
Surprisingly, a person with a latex allergy has a greater chance of also being allergic to some foods, including banana, avocado, kiwi, chestnut, apple, melon, carrot, papaya, tomato, celery, and potato (among others with suspected cross-reactivity).
Diagnosis & Treatment Options
The specialists at Corpus Christi Allergy Associates will help you navigate the road toward a possible latex allergy diagnosis. A detailed discussion of latex exposure, symptom history, and other allergies start the process. Testing options include a blood test and a patch test.
A latex allergy cannot be cured, and no treatment can help desensitize those who receive a latex allergy diagnosis. We will educate you on how to avoid both obvious and hidden sources of latex in your environment.
Latex Allergy Facts
Latex allergy is a serious concern for employers and workers in the health-care industry and in sectors like law enforcement, fire fighting, food preparation, and hair care.
Synthetic rubber products, including “latex” house paints, are not made with natural latex and do not trigger allergic reactions in people who are allergic to products made with natural rubber latex.
Up to 68% of children with spina bifida have a latex allergy (due to frequent surgeries). | <urn:uuid:9fcfc515-dc9a-4eff-9ef8-1c4ccf92be9a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://corpuschristiallergy.com/allergies/latex-allergy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.926462 | 651 | 2.890625 | 3 |
The United States could eliminate HIV transmissions within its borders by 2030 – but only if proposed health budget cuts are abandoned and efforts ramped up to tackle “the significant racial, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities that continue to define the HIV epidemic”.
That’s the message contained in a Viewpoint article published in the influential journal JAMA, written by Ingrid Katz and Ashish Jha, both from the Harvard Global Health Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The article was written in response to an announcement contained in Donald Trump’s State of the Union Address on February 5 this year. The President said it was a goal of his administration to end the HIV epidemic in the US within 10 years. The announcement is outlined in an editorial in the same issue of JAMA.
Katz and Jha say that the ambitious goal is achievable, but only if the government urgently tackles several major issues that are currently driving transmission of the virus.
One of these is access to a therapy known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The approach has been demonstrated to be highly effective in driving down transmission rates, but brings its own set of problems. Currently, it needs to be taken daily, rather than monthly or annually, and in US it can be prohibitively expensive, even for people with health insurance.
PrEP is available only through prescription, and some doctors require patients to undergo a number of clinical tests before approving the medication – which discourages vulnerable people from coming forward. Katz and Jha strongly recommend a policy change, so that the medication becomes available at low cost over the counter.
“Beyond prevention,” they write, “an effective national strategy will need to ensure that those living with HIV maintain long-term viral suppression.”
Evidence suggests that people who achieve 100% viral suppression do not infect others, yet only about 50% of HIV positive people in the US reach this state.
The authors say that 85% of HIV positive people receive a diagnosis (leaving 15% undetected), but only 60% of those achieve complete viral suppression.
The picture becomes significantly worse when ethnicity is factored in, revealing deeply unequal access to healthcare.
“African Americans, who make up 13% of the US population, accounted for 43% of new HIV diagnoses in 2017,” they write.
“Latinos, who make up 18% of the US population, accounted for 26% of new HIV diagnoses in 2017.”
There is also a clear relationship, they add, between housing instability and viral suppression. Plans by the Trump administration to further weaken social protections around housing and healthcare will “lead to more difficulty accessing care and make achieving zero new cases nearly impossible”.
Jha and Katz urge Mr Trump to the look to the legacy of another Republican leader – George W. Bush – whose “President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) … saved more than 16 million lives worldwide by providing treatment for individuals living in Africa”.
In order to meet the stated goal of eliminating HIV transmission in the US by 2030, they conclude, funding needs to be reorganised, healthcare cuts need to be abandoned, and the vacant position of director of the Office of National AIDS Policy needs to be filled. | <urn:uuid:d8c28862-0d22-4afa-ab7d-7841507809cc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/major-changes-needed-to-meet-trumps-hiv-pledge/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.953823 | 676 | 2.96875 | 3 |
Consumption is the final, not the efficient, cause of production. The efficient cause is savings, which can be said to represent the opposite of consumption: they represent unconsumed goods. Consumption is the end of production, and a dead end, as far as the productive process is concerned. The worker who produces so little that he consumes everything he earns, carries his own weight economically, but contributes nothing to future production. The worker who has a modest savings account, and the millionaire who invests a fortune (and all the men in between), are those who finance the future. The man who consumes without producing is a parasite, whether he is a welfare recipient or a rich playboy.
Trained in college to believe that to look beyond the immediate moment — to look for causes or to foresee consequences — is impossible, modern men have developed context-dropping as their normal method of cognition. Observing a bad, small-town shopkeeper, the kind who is doomed to fail, they believe — as he does — that lack of customers is his only problem; and that the question of the goods he sells, or where these goods come from, has nothing to do with it. The goods, they believe, are here and will always be here. Therefore, they conclude, the consumer — not the producer — is the motor of an economy. Let us extend credit, i.e., our savings, to the consumers — they advise — in order to expand the market for our goods.
But, in fact, consumers qua consumers are not part of anyone’s market; qua consumers, they are irrelevant to economics. Nature does not grant anyone an innate title of “consumer”; it is a title that has to be earned — by production. Only producers constitute a market — only men who trade products or services for products or services. In the role of producers, they represent a market’s “supply”; in the role of consumers, they represent a market’s “demand.” The law of supply and demand has an implicit subclause: that it involves the same people in both capacities.
When this subclause is forgotten, ignored or evaded — you get the economic situation of today. | <urn:uuid:1d283952-686d-4255-ba7c-9c7a8d11fe66> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://courses.aynrand.org/lexicon/consumption/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.968472 | 459 | 2.671875 | 3 |
The Unknown Damage of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a silent killer of eyesight. It’s estimated that over two million Americans have glaucoma, yet half of them have no idea the condition is slowing damaging their eyesight. That’s because in its early stages glaucoma presents few if any symptoms. By the time the person notices issues, irreversible vision loss has already occurred.
At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we can spot the early signs of glaucoma and successfully treat the condition before it causes permanent damage.
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that damage the eye’s optic nerve. This usually happens when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. This fluid, which normally exits the eye in a continuing stream, builds pressure increases within the eye. Eventually this pressure damages the optic nerve.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. for all ages, following only macular degeneration. Glaucoma can occur at any age, but it is much more prevalent in older adults.
If left untreated, glaucoma will eventually cause blindness. Even with treatment, about 15 percent of people with glaucoma become blind in at least one eye within 20 years.
Two main forms of glaucoma
There are different types of glaucoma, but two forms are the most common: open-angle glaucoma and acute angle-closure glaucoma. Here are the symptoms of each:
Primary open-angle glaucoma symptoms:
- Patchy blind spots in your peripheral or central vision, frequently in both eyes
- Tunnel vision with advanced glaucoma
Acute angle-closure glaucoma symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye redness
Glaucoma starts causing permanent vision loss before you know it. But when we perform your routine eye exams at Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we can spot glaucoma early on. You know that puff of air test? That’s one of our glaucoma tests. When glaucoma is found early on it can be managed, first with eyedrops, and then surgery if necessary to open up drainage in the eye.
But you need to have your eyes examined by the team at Central Valley Eye Medical for us to spot developing glaucoma. Call us at (800) 244-9907 to set up your exam.
Posted in: Glaucoma | <urn:uuid:5599eabb-19d6-4c54-abf9-52d96965eacd> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cvemg.com/the-unknown-damage-of-glaucoma/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.90792 | 556 | 3.03125 | 3 |
College life is closely related to field practice in accordance with the scientific field that is being pursued. Practicum is intended as a means of deepening the material so that students can better understand the practice in real life every day. Here are some field activities of students based on scientific clusters:
1. Faculty of Agriculture
Students of Faculty of Agriculture doing a field practice in several farm, whether its around campus or outside the campus, some of them are Sabisa Farm, experimental field Cikarawang and Cikabayan, Sawah Baru, and Pasir Sarongge Farm. Beside that, students also doing several visits to hydroponic agriculture company and other agribusiness companies.
2. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Beside from doing a practice class in Animal Hospital owned by the faculty, students of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine also doing a field practice to several places like zoos, animal slaughter house, and stable in livestock businesses. Student of Veterinary also routine to be a health examiner of sacrificial animals on Ied Adha in several locations.
3. Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science
Known as blue faculty, students of this faculty are very encouraged to be able to swim because most of the field practices done in the ocean, river, lake, and beach. Besides that, students of Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science also doing a practice class in the experimental ponds.
4. Faculty of Animal Science
Students of this brown flagged faculty doing a practice classes in the livestock stable (chicken, sheep, cow, horse, and rabbit) whether in the campus or outside, practice in animal slaughtering house, and field trip to livestock companies, feed companies, and up to livestock products processing companies.
5. Faculty of Forestry
Students of Faculty of Forestry beside from doing a practice classes in Forestry Arboretum, also doing other field practices that done in Educational Forest Walat Mountain. Beside that, students of Faculty of Forestry also routine to do an expedition and other field practices in various forest locations in Indonesia.
6. Faculty of Agricultural Engineering
Students of Faculty of Agricultural Engineering beside from spent most of their practice classes time inside various experimental laboratory, also study about various technology with a field trip to industries. Students of Faculty of Agricultural Engineering also have an obligation to do an internship in the related industries. In agriculture machineries field, students of agricultural engineering doing machine assembly activities in Leuwikopo workshop, Dramaga.
7. Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA)
Aside from spent most of their time in the laboratories, FMIPA students in certain study program like statistics, mathematics, computer science, and actuarial got a learning program in the fields like commercial companies or government agencies.
8. Faculty of Economic and Management (FEM)
Faculty of Economic and Management in the practice use their time more on doing a study related to economic and business policies. Many of FEM students doing an internship program in national or multinational companies, also government agencies that related to management, economic policies and finance.
9. Faculty of Human Ecology
Faculty of Human Ecology have departments with different scientific focuses, but all three of them generally doing a practice in the society. Students of Nutrition Science doing a field practice in the hospitals. Students of Family and Consumer Science doing their field practices in the Character Education IFSA Labschool, and students of Communication and Community Development doing their field practice directly in the village society.
10. Vocational School
Vocational School focused more on the practices, so that the alumnae ready to work right after college. Students of Vocational School doing their field practices in a various company that related with science of each study program.
11. Business School
Students of Business School beside from got a special opportunity to business mentoring with CEO from famous companies, they also trained to go into businesses directly on the field. | <urn:uuid:a09714ab-001d-4f5a-8a79-c5b33a443d01> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://dev.ipb.ac.id/page/campus-life/fieldstudy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.951983 | 795 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Time and place visualisation
Images Time and Place Visulisation
The data is available on the NLW data pages:
The dataset contains all of the metadata for images which are part of the John Thomas, Tirlun Cymru (Welsh Landscapes) and PB Abery collections. The metadata has been converted from the source MARC format to EDM (Europeana Data Model). This set of data contains information relating the pictures to dates and places and this challenge is to create a visulisation which shows these images using either a timeline or on a map.
The John Thomas collection
The John Thomas Photographic Collection consists of over 4,000 negatives taken by the photographer in north, mid and west Wales during the period ca.1863-ca. 1899. The subjects include portraits of both notable men and women in Welsh public life during the period, as well as portraits of ordinary people taken in the places he visited as a photographer. In addition to portraits he took photographs of landscapes and cityscapes in Wales and especially of locations significant in Welsh history. All these are represented in this rich collection.
John Thomas was a labourer's son from Cellan, Ceredigion. In 1853 he moved to Liverpool to work in a draper's shop. Over a period of ten years the work had a detrimental effect on his health and he was forced to find employment in the open air. Therefore, at the beginning of the 1860s, he became a traveller for a firm dealing in writing materials and photographs of famous people. At that time publishing and selling small photographs of celebrities (carte-de-visite photographs) was a very lucrative business. When he realised how few of the photographs he had to sell were of Welsh celebrities he undertook to change things himself. He learnt the rudiments of photography and in 1863 he began taking photographs of the famous by inviting a number of well-known preachers to sit for their portraits. The enterprise was a success and by 1867 he was confident enough to establish his own photographic business, The Cambrian Gallery. He worked as a photographer for about forty years, and during that time he travelled widely in north, mid and south Wales taking photographs of landscapes as well as people. When he retired from business a collection of over three thousand of his negatives was bought by Sir O M Edwards to illustrate the magazine Cymru. John Thomas had worked with OM for many years by supplying him with illustrations and articles for the magazine. OM paid the following tribute to him for help in illustrating the magazine, "... you can well understand my joy in receiving an offer of help from Mr John Thomas, in his own modest style. I knew that no-one has such a complete collection of views of Welsh historic sites. Whenever he visits a particular area, he adds to his collection the picturesque, famous or unusual that he finds there. His rich gallery has been made available to me to use with the warmest of welcomes... It is good to know that the Cambrian Gallery contains a collection of views from nearly every part of Wales, and of the characters who lived in those parts in recent years." (Translated from Welsh, Cymru 17 (1899), p.134). John Thomas died in October 1905.
Tirlun Cymru Collection
The Topographical and Landscape Prints at the National Library of Wales reflect the Library's interest in Welsh subject matter. Typical examples include a view of towns, castles, ecclesiastical buildings, manor houses, monuments, or innovative constructions like the bridge over the Menai Straits or at Pontypridd. The majority of the prints can be dated between 1750 and 1850. This period was significant for several reasons; firstly, it was during this time that many artists visited Wales and became increasingly interested in Welsh topography; secondly, because the production of printed material increased significantly during the period.
The collection of prints know as Tirlun Cymru = Welsh Landscape has been formed from the aquistions of the National Library of Wales since its establishment in 1907. The collection was previously in the custody of the Dept. of Pictures and Maps and now is part of the Dept. of Collection Services.
PB Abery Collection
Contains landscape, townscapes, churches, town and country scenes in the counties of Montgomery, Radnor and Brecknock and in the bordering counties of England. Also includes photographs of the Elan Valley dams and reservoirs. Title supplied by cataloguer.
P.B. Abery came to Builth Wells in 1898 from Folkestone in Kent, and became a noted and popular local photographer. He owned a photography studio in the town and was the official photographer for the Birmingham Water Works at the Elan Valley. He was also a regular contributor to the national daily newspapers, and the sporting and agricultural weeklies.
The dataset contains metadata in EDM format and there is a 1 to 1 match between xml file and image. An example record for the image:
<rdf:RDF xmlns:rdf="http://www.w3.org/1999/02/22-rdf-syntax-ns#" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:dcterms="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" xmlns:ore="http://www.openarchives.org/ore/terms/" xmlns:doap="http://usefulinc.com/ns/doap#" xmlns:edm="http://www.europeana.eu/schemas/edm/" xmlns:svcs="http://rdfs.org/sioc/services#"> <edm:ProvidedCHO rdf:about="http://hdl.handle.net/10107/1123400"> <dc:title xml:lang="en">[The interior of the church, Manafon]</dc:title> <dc:title xml:lang="cy-GB">Y tu fewn i'r eglwys, Manafon Y tu fewn i'r eglwys, Manafon</dc:title> <dc:creator xml:lang="en">Thomas, John 1838-1905</dc:creator> <dcterms:spatial xml:lang="en">Manafon</dcterms:spatial> <dcterms:created xml:lang="en">[ca. 1885]</dcterms:created> <dc:description xml:lang="en">Shows church interior with pulpit and stained-glass window.</dc:description> <edm:type>IMAGE</edm:type> </edm:ProvidedCHO> <edm:WebResource rdf:about="http://dams.llgc.org.uk/iiif/2.0/image/1123400/full/512,/0/default.jpg"> <svcs:has_service> <svcs:Service rdf:about="http://dams.llgc.org.uk/iiif/2.0/image/1123400"> <dcterms:conformsTo rdf:resource="http://iiif.io/api/image/2/level1.json"></dcterms:conformsTo> <doap:implements rdf:resource="http://iiif.io/api/image"></doap:implements> </svcs:Service> </svcs:has_service> <dcterms:isReferencedBy rdf:resource="http://dams.llgc.org.uk/iiif/2.0/1123400/manifest.json"></dcterms:isReferencedBy> </edm:WebResource> <ore:Aggregation rdf:about="http://hdl.handle.net/10107/1123400#id"> <edm:aggregatedCHO rdf:resource="http://hdl.handle.net/10107/1123400"></edm:aggregatedCHO> <edm:dataProvider>National Library of Wales</edm:dataProvider> <edm:isShownAt rdf:resource="http://hdl.handle.net/10107/1123400"></edm:isShownAt> <edm:isShownBy rdf:resource="http://dams.llgc.org.uk/iiif/2.0/image/1123400/full/512,/0/default.jpg"></edm:isShownBy> <edm:object rdf:resource="http://dams.llgc.org.uk/iiif/2.0/image/1123400/full/512,/0/default.jpg"></edm:object> <edm:provider>National Library of Wales</edm:provider> <edm:rights rdf:resource="http://creativecommons.org/licences/by-nc-nd/2.0/uk/"></edm:rights> </ore:Aggregation> </rdf:RDF>
The record above is split into three sections:
- ProvidedCHO - this is where the metadata about the image is held
* dc:title is the a short description of the image. This can be translated as can be seen above * dcterms:created this is the date that the photograph was taken * dcterms:spatial this is the location the photograph depicts
- WebResource - this contains links to the image
* svcs:Service/@rdf:about this is a IIIF base identifier to the image * dcterms:isReferencedBy this is the IIIF manifest that contains this image
- Aggregation - this links the two previous sections together
More information on the IIIF links can be found at http://iiif.io. This is a standard that provides an API which allows the request of different sized images. The Manifest allows these images to be displayed in a viewer.
Note on Places: as mentioned above dcterms:spatial contains the place in text form. To convert this to a geo-reference that can be plotted on a map the string needs to be resolved with an external service. Ideally the external service provides Linked Open Data that can be connected to the record above. One example service that provides this is http://www.geonames.org/ and its API http://www.geonames.org/export/geonames-search.html.
Note on Dates: As can be seen in this example the dates aren't easily converted to standardised dates. This example contains '[ca. 1885]' which means:
- ca stands for Circa or approximately and indicates the cataloguer was unsure of the exact date of the image but it was taken around 1885
- The brackets indicate the cataloguer implied (worked it out) the date rather than had concrete information to work from.
--GlenRobson 10:18, 24 January 2017 (GMT) | <urn:uuid:3c38a8e2-ec24-47e5-8941-f9768dedc505> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://dev.llgc.org.uk/dev.llgc.org.uk/wiki/indexeab2.html?title=Time_and_place_visualisation | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.913913 | 2,341 | 2.8125 | 3 |
All About Flouride
Fluoride therapy is the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically, which is designed to prevent tooth decay which results in cavities. Most commonly, fluoride is applied topically to the teeth using gels, varnishes, toothpaste/dentifrices or mouth rinse. Systemic delivery involves fluoride supplementation using tablets or drops which are swallowed. This type of delivery is rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.
Benefits of Fluoride
Fluoride use in the modern dental field is generally agreed upon as being useful. Fluoride combats the formation of tooth decay primarily in three ways:
- Fluoride promotes the remineralization of teeth. Fluoride found in saliva will absorb into the surface of a tooth where demineralization has occurred. The presence of this fluoride in turn attracts other minerals (such as calcium), thus resulting in the formation of new tooth mineral.
- Fluoride can make a tooth more resistant to the formation of tooth decay. The new tooth mineral that is created by the remineralization process in the presence of fluoride is actually a “harder” mineral compound than enamel, the tooth’s original protection.
- Fluoride can inhibit oral bacteria’s ability to create acids by decreasing the rate at which the bacteria that live in dental plaque can produce acid. By disrupting bacteria’s ability to metabolize sugars, less acidic waste will be produced to participate in the demineralization process.
Where Can You Get Fluoride?
Fluoride is available in several formats, including at home therapies and professionally applied topical fluorides. At home therapies can be further divided into over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription strengths. Whether OTC or prescription, fluoride therapies are generally categorized by application: dentifrices, mouth rinses, gels/ foams, varnishes, dietary fluoridate supplements, and water fluoridation. Some fluoride is naturally present in many water sources, though generally thought not to be enough for any real benefit without supplementation. The most common forms of fluoride available to patients today are:
Dentifrices – Toothpaste containing fluoride is an effective way to expose teeth to the benefits of fluoride. Use of toothpastes containing fluoride have shown to be effective at reducing dental decay in patients of all ages, though close supervision is recommended for children who may accidentally swallow toothpaste while brushing. Prescription strength fluoride toothpaste contains a higher level of sodium fluoride to increase exposure when needed, this prescription dental cream is used once daily in place of regular toothpaste.
Mouth rinses – The most common fluoride compound used in mouth rinse is sodium fluoride. Over-the-counter solutions for daily rinsing are available and considered safe for everyday use. Again, adult supervision for children is recommended. The fluoride concentration in these mouth rinses, however, is not strong enough for people at high risk for decay, prescription mouth rinses are considered more effective for these patients.
Gels/foams – Gels and foams containing fluoride are most often used for patients who are at high risk for dental decay, orthodontic patients, patients undergoing head and neck radiation, patients with decreased salivary flow, and children whose permanent molars should, but cannot, be sealed. The gel or foam is applied through the use of a mouth tray which contains the product. The tray is placed in the mouth and held in place by the patient gently biting down. Application generally takes about four minutes, and patients are advised not to rinse, eat, smoke, or drink for at least 30 minutes after application to maximize effect. Some gels are available for home application and are used in a manner similar to toothpaste. Of course, the concentration of fluoride in these gels is much lower than professional products.
Varnish – Fluoride varnish has practical advantages over gels in ease of application, a non-offensive taste, and the benefit of smaller amounts of fluoride required than for gel applications. Varnish is intended for the same group of patients as the gels and foams and is applied with a brush, it sets within seconds.
Fluoride is important for everyone, but most importantly for children whose teeth are developing. As teeth are developing within their jaw bones, enamel is being laid down. Fluorapatite is a hard mineral that is formed when teeth are exposed to fluoride, making tooth enamel more resistant to acidity and decay. Studies have shown that the systemic ingestion of fluoride, as opposed to topical application alone, results in a greater component of fluorapatite in the mineral structure of the tooth’s enamel and, ultimately, stronger and healthier teeth!
Contact Devon Dental Centre to book a consultation for your dental treatment. We always offer the best option for your oral care, | <urn:uuid:763cff6c-2a57-40dc-9515-e6f262f8c3c6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://devondentalcentre.ca/all-about-flouride/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.933933 | 1,014 | 3.171875 | 3 |
.org is the domain for non-profit organisations and open source projects. It is a domain that stands for reliability,
for idealism, engagement and democracy. An .org extension communicates the message that a website is not made mostly
for the benefits of the webhost, but for the user.
So if you want to make a website that you want to come across as reliable and engaged, then .org is a good choice.
.org was one of the six original extensions that were launched together in 1985.
Apart from .org those were .com, .edu, .mil, .net, .com and .arpa. The idea was that each extension would serve a
different target: .edu was meant for educational purposes and .gov for websites of governments.
.org was the domain extensions for all the websites that did not fit in all the other categories.
In actual practice it became the domain for non-profit organisations and other not-commercial enterprises.
Despite this conscious choice for a target, registering a .org domain has never been restricted.
Everyone who wants to register a .org domain, can do so. Because of this, there are also some commercial corporations that
have a .org domain. This kind of use of the extension may be controversial, but it is not actively opposed to by the register.
For a while, .org was also promoted as a domain for private websites and for informative websites,
but for those purposes .name and .info were later introduced.
Because of its non-commercial image, .org is popular with charity organisations and website that are related to the
open source movement, where visitors and users can contribute themselves to the product or website that they're using.
Examples of this are the website of the open source office software package http://www.openoffice.org and the online
In 2009 it was announced that .org is the first generic top-level-domain that will start using DNSSEC,
an initiative to fix the vulnerability for hackers of the normal DNS-zone.
This only underlines the safe image of .org and makes it even more interesting.
Another good argument to start considering ordering your own .org domain. | <urn:uuid:d646b597-d9d6-43ca-b432-bd348c04747b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://domat.at/top-tlds.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.950841 | 454 | 2.640625 | 3 |
Thick and sticky liquid. Pinus Sibirica resin.
Russian common name for cedar resin "Zhivitsa" derived from "Zhiva" which means "Life" or "Life Power". It is called so for reason - it is one of the best remedies for wound healing.
What is resin made up of? Volatile substances make up 30–35%: resinous spirits and their ethers (turpentine and its derivatives), and oxygen compounds. There is a wide spectrum of fatty and resin acids (including succinic acid), plant matter, vitamins C and D, and also substances of an obscure nature, known under the name of rubbers. Wood resins included in the composition of resin are substances that are hard and amorphous — that is, they do not have a crystalline structure. They do not dissolve in water, but yield to organic solvents, such as alcohol, and fatty and essential oils.
Please read the article about cedar resin properties and applications: http://ecominded.net/articles/cedar-resin-nature-s-miracle.html | <urn:uuid:c50f54d7-a7e0-44ec-9eec-6bbb7c018509> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://ecominded.net/cedar-resin-100-100-ml | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.935721 | 234 | 2.9375 | 3 |
In classical cinema,tragedies end in death and comedies end with marriage. Whereas in real life many marriages tend to lose humor as well as romance and end up more like tragic comedies.
In Turkey the divorce rate is approximately 20% (DIE). A majority of these divorces take place during the first five years of marriage. On the other hand we have no access to the number of “UNSATISFYING” marriages that continue due to reasons of economic or personal insecurity.
Every stage of relationships has its own challenge. Each challenge brings its own pain as well as pleasure. The ability to define the boundaries of a relationship, maintain a sense of self and share intimacy all at the same time requires a variety of relationship skills. Couples who develop these skills will have an easier time committing to each other.
Couple therapy focuses on building up the couple by working with their strengths. Research shows us that good communication skills are one of the best predictors of a happy relationship. Couples that are able to share their problems in a clear way will have an easier time attaining balance and deriving pleasure from the relationship.
Most relationships don’t suffer from the number of problems the couple faces or differing values but from the way they approach the issues they face. Communication skills are learnable and can be taught.
Throughout therapy individuals and couples learn to define their destructive communication patterns. They learn to overcome the obstacle they meet with the skills they acquire in therapy. Awareness when coupled with new skills is an effective way to prepare for future challenges. | <urn:uuid:2bd0e2e7-1da9-4bcd-9f18-993fbccedbec> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://edaarduman.com/en/couple-therapy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.955553 | 321 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Micki Chi receives distinguished recognition from the APA
The pandemic prompted many schools and organizations to expand learning experiences beyond in-person environments to online and hybrid modalities. In response, researchers and instructors are seeking applicable methodologies that can encourage deeper, more interactive learning experiences across a wider range of learning platforms.
One source of consistent reference is the Interactive, Constructive, Active and Passive, or ICAP framework, which was developed by Micki Chi, Regents Professor and Dorothy Bray Endowed Professor of Science and Teaching at Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. Chi was recently designated the 2023 American Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Award for the Applications of Psychology.
Chi will be formally recognized for her wide range of work, which includes the ICAP framework, at a ceremony later this year. Created before the pandemic, ICAP was developed to help educators and personnel of learning-focused organizations identify opportunities for active and authentic learning. Its application has ongoing relevance in light of the evolving world of technology and education.
“Educators and researchers continue to seek ways to deepen student understanding through authentic learning approaches that encourage students to more actively engage with information across a range of learning environments,” says Chi. “The ICAP framework provides a lens through which we can further explore how teaching methodologies can support accessible and effective learning environments through these expanding range of platforms and technologies.”
Chi, who was trained as a cognitive psychologist, has been widely recognized for her research into the challenges of student learning, such as why students lack deep understanding. She was inducted into the National Academy of Education and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She regularly presents on student engagement and learning, including the ICAP model’s application, to faculty around the world. Watch a recent video presentation.
ICAP identifies four modes of learning, which can be applied to a variety of education or learning situations: passive, active, constructive and interactive. Passive and active modes of learning may be sufficient for certain kinds of learning objectives that prioritize memorization and general understanding. Constructive and interactive modes are more likely to lead to student engagement and deeper learning.
In constructive learning, learners generate behaviors that go beyond active, rote activities. This might include recapping a lesson or lecture in one’s own words or through a concept map. Interactive learning might include debating with another student, or jointly drawing a concept map.
Originally used to address questions in physical classrooms, the categories can also be applied to the online space, particularly in relation to synchronous learning online in which students learn remotely but at the same time through live lectures and a simulated classroom experience. Below are a few of Chi’s recommendations to encourage deeper learning.
Be aware of how instructions can shape the learning experience.
The instructions that educators and instructors use to outline assignments can either encourage or discourage more active learning. Adapting language and assignments, for both in person and online learning, can result in deeper learning.
- Avoid assignment language that incorporates passive actions. Some assignments encourage students to recap what they learn, rather than build on what they are learning. Assignments that incorporate instructions such as “click,” “describe” and “match” may serve certain learning objectives, though may be limited in achieving deeper learning acquisition.
- Use constructive and interactive verbs more frequently. Develop assignments that encourage students to explain and explore the “why” behind their responses, which has been shown to deepen learning. Constructive verbs may include: “suggest,” “draw,” and “justify.” Interactive verbs and instructions, such as “debate” and “expand on,” can encourage more analytical thinking and deeper learning through collaborative exercises.
Incorporate discussion breaks into lectures.
When lecturing make sure to incorporate short learning “breaks” for students to reflect, discuss or write their reactions to concepts. One constructive approach is to highlight a lecture concept that deliberately includes an error, and then ask students on their own to identify the error. An active and interactive approach could include posing a question, have students respond using a clicker, and then deepen the learning by having the class break into small group discussions to discuss or debate their responses.
These approaches also can be adapted to online learning environments through breakout rooms or mini assignments submitted at the end of the class.
Encourage collaborative learning opportunities.
Deeper learning can be enhanced through collaborative experiences that reinforce learning through co-constructive interactions, such as solving a problem together or comparing viewpoints. This appears to be the case regardless of whether one person brings greater informational insight than the other, or if the collaborators are knowledge peers. “Even when you have the same knowledge basis, each individual brings a different set of experiences and backgrounds and so each can make inferences and generate something that the other person didn’t think of on their own,” says Chi. “This ability to make inferences and connections through interactions is uniquely human and it is what makes such collaborative learning exercises so powerful.” | <urn:uuid:8fd1d0c4-2627-4341-870b-7cef7ec4565f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://education.asu.edu/about/news/micki-chi-receives-distinguished-recognition-apa | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.949846 | 1,056 | 2.671875 | 3 |
On the agree side, I still stand by my point. Cellphones should be banned in the classroom. Besides the few reasons that have been elaborated on during the debate, as Breanna (2019) mentioned, she has noticed in her own classroom that students have become increasingly dependent on their phones, and students are dealing with nomophobia, the fear of not being able to use one’s phone or the many apps that these devices now offer. This phenomenon leads to other issues including the inability to focus, stress and anxiety, and the inappropriate use of cellular devices.
Nomophobia & FOMO
How many of you are attempted to check your phone, like text, social media notification, etc., during your work or study? How many of you are felt empty or missing something when your phone is not around? How many of you are felt fear of missing out (FOMO) important notifications? I certainly do. I start questions myself: are they really important?
Similar to students, they need to mature enough to control the urge to compulsively check their phones (Smale et al., 2021). As the whole new generation was born into the digital world while growing up, technology is natural for them. Their brain is constantly seeking information. To ban cell phones in the classroom, we will reduce the seven or eight hours that students will have on their phones and let them focus on what they need to focus on. There is no doubt that the notorious dependence of children on their mobile devices is a problem, that why the strict rule of banning cell phones need to be implemented in classrooms.
Cyberbullying & “Sexting”
During the debate, we have not had too much time to elaborate on cyberbullying and sexting. They are also part of the reasons why cell phones need to be banned in the classroom. In the context of cyberbullying, the cell phone is a “potentially offensive weapon. More recent studies reported that children who owned cell phones in Grades 3 to 5 were more likely to be both victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying compared to those who did not own cell phones. Cell phones in classrooms could contribute to increases in written and verbal threats due to these devices’ inconspicuous nature, especially when cyberbullying is compared to more traditional, overt forms of bullying (Smale et al., 2021). Banning cell phones is one of the methods that could help reduce cyberbullying and stop it at the school gate.
Related to cell phones, there is an ever-growing prominence of students’ use of cell phones to engage in “sexting.” “Sexting” is defined as the “self-production and distribution by cell phone of sexually explicit images in the course of
consensual, voluntary activity.” 48% of the youth had received sexually suggestive text messages, 31% had received nude or semi-nude photographs or videos, 38% had sent or posted sexually suggestive text messages, and 20% had sent or posted semi-nude photographs or videos (Smale et al., 2021). Banning cell phones can stop students photographing and then texting images of their peers without their permission.
I mentioned surveillance capitalism in the opening debate statement video. The ban on phones in school will effectively limit the data collected on children by not allowing them to use their personal devices during school hours (Selwyn & Aagaard, 2021). Surveillance capitalism refers to the collection and appropriation of device users’ personal data by third parties such as advertisers, data brokers and other beneficiaries of the so-called “data economy” (Holloway, 2019). Phone bans will significantly disrupt students’ exploitation by commercial data brokers, stop relentless tracking of and marketing to children, and avoid excessive commercial incursions into classrooms.
I can see the benefits of allowing cell phones in classrooms from the disagreed side, such as increasing accessibility, improving the connection between teachers and students, students and students, and students and parents, engaging in learning, interacting with students etc. There are many successful examples of integrating cell phones in the classroom. For example, Kunnath and Jackson (2019) research about incorporating Twitter into the class to implement critical literacy. Students and teachers utilized their cell phones inside and outside of the classroom to access Twitter for purposes of research, communication, and interaction.
To not ban cell phone in the classroom, teachers need to change their mindset and design curriculum to incorporate these devices in class, update school policies and classroom expectations to reduce distractions, provide guidance and supports towards cyberbullying and sexting, and find ways to use phones as academic tools. | <urn:uuid:731710cb-d795-4934-9b12-d4bc5d327bff> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://edusites.uregina.ca/echoliulu/2022/06/10/debate-6-reflection-should-cellphones-be-banned-in-the-classroom/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100710.22/warc/CC-MAIN-20231208013411-20231208043411-00099.warc.gz | en | 0.963845 | 950 | 2.828125 | 3 |
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