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Douglass cultivates an ethos as a believable witness to slavery by drawing attention to himself as a frequent observer of cruelty. One instance occurs in Chapter 2, when he describes Mr. Severe:
Mr. Severe was rightly named: he was a cruel man. I have seen him whip a woman, causing the blood to run half an hour at the time; and this, too, in the midst of her crying children, pleading for their mother’s release.
Here, Douglass is careful to emphasize not just the fact of Mr. Severe's cruelty, but also the fact that he has seen him being cruel. Douglass also emphasized his status as an eyewitness in the previous chapter, in which he described what happened to Aunt Hester. From his hiding place in a closet, he actually saw the terrible beating she endured. His emotional account of what happened was not an exaggerated attempt to imagine on the page what brutal abuse might be like. Instead, it was a straightforward testimony of a true experience.
Douglass needed to convince readers that he was an authority on the subject of enslavement in the South. Indeed, Douglass wrote his narrative in part to convince Northerners that he truly had a personal history as an enslaved person to back up the claims he had been making about the need for abolition. Much of what went on on plantations was a secret before Douglass wrote about it because enslavers carefully kept information from getting out. Vigorous censorship was par-for-the-course in the antebellum South, and enslavers who controlled the vast majority of the wealth were careful not to allow very many schools to pop up. The literacy rate even among white people in the antebellum South was far lower than it was in the North. The slow spread of information in written form helped enslavers hide their shameful behavior and cultivate their reputations in the North as respectable neighbors. Without written evidence, they could claim that their detractors were slandering them. Douglass thus needed to work against an entire social infrastructure that was set up to encourage white Northerners to trust Southern enslavers and distrust anyone who spoke too badly of them. By not only describing his own direct experiences with violence, but also describing what it is like to watch others experience violence, Douglass becomes the Northern reader's eyes on the plantation. He is clear that he is not reporting hearsay, nor is he focusing exclusively on the ways he has been hurt. Rather, he is reporting direct observations of a brutal social system. Douglass thus convinced readers to trust him as an eyewitness to a world they had never seen.
In Chapter 10, Douglass fights Mr. Covey for a grueling two hours, and he wins. In his reflection on the fight, Douglass uses ethos to win patriotic white readers over to his side:
This battle with Mr. Covey was the turning-point in my career as a slave. [...] It was a glorious resurrection, from the tomb of slavery, to the heaven of freedom. My long-crushed spirit rose, cowardice departed, bold defiance took its place; and I now resolved that, however long I might remain a slave in form, the day had passed forever when I could be a slave in fact. I did not hesitate to let it be known of me, that the white man who expected to succeed in whipping, must also succeed in killing me.
Douglass is emphasizing that whatever his legal classification or "form" is (human vs. property), his spirit will not be crushed. "In fact," he writes, any attempt to classify him as less than human is invalid because his human spirit persists. Douglass's language here evokes American revolutionary rhetoric. He positions himself as someone with a "long-crushed spirit" that raises itself up to "defy" the "tomb of slavery." The Declaration of Independence and other documents and speeches from American revolutionaries had similarly used language of defiance against an oppressor. The idea of resurrection from a tomb, as if Douglass is Christ, aligns this defiance with good in the eyes of a highly Christian readership.
Douglass's patriotic language goes beyond winning over the sympathy of proud Christian Americans. He uses this language to break apart the idea that he or any person can be property in the first place. In the American legal system, the institution of slavery rested on John Locke's philosophical idea that enslavement did not violate a person's free will because an enslaved person could choose to die by suicide. Specifically, Locke argued, an enslaved person could choose to provoke an enslaver through defiance as a way of getting the enslaver to murder them. Douglass is pushing back on this logic. He is arguing that while an enslaver who "succeed[ed] in whipping" him into total submission would have to kill him, his defiance itself is about the kind of life he deserves, not about the right to die. For him, defiance is motivated by the belief that he does not deserve the abuse or the death that might result from it. Whereas Locke claimed that enslaved people were free to choose death, Douglass argues that enslaved people begin to be free when they realize that Locke is a liar, and the entire system is a con cheating them out of their fundamental rights. | <urn:uuid:fcdc1f54-e568-462e-9db9-efc94c9468d3> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-narrative-of-frederick-douglass/literary-devices/ethos | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.981777 | 1,079 | 3.546875 | 4 |
The ages 3 to 5 are crucial for your child’s reading development. In fact, did you know that from age 3 onwards your child will continue to learn around 5000 new words each year? Yet despite this, the process of teaching your child to start reading is often not straightforward and requires a lot of time and effort. However, with the right plan in place you can help to make your little one into a confident, engaged reader and instil in them a lifelong love of books. With this in mind, here are our top tips on how you can kickstart the process at home.
1. Songs and nursery rhymes
A huge part of learning to read is first learning phonics – the connection between letters and sounds. This is where you can use songs and nursery rhymes to your advantage, as the story language they both use teaches your child to hear the sounds in words. This will be beneficial when they start learning to read later on. On top of this, once children know a song or rhyme off by heart, they will start building up a mental bank of their favourite words.
2. Learning the alphabet
While there is no one way to teach your toddler the alphabet, there are heaps of resources online that can help with the process, such as songs on Youtube, books, toys and flashcards. Something fun and colourful like alphabet fridge magnets are super effective.
A good starting point could be to learn uppercase letters first as they are more distinguishable. For instance, capital ‘B’ and ‘D’ are very different to one another, whereas lowercase ‘b’ and ‘d’ look confusingly similar.
You could also learn the letters in your child’s name to personalise the experience. This will also give you an idea of how your child learns most effectively, and what educational approaches might be best down the line.
3. Read books together
Reading together is perfect for a number of reasons: it allows for lots of bonding time with your little one, whilst also igniting an interest in books and laying the foundations for independent reading later in life. When you are reading aloud to your child, make sure to read expressively and use different voices for different characters.
When you read together, your child will get a better understanding of how the letters they have learned work together to make words. You can get them to identify the letters in a word and encourage them to put them in sequence.
Although this step will take a lot of time for your child to grasp – words are hard work! – it is one of the most valuable ways you can start teaching them to read. How much you read to them is completely up to you, but it’s recommended to spend around 20 minutes each day with a book. Before you know it, storytime will become a part of their daily routine.
Kickstart your child’s reading journey with Little Acorns
Here at Little Acorns Day Nursery, we want to help get your child interested in books by developing their reading skills in a friendly and supportive setting. If you’re looking for more information about our nurseries, please give us a call. | <urn:uuid:d1f17ba7-5f2a-4357-9615-e238774a832e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.littleacornsnursery.org.uk/top-3-tips-for-teaching-your-child-to-read/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.961868 | 657 | 3.5625 | 4 |
"I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-am."
Dr. Seuss, the children's book author born Theodor Seuss Geisel 108 years ago today (March 2), knew how to craft a catchy rhyme. But these rhymes aren't just child's play — research suggests that rhyming is built into our brains, and is even key to helping children learn to read.
"If you hear one word, words that rhyme with that word will get activated" in the brain, said Michael Wagner, an experimental linguist at McGill University in Montreal. "It seems like this is one of the factors that explains why rhyme seems to work so well and is so pleasing to us."
The rhyming brain
Indeed, Dr. Seuss' playful rhymes have pleased generations of children and their parents. "The Cat in the Hat" (Random House, 1957), for example, has sold more than 11 million copies. The evidence suggests that Seuss knew his audience: Rhymes are very compelling for young children, and their brains seem to process them even better than they process the meanings of other words.
In one 2004 study, researchers read lists of words to young children and then asked them to recall and recite the words they'd heard. The words on the list were all related: A child might hear "nap," "bed," "rest," "peace," "wake," "dream," "doze" and "snore," for example. When adults take this test, they often inject the word "sleep" into their recitation, despite the fact that it appears nowhere on the original list. The litany of sleep-related words has tricked their brain into assuming the word's presence.
Young kids responded differently, however. Instead of interjecting new words based on meaning, 5-year-olds added new words that rhymed with the words on the original list. A kid who heard "nap," for example, might throw in "gap" or "sap." In their brains, the rhyme overrode the meaning. [11 Facts About Baby Brains]
As children grow older, they seem to grow out of this tendency. Eight-year-olds in the study added mistaken words based on rhyme at about the same rate as they did mistaken words based on meaning. Eleven-year-olds responded just like adults, adding in false words based on the meanings in the original lists.
Reading in rhyme
In fact, rhyme is crucial to learning how to read. When we speak, we think we know what a hard "C" sounds like — "Kk" — and that we represent that sound with a "C" symbol. But consonants change their sound depending on the vowels that follow them. Prepare yourself to say "cat" and compare that with the shape your mouth takes when you start to say "cot."
What this means is that kids have to learn, to borrow a Seussian phrase, that a C is a C, no matter the vowel. The process of learning this is called "phoneme awareness," and rhymes help kids figure it out, said Miriam Cherkes-Julkowski, an educational consultant who works in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Arizona.
"Rhyme is the first step in actually segmenting out an individual phoneme-level sound," Cherkes-Julkowski told LiveScience. "When you say cat/fat, what you've done is you've pulled the C away from the A, you've pulled the F away from the A. … That's a big accomplishment." [Top Learn-to-Read Software]
In other words, rhymes are the framework that helps kids understand the pieces of a word. The part of the word that's key is the "rime," the syllable that starts at the vowel and goes through the end of the word.
"This rime with an 'i' becomes really, really critical in reading," Cherkes-Julkowski said. "By prepping kids to pay attention to that part of the syllable, the vowel through the end, you're also prepping them to orient through print."
Most of the time, reading isn't taught with a focus on the rime, Cherkes-Julkowski said. Kids might learn to read phonetically, sounding out letter by letter. That's not always best, especially for kids with dyslexia and learning disabilities, she said.
"No human being who is a reader reads left to right," she said. "You can't do it."
Take the word "rage." If you start out with the R, you get an "Rrr" sound. Next, you have an A, but is it a long or a short A? There's no way to know until you get the next letter — a G. "Aha," you might think, "'Rag!' It's a short A." But now you hit that E, and it changes everything. Even the G doesn't sound the same anymore.
In other words, even when we're not rhyming, we're focused on the rime. Many kids can figure this all out with a phonetic reading approach, Cherkes-Julkowski said. But for kids with dyslexia, learning to pay attention to the rime is the key to reading.
"It gives the child the information that he or she needs that, 'Aha, there are some patterns, and the patterns lie within the rime,'" she said.
Shelley Lacey-Castelot, the director of Connecticut-based Literacy Solutions, an education consulting group, agreed.
"I have a number of students who were unable to learn to read any other way than through rime-onset," Lacey-Castelot told LiveScience. "These students aptly label this instruction amazing, life-saving, miraculous."
As for Dr. Seuss, he was ahead of the rime-reading curve.
"He nicely sets it up for them," Cherkes-Julkowski said. "He introduces it to them in a fun way before they ever have to make sense out of print."
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Stephanie Pappas is a contributing writer for Live Science, covering topics ranging from geoscience to archaeology to the human brain and behavior. She was previously a senior writer for Live Science but is now a freelancer based in Denver, Colorado, and regularly contributes to Scientific American and The Monitor, the monthly magazine of the American Psychological Association. Stephanie received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz. | <urn:uuid:8838058d-76d7-41ae-a3f1-917752754dcb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.livescience.com/18787-seuss-rhymes-reading.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.970466 | 1,416 | 3.28125 | 3 |
E-cigs may double risk of tobacco smoking in teenagers
Toronto, Sep 18 (IANS) Teenagers who try vape may be at double the risk for developing addiction to smoking tobacco cigarettes, according to a new study.
The findings showed that students in grades 7 to 12 who had tried an e-cigarette are 2.16 times more likely to be susceptible to cigarette smoking.
“Since e-cigarettes came on the market, there has been a debate about whether their use may lead to cigarette smoking. The answer among adolescents is yes,” said Bruce Baskerville, a researcher at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada.
E-cigarettes can contain nicotine but not many of the harmful substances produced by smoking tobacco such as tar or carbon monoxide.
These products work through an inhalation-activated system that heats a solution to create an inhalable aerosol often known as vapour.
“While preliminary evidence suggests that e-cigarettes contain fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes, our findings suggest that a potential increase in harmful cigarette use may follow as e-cigarette use continues to rise among adolescent populations,” Baskerville added.
The study was published in the journal Preventive Medicine.
“This study supports the restricting of e-cigarette access to minors, which have been shown to have heightened risk to initiate smoking,” Baskerville said.
However, more research is needed on additional contributing risk factors as well as longitudinal data to evaluate the complex relationship between e-cigarette use and tobacco cigarette use in adolescence. | <urn:uuid:3d01902d-7099-4b8f-9ce7-0f9092cd9a75> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.mangalorean.com/e-cigs-may-double-risk-tobacco-smoking-teenagers/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.944694 | 318 | 2.734375 | 3 |
One unexpected consequence of the global pandemic is the acceleration of digital transformation across organizations of all sizes. With so many employees working from home, organizations realized they needed to upgrade to a cloud infrastructure to support everyone working remotely. As applications moved from on-premises to the cloud to support these new remote users, organizations needed to think about the APIs and microservices that connected users to essential applications and their impact on Cybersecurity.
An application programming interface, more commonly known as an API, is a software intermediary that allows two applications to talk to each other. Think of an API as a user interface but instead of a human user, the user is a machine. APIs allow different devices to connect with each other across disparate compute environments.
Another way to think of this is to imagine an API as a waiter at a restaurant. You, the diner, choose dishes off a menu. When you place your order, the waiter delivers that order to the kitchen. The kitchen prepares the meal and returns it to the waiter to serve to you. You don’t need to know how the chef prepares the saffron-flecked mussels in salt-cod foam, you only know that it’s delicious.
APIs are everywhere. When you check the weather on your phone, your phone accesses weather information through an API to provide you with a snippet of weather data. When you stream Spotify or Netflix, content is distributed to your device via an API. When you book a hotel room or an airline ticket, your app uses the APIs of a number of hotels or airlines to aggregate data about availability and rates. Accessing your bank account balance through an app on your phone? You got it: an API is doing the work. In these ways and more, APIs link applications, data, and devices to deliver data and create an interconnected world.
APIs are the connective tissue linking ecosystems of technologies and organizations. They also allow businesses to monetize data, form profitable partnerships, and open pathways of innovation.
Unfortunately, when it comes to application security best practices, APIs are sometimes overlooked. Though APIs are key to digital transformation, they are simultaneously one of the biggest cybersecurity attack vectors and the most often neglected. The average enterprise has approximately 1,000 applications, and the expansion of endpoints creates new attack surfaces. Despite this, many organizations still struggle to secure APIs.
Why are so many organizations still struggling? There are two main reasons organizations are struggling to secure their APIs: inertia and difficulty.
All too often, API security is simply overlooked. It is too often seen as separate from the overall application security posture of an organization. In some cases, simple token-based authentication is set once and then forgotten.
Additionally, APIs are hard to defend because they are highly exposed to the outside world. The amount of data that passes through the application layer makes it attractive to malicious actors. Furthermore, API hacking does not require advanced technical capabilities. Even relatively inexperienced attackers can use basic tools to discover and exploit API traffic to perform credential stuffing attacks, exfiltrate databases, change account values, or conduct denial of service attacks on critical applications.
Understanding identity is key to API security. Hackers frequently impersonate users. The API Security Model, based on the Richardson Maturity Model, describes API security in increasing levels of security, complexity, and efficiency. The more evolved API security is, the more it focuses on identity.
The four levels of API security are as follows:
Identity is crucial. The most highly evolved API security focuses on identity, that is, ensuring that the person who is making the request is actually who they claim to be. In a digital world where trust is subjective, organizations must do everything they can to maintain and verify it.
Whether on your corporate network or in the cloud, securing your APIs is critical to your organization’s overall security posture in a digitally transformed world. Constant vigilance should be your mantra. We also recommend beginning with several best practices for securing your APIs:
To learn more about these best practices for API security and how to make smarter security decisions, download our white paper, Five Principles of Modern Application Security Programs. | <urn:uuid:7c581806-4f15-421f-8bb2-8d646faeb92a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.mend.io/blog/api-security/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.940416 | 846 | 3.015625 | 3 |
Every mother, including Black mums, deserves good mental health and the support and care they need during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Yet Black mothers experience unique challenges that contribute to higher rates of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and other mood disorders. They also face greater barriers to accessing mental health care.
It’s vital that their stories are heard and action is taken to tackle the mental health disparities Black mothers face. Yet too often, their experiences are overlooked and under addressed.
1 in 5
Black mothers reported that they did not visit healthcare professionals when they were feeling low mood and depression.
more Black mothers experience postpartum depression than any other group.
more likely for Black women to die in childbirth than other groups.
We recognise a clear difference in outcomes for Black mothers in their perinatal experience compared to many other mothers across the UK. Mental health stigma and feeling judged and unheard are common barriers faced by Black mothers during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Getting support does not always feel like a realistic option for mothers. One-fifth of Black mothers reported they didn’t visit healthcare professionals to talk about their low mood and depression . In the UK, ethnic minority groups are more likely to present with mental health problems, while their mental health needs are less likely to be detected.
It is vital that all of us in society make sure that we support women who may be silently struggling in their perinatal experience.
Black Maternal Mental Health Week 2023
As part of our aim to spotlight seldom-heard voices in the perinatal experience, we are proudly supporting Black Maternal Mental Health Week, a national campaign led by The Motherhood Group. This year, it takes place from 25 September to 1 October, and the theme is “Breaking Cultural Barriers”.
Black mothers are disproportionately affected by cultural barriers that hinder their access to mental health care. This campaign shines a light on the unique challenges facing Black maternal mental health, due to factors such as historical trauma, racial discrimination, and limited access to culturally competent care. And it calls on us to address and break these barriers, to ensure the wellbeing of Black mothers and their children.
How we're helping Black maternal mental health
We promote workforce development, supportive peer networks and a shared understanding of the best practice, through our Young Mums Connect and Amplifying Maternal Voices programmes. These projects are funded by our Covid Response Programme, informed by the Foundation’s participation in the ‘Mental Health in the Pandemic’ research.
The NHS has also recognised a need for more tailored support with a plan that, by 2024, 75% of women from minority ethnic communities will receive continuity of care throughout pregnancy and the post-natal period.
Overall, this will improve Black mothers’ experiences of care, and their perinatal mental health outcomes. However, this is just a starting point. It’s vital that every woman receives continuity of care through their perinatal journey, allowing for better physical and mental health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Through this equity of care, we will start to see reductions in pre-term births, hospital admissions and the need for emergency intervention during labour for Black mothers.
It is time for Black mothers’ voices to have greater influence in the care they receive, including setting commissioning priorities and informing the workforce.
Young Mums Connect programme
In partnership with The Motherhood Group and Nottingham City Council, we lead the Young Mums Connect programme. This work focuses on the unique needs and experiences of young mothers and their babies.
Through this programme we’ve rolled out an evidence-based model for mothers and babies that includes:
- Mental health care through peer support and education.
- Training packages for health and social care teams across England.
Amplifying Maternal Voices project
In partnership with the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, the Amplifying Maternal Voices project highlights the perinatal mental health experience of women and their families from ‘seldom-heard’ communities. It focuses on women with diverse needs, including including young mothers, single mothers and mothers from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities.
The project provides these women with greater access to influencing care, commissioning priorities, and informing workforce development through the toolkit. It also aims to increase knowledge and awareness of the impact of inequalities on perinatal outcomes for women, babies and families within perinatal service providers.
Through this work we aim to achieve equal mental healthcare for all pregnant women and new mothers who need support.
Support Black maternal mental health
Black mothers deserve their voices to be heard.
Support Black maternal mental health by listening to and sharing their stories during Black Maternal Mental Health Week and beyond.
Anisah shares her different birth experiences and how she found the maternity system.
"I believe the key factor in providing equal outcomes for Black women is having the ability to advocate for yourself or having someone who you trust to do so on your behalf."
Advocate for yourself, friends or loved ones.
Support Black maternal mental health by advocating for yourself, or supporting friends or loved ones that may not be receiving the support they deserve. Check in on your friends or family member’s wellbeing during and after their pregnancy. A listening ear and the right support can make such a difference.
Jessica shares the challenges she faced as a pregnant Black women going through maternal care in the UK.
"My advice is to advocate for yourself, or be a listening ear for your friends and family as the support can go a long way."
Racism and mental health blog and resources
Co-authored by the Mental Health Foundation Staff Working Group and Community Partner and Staff Working Group, this blog discusses the impact of racism on racialised communities and outlines a series of resources and tips on racism and mental health.
Tackling inequalities to reduce mental health problems
This report describes the extent of inequalities contributing to poor mental health in the UK today. It explains how certain circumstances interact with our own risks and discusses communities that are facing vulnerabilities. | <urn:uuid:d6a5a2a8-0a6a-4682-a536-45e61095415f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/stories/black-maternal-mental-health | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.950351 | 1,243 | 2.640625 | 3 |
We have all heard of the battle of the sexes - gender based quarrels between men and women. Apparently, it begins in the bedroom, but possibly not in the manner you imagined!
A kiss goodnight and straight off to sleep for you and your mate is the end of any parallel between the way males and females sleep. Good sleep is essential for both good physical and mental health. When it comes to getting a good night's sleep women require more sleep than men and face additional challenges in achieving it. So let's take a closer look at the differences between the two.
Women need an estimated 20 minutes more sleep each night. Daily sleep requirements are linked to the amount we use our brain. The amazing mental gymnastics women require for everyday multitasking means they frequently use more of their brain than their male counterparts, increasing their need for sleep. Sadly, with women prioritising family needs even during sleeping hours, many struggle to achieve this.
Men are more likely than women to suffer from sleep apnoea, a sleep disorder that disturbs the sleep cycle with momentary breathing stoppages. However, statistics indicate that women experience higher incidence of insomnia; having trouble falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both. Particular life stages can create or exacerbate insomnia. Common tricky stages may include pregnancy, when sleeping is difficult due to discomfort, menopause with disturbances from hot flushes or night sweats or simply periods of general stress, when problems and worries work to prevent sleep.
And to top it all off, women are less able to deal with sleep deprivation. When it comes to lack of sleep, detrimental health effects include an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and an increased incidence of depression. These issues affect men and women but unfortunately for women, studies suggest that the impact is greater on them, particularly on their mental health. | <urn:uuid:339e19b0-23e6-4788-8b72-fc67667afe8e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.minijumbuk.com.au/blogs/sleep-tips-advice/difference-between-men-and-womens-sleep | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.951436 | 374 | 2.765625 | 3 |
The Yoga-Sutra is a significant landmark in the protracted evolution of the yogic for an extensive commentarial literature stretching from the Yoga-Bhasya of Vyasa (c. 450 C.E.) to modern traditionalist interpretation in Hindi and other Indic vernaculars as well as various European languages, notably English.
The present volume by Swami Veda Bharti provides a learned commentary on the second chapter of the Yoga Sutra, i.e., Sadhana Pada. This contains the core of Patanjali's philosophical and metapsychological framework, and it also defines both the components of kriya-yoga and the first five components of eight-limbed astanga-yoga. This chapter demonstrates very clearly that in Yoga, theory and practice form a homogenous whole. The theoretical concepts were largely distilled from practical experience and, in turn, informed further experimentation on the path. How could we hope to travel the path mapped out by Patanjali without recourse to such pregnant concepts citta, vrtti, pratyaya, samskara vasana, asaya, mirodha, parinama, guna, pratiprasava? All these ideas were shaped in the intense practice environment of Yoga over many generations.
Swami Veda Bharti brings to his exegesis a singular sensitivity and wonderful comprehension of yogic concepts, which are rooted in his extensive traditional training as a Sanskrit scholar and also his personal yogic practice. This latest contribution to our comprehension of Patanjali's teachings takes us a lot further than other similar endeavors. | <urn:uuid:0cf7a67a-4b13-4702-a83f-d0669826b537> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.mlbd.in/products/yoga-tarangini-a-rare-commentary-on-goraksa-sataka-sanskrit-text-with-romanized-version-jan-k-brzezinski-swami-veda-bharati-9788120839892-8120839897 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.948404 | 337 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Across the U.S., pollution is disproportionately harming Black and Latino communities. Read how this Chicago mom, living in an industrial corridor that’s home to a growing number of warehouses, is fighting to protect her family’s and her community’s health from diesel pollution.
The 2023 “Health of the Air” report from the American Thoracic Society provides the first-ever local and national estimates of the health impacts of wildland fires—and finds that smoke from these fires is responsible for thousands of premature deaths each year in the US.
Christy Haas-Howard, our November Supermom of the Month, is a school nurse in Colorado who sees the impact of poor air quality on children’s health every day.
Read the latest news from Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, and Ohio.
Read the latest news from Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, and West Virginia.
One out of every three Americans lives in places marked by unhealthy levels of air pollution. Climate change is making it more difficult to clean up the air, as wildfires worsen the deadly particle pollution known as soot, and hotter, sunnier days worsen ozone pollution, also known as smog.
“Breastfeeding has an important role in reducing the risk of developing asthma in early childhood,” concluded two studies. Researchers from both studies found that breastfeeding lowers the likelihood that children aged 7 or younger will contract asthma.
Read the latest news from Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, and Ohio.
There are just 5 days left to tell EPA we need a stronger soot standard to protect the air our children breathe.
As part of our series about the health impacts of methane, Kayley Shoup tells us how her family and her community are impacted by living near oil and gas development.
Dirty deadly soot is not okay for children to breathe. EPA’s latest proposal falls short of the strongest limits recommended by scientific guidance.
Read the latest news from Moms Clean Air Force staff and members in Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Vermont. | <urn:uuid:38633bc0-7778-4b22-8456-af449c47ebcb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.momscleanairforce.org/asthma/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.9318 | 462 | 2.90625 | 3 |
During the 1920s, dentistry underwent a paradigm shift with the introduction of dental drilling; a method which enabled the removal of tooth decay without the requirement of extraction. This novel approach resulted in improved oral health for many patients due to the preservation of their natural teeth. What sparked this alteration and did dentists during this period resort to analgesics to alleviate patient agony?
Before the Roaring Twenties, extraction was the go-to solution for dentists dealing with tooth decay. Without a way to proficiently extract the deterioration, removal of the affected tooth was the only feasible treatment. Unfortunate for those in need of such care, anaesthetics had yet to be perfected, making the procedure a far-from-enjoyable experience.
A revolution in the dental sphere was initiated with the advent of the dental drill, a landmark invention made by George F. Green in the roaring twenties. This device rotated a bit at an accelerated rate which enabled dentists to cut through enamel and take out decayed matter without having no other option but pulling out teeth entirely. This represented a remarkable progress for the field of dentistry, which paved the way towards keeping teeth and bolstering patients’ oral wellbeing.
Although the dental drill was revolutionary, it had its downside. Patients often experienced pain and discomfort due to the high-velocity spinning of the bit, generating heat that was uncomfortable or even agonizing. As a result, dentists in the 1920s made efforts to reduce the torture of dental drilling.
Back in the roaring twenties, dentists had acquired a trick to better handle the ceaseless suffering endured by their patients during dental drilling. They would employ local anaesthetics to block off the tremoring nerve endings and pacify the taste of pain. Cocaine, Novocaine were the prime contenders behind providing a layer of indistinctness that ensured a smoother workflow for the dental experts while diminishing suffering of those undergoing the agony of drilling.
During the 1920s, dentists had two methods of making their patients more comfortable during dental drilling. In addition to utilizing local anaesthetics, they would also sometimes utilize painkillers and sedatives including morphine, codeine, and related opiates. Nevertheless, because of the habit-forming nature of these substances, they were only used sparingly and when a patient’s pain was deemed to be overly unbearable.
As a result of the 1920s invention of dental drilling, dentistry underwent a radical shift in terms of how cavities were treated. Beforehand, extraction was the only option – but the concept of drilling out decay ushered in a new era in oral hygiene. Of course, this innovative technique was not necessarily painless; dentists of that time had to explore options for minimizing any accompanying discomfort. To this end, they occasionally administered anesthetics and painkillers to their patients, although people were warned against becoming addicted to them. Ultimately, dental drilling paved the way for profound progress in the industry.
Taking a trip back to 1920 brings us to a very different dental experience than we’re used to today. Pain relief was hard to come by and the rudimentary drill did not offer much reprieve. But what was it like having your cavity filled during that era?
At the beginning of the 1920s, power drills confined to unwieldy hand motions, quickly consisting of an annoying rhythm of cranking. Far from being a 21st century advancement, these surges of primitive technology had crudely machined drill bits going at a painstakingly slow pace and unable to penetrate the tougher sections of teeth; leading to protracted, painful procedures for patients as the dentist had to laboriously take more time drilling down even further.
For those seeking relief from pain, the alternatives were in short supply. Few dentists could administer anesthetics, forcing them to turn to more rudimentary treatments such as cloves, ethyl alcohol, and even the cocaine-based concoctions. Naturally, these solutions didn’t always succeed, leaving the patient stewing in their agony until the drilling was over.
Many dentists back in the era of no anesthetics managed to ease their patients’ pain-levels to some degree. An innovative method utilised was that of using a rubber dam to keep the area surrounding the tooth being worked on dry and saliva-free. This gave the temporarily respite from the torture inflicted by that dreaded drill.
To help negate some of the pain associated with dental procedures, many dentists have employed a savvy approach known as distraction. By having patients give their undivided attention to something else – like counting or crooning a tune – during the treatment process, their minds were better insulated from the nuisance of the drill. This enabled them to undergo the procedure with a great degree of ease.
In the 1920s, nitrous oxide, famously known as “laughing gas,” made an entrance into dentistry, offering anesthesia for dental treatments. Unfortunately, it was also highly costly and challenging to acquire, limiting its prevalence in the world of dentistry. As a result, many individuals still had no choice but to endure their procedures without any comfort or sentiment of relief.
In comparison to the dental drills used in the 1920s, modern ones present far greater comfort for patients during a dental visit. Back then, it was rare for dentists to utilize distractions and rubber dams to cushion the impact of drilling. As a result, many patients had to withstand drawn-out oral surgeries without anesthetic or any other relief. Fortunately, due to rapid advancements in dental technology and anesthesia, today’s practices pose significantly less distress for those receiving treatments.
Post time: 2023-07-09 | <urn:uuid:f7aba9f4-7e6d-4aea-9e29-a19a719de232> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.mskcarbideburs.com/dental-drilling-in-1920s-did-they-use-pain-killer/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.971421 | 1,153 | 3.8125 | 4 |
On May 11, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new carbon dioxide (CO2) standards for power plants under the Clean Air Act. In the proposal, EPA sets emissions limits for certain existing, modified, new, and reconstructed fossil fuel power plants based on factors including size, how often the plant runs, and retirement dates. The standards are based on the use of new technologies including CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS) and co-firing with clean hydrogen.
Specifically, the proposed rule:
Establishes Emission Guidelines for states to develop CO2 performance standards for existing coal-fired electric generating units (EGUs)
Establishes CO2 performance standards for modified coal-fired steam EGUs
Establishes Emission Guidelines for states to develop CO2 performance standards for existing natural gas-fired EGUs
Establishes CO2 performance standards for new and reconstructed natural gas-fired EGUs
Repeals the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule
Under the proposed rules, plants do not face significant requirements until 2030. By that date, any coal-fired power plant intending to operate past 2040 would have to install a CCS system that captures 90% of its CO2 emissions by 2030. In addition, any large, frequently operating natural gas-fired power plant would have to either install a 90% capture CCS system by 2035 or operate nearly entirely on clean hydrogen by 2038.
EPA is proposing the rules pursuant to Clean Air Act (CAA) section 111 following much litigation regarding controlling greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the power sector. If finalized, the rules would have substantial impacts on the electricity-generating system of the United States.
Regulatory background. CAA section 111 directs EPA to establish standards for controlling air pollutants for categories of major stationary sources, which include electric generating units (EGUs). Section 111 outlines a two-step process for establishing a standard of performance for emissions from EGUs. Under the first step, EPA determines the “best system of emission reduction” (BSER) for the relevant pollutant that is “adequately demonstrated,” taking into consideration cost, any non-air quality health and environmental impacts, and energy requirements. EPA then sets a standard that quantifies the “degree of emission limitation achievable through the application” of the BSER. Sources subject to the standard of performance can use any system of reduction to meet the limit; they are not required to use the system EPA determined is the BSER.
Under section 111(b), EPA has the authority to promulgate New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) that apply to new, modified, and reconstructed sources in a source category. EPA may separate sources in a category and promulgate different standards of performance for those sources; for example, the fossil fuel-fired boilers category currently is subcategorized into coal, oil, and natural gas.
Section 111(d) applies to existing sources in a regulated source category. However, EPA’s use of section 111(d) is subject to a number of conditions. First, EPA may only invoke its section 111(d) authority to address a type of air pollutant not already subject to regulation as a “criteria” air pollutant (pursuant to Clean Air Act section 108) or a hazardous air pollutant (pursuant to Clean Air Act section 112). GHGs are a pollutant that falls in this gap. Second, performance standards can only be established under section 111(d) after EPA has set an NSPS for the new or modified sources in a source category under section 111(b).
Third, section 111(d) provides that EPA establish a procedure for states to establish performance standards for existing sources in the source category, rather than allowing EPA direct authority to set national standards. Under this procedure, EPA first develops an “Emission Guideline” that is a benchmark standard of performance for the source category. Each state then develops and submits to EPA a plan for establishing and enforcing standards of performance for the regulated sources in the state. While the state plans must achieve reductions equivalent to those specified by the Emission Guideline, the plans do not have to require each regulated source in the state to meet the same standard.
The CAA and EPA regulations also permit a state to set less stringent standards or longer compliance schedules for an existing source in its section 111(d) plan based on certain factors: unreasonable cost of control; a limited remaining useful life; physical impossibility of installing necessary control equipment; or other factors making less stringent limits or schedules appropriate for the source.
Policy and litigation background. EPA actions regarding regulation of power plant GHGs under CAA section 111 have been the subject of regulatory action and litigation since they were initially proposed during the Obama Administration. President Obama’s EPA promulgated a section 111(b) rule for coal- and natural gas-fired EGUs. The Obama EPA also promulgated a section 111(d) rule for existing EGUs through a rule called the Clean Power Plan (CPP). For existing units, the CPP relied on a BSER predicated on shifting generation from high-emitting to low- or zero-emitting facilities. But more recently, the Trump Administration rescinded the CPP with the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule, finding the CPP was based on an invalid legal interpretation of section 111. The ACE rule replaced the CPP with more limited GHG standards just for existing coal-fired facilities based on efficiency improvements.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the ACE rule in January 2021 in American Lung Association v. EPA. In vacating the rule, the D.C. Circuit found that the Trump Administration incorrectly interpreted CAA section 111(d) in arguing that any GHG standards could only be based on “inside-the-fence” requirements.
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the D.C. Circuit’s decision on the validity of the CPP in West Virginia v. EPA. The Court applied the “Major Questions Doctrine,” where a court may provide a more skeptical review of an agency action when the agency “claim[s] to discover” in a “long-extant” statute an “unheralded power” representing a “transformative expansion of its regulatory authority” with substantial national impacts; such cases provide “every reason to hesitate before concluding that Congress meant to confer on EPA the authority it claims under Section 111(d).” The Court found that the CPP’s generation-shifting approach effectively would allow EPA to restructure the power sector—a substantial exercise of regulatory power that only could be justified by a “clear statement of Congressional authority.” Not finding such a clear statement of authority in the Clean Air Act, the Court invalidated the CPP.
The ACE rule was not explicitly but rather indirectly reinstated by the D.C. Circuit after the Supreme Court reversed and remanded the case, as the Court did not address the validity of the rule. EPA informed the D.C. Circuit that the agency was in a rulemaking process to replace the ACE rule, so the D.C. Circuit placed the case in abeyance pending completion of the rulemaking rather than address the factual and legal arguments raised.
In 2022, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a landmark investment in combatting climate change, which included new and expanded tax credits as well as federal funding for hydrogen production; carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS); and renewable energy production and infrastructure. The latest EPA rulemaking package accounts for funding impacts from the IRA.
The rulemaking package (1) establishes Emission Guidelines for states to develop CO2 performance standards for existing coal-fired electric generating units (EGUs); (2) establishes CO2 performance standards for modified coal-fired steam EGUs; (3) establishes Emission Guidelines for states to develop CO2 performance standards for existing natural gas-fired EGUs; (4) establishes CO2 performance standards for new and reconstructed natural gas-fired EGUs; and (5) repeals the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule.
The proposed standards are summarized in the table below.
EPA’s Proposed Actions under the Clean Air Act
For emission guidelines for existing fossil fuel-fired steam generating units and large, frequently operated fossil fuel-fired combustion turbines, EPA is also proposing requirements for state plans. The proposed deadline for submission of state plans is two years after the effective date of the regulation. The proposal also prescribes how states may implement the remaining useful life and other factors (RULOF) provision of CAA section 111(d). Finally, EPA is proposing to allow states to include trading or averaging in state plans as long as the plan can assure equivalent emissions reductions.
EPA notes climate and public health benefits of its rulemaking. The proposed rules may reduce 1 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions by 2042, as well as additional criteria pollutant emissions. EPA states the proposals could provide up to $85 billion in net climate and public health benefits over the next two decades.
If finalized as proposed, the standards will have the effect of significantly decreasing fossil-fuel related CO2 emissions from coal- and natural gas-fired utilities in the United States. Importantly, the proposal assumes all coal facilities will close by 2040 or implement CCS with a 90 percent capture rate. The proposal would also reduce the carbon intensity of electricity produced using natural gas by requiring the use of hydrogen blending or CCS with a high capture rate. Taken together, the three proposed sets of standards would decrease the amount of CO2 emitted from coal- and gas-produced electricity and likely increase the share of electricity produced using less carbon-intensive resources, including nuclear and renewables.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision in West Virginia v. EPA, EPA cannot set emission standards that determine the broader market share of power generation types. The agency asserts that it is aligning with that holding by setting standards based on emission reduction measures that can be implemented at individual EGUs.
However, the rule relies significantly on measures—CCS and use of clean hydrogen—that EPA acknowledges are not currently in widespread commercial use and require the build-out of substantial supporting infrastructure. The agency asserts that each is “adequately demonstrated” for purposes of a BSER determination and will become increasingly feasible and cost-effective over time, particularly with funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Though EPA proposes ambitious standards for large, frequently operated natural gas plants, it is considering a lenient approach for small natural gas plants used as “peakers.” Such plants can play an important role in supporting intermittent renewable generation. The agency is soliciting comments on how to address such plants.
Comments on the proposal will be accepted for 60 days once the rulemaking package is published in the Federal Register. | <urn:uuid:927f057a-f8fa-48e2-9516-d5468be1e662> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.natlawreview.com/article/epa-releases-landmark-greenhouse-gas-standards-power-plants | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.918168 | 2,269 | 3.125 | 3 |
Cooking with the Sun - History, Theory, Construction, RecipesAn exhaustive manual-essay introducing you to the world of solar cookers that highlights the potential of these practical tools with which you can cook your dishes outdoors with solar energy alone. You will learn the history, development and refinement of solar cookers, but also the theory of apparent motion of the Sun, as well of solar radiation and its conversion into heat. This book is accompanied by an extensive theoretical and practical section that illustrates the working principles of solar cookers: complete with the methods to build them with recycled materials, illustrative examples and advice on recipes .
At the top of the spreadsheet, it is possible to vary all the parameters for the Sun position calculation (Lat, Long, Day, Month, Time, Gmt Mer) and, automatically, the results will be given in the bottom part: coordinates of the Sun, Day Length, Mean Time at sunrise and sunset, azimuth value of the Sun at sunset and sunrise, maximum altitude of the Sun during the day, i.e. at Solar Noon when Tv=12, Solar Time and Equation of Time of the day. Azimuth is measured from the south (Azimuth =0°) and is positive towards the west and negative towards the east.
This page allows the user to choose between decimal or sexagesimal notation for local coordinates, and performs automatic conversion. Gmt Mer is the longitude of the Timezone meridian and can be evaluated automatically when pressing button HERE or HERE&NOW for local calculation. To recover such data you must allow your device to access GPS. Daylight Saving Time is also evaluated automatically when pressing button NOW which recovers the current mean time. Time is expressed in the format h:m:s, where h stands for hours (0..23), m for minutes and s for seconds.
Note: for coordinates inserted by user, you should recover Gmt Mer and Daylight Saving Time as explained in my books. When firstly loaded, this webpage shows the coordinates of Murlo (SI, Italy), the day of the summer solstice, June 21, and Mean Time coinciding with the Solar Noon; some data evaluated are shown in the following table as an example:
The fact that the azimuth of the sunset is 123°, i.e. greater than 90°, means that the position of the Sun at that moment is moved northwards.
Day Sunrise Tm time Sunrise Azimuth Solar Noon Tm time Sun Altitude at Solar Noon Sunset Tm time Sunset Azimuth 21 June 05:40:10 -123° 13:16:07 70.26° 20:52:03 123°
Important: For simplicity, calculations made in this spreadsheet consider the Sun as a point, neglecting more detailed aspects such as the atmospheric refraction, the curvature of the Earth and the apparent diameter of the Sun. | <urn:uuid:8fbad759-7793-4ccb-8145-a2c30a4e676e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.nicolaulivieri.com/sundata-en.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.881554 | 593 | 3.0625 | 3 |
In Part 1 of this series, we discussed measuring project power needs, battery options, and ways to define and estimate battery service-hour life. While it’s no surprise that bigger batteries provide longer service life, Part 2 explores some ways to more efficiently use battery power to maximize battery life.
In this day and age, most or our electronics are smart enough to automatically ‘sleep’ or completely power-down after a preset period of inactivity. For example, my cell phone saves power by turning the screen off 30 seconds or so after I stop using it. My Fitbit similarly goes blank after a quick display of step-count. Even a cheap $15 component test and ID box I bought off eBay has auto power-down 20 seconds after showing the test results.
So, I decided to see if I could come up with a simple way to add power-down functionality into my DIY designs. I also looked at ways to improve the overall efficiency of battery powered projects.
To provide effective power-down capability, I first focused on developing a power control circuit to go between the battery and the power input of an Arduino style microcontroller that seems to frequently appear at the heart of many of my projects. A block diagram of my thinking is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Block diagram of the battery controller.
When first turned on, the battery controller should immediately fully power-up the project. However, once its work is done, the battery controller must provide a hook that allows the project CPU to power itself down. In this way, the CPU can initiate a battery saving ‘power-off’ action for the cost of a few lines of code.
In particular, I wanted to stop battery waste resulting from excessive “idle periods” and user “walk-away” events. I also wanted to provide a battery voltage sense point that could be used to report battery status with an onscreen battery gauge or “low battery” blinking LED.
Figure 2 shows the battery power controller circuit I came up with.
Figure 2. Battery controller schematic and prototype PCB Layout.
I used a hard mechanical ON-OFF DPDT toggle switch to ensure complete battery isolation during device transport and storage, yet provide an easy and familiar operator ON-OFF control. It’s seen that power MOSFET transistor Q2 is basically all that stands between the battery and the CPU power input.
The battery controller delivers power to the CPU and ‘talks to the micro’ through a single CPU I/O pin that provides both a battery voltage measurement point to the CPU, as well as a route to receive a software driven power-off signal from the CPU. Although I developed and first used this battery controller for a recent Arduino Mega based RJ45 cable tester project (a future article), the base circuit and ideas presented here should work well with almost any other micro board as well.
In reviewing the schematic, Q2 (the main power MOSFET switch) is “turned off” whenever its gate (TP2) voltage is high (about the same voltage as its source-pin voltage, TP1). Conversely, Q2 goes into full conduction (“turns on”) whenever its gate voltage (TP2) is low (a few volts or more below the source pin voltage TP1). Although many P-channel MOSFETs can work well here, the AO3401 P-channel power MOSFET I used is a cheap (Amazon, $.09 ea., 100 pieces for $9), four amp device with a low Gate Threshold Voltage (VGS(th)=1.3V), and low Drain-Source On-Resistance (RDS(ON)<50 mohms).
The companion AO3400 N-channel MOSFET features similar specs, is equally inexpensive, and worked well in this circuit. Furthermore, its low Gate Threshold Voltage makes it easy to drive from any 3.3V or 5V microprocessor I/O pin, so it makes a good part to have on-hand.
The off position of double-pole-double-throw (DPDT) switch SW1 provides complete battery isolation during storage and transport. When in the off position, the connection to the positive terminal of the battery is interrupted, providing complete battery isolation and zero external current draw. Also, when off, C1 is shorted to ground to ensure it’s fully discharged. As soon as SW1 is flipped on, +9 VDC instantly appears at the source of Q2 (TP1).
Since the gate of Q2 starts out low (C1 discharged), Q1 immediately begins conducting and delivers 9V to the +Vo output pin of the battery controller for use by the CPU and the rest of the project. The combination of C2 and resistor divider R4-R5 connected to the gate of Q1 (TP4) immediately biases Q2 into conduction which then holds C1 and the gate of Q2 at ground potential. This keeps Q2 conducting, project power on, and everyone is happy!
In this way, power is latched on. In the absence of any other actions, power will remain on forever or until the battery runs out, whichever comes first!
With the junction of voltage divider R4-R5 (T4) connected to a CPU input pin (TP6) through R3, we can read the battery voltage. By using an analog A/D capable I/O pin, the microprocessor can easily measure and monitor battery voltage. The R4-R5 divider reduces the 9V maximum battery voltage to about 3.6V, keeping it below the maximum Arduino A/D input voltage of 4.1 volts. You can tweak the values of R4 and R5 as needed for different maximum CPU input voltage values and/or different maximum battery voltage levels.
In Arduino C++, reading the battery voltage is easily accomplished as seen in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Code snippet for reading battery voltage.
Using your DVM to measure the actual battery voltage, a calibration factor can be derived that will enable you to show an actual voltage value display if that is appropriate for your project. Percentages, full-to-empty battery gauges, or time-until-battery-exhausted readouts are also possible once you learn the battery consumption profile (voltage vs. run-time) for your project. A fancy battery status display like that shown in Figure 4 is easy if your project already sports a graphics display.
Figure 4. Battery status display.
In this example, “Off:107” is telling the user that auto power-down will occur in 107 seconds. Of course, a CPU driven “Bat OK LED” and/or flashing “Low-Bat LED” is an even simpler option to keep the operator alert to battery conditions.
Of course, the operator can toggle SW1 to off at any time. However, as discussed, even though the manual power switch remains on, the main feature I was trying to implement was a way for the CPU to power-down the system and turn itself off. As shown in Figure 5, this is accomplished in software by changing the Bat_DCV_Pin CPU-I/O port from INPUT to OUTPUT mode.
Figure 5. Code snippet for software power-down.
Then, the CPU can actually drive the gate of latching N-MOSFET Q1 (TP4) low (~0V) causing a power-down event.
Once Q1 stops conducting, C1 quickly charges up through R1; once the voltage level of C1 is high enough, Q2 is cut off, stops conducting, and the battery controller output voltage goes to zero. Note that the delay(..) command following the digitalWrite(..) in Figure 5 just gives the CPU something benign to do while waiting for the power to actually drop out.
As noted, once the battery controller circuit has been electronically powered down by the CPU code, C1 charges up and holds power transistor Q2 permanently off. To reactivate power, the operator just needs to cycle the power toggle switch to off and then back to on. This action will discharge C1, reset the whole power control cycle, and then turn on the power controller output.
The power MOSFET Q2 has very low leakage current when off. I admit that taking low current measurements (< 1 ma) are difficult and confess that my DVM only reports down to the nearest 0.1 µA. However, even in its most sensitive range, I couldn’t detect any current flow through Q1 after a software power-off event (SW1 = ON). While better instrumentation (perhaps a new project?) would no doubt see some off leakage current, my tests suggest it’s likely to be in the sub-micro amp realm.
In any event, toggling SW1 to off for storage and transport will prevent even those last few electrons from sneaking out of the battery. Note, however, that batteries aren’t perfect. That is, even when fully disconnected, batteries exhibit some self-discharge due to current leakage paths within the battery itself.
Battery manufacturers specify self-discharge indirectly as a “shelf life” value. For most alkaline batteries, the shelf life is typically rated in the five to 10 year range. What this means in practical terms is that older batteries that are into the middle or later stages of their rated shelf life will be partially depleted and therefore provide shortened project service life.
Schottky diode D1 in the schematic of Figure 2 is provided to prevent reverse current flow from the CPU board back into the battery should you simultaneously supply power to your project from BOTH the battery (SW1 = ON) and an external AC wall wart power pack. With D2 in the circuit (JP1 not installed!), reverse current flow which could cause battery heating is prevented.
While this provides useful protection, it unfortunately places an additional Schottky diode voltage drop (.2 to .3 VDC) in series with the battery output, reducing available battery life a smidge. If you “promise to never dual power your project,” you can replace D1 with a wire (or install jumper JP1) to maximize battery service life for your project.
In addition to battery protection, we also need to protect the microprocessor I/O port from voltage overloads. During every power-up sequence, a positive-going nine volt spike passes through C2 and, in turn, tries to attack the connected I/O pin of our microprocessor. This pulse will actually serve to drive Q1 into conduction and helps provide the needed “power on” latch functionality. While this is a good thing for Q1 and Q2, this 9V pulse will pass through R3 and exceed the maximum input voltage limit of the CPU I/O pin. To prevent CPU damage, it’s common practice to simply place a 5V Zener diode across the I/O pin to ground to limit (a.k.a., “clamp”) the voltage reaching the I/O pin to 5V or less.
While this technique works well, I didn’t have any 5V Zener diodes on hand. So instead, I just stacked two blue LEDs on top of each other (L1 and L3) to make a 5V Zener diode substitute.
Since each forward biased blue LED behaves like a 2.5V Zener diode, two in series creates a five volt clamp to protect the I/O pin. In fact, every time you toggle the power switch from off to on, you’ll actually see these two LEDs briefly blink on as they conduct and clamp the overvoltage power-up pulse.
As soon as C2 charges up and things settle out, the voltage across the LEDs falls below 4.0V, the LEDs extinguish, and no longer load down the battery. You can use a single 5V Zener diode or a pair of blue colored LEDs as I have done to create this protective voltage clamp. However, don’t substitute red or green LEDs as their forward voltage drop is different from blue versions, reducing the voltage clamp point.
If the clamp level is too low, it will interfere with the analog A/D battery voltage reading you’ll see and therefore compromise the accuracy of your battery monitor.
While LED L1 and L3 keep positive overload voltages at bay, Schottky diode D2 protects the I/O pin from negative below ground voltage excursions.
While on, capacitor C2 will stabilize at about +5 VDC when powered by a fresh 9V battery. When power is turned off, the +Vo rail quickly drops to 0V. This also drives the positive side of C2 towards ground.
When this happens, the charge stored in C2 is “pushed below ground” and momentarily appears as a negative voltage source of nearly -5 VDC when measured with respect to circuit ground. D2 is in place right across the I/O pin to clamp this negative voltage excursion to less than -0.4 volts, thus preventing I/O port negative overvoltage damage.
The interconnection block diagram back in Figure 1 shows how the battery controller circuit fits between a 9V battery and the voltage “Vin” pin of an Arduino CPU. Recall that Vin is the unregulated power input connection to an Arduino.
As described, the DVM_CNTL wire from the controller should be connected to the analog I/O pin of your choice, so that battery voltage can be read and power-down actions can be triggered by your program.
The detailed bill of materials for the power controller is shown in the Parts List. Although I list 1% resistors there, the values are not critical and wider tolerance parts should also work fine. For the cabling to/from the controller board, I favor JST-XH headers. I’ve been using these connectors for some time and like that they are spaced on a .1 in grid, yet are shrouded and keyed to prevent “backwards plug-in” errors. Having said this, other wiring schemes including hard soldered ‘flying leads’ are also a viable build choice.
Although I designed a single-sided PCB (printed circuit board) layout for the controller circuitry, I actually built my version on a small 1.2 x 1.5 in piece of .1 x .1 in grid protoboard (Figure 6).
Figure 6. My prototype battery controller.
I used a single 16-pin DIP socket to hold the MOSFETs, C1, and most of the resistors. This allowed me to easily swap in different values during development, and might be handy for your build should you want to fine-tune the design to specific project needs.
Once I soldered the socket, interconnect headers, and miscellaneous discrete components to the protoboard, I used 30 ga wire (lengths of wire-wrap wire) to make all the point-to-point connections on the back side of the board, more or less mimicking the copper traces as they appear on the PCB layout.
Note that I also added a ground pin and a six-pin SIP header, which I wired to test points TP1-TP6 on the schematic. This gave me easy meter and scope access during the final test and checkout.
I grew up in the ‘through-hole circuit board’ era and found working with the small SO23 MOSFET surface-mount devices (SMD) to be a challenge — both for my eyes as well as manual dexterity! I solved this problem by using low-cost PCB adapters (Figure 7) that convert the SMD transistors into three-pin SIP devices.
Figure 7. SMD to SIP adapter.
These adapter circuit boards can be found at both Amazon and eBay for about $.20 each (50 for ~$10). With the aid of a magnifying headband, a small tip iron, and a shot of brandy (to stabilize my hands!), I was able to maneuver the SO23 parts onto the adapter pads and solder them in place. The brandy also helped me cope with the loss of a few SMD parts that mysteriously flew away from me and disappeared during assembly!
Soldering short lengths of small gauge solid wire or a three-pin male SIP header onto the adapter completes the SMD to SIP transformation. Once converted, these transistors can be easily plugged into a solderless breadboard for experimenting, and in my case, installed vertically into the IC socket I used for my protoboard build.
If you go this route, be sure to carefully study the pinout of the adapter PCB, SOT23 part, and your circuit board wiring.
There’s lots of ways to goof this up and it doesn’t help that the numeric labeling on the adapter board didn’t follow the normal SIP-style sequential pin numbering scheme, which, by the way, I used in the schematic and PCB layout.
With my project code updated for reading battery voltages and implementing software shutdowns, I was very pleased with the results. However, it occurred to me that I could further extend battery life by using a more efficient battery-to-5V conversion scheme. By inserting a step-down switching voltage regulator (a.k.a., buck regulator module) between the battery controller circuit and the microprocessor, the energy wasted as heat in the onboard linear voltage regulator could be eliminated.
A quick search on Amazon and eBay revealed the availability of some very inexpensive buck regulator modules (10 for $8, actually; less than a buck!). Buck regulators use switching power supply ICs to convert the unregulated input voltage into a regulated output voltage. Just like linear voltage regulators, the input voltage to a buck regulator must always exceed the target output voltage by one to two volts.
Unlike linear regulators, however, buck regulators don’t waste much energy as heat. As such, buck regulators achieve much higher efficiencies (typically 90% or more!). Figure 8 shows a photo of one of my “10 for $8” regulator modules.
Figure 8. Mini buck regulator.
The battery controller actually works quite well in concert with a buck regulator. The interconnection scheme for this higher efficiency configuration is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Battery controller with a buck regulator.
Here, we feed the unregulated battery voltage output from the battery controller to the input side of the buck regulator module. The output from the buck regulator is then connected directly to the +5 VDC rail of the microprocessor board, avoiding the onboard linear regulator all together.
CAUTION: The buck regulators I used feature a small potentiometer to set their output voltage. One needs to set the output voltage to the correct value needed by your CPU (usually 5.0V or 3.3V) BEFORE connecting the buck regulator output to your CPU board. You risk killing your CPU in a fatal overvoltage event if the output voltage is not properly pre-set ahead of time to match the voltage requirements of your CPU/project.
Why not use the ‘enable’ pin of the buck regulator IC to turn power on and off? Yes, the readily available regulator modules based on MP1485, MP1594, MP2307, and similar switching regulator ICs do have a power supply enable pin (a.k.a., EN). When left disconnected (or pulled up), the regulator starts up immediately upon receiving an input voltage and delivers a regulated output voltage. When the EN pin is driven low (typically < 2 VDC), the regulator shuts down. Might this eliminate the need for the power MOSFET on the battery controller?
Well, I tested this approach and found that even though the regulated output voltage does turn off when the EN pin is low, the regulator IC chip itself still continued to consume 15-30 µA even when disabled. I felt this was way too much off-state battery drain and abandoned using the EN pin as the primary power-down switch.
By following the battery power controller with a buck regulator module, the ability to monitor the raw battery voltage and perform code driven power-downs are fully preserved, while battery-to-CPU regulation efficiency is greatly improved. So, what does it get you?
I ran another battery life test on my RJ45 cable tester project to find out. Figure 10 shows both my prior linear-regulator test runs (described in detail in Part 1), along with the new 5V buck regulator version.
Figure 10. Using a buck regulator to increase battery life.
Note that throughout the battery service life, the Arduino onboard linear regulator scheme appeared to act like a constant ~100 mA load to the battery. The buck regulator version, however, varied its current draw from 60 mA to 90 mA as the battery energy was consumed.
Even though the current needed by the buck regulator changed throughout the battery life, the buck regulator scheme was still more efficient and increased the overall service life by more than 30%. For my RJ45 cable tester, the previous 3.5 hour service life realized with linear regulators increased to more than 4.6 hours with the buck regulator approach.
I focused on single-use alkaline batteries for these articles as rechargeable batteries require more specialized care and feeding. For example, when using lithium-ion batteries, it’s important to prevent both overcharge and overdischarge of the battery as either case leads to permanent battery damage and premature battery failure.
Also, strict recharging and load balancing protocols in multi-battery parallel or serial configurations need extra attention. For these reasons, I’m sticking with single-use alkaline batteries for now and will leave rechargeable batteries for another time.
When thinking about your battery powered designs, don’t forget some of the easy wins. Dimming LEDs and LCD backlights, for example, isn’t hard to do for most microprocessors (think PWM). Also, check out the special low-power CPU modes (sleep) that your micro supports to further save power when possible.
While I more or less assumed all projects should use microprocessors (a bit narrow minded, don’t you think?), understand that the battery controller presented here can easily auto power-down your project when driven by a NE555 timer or other non-CPU project signal.
For pushbutton on-off controls, a normally-open momentary pushbutton connected from PL1-pin 2 to ground should work as a start button (SW1 must already be set to on).
A normally-open momentary pushbutton from PL3-pin 2 to ground could become a simple stop button. The battery controller circuit presented here is fairly straightforward, so feel free to experiment and adapt the design to better fit into your needs.
Understanding project power requirements, battery capacity, and service hour charts helped transform my RJ45 cable tester into a battery-powered portable instrument.
Furthermore, the battery power controller presented here helps me stay informed of battery status as well as provides a much needed auto-off function to overcome my absent minded walk away tendencies!
I hope these ideas can help you integrate battery monitoring and “auto-off” functionality into your next portable project. Best of luck and happy experimenting! NV
Adventures in Battery-Land Parts List | <urn:uuid:d66a0a6f-28a9-4ed7-b968-68691e3aebb8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/article/adventures-in-battery-land-part-2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.92242 | 4,907 | 2.875 | 3 |
The changes associated with aging do not affect everyone in the same way, and they do not necessarily interfere with a healthy life. Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr celebrated his 70th birthday in 2010 by playing at Radio City Music Hall, and Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger (who once supposedly said, “I’d rather be dead than singing ‘Satisfaction’ at 45”) continues to perform as he pushes 70. The golfer Tom Watson almost won the 2010 British Open golf tournament at the age of 59, playing against competitors in their 20s and 30s. And people such as the financier Warren Buffet, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, and actress Betty White, each in their 80s, all enjoy highly productive a nd energetic lives.
Researchers are beginning to better understand the factors that allow some people to age better than others. For one, research has found that the people who are best able to adjust well to changing situations early in life ar e also able to better adjust later in life (Rubin, 2007; Sroufe, Collins, Egeland, & Carlson, 2009). 1 Perceptions also matter. People who believe that the elderly are sick, vulnerable, and grumpy often act according to such beliefs (Nemmers, 2005), 2 and Levy, Slade, Kunkel, and Kasl (2002) 3 found that the elderly who had more positive perceptions about aging also lived longer.
In one important study concerning the role of expectations on memory, Becca Levy and Ellen Langer (1994) 4 found that, although young American and Chinese students performed equally well on cognitive tasks, older Americans performed significantly more poorly on those tasks than did their Chinese counterparts. Furthermore, this difference was explained by beliefs about aging—in both cultures, the older adults who believed that memory declined with age also showed more actual memory declines than did the older adults who believed that memory did not decline with age. In addition, more older Americans than older Chinese believed that memory declined with age, and as you can see in Figure 6.6, older Americans performed more poorly on the memory tasks.
Whereas it was once believed that almost all older adults suffered from a generalized memory loss, research now indicates that healthy older adults actually experience only some particular types of memory deficits, while other types of memory remain relatively intact or may even improve with age. Older adults do seem to process information more slowly—it may take them longer to evaluate information and to understand language, and it takes them longer, on average, than it does younger people, to recall a word that they know, even though they are perfectly able to recognize the word once they see it (Burke, Shafto, Craik, & Salthouse, 2008). 5 Older adults also have more difficulty inhibiting and controlling their attention (Persad, Abeles, Zacks, & Denburg, 2002), 6 making them, for example, more likely to talk about topics that are not relevant to the topic a t hand when conversing (Pushkar e t al., 2000). 7
But slower processing and less accurate executive control does not always mean worse memory, or even worse intelligence. Perhaps the elderly are slower in part because they simply have more knowledge. Indeed, older adults have more crystallized intelligence—that is, general knowledge about theworld, as reflected in semantic knowledge, vocabulary, and language. As a result, adults generally outperform younger people on measures of history, geography, and even on crossword puzzles, where this information is useful (Salthouse, 2004). 8 It is this superior knowledge combined with a slower and more complete processing style, along with a more sophisticated understanding of the workings of the world around them, that gives the elderly the advantage of “wisdom” over the advantages of fluid intelligence—theabilityto thinkand acquireinformation quicklyand abstractly—which favor the young (Baltes, Staudinger, & Lindenberger, 1999; Scheibe, Kunzmann, & Baltes, 2009). 9
The differential changes in crystallized versus fluid intelligence help explain why the elderly do not necessarily show poorer performance on tasks that also require experience (i.e., crystallized intelligence), although they show poorer memory overall. A young chess player may think more quickly, for instance, but a more experienced chess player has more knowledge to draw on. Older a dults are also more effective at understanding the nuances of social interactions than younger a dults are, in part because they have more experience in relationships (Blanchard-Fields, Mienaltowski, & Seay, 2007). 10 | <urn:uuid:3aeb67df-4065-489f-a746-3e6ec393f4ec> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.opentextbooks.org.hk/ditatopic/26951 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.958026 | 946 | 2.984375 | 3 |
This beauty is native to Brazil, where you’ll find it growing in the shade of big trees in tropical rainforests. Its broad striped leaves can grow as long as 45cm in its natural habitat. They curl up at night, then unfurl in the morning to catch all the rays they can.
If you think about where it’s from, it’s easy to remember how to keep it happy. It’s used to living in dappled light, so it doesn’t like direct sun. And it needs lots of rainforest-like moisture. That will mean it needs either a humid room or misting every few days. It will also benefit from a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer. Meet those demands and it’s a really striking houseplant.
Did you know?
The name calathea zebrina roughly translates as ‘zebra-striped basket’, which makes sense if you look at its leaves. | <urn:uuid:b3e9d009-fea7-4f76-8f3e-959eb9604180> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.patchplants.com/gb/en/plants/calathea-zebrina-347/?variant=757 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.955607 | 209 | 2.8125 | 3 |
New Zealand has made some progress in removing the sale of sugary drinks from hospitals and schools. In this blog we look at such successes to date and consider what could be done to further reduce availability of these products which are both harming oral health and fuelling the obesity epidemic.
There are good arguments and some evidence suggesting that NZ should follow Mexico, the UK and other countries in adopting taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs*), as per these past blogs (UK, Mexico, Mexico and Pacific, Open letter to Cabinet Ministers for sugary drinks tax). A comprehensive approach to preventing obesity and protecting oral health would go much further. One part of such an approach would be to reduce the retail availability of SSBs and at the same time ensuring good access to water drinking fountains – which could certainly be improved in recreational areas as per this NZ study (1).
Recent successes around reducing access to SSBs in NZ include a request in 2015 from the Ministry of Health that public hospitals remove from sale all SSBs. There has also been encouragement from the Ministries of Education and Health in March 2016 for the removal of SSBs for sale from schools.
For NZ hospitals the process around SSB sales bans has taken 12 years since the first DHB moved on the issue (Waitemata DHB). Some still sell naturally-sweetened fruit juices, flavoured milk and diet soft drinks (e.g., Waikato DHB).
For schools a survey in 2015 apparently showed 10% are now water-only, and just 5% still sell full-sugar ‘fizzy’ drinks. One of the first schools to become water-only was Yendarra School in Otara, Auckland, which eliminated sugary drinks 10 years ago. It would be ideal if future NZ studies could scientifically evaluate the impact of SSB removal from schools (e.g., on oral health). In the meantime, however, it would seem plausible that reduced availability would tend to result in reduced consumption. This logic is supported by a US study that found for girls aged 6-8 years, there was increased intake of SSBs (and snack foods/sweets and daily energy) with greater retail outlet availability (2). There is also the suggestive literature on alcohol availability and use by adolescents (3).
So what else could be done?
NZ could step-up policies to “end child and youth obesity”. The NZ Government did launch its childhood obesity plan late last year. It is important to have a comprehensive strategy, ranging from interventions for helping children who are already obese to changing obesogenic environments. But the Government’s policy has been widely criticised as weak on structural interventions, and inadequately addressing the role of the food industry (e.g., “Partnership with Industry”, and “Marketing and advertising to children” continuing to leave leadership under industry self-regulation). No mention is made of SSB taxes or specific policies to limit SSB availability. It is clear that SSBs are only one of the many causes of child obesity, and not the only policy entry point for policies – but they are still a good entry point, especially given the combined harmful impact in terms of obesity and oral health.
Regulations to limit SSBs could – probably should – be one component of any comprehensive strategy. This could be achieved through national-level laws or regulations, or facilitating local government to set limits (in the same way as can be done now for alcohol).
A SSB excise tax (with revenue funding healthy school lunches and evidence-based education programmes), and mandated SSB and junk food marketing restrictions (especially those targeting children), are two obvious places to strengthen current policy.
Whether it be through national-level regulation, or empowering of local government (or the less than ideal leave-it-to-the-stakeholders ‘code of practice’ approach), sales of SSBs could be prohibited (or limited) in all organisations that receive government funding or which are on government-owned land. Restrictions of bans on SSB sales within 1 km of schools, similar to the restrictions on alcohol and tobacco sales near schools in some jurisdictions around the world, is also a possible in-road to changing the obesogenic environment.
Some further specific options, again all ‘avenues in’ to contribute to changing the obesogenic environment, include:
- Local governments adopting their own policies to ensure no SSBs are sold in Council facilities or on Council-owned land. The ideal could be to introduce such measures at the same time as upgrading access to drinking fountains (1). A range of councils have already got such policies e.g., Nelson City Council, Marlborough District Council and Palmerston North City Council.
- Tertiary education organisations prohibiting SSB sales on their campuses. Such a policy has been adopted by the Division of Health Sciences, Otago University, Dunedin.
- The NZ Defence Force prohibiting sales of SSBs on all military bases (some of these bases have children living on them and their own schools and childcare facilities).
Restricting sales of just SSBs or other drinks also?
SSBs seem to be more obesogenic than artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs**) according to one systematic review (4), and substituting ASBs for their regular-calorie versions “results in a modest weight loss” according to another systematic review (5) (when considering just the results for the randomised trials in this review, as previously discussed in a PHE blog). Another systematic review reported that habitual consumption of SSBs was associated with a greater incidence of type 2 diabetes (independently of overweight/obesity) (6). While this review also found that ASBs and fruit juice consumption showed associations with increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, these particular findings were not as robust (with somewhat similar results found in an earlier systematic review (7)).
SSBs also appear to raise blood pressure, as per this systematic review (8). But both SSBs and ASBs were associated with hypertension according to a more recent systematic review (9). Finally, another systematic review reported that SSBs were associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while this was not so for ASBs (10).
ASBs are acidic (as are SSBs) and so cause dental erosion. This then makes the teeth more susceptible to decay (11, 12). Also, they do not contribute any necessary nutrients (in contrast to beverages such as unsweetened milk). ASBs may also continue to sustain the idea of sweet-tasting drinks being the only normal option. But permitting ASBs to remain available might make it easier for organisations to at least restrict sales of SSBs which seem to have the greatest health risks given the evidence to date.
NZ is making some progress on reducing access to sugary drinks in both hospitals and schools. However, there are further potential benefits from new measures, be they laws and regulations, by-laws or codes of practice which could further constrain the availability of SSB sales outlets. There are still complex pros and cons about if such restrictions should also cover alternative beverages such as ASBs.
Notes: * Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) are drinks with an added caloric sweetener such as sugar. The main categories of SSBs include soft drinks, fruit drinks, sachet mixes, cordials, energy or sports drinks, flavoured milks, and cold teas or coffees (New Zealand Beverage Guidance Panel, 2014). Artificially sweetened beverages are excluded (e.g., diet soft drinks).
** Artificially sweetened beverages (ASBs) are drinks with any added sweetener such as aspartame and stevia.. | <urn:uuid:9a8c3851-d7df-4e9a-bbaa-602ab338ca32> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.phcc.org.nz/briefing/progress-reducing-retail-availability-sugary-drinks-nz | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.96065 | 1,590 | 2.609375 | 3 |
A diagnosis of psychosis may be made by a psychiatrist if a person is experiencing the following:
- Changes in perception – hearing, smelling, feeling, tasting or seeing things that other people do not. The most common one is hearing voices.
- Unusual, distressing beliefs – feeling that something is happening around you that is difficult to explain. It may be a feeling that people are going to hurt or control you in some way, making you feel very unsafe.
- Confused thinking – being confused by your thoughts and feeling that you cannot explain yourself very well.
- Other difficulties such as loss of interest in things, low motivation, low mood, difficulty expressing how you feel, distancing yourself from other people and struggling to care for yourself
Psychosis is a mental health problem, usually triggered by another mental health condition, for example bipolar disorder or schizophrenia or severe depression. It can also be triggered by drug misuse, traumatic events, or other physical conditions such as Parkinson’s.
My experience of psychosis was triggered by a manic episode, linked to bipolar disorder. I can talk about this freely now, and accept that I had been experiencing psychosis, however whilst I was symptomatic, there was very little anyone could have said to me to make me believe that what I saw and felt was not real life.
This lack of insight is not uncommon for people experiencing psychosis but can make sufferers extremely difficult to reason with. No matter how many times I was told that the things I saw were hallucinations, or that my thoughts and feelings were delusions, I simply could not believe it; from my point of view, it was my family, friends and professionals who did not believe me which made having psychosis so very lonely. I truly felt, for a long time, that it was me against the world and felt so rejected by my friends and family who appeared to no longer be on my side. I was terrified, calling out for help and it appeared that no one was listening.
Everyone who experiences psychosis will experience it differently and I do not believe that there can be a ‘one size fits all’ model for interacting with someone with psychosis, however what I would say is try to imagine what it is like to be inside that bubble of psychosis. Challenging my thoughts and stating that I was wrong, only increased my loneliness, served to make me more upset and often angry. What I found most useful was when people would ask openly about something, giving me a chance to explain my point of view. Sometimes these open, non-judgemental questions, could help me to question my own thoughts, and as my condition improved, helped me to come to terms with a realisation regarding what was happening. This was not always the case of course, but at the very least, it showed me that these people were still here for me, they did not have to confirm my beliefs, just show that they interested in them and not dismissing me outright.
Watching someone you love experience psychosis is extremely difficult and it is likely that something you say or do will upset them while they are unwell. Should this occur, please try to remember that they are unwell and have very limited control over what they say and do, don’t give up. The most important thing you can do for someone experiencing psychosis is to be there for them while they ride out the storm, not just during the episode, but also afterwards. Dealing with and processing your experiences of psychosis after the events can be just as difficult to come to terms with as the experiences in the moment and I cannot express how grateful I am to my family and friends for their ongoing support with this. | <urn:uuid:c3f41b41-3e2f-4a1c-9649-c7f88cb66b29> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.recoverycollegeonline.co.uk/recovery-wellbeing/diagnosis-types/psychosis/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.985909 | 743 | 2.890625 | 3 |
This course introduces you to the object-oriented paradigm within the context of Oracle, then focuses on the SQL and PL/SQL commands for creating, modifying, and manipulating data within objects such as object tables and related object tables. This course also covers nested tables, varrays, LOBs, object types, and objects embedded within relational tables. You will learn the steps necessary to create and use methods written in PL/SQL to manipulate data within objects.
This course is 1 of 3 courses that discusses PL/SQL Programming.
- Oracle PL/SQL Programming
- PL/SQL Stored Objects/
- Programming PL/SQL
Along the way, you will work on a series of course projects and exercises that will give you a chance to put your new skills to use in
the context of actual business scenarios.
Millions of application developers and database administrators around the world use software provided by Oracle Corporation to build complex systems that manage vast quantities of data. At the heart of much of Oracle's software is PL/SQL, a programming language that provides procedural extensions to Oracle's version of SQL (Structured Query Language) and serves as the programming language within the Oracle Developer toolset (most notably Forms Developer and Reports Developer). PL/SQL figures prominently as an enabling technology in almost every new product released by Oracle Corporation. Software professionals use PL/SQL to perform many kinds of programming functions, including:
- Implementing crucial business rules in the Oracle Server with PL/SQL-based stored procedures and database triggers
- Generating and managing XML documents entirely within the database
- Linking web pages to an Oracle database
- Implementing and automating database administration tasks, from establishing row-level security to managing rollback segments within PL/SQL programs | <urn:uuid:976482dd-1abc-44db-bf59-a22736ef859e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.relationaldbdesign.com/oracle-plsql/module1/intro-pl-sql-oracle.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.884848 | 355 | 3.140625 | 3 |
The public health problem of obesity and morbid obesity is one of the concerns and topics of research in the UK (Keaver et.al 2020, Hughes et.al, 2017). Obesity increases the risk of Cardiovascular disease, some cancers, and Type 2 Diabetes (Kivimäki et.al, 2017). Promotion of healthy behaviours via public health policy is an important avenue for public health intervention. In particular, obesity has been linked to take root in childhood years in many cases, and to be linked to deprivation (https://www.henry.org.uk/ouroffer/childobesity) and families. The proposed study will provide (i) information to policymakers regarding obesity with quantified impacts of key variables, and (ii) new quantitative methodologies to public health researchers, (iii) inform the decision process in the debate on the banning of multibuy snacks, on national policy on food price regulation and on advertising especially in relation to food targeted to young children These would be useful to assess the impact of (and design) better policies as interventions. Traditionally the impact of interventions has been measured by monitoring changes in certain indicators (e.g., weight=70Kg). These are measured by capturing a snapshot of the variable at a specific point in time, which is then analysed using mathematical models that quantify intervention impact. There is a unique opportunity to improve this approach by making it more data rich. New technologies have made the collection of longitudinal data easier, making it possible to know the change of a variable over time or its “trajectory”. In addition, the geographic location, for example, the Council associated with a participant is an important dimension to include. The proposed research will develop data and models to use this new data structure (to analyse trajectories in space and time), providing more information content and thus more precision to model obesity in the UK and provide evidence to inform debates such as the proposed banning of multibuy snacks and the advertisement of soft drinks. Methodology The methodology will achieve the following objectives: 1. Data augmentation. This will be achieved by the formulation of a multi-state trajectory dataset using the National Child Development Survey data (this survey has been running from 1946). Trajectories for mental health, BMI, Weight, Height, Diet, Smoking history, Mental Health, and Demographics 2. Model the dependent trajectory in the presence of the explanatory trajectories. 3. To summarize in numerical form the trajectories in terms of fluidity and similarity 4. To summarize in graphical form the trajectories in terms of broad typologies. 5. To generate maps of the distribution (across the UK) of access to weight control services and counselling for obesity. | <urn:uuid:95e106e7-607e-4b7d-a424-f7e5f9d8d2ac> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/prizes/challenge-investment-fund-award-2023 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.90838 | 549 | 2.59375 | 3 |
Ötzi’s Neandertal ancestry
A 5,300-year-old man found sticking out of an Alpine glacier in 1991 possessed more genes in common with Neandertals than Europeans today do. The man’s Neandertal heritage is a preliminary sign that Stone Age interbreeding occurred more frequently than many scientists assume. Two researchers determined that the previously analyzed genome of Ötzi the Tyrolean Iceman (SN: 3/24/12, p. 5) included roughly 4 to 4.5 percent Neandertal genes. Modern Europeans’ genetic library includes an average of 2.5 percent Neandertal genes.
Human groups that migrated into Europe after 5,000 years ago mated with continental natives and diluted traces of Neandertal genetic ancestry in Ötzi, proposed Aaron Sams of Cornell University on April 12.
It’s difficult to estimate precisely how many genes in the Iceman or in living people had roots in Neandertals, said study coauthor John Hawks of the University of Wisconsin – Madison, because ancient populations ancestral to both humans and Neandertals may have passed along some genes common to both species.
Organic material may be oldest example of human skin
The earliest preserved swatch of hominid skin may have been found by discoverers of South African fossils assigned to a nearly 2-million-year-old species called Australopithecus sediba, a possible precursor of the Homo genus. Reddish brown material on the skull of an A. sediba boy shows provocative similarities to human skin, Rachelle Keeling of the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg reported on April 11.
Microscopic analyses of the substance revealed irregular lines resembling blood vessels, as well as depressions characteristic of fat pockets and hair follicles. Chemical tests confirmed that the stuff is organic and has a molecular structure like that previously found in the skin of mummified human bodies.
A. sediba individuals fell into an underground cave where their bodies were quickly covered by soil in a dry place free of predators, making the preservation of skin possible, Keeling said. Further tests are planned to verify that the ancient boy is the world’s oldest skin head.
First hominid’s rewired brain
A computer-generated cast of the inner surface of a 7-million-year-old cranium, which bears impressions once made by brain features, suggests that hominid evolution kicked off with big neural changes. The skull, unearthed in Africa in 2001, belongs to Sahelanthropus tchadensis, a species controversially proposed as the earliest known member of the human evolutionary family.
X-rays enabled a research team to see through Sahelanthropus’ rock-filled cranium and reconstruct its brain surface. That 3-D reconstruction of the ancient creature’s brain terrain reveals a hominidlike setup, said Thibaut Bienvenu of the University of Poitiers, France, on April 12. Shapes of the front and back of Sahelanthropus’ brain, as well as the tilt of its brain stem, matched corresponding brain measures for 2- to 4-million-year-old hominids and modern humans.
An upright posture and two-legged gait stimulated neural reworking in Sahelanthropus, Bienvenu speculated, even though the hominid’s brain was about one-quarter the size of people’s brains today. | <urn:uuid:d80f2a46-408a-4742-8613-98cfad67b887> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.sciencenews.org/article/american-association-physical-anthropologists-meeting | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.929028 | 725 | 3.546875 | 4 |
Data is a valuable commodity in today’s business world, whether it’s a major corporation or a small business run out of your home. Data is everywhere, and it must be collected, structured, managed, and overseen to maximize its effectiveness. In other words — data needs governance.
Let’s explore the concept of data governance and what it means. In addition to establishing a data governance definition, we will look at data governance standards, the overall data governance process, examples, implementations, and other aspects.
We begin by defining data governance.
Data Governance: A Definition
Actually, before we define data governance, let’s establish what we mean by “data.” In terms of IT, data is information that is stored and processed on a digital device like a server, database, computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Now that we have dealt with the basics, we move on to explaining data governance. Data governance is an umbrella term for collecting practices, policies, processes, roles, standards, and metrics dedicated to helping an organization realize its goals using efficient and practical information. Data governance manages the availability, integrity, security, and usability of all data residing in enterprise systems.
Data governance should not be confused with data management. Data management entails overseeing an organization’s entire data lifecycle needs. Data governance is a core component of data management — tying together nine additional disciplines, including data security, data cleansing, data quality, database operations, data warehousing, and more. In more straightforward terms, data governance creates the policies and procedures regarding data, while data management enacts those procedures to gather and use the data for decision-making.
The Goals of Data Governance
Our data-heavy world makes a solid data governance program mandatory. It’s no exaggeration to say that any business today that doesn’t have a data governance strategy puts itself at unnecessary risk. Here are the goals of a healthy, effective data governance model:
- Ensure the company can make confident, consistent business decisions based on reliable data
- Boost data security by establishing data ownership parameters and related responsibilities
- Monetize the data to increase profits
- Meet regulatory requirements and avoid punitive measures such as fines by documenting data asset lineage and data-related access controls, including implementing compliance requirements
- Establish consistent rules for data use
- Reduce overhead costs
- Increase the overall value of data
- Improve both internal and external communication
The Benefits of Data Governance
The line between goals and benefits gets blurred often because met goals ultimately turn into advantages. At the risk of redundancy, let’s list the benefits of data governance. There may be enough distinction to justify it.
- The organization’s data increases in value
- There are clear and improved standards for data policies, systems, and procedures
- The company achieves greater transparency regarding data-related activities
- The business’s revenue grows, and costs shrink
- The organization gains a platform that meets the demands of the many government regulations in force today. Businesses must adhere to the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the United States’ HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), and other industry requirements like the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards)
- Since valuable data fuels commercial success in today’s digital world, this gives the company an edge over the competition
- A good data governance platform facilitates the use of big data analytics
- Data governance improves cybersecurity, protecting corporate assets from theft and tampering
Data Governance Challenges
Although the benefits of enterprise data governance appear self-evident, some organizations push back on the concept. Here are a few challenges facing data governance:
It isn’t easy to convince the people who hold the purse strings that they should allocate financial resources to deal with something the organization is not immediately facing.
Dichotomy Between Flexibility and Standardization.
It isn’t easy finding the right balance between adhering to a set of governance standards and having flexibility. Where do you draw the line?
Business Culture Clashes.
Data governance relies on an open corporate culture, which entails accepting new ideas and methodologies.
Skeptics within an organization may assume data governance is difficult to implement and refuse data governance implementation outright.
A Data Governance Framework
Data governance frameworks consist of sets of data rules, processes, technologies, and organizational role delegations, designed to bring the company together and ensure everyone is heading in the same direction regarding data.
A good data governance framework also has a well-defined mission statement, goals, success definition, responsibility delegation, and accountability for different functions within the program. The framework should be documented and shared with every appropriate member of the organization.
Data Governance Principles
There are eight guiding principles of data organization:
- Everyone participating in data governance must have honesty and integrity in dealing with each other. This honesty includes being forthcoming in discussing every aspect of data-related decisions.
- Data governance requires transparency, especially regarding how and when decisions were made and controls implemented.
- All data-related controls, decisions, and processes must be auditable and include documentation.
- Define who is responsible for data-related, cross-functional controls, decisions, and processes.
- Define who is answerable for stewardship activities controlled by groups of data stewards or individual contributors.
- Programs must define accountabilities in a way that provides checks and balances between the technology and business teams and between those who collect and create information, the information users, information managers, and individuals who introduce compliance requirements and standards.
- The data governance program must introduce and support enterprise data standardization.
- The program must support reactive and proactive change management activities established for reference data values and the use and structure of metadata and master data.
Data Governance Roles and Responsibilities
There are four chief roles in data governance. They include:
Chief Data Officer.
This role is the data governance leader, who is responsible for overseeing the process. Duties include securing funding and staffing and aiding in the process’s setup and monitoring.
The committee sets data governance policies and procedures. They set the rules for data usage and who can access it. The committee also resolves disputes.
Whereas the committee sets policies, the data stewards carry them out. They oversee data sets and keep them in proper order. Data stewards also train new staff.
Data owners assume direct responsibility for the organization’s data. They protect the data and maintain its quality as a business asset. Data owners are always on the teams that use the data.
Data Governance Best Practices for 2024
Much like data governance frameworks, there are various sets of data governance practices out there. Here is a brief list of the ten best practices for the next twelve months.
Set Specific, Clear, and Measurable Goals.
Establishing well-defined goals is the only way you can tell if you're making progress. When you meet the goal, note the achievement, then prepare for the next one.
Start Off Small.
Instead of taking on a massive challenge, break the operation into smaller pieces, and do them one at a time, making gradual progress. Don’t try to solve all of the world’s problems on your first go!
Clearly Identify Responsibilities and Establish Roles.
You don’t want duplication of effort or people stepping on each other’s territory.
Tag and Classify All Data.
Enforce metadata standards that help you meet your business goals and permit reusable data.
Automate, Automate, Automate!
Try automating as much of the framework as you can, including approval processes, data requests, permission requests, and workflows.
Don’t Forget Unstructured Data.
There is a plethora of unstructured data sitting around. Have a plan on how to handle data that resides in folders, files, and shares.
Minimize the Impact on Individuals and Teams.
Data governance is not the chief responsibility of the entire company. While everyone should handle data responsibly, ultimately, data governance falls on the designated team.
Map Your Infrastructure, Architecture, and Tools.
Get an understanding of where the data governance framework fits in the overall IT landscape.
So many problems get solved (or prevented entirely) when people and teams communicate clearly and often.
Educate Your Stakeholders.
People are more likely to accept risks and allocate resources when they know what they’re supporting.
Data Governance Tools
Although data governance is an ongoing process, there are many tools available to make the job easier. Here is a small sample of popular data governance tools:
- IBM Data Governance. This tool leverages the concept of machine learning to collect and curate various data assets. Teams can use the integrated data catalog to find, curate, prepare, analyze, and eventually share data.
- Alation. This tool is an enterprise data catalog that supports self-service analytics. Alation automatically indexes data by source.
- Collibra Governance. This tool is an enterprise-wide solution that helps you take care of the “Automate!” best practice listed above. Collibra automates many governance and stewardship jobs. It comes with a business glossary, data helpdesk, and policy manager.
- SAS Data Management. SAS Data Management is built on the SAS platform, and provides a role-based graphic user interface (GUI) for managing processes. This tool includes lineage visualization, SAS and third-party metadata management, and an integrated business glossary.
Data Governance Applications
Data governance is a helpful tool that improves the digital platforms of businesses and organizations of all kinds.
Data governance plays a crucial role in safeguarding accurate and consistent financial reports.
No company today can escape digital standards and practices, and data governance helps businesses achieve compliance.
Data governance provides trusted insights into customer behavior and habits.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning bring a new level of automation to the industrial sector. Data governance makes deployment more manageable and safer.
Supply chains have been severely impacted, no thanks to the COVID pandemic. Data governance brings operational efficiency and cost reduction to the process by providing actionable data and fostering greater business collaboration in any crisis.
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Interested in Becoming a Data Engineer?
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Check out Simplilearn’s courses today, and get a head start on finding a great data engineering career! | <urn:uuid:0e04b4f9-7c83-44dc-880d-c146e815bd43> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.simplilearn.com/what-is-data-governance-article | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.903445 | 2,290 | 3.34375 | 3 |
Australian-born physicist Peter Thonemann was leader of the ZETA (Zero Energy Thermonuclear Assembly) project in the UK at the time of the declassification of controlled nuclear fusion research by the UK, USA and USSR in 1958.
Fusion, in which hydrogen atoms fuse together to produce helium and in the process some mass is converted to energy, is the power source of stars, including our Sun. Prior to this date work on controlled nuclear fusion research had been classified by these nations for fear that fusion might provide a simple way of producing large quantities of neutrons that could be used to facilitate nuclear explosions. Once it became clear that this was not feasible, declassification was agreed and fusion research became an exemplar of international research collaboration, which continues today with the ITER project under construction in France.
Peter Clive Thonemann was born in Kew, Melbourne on June 3, 1917 and grew up in comfortable circumstances. His grandfather, Julius Emil Thonemann, emigrated to Australia in 1854 and was consul to Victoria for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, 1866-79. According to a family memoir the exact reason for his emigration, and subsequent gaining of British status under Queen Victoria, is not known, but the most likely cause is considered to be political unrest in Germany. His son Frederick Emil Thonemann, born in 1860 in Melbourne, established a wool broking business, Thonemann and Lange. The business prospered and he was able to set up as a stockbroker, F. Thonemann and Sons. His many and varied business interests included Elsey Station in the Northern Territory, which became famous though the book We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn. Peter was born to Frederick's second wife, Mabel (from Scotland). He was the second of four children .
Peter grew up in a large, rambling house, "Rathgawn", at Kew and attended Melbourne Grammar School, as his father had done. In 1936 he began a physics degree at the University of Melbourne, living in a one-bedroom flat. In a family memoir he records that he enjoyed his university days: "I played billiards, occasional tennis, and in particular was a member of the university skiing team which visited Mt Hotham."
Peter completed a bachelor of science at the University of Melbourne in 1939. When war broke out, he was directed to work at the Munitions Supply Laboratories at Maribyrnong, Victoria, and stayed there until 1942. He left to join the research department of Amalgamated Wireless, at Ashfield in Sydney. In 1944, he was accepted by the University of Sydney to undertake a research master's degree in science. It was at Ashfield that he met his future wife, Jean; they subsequently had two children, a son and a daughter.
Upon submission of his thesis, a study of high frequency fields in an ionised gas, he headed to Oxford University to begin a DPhil – Australian universities were not offering doctoral research programs at the time. At Oxford he carried out the first studies of toroidal discharges in which current is induced to travel in a ring around a "doughnut"-shaped tube. He became head of fusion research at Oxford, which moved to Harwell in 1952 so that it could proceed in secrecy. While at Harwell he was instrumental in the design and construction of a large toroidal device ZETA. The aim of this device was to heat and magnetically confine ionised deuterium (heavy hydrogen) in order to demonstrate controlled release of fusion energy. It began operation in 1957, the same year that the UK successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb – an uncontrolled release of fusion energy.
Towards the end of 1957 rumours spread in the UK that a significant breakthrough in controlling fusion had occurred at Harwell. This was occurring at the height of national rivalries associated with the Cold War when the USSR, with the launch of Sputnik in 1957, had "beaten" the West into space.
Newspaper reports claimed an achievement of tremendous significance and a great victory for British scientists, who were said to have beaten much larger teams of Russians and Americans working on similar projects. Due to Thonemann's Australian origins these events received prominent coverage in Australian newspapers.
It was suggested that: "Despite the official US denial, criticism persisted in Britain that the Americans, abashed at being left behind by the Russians on space satellites, had persuaded Britain to postpone the news." (SMH January 25, 1958). An editorial in the Herald on the same day proclaimed: "So our scientists are not doing so badly after all! Russia has thrust a long arm upwards into space towards the stars. The West has made a little sun here on Earth." This followed an earlier front page report in The Sun-Herald of December 15, 1957 where the headline, beside a photograph of Thonemann, proclaimed: "Secrecy gag on scientist. DISCOVERY SENSATION."
The speculation was based on the production of large fluxes of neutrons, considered an indicator of fusion reactions, each time ZETA was "fired". The eventual realisation these were not the result of deuterium uniformly heated to a high temperature, but rather to a small fraction of deuterium ions undergoing fusion reactions after being accelerated to high velocities, was a source of some embarrassment.
Following the declassification, research on fusion was transferred from Harwell to a new unrestricted laboratory at Culham, south of Oxford (now the site of the Joint European Torus, or JET, the largest and most successful toroidal fusion device of its kind), where ZETA continued to operate until 1969.
Thonemann became deputy director of the Culham Laboratory from 1965-66 after which, in 1968, he left Culham to become Professor of Physics at the University College of Swansea, Wales, now Swansea University. Unable to raise research council funds for fusion research in Swansea, he turned his interest to the bacterium E. coli and specifically to its behaviour in response to gradients of nutrient concentration, which could be measured and modelled using the same mathematics as used for dynamics of particles. This resulted in collaboration with the university's Biology Department. He retired from Swansea University in 1984.
Peter Thonemann continued to live in Swansea. He died on February 10, 2018, aged 100.
Brian James, Honorary Associate Professor, University of Sydney | <urn:uuid:2cdf61bf-6e66-4134-8ef4-abd5afe977bc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.smh.com.au/national/peter-thonemann-australian-fusion-pioneer-20180410-h0ylc8.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.974786 | 1,328 | 2.53125 | 3 |
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with more and more people looking for eco-friendly and cost-effective ways to travel. However, one of the biggest challenges faced by EV owners is finding a reliable and efficient way to recharge their vehicles. This is where EV chargers come in.
Solar energy and electric vehicles (EVs) are two of the most promising technologies of our time, and when combined, they have the potential to revolutionize the way we think about energy and transportation. Solar energy can contribute to EV technology in several ways, including reducing the cost of charging, increasing the availability of charging infrastructure, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
EV chargers are devices that are used to recharge the batteries of electric vehicles. They come in different types, such as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers, and can be installed in various locations, including homes, workplaces, and public areas.
Level 1 chargers are the slowest type of chargers, and they typically take up to 24 hours to fully charge an EV. They are most commonly used for home charging, as they can be plugged into a standard household outlet.
Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers, and they can charge an EV in 4-8 hours, depending on the capacity of the battery. They require a dedicated circuit and a specialized plug, and they can be installed at home or in public places.
Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are the fastest type of chargers available. They can provide up to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, making them ideal for long-distance travel and public charging stations.
One of the most significant ways that solar energy can contribute to EV technology is by reducing the cost of charging. EV owners typically charge their vehicles at home, which can be expensive if they rely solely on the grid. However, by installing solar panels on their homes, they can generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid. This not only reduces the cost of charging but also makes EVs more accessible to people who may not have access to charging infrastructure.
Another way that solar energy can contribute to EV technology is by increasing the availability of charging infrastructure. Solar-powered charging stations can be installed in remote areas where grid connections are not available, providing access to charging for EV owners in those areas. This can help to increase the adoption of EVs, particularly in rural areas where access to charging infrastructure is limited.
When choosing an EV charger, it is important to consider factors such as charging speed, compatibility with your vehicle, and installation requirements. With the increasing popularity of EVs in Australia, it is likely that we will see more EV chargers being installed in public places, making it easier for EV owners to recharge their vehicles on the go.
Solar energy can contribute to EV technology by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. EVs produce fewer emissions than traditional vehicles, but they still require electricity to operate. By using solar energy to charge EVs, we can significantly reduce the emissions associated with charging and make the entire process more environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, solar energy can contribute to EV technology in several ways, including reducing the cost of charging, increasing the availability of charging infrastructure, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As both technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see more integration between solar energy and EVs, creating a more sustainable and efficient energy system for the future. Solar Miner is one of the most preferred solar retailers in Victoria, speak to our team at 1300285885 to learn more about our smart home bundle offer and check free solar Vic rebate eligibility. | <urn:uuid:dd3b731a-7423-4495-be14-d396f71ef8b9> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.solarminer.com.au/powering-your-electric-vehicle-understanding-ev-chargers-and-the-role-of-solar-energy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.961158 | 736 | 3.546875 | 4 |
In 1936, the atmosphere in Denver, Colorado, was characterized by a blend of resilience, cultural growth, and adaptation in the face of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl's lingering effects. As the Mile High City continued to grapple with economic challenges, its residents displayed determination and embraced cultural opportunities, fostering a vibrant community life in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains.
The Dust Bowl and the Great Depression continued to affect Denver, as the city experienced a steady influx of migrants seeking work and a better life. As a result, Denver's population and urbanization expanded during this period, placing pressure on housing and infrastructure. The city's leaders and residents had to adapt to these changes, developing solutions to accommodate the growing population and alleviate poverty.
Despite the economic challenges, the spirit of innovation thrived in Denver. The city continued to develop its infrastructure, with major projects such as the Moffat Tunnel—a railroad tunnel that connected Denver to the Western Slope—opening in 1928, further fostering regional transportation and commerce. The construction of the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a unique open-air venue located just outside Denver, began in the early 1930s and was completed in 1941. This natural wonder and its surrounding park became a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and concert-goers alike, contributing to Denver's cultural scene.
In 1936, the Winter Park Ski Resort was founded, which would go on to become one of Colorado's most popular ski destinations. The development of the ski industry in the state was a significant factor in Denver's economic growth, as it attracted winter sports enthusiasts and tourists from around the country.
Culturally, Denver's art scene flourished during this time, with organizations such as the Denver Artists' Guild fostering the growth of the city's artistic community. The Guild, which was founded in 1928, played a vital role in creating a network of local artists and establishing a strong presence for the arts in Denver. As a result, the city's cultural landscape continued to evolve, with galleries, museums, and performance spaces contributing to a rich and diverse artistic environment.
The spirit of determination and progress was also reflected in the city's social fabric, as Denver became a destination for migrants from various cultural backgrounds. The diversity of the city's population contributed to a rich tapestry of cultural influences, enriching the community life of Denver and the surrounding region.
In conclusion, the spirit of 1936 Denver, Colorado, was marked by resilience, cultural richness, and a commitment to progress amidst the challenges of the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. The city's growth and development, both economically and culturally, demonstrated the unwavering determination of its residents to create a vibrant and prosperous community in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. | <urn:uuid:d3c4dbf3-401f-4066-99ab-35983b775f1d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.stockfilm.com/1936-denver-colorado | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.956969 | 547 | 3.515625 | 4 |
Parents today are looking for secure options when it comes to their children, and playground safety can become an issue for them. They might investigate their neighbourhood play area and find materials they feel are hazardous, or they could see older structures that are rickety due to weathering. All of these can create issues when their children are at play, and they often work with their community to alleviate them. It might be simply an issue of replacing a few structures within the area, or it might be best to tear down the entire playground and rebuild it from scratch. There are good ways to do it so today’s children can play and still remain safe.
A few years ago, it was found that many of the structures common to playgrounds for children could be made with chemicals detrimental to their future health. A materials check of any playground should be done every few years, and parents should ask local community leaders to ensure it is done on a regular basis. Even if inert materials are used in building the structures, weathering and environmental conditions might combine to create a hazard. Keeping up with the information should be done by professionals, so taking the time to consult them could be a good way to ensure children will remain safe. With the current trend of being environmentally friendly, adding recycled materials like recycled glass could also be a popular option.
Tearing It Down
Some playgrounds today have been around for decades, and the structures children climb upon might no longer be considered safe. They could be rickety, or wooden components might have weathered enough to create the hazard of getting splinters. While these are painful and not always considered dangerous, a splinter that is not removed correctly can become infected. Avoiding these hazards could mean tearing it down to the base elements and rebuilding the playground. It could be a lot of money and work, but many communities have chosen to do it so their children can play in safety.
A Good Foundation
There are many areas of playgrounds where grass is allowed to grow, but any structures where children can climb above their height should have a good foundation. It should be set into the ground deep enough so the structure on top will not fall over, and footings can be an excellent way to ensure safety. Those made with the right mix of Portland cement, small aggregates and fine silica sand from a speciality company like Minerals Marketing can help ensure a child will not ride a piece of playground equipment down to the ground where it can injure them.
Modern life requires adults to be proactive when it comes to any place a child might play, and they often take this duty seriously. Playgrounds can be professionally designed to provide the most fun with the least hazards, but time and weathering can create conditions that should be alleviated. Building an entirely new playground might not be necessary if dangerous elements are removed, but all of them should rest on a good foundation. For those play areas that have not been checked for hazardous conditions, asking local authorities to make the effort on a regular basis could be the best possible safety factor for many years into the future. | <urn:uuid:e89b252d-abd7-4124-8979-489be74e7f9d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.streetsaheadscotland.co.uk/playground-safety | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.965398 | 623 | 3.1875 | 3 |
The heart has four valves to ensure that blood flows in one direction through the heart. On the left side of the heart, blood returns with oxygen from the lungs into the left atrium, passes through the mitral valve into the left ventricle, which then pumps blood through the aortic valve to the body. Mitral regurgitation (MR) occurs when the mitral valve fails to close properly, so some of the blood the heart pumps leaks backwards into the left atrium. In rare circumstances, MR may develop acutely and be severe, posing a life-threatening situation. More commonly, it develops gradually and is detected by the presence of a heart murmur. Over time, the heart will enlarge, the back pressure from regurgitant flow will increase pressure in the lung vessels, and an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation may develop. With increasing leakage, a patient may develop fatigue and shortness of breath with less activity. Eventually, if left untreated, the left ventricle will become severely dilated and weaker, causing worsening "congestive heart failure" which carries a very poor prognosis.
The mitral valve resembles a parachute with two valve leaflets and strings ("chords") that attach the leaflets to muscles arising from the left ventricular wall ("papillary muscles"). Abnormalities in any of these can cause mitral regurgitation. Surgery has generally been indicated to correct MR when the patient develops symptoms or there is evidence that the heart is becoming significantly enlarged or becomes weaker. In addition, when the lung artery pressure is significantly increased or atrial fibrillation develops, surgery should be considered.
Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair
Surgery is the most effective means of eliminating significant MR, improving symptoms, and improving long-term survival. Mitral valve repair is preferable for patients with "degenerative" MR, whereas mitral valve replacement may be best for "functional" MR. However, some patients will have congestive heart failure from severe leakage but are considered too high risk to tolerate surgery. These include very elderly patients, those with multiple other medical problems, and patients with severely decreased heart muscle function. The MitraClip system is a means of improving valve leakage without open-heart surgery. Using access through the femoral vein in the groin, a catheter is passed into the heart and across the muscle between the upper two chambers. The device is then advanced across the mitral valve, and two clips grasp the anterior and posterior leaflets of the valve to bring the leaflets together at the same plane. This creates a double-inlet into the left ventricle with reduction in the leak with minimal narrowing.
Am I a Candidate for a MitraClip?
This device is only approved for patients considered at prohibitive risk for surgery because surgery is a much better means of eliminating the MR and is otherwise preferable. Studies in the United States have shown benefit for patients with degenerative MV disease, while studies in Europe show that it is effective for functional disease. The latter indication is not yet approved in the United States, pending results of a large trial. A careful evaluation of your history, medical problems, overall physical condition, and a detailed analysis of your echocardiogram will determine whether the procedure is indicated or feasible. Patients with significant comorbidities, complex mitral valve disease, severe right ventricular dysfunction, and severe tricuspid regurgitation may not benefit from the procedure.
What Should I Expect if My Doctor Recommends an Evaluation for a MitraClip?
If your doctor suspects that you have severe mitral regurgitation, an echocardiogram is performed to confirm the severity of the leakage and the suspected mechanism for the leak. A referral to our Advanced Structural and Valvular Heart Disease program can provide you with an evaluation by our Heart Team of cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, and echocardiography experts. We will carefully review your echocardiogram and decide whether you should be considered for surgery. This may require a transesophageal echocardiogram at Saint Vincent to obtain a better assessment of your mitral valve. If surgery is not feasible, but the anatomy appears favorable for a MitraClip, we will then meet with you to discuss the nature of the procedure, and its risks and benefits.
Preparing for the MitraClip Procedure
The procedure is performed in our new hybrid cath lab which provides state-of-the-art technology. It is performed under general anesthesia which allows us to perform a transesophageal echocardiogram during the implantation which can take several hours. During preadmission testing, you will meet with an anesthesiologist who will review your history, medications, and lab tests. Some patients require admission the day before the procedure, especially those on anticoagulation, while others may be admitted the morning of the procedure. Instructions on preparing and arriving for the procedure will be given to you in advance.
Results of MitraClip
The MitraClip procedure has been successfully implanted in just over 90% of patients and the degree of MR has been reduced to moderate or less in degree in 90% of patients. The long-term results are not known, since this is relatively recent technology, but the significant reduction in MR in most patients should lead to an improved quality of life and most likely increase longevity.
Our specialized team of providers will arrange all of your appointments, schedule pre-admission testing, perform the procedure, follow you throughout your hospitalization, and arrange follow-up appointments after discharge.
"This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page and plays an embedded YouTube video. Pressing the Close Modal button at the bottom of the modal or pressing the Escape key will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page. | <urn:uuid:6a5351d7-8ba2-48b5-a8aa-ada03f3f6662> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.stvincenthospital.com/services/cardiovascular/mitraclip | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.924453 | 1,210 | 3.5 | 4 |
Building Early Literacy Skills at Home - Making it Fun and Rewarding for Your Child!
As parents and caregivers, one of our primary goals is to facilitate our child's successful development in all areas of life, including early literacy skills. Cultivating a love for reading and writing in the early years is crucial, as it sets the foundation for their future academic achievement. But how can we make this process enjoyable and worthwhile for our children?
Read Aloud Together
One of the most effective ways to introduce your child to the world of literacy is through reading aloud. Start early by surrounding your child with books, even before they can understand the words. Create a cozy reading area in your home and make it a habit to read aloud to your child every day. Choose books with vibrant illustrations, engaging characters, and relatable stories. Make reading interactive by involving your child in discussions about the book's plot, characters, and emotions.
Make It Playful
Incorporate play into early literacy activities to make them exciting and enjoyable for your child. Use alphabet blocks or magnetic letters to explore letter recognition and sounds. Create scavenger hunts around the house, searching for specific letters or words. Allow your child to dress up as their favourite characters and act out stories. Through play, your child will engage in learning without even realizing it.
Introduce Word Games
A great way to make literacy fun and rewarding is by introducing word games. Play "I Spy" using initial letter sounds to help your child develop phonemic awareness. Create a word jar filled with random words, taking turns to pull out a word and create a story together. Use flashcards with sight words and play memory matching games. These activities turn learning into a playful challenge that will excite your child.
Write and Illustrate Stories
Encourage your child's creativity by providing opportunities for them to write and illustrate their own stories. Offer a variety of materials, such as blank notebooks, coloured pencils, and markers. Start with simple picture-story books and gradually progress to including written sentences. Celebrate their efforts by displaying their stories in a designated area or creating a mini bookshelf for their works. Such validation will motivate and reward your child's progress.
Digital Resources and Interactive Apps
In today's digital age, incorporating technology can be an additional way to engage your child in early literacy activities. Find interactive apps or websites that offer age-appropriate programs and games to enhance their reading and writing skills. As with any screen time, ensure you monitor and limit usage to maintain a balanced learning experience.
Join Community Events and Programs
Look for local community events and programs that support early literacy development. Libraries often have storytime events or reading challenges for children. Participate in these activities, as they provide opportunities for your child to engage with peers and be exposed to a variety of reading materials.
By making early literacy activities fun and rewarding, you can motivate your child to develop strong reading and writing skills. Remember to create a conducive environment for reading, incorporate play and interactive word games, encourage story creation, use digital resources judiciously, and participate in community events. As you embark on this journey with your child, enjoy the moments of shared discovery and celebrate their progress along the way. | <urn:uuid:e7b1d904-f60c-4e3a-a17c-a878d3d0ea0c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.supercamps.co.uk/blog/building-early-literacy-skills-at-home | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.941435 | 657 | 3.8125 | 4 |
Attractive theory of navigation
Some of the best navigators on the planet are birds, and they also have all the right attributes to be great pilots too - excellent vision, stamina, and an incredible sense of direction. But in this latter case, how do birds find their way around?
Scientists think that they have a form of in-built compass that enables them to tune-in to the Earth's magnetic field. But there's still a problem with that explanation: it would enable them to navigate north to south by following the strength of magnetic field lines, but it wouldn't tell them where they were around the planet in an East-West direction. Or could it?
By magnetising migrating reed warblers in Russia, Bangor University researcher Richard Holland reckons they're exploiting the difference between magnetic and true North to work out where they are. Writing in Current Biology, Holland and his colleagues used a coil apparatus to expose groups of birds to an 8-degree counter-clockwise shift in the local magnetic field.
If the birds were merely using the local magnetic field as a basic compass, the team reasoned, then the animals should show a tendency to orientate themselves on a heading no more than 8 degrees from normal. But they didn't. The magnetised birds re-oriented their potential flight paths by nearly 90 degrees, showing a tendency to orient in an East-South-East direction rather than the West-South-West heading they should have taken.
"It was as though they were flying to West Africa from Aberdeen, in Scotland, rather than much farther east in Russia," says Holland.
The team think that this happened because the birds are sensitive not only to the intensity of the local magnetic field but also to a component known as the "declination". This is the disparity between true and magnetic north, the extent of which varies across the Earth's surface from east to west. By sensing this disparity, the birds can use it, together with the intensity of the local field, like a grid pattern across the planet to pinpoint their location, even in unfamiliar areas.
This is something they need to learn though, because when Holland's team exposed newly-hatched reed warblers that had yet to make a migratory journey to their magnetic field apparatus, the animals were completely confused and reoriented themselves in all sorts of different directions afterwards.
"So this is something they have to learn, and then remember," Holland suggests.
What the new paper cannot speculate on is how the birds are able to perform this feat of magneto-detection.
"There are two theories," says Holland. "One is that the birds have photopigment molecules in their eyes that are sensitive to magnetic fields, meaning the birds can see magnetic field intensity. The other idea is that birds and other animals might have cells that contain iron particles which pick up changes in magnetic fields, although where those are we don't know..." | <urn:uuid:1504af73-c948-4c51-ad4a-be0f10fa225e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/science-news/attractive-theory-navigation | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.971669 | 595 | 4.125 | 4 |
Exposure to noise at work can cause irreversible hearing damage. It is one of the most common health problems and can be difficult to detect as the effects build up gradually over time.
When people are exposed to high levels of noise in the workplace, it can lead to permanent hearing damage. This damage can cause poorer hearing ability (general hearing loss), as well as a condition known as tinnitus (a constant ringing in the ears).
One of the main impacts of hearing loss is on the individual’s ability to communicate with others. Exclusion from communication can have a significant impact on everyday life, causing feelings of loneliness, isolation, and frustration, particularly among older people with hearing loss.
Throughout all industry, industrial hearing loss remains the occupational injury with the highest number of civil claims accounting for about 75% of all occupational injury claims.
Noise Regulations have been deployed in the workplace so that the hearing of workers is protected from excessive noise.
The best way to prevent harm is by controlling noise at source, remember that wearing hearing protection should always be the last resort. Ensure that a risk assessment is carried out before exposing employees to harmful noise levels, and as with all hazards aim to eliminate the harm, or if not possible reducing the harm to a level as low as reasonably practicable.
Consider positioning or moving noisy machinery/plant into areas where there are no workers, or few workers. If noisy machinery/plant has to remain in the working area, enclose it within a sound-insulating enclosure if possible.
If an enclosure is not possible, reduce noise by other engineering means such as:
- lining guards/panels with noise dampening material
- providing acoustic screens
- fitting anti-vibration mountings
- fitting silencers to exhaust systems
- ensuring good maintenance to stop rattles and prevent noise from wear
Reducing the duration of exposure by job rotation or providing a noise refuge can also reduce the impact.
The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 dB(A) (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information and training is 80 dB(A).
There is also an exposure limit value of 87 dB(A), taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed.
Where your risk assessment identifies that employees are being exposed to harmful levels of noise, prior to the use of hearing protection you will need to arrange for health surveillance.
The full text of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 can be viewed online.
Give us a call on 03456 122 144 if you would like to discuss questions concerning noise at work or for any other matter. | <urn:uuid:02087a9e-a2b2-4065-b9d5-8ffe82619ece> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thsp.co.uk/knowledge-hub/control-of-noise-at-work-regulations-cnawr/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.942269 | 563 | 3.53125 | 4 |
What is reading strategy in academic reading?
Reading strategies is the broad term used to describe the planned and explicit actions that help readers translate print to meaning. Strategies that improve decoding and reading comprehension skills benefit every student, but are essential for beginning readers, struggling readers, and English Language Learners.
What happens to your brain while reading?
Your brain when you read is full of stimuli, as this activity provides a lot of benefits in the short and long term. For instance, it reduces stress, improves sleep quality, increases your vocabulary and memory, and it even leads to greater intelligence.
What does reading everyday do to your brain?
Research shows that regular reading: improves brain connectivity. increases your vocabulary and comprehension. empowers you to empathize with other people.
What are the major similarities of the text and the movie?
Similarities of Texts and Movies:
- They are provide a picture for the audience/readers.
- They move around a certain point of story or the plot itself.
- It shows the people a new or relatable world.
- Can have a different take-in or interpretation based on every individual.
- Are both forms of Entertainments.
What is the importance of having strategies in reading?
The ability to understand and use the information in these texts is key to a student’s success in learning. Successful students have a repertoire of strategies to draw upon, and know how to use them in different contexts. Struggling students need explicit teaching of these strategies to become better readers.
What is the relationship between film cinema and literature?
They basically view the film through the imagination of the filmmakers. To put it, in other words, we can say that literature is an art which is developed through writing while cinema brings to life those writings to life through sound, music, visuals, and actors.
What is the best academic reading strategies?
- Annotate and mark (sparingly) sections of the text to easily recall important or interesting ideas.
- Check your predictions and find answers to posed questions.
- Use headings and transition words to identify relationships in the text.
- Create a vocabulary list of other unfamiliar words to define later.
What is a bad reader?
In simple terms a poor reader is anyone not reading as well as other children of the same age. The trouble is that if a student’s reading is poor for any length of time between the ages of 8 and 14 their education and self confidence can be affected, even if their reading fully recovers later on.
What are the qualities of good reader?
- Interact with text.
- Have goals for reading.
- Evaluate text for important ideas.
- Note structure of text before reading.
- Make predictions.
- Contruct, revise, and question as they read.
- Monitor their understanding as they read.
- Read different kinds of text differently.
What does a good reader look like?
Good readers actively engage with the story and identify with the characters. They visualize what is happening, follow the events of the story and anticipate what will happen next. A good reader is able to explore the meaning of a story and connect it to his or her own life.
How do you describe a good reader?
They are adept at using their background knowledge to make predictions about what might happen next and to understand ideas as they encounter them. Good readers continuously evaluate their predictions and revise them as needed. Good readers are selective as they read. As they read, good readers often make inferences.
How are literary texts and film texts similar?
Literary work and movie have their own characteristics even though both have the same storyline. Literary work reveal the story in narrative form while movie, reveal the story through audio and visual. Today many literary works adapted into movie. One of literary works adapted into movie is Twelve Years a Slave.
What are the shared characteristics of film with literature?
Characteristics. Films are similar to novels or short stories in that they tell a story. They include the same genres: romantic, historical, detective, thriller, adventure, horror, and science fiction. However, films may also include sub-groups such as: action, comedy, tragedy, westerns and war.
Is it better to read the book or watch the movie first?
Watching the film first gives you an idea of how the characters would sound, so when you’re reading, you can act out all the dramatic conversations in your head and just know that you’ve got them spot on. Finally, books like Dark Places can sometimes be really complicated.
What is the purpose of academic reading?
The main point is that students learn to read for a purpose: to learn new information, determine the author’s viewpoint, and process new ideas. Students can also see that academic writing has a clear pur- pose and audience, which reinforces writing instruction.
What is the High 5 reading strategy?
The five key comprehension strategies that pub- lished studies support, those that we think are most critical and that we have called “High 5!” are (1) acti- vating background knowledge (Brown, 2002; Calfee & Patrick, 1995; Pressley, 2002), (2) questioning (Block & Pressley, 2007; NICHD, 2000), (3) analyz- ing text …
What makes a successful reader?
Successful readers read actively, read for meaning, and have a clear purpose for their reading. Successful readers read actively: To be an active reader, you must search for what you need to understand; that is key concepts, principles, and the details that support them. | <urn:uuid:699de2ac-e10e-47dc-ae6b-1ad9f7f39583> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.titcoins.biz/blog/what-is-reading-strategy-in-academic-reading/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.942346 | 1,174 | 3.515625 | 4 |
African Elephant conservation
African Elephants are one of the most heavily poached mammals in the world. Historic and ongoing demand for ivory is the leading reason behind their slaughter, with habitat destruction, fragmentation and rapid human development posing significant threats also.
The African Elephant Loxodonta africana occurs in 18 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, numbering an estimated 350,000 individuals across the continent. Although certain populations in Central Africa are deemed relatively secure, poaching between 2009–2016 saw a 30% reduction in population numbers. As illegal African ivory continues to flood into Asian markets, poaching still poses a severe threat to the survival of elephant populations across the continent.
90% of African Elephants
have been killed in the last 100 years
of African Elephants have been lost in the last decade
African Elephants are poached on the continent every day
of elephant tusks were seized in airports alone in 2016
individuals are estimated to remain in the wild today
identifying "at risk" ivory markets
The closure of domestic ivory markets identified as being contributors to elephant poaching or illegal trade has long been a major conservation objective of TRAFFIC’s work.
Our offices and staff have made invaluable contributions to facilitating the closure or planned closure of domestic ivory markets in Thailand, mainland China, Japan and Hong Kong—all of which were singled out by TRAFFIC’s research and analysis as key areas of concern.
However, market closures on their own will not stop poachers from killing elephants. A huge national and international commitment must be made by governments and enforcement agencies around the world to match the illicit innovation and determination of criminal syndicates.
We are fighting for elephants by training enforcement and Customs agencies on the ground, analysing trade trends and international ivory seizures and advising governments and private companies on strengthened policy to curtail poaching and illegal trade.
evolution of the ivory trade
The global landscape for ivory trade has shifted dramatically following increased international attention to the decimation of many African Elephants populations. Since the year 2000, primary domestic ivory markets in several Asian countries have closed, with European and North American countries following suit.
However, ongoing TRAFFIC investigations have revealed the displacement of such markets to neighbouring countries and territories, and even ivory processing, traditionally conducted in China, now occurring illegally in African nations to avoid detection in transit by enforcement agencies.
Ivory in China
China's domestic ivory ban came into force at the start of 2018; a move with the potential to significantly reduce ivory consumption in China and reverse devastating poaching in Africa.
The Chinese government successfully closed its ivory processing plants and ivory traders throughout the country, but questions still remain regarding its significant remaining ivory stockpiles and the displacement of illegal ivory trade to Hong Kong, Cambodia, Japan and Viet Nam.
Ivory in Hong Kong
Following mounting international pressure and consultation with TRAFFIC and other NGOs, Hong Kong's legislative panel voted in favour of phasing out their domestic ivory market by 2021.
Although a promising move for elephant conservation, displaced ivory trade from mainland China continues to occur within the territory as criminal syndicates attempt to offload their stockpiles ahead of the domestic ban. Despite calls for a shorter timeframe, the phase-out remains on track for 2021, raising concerns it may reduce the consumer impact and message from mainland China's market move to close their ivory market.
Ivory in Japan
Ivory has an deep-rooted significance within elements of Japanese culture. It remains one of the world’s largest domestic ivory markets, and is home to an active, though shrinking, ivory manufacturing industry.
A 2017 TRAFFIC report revealed a significant illegal ivory export market where organised criminal networks and covert ivory vendors offload raw and worked ivory, as well as tusks, to mainland Asian nations. TRAFFIC is calling for the urgent closure of Japan's ivory market pursuant to CITES Resolution 10.10.
Ivory in Thailand
Thailand was a prominent ivory market for years, serving as both a major consumer and transit hub for illegal trade.
The 13th CITES CoP in 2013 initiated a National Ivory Action Plan (NIAP) process; at the time Thailand was believed to be the largest unregulated ivory market in the world. Since then, and following passing the Elephant Ivory Act criminalising the sale of elephant ivory, TRAFFIC surveys have found a dramatic downturn in the amount of ivory openly for sale. While this is a positive move for African Elephants, continued law enforcement efforts are crucial to avoid a resurgence of illicit activity.
Ivory in Southeast Asia
Other Southeast Asian countries including Viet Nam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Laos have all been flagged as hubs of illegal ivory trade.
In 2016, five major seizures of ivory in Viet Nam flagged the nations significant role as a transit point with global illegal trade flows. Our subsequent monitoring and market surveys found illegal ivory as the most regular illegal wildlife commodity for sale online. Malaysia is consistently used by traffickers as a transit hub for illegal ivory shipments inbound to Asia from Africa, with Customs authorities continuing to make regular seizures of ivory alongside other illegal wildlife products.
Our USAID-funded Wildlife, Trafficking, Response, Assessment, and Priority Setting (Wildlife TRAPS) helps protect African Elephants through the provision of training, tools and forensics support to enforcement agencies, trade monitoring and analysis, and policy advice to governments.
The Elephant Trade Information System is a TRAFFIC-managed database of elephant-related seizures and enforcement actions. It was mandated by CITES in 2002 and is still used to analyse illegal trade trends and identify countries/territories of particular concern. | <urn:uuid:3784c2d2-6df5-41dd-a0c4-1d516d7a1fcc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.traffic.org/what-we-do/species/elephants-ivory/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.933622 | 1,157 | 3.046875 | 3 |
Marine biologists have hypothesized for years that shark attacks may be due to a case of mistaken identity. That is, the sharks think humans are either seals or sea lions.
New research conducted in Australia now supports that argument. In a study published last week in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, researchers from Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, found that humans who are swimming or paddle boarding do indeed look like seals and sea lions to juvenile great white sharks.
“They’re not these mindless killers, but we just happen to look like their food,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Laura Ryan of Macquarie University, told The Guardian.
Great White Sharks
Great white sharks, which typically range from 5 to 15 feet in length, can weigh around 2.5 tons, National Geographic explains. However, individuals longer than 20 feet long and weighing up to 5,000 pounds have been found.
The sharks live in cool, coastal waters around the world. Their diet consists of other sharks, crustaceans, mollusks, sea birds, and, of course, seals and sea lions.
A Shark’s-Eye View
“Surfers are the highest-risk group for fatal shark bites, especially by juvenile white sharks,” Dr. Ryan, a post-doctoral researcher in animal sensory systems at Macquarie University’s Neurobiology Lab, and a surfer herself, said in a statement.
To find out why, the scientists created “shark-vision models.” Ryan explains: “We attached a GoPro to an underwater scooter, and set it to travel at a typical cruising speed for predatory sharks.”
The researchers then studied and compared underwater videos of seals, sea lions, and humans swimming. They also used stationary and traveling cameras to study rectangular floats and humans paddling on surfboards.
Using a catalog of extensive shark neuroscience data, researchers applied filters to the video footage and created modeling programs to simulate how a juvenile white shark would see the movements and shapes of different objects.
“We found that surfers, swimmers, and pinnipeds [seals and sea lions] on the surface of the ocean will look the same to a white shark looking up from below, because these sharks can’t see fine details or colors,” Ryan explains.
How To Use The Findings
Previous Macquarie University research found that in the 101 years between 1915 to 2015, 835 people were bitten by sharks in Australian waters. Although the attacks were attributed to 12 different shark species, great white sharks, tiger sharks, and bull/whaler sharks were responsible for 75 percent of the attacks. Of those, 237 bites were inflicted by great white sharks, 160 were inflicted by tiger sharks, and 134 came from bull/whaler sharks.
While great white sharks can be dangerous, their population is also declining — mainly due to overfishing and accidentally getting caught in fishing nets, National Geographic reports. Consequently, the species is classified as vulnerable.
“Understanding why shark bites occur can help us find ways to prevent them, while keeping both humans and sharks safer,” Ryan said.
Check out all of our Australia and South Pacific coverage, including: | <urn:uuid:69e46655-17ec-4ab8-a4ff-190abf02cf35> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.travelawaits.com/2706986/great-white-sharks-bad-eyesight-human-attacks/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.946038 | 675 | 3.234375 | 3 |
Teachers continue to make mental wellness a regular habit in their classroomsFebruary 25, 2020 10:31 am
Conversations around mental health aren’t new to most teachers. Either they are teaching about the topic in their classrooms through programs like Project 11 (P11) or, in seeing some of the challenges and stresses students are faced with, they are realizing a need to introduce the topic to their classrooms.
Project 11 strives to make conversations around mental health a proactive practice, through which students can learn and talk about the stressors and problems they face and learn healthy coping skills before they become major challenges in their lives.
Though the program is already in more than 1,400 classrooms, new classrooms are picking it up all the time as teachers see the value in making mental wellness conversations a regular habit. Project 11’s lessons and activities help to jump-start these conversations and the curriculum, available for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8, emphasizes mental wellness as being equally important as physical wellness.
Training educators to teach the program is a key part of the process and is something that P11 does throughout the year. Here’s a look at three teachers who recently went through the training, how they’re implementing Project 11 curriculum in their classroom, and why they saw a need for their students to learn from the program.
Lord Selkirk School – Grade 1/2
Though Colleen Tien, a Grad 1/2 teacher at Lord Selkirk School in Elmwood, only recently implemented P11 programming in her classroom, lessons on mental wellness are not new to her students.
“We already implement mindful practices,” said Tien. “One of our teachers went to a workshop and came back and showed us how taking a brain break is really beneficial for students. She gave us some strategies and practices to implement and I’ve enjoyed them, so I’ve always had mindful moment exercises in my classroom.”
It’s been a worthwhile and seamless transition for Tien and her students, as she notes the program ties in well with the health curriculum. A bonus for Tien is that P11 provides her with great resources, making prep time and planning not too onerous for her. It’s allowed her to quickly bring the program into her lessons.
The visuals that are provided for students through videos and posters are particularly helpful for younger students and add an element of fun that further engages them in the lessons. The way the lessons are tailored for each age group resonated with Tien and her students.
“My students were very happy to help Mick E. Moose with some of the challenges he was having and think about their own experiences and what they would do in those scenarios.”
D.W. Penner School – Grade 3/4
Denyne Macdonald is no rookie to teaching. She currently teaches in a Grade 3/4 classroom at D.W. Penner School in St. Vital, but has experience teaching all ages of elementary school students. Through her years of experience, she’s learned that age is no limiter to facing stress and struggles with mental health.
“I have taught in classes from Kindergarten through to Grade 6 and have yet to work with a group of students that was exempt from any mental health conditions,” said Macdonald. “I feel there is a need to educate people of all ages on the importance of mental health. I felt this program would be a good way to spark conversations and help to promote an open and safe environment for students.”
Not only are youth not exempt from needing to talk about mental wellness, but Macdonald knows that it would be extremely rare for any single person to not have experience with mental health conditions, either personally or through someone they know. With one in four people impacted by mental health issues, she knows that sooner or later, her students will come face-to-face with some of these challenges, making the P11 lessons all that more important.
“I believe that awareness is our biggest resource for reducing the stigma and kids are our biggest resource for awareness. In building awareness and giving them tools to use, not only are we helping those who suffer now or in the future, we are also helping to develop better understanding and a better support system in their surroundings.”
Though she already knew the need for the P11 program was there, what the teacher training session showed Macdonald was that P11 is more than just the sum of its parts, with resources that can help her manage specific issues outside of the lessons themselves.
“It helped to highlight how Project 11 could be used at different levels in the classroom, not only as a full program, but if I have a specific needs to address I can easily go through the list of lessons and have a readily available, detailed activity ready to go in minimal time.”
Sagkeeng School – Grade 7
Audrey Campbell, who is a Grade 7 teacher at Sagkeeng School in Sagkeeng First Nation, knew she needed to introduce the program as soon as she heard about it.
“Teenagers need all the tools they can get to help deal with the stresses of everyday life,” said Campbell. “Suicide rates are high in Canada’s reservations and by using Project 11, it is my hope that students gain the necessary tools to deal with stress, relationships, or whatever may be stressing them out at the time and also that (the curriculum) will help them deal with their tribulations in a safe and healthy way.”
Living in a smaller community, Campbell knows that her impact can go far beyond her role as a teacher. By teaching lessons from the P11 curriculum and having open discussion on topics that are meaningful and relevant to her students, she hopes she can create a bond with her students that is long lasting.
As Sagkeeng School currently does not offer any other type of mental wellness programming Campbell would like to see Project 11 grow in her school.
“I have encouraged other teachers to contact Project 11 so that many other students can benefit from their programming.” | <urn:uuid:6be91603-7d37-47b3-b6f7-20da2b9ce877> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.truenorthyouthfoundation.com/news/teachers-continue-to-make-mental-wellness-a-regular-habit-in-their-classrooms/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.975375 | 1,267 | 3.21875 | 3 |
Welcome back to #ModernistMondays! At TTC, we are constantly inspired by modernist architects and artists from past and present. To showcase some of our favorites, we launched #ModernistMondays, where we highlight one modernist each month to explore with quick, interesting facts. This month, we are California dreaming with the Golden State’s first licensed female architect, the incredible Julia Morgan.
Born in 1870s California, pioneering architect Julia Morgan was raised by her father and a mother who was financially supported by her wealthy parents. Upon graduation, Morgan knew she was destined for architecture, and enrolled at University of California’s Berkeley’s College of Engineering, as there was no architecture school at the time.
During her time at Berkeley, women's involvement in extracurriculars and clubs was growing, and Morgan contributed to an expansion of the local YMCA to allow for women’s facilities. After being encouraged by a professor to attend Paris’ esteemed École des Beaux-Arts, she became one of the first women to receive a certificate in architecture from the school. Soon after graduating, she assisted French architect François-Benjamin Chaussemiche in designing an American ex-patriot’s lavish salon.
Returning to California, Morgan took a job with John Galen Howard, with whom she worked on buildings at her alma mater, Berkeley. In 1904, after it became clear to her that she was paid less because of her gender, she became the first licensed female architect in California, left Howard’s firm, and opened her own.
As her firm’s first large commission, she designed a few buildings and a 72-foot concrete bell tower on the women’s Mills College campus, which survived the 1906 earthquakes unscathed. While her first office was destroyed in the earthquakes, she opened a new one nearby in 1907, where she worked for the rest of her career. From there, business took off as word spread of her ability to design earthquake-proof structures.
Impressed with Morgan’s previous work on the Fairmont Hotel after the earthquake, the Hearst family, famous for their publishing empire, hired her to design notable structures for the family as their in-house architect for three decades. These projects include the Los Angeles Examiner Building, Hearst Castle (a large castle overlooking a family campsite), and over a dozen buildings in total.
Phoebe Apperson Hearst, the matriarch of the Hearst family who was involved in the YWCA, recommended Morgan for a role designing numerous California YWCA centers, including the Chinatown YWCA, where she exhibited her understanding of Asian architecture.
One of Morgan’s buildings on the Mills College campus became a dedicated all-girls STEM middle school in 1999, aptly renamed the Julia Morgan School for Girls in honor of Morgan's achievements as a female academic.
Notably quiet about her social life, Julia Morgan avoided the public eye, denying interviews and dressing plainly, and was never married. Her colleagues noted she ate and slept very little, with all of her energy spent on her work. In 2012, a playwright wrote a fictionalized account of her life, “Becoming Julia Morgan,” which was well received. Although she passed away in 1957, a quote she made on her lack of public engagement still stands true: “My buildings will be my legacy... they will speak for me long after I'm gone.”
“Julia Morgan,” Britannica; “Julia Morgan,” HearstCastle.org; “Julia Morgan,” PioneeringWomenofArchitecture.BWAF.org; “Julia Morgan,” Wikipedia | <urn:uuid:d73a4da3-4b88-47f7-bcd4-f3a732b06989> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.turettarch.com/post/modernist-monday-julia-morgan | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.980357 | 778 | 2.8125 | 3 |
The new 4th industrial revolution is upon us, and with it brings different ways of doing things and different ways of doing business. So, what exactly is the 4th industrial revolution, and are we ready for it?
In terms of a definition, the 4th industrial revolution involves the digital, physical, and biological industries and how these boundaries are now blurred. It also combines the latest advances in the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), genetic engineering, 3D printing, robotics, quantum computing, and various other advanced technologies.
Human productivity is increased.
A significant advantage of this new 4th industrial revolution is the fact that it increases and improves human productivity. This is because we can now enjoy advanced technologies, such as automation and artificial intelligence, and this helps us to make smarter and more informed choices and decisions, as well as to be able to solve problems quicker and more effectively.
Human intelligence is still highly sought-after.
Many folks have been worried about the impact of the 4th industrial revolution and how this will affect their jobs and the ability to find work.
The good news is that although the 4th industrial revolution will naturally result in more automated processes, artificial intelligence, and automation of jobs, there are still many jobs in which having an actual human being is vital.
This means that we can enjoy all the benefits that the 4th industrial revolution will bring but still have the peace of mind that we will always be needed in the corporate and manufacturing sectors.
The 4th industrial revolution requires special skills.
Ask any expert on the 4th industrial revolution, and they will tell you that the future is looking incredibly bright. We will be able to dream bigger, do bigger and better things, deliver excellent results, and offer much-improved services and products.
That being said, these high expectations and lofty dreams will only be possible if there are skilled individuals who can use new technology and have a specific set of skills.
Traditionally, it was enough for workers to have a minimal set of skills for them to obtain jobs. If you had additional capabilities, such as being able to use a computer, type fast, speak another language, or operate a particular machine.
Today, things are very different, and it is naturally expected of an employee to be able to type fast, be able to use a computer extensively, and to speak a global language, like English.
The modern world is also very fast-moving. For example, skills that were highly sought-after in an employee in the year 2000 have changed considerably since then. The corporate marketplace is now much more competitive, and job candidates must have many more advanced skills than ever before.
The competitive nature of today’s working environment is giving folks many more challenges, but also far more opportunities than in the past.
The 4th industrial revolution is improving the quality of life of people around the world.
Although the 4th industrial revolution is challenging and very demanding, one of the major advantages is that it is helping to improve the quality of life of people throughout the world.
If you would like to make the most of the 4th industrial revolution and to remain competitive in this challenging environment, it is essential to be willing to continuously improve your skills and knowledge in your specific industry.
This can help you to remain competitive in your job market and to land jobs that are well-paying and offer a lot of job satisfaction.
Soft skills are vital in the 4th industrial revolution.
The 4th industrial revolution requires individuals to have advanced technical and digital skills but also a full suite of soft life skills to thrive in the corporate world.
Examples of much-needed soft skills include:
- time management
- complex problem solving
- emotional intelligence
- stress management
- excellent customer service
- critical thinking and
- excellent decision making and judgment skills
Many recruiters and employers, however, value emotional intelligence the highest out of all the above soft skills. This is because being able to react and treat others appropriately can be a great asset when working within a multi-cultural team that consists of people from all backgrounds, and people with a wide range of personalities.
The 4th industrial revolution is forcing people to develop new skills and acquire new and innovative knowledge, which is a major advantage! | <urn:uuid:53cee872-7863-4446-b249-558bd1cb0050> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.upscalelivingmag.com/news/the-beginning-of-the-4th-industrial-revolution/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.962489 | 877 | 2.640625 | 3 |
Starting on May 2 and lasting for about two days, a helicopter towing a large, cylindrical sensor will make low-level flights over parts of Cedar Rapids as part of a groundwater survey.
The flights will collect and record underground geologic measurements to help the U.S. Geological Survey better determine groundwater resources in the Cedar River Aquifer. The helicopter, operated by CGG Canada Services under contract to the City of Cedar Rapids, will fly about 200 feet above the ground at almost 70 miles per hour. A remote sensing device will be tethered 100 feet below the helicopter and will measure the physical properties down to about 150 feet underground.
“This advanced technology allows us to efficiently look into the subsurface of the Cedar River Aquifer without drilling wells,” said USGS scientist Greg Delzer. “The data will allow us to map and model the aquifer system so that the city can effectively manage these critical water supplies long into the future.”
“The model will be an essential planning tool for the City of Cedar Rapids,” said Bruce Jacobs, Cedar Rapids utilities engineering manager. “It will provide the insight needed to evaluate the effects of a prolonged drought and allow us to predict how our aquifer would respond to increased water supply demands.”
WHAT: Media and the public are invited to a highly visual press conference about state-of-the-art, low-level scientific helicopter flights that will scan areas of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, next week. The large instrument used to collect below-surface groundwater information will be available for photographing.
WHO: Staff from the USGS, the City of Cedar Rapids and CGG Canada Services will be available for questions.
WHERE: Northwest Water Treatment Plant, 7807 Ellis Road NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (map)
WHEN: Monday, May 1, at 11 a.m.
The helicopter is operated by experienced pilots who are specially trained for low-level flying. CGG works with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure flights are in accordance with federal regulations and safety standards.
Potential weather-related delays will be posted on the City of Cedar Rapids website.
The resulting subsurface aquifer map will be available from the USGS in 2018. For further information, read about a past USGS remote geophysical study online.
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By: Deanna Rebro | Category: In Our Communities | Issue: October 2013
Linda Mondenbach, president, LDAO.
Bullying is not good, by any means. But bullying kids with learning disabilities can cause life-long negative repercussions. The subject is so serious that the Learning Disabilities Association of Oklahoma (LDAO) selected "Bullying and Its Impact on Students with Disabilities: Identification, Prevention and Intervention" as the topic for its annual fall conference on Friday, November 1.
Linda Modenbach, president of the state organization and board member of the national affiliate, Learning Disabilities of America (LDA), believes this is one of the most important issues the group has ever presented. “Every student must feel safe and secure in order to do his or her best and reach their full potential,” she explains. But the student with learning disabilities faces additional challenges that are intensified when bullied. Results of a study published in “Pediatrics” indicates, “Ramifications include lower academic achievement and aspirations, higher truancy, feelings of alienation in school and poor relationships with peers.”
Conference attendees can expect to walk away with a clear definition of what is, and is not, bullying. They’ll learn ways to prevent it, what to do when it happens and how to best handle the problem so that the victimized child feels empowered to deal with the situation.
Keynote speaker is Connie Parr, past president of LDA and a pediatric nurse practitioner in Aurora, Illinois. LDA is the largest non-profit volunteer organization that serves as an advocate for people with learning disabilities. It has more than 200 state and local affiliates in 42 states and Puerto Rico. The work of LDA teaches parents and children how to structure their lives so that they can best cope with each child’s individual struggles. And they, indeed, are individual. The wide scope of learning disabilities includes everything from children having difficulty communicating to those with a high intelligence and high anxiety level that, when controlled, can result in high achievement as well.
Conference presenters include legal representatives who will be on hand to answer questions and provide clarification on key points of federally-mandated anti-bullying programs in schools. Numerous break-out sessions will address issues more completely, including age-appropriate topics for dealing with students from pre-school through high school.
“The focus is on intervention strategies, with examples of research-based techniques that have been successful,” says Linda. Early identification of bullying and cooperative intervention among parents and school officials can get the student the help he or she needs to become a responsible, productive citizen.
The retired Jenks educator explains that the sophistication of modern electronics equipment and relative ease of use among young people make cyber bullying a major concern that will also be covered in the conference. Uploading embarrassing and unflattering photographs is a favorite pastime among cyber bullies. This malicious behavior can be seriously hurtful to anyone, but to those with learning disabilities the effects can be devastating. Old-school thinking would call for parents to say, “Just ignore it.” But ignoring the problem does not work. “Bullying calls for immediate reporting,” says Linda, “and immediate resolution.”
The LDAO annual fall conference will be held on Friday, November 1 at the OU-Tulsa Schusterman Learning Center. Educators, school administrators, concerned professionals, parents and students are urged to attend.
Deanna Rebro has worked in the publishing industry 30+ years, including eight years writing for Value News. She has also worked in real estate for the past six years. Deanna graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism. Outside of work, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pet Adoption League. “Every story I write is a learning experience,” she said. | <urn:uuid:c4ccf385-5e68-4107-a6f9-3945770640fd> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.valuenews.com/learning-disabilities-fall-conference-news-article_1836 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.960293 | 812 | 3.421875 | 3 |
Why you should keep your car windows rolled up in parts of California
California health officials are warning of a potential increased risk of valley fever, a respiratory disease caused by fungus that grows in soil across many parts of the state. This winter’s heavy rains may have caused an increase in the growth of the Coccidioides fungus, which causes valley fever, the California Department of Public Health announced in a press release. Valley fever occurs when dust containing the fungus is inhaled, leading to respiratory symptoms that can turn severe or even fatal. Periods of heavy rain can cause the Coccidioides fungus to become more active, according to research conducted by the University of California, Berkeley and CDPH. That means valley fever cases could spike in the coming months, as spores that grew during this year’s record rainfall dry out and become airborne in dust.
- Capital Public Radio: How to fight West Nile virus in your backyard | <urn:uuid:f1507b85-b73c-4f87-971e-970a6f9a0f93> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.watereducation.org/aquafornia-news/why-you-should-keep-your-car-windows-rolled-parts-california | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.952252 | 192 | 3.46875 | 3 |
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has recently concluded, bringing together approximately 190 member states to address critical global issues and the concerns of each member state. UNGA serves as the most inclusive representation of the global international community, with developing countries, often referred to as the Global South, holding a significant numerical advantage.
The concept of the “Global South” is a relatively recent term that encompasses all developing countries, including what were previously labeled as emerging markets. It serves as a contrast to the developed world, primarily comprised of OECD member states, among others.
However, there is a concern that the United States sometimes categorizes China as a developed country, seemingly arbitrarily, implying that China should not be considered part of the Global South. In reality, China is a crucial member of the Global South and represents the fundamental interests of developing countries worldwide in various ways.
Considering the substantial numerical advantage of the Global South, it is apparent that the United States and developed countries cannot dominate the UNGA. While the US may seek to influence the agenda or promote its own priorities, members of the Global South have independent perspectives and can make their own decisions. They will genuinely champion issues they care about and vigorously defend their legitimate interests, which may not always align with those promoted by the US or the developed countries as a collective. The distinct agenda pursued by the US significantly differs from the challenges and opportunities faced by developing countries. The US often prioritizes its “America First” policy and, at times, discriminates against other states, particularly countries in the Global South, or fails to advocate for the legitimate interests of developing nations worldwide.
The fundamental contrast in interests between developed countries and the Global South, or developing nations, is a significant reason why Western-led groups struggle to address concerns of Global South countries, such as climate change and other pressing issues. For instance, China emphasizes the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing climate change. This principle calls for collective action with shared goals and unwavering commitment, recognizing that developed countries have historically contributed more to pollution than developing nations. It is entirely reasonable for developed countries to contribute more to mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. However, many developed nations are finding various excuses to delay their commitments or even backtrack on their obligations.
One of the challenges facing humanity is that while China is eager to promote peace, stability, development, and poverty alleviation, not only within its borders but globally, the US appears committed to fostering a cold war mentality, dividing countries into opposing blocs, and even resorting to the threat of war to achieve political goals.
For instance, it is clear that the US has significant plans for India, attempting to align it with their anti-China policy and hostility toward China. However, Washington decision-makers may underestimate India’s commitment to foreign policy independence as a great and proud nation with a rich civilization that spans millennia. India’s population is projected to be the world’s largest for decades to come, carrying the expectation that India will prioritize peace, stability, and cooperation over a cold war or hot war, preserving its independence rather than aligning with countries like the US
From the Chinese perspective, there is no desire for competition with anyone. The aim is to promote the strengths of nations, do what is right, and advocate for globalization, fair trade, and the free exchange of goods, services, ideas, and people across borders. China respects all countries as equals, regardless of their size, and seeks cooperation rather than confrontation.
Humanity stands at a critical juncture, faced with the choice between peace, stability, and development or the path of war, confrontation, and conflict. China will continue to pursue what it believes is right and promote the legitimate interests not only of China but also of Global South member states as a whole. It is hoped that UNGA will serve as a vital platform for countries to express their diverse perspectives and that conflicts of interest can be peacefully resolved through diplomacy rather than escalating to irreversible tensions.
For latest updates and news follow BLiTZ on Google News, Blitz Hindi, YouTube, Facebook, and also on Twitter. | <urn:uuid:ced1923c-d307-4612-ba06-3d9fe8c1015f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.weeklyblitz.net/views/us-agenda-differs-greatly-from-interest-of-global-south/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.961647 | 841 | 3.1875 | 3 |
6 reasons history buffs can’t miss out on a trip to Tiree
Tiree is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, who are drawn to the beautiful Hebridean island by its miles of white sands, great surf and wonderful walking. But it’s packed with history too. As you explore the island you’ll come across fascinating sites, from prehistoric rock art to iron-age forts. If you love history, take a trip to Tiree and track down these signs of the past.
1. Tiree’s Ringing Stone
Tiree’s Ringing Stone (Clach a’ Choire) is situated between Balephetrish and Vaul. This large glacial erratic boulder (i.e. one that is different to the rocks around it) balances on other rocks like an egg on a spoon and emits a metallic ring when struck gently. It was probably brought here from Rum during the last Ice-Age some 11,000 to 13,000 years ago. It has many prehistoric cup-marked indentations, thought to have been carved up to 4,500 years ago during the Neolithic period. According to folklore, the stone was thrown by a giant from Mull, and should it ever be removed from Tiree the island will sink into the sea and be lost forever.
2. Iron Age Fortresses
Over twenty fortresses from the Iron Age survive on Tiree. Most of these stand on inaccessible crags and are visible from each other. Warning of attack may have been passed from one to the other. The best examples of forts on the island can be seen at Dùn na Cleite (fort of the pointed hill) at the end of Happy Valley and at Dùn Shiadair (fort of the shieling) in West Hynish.
3. Iron Age towers
Tiree is also home to two Iron Age brochs, hollow-walled drystone towers that are only found in Scotland. Dùn Mòr Bhalla (the big fort of Vaul) is the best example of a broch on Tiree and the only pre-historic structure on island that has been properly excavated. Originally the broch had a double wall with an inner staircase leading to two or three galleries. The other broch, Dùn Mòr a’ Chaolais (the big fort of Caolas), stands on the hill above Milton harbour.
4. St Columba Heritage
Tiree has a strong connection with St Columba, the Irish monk who founded the monastery on Iona in 563 AD. The island provided the monastic community on Iona with grain and its name is derived from Tìr Iodh, 'land of the corn'. A number of early monasteries once existed on Tiree itself, and several sites have stone cross-slabs from this period. Adomnan, abbot of Iona Abbey from 679 to 704, recorded several stories relating to St Columba and the island of Tiree. In one story, Columba instructed a monk to go the monastery on Tiree and do penance for seven years.
5. Traditional Thatched Houses
Tiree is known for its traditional thatched houses, including 'blackhouses' and 'white houses' as well as its striking 'pudding' or 'spotted houses' where only the mortar is painted white. The style of thatching is unique, using muran (grass) which grows on the sand dunes. Traditionally the thatch was secured with rope held down with stone weights. The traditional houses generally went out of use on Tiree by the 1950s, but a number have been renovated and are still in use today.
6. Visit Tiree's historical centre
Once you’ve visited all these historic sites, it’s time to head to An Iodhlann, Tiree's historical centre. It offers a fantastic overview of Tiree’s long history – nothing is left uncovered! You’ll find old letters, emigrant lists, maps, reports, photographs, stories and songs in the lively display. You can also find your place in Tiree’s history; An Iodhlann’s resident genealogist can help you discover your Tiree family links.
Walking is a great way to visit these historic sites. There are a number of routes that take in Tiree’s natural beauty, wildlife and heritage attractions. | <urn:uuid:1f8c5737-c9fa-4f09-808c-183929d3f3d8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/blogs/6-reasons-history-buffs-can-t-miss-out-on-a-trip-to-tiree/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.949693 | 936 | 2.890625 | 3 |
Faults in Wine
This set contains 12 reference odours to help you recognise and identify the problems that can contaminate wine.
The reference aromas in the phials are directly linked to the molecular composition of faulty wines.
What constitutes a wine fault? A major contaminant is the usual cause, but faults can appear at any stage of the winemaking process.
Each odour comes in a compact screw cap glass phial. Preparation time is reduced to a minimum - simply screw the cap off. The odours can be used over and over again.
The set comes with a comprehensive booklet explaining the major faults in wine; how these can be recognised; how these occur; and how and when these can be eradicated or their effects lessened. | <urn:uuid:13c5e0ce-663a-45d5-8c0e-66520a868896> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wineindustryclassifieds.com.au/Classified/faults-in-wine--le-nez-du-vin-listing-1927.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.912261 | 156 | 2.5625 | 3 |
The materialist conception of history was first outlined publicly 150 years ago this month.
This year is the 150th anniversary of the publication of Darwin The Origin of Species but also of the publication of Marx’s first economic writings after his more detailed study of the workings of capitalism, A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy.
The Preface to this work contains a summary of Marx and Engels’ materialist conception of history. Marx comments that during the course of his studies he reached the conclusion that the explanation of social development was not to be found merely in the realm of ideas but rather in the material conditions of life, and that a proper understanding of capitalism is to be found in economics. Marx then gives a condensed account of his key concepts and their likely relationships which provided the guiding thread for his historical research:
“The general result at which I arrived and which, once won, served as a guiding thread for my studies, can be briefly formulated as follows: in the social production of their life, men enter into definite relations that are indispensable and independent of their will, relations of production which correspond to a definite stage of development of their material productive forces. The sum total of these relations of production constitutes the economic structure of society, the real foundation, on which rises a legal and political superstructure and to which correspond definite forms of social consciousness. The mode of production of material life conditions the social, political and intellectual life process in general. It is not the consciousness of men that determines their social being, but, on the contrary, their social being that determines their consciousness. At a certain stage of their development, the material productive forces of society come in conflict with the existing relations of production, or – what is but a legal expression for the same thing – with the property relations within which they have been at work hitherto. From forms of development of the productive forces these relations turn into their fetters. Then begins an epoch of social revolution. With the change of the economic foundations the entire immense superstructure is more or less rapidly transformed. In considering such transformations a distinction should always be made between the material transformation of the economic conditions of production, which can be determined with the precision of natural science, and the legal, political, religious, aesthetic or philosophic – in short, ideological forms in which men become conscious of this conflict and fight it out. Just as our opinion of an individual is not based on what he thinks of himself, so we cannot judge of such a period of transformation by its own consciousness; on the contrary, this consciousness must be explained rather from the contradictions of material life, from the existing conflict between the social productive forces and the relations of production. No social order ever perishes before all the productive forces for which there is room in it have developed; and new, higher relations of production never appear before the material conditions of their existence have matured in the womb of the old society itself. Therefore mankind always sets itself only such tasks as it can solve; since, looking at the matter more closely, it will always be found that the task itself arises only when the material conditions for its solution already exist or are at least in the process of formation. In broad outlines Asiatic, ancient, feudal, and modern bourgeois modes of production can be designated as progressive epochs in the economic formation of society. The bourgeois relations of production are the last antagonistic form of the social process of production – antagonistic not in the sense of individual antagonism, but of one arising from the social conditions of life of the individual; at the same time the productive forces developing in the womb of bourgeois society create the material conditions for the solution of that antagonism. This social formation brings, therefore, the prehistory of human society to a close.”
Discussions of this passage usually omit the first sentence above where Marx says the following “general result” served as a “guiding thread” for his research. This makes it clear that his theory of history is not a substitute for actual research. The materialist conception of history is a method of investigation, not a philosophy of history. Marx and Engels emphasised this point in their first explanation of their materialist (in the practical sense of the word, not in its acquisitive sense) outlook:
“Viewed apart from real history, these abstractions have in themselves no value whatsoever. They can only serve to facilitate the arrangement of historical material, to indicate the sequence of its separate strata. But they by no means afford a recipe or schema, as does philosophy, for neatly trimming the epochs of history. On the contrary, our difficulties begin only when we set about the observation and the arrangement – the real depiction – of our historical material, whether of a past epoch or of the present” (The German Ideology, 1846).
As Engels wrote: “…the materialist method is converted into its direct opposite if instead of being used as a guiding thread in historical research it is made to serve as a ready-cut pattern on which to tailor historical facts” (Letter to Paul Ernst,4 June 1890). And Marx emphatically rejected “general historico-philosophical theory, the supreme virtue of which consists in being super-historical”. He poured scorn on a critic who:
“… insists on transforming my historical sketch of the genesis of capitalism in western Europe into an historico-philosophical theory of the general path prescribed by fate to all nations whatever the historical circumstances in which they find themselves in order that they may ultimately arrive at the economic system which ensures, together with the greatest expansion of the productive power of social labour, the most complete development of man. But I beg his pardon. He is doing me too much honour and at the same time slandering me too much” (Letter to the editorial board of Otechestvennive Zapiski, November 1877).
Despite the numerous warnings, many commentators have concluded that Marx’s theory of history, as set out in the 1859 Preface, is a form of productive forces (or technological) determinism. For instance, in his influential book GA Cohen claims that “high technology was not only necessary but also sufficient for socialism” (Karl Marx’s Theory of History: A Defence, 1978). But socialism is not inevitable; the fatalism of determinism is fatal for the socialist movement which requires a politically active class conscious working class to achieve our self-emancipation as a class.
The 1859 Preface assumes the development of human productive forces throughout history, but this is not automatic or inevitable. In Marx’s The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte (1852) social and political development did not occur exactly as outlined in the 1859 Preface, but that was not the point. Marx’s hypothesis showed the key concepts and where to look in researching the past and present. That study reaffirmed the importance of understanding the specific contexts of material circumstances and humans as agents of historical change:
“Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under circumstances chosen by themselves, but under circumstances directly encountered, given, and transmitted from the past.”
If this looks like stating the obvious (apart from the sexist assumption), to some extent it is because of Marx’s influence on public thinking about history. In his day prominence in historical writing was given to the role of ideas – for example, nationalism, freedom, religion – in explaining social development. This is still not unknown today and there are many who, explicitly or implicitly, reject the materialist theory of history for its revolutionary conclusions.
The 1859 Preface identifies certain well-documented “modes of production” found in history, whose constituents are “forces of production” (productive technology) and “relations of production” (economic classes). Present-day capitalist production relations involve minority class ownership of the means of life, which means the majority must sell their labour power for a wage, while production is geared to profit for the few. In feudalism – where aristocrats owned most of the land and peasants were tied down to that land by a host of restrictions, including the requirement that they did unpaid labour for their liege lords. There was slavery – where the bodies of the producers were the property of slave owners and were bought and sold like land or goods. The Asiatic mode of production (sometimes called “oriental despotism”) was a system where millions of peasants were engaged under military pressure to raise water for the irrigation of crops. There were various types of primitive society – the key one being the primitive communistic tribal form, where localised common ownership was practised.
The actual correspondence between forces of production and relations of production takes place through the mediation of the class struggle and the balance of class forces – what Marx called “the respective power of the combatants” (Value, Price and Profit, 1865). For example, China’s rise as a capitalist super-power has taken place mainly through the Chinese state’s ruthless use of cheap and plentiful labour power, rather than advances in its productive technology. For the workers of the world the materialist conception of history is a vital tool in our emancipation, for taking informed political action to bring class-divided society to an end. | <urn:uuid:86c5b248-42d4-471e-a912-6be6bf11b124> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.worldsocialism.org/spgb/socialist-standard/2000s/2009/no-1258-june-2009/understanding-history/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.952908 | 1,924 | 3 | 3 |
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An area of land occupying part or half of an island.
A piece of land which is "halfway" an island; a byland; peninsula.
From half- + island. Compare German Halbinsel (“peninsula”, literally “half-island”), Latin paeninsula (“peninsula”, literally “almost-island”).
Find similar words to half-island using the buttons | <urn:uuid:427353bf-98ad-40f5-b90e-ecd6a5e3fa9f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.yourdictionary.com/half-island | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.781473 | 134 | 2.65625 | 3 |
This understanding provided the foundation for the court’s development of constitutional privacy to include a range of personal matters, including family living arrangements, parental rights, marriage, and abortion. But it remained controversial, not only because of the intense division of views over abortion, but also because it allowed for broader judicial authority in interpreting the Constitution.
The ‘Treacherous Field’ of Constitutional Privacy
First, a quick explanation of Dobbs and its rejection of a constitutional privacy right to abortion. It’s a story that began in the 1890s and continued to 1937, a period during which the Supreme Court entered what Dobbs and prior court opinions described as the “treacherous field” of substantive due process.
For roughly four decades at the outset of the 20th century—the so-called Lochner Era, named for a representative case of the period—the Supreme Court applied the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment expansively to review and strike down a range of social and economic regulations on grounds that they were unreasonable. Applying a “substantive” understanding of due process, the justices often freely superimposed their own ideas of the appropriate limits on government regulation of individuals.
This review was not confined to exceptional areas of individual interest but applied broadly to government regulation of wages, working conditions, the economy, and commercial transactions, as well as to more personal interests, such as parents’ choices regarding education and childrearing.
Frustration with the justices’ willingness to strike down popular legislation on the basis of their own views on reasonableness intensified during the Great Depression, as the court’s understanding of “substantive due process” became an obstacle to many New Deal efforts to revive the economy and protect the interests of the vulnerable.
Under mounting public pressure, the Supreme Court reversed course in 1937 and renounced Lochner’s understanding of substantive due process and the court’s power to second-guess ordinary regulation. After 1937, the court understood substantive due process to mean only that whenever government interfered with individual liberty, it must act rationally in pursuit of a legitimate state interest. Under this “rational basis test,” virtually all government regulation was held to be constitutional.
In 1965, in Griswold v. Connecticut, the Supreme Court revived a broader understanding of the Constitution’s protection for individual liberty after striking down a Connecticut law that regulated contraception. But it hesitated to describe this protection as substantive due process, given the near-universal rejection of the Supreme Court’s abuse of its role during the Lochner Era. Instead it attributed the protection to a more amorphous “right of privacy” implicit in constitutional guarantees without committing to any one textual source. The Griswold court also emphasized that this right of privacy did not open the door for more aggressive court review of ordinary social and economic regulation.
In Roe v. Wade in 1973, the court found that a woman’s right to elect an abortion fell within the heightened protection for individual privacy, while also suggesting that it would be better to acknowledge that this heightened protection came from substantive due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.
In future cases, the Supreme Court continued to acknowledge that its heightened protection for privacy rights was a product of substantive due process review while insisting that this was consistent with the rejection of Lochner because it applied only to “fundamental” liberty interests. As a result, the court’s doctrine required differentiating “fundamental” liberty interests, for which government interference was presumptively unconstitutional, from ordinary liberty interests, which the government was presumptively free to limit as long as it acted rationally.
The justices continued to struggle over which liberties ranked as fundamental. A narrower test favored by more conservative justices limited fundamental rights to only those that were clearly set out in the Constitution’s text or would have been regarded as essential at the time the Fourteenth Amendment was enacted in 1868. A more expansive approach, employed in Roe and other cases, looked more to a contemporary assessment of the profound stakes for the individual. Yet another approach, suggested in cases like Lawrence v. Texas, looked to evolving understandings of essential personal liberty as evidenced by popular consensus. | <urn:uuid:74905d93-db39-4aa3-ae78-d68137b56c19> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://zipp2.com/uncategorized/how-dobbs-threatens-to-torpedo-privacy-rights-in-the-us/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679101779.95/warc/CC-MAIN-20231210092457-20231210122457-00799.warc.gz | en | 0.956274 | 873 | 3.109375 | 3 |
According to Telegraph, Boiling River is located deep in the Amazon rainforest in Mayantuyavu of Peru (South America), is the hottest river in the world. People call the river “Shanay-timpishka”, meaning “boiling with the heat of the Sun”.
Boiling River is about 25 m wide and 6 m deep but only lasts about 6.4 km. River water temperature ranges from 50-90 degrees Celsius, sometimes up to 100 degrees Celsius, enough to cause anyone who touches it even for a few seconds to get 3rd degree burns.
In 2011, scientist Andrés Ruzo witnessed this river. Ruzo heard his grandfather tell about Shanay-timpishka when he was 12 years old. According to what is said, the river was discovered by the Spanish people when they went deep into the forest looking for gold. Some of the people on the way back said that this land was dangerous, filled with poisonous water, man-eating snakes, hunger and thirst, disease, a river boiling from the bottom. Later, he was also confirmed by his aunt that he had seen the river.
Originally studying for a doctorate in geology at Southern Methodist University, Ruzo was really curious about this river. He consulted with colleagues at school, oil, gas and mining companies, all suggesting that the river is not real because the boiling rivers and lakes in the world often have a relationship with volcanoes. While the Amazon shows almost no signs of volcanoes.
Despite all the disproved theories, Ruzo still decided to go deep into the forest and track down the location of the river that had cured the Ashaninka people in Mayantuyacu.
He wrote a book about the river in 2016 called The Boiling River, Adventure and Discovery in the Amazon, in the hope that the book will appeal to people. public attention to the real natural wonder and dedicated to protecting it from the growing threat from illegal logging. | <urn:uuid:b9e58dc0-ff0b-4142-846f-95449aa0b90f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://cecr.vn/en/the-best-of-the-rivers-the-hottest-rivers-in-the-world/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.977138 | 412 | 3.59375 | 4 |
No CrossRef data available.
All Rights Reserved: Behind the Strategic Copyright of “We Shall Overcome”
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 July 2022
In 2015, musician and non-profit director Isaías Gamboa and filmmaker Lee Butler sued The Richmond Organization (TRO) and its offshoot Ludlow Music over their copyright to the anthem of the civil rights movement, “We Shall Overcome.” The copyright had initially been registered in 1960 and named four white folksingers: Guy Carawan, Frank Hamilton, Zilphia Horton, and Pete Seeger. Suspicious of the white names on the copyright, Gamboa wanted to liberate the song from what appeared to be corporate control. The suit was ultimately successful and the song was placed in the public domain. However, while Gamboa and Butler celebrated their win in a Manhattan court, activists across the South took it as a loss. Although overseen by TRO and Ludlow, the copyright's royalties had long gone to the Highlander Research and Education Center (formerly The Highlander Folk School), a pre-eminent and decades-old grassroots organizing hub best known for its work with such icons as Rosa Parks, Septima Clark, and Dr. Martin Luther King. The money was housed there in the We Shall Overcome Fund, which had been created by cultural workers of the civil rights movement in collaboration with those named on the copyright to facilitate the redistribution of royalties to Black artist-activists across the South. Far from facilitating theft, the copyright had strategically scaffolded Black-led community organizing for nearly 60 years. This article traces the history and work of this remarkable effort to turn the civil rights movement's anthem into its most lasting cultural tool.
- Research Article
- Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of the Society for American Music
Thank you to Ingrid Monson, Koritha Mitchell, and Bob Colby for their guidance, the Ford Foundation for their support, the anonymous reviewers from JSAM for their feedback, Susan Williams and those interviewed for this article for their time, and Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon for teaching so many to sing for freedom.
Parts of this copyright story were referenced in my earlier article, Lizzy Cooper Davis, “Culture and Struggle: The Organizing History of ‘We Shall Overcome,’” No Depression: The Journal of Roots Music (Fall 2016): 34–41. | <urn:uuid:0ba97690-802f-4b85-86e1-8288749c0df0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://core-cms.prod.aop.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-society-for-american-music/article/abs/all-rights-reserved-behind-the-strategic-copyright-of-we-shall-overcome/968B5D2F1FDFE3CA39EB8EFE85FB4E46 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.950203 | 500 | 2.640625 | 3 |
You’ve landed on this blogpost, so you probably know what the definitions are, but over the past decade the functionality of different control systems has been merging. Therefore it is important to explain how we interpretent the terms in this blogpost:
- PLC – Programmable Logic Controller
A PLC can handle the binary input and output of the logic statement which are stored in its’s memory. In fact, a PLC is a small DCS. The status of the PLC and process can be graphically visualized in a HMI or SCADA. A operator can also give commands to the PLC and view the output in a HMI or SCADA.
- DCS – Distributed Control System
A DCS is a automated control system that is distributed throughout a machine to provide instructions to different parts of the machine. Each section / part of a machine has its own computer that controls and manages the operation.
- SCADA – Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
A SCADA system is a application or system utilized for real-time collection of data from one or more remote locations. The collected information is utilized to monitor and manage ongoing processes. SCADA is quite a lot like a HMI, but SCADA is used for displaying large scale process data and is used in control rooms, far away from the machine itself.
- HMI – Human Machine Interfaces
A HMI is just like a SCADA a monitoring device which displays the status of the machine. The main difference is that SCADA is a remote monitoring system, where as HMI is local to machine. A HMI for example, would be placed on the control panle near a part of a machine, where as SCADA would be set up in a control room, far away from the machine itself.
Okay, so now we understand that HMI and SCADA are morelikely just interfaces. However, the question ‘What is the difference between a DCS and a PLC?’ still remains. The answer isn’t simple as a PLC/HMI combination can do a lot of the same things a DCS does.
PLC vs DCS
When using a PLC, 99% of the times you will need a HMI, which displays a graphical representation of a process or machine so operators can monitor and control the process. It is possible to use a PLC without a HMI, but when a process or machine will be regularly monitored and controled by operators, a HMI is a must. A DCS typically covers an entire proces and is capable of covering an entire plant. This means a DCS is a lot more expensive.
When deciding to choose for a PLC setup or a DCS, you shouldn’t just look to the dollar signs. The question is: do you want to pay now or pay later. That sounds a bit sour, but you should realize that if your setup needs a DCS (or in the future), but you choose for a PLC-setup, you are going to pay more down the road in engineering time. | <urn:uuid:b7ee0c86-ea6f-4e01-aba0-05f573b16b77> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://dcs-news.com/plc-dcs-scada-hmi-differences/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.941285 | 638 | 3.453125 | 3 |
1. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.
2. That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis.
Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. --Is. xxviii. 16.
The foundation of a free common wealth. --Motley.
3. Arch. The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course (see Base course (a), under Base, n.) and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry.
4. A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
He was entered on the foundation of Westminster. --Macaulay.
5. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity; as, the Ford Foundation.
Against the canon laws of our foundation. --Milton.
Foundation course. See Base course, under Base, n.
Foundation muslin, an open-worked gummed fabric used for stiffening dresses, bonnets, etc.
Foundation school, in England, an endowed school.
To be on a foundation, to be entitled to a support from the proceeds of an endowment, as a scholar or a fellow of a college.
n 1: the basis on which something is grounded; "there is little
foundation for his objections"
2: an institution supported by an endowment
3: the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or
developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument
rested on a basis of conjecture" [syn: basis, base, fundament,
4: lowest support of a structure; "it was built on a base of
solid rock"; "he stood at the foot of the tower" [syn: base,
fundament, foot, groundwork, substructure, understructure]
5: education or instruction in the fundamentals of a field of
knowledge; "he lacks the foundation necessary for advanced
study"; "a good grounding in mathematics" [syn: grounding]
6: a woman's undergarment worn to give shape to the contours of
the body [syn: foundation garment]
7: the act of starting something for the first time;
introducing something new; "she looked forward to her
initiation as an adult"; "the foundation of a new
scientific society"; "he regards the fork as a modern
introduction" [syn: initiation, founding, institution,
origination, creation, innovation, introduction, | <urn:uuid:e0093832-734c-4323-8506-1aad8ab469fe> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://dict.tw/dict/foundation | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.8963 | 573 | 3.171875 | 3 |
布莱恩·阿森学院 of the 新教堂 serves as an intellectual center for all who desire to engage in higher education enriched, guided, and structured by the study of the Old Testament, New Testament, 和ological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg. This education challenges students to develop spiritual purpose, to think broadly and critically from a variety of perspectives, and to build intellectual and practical 技能. The ultimate purpose is to enhance students’ civil, moral, and spiritual lives, and to contribute to human spiritual welfare. 阅读我们的 完整的任务，包括我们的制度目标.
我们的宗教观点坚持 新教会神学, a form of Christianity based on teachings of the Bible 和 theological writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, who wrote, “All religion is of life, 和 life of religion 就是做好事.” A 布莱恩·阿森学院 education emphasizes practical 技能 of writing, quantitative reasoning, public presentation, and experiential education, as well as the liberal arts values of critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and spiritual 调查. Here, what matters most is how you expand your thought, live your beliefs, 并有所作为.
At 布莱恩·阿森学院, our courses pair the intellectual 调查 of a strong liberal arts education with spiritual 调查 rooted in the teachings of the 新教堂. 你 will explore this perspective in your religion courses, and you will also see it reflected 在你的其他课程中.
The 新教堂 is a form of Christianity that respects all faiths that acknowledge God and a life of charity toward the neighbor. 在Bryn Athyn学院，我们坚持这些 values, and we encourage our students to develop their individual beliefs. 我们没有 require our students to be of the 新教堂 faith, but we will ask you to think critically and deeply about spiritual concepts 和ir application to your life; then we will encourage you to live according to your findings—to be a person of integrity, honor, 和同情.
Emanuel Swedenborg was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 29, 1688. 他是 son of Jesper Swedberg, a Lutheran bishop.
Swedenborg’s education included studies at the University of Uppsala and work with leading scientists in many countries throughout Western Europe. Swedenborg是其中一员 of the Swedish House of Nobles 和 Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences, as well as a participant in the Swedish government. 他的出版物涵盖了许多主题， from philosophy 和ology to anatomy and physiology. 在他的晚年(开始) around 1743), Swedenborg’s writing focused on theology. 他这一时期的作品 include Biblical exegesis, discussions of the spiritual world, commentary on what it means to be Christian, and how to lead a good and useful life.
Learn more about Swedenborgian theology and thought from our friends at offTheLeftEye, who host a popular 你Tube show and supportive community.
布莱恩·阿森学院 has been educating undergraduates for more than 130 years, dating back to its 1877 incorporation as part of the Academy of the 新教堂 under the 宾夕法尼亚州联邦的法律. 学院也包括学院 作为一所神学院和两所中学. In 1997, the College changed its name from the Academy of the 新教堂 College to 布莱恩·阿森学院 of the 新教堂, as 可以在我们的 原始签署的章程和附录.
布林·阿森学院隶属于 新教堂—also known as the General Church of the New Jerusalem—a religious organization based on the teachings of the Bible 和 18th century philosopher 和ologian, Emanuel Swedenborg.
To learn more about the history of 布莱恩·阿森学院 和 新教堂 explore the Swedenborg图书馆数字馆藏 浏览档案. | <urn:uuid:ca2471cf-748f-4c23-9f2d-fbd8e434ae49> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://f9cxb4.meilleurliveshow.net/about/our-history.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.782459 | 1,210 | 2.734375 | 3 |
There are over 100 thousand people waiting for transplants in the U.S., and 60 percent are from marginalized communities, according to the Health Resources and Service Administration.
Donate Life America seven finds that seventeen people in the United States die each day waiting for an organ, and a new person is added to the national transplant waiting list every nine minutes.
When it comes to kidney donations; the wait from a deceased donor is three to five years, or longer. There are almost 90,000 people on the national transplant waiting list in need of a kidney.
Hispanic Latinos are among the groups that most need transplants, but often don’t get the life saving operation because they lack the resources to obtain post-transplant medications needed to maintain the transplanted organ and their life.
The Illinois Transplant Fund, founded in 2015, aims to increase access to organ transplants by targeting the inequity of health insurance access.
In Illinois, 16 percent of adults with incomes below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level are uninsured. This impacts low-income individuals, the working poor, and people of color. The ITF focuses on increasing access to health insurance for qualified Illinois residents listed for organ transplants. “The transplant center(s) said, “We are willing to do the surgery for free”, but the problem is the medications that they (patients) need to take for life and they are extremely expensive,” recalled Ramos Hernandez in outlining the social problem. “Sometimes three, four thousand dollars a month.”
For eligible patients, ITF assistance covers 100% of the monthly health insurance premium for the insurance plan selected by the patient. After three years, ITF works with each transplant recipient family to transition the responsibility for their insurance needs to the patient by reducing ITF support gradually, unless a patient remains unable to contribute due to financial hardship. To date, no patient has been removed from ITF support who could not afford his/her own insurance.
Although the Hispanic-Latino population is among the groups that most need transplants, they are among the most reluctant to register to become donors. “We (Latinos) need to donate more,” said Ramos Hernandez. “Whether it is a lack of education or lack of willingness is still in debate.” Ramos Hernandez believes one of the main barriers to Latinos becoming organ donors is a need for more diversity in the medical field. She considers a culturally sensitive approach to engaging with potential Latino organ donors is needed.
Balta is an organ donor. Last year, he donated one of his kidneys to his wife, Adriana. The transplantation was the second one for her as she underwent a liver transplant nearly 20 years ago.
SUGGESTION: Organ Donation: A Birthday Story
Balta is also a board member of the Illinois Transplant Fund.
“3 Questions With…” is co-produced by the Latino News Network (LNN), an independent, multimedia digital news outlet with local newsrooms in the Northeast and Midwest, including IL Latino News and CAN TV, Chicago’s hub for community centric news, hyperlocal stories and educational resources. | <urn:uuid:9f44ddb6-4872-4836-b59b-bbfd9cf9b2be> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://illatinonews.com/catalina-ramos-hernandez/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.953778 | 653 | 2.515625 | 3 |
OpenAI.com released the AI chatbot publicly on November 30 and invited the public to check it out and provide feedback so that it could learn about its strengths and weaknesses. And the public has accepted the invitation. Ask ChatGPT a question, and the results often sound frighteningly real, even if they aren't always completely accurate.
We were curious about ChatGPT, too, but we're also super busy getting ready for the holidays. So on December 13 we asked ChatGPT to write a technology news story about its introduction, enterprise use cases, and the ethical concerns that have been raised about it. Right off, it was clear that there were some issues, since it said that ChatGPT was released on December 13, not the correct date of November 30.
ChatGPT's News Story
"On December 13, 2022, the artificial intelligence research lab OpenAI announced the release of Chat GPT, a powerful language model that is capable of generating human-like text in real-time. The technology has already sparked excitement among enterprise businesses, who see a wide range of potential use cases for Chat GPT. However, ethicists have raised concerns about the potential misuse of the technology.
One potential use case for Chat GPT is in customer service. With the ability to generate human-like text, Chat GPT could be used to automate responses to customer inquiries, freeing up human customer service agents to focus on more complex tasks. This could improve the customer experience, as well as reduce the cost of customer service for businesses.
However, ethicists have raised concerns about the use of Chat GPT in customer service. They argue that it could lead to a loss of jobs for human customer service agents, and could potentially result in a worse customer experience if the technology is not able to adequately handle complex or sensitive inquiries.
Another potential use case for Chat GPT is in journalism. The technology could be used to automatically generate news articles, saving journalists time and allowing them to focus on more in-depth reporting and analysis. However, ethicists have raised concerns that this could result in the spread of fake news, as Chat GPT could potentially be used to generate false or misleading information.
Overall, Chat GPT is a powerful technology that has the potential to transform many industries. However, its use also raises significant ethical concerns that need to be carefully considered before it is widely adopted."
ChatGPT certainly was faster at writing a story about itself than I ever would have been, clocking in at just about a minute. However, as an editor I'm sorry to see a lack of original quotes from enterprise users or analysts about how this might be applied in businesses. This story could also use some original quotes from the ethicists who have expressed concern about ChatGPT and a deeper look at how those ethical questions might come into play in the enterprise. I'd also like this story to provide some perspective for CIOs on the benefits and pitfalls of this type of technology.
To wrap this up with a bit of humor, I asked ChatGPT to tell me a joke about an IT professional. Here's what it said: "Why was the computer cold? Because it left its Windows open." | <urn:uuid:dedc5a23-566f-4af0-8c62-4a4c42d50cf0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://information-gate.net/chat-gpt-enterprises-eye-use-cases-ethicists-remain-concerned.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.97298 | 653 | 2.640625 | 3 |
The guide was primarily designed by the American Sociological Association to assist authors submitting articles to their journals, but it is now used by those preparing theses, dissertations, and other research papers. The is an organization created for individuals in the psychology field. If you are caught plagiarizing it is more than likely that you will lose points on your assignment, or even face expulsion from your university. Your instructor may ask you to submit a hard copy, or submit it electronically via email or through a course management system. In this article, we will focus on in-text citations.
Apathetic College Students in America. Correctly citing your sources validates the statements and conclusions you make in your work by providing supporting evidence. Continue reading this guide for practical advice and examples that will help you create each citation with ease. The running head should be the only item seen in the one inch margin see above for more on running heads. The in-text citation should include the author's last name and the date of publication.
You can probably imagine how difficult it was to understand the sources that were used for research projects! Note: When there are only two authors or editors, add a comma after the name of the first author or editor change in the 5th edition of the style guide. Note : the instructions in this link follow the 7th edition of the Handbook. Place this information in italics. If the image comes from a print source, cite that work no need to include details about the image; just cite the page number in the in-text citation. Reference List Citation Components As stated above, reference list citations are the full citations for all of the in-text citations found in the body of a research project. If you are planning on using Citation Machine, a note is displayed above the form stating that personal interviews are not typically cited in text.
City renames part of 11th Street Ed Snider Way to honor Flyers founder. Undoubtedly, the good formatting can create the best impression of your academic paper. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Changing thinking patterns to reduce depression. Names of people, places, organizations, and other proper nouns also have the first letter capitalized. This format was first developed in 1929 in order to form a standardized way for researchers in the science fields to document their sources.
Researchers and writers must acknowledge their debts to their predecessors by carefully documenting each source they use in their work. This involves indicating that the work of other individuals is included in your project, which is one way to prevent plagiarism. In-Text Citations for Direct Quotes The in-text citation is found immediately following the direct quote. Alberta is occasionally divided into two regions, Northern Alberta and Southern Alberta. Full Citations Overview Each source used to help with the gathering of information for your project is listed as a full citation in the reference list, which is usually the last part of a project. End it with a period. Emerging Issues on Privatized Prisons.
Use sentence case, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. The Chicago Manual of Style. While it may seem tempting to place a few extra lines between the heading, title, and beginning of the paper, lines should all be double spaced. This is important to keep in mind when including lists in a project. Click to see an example of a header 3. Reference List: National Institute of Mental Health.
The Uniform Resource Locator is crucial for locating an online document. If the name of the author is part of the narrative, only the year is enclosed in parentheses. Today it is adopted in term papers, research reports, literature reviews, theoretical articles, case studies etc. New York: American National Standards Institute, Inc. There are also times when a colon is not included.
What does it look like? Paraphrasing is when you take information from another source and rephrase it, in your own words. For more information, please consult the official Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. Include page or paragraph numbers if it will help reader find the information. However, Cambridge should be followed by an appropriate state abbreviation or country name. Did you create an in-text citation for each individual piece of information? United States: 20th Century Fox. Subsequent references to the same source are still listed parenthetically by author and year. Along with these citations, this style also requires a full bibliography, which falls at the end of the written work.
Crime and Social Justice: Theory and Policy for the 21st Century. The Modern Language Association released the 8th and most current edition of their Handbook in April 2016. Name of Collection Call number, Box number, File name or number, etc. Again, take the time to review any recommendations from these programs prior to accepting the suggestions and revisions. Bureau of Justice Assistance, Feb. When including abbreviations, do not place periods in between capital letters. This involves placing information about the source in parentheses after a quote or a paraphrase.
Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Rumination, excessive reassurance seeking and stress generation among early adolescent girls. There are three kinds of notes: General notes, specific notes, and probability notes. Each parenthetical citation in the text must have a corresponding reference list entry, and vice versa. It is not necessary to manually measure half an inch. | <urn:uuid:c7d703d3-eda2-4255-848d-fd62374af660> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://keplarllp.com/ala-citation-format.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.920323 | 1,087 | 2.84375 | 3 |
The construction of the parish church in Kassa (now Košice, Slovakia) was one of the biggest enterprises in the 15th-century Kingdom of Hungary. Its effect reached beyond the borders of the country. The church was built in three main phases, and especially the second one made the layout of the building unique in the entire continent.
This special, neither five- nor three-aisled spatial system induced strong debates in the rich literature about the church during the second half of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The scholars especially in the 19th century did not understand the unique plan, and they often called the master of the second building phase a bungler. The result of this kind of opinion ended in the "correction" of the floor plan. At the end of the century large parts of the medieval church was demolished for structural reasons (specifically in the inside, including the late Gothic stellar vaults and the nave piers). This "restoration" changed the floor plan entirely, with the result of a more regular arrangement. But the end of the medieval building wasn't the end of the debates. In the beginning of the 20th century more scholars called the second master a genius, but there were still opposing opinions to that.
Fortunately, detailed drawings about the state of the church before the interior was demolished exist. Using these drawings the medieval system is reconstructable in 3D, and using this 3D-model a structural analysis of it is possible. So at least on the structural side we can put an end to the century-long debate about the skills of the second master. | <urn:uuid:a6d87d3d-fe54-46f5-9316-19ccd53d2573> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://research.bereczki.org/2013/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.966581 | 330 | 2.96875 | 3 |
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a beautiful bird species that can be found in North America. Known for its vibrant appearance and distinct call, it is a favorite among bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. In this article, SEO Jacksonville brings you a detailed overview of this remarkable woodpecker, covering its habitat, unique characteristics, feeding habits, and more.
Habitat and Distribution
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is primarily found in the eastern parts of North America, including the United States and southern Canada. Its preferred habitats consist of forests, woodlands, and wooded urban areas. This adaptable species has also managed to populate suburban neighborhoods and parks, making it a familiar sight for many people.
These woodpeckers measure approximately 9 to 10 inches in length. They have a distinctive black and white zebra-like pattern on their wings, with a prominent black back and tail. Contrary to their name, the red belly is often obscured and not as noticeable as their other features.
One of the most striking characteristics of the Red-bellied Woodpecker is their vibrant red crown, which extends from the top of their head to the nape of their neck. This feature sets them apart from other woodpecker species in the region, making identification relatively easy for birdwatchers.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker has an omnivorous diet consisting of various insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds. They are often seen foraging on tree trunks and branches, using their strong beak to excavate wood in search of insects. These resilient birds have also adapted to extracting food from bird feeders, which has made them popular visitors in backyard gardens.
During the breeding season, their diet expands to include eggs and young of other bird species, as well as small reptiles and amphibians. This behavior may not be commonly observed, but it highlights their opportunistic nature and ability to exploit available resources in their environment.
Behavior and Social Structure
Red-bellied Woodpeckers are known for their drumming behavior, using their beaks to create loud and rapid drumming sounds on tree trunks. This behavior serves multiple purposes, including territory defense, communication, courtship displays, and foraging for insects within the wood.
These woodpeckers are generally non-migratory, but some individuals may show seasonal movements in search of food or suitable nesting locations. They are not highly territorial, often tolerating the presence of other individuals within their home range.
Breeding and Nesting
The breeding season for Red-bellied Woodpeckers typically begins in late winter or early spring. Males attract mates by engaging in courtship displays, which involve various behaviors such as wing flicking, raising crest feathers, and vocalizations.
The nesting process starts with the excavation of cavities in dead or decaying trees. The female lays a clutch of 3-8 white eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about two weeks. Once hatched, the young woodpeckers are cared for by both parents who take turns foraging and feeding them until they fledge and become independent.
Conservation Status and Threats
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is currently categorized as a species of "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This status implies that the population is stable and not at immediate risk of significant decline.
However, like many bird species, they do face certain threats and challenges. Loss of suitable habitat due to deforestation and urbanization can have a negative impact on their populations. Conservation efforts focused on preserving woodland areas and creating artificial nesting sites can help ensure their continued presence in our ecosystems.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a fascinating bird species that has adapted well to various environments across North America. With its striking appearance and unique behaviors, it brings joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. By understanding more about this woodpecker's habitat, physical characteristics, feeding habits, and breeding behaviors, we can appreciate and contribute to its conservation for future generations to enjoy.
Whenever you need reliable and comprehensive information about various bird species, trust SEO Jacksonville - your trusted partner for Business and Consumer Services - SEO services. | <urn:uuid:805d69c5-4074-4113-911b-03f52c025935> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://seo-jacksonville.com/news/red-bellied-woodpecker | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.955321 | 863 | 3.390625 | 3 |
An acronym for Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Chart, this control chart is used to detect small or gradual shifts in the performance of a continuous process. It was developed by S W Roberts in 1959.
The EWMA chart is essentially a moving average chart with a weight (0 < w < 1) assigned to the current measurement and its complement (1-w) assigned to the sum of all the previous measurements. Thus, all of the collected data are included at each step to help judge the stability of the process.
But the user decides how much influence the preceding measurements can have on the plotted statistic by the choice of the weighting factor. This results in a 'smoothing' effect on the noise variation, allowing faster detection of small shifts in the mean.
EWMA charts model the time series data in order to forecast the next value and detect lack of control in the time series. Because it uses information from all of the data, it is able to detect much smaller process shifts than a regular control chart can. However, due to its smoothing effect, it is sometimes slow to respond to sudden or large changes.
Using Exponentially Weighted Average (EWMA) Charts by Keith M. Bower, Minitab. Originally published in Asia Pacific Process Engineer, October 2000. - http://www.minitab.com/resources/articles/UsingEWMACharts.pdf EWMA Control Charts from NIST: - http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/pmc/section3/pmc324.htm | <urn:uuid:2ee8e96f-861f-4f81-9c82-38009540e75c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://sigmapedia.com/includes/term.cfm?&word_id=1639&lang=ENG | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.920445 | 328 | 3.234375 | 3 |
Portrait of Stendhal by Pierre-Joseph Dedreux-Dorcy
(Bibliothèque Municipale de Grenoble)
Considered by many as the founder of realism, his books are characterised by the use of a simple, direct and highly recognisable style that rejected the dominant Romantic trend at the time for rich but often rhetorically ambiguous or even meaningless prose. In opposition to Balzac, descriptive passages are rare in Stendhal's works as the emphasis is on depiction with words and actions. This, coupled with the exposition and analysis of the psychological state of his characters has meant that his novels do not appear as dated as those of his contemporaries but instead remain in many ways as relevant today as when they were written. | <urn:uuid:612f4d0e-b3c9-46de-ad2e-a07ffcdb440a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://stendhalforever.com/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.985943 | 153 | 2.75 | 3 |
As all things in life there is not a golden bullet for a problem. The key factor with how green an electric vehicle is depends on the source of the electricity that is used to charge the batteries.
If the electricity is obtained from a coal fired power station
then this will still produce greenhouse gases like CO2 and use precious natural resources. However, the power station and the distribution process is still more efficient than internal combustion engines (the normal working assumption is that electric vehicles
produces 30-50% of the CO2 the internal combustion engines does).
If the electricity is obtained from renewable resources (such as
wind, sun or wave) then the CO2 produced per mile is zero. (as a working assumption the energy used to produce the vehicle and batteries can be considered similar to a normal car).
One of the main advantages of electric vehicles is that renewable power stations can be built and taken advantage of relatively quickly (e.g. 5 years), rather than waiting for the production of a new efficient car and everyone to adopt it (e.g. 10-15 years)
The only real solution to green travel is to walk or cycle.
Basic facts about electric vehicles to answer questions often asked by people new to Battery Electric Vehicles
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Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests | <urn:uuid:a000ab5d-e8ab-4c70-b9dd-169a9f9abd44> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.batteryvehiclesociety.org.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=2270&p=16823&sid=42310866ca07f143e21b284672f86ee4 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.936668 | 277 | 3.375 | 3 |
Author: Huiyun Feng, Griffith University
In September 2016, Russia and China started their routine naval drill, ‘Joint Sea-2016’, off the coast of China’s Guangdong province. This was the fifth joint naval drill between the two nations since 2012, but the first to take place in the South China Sea. The decision to carry out this exercise in the South China Sea was announced after The Hague ruling in July, which China has strongly rejected.
If Moscow and Beijing have been careful in stating their positions on the South China Sea ruling and the Ukraine crisis, the joint military exercises certainly presented to the rest of the world a posture of support for each other. As the Financial Times put it, the naval drill can be seen as ‘a sign of increasingly tight links between the world’s second and third largest militaries as they seek to counter US influence in the region’.
Facing a common threat from the United States, Russia and China have strengthened their strategic partnership through military cooperation Since 2009, China has perceived the United States’ ‘pivot’ and later ‘rebalance’ to Asia as a containment strategy against China’s rise. The US involvement in the South China Sea through freedom of navigation operations has further intensified the deterioration of bilateral relations between the two nations.
In Europe, Russia has felt similar pressure from NATO’s continued expansion to the Baltic States as a threat to its traditional sphere of influence in the region. According to the official announcement, the military drills are not targeted at any third parties. But the Chinese spokesman from the Ministry of National Defense pointed out that China and Russia need to strengthen their military capabilities to jointly handle ‘security threats from the sea’.
The joint naval drill benefits both China and Russia strategically. For China, the naval drill can signify Russian support for China in the South China Sea. The Chinese navy can also explore new waters and gain experience through the joint exercise. For Russia, joint naval drills are part of Putin’s policy of a ‘pivot toward Asia’. China has been significant economically and politically for Russia’s resurgence on the world stage.
Even though Russia is not directly involved in the South China Sea disputes, it stands with China in affirming that a non-claimant country — the United States — should not interfere in the regional disputes. Naval drills with China will also facilitate the Russian rebuilding of its naval forces, which used to dominate the Black Sea. By supporting China’s position in the South China Sea and Asia, Putin can also expect similar support from China on the issues of Syria and Ukraine.
Although Russia and China share a close partnership, some potential problems exist. For China, the Ukraine crisis might remind its leaders of domestic, separatist problems in Xinjiang, Tibet and Taiwan. China also faces a policy dilemma between principle and self-interest on the Ukraine issue.
For Russia, while energy trade with China can benefit the Russian economy, it will not want to become a supplier of natural resources to China. Nor is Russia willing to idly watch China’s increasing influence in Central Asia through its ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative. Russia’s close military and weapons trade ties with Vietnam and India constitute a similar headache for Chinese leaders.
Overall, the ‘chess board’ in Eurasia and the Asia Pacific remains complex and highly contested. At the system level, despite cooperative gestures between Russia and China, geopolitical competition and strategic distrust will continue to limit the strategic partnership between the two nations. But the common threat of the United States might encourage China and Russia to overcome the strategic and historical barriers to foster close military cooperation, or even an alliance.
Small and middle powers, such as the ASEAN states and Australia, are caught between a rock and a hard place. The China–Russia joint naval drill and the relevant US–China competition in the South China Sea might indicate the onset of a Cold War in the region. Instead of picking sides, ASEAN should consider how to play a peace-broker role in mitigating the strategic competition between the United States and China.
Because several members are directly involved in the South China Sea disputes, ASEAN needs to consider how to manage the simmering disputes if these cannot be resolved in the short run. ASEAN should also try to prevent the South China Sea from becoming a battlefield among great powers.
It is time for all great powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, to reconsider their regional strategies. The 2016 nuclear tests by North Korea and the Syria crisis should remind them that there are more urgent common threats deserving their joint attention and cooperation.
The great powers need to consider how to better shoulder their responsibilities before competing for primacy in the world.
Huiyun Feng is a Senior Lecturer of International Relations in the School of Government and International Relations, Griffith University. | <urn:uuid:223efd3d-9b42-4e2a-8f18-7f17da508bc8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2016/10/06/power-play-in-the-south-china-sea/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.949905 | 1,011 | 2.71875 | 3 |
Though there are no Native Americans in The Texas Cowboy, Ash looks at Trish and because of her bone structure thinks she might be at least part. It wouldn’t be without the realm of possibility. Texas was home to hundreds of tribes of American Indians. I’ll only name and discuss a few, living around the location in Texas where our fictional town, Clark’s Folly, would be.
The Apaches dominated almost all of West Texas and ranged over a wide area from Arkansas to Arizona. Two groups of Apaches, the Lipans and the Mescalaros, were of primary importance in Texas. Apaches were among the first Indians to learn to ride horses and lived a nomadic existence following the buffalo.
The Biloxis gave their name to the area around Biloxi, Mississippi, where they first encountered European explorers. They began to migrate westward in the 1760s to avoid white interference. By 1828, a group had settled along the Neches River in present-day Angelina County. The Biloxies became allies of the Cherokees and were caught up in the violence in 1839 that drove the Cherokees out of Texas.
The Cherokees were one of the principal Indian nations of the southeastern United States. Wars, epidemics, and food shortages caused many Cherokees to migrate west to Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas in hopes of preserving their traditional way of life. Those who remained behind in the Southeast were eventually removed forcibly to Indian Territory (Oklahoma) in the incident known as the “Trail of Tears.”
Cherokees settled in Texas near the Red River. Pressed further south by American settlement, in 1820 about sixty families under Chief Bowl (Duwali) settled in Rusk County near the Caddos. As Americans settled that area, distrust grew between them and the Cherokees. Hoping to gain a legal title to their land, the Cherokees invested a great deal of energy in cultivating a relationship with Mexico. Hoping to protect this relationship, they remained neutral between Texas and Mexico during the Texas Revolution.
The Comanches dominated a vast area of North, Central, and West Texas. There were at least thirteen active bands of Comanches, with five playing prominent roles in Texas history. These unparalleled horsemen led a nomadic lifestyle following the buffalo. They controlled trade in produce, buffalo products, horses, and captives throughout their domain. In the 1700s, the Comanches made their presence known in Texas by warring with the Apaches and the Spanish. Fearing that they would lose Texas to the Comanches, the Spanish negotiated a peace treaty with them in 1785. When the Spanish were unable to keep their promises in trade goods and gifts, Comanche raiding against the Spanish resumed, with many of the stolen horses being traded to newly arrived Americans.
The Texas Cowboy is a contemporary western romance set in the Lone Star State. The hero is a little different having been born in Texas but raised in England. At his father’s death, he returns to inherit Marathon Ranch. And then the fun begins…
Can a Texas cowboy, by way of England, and a sassy ranch hand forget their differences to put Marathon Ranch in the winners’ circle…and to fall in love?
THE TEXAS COWBOY
Return To Folly Series
Contemporary Western Romance
When Ash Colter was twelve, his mother divorced his cattle baron father and whisked him away to raise in her native England. Sixteen years later, when his father dies, he inherits Marathon Ranch. Running a 1,000-acre spread famous for the best Black Angus cattle in the great state of Texas is the biggest challenge he’s ever faced…until he meets a pert, pretty, and sassy ranch hand who seems to have her own agenda for his ranch. Unfortunately, she makes his spurs go jingle-jangle-jingle like no one else ever has!
Trish Owens is a real cowgirl, a loner, and, though she’d never admit it, a little lonely. When the “English Cowboy” appears on the scene, her entire way of life is threatened, not only her job, but her beloved Quarter horses. She’s sure he plans to import his thoroughbreds from England. Worse of all is the chemistry sizzling between them. He makes feelings she thought long dead awaken.
Trish ignored his joke about taking care of her. “Well, thank you, Miss Whatever-your-name-is.” When she shot him a glance, he saw the sadness in her eyes before jealousy evaporated it like the morning dew. He couldn’t allow Trish to think he’d made love to her last night, knowing Dorothy would arrive today. Or thinking he’d sleep with the other woman tonight. Embarrassed as well as annoyed, he flushed to the roots of his hair. Dorothy leapt into his hesitation, offering Trish a handshake.
“I’m Dorothy Applewhite.” The Duchess stared down from her superior height of five-six. “I arrived with the horses, more or less.”
“I’m Trish. Nice to meet you.” Nothing could sound less like the truth.
He looked from one woman to the other. “Dorothy, how did you happen to arrive minutes after the horses were unloaded?”
His ex-girlfriend winked, squeezing his arm against her breast. “Trev mentioned the name of the transport company. I rang them and, using your stable name, was told the shipment would arrive this week. You’d given me the name of the town. I consulted my travel agent and here I am. I wanted to surprise you. I’ve missed you, Ash-Dahling.”
“Ash-Dahling has been busy managing this big old ranch…” Trish batted big innocent eyes and continued in a honeyed voice, “I imagine, that is.”
Dorothy simply stared at the other woman, probably trying to decide if the cowgirl in a red Marathon shirt and figure-hugging jeans was competition. Not Trish’s usual barn clothes. Had she dressed to impress him? Maybe before the horses were unloaded and the duchess arrived. Now, she only wanted to impress one thing upon him. Go to hell.
Trish cast a meaningful glance at Ash, then attacked her opponent with fine-edged sarcasm. “Your white studded jeans are just the thing for the wild west.”
“Thank you.” Dorothy smoothed a hand down her shapely hip. “I ordered them from an American western wear store just for this trip. The shirt, as well. Do people really wear these small string ties?” She flipped the ends of the Bolo, and Ash almost choked trying not to laugh.
Must be hysteria. This was no laughing matter.
“I don’t personally.” Trish leaned closer, pretending to admire the pearl snaps on Dorothy’s western shirt. “Yeah, really nice.”
“I haven’t seen a lot of people—in fact, not even one—wearing a Bolo.” Ash shoved his hands into his pockets. He felt naked, exposed, and a feeling he hated--vulnerable. “Maybe Sunday for church.”
“Church?” Trish barked a laugh.
Frowning, he suggested, “A country and western bar?”
“I prefer dives, sir. Country music, with or without a worn flag painted on the floor, lots of beer, and the Texas two-step.” Trish was no longer laughing, nor did she look very sassy. Was she angry enough to cry…or hurt enough to be angry?
“You two don’t get in an argument about my little tie. You may have it if you like.” His former girlfriend slid a possessive hand around his elbow. “I have Ash here. Dear, my bags are in the boot. Will you ask someone to take them to your room?”
Ash squared his shoulders. “I’ll ask Danita to prepare a guest room.”
“Are you still redecorating the Master Bedroom?” Trish was digging his grave deeper with a guileless smile.
She did not mean the redecorating question to be helpful, but he could turn it around on her. Though after the funeral, he’d moved into the Master Suite, he’d been too busy to make many changes. Marathon was a jealous lover.
“I am.” He looked from one to the other. “Still redecorating.”
The two women frowned. Each one affixed her chilly gaze to him.
Ash wanted to squirm, but a good rabbit knows that any movement only incites the hawk. “Let’s get you settled. Trish, if you need anything, call me. As I said, you’re very welcome to stay here.” Please.
“Will do, Ash.” Trish placed warm emphasis on his name, but the look she leveled at him gave him frostbite.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: LINDA NIGHTINGALE
After 14 years in Texas, Linda returned home to her roots in the South Carolina red clay. She has eight published novels, four of which are available in audio from Audible.com. For many years, she bred, trained, and showed the magnificent Andalusian horses. So, she’s seen a lot of this country from the windshield of a truck pulling a horse trailer. She won The Georgia Romance Writers’ Magnolia Award for Excellence, the Raven Award, and the SARA Merritt. In real life, she was a legal assistant. She loves to dress up, use the good china and crystal, and host formal dinner parties. She has a fondness for sports cars like her current ride, Zippy Z.
Web Site: http://www.lindanightingale.com – Visit and look around. There’s a free continuing vampire story.
Blog: https://lindanightingale.wordpress.com/ - Lots of interesting guests & prizes
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/linda-nightingale | <urn:uuid:df5c9a68-16da-4e17-ad69-79c51c2a87b0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.karaoneal.com/blog/wednesday-words-the-texas-cowboy-by-linda-nightingale | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.971662 | 2,214 | 2.984375 | 3 |
CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
- Attendance – come to school on time everyday.
- Come prepared with supplies, books and completed homework.
- Treat others with respect and consideration.
- Obey school authorities promptly.
- Protect and conserve school and personal property.
- Leave distractions at home. ( problems, toys dangerous objects and substances, gum, electronics valuables, etc.)
- Listen and follow directions promptly. Do not talk to others when the teacher is speaking to the class. | <urn:uuid:2898f0ff-69a8-429c-a226-61e3dcf665a7> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.repetto5.com/expectation.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.909152 | 108 | 3.734375 | 4 |
Islamophobia, a fear, derision, and/or hatred of Islam and Muslims, both an individual prejudice and a geopolitical instrument.
Relationship and Sex Education Lessons
Education has been a hot topic in the media recently. The question of what should be taught when has been a major concern since the effectiveness of some parents in Birmingham who opposed the changes that are to be brought into the Relationship and Sexual Education (RSE) curriculum, which includes normalising alternative or non-binary family structures.
One of the major arguments arguments brought in support of the change is that children will be taught what exists in the real world, so they will be better prepared. The argument goes that homosexuality exists, is real and many children will have parents that are homosexual, so the children need to be taught about it in order to prevent discrimination.
God has created diverse human beings to live in this tiny global village of one family. Creation by its very nature is diverse with different species, different communities, different cultures and languages. These differences represent the beauty and wonder but diversity is sometimes not fully appreciated, resulting in all sorts of clashes. The British society and Establishment must learn to respect and accommodate others, as if in a family.
I suggest those who see language only as a means of communication fail to appreciate that language equals cultural values and creates a bond between people - if you force a foreigner to speak YOUR language this opportunity is lost. This stuff matters in business and politics. the arrogance of the English speaker who shouts and waves his hands about is mocked around the world! Learning another language helps you understand the rules of language in general, and that has grammar too! Through learning a new language, you understand your own better. ANY foreign language will improve your grammar in your own language. Bilingual children know more grammar through their acquisition of grammar. They therefore understand grammatical relations better than monolingual children.
A primary school teacher asking her pupils in the classroom: What do you call a person who speaks 3 languages? Trilingual! what do you call the person who speaks 2 languages? Bilingual. And what do you call a person who speaks only one language? British!
Ofsted accused of Islamophobia over hijab questioning in Primary Schools and the toilet papers issue in a Muslim school
Al-Hijrah School Education of British Muslim Children
The government has ordered the takeover of one of England’s first state-funded Muslim secondary schools, an institution where a child died and offensive books were found in the library. An academic library should be free to hold any books, without political sanction -- in line with the principle of academic freedom.
The books stated that a husband can beat his wife and insist on having sex with her. They were found in the library of the Al-Hijrah School in Birmingham, which became state-funded in 2001. The prophet of Islam has 11 wives and none of them were ever beaten by him for any excuse.
We live in a shrunken world and millions of people are on the move; one of our biggest challenges is how we learn to live in proximity to difference – different skin colours, different beliefs and different way of life. According to a study by COMPAS, Muslims born and educated were given the impression of outsiders. The perception among Muslims is that they are unwelcome in Britain is undermining efforts to help them integrate into wider society. Most of them say that they have experienced race discrimination and religious prejudice. Muslims and Islam is promoted a fundamentalist and separatist by the western elite, which have negative impact on community and social cohesion.
TROJAN HORSE HOAX- BRIEF RESPONSE by TAHIR ALAM ,former Chair of Park View Educational Trust
Mr. Clarke’s and Mr. Kershaw’s and EFA reports grossly misrepresent and mis-characterise our schools; what I ( and others) stand for and what I have worked for in education, namely high academic standards and inclusion and respect for all children in our schools. This includes British Muslim pupils. I utterly reject fictional accounts seeking to justify that there was some kind of sinister plot by extremists to take over Birmingham schools. I have been accused of things I know nothing about or presumed guilty by association because it suited a politically motivated, predetermined agenda. | <urn:uuid:bd9225bd-e08a-4bae-bf89-edb2a66c8627> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.therevival.co.uk/taxonomy/term/847 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.964874 | 867 | 3 | 3 |
If you have been in an accident at an unmarked crosswalk, who is liable will depend on which party was violating road rules, or otherwise negligent. In Ohio, pedestrians typically have the right-of-way. However, drivers are not automatically responsible for a pedestrian-related accident. If a pedestrian has violated a traffic rule, it can be difficult to bring a valid claim against the driver. If you have been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, whether in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a car accident lawyer who has a thorough understanding of pedestrian-related cases.
Common Locations of Unmarked Crosswalks
Crosswalks, also known as pedestrian crossings, are marked pathways for people to safely cross roads or streets. Some crosswalks have traffic signals to indicate when it’s safe to cross, while others are simply painted lines on the road.
What is an unmarked crosswalk? It is a crosswalk that does not have any visible markings, signs, or signals, but is still a legal place for pedestrians and bicycles to cross. Unmarked crosswalks take the form of any unregulated intersection where sidewalks and walking paths cross through roadways.
Although unmarked crosswalks lack the visual cues of their marked counterparts, they provide the same legal protections. They are typically found at intersections where crossing would be a logical extension of a sidewalk, but where painted lines are not present.
Understanding Pedestrian Right of Way
Ohio law protects pedestrians, requiring drivers to yield to them in most scenarios, including intersections. Pedestrians also have responsibilities for their own safety. Knowing pedestrian right-of-way principles helps determine fault in an accident.
Overview of Pedestrian Right of Way Laws
According to Ohio law, pedestrians generally have the right of way. If there are no traffic control signals, or existing signals are not working, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing the street or roadway within a crosswalk. The driver must slow down or stop if necessary to allow the pedestrian to cross safely. This applies when the pedestrian is on the same side of the street or roadway as the vehicle, or when the pedestrian is approaching from the opposite side. In a crosswalk with an active signal, the pedestrian always has the right-of-way.
The Duty of Drivers to Yield to Pedestrians
There are certain situations in Ohio where pedestrians have the right-of-way over vehicles. In these situations, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians. The situations are as follows:
- On all sidewalks, if a driver is emerging from an alley, building, private road, or driveway, the driver must stop the vehicle immediately before driving on the sidewalk.
- On any crosswalk when traffic control signals indicate so.
- On any crosswalk when traffic control signals are not in place or in operation.
- On any crosswalk where a car has stopped to allow a pedestrian to pass (no other vehicle may pass the stopped car from behind).
- Blind pedestrians with a cane or guide dog are always given the right-of-way.
Exceptions to the Pedestrian Right of Way Rule
Ohio state law gives drivers the right-of-way over pedestrians in certain situations. Most notably, when waiting to enter a crosswalk, pedestrians are required to yield to vehicles travelling on the road.
Pedestrians must yield when crossing outside of crosswalks or when traffic signals do not indicate a crossing. They should not cross an intersection diagonally or against any control devices. In the presence of a funeral procession or public safety vehicles with sirens and flashing lights, pedestrians must also yield. It is important for motorists and pedestrians alike to remain vigilant when driving or walking on the road.
Factors Influencing Liability in Accidents at Unmarked Crosswalks
Drivers are usually at fault for pedestrian collisions at crosswalks, where pedestrians have the right-of-way. Without a crosswalk, liability is less clear. Whether a driver is liable will depend on the circumstances of the accident. There are some factors that may not affect liability, for example, the ages of involved drivers as a cause of car accidents. The following factors will be considered.
Speed and Visibility of the Driver
In low visibility conditions, after a crash, a crucial question is whether the other driver took necessary measures to avoid the collision. Merely obeying the speed limit is not enough, as it may have been necessary to drive even slower to avoid an accident. For instance, if the driver is facing foggy weather, an unmarked crosswalk on a blind rise, or a bend in the road, visibility is greatly reduced. Therefore, the driver must take extra precautions and drive slower, even if it means going below the speed limit.
It is important to determine if the pedestrian’s behavior played a role in causing the accident. Ohio law states that pedestrians must not suddenly leave the sidewalk or other safe location and walk or run into the path of an oncoming vehicle. When crossing a street, pedestrians should only use the shortest route to the opposite sidewalk or use a crosswalk that is perpendicular to the street.
If pedestrians violate these laws or behave recklessly, they may be held partially responsible for the accident. A pedestrian’s conduct will be evaluated to determine if he or she contributed to or caused the accident.
The court may take several factors into consideration when evaluating the pedestrian’s behavior, such as whether he or she was jaywalking, walking slowly or aimlessly in the street, suddenly darting into the street, or neglecting to check for traffic before crossing.
As a driver, it is important to remain attentive and exercise caution toward pedestrians. Any form of careless or negligent driving can be the cause of an accident. If the driver is found to be responsible for the accident due to negligence, he or she will likely be held liable. Negligent driving can include behaviors such as running a red light, texting while driving, speeding, driving under the influence, passing illegally, not yielding to pedestrian traffic, distracted driving, and driving through stop signs. Ultimately, a jury will weigh the facts and circumstances to determine fault.
Impact of Traffic Signals or Signs Near Unmarked Crosswalks
Yield markings are important as they help motorists to yield or stop at a greater distance from the crosswalk. This reduces the visual obstruction of a vehicle as pedestrians cross the road. Pedestrian crossing signs, traffic signals, and other signs alert motorists to the possible presence of pedestrians, making them more aware. They also help to control traffic near pedestrian crossings, reducing the chance of accidents involving pedestrians. If a driver fails to follow traffic signals or signs, this indicates negligence. Therefore, if a driver fails to follow signals and signs and causes an accident involving a pedestrian, the driver will likely be held liable.
Your car accident lawyer will help you determine and prove liability in a pedestrian accident. Your lawyer can help to prepare a lawsuit if necessary, or negotiate on your behalf should you settle your case.
Road Authorities’ Role in Ensuring Safety
As part of their responsibility, the road authority must ensure that:
- The users of new road works follow the expected road behavior as per the design.
- The existing road network operates safely by promoting the right behavior.
To make this happen, road authorities need to work with local police and local governments. They should explain the crucial role local law enforcement plays in achieving a safe road network. The authorities should encourage and support police action to ensure compliance with speed limits, giving priority to pedestrians on crossings, safe overtaking, and observing traffic controls at intersections.
Responsibility of Local Road Authorities in Maintaining Road Safety
The road authority is responsible for ensuring safe road design for new roads and safety improvements for existing ones. They also work towards safer outcomes from road maintenance and network operation activities.
To achieve this, they identify, analyze, and prioritize safety improvements on local roads that address local issues and needs. They maintain roads and implement improvements when necessary.
Local road authorities have the ability to prioritize a list of issues, risks, actions, and improvements that can be used to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on local roads. They can identify where signage and markings are needed, adjust speed limits, and determine appropriate locations for pedestrian crossings to ensure pedestrian safety.
Importance of Adding Appropriate Signage or Markings at Unmarked Crosswalks
Unmarked crosswalks can be dangerous for pedestrians since drivers often do not expect them to be crossing. Combining signs, markings, and other enhancements can help create a safer environment for pedestrians. Small changes, like raised medians and advance yield markings, along with traffic signals near pedestrian crossing signs, can significantly improve pedestrian safety. Additionally, traffic signals can slow down cars, reducing the likelihood of pedestrian accidents. | <urn:uuid:06756276-7b17-4574-a48b-e61159b3f66d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://accidentlaw.com/who-is-liable-for-an-accident-at-an-unmarked-crosswalk/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.943378 | 1,813 | 2.609375 | 3 |
Tuesday, 25 January 2011: 9:00 AM
305 (Washington State Convention Center)
Of all the regions of the world, Africa may be the continent most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, given both its physical exposure and low adaptive capacity. The challenges are not uniformly distributed across Africa, with different regions exhibiting susceptibility to different types of problems. The security consequences of climate change include but are not limited to violent conflict. Given Africa's challenges of preparing for climate hazards, the effects of droughts, storms, floods and other extreme events will often surpass the relief and response capabilities of local and national governments. In many cases, militaries, both foreign and international, are and will increasingly be tapped to provide assistance in the aftermath of these events. Researchers from the Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law's program on Climate Change and African Political Stability located a confluence of vulnerabilities in Africa through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multi-layered mapping. The study identified four main processes that encompass different aspects of vulnerability: (1) historic physical exposure to climate hazards, (2) population density (3) household and community resilience, and (3) governance and political violence. Each of these areas of vulnerability was given equal weight in the final vulnerability analysis. Within three of the four areas, a number of different indicators were identified that contribute to that dimension of vulnerability. Indicators within each area were assigned equal weight unless there were missing data for an indicator. A composite vulnerability map shows a number of interesting patterns. Areas with the greatest vulnerability are parts of Madagascar, coastal West Africa, coastal Nigeria, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Areas of the continent that are physically vulnerable to climate hazards like North African countries along the Mediterranean and parts of southern Africa appear less vulnerable when we incorporate community and household resilience and governance. Other areas, such as Niger, Somalia, and Sudan appear more vulnerable when we bring in those dimensions. Given widespread disagreement among climate scientists about the effects of climate change on Africa, this project initially relied on historic data of exposure to climate hazards including droughts, wildfires, floods, and cyclones. This iteration of the research presents the preliminary results of cooperation with climate scientists Kerry Cook and Ned Vizy of the University of Texas which is based on a regional model of mid 21st century climate outcomes for Africa.
- Indicates paper has been withdrawn from meeting
- Indicates an Award Winner | <urn:uuid:affee45b-6c02-46c4-a5b0-6c3c15d4975b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://ams.confex.com/ams/91Annual/webprogram/Paper187586.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.934405 | 494 | 3.109375 | 3 |
Have you ever wondered how the Mohs crystal hardness scale works? In this article I’ll explain the scale and why it’s important for crystal healing.
Hardness is a measure of how resistant a crystal is to being scratched. The Mohs hardness scale is one method for classifying hardness, with stones rated from one (softest) to ten (hardest).
In this article I’ll discuss the Mohs hardness scale and how it works. I’ll also explain whether it’s useful for deciding how to store or cleanse your crystal collection.
What is the Mohs Scale of Crystal Hardness?
The Mohs hardness scale rates the hardness of a crystal or gemstone on a scale of one to ten. While the Mohs scale can be useful for understanding a crystal’s properties, it’s not the only consideration when judging a stone’s water safety or storage requirements.
What is the Mohs Scale of Hardness?
In short, the Mohs hardness scale measures the hardness of a crystal.
It’s an approximate guide that ranks a mineral by how easily it can be scratched by another. The grade goes from one to ten, with ten being the hardest.
There are ten minerals used as a guide to the Mohs scale. Each test mineral can scratch those that are lower on the scale. For example, you can see in the table above that fluorite could scratch calcite, gypsum, and talc, but not apatite or quartz.
Why is the Mohs Scale Important for Crystal Healing?
As crystal healers, we cherish our crystal collection and want to protect our stones. The Mohs scale of mineral hardness gives us a quick guide to how delicately we need to handle different crystals.
Here are a few examples of how we can use the Mohs scale:
- Soft stones need to be dusted with a softer makeup brush to avoid scratching.
- Hard stones shouldn’t be stored in the same pocket or bag as softer ones.
- Stones that are low on the Mohs scale may need extra protection when travelling.
- Crystals below six on the scale usually shouldn’t be cleansed in water (although there are exceptions – more on that later in the article.)
Who Created the Mohs Hardness Scale?
This Mohs hardness scale was created by a Professor of Mineralogy in Graz, Austria, called Friedrich Mohs in 1812. Since then, it has become the accepted standard.
What Determines a Crystal’s Hardness?
The atoms and molecules of a gemstone form a crystal lattice. This lattice is held together by bonds, and it’s the strength of these bonds which are responsible for the hardness of a crystal.
This doesn’t mean that all crystals of the same type have exactly the same hardness though. Inclusions can weaken a crystal and make it more susceptible to damage. Existing cracks in a stone can also cause structural weakness.
Even the direction of the Mohs hardness test can affect the result. For example, Kyanite, which has a bladed structure, tests approximately 4.5 when scratched along the length, and 6.5 or 7 if tested across the width.
Crystal Hardness Scale Reference Chart for Selected Gemstone
- 1 – Talc, Pyrophyllite
- 2 – Gypsum, Fuchsite
- 3 – Calcite, Wulfenite, Shortite, Bornite
- 4 – Flourite, Leucophanite, Ammonite, Rhodochrosite
- 5 – Apatite, Dioptase, Rinkite
- 6 – Aegirine, Humite, Lawsonite
- 7 – Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Aventurine, Amethyst
- 8 – Topaz, Spinel
- 9 – Ruby, Sapphire
- 10 – Diamond
What Hardness is Required for a Crystal to be Safe to Cleanse in Water?
The general rule is that if a crystal ranks six or above on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s safe to be cleansed in water – at least for short periods. But hardness isn’t the only consideration, as the Mohs scale is not a test for water suitability.
Some crystals contain extra minerals that can be affected by water. Hematite, for example, rates between 5.5-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, but the iron content will rust when it gets wet. Rhodonite also has a rating of 5.5-6.5 with iron content, so it’s only safe in water for short periods.
Tangerine quartz also contains iron oxide, which is the reason for its lovely colour. This may fade in water, even though the stone itself rates as a seven on the Mohs scale. Jet, which ranges between 2.5 and 4, can actually tolerate water.
There are also crystals which may leak toxic substances when placed in water. Be careful to avoid these stones when making crystal elixirs.
So, you can see from these examples that the hardness of a crystal isn’t the only consideration when deciding if a stone can get wet. It’s still a useful guide for many crystals though.
Note: Even if a crystal’s appearance is affected by water, it doesn’t harm the crystals resonance and healing properties.
Does a Crystal’s Hardness Affect Its Healing Properties?
Hardness doesn’t directly affect a crystal’s healing properties, but it can affect which stone to choose in different situations.
When wearing gemstones in jewellery, it’s important to choose a stone that’s unlikely to get damaged. A gemstone in a ring is more likely to get scratched than one in an earring, for example, so you may want to choose a harder stone.
The same is true when travelling. When packing crystals for a trip, choose ones that both resonate with your desired intentions and have a durable structure.
Be Careful When Dusting!
Quartz is found in dust. As quartz is a seven on the Mohs scale, be careful when dusting softer crystals to avoid scratching them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the Hardest Mineral on the Mohs Hardness Scale?
The hardest mineral on the Mohs hardness scale is diamond. It sits at 10 on the scale, which shows that diamond cannot be scratched by any of the minerals below it.
Are the Increments on the Mohs Scale Equal in Hardness?
No, the scale represents relative hardness rather than absolute. While the intervals are roughly the same at the lower ratings, the gaps get larger towards the harder end of the scale.
For example, the increase in hardness from calcite to fluorite is approximately 25%. The increase from corundum to diamond is around 300%.
Are There Alternative Hardness Scales?
There are many other hardness scales, including those created by Vickers (1920) and Knoop (1939). Unlike the Mohs scale, these measure the resistance to indentation under pressure. The permanent depth of the indentation is measured which is converted to a hardness value.
In the future it’s likely that a new hardness scale will be invented. This is due to minerals harder than diamonds being discovered.
The Mohs scale measures the hardness of a crystal. Each stone is rated out of ten, with crystals of higher ratings able to scratch those at lower ratings.
While the Mohs scale is a useful tool for making jewellery or deciding how to store a gemstone, it’s not a test for water suitability.
Do you have any questions about the Mohs scale of crystal hardness? Please let me know in the comments section below. | <urn:uuid:85d47095-2570-47e3-898f-bcc120630fbb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://angelgrotto.com/crystals-stones/hardness-scale/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.889168 | 1,632 | 3.015625 | 3 |
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, whereby two or more conflicting parties voluntarily seek to reach an agreement with the assistance of a conflict mediator.
The conflict mediator is an impartial and independent third party, without powers of imposition on the mediated, who assists them in the attempt to build a final agreement on the object of the dispute.
The use of conflict mediation is a faster, less costly way and a higher degree of satisfaction for the parties, since they participate directly and actively in the construction of a solution to the dispute that opposes them.
Mediation is a voluntary means, whose adherence depends on the will of the parties involved.
The realization and result of the mediation depend on the express will of the intervening parties, and they may, at any time, interrupt the process or terminate it.
FRIENDLY, NON-CONTENTIOUS AND COOPERATIVE PROCESS
The acceptance of mediation by the participants allows the conflict that concerns them to be resolved by them, without, therefore, a decision imposed by third parties.
ABSOLUTELY CONFIDENTIAL AND CONFIDENTIAL PROCESS
All conflict mediation is carried out in a confidential manner, allowing the parties to share, without fear, all the relevant information for its solution.
Both mediators and participants undertake not to reveal the information resulting from the entire mediation process, as well as the content of the mediation sessions.
In the end, only the mediation agreement can be revealed.
Conflict mediators may never testify or intervene in any judicial or extrajudicial procedure based on issues submitted to mediation or involving the mediated.
The conflict mediator carries out his activity independently, and is not responsible for providing technical support to the mediators.
To this end, the parties involved may be accompanied by a lawyer or a trainee lawyer. | <urn:uuid:92bf5753-c36d-4edf-9a97-8ea5b06c27cb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://arbitragem.autonoma.pt/en/mediacao/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.930354 | 373 | 2.734375 | 3 |
The course of study required to earn an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1889 was based on at least three years of courses, reflecting the major changes in curriculum during the two decades after the Civil War. A fourth year of study had been added to the curriculum in 1883; although students were encouraged to take this course after earning their degrees, the few who enrolled in the late 1880s were doing postgraduate work. A full description of three-years of course work, including course rosters and text books, is found in the University Catalogue for 1888-1889. As can be seen in the analysis below, medical students in the Class of 1889 clearly had the opportunity for a medical education that combined academic knowledge in basic and specialized areas of medicine with plenty of practical experience in the laboratory, dissection room, the patient’s bedside and even the operating room.
First YearDuring the first year of study, course work emphasized the basics of anatomy (including topographical), chemistry, histology, physiology, materia medica and pharmacy. Students also attended a one-hour weekly lecture on general pathology and another on hygiene. Students also attended general medical and surgical clinics.
The weekly schedule consisted of 15 hours in lectures, 4 hours in clinics, and 19 hours in laboratories or practicums. In 1886-1887, 38 hours total were scheduled each week; by 1888-1889 an extra half hour of lab would be required of first-year students.
At the end of the year examinations were given in general chemistry, osteology, histology, materia medica and pharmacy, and elements of general pathology.
Second YearIn the second year of study, both courses and clinics became more specific and also more time-consuming. For students this year was most memorable for the ten evening hours spent in the dissecting room each week.
Courses covered anatomy (including morbid as well as topographical), medical chemistry, pathology, physiology, theory and practice of medicine, surgery, obstetrics, physical diagnosis, and therapeutics. Clinics dealt with nervous diseases, gynecology, and diseases of the skin, eye, and ear.
This work involved a weekly schedule of 22 hours in lectures, 13 hours in clinics, and 16 and a half hours in laboratories or practicums – 51 and a half hours total.
At the end of the year, examinations were given in anatomy (including topographical), medical chemistry, and physiology.
Third YearIn the third year, instruction became even more specialized. Anatomy and pathology were extended to include autopsies. This was also the year when students began to work with real, living patients in surgery and at their bed sides.
Course work was devoted to obstetrics and operative obstetrics, general pathology and morbid anatomy, surgery (including operative and minor), theory and practice of medicine, gynecology, therapeutics, ophthalmology, otology, and dermatology, plus medical jurisprudence and toxicology. Clinic time was split between general clinics (medical and surgical) and special clinics (nervous diseases, pediatrics, gynecology, and diseases of the skin, eye, and ear). Bedside instruction in medicine and surgery was added this year.
Each week students were to spend 19 hours in lectures, 16 and a half hours in clinics, 2 hours in demonstrations, 3 hours in practicums and 3 hours in bedside instruction – a total of 43 hours per week. Clinics were conducted at both University Hospital and Philadelphia Hospital. Philadelphia Hospital, also known as Blockley Hospital and later as Philadelphia General Hospital, was located south of the University Hospital on the grounds of the Alms House.
Final examinations covered general and special pathological anatomy, therapeutics, theory and practice of medicine, clinical medicine, surgery, gynecology and obstetrics; at least one question involved the diseases of the skin, eye and ear chosen from questions submitted by the clinical professors of these specialties.
At the end of the third year of successful course work, a student was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine if he was at least 21 years of age and of “good moral character”, had passed all examinations in all branches of instructions and had attended the practical instruction in all departments (his last course were required to have been in Penn’s medical school). It was also necessary that, unless excursed by the faculty, he be present at commencement. A fourth year of attendance was recommended, but not required and the requirement of preparing and defending a thesis was no longer in effect.
The requirement of preparing a thesis in order to receive the M.D. degree was effectively abolished in April 1885. In November 1884, the Provost had suggested to the faculty that the thesis be dropped in favor of students preparing reports on clinical cases at the end of each year of instruction. The matter was referred to a faculty committee that included Sir William Osler (who was then at Penn) which agreed with the idea of dropping the thesis but could not come up with any plan for a clinic report requirement. The faculty made the final decision in April 1885 to remove the requirement but allow students to voluntarily prepare theses which would be used to award prizes at graduation. | <urn:uuid:0d1cac00-18f5-4b88-a3c6-2bca55d0802f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://archives.upenn.edu/exhibits/penn-history/class-histories/medical-class-of-1889/courses/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.974621 | 1,074 | 2.828125 | 3 |
1) Haryanka Dynasty: Originally founded in 566 BC by the grandfather of Bimbisara Named Brihdratha but actually founded by Bimbisara.
i) Bimbisara: Ajatshatru is the son of Bimbisara. He killed his father Bimbisara & seized the throne.
ii) Udayin: He founded the new capital at Patliputra, situated at the confluence of the Ganga and Son. Last kind of Magadhaempire was Nag Dasak.
i) Founded by Shishunaga.
ii) Shishunaga was succeeded by Kalashok, in his reign where the 2nd Buddhist council was held.
iii) The last kind was Nandi Bardan.
i) First non-Kshatriya dynasty. Founder was Mahapadma Nanda.
ii) Alexander attacked India in their reign in 326 BC. Dhana Nanda was the kind at that time & he was the last kind & end of Nanda Dynasty.
The Mauryan Dynasty
Chandragupta Maurya(322-298BC): With the help of Chanakya , who is also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, he overthrew the Nandas and established the rule of the Mauryan Dynasty. He defeated Selucus Necator in 305 BC. A Greek Ambassador Megasthenes(Sent by Selucus) visited his court. Megasthenes wrote the great book “Indica”.
He is the son of Chandragupta Maurya. Chandragupta was succeeded by his son Bindusara in 297 BC. At the time of his death almost the entire subcontinent came under the Mauryan rule.
Ashoka is the son of Bindusara.One of the greatest king of all time. There are 14 major rock edict inscription ,17 minor rock edict & 12 pillar edict inscriptions.
i) Kalinga War(261 BC mentioned in XIII rock edict): After Kalinga war changed his attitude towards life & became a Buddhist aft
a) built the Sanchi Stupa.
b) Shrinagar was founded by Ashoka.
The Gupta Dynasty(313-350BC)
The first two kings of the dynasty were Srigupta & Ghatotkacha.
i) First important king ofGupta Dynasty
ii) Started the Gupta era in AD 319-320.
i) The Gupta kingdom was enlarged enormously by Chandragupta’s Son and succeeded by Samudragupta.
ii) Samudragupta is called the Nepoleon of India.
Chandragupta II(AD 375-415)
i) His court was adorned by celebrated nine gems(navaratna) including Kalidasa ,Amarsimha, Varahmihir , Dhanavantri.
ii) Chinese Pilgrim Fahienvisited India at this time.
iii) Panchtantra was authored by one of his gems Vishnu Sharma.
Founded Nalanda University.
i) Kumargupta was followed by Skandagupta.
ii) After his death, the great days of the Gupta were over. | <urn:uuid:86fbc669-d77d-4975-bbb1-6bc85e9c8d77> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://assamtips.com/index.php/2021/08/02/indian-history-magadha-empire-gupta-dynasty/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.952492 | 687 | 3.34375 | 3 |
Do you know what season we are in? Djeran is the Nyoongar season of April and May when the cooler weather begins. Typically, Djeran means cooler nights, red flowering gums, and bright pink and orange sunsets. Today we’ll be writing acrostic poems inspired by the season.
STEP ONE: An acrostic poem uses the first letter of each line to spell a word or phrase down the page. Consider what word you would like to spell in your acrostic poem inspired by the season of Djeran. You can research more about the season here.
STEP TWO: Write the word you have selected vertically down the page.
STEP THREE: Now you’ll write your poem inspired by Djeran. Select an adjective (describing word) or noun (thing) for each letter at the start of each line.
STEP FOUR: Decorate your poem with pictures of the describing words you used. | <urn:uuid:fd9d5a18-0989-440f-bf77-7423f29415f8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://awesomearts.com/activity-7-acrostic-poems/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.930263 | 199 | 3.171875 | 3 |
Presentation #504.02 in the session “Formation of Planetary Systems: Building Planets”.
Reproducing the orbits and masses of the terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars remains elusive. A successful model for the formation of the terrestrial planets is crucial to better understand key questions related to these planets, such as: building blocks in the primordial protoplanetary disk (feeding zones), origin, timing and amount of water and other materials delivered, number and timing of any giant impacts experienced, and formation timescales. To address these questions, we investigated terrestrial planet formation by performing extensive N-body simulations of primordial protoplanetary disks representative of typical models in the literature. Those disks consisted of embryos and planetesimals placed up to ~1-4 au (depending on the disk model) and the newly formed giant planets. First, we employed our classification algorithm to identify the systems that formed planet analogs of the Venus-Earth pair (in terms of orbit and mass) plus Mercury or/and Mars in the same system. From the analysis of the terrestrial planets formed in such 3- or 4-planet system analogs, we obtained detailed properties regarding the formation and evolution of analogs for each of the four terrestrial planets. These properties include a-e-i-mass distributions, delivery of water/volatiles, number of giant impacts, accretion histories, formation timescales, etc. We also found that compared to the real planets, typical truncated or narrow disks have serious difficulties in reproducing the four terrestrial planets. Worth noting, the formation of Mercury remains an outstanding problem in planetary sciences. Nevertheless, our results can constrain the main properties of the primordial protoplanetary disk that formed the terrestrial planets. In particular, analysis of the results and initial conditions allowed us to better understand the conditions that the disk must fulfill in order to explain the formation of the four terrestrial planets consistently. | <urn:uuid:9c17a592-e0fc-4ee7-b86e-62396a288788> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://baas.aas.org/pub/2020n6i504p02/release/1 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.890609 | 394 | 3.046875 | 3 |
Behavioural science principles: just in time
Behavioural science principles: just in time
Table of contents
If you’ve ever watched hours of video tutorials on YouTube or trawled Google in search of a particular recipe, you’ve already embraced ‘just in time’ (JIT) learning. This style of learning is extremely common in our personal lives – everything from fixing objects to fixing dinner – so it makes perfect sense to do it in the workplace.
The best example of ‘just in time’ training is when an employee needs to access customer-critical information to answer queries about a certain product or service.
Here at BAD we created a suite of modules for the sales reps of a global telco company about their latest products and services. These products and services are continuously being updated. With just in time learning, the reps can simply go online using their mobile device and search for the appropriate information, corresponding short course, or how-to video. This provides access to the right information, in the right place, and at the right time, or ‘just in time.’
This approach works best with learners who don’t have much time to spend in front of a computer. Sales representatives, construction personnel, and field scientists are some of the people who would greatly benefit from this type of training method.
What is the origin of the 'just in time' concept?
JIT comes from Toyota’s ‘just in time’ production system — an original manufacturing philosophy to make only what is needed, when it is needed, at every stage of production. This means there’s no waste, consistent quality, and an even production flow: getting the right part(s), in the right place at the right time.
These days, JIT processes have been adopted by many large businesses. In 2012, Nike implemented JIT to improve its disconnected production services and since then, the company cut lead times by 40% and increased productivity by 20%. Fast-food chain McDonald’s use JIT inventory to serve their customers daily.
Time is money
Today, most people value their time above all else. As Richard Branson famously stated: “Time is the new money.” This cultural shift is about how people view their time and how they want to consume content. Information and knowledge, once difficult-to-obtain resources, are now far more accessible to everyone in the ‘Information Age’.
As technology rapidly progresses, so do our expectations. Today, we expect most information to be available straight away — ‘just in time’ sums up the mentality of today’s world, which is defined by instant gratification. We have a ‘present bias’, which means that we prefer instant gratification over future gains (O’Donoghue & Rabin, 2015). On the other hand, this can make us ignore information because we don’t need it at that moment, so periods of change where we are motivated for a ‘fresh start’ are effective times to intervene (Dai et al., 2013).
The benefits of giving information when it’s needed
We are more likely to value things that will help us now, rather than in the future. We prefer “just in time” information to “just in case” training we might need one day. Think about how you will support people immediately, and as they work rather than at some unspecified time in the future. Show people what benefits they will get for doing things now.
We’re also particularly likely to change our habits during periods of transition. You might want to take advantage of this with programmes for new starters, or to help people through radical changes at work (Dai et al., 2013).
Onboarding with 'just in time'
Onboarding is an ideal time for JIT learning. According to research, the employee onboarding experience can play an important role in determining whether new hires become invested in the company.
BAD’s new onboarding program is designed to give new employees a positive first impression – inviting them in with a one-click access to the right information at the right time, chunked into day/week slots so that they have a real sense of the journey they have started and what they can expect from Day 1.
If you’d like to talk about solutions for providing training at the point of need (JIT), please contact us.
Accessible design isn’t a restriction at all. It benefits all users, whether they have disabilities or not, by providing a more intuitive, faster, and engaging experience.
When it comes to getting your message out there, for most organisations the problem isn’t a lack of content. It’s being able to deliver that content in a way that provides value for your audience, without hindering your business.
How leading with compassion can help employers have a more positive impact on mental health As a human being, I am lucky enough to experience this thing called life. While scientists and philosophers might still | <urn:uuid:05f96918-f56b-4920-bbdb-7e94e6e667ba> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://bestatdigital.com/2022/08/31/behavioural-science-principles-just-in-time/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.942223 | 1,052 | 3.1875 | 3 |
In recent years, the term “concussion” has become increasingly common in our daily lives. Whether it’s related to a hit on the football field, a fall at home, or a car accident, an estimated 3.8 million concussions happen every year.
Given the widespread occurrence of this condition, many people tend to perceive concussions as minor injuries or bumps on the head. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth.
Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that can result in serious and sometimes life-long consequences. Because of this, it’s crucial that concussions are taken seriously.
In this blog, we will discuss the complexities of concussions and the lasting impact of these injuries.
Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by an impact to the head. Concussions can range in severity, from mild symptoms that resolve quickly to severe symptoms that impair your ability to function normally.
Basic Anatomy of Concussions
To better understand concussions, let’s first review the basic anatomy and role of the two most critical structures in these injuries—the skull and the brain.
The skull is a hard barrier designed to protect the brain. It’s essential to our survival; however, when there is significant trauma to the head, the skull can contribute to brain damage.
The brain floats inside the skull in a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid provides essential cushioning between the brain and the skull, acting as a shock absorber to protect the brain from excessive movement.
Mechanics of Concussions
Concussions are caused by an external force contacting the head. The force can come from an object hitting the head (or the head hitting an object) or a rapid movement, rocking, and/or rotation of the head. When that happens the force on the head is transferred to the brain, causing injury.
When the brain moves in this sudden and forceful manner, it can lead to several types of damage, including:
- Physical damage to the brain tissue
- Stretching and straining of neurons, blood vessels, and nerves
- Chemical changes and neurotransmitter disruption
- Inflammation and swelling (causing increased pressure inside the skull)
The disruption of the delicate balance within the skull is the reason people experience the lasting fallout of concussions.
Common Causes of Concussions
Some of the most common causes of concussions include:
- Sports-related injuries
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Bicycling accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Any blow to the head
Symptoms of Concussions
Symptoms of concussions can look different depending on the injury and the brain’s response. It’s important to know that the effects of a concussion may not be immediately apparent. In some cases, it can take hours or even days for concussion symptoms to become noticeable.
Common symptoms of concussions include:
- Headache or pressure in the head
- Dizziness or balance problems
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision changes
- Confusion or disorientation
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Problems with memory
- Problems with word finding and communication
- Ringing in the ears
- Mood swings
These symptoms can play a role in not only the immediate effects of a brain injury, but also in the lasting fallout of concussions—which can linger for months.
If you experience any type of head injury, it’s crucial to seek a medical evaluation. An early and accurate diagnosis will help ensure that you receive proper treatment and can help speed the recovery process.
In order to make an accurate diagnosis, your healthcare provider will usually complete a combination of the following steps:
- Collect your medical history
- Gather information about how the injury occurred
- Assess your symptoms
- Conduct a neurological examination
- Perform cognitive testing
- Complete neuroimaging to rule out other contributing causes
Treatment and Management
After a concussion diagnosis, your doctor may recommend the following steps to ease your symptoms and help your brain recover. These include:
Rest is one of the most important things you can do in the days following a concussion. Rest should involve limiting both physically strenuous activities and mental activities that require concentration (such as watching TV, doing work, reading, texting, or using a computer).
During this period, you should avoid any activities that make your symptoms worse. Your doctor will advise you on how long your rest period should be and help you gradually incorporate these activities back into your routine.
Depending on the extent of your injury, your doctor may recommend that you work shorter hours, take breaks during the day, or have a smaller workload as you recover. If you are experiencing sensory sensitivities, they may also recommend that you work in a modified environment (such as a quiet or dimly lit room).
If you’re experiencing headaches in the days or weeks after your injury, your doctor may recommend that you take Tylenol or another pain reliever to manage these symptoms. It’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any medications, as some over-the-counter pain relievers (such as Advil) can increase the risk of bleeding.
If you have symptoms that impact your daily functioning, rehabilitation may be a necessary part of your treatment. Rehabilitation can target a variety of cognitive impairments, including:
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty with problem-solving tasks
- Difficulty with decision-making
- Emotional and behavioral changes
The Lasting Fallout of Concussions
Generally speaking, many concussion symptoms resolve within months of the injury. In other cases, concussion symptoms can last for months, years, or may be permanent in nature—this is known as post-concussion syndrome (PCS).
Post-concussion syndrome is when symptoms of a concussion persist beyond the expected recovery period. It is estimated that about 15% of people with a concussion will experience PCS. Individuals with PCS can suffer from the following symptoms long-term:
- Balance and coordination problems
- Sleep disruptions
- Light or sound sensitivity
- Blurred or double vision
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mental fogginess
- Mood swings
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive and fatal brain disease that is linked with repeated head injuries. Common symptoms of CTE include:
- Memory and thinking problems
- Personality changes
- Impulsive behavior and aggression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Problems with walking and balance
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy does not develop immediately after a head injury—sometimes symptoms don’t appear until years or even decades after repeated head trauma. This degenerative brain disease is commonly associated with sports, but it has also been observed after blast injuries or other neurotrauma.
The Cost of a Concussion
For individuals who develop PCS or CTE, the cost of a concussion can be near impossible to determine when you take into account the medical bills, lost wages, decreased earning potential, ongoing rehabilitation expenses, emotional damages, and suffering from decreased quality of life.
If you’ve experienced a concussion due to the negligence of someone else, it’s crucial to work with a personal injury lawyer who understands the lasting fallout of concussions and their impact on your future. Only a qualified lawyer will be able to determine a fair value for the harm a brain injury can cause.
Preventing concussions is the best way to avoid the risks associated with traumatic brain injuries. Taking the following steps can help you and your loved ones minimize the chances of experiencing a concussion:
Wear Proper Sports Gear
Whether you’re riding a bicycle or playing a sport, it’s essential to have a properly fitted helmet designed for the activity. Studies have shown that helmets decrease the risk of brain injury by 65 to 85%. Regardless of your age, it’s crucial to wear a helmet during activities that put you at increased risk of hitting your head.
Wear Your Seatbelt
It’s important to wear a seatbelt every time you get into a vehicle. Seatbelts help prevent deadly vehicle ejections and also significantly reduce the proportion of traumatic brain injuries that crash victims suffer.
Avoid Reckless Behavior
Any type of reckless activity can put yourself and others at an increased risk for a head injury. This includes reckless driving, not following safety rules, participating in extreme sports, and failing to wear proper safety equipment.
Educate Yourself and Others
Educating yourself and others about the dangers of concussions can help prevent injuries and further complications. Know the signs of a concussion and seek immediate medical treatment after a head injury.
Contact Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader for More on the Lasting Fallout of Concussions
If you or a loved one sustained a head injury, it’s important to know your rights. Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader is the trusted name for personal injury attorneys in Kansas City. We deliver answers, accountability, and justice for victims.
When we represent a client or a family, we devote the time, resources, and experience for the best possible result. Our attorneys are dedicated to investigating cases the right way—by answering every question and methodically working through each case.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each individual case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you timely contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected. | <urn:uuid:e49a0d85-0eac-4d29-b8da-b4762af9f0e0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://bflawfirm.com/the-lasting-fallout-of-concussions/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.925761 | 1,973 | 3.671875 | 4 |
The brain–it’s a greedy little banshee!
Did you know that your brain weighs 3 lbs, but consumes 10 times more energy than the rest of your body by weight? It’s a greedy little banshee!
Mind-fatigue is hard to identify. It looks like dawdling, procrastinating, poorly executed work, fatigue, a loss of creativity, and wanting to “zone out” with music or movies.
Revive your brain by taking time off from thinking, yes. But avoid stressing it out further with your usual choices for relaxation that still overly involve it (scary movies, intense strategy games, arguing on a discussion board, reading reviews or news).
- Connecting with nature (get your hands dirty—plant flowers, weed, mow the lawn). Or take a walk in it with the phone turned off.
- Exercise. Let your mind go fallow. Use your body.
- Sleep. Exhausted minds need rest. Sleep is good for your brain.
- Eat protein. Have a snack that energizes (true mind-food).
- Dole out affection and receive it (to a loved one, a pet, a close friend). Nurturing stimulates and lights up different parts of the brain—the emotional center needs restorative input too.
Be good to your brain. As one brain researcher shared, we can design computers to play chess, but we can’t teach them to see. Our brains work hard (mostly outside of our consciousness) just to help us walk, digest, pump blood, and breathe! Add all the tasks we ask our brains to ‘work on’ and it’s no wonder sometimes your mind is simply tuckered out. As are your even younger kids’ little brains.
Food for thought! | <urn:uuid:1d4127dc-713e-41a4-9ff4-9672a07829b4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.bravewriter.com/2014/08/14/the-brain-its-a-greedy-little-banshee/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.909997 | 380 | 2.703125 | 3 |
Sustainability may be the extended-term perpetuation of accountability, that has economic, ecological, and social dimensions, and circumscribe the idea of conservation. It’s lower to maintaining and managing using sources money for hard occasions generations. People are attempting to making sustainability in many respects like, mineral sources, forces, atmosphere etc. Now we’re also looking for this in agriculture with a solid idea of sustainable farms. This concept of sustainability in farming surrounds a significantly wider selection of points of questions than earlier.
The primary reason behind sustainability should be to grow and supply food grains, vegetables along with other agro products without consuming plenty of sources for production. The maqui berries maqui berries maqui berry farmers who practice farming are actually conscious from the results their our kids and grandchildren might face. They’ve began with the sustainability an essential aspect, that’s their responsibility greater than their crops. To be able to take proper proper care of tenable health, it is important that the standard of soil is maintained. If the standard of soil isn’t healthy, this leads to ecological degradation within the farms that is nearby areas. Tenable farming practices are necessary to boost the voracious and growing global population. People at Australia perform farming by ongoing to keep the requirements of our kids and grandchildren in minds. Sustainable Farms result in tenable business which can be transported toward the appearance generations.
You are able to steer obvious from the soil from getting depleted additionally to keep its richness without requiring chemicals. To avoid plants from various illnesses causing them to be grow better, there is a volume of natural items that may solve the issue of soil infertility. You should use organic fertilizers (developed from natural items like leaves, fruits, natural waste), nitrogen fertilizers (produced from ammonia, calcium nitrate, urea etc) and fertilizers produced from weeds. Seaweed fertilizer arises from seaweeds, wealthy in minerals and vitamins that are required for your greater progression of the plants. Being safe and equilibrated fertilizer, it may be put on numerous plants.
It’s advantageous in locations where the soil is of poor and thin. Seaweed provides dietary support for that plants additionally to prevents soil loss. Seaweed fertilizer is going to be both solid and liquid forms. These fertilizers can be found in foliar feeding sprays. Prone to alternative within the nutrient balance of these fertilizers. Its depends across the processing and the types of content present in making such fertilizers. You have to prefer each one of these things for the better fertility within the soil. | <urn:uuid:2f18bd7f-c34e-44e6-b978-9818efcc2652> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://businesscot.com/sustainable-farms-can-lead-to-better-approaching-way-ahead-for-farming/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.939412 | 531 | 3 | 3 |
If you’re reading this article, you must be wondering what it’s like to be a software engineer. If a career in software engineering is something you’re interested in pursuing, you should know what to expect. You may be assuming that software engineers always enjoy flexible hours and work autonomy, yet cash out big time. However, that isn’t always the case. The career path of a software engineer can vary widely.
If want to know what it is like to be a software engineer or what the average salary of a software engineer is, then this is the article for you. You’ll find a detailed breakdown of what goes on in the software engineering field, as well as what a typical day in the life of a software engineer or coder looks like from dawn till dusk.
What Is a Software Engineer?
A software engineer is a computer professional who implements the principles of engineering in the development of software applications and systems. They code, build, test, debug, deploy and monitor the performance and lifespan of software programs. Software engineers design software solutions for real-world problems by collaborating with cross-development teams and project managers.
What Does a Software Engineer Do On a Daily Basis?
A software engineer works on different phases of a software project. They can work on personal projects or collaborative projects. Their daily tasks include creating web, mobile, desktop, or cloud applications and games. They can also work on operating systems, hardware systems, and networking systems.
Working on collaborative projects often involves sharing tasks across production stages and teams, depending on the development method adopted. If a DevOps method is adopted, then the software engineer works on a DevOps lifecycle with a DevOps team. Some of the main tasks performed are listed below.
- Preparing and checking their work schedule. Depending on their work conditions, a software engineer will either report at a physical office or work remotely. Once at the office, they prepare and go through their work schedule for the day. Typically, they will check their emails and start with a set number of tasks to complete for the day.
Usually, the first development task for the day would be to design a software solution based on a client’s needs. This sometimes requires collaborating with a product manager.
- Designing software solutions. This is a part of the software development process which requires a software engineer to think creatively and analytically. A software requirement specification (SRS) is usually used to draft and assess the viability of a client’s needs.
An SRS document is used to develop an architectural model, which a programmer and development team will use as a development guide. The architectural design model is often accompanied by high-level, detailed design models, which contain a breakdown of its sub-systems and implementation methods.
- Collaborating with cross-development teams. For the successful implementation of complex projects, an engineer has to efficiently collaborate with cross-functional teams. Typically, a software engineer will communicate code requirements for a software project to a computer programmer. These professionals often use development and communication tools like Git and Bitbucket to coordinate code workflow.
The software engineer has to be able to properly communicate the technical specifications required for a project to its developers. They also have to work with testers to determine the success of a project.
- Resolving program issues. Before launch, a product needs to be tested. If issues are uncovered during the testing process, it’s an engineer’s job to resolve these issues. Integration issues, bugs, feature overloads, communication inadequacies, security issues, broken codes, and the product deviating from the client’s specifications are common issues that pop up during the testing phase.
A software engineer would resolve these issues by fixing bugs, implementing stronger security controls, designing better application program interfaces (APIs) to help with integration issues, implementing more efficient communication tools to improve synergy, and reducing the features in the program to improve performance and scalability, just to name a few.
- Deploying a finished product and managing its lifecycle. This is the stage where a product is made available to end-users. Depending on the type of project being worked on, deployment activities may include product testing, product packaging, product release, and product performance monitoring.
If a development team is launching a cloud application, it can use an infrastructure-as-a-service or the platform-as-a-service models to fund the extra running costs. If the product is a software application, it can be deployed through methods such as A/B testing, multi-service, or basic deployment.
How Can I Become a Software Engineer?
To become a software professional, you need the right educational background. There are several ways you can achieve this. However, before you do, you should assess your core skills to see if they are suited to making software engineering your dream career. If you already possess computer skills, you might find it easier to get started in this field. Below are some of the learning pathways you should consider.
Software Engineering Degrees
College is one of the most popular avenues of education for software engineers. Most professionals in this field have bachelor’s or associate degrees in computer-related disciplines. This could be a generalized degree like computer science or a specialized degree like software engineering. With a degree in software engineering, you can easily apply for and secure an entry-level role.
Software Engineering Online Courses
You can also use online courses to become a software engineer. Online software engineering courses are typically more self-paced and cost-effective than other learning pathways. However, this means they offer less structure and don’t offer job placement opportunities or career services to their students.
Software Engineering Bootcamps
A software engineering bootcamp is an ideal pathway. Coding bootcamps provide a structured environment for students to learn the theoretical and technical aspects of the field. These platforms offer immersive intensive training. They also provide job placement opportunities and career services to help their graduates secure good employment in the software engineering field.
Software Engineering Certifications
Certifications are an ideal way to break into the tech industry. They are professionally recognized institutions that provide opportunities for their students to move up in the industry. Typically, they require written certification examinations in stages before you can be awarded a certificate. Some certification exams require the student to have prior work or educational experience.
How Can I Get a Job as a Software Engineer?
If you’re new to the software industry and would like to get a job in this field, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, your first job in this field may not be in software engineering, it could be in software development. Understanding this distinction is important as it will help you tailor your job application so you can reduce your chances of rejection.
Next, you need to know where to find software developer positions. Job boards like Toptal, Turing, and Stack Overflow are some of the notable options. Most coding bootcamps offer job placement services, which explains their growth in popularity.
Steps to Finding a Job as a Software Engineer
- Conduct Your Industry Market Research.
You should begin by conducting an in-depth industry analysis so that you know what is obtainable in this field. Depending on the companies you wish to work for and your preferred location, you should research their salary ranges, work hours, growth opportunities, and your profession’s industry outlook.
- Prepare a Career Plan
Once you’ve gathered this information, the next step is to create a career plan. You can’t make it in any career without a plan, especially in a field as dynamic as this one. Software engineers possess skills that can allow them to diversify into several careers within the development field.
- Get the Right Education
Knowledge of the theoretical and practical parts of software engineering is the most important aspect of securing a job in the industry. You can get an education in the field in several ways, as mentioned earlier in this article. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, so you must review them before picking.
- Create Your Portfolio
To increase your chances of securing a good job in this field, create a software portfolio. A portfolio is your opportunity to display your coding skills, work personality, and creative ideas to potential recruiters. Ensure your portfolio shows your progression as an engineer by including both the simple and complex projects you’ve worked on.
- Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
A well-structured cover letter and resume is the key to turning impressive job prospects into offer letters. This is your opportunity to show hiring managers that you’re the right job candidate. Your resume and cover letter are what guide readers through your portfolio, educational background, and work history.
- Apply to Your Preferred Jobs
There are several ways to break into this field. With a software engineering internship, you can gain valuable experience and build a reliable professional network. An apprenticeship can also allow you to learn from an experienced software engineer. You could also apply directly for entry-level roles and join forums to build your network.
What Is the Average Salary of a Software Engineer?
According to the salary review by ZipRecruiter in 2022, the average salary for a software engineer in the United States is $99,729 a year, although this amount can vary depending on your location. States like California offer an average salary of $123,178 and Alaska a salary of around $121,208.
Salary for an Entry-Level Software Engineer
Based on the salary computations by ZipRecruiter, the average salary for an entry-level software engineer in the United States is $67,751 a year. Although this amount is less than the overall average for software engineers, it’s only because entry-level software engineers do not have much industry experience.
Salary for a Mid-Level Software Engineer
The average salary for a mid-level software engineer in the United States is $88,725 a year, according to the review by ZipRecruiter. These computer science professionals have two to five years of industry experience in developing software applications and systems. They also have practical experience in bug fixing and software development life cycles.
Salary for a Senior-Level Software Engineer
The average salary for a senior software engineer is $119,651, according to ZipRecruiter. These professionals have over five years of experience coding software applications and systems in multiple programming languages. They also have substantial experience coordinating development teams, managing technical project life cycles, and designing functional system architectures.
Job Outlook for a Software Engineer
Software engineers are grouped under software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers, according to the occupational grouping by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Based on the BLS career outlook for software engineers, this profession has a projected 22 percent growth rate, which is faster than the average growth rate for all careers in the United States.
Should I Become a Software Engineer?
Yes, you should consider a career in software engineering if you’re an analytical thinker and want to apply your problem-solving and communication skills to challenging projects. This is a rewarding career for many reasons. For example, most of the exciting engineering projects you’ll work on have real-world implications. Your creations can solve real societal needs.
Software engineers tend to lead comfortable lives thanks to their high income. Choosing to work as a software engineer can allow you to earn an income that typically puts you within or above the median income rate in the US. Also, this field isn’t becoming obsolete anytime soon as the data from BLS indicates that the job outlook for software engineering is encouraging.
A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer FAQs
No, they don’t. Their job functions include other tasks such as carrying out meetings with clients and business analysts, preparing project reports and final documentation, as well as designing launch processes. They also educate product users on how to use their software.
Yes, they typically have a good work-life, if you’re judging by their job satisfaction, which is usually based on their salary, work benefits, and autonomy. Typically, software engineers have high job satisfaction earning higher incomes compared to other fields. They also enjoy benefits like cash bonuses, stock offers, and autonomy.
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This depends on their working conditions. Some software engineers work with smaller teams, which can mean higher workloads. This can lead to a poor work-life balance. Those who work for larger-scale organizations usually enjoy a better work-life balance since they can better collaborate on tasks with their colleagues and often get flexible schedules.
Yes, some software engineers are rich. Those who own the copyright to commercial products can be considered rich. This is because they can generate large revenues from the sales of their products. Those who work as senior executives in top companies can also be considered rich since their income is above $100,000, according to the salary analysis in prior sections of this article.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication. | <urn:uuid:e97fe033-cdfa-4e9d-84ad-c9a6b8bceb12> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://careerkarma.com/blog/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-software-engineer/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.955149 | 2,759 | 2.6875 | 3 |
The Definition of Health and the Benefits of Being Healthy
In modern Western society, health is often referred to as complete well-being. According to the World Health Organization, health is the absence of disease or infirmity. However, different people use different definitions for this concept. Some people use the term health to refer to being free of ailments. The term is also used for physical and mental well-being. This article will discuss the definitions of the term. We’ll also discuss the various benefits of being healthy.
The World Health Organization defines health as complete physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being. To achieve health, we need to encourage healthier behaviors, reduce unhealthy ones, and avoid situations that are harmful. Some of these factors depend on our choices, while others are rooted in structural conditions. The goal of promoting health should be to help individuals achieve their goals. The following are some general definitions of the term “health.” They will also give examples of the terms.
First of all, health is a resource. It is an individual’s capacity to cope with daily challenges. It is a state of well-being, and it reflects a person’s ability to enjoy life. The World Health Organization defines health as the quality of one’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Developing these resources and avoiding dangerous situations will help a person achieve their goals. But it won’t be easy to achieve this. | <urn:uuid:dd7a3cac-22ca-412b-9346-58a925d8f82c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://carlos-recalde.com/2022/02/12/the-definition-of-health-and-the-benefits-of-being-healthy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.957703 | 302 | 3.65625 | 4 |
What does it mean to be electrically coupled to the planet?
Simply put, it means touching the earth directly or touching anything that’s touching the earth with your bare skin, for example walking barefoot on the earth, touching a tree branch, or even using some of the fancy earthing gear now available (more on that later).
Also called grounding, this process of electrical coupling to the earth has been more recently referred to as earthing.
As much as it may sound like it, this isn’t some kind of hippy-dippy ridiculousness, either. The earth has a negative charge and is thus full of free electrons that will flow directly into the body when an electrical path is opened up. These free electrons can also quench free radicals, preventing cellular damage and sparing the body’s critical antioxidant reserves so they can serve other functions.
The immediate electromagnetic effects of earthing can be measured using a voltmeter, which is a device that measures the electrical potential between two points in a circuit (in physics, a volt is essentially an expression of the potential that can drive current in a system from one place to another).
If you were to hold onto a voltmeter with one electrode in your hand and the other in the earth, it would likely show a fairly high reading if you’re near any kind of EMFs (which is most of the time). This is known as ‘taking on voltage’. If you were then to put your barefoot on the ground, you would watch the number drop considerably.
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Check out our Shilajit Benefits page.
In the following video, you can see a demonstration in which a man takes his EMF-induced voltage from the 140s to about 0.3 with earthing:
We’ve mismatched our biology with our lifestyles, and—little by little—we’re waking up to the reality that many of the ways we think we’ve ‘improved’ our lives are actually to our detriment. Once you begin to appreciate the benefits of earthing, you may start to realize what so many other earthing enthusiasts have: that wearing shoes that electrically insulate us from the earth may have been one of the worst mistakes we’ve made as a civilization.
#1: Reduced Pain and Inflammation
Earthing has been shown to substantially reduce pain.
In a 2004 study, the researchers used a technique called medical thermography to measure differences in inflammation and circulation before and after earthing. The researchers also had the participants rate their pain on a standard four-point pain scale.
Medical thermography uses a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera and operates under the principle that the areas that are the most inflamed on the body have a higher temperature while areas with poor circulation have the lowest temperatures.
The following infrared image is from a 65-year-old woman with thigh, hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain. The top image was taken as a baseline and the bottom image was taken after only 4 nights of sleeping on an earthing mat.
Since immune support is at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now, it’s also important to note that chronic inflammation is one of the worst things for the immune system, as it drives up a compound called NF-kB, which is used by viruses to enhance their replication.
If you want your immune system to be working at peak performance, you want an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, which means earthing may be an ideal therapy to incorporate into your regimen.
#2: Better Sleep
Even before the pandemic, Americans struggled with sleep disorders, but in the wake of all the chaos that unfolded in 2020, more and more people are suffering from ‘coronasomnia’, and earthing may be the perfect treatment.
Many people who sleep on earthing mats report improved sleep quality. In fact, when earthing pioneer Clint Ober originally experimented on himself, better sleep was the first thing he noticed.
In a 2004 study titled ‘the Biologic Effects of Grounding the Human Body During Sleep as Measured by Cortisol Levels and Subjective Reporting of Sleep, Pain, and Stress’, the researchers took 12 participants with sleep dysfunction, stress, and pain and had them sleep on a grounding mat for 8 weeks.
They reported the following results:
“Measurable improvements in diurnal cortisol profiles were observed, with cortisol levels significantly reduced during night-time sleep. Subjects’ 24-hour circadian cortisol profiles showed a trend toward normalization. Subjectively reported symptoms, including sleep dysfunction, pain, and stress, were reduced or eliminated in nearly all subjects.”
What’s particularly noteworthy is the normalization of the stress hormone cortisol, a molecule that’s notorious for dysregulating our mood, sleep, and inflammatory pathways when out of balance.
#3: Reduced Stress and Improved Autonomic Tone
Although the mystery of the exact mechanism of action has not been solved and may not be for quite some time, earthing has been shown to dramatically reduce stress in multiple studies. In addition to the aforementioned study in which it was able to normalize cortisol levels, it’s also been shown to reduce stress by improving autonomic tone.
What is autonomic tone?
Simply put, it’s the balancing act that your body does between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) nervous system and the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest or feed-and-breed) nervous system. These two branches of the autonomic nervous system exemplify the Yin-Yang dynamic interaction of opposites you tend to see in the body.
Unfortunately, with the number of stressors that most of us face, too many of us have relatively poor autonomic tone, which means an excessive amount of the Yang / sympathetic nervous system activity. What the researchers found in this study was that grounding was able to increase autonomic tone by enhancing Heart Rate Variability (HRV).
HRV is determined by using an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the variations in timing between heartbeats, something that can only be controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Researchers have linked greater HRV to better mental resilience, less stress, better heart health, and improved emotional flexibility.
#4: Decreased Depression and Anxiety
We know we feel better when we go on a hike, or to the beach, or even just hang out in our back yard for a while, but why?
Sunlight, fresh air—and even the mood-boosting aromatic terpenes from pine trees—all nourish our bodies, minds, and souls.
Our disconnection from the earth has profound effects on our mood for many reasons, some of which science may not identify for a century or more as the field of biophysics is still in its infancy.
Another thing we’re missing out on when we stay indoors too often is electrons.
Again, it’s still a mystery why earthing can have such a dramatic effect on our mood—and it’ll be a great day when enough money has been put into research to begin to understand what’s really going on—but until then, all we know is that it works wonders for some people.
A 2018 study done at the Chopra Center for Well-Being grounded 16 participants for 4 weeks and administered questionnaires on anxiety and depression (as well as other factors such as pain and fatigue). Overall the average anxiety and depression scores decreased modestly but were both statistically significant.
Other studies that have already been mentioned (such as the sleep and cortisol study) also measured changes in anxiety and depression, showing significant reductions.
Further research evaluating changes in neurotransmitters, hormones, and inflammatory cytokines would be extremely helpful in understanding the deeper biological reality of what’s going on, but for now we at least have some promising preliminary evidence.
#5: Increased Blood Flow
Circulation is everything.
It’s obvious that it’s essential for cardiovascular health, but in reality, it affects every system in the body. You have trillions of cells that all require a constant supply of fresh blood in order to function. They need nutrients, antioxidants, glucose, oxygen, and they also need to be policed for invaders.
Earthing can substantially improve blood flow. Recall the thermography image from the section on pain and inflammation? Here’s another one demonstrating significantly greater circulation as a result of earthing:
Another study in 2013 also found that earthing could reduce blood viscosity by reducing the ‘clumping’ of red blood cells. Shockingly, this effect took place after only a single 2 hour session.
In order to measure the changes in RBC clumping, the researchers examined clusters of blood cells under a microscope and counted how many were aggregated in each group. They also measured the movement of the cells by applying an electrical current to them and then recording their terminal velocities (which is called ‘electrophoretic mobility’).
Earthing: Exactly What We Need Right Now
If you want to not only survive the modern era, but truly grow and evolve with greater ease, you want to try as many healthy lifestyle habits as possible and incorporate the ones that work for you.
Earthing is an ideal therapy because, with the advent of earthing gear like mats, blankets, and pillowcases, you can even do it without going outside. Doing it the old fashioned way may prove more effective, but we don’t have any studies comparing the two yet, and we have plenty of studies showing that the equipment works wonders.
It’s exactly what we need, both literally and metaphorically. It’s an exceptionally potent therapeutic tool to elevate mood, restore circulation, and reduce stress, pain, and inflammation.
It’s also a perfect symbol.
In a world where we’re increasingly surrounded by totally synthetic environments, where we stare into screens more often than each other’s eyes, where likes are more common than hugs, earthing can help us come back to our roots by re-entraining us with something that we’re biologically predisposed to need for our physical and mental stability. | <urn:uuid:ad274ff6-22ab-4280-8889-4394e7fe3375> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://choq.com/earthing-benefits/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.95598 | 2,148 | 3.265625 | 3 |
(Reuters) – The Toronto Zoo has a solution to global warming: elephant dung.
Canada’s biggest zoo is inviting bids for a gasification plant that will turn its elephant, rhino and other large animal manure into clean electricity and heat.
“No other zoo in the world is doing this,” zoo conservation program head Dave Ireland said on Wednesday.
The zoo produces about 1,000 tonnes of manure and other organic waste each year. This will be fed into the biogas plant, to be built on land adjoining the zoo, where bacteria will munch through the waste and excrete methane gas. | <urn:uuid:9a25f71a-5d22-4666-8494-7145167f77b1> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cleantechies.com/topic/elephant-poop/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.906979 | 129 | 2.609375 | 3 |
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the hair, skin and nails.
They see patients, act as consultants to other specialists, and may be involved in teaching and clinical or other research. They must be familiar with other specialties because skin diseases are often associated with internal conditions.
They conduct complete skin examinations, record patients' health histories, diagnose and treat skin conditions such as skin cancer, warts, athlete's foot, fungal infections, eczema, acne, dermatitis and a disease called psoriasis. They recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings. They counsel patients on the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.
They perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma and perform skin surgery in many situations, for example, to provide early control over diseases such as skin cancer, to improve the skin’s appearance by removing growths, discolourations or damage caused by aging, sunlight or disease. These delicate operations for medical or cosmetic purposes, involve the use of modern equipment such as laser machines, e.g. to treat varicose veins and wrinkles.
They may prescribe hormonal agents or topical treatments such as contraceptives, oral corticosteroids, retinoids and antibiotics. Dermabrasion or laser abrasion can be used to treat scars or other skin conditions. Therapies such as steroids, chemical peels and comodo removal to treat age spots, sun damage, rough or discoloured skin, may be used. They conduct or order diagnostic tests such as chest x-rays, microbiologic tests and endocrinologic tests. Patients will be evaluated to determine their eligibility for cosmetic procedures such as lipsuction, laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion. As well as conducting clinical or basic research, they need to instruct interns or residents in diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases and provide consultation to other health professionals.
This field of medicine is constantly changing and dermatologists must keep abreast of new developments. They need to read current literature, talk with colleagues, and participate in professional organisations or conferences to keep abreast of developments. New drugs may cause unusual side-effects, pesticides, industrial compounds and cosmetics often pose new dermatological problems. | <urn:uuid:8c86be6f-9d72-4c3e-b03e-9e16b40af6c3> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://commonwealth.gostudy.net/occupation/dermatologist | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.941909 | 484 | 3.140625 | 3 |
They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Sointula is one of those places that came full circle.
Its earliest settlers went to hell and back for it to become the idyllic community it is today.
Following the inhabitation of the island by its original residents, the Kwakiutl Nations came the invasion of its first wave of settlers.
They were primarily Finnish coal miners escaping the drudgery-filled lifestyle they were stuck in back home.
“They decided they wanted to live somewhere that was fairer to workers, but they couldn’t find anywhere,” Kathy Gibler, the Sointula Museum director, told West Coast Now.
But they wanted to make something other than any old settlement. They wanted to create a Utopia.
Their ideals were founded on Finnish socialism.
They hoped to form a self-sustaining society where women and men were equal, and everyone reaped the same benefits and profits from community industries like logging and fishing.
The settlers decided they needed an inspiring leader to make this happen.
They called in the help of Matti Kurikka, then a prominent editor of a labour daily in Helsinki who had been trying to form a similar community in Australia (unsuccessfully, to note).
Together they formed the “Kalevan Kansa Colonization Company, Limited” (KKCC).
“Kalevan Kansa” is an ancient name for the Finnish people.
The BC government granted them the whole of Malcolm Island, with the debt to be repaid in the future.
From there, it was off to the races.
They named their community Sointula, meaning “place of harmony,” and got to work.
In their first year, they got off to a good start.
In true Finnish fashion, the first communal building they built was a sauna.
This was quickly followed by a large three-storey building in 1902 with 28 sleeping rooms, a dining room, a kitchen and a storeroom, plus a meeting room on the third floor.
Everyone ate together, and their idea of communal living took shape.
Problems began when more and more people were drawn to this idea and came to take part.
The thing about their ideals is that they required much community input to reap an equal communal output.
Not everyone got the memo.
Many new settlers could not pay an initial membership fee the KKCC instigated of $200, which would have allowed them to build the initial town without going into dept.
Even when they made an alternate cost of $50 plus extra labour, this hinged on people’s willingness and ability to do the necessary work.
Most came with little to no skill in the fishing, lumbering or agricultural work needed for the community to generate necessities of life for itself – and a surplus to sell.
At least there were a lot of poets, writers, and philosophers in residence to keep the mood up.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t meeting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs too well.
The debt they took on to keep things developing started to sink in, and then disaster struck.
The beautiful building that had become the heart of their community caught fire just a year after it was finished.
It burned to the ground. Three adults and eight children were killed in the flames.
The idea of this “utopic society” kind of died with them.
All it took was a few accusations of mismanaged money by Matti Kurikka, and the whole thing fell apart.
The KKCC lasted only a few more months, declaring bankruptcy in May 1905.
Most of the settlers left at this point, but the ones that stuck around put down the roots that Sointula still stands on today.
The self-sustaining community idea may have been abandoned, but the original settlers’ idea of Sointula being a utopic place to live did come full circle.
“None of us can really put [what makes Sointula so special] into words,” said Gibler. “We can all feel it.”
Their legacy lives on in the island’s laid-back feel and Finnish influence more than 100 years later.
Plus, there’s one key “socialist” element from them that remains.
The Co-op Store.
Opened by the settlers that stayed in 1909, it still stands as the longest-running co-operative in western Canada.
Proof that with some communal effort, you can have a bit of utopia no matter where you are. | <urn:uuid:b269ebe1-6cab-4ab4-b4fc-7d922a9db63b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://comoxvalley.news/from-hell-to-harmony-the-story-of-sointula-a-utopian-adventure/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.977979 | 968 | 3.09375 | 3 |
What is p5.js?
Getting Started with p5.js
To begin using p5.js, all you need to do is include the p5.js library in your HTML file, like so:
With the library included, create a new file called
sketch.js. This is where you'll write your p5.js code. The p5.js library provides two essential functions:
setup() function is executed once when the program starts and can be used for initializing variables, setting up the canvas, and other setup tasks. In this example, we create a canvas with a width of 800 pixels and a height of 400 pixels.
draw() function is called continuously, creating a loop. In this example, it sets the background color to white (255) and draws a circle (ellipse) at the center of the canvas with a width and height of 50 pixels.
Creative Coding with p5.js
p5.js offers a wide range of functions for drawing shapes, manipulating colors, working with typography, and handling user input. Here's a simple example of an interactive sketch that changes color based on mouse position:
In this example, we use the
map() function to convert the mouse's x and y positions to RGB color values. The background color is then set to these values, creating an interactive, color-changing canvas.
Beyond the Basics
p5.js is a versatile library with a vast ecosystem of add-ons and community-contributed libraries. You can explore further possibilities like 3D graphics, audio synthesis, and even computer vision!
Dive into the world of p5.js, and let your imagination run wild as you create mesmerizing visuals and engaging interactive experiences. The only limit is your creativity! | <urn:uuid:20f56803-7949-435f-bd15-c585b7311a77> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cratecode.com/info/p5js-overview | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.861997 | 370 | 3.421875 | 3 |
Cord making can be a simple way of constructing new yarn with little equipment.
Cord can be used in constructed fabrics, woven, knitted, crocheted etc. as well as for appliqué techniques. Cords are also commonly used in passementerie, tassels, trimmings and jewellery.
To make a cord you will need:
yarn or any type of thread
knitting needles (a pen/pencil will also do the job)
To start with you will need to make a warp. The size of this warp will depend on the yarn you are making it with and the size cord you want to make. To start with try making a warp of 20 ends, 2.5m long.
If you do not have a warping mill/frame then you can wrap the yarn around a chair back and slip it off the top. Alternatively you could measure each piece of yarn e.g. 20 lengths of yarn each 2.5m long.
Cut three 75cm lengths of the warp then tie a knot in the end of each group of yarns and secure them to a table using masking tape. The knot helps stops the yarn from slipping out underneath the tape.
Alternatively, tie the ends to a door handle or fixed point. This is useful when making longer lengths of cord.
Tie another knot in the other end of each group.
Slip a knitting needle (or pen/pencil) in to a group just above the knot in the free end. The knot keeps the yarn taut around the knitting needle.
Spin the knitting needle away from you (or in the opposite direction of the twist in the yarn) to add twist to the group of yarns. Add as much twist as you can without the yarn turning back on itself. Rest the knitting needle down on the table.
Do the same for each of the other two groups of yarn. ideally there should be the same amount of twist in each group.
To be accurate count the number of time you spin the knitting needle. it should be the same for all three. You can then work out the number of twists per meter (TPM) or twists per inch (TPI). Don’t get bogged down with this but it can be useful information to record.
Once all of the groups have been twisted, hold all of the knitting needles together. Twist all three towards you (or in the opposite direction of the first twists). This will bring all three groups together to make the cord.
Using an elastic band to hold the needles together while twisting can make it easier.
Twisting in opposite directions give the cord strength and stability.
Put as much twist in to the cord as you can before it starts to twist back on itself. Keeping a record of the number of twists is useful information to record.
To stop the cord unravelling wrap some masking tape around each end and then cut through the tape.
Notice that as twist is added at each stage the length decreases. The cord is less than 75cm long when finished. The take up will be different for different types of yarn and different size warps. Keeping a record of the length of warp used to begin with and the end length of cord will help when planning cords.
Once you have got the hang of cord making try experimenting with the following:
type of yarn – cotton, silk, wool, synthetic, metal, paper, sewing thread, embroidery thread
thickness of yarn
number of ends per warp
length of warp cut to make cord
number of groups of threads – two is minimum
try combining yarn type/thickness/colour in one cord
I struggled to find any information online about gating a countermarch so thought it would be useful to share my knowledge with you.
If you are using 8 or more shafts you may find that the shed is small. When using this number of shafts it is advisable to gate the loom. This is a process which opens up the back shaft a little more to give a clearer shed.
Before you start make sure the pins are in the castle, the shafts are at the right height and the shafts/lamms are horizontal/straight. The treadles need to be untied.
With the treadle pivot bar (A) in the lower (weaving) position, set the top of the control bar (B) level with the notches (C) on the pedal spacer.
For the back shaft only (back two lamms) tie each treadle tightly against the treadle control bar.
Loosen the treadle control bar and put the treadle pivot bar in top position (D).
Push the treadle control bar tightly against the treadles and tighten nuts.
Firmly tie the rest of the treadles to shafts.
Put the treadle control bar back in the upper position out of the way and put the treadle pivot back in the lower position, ready for weaving.
Not all countermarch looms are the same but contact me if you are having issues.
When adjusting a countermarch loom always ensure the pegs are in the castle.
If you are struggling to find a solution put the pegs back in the castle and check everything has been set up correctly. Starting at the top of the loom check all ties are still tightly tied and that the shafts, lamms and treadles are exactly straight/horizontal and all line up. This is the main cause of problems on a countermarch loom
I have a 12 shaft countermarch loom and I have seen these sorts of looms are often for sale on second hand websites. However, there is not much information online about setting up these types of looms so I thought I would provide some tips about setting up a countermarch loom. It is not a step by step guide but feel free to contact me if you need any more in depth information.
The most important thing to remember when setting up/adjusting your countermarch is… Never adjust your loom without the pegs in the castle. Make sure everything is horizontal/vertical and precisely in line. It is very tempting to get everything ‘straight enough’ but it really is worth taking extra time when setting up to ensure that everything really is straight and lined up.
Put the back shaft in first then progress forward until you tie in shaft number 1. Make sure all shafts are straight and the same height.Tie a piece of yarn from the back bar to the front bar, left and right sides. The centre of the heddle eyes should be in line with the yarn.
The Lamms need to be exactly horizontal and all the same height. Every other lamm is tied to the castle and will lift the shaft. Equally every other lamm is tied to the bottom of the shafts and will lower the shaft. The lamms also need to be tied to the treadles below. Tie the treadles according to the structures to be woven. Remember every shaft needs to be tied to every treadle used. There is no need to double knot the lamm/treadle ties. This is unnecessary and will make undoing them very difficult. Below is how to tie the lamms to the castle, shafts and treadles.
The treadles should be approximately 20cm from the ground. Adjust this to make them a comfortable height to work with but don’t do them too high.
The loom is now ready for the warp.
Before you put the warp on the loom take the pegs out of the castle and check everything sits straight and level. You may find that everything moves when released. If this happens put the pegs back in and double check if everything is tied up straight. This is also the time to check the treadles are tied up correctly. Press each one in turn to check the right shafts are being lifted/lowered. It will be easier to correct at this stage before the warp goes on. Put the pegs back in the castle to stabilise everything until ready to weave. Make sure the front apron is tucked behind the knee bar when you tie the warp on. This ensures space for your legs while weaving.
I have not covered how to tie up the treadles to create structures, this will come in another post.
Making heddles is a great skill to have. You may need to make all your heddles which will save you having to buy them (although this would be time consuming) or make additional ones when you don’t have enough to complete threading. They can also be added on to a shaft while setting up to correct a threading mistake which could mean you don’t need to rethread.
To make a heddle:
Choose a strong, smooth yarn. A medium weight, smooth cotton yarn works well.
Cut a length of the yarn which is double the height of the shaft plus 10cm.
Fold the middle of the yarn over the top of the shaft (1).
Move it near an adjacent heddle on the same shaft to use to compare the position of the eye.
Tie an overhand knot where the top of the heddle eye should be (2).
Tie another overhand knot where the bottom of the eye should be (3)
Bring the bottom of the down each side of the shaft and tie underneath with a reef knot to secure in place (4). It should be taught but still able to move along the shaft.
Cut the excess loose ends off (5) so they will not get caught while weaving.
It doesn’t really matter how you tie the heddle. As long as the yarn is secure around the shaft and the eye in the right place the heddle will do the job.
Corduroy has had a bit of a revival in recent years and it is a great fabric to play around with weaving. It’s a fairly simple structure which only requires four shafts.
Corduroy is a ribbed fabric with a velvet like-feel to it. It has warp-wise ridges which are cut to create a pile. Due to their structure corduroys tend to be a heavier fabric and used for clothes such as coats, trousers, suits as well as for interiors.
When manufactured the ridges (ribs) tend to be quite narrow. The ribs are called ‘wales’. For standard clothing the number of wales per inch is around 10-12 but can vary from 6 (jumbo cord) to 18 (needle or pin cord).
The ribs are made up of stripes of weft floats with a narrow plain weave between them which is there to secure the floats down. The ground cloth behind is what holds everything together. These floats are cut down the center to create the characteristic pile.
Below is the woven structure I used to weave my corduroy. I did make mine super chunky as you can see from the fabric pictures above. This was to allow me to easily see what was going on.
The corduroy below only uses four shafts. Two are for the plain weave background and the other two secure the floats down with plain weave. The picks alternate between one pick of weaving the plain weave background and two which weave the floats.
The corduroy in the image above was woven using 2/20nm spun silk and tussah silk. It was intested to see what effect the tussah silk had in comparison to the spun silk in terms of texture. The spun silk is so soft and luxurious while the tussah is more spikey. It would be fun to experiment how different yarns effect the texture of the pile.
When weaving I beat down quite firmly to ensure that the ground cloth was strong and the plain weave would hold the floats in place when cut. It is only the plain weave on shafts 1 and 2 that stop the floats from coming out.
To cut the floats I found it best to cut them while the fabric was still on the loom and under tension. I cut them as I went along, once I had woven about 5cm or so. The scissors need to be very sharp, small and pointy. The first couple of pairs of scissors I used were not small and sharp enough. Every time I cut the floats the scissors just pulled the weft floats out of the structure. It may take a few tries to find the right ones and of course as the width of the ribs gets smaller the scissors need to get smaller too.
A twill can also be used for the ground cloth. This will enable the cloth to be beaten down more and increase the density of the floats making a more luxurious fabric. Weaving the floats so that they are not all exactly the same width will also give a more rounded shape to the ribs.
A lot of fun fabrics could be created by varying the yarn type, width of rib and where the floats are cut (do they all need to be cut)? | <urn:uuid:6fbadd22-052a-4a0e-922c-ded43ac3f5f0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://creative-threads.co.uk/category/weave-blog/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.940686 | 2,703 | 3.359375 | 3 |
Damascus is a fascinating place to visit. It's an ancient city, from before there was history. Damascus is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. Excavations in a tell or settlement mound on the edge of the city show that it has been inhabited since between 10,000 to 8,000 BC. Jericho and Babylon were settled earlier, but Damascus is the oldest city still occupied.
Flavius Josephus reported almost 2,000 years ago on an earlier history and tradition that was old in his time:
Damascus was in the Hyskos Kingdom 1720-1570 BC. The Amarna Letters, some of the earliest Egyptian records, from 1350 BC, report that Dimasqu was ruled by King Biryawaza. By 1100 it was the capital of the powerful Aramaean state Aram Damascus.
Tiglath-Pileser III captured and destroyed Damascus in 732 BC. It fell to Nebuchadrezzar II and was absorbed into the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 572 BC. Then the Persians under Cyrus the Great captured the city in 538 BC and made it the capital of the Persian province of Syria.
Alexander the Great swept through in the 330s BC, and after his death in 323 it was fought over by the Seleucid and Ptolemaic portions of his divided empire.
It was generally Greek until the Roman general Pompey annexed it in 64 BC. Damascus became part of the Δεκαπολις or Dekapolis, the "Ten Cities", the Romans once again just taking over a Greek system and even keeping the Greek names.
Saul of Tarsus had his "road to Damascus moment" on, well, the road to Damascus in the 30s AD. He had a vision, a θεοφάνεια or theophany actually, lost his sight for a while, converted to Christianity, and came to be known as the Apostle Paul. More on that below.
The pictures above and below show the modern road paralleling the Roman-era wall around the Old City.
Here is the fortified part of the old city wall believed to be where the apostle Paul was lowered in a basket, to escape his angry former colleagues.
Saul's power increased steadily, and he was able to throw the Jewish colony at Damascus into complete confusion by the way he demonstrated that Jesus was the Christ. Some time passed, and the Jews worked out a plot to kill him, but news of it reached Saul. They were keeping watch at the gates day and night in order to kill him, but the disciples took him by night and let him down the wall, lowering him in a basket.
Damascus is the most multi-cultural place I've been. Walking down the street or through the bazaar you see a mix of Bedouin just in from the desert; urban dwellers; Yemeni and Somali supermodel women in brightly colored robes; and Christian monks in coarse brown robes and sandals.
The Jupiter Gate forms the east end of the covered bazaar. It's named for the Temple of Jupiter that stood there in Roman times.
Here is the western entrance to al-Hamidiyah Souq, the covered bazaar, and a view down its center.
Getting back to the history, forces of the Rashidum Caliphate led by Khalid ibn al-Walid captured Damascus in 634 AD.
Damascus reached the height of its power as the capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750. The Umayyad Caliphate extended from Spain in the west to India in the east.
The Umayyads fell and the Abbasid Caliphate was established in 750. Damascus was then ruled from Baghdad. Then, in 970, the Fatimid Caliphate in Cairo gained control over Damascus.
Then the Seljuk Turks arrived from central Asia. Damascus was ruled as a Seljuk dynasty from 1079 to 1104, and then by the Turkish Burid Emirs. Then the Crusades, Salah-ad-din or Saladin, and the Ayyubids.
And then it was 1260 and the Mongols arrived. They were defeated and driven back, and Damascus became a provincial capital of the Mamluk Empire based in Egypt. That lasted until 1516, with a gruesome interlude in 1400 when Tamurlane sacked the city. He enslaved much of the population, removed most of the artisans to his central Asian capital of Samarkand, and killed enough of the rest of the population that a city square outside the old city wall is still called Burj al-Ru'us or The Tower of Heads.
The Ottoman Turks captured Damascus in 1516, and it was part of the large and stable Ottoman Empire for just over 400 years, with the exception of 1832-1840 when Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt occupied it.
World War I in Europe was paralleled by the Arab Revolt in the Middle East. The Ottoman Empire was on the side of the Central Powers, Germany and Austro-Hungary, and so the British and French supported the anti-Ottoman Arab forces. "The enemy of the ally of my enemy is my friend," in that day's analysis. That dangerous rationalization comes from the Arthashastra, a 4th century BC Sanskrit treatise on statecraft.
In 1920 the French forces came in to set up the oddly named Mandate of Syria awarded them by the League of Nations.
World War II was well underway in 1941 and the French government was controlled by the Vichy government. The situation was back to an outside emperial administration run by a government allied with, or in this case largely controlled by, Germany. So the Allies captured Damascus in June 1941. The modern state of Syria was established in 1946, with Damascus as its capital.
Egypt and Syria briefly formed a union as the United Arab Republic for 1958 through 1961. The Syrian Baath Party, rather different than the party of the same name in Saddam Hussein's Iraq, seized power after Syria's departure from the UAR. Hafez al-Assad was named head of the Air Force in 1964 and Minister of Defense in 1966. He then seized power in 1970 in a bloodless internal coup within the party, turning the national government into a family operation.
Not to be too flippant, but Hafez al-Assad looks an awful lot like Maxwell Smart in many of these banners...
The Street Called Straight
Mark Twain has an amusing passage in his description of visiting Damascus in the late 1800s in "The Innocents Abroad" where he says that the writer Luke was an unappreciated master of ironic humor for referring to it as "The Street That is Called Straight" as opposed to simply "The Straight Street".
The street called Straight is straighter than a corkscrew, but not as straight as a rainbow. St. Luke is careful not to commit himself; he does not say it is the street which is straight, but the "street which is called Straight." It is a fine piece of irony; it is the only facetious remark in the Bible, I believe.
The Innocents Abroad, chapter 44
These are some short straight segments of The Street Called Straight. All the segments run more or less the same direction, from al-Hamidiyah Souq toward Bab Sharqi, the East Gate in the old city walls. It's just that the end of each one or two block segment is offset a little from the next one, and it takes advantage of the jog to the left or right to head off in a slightly different direction.
You can see light through the arched metal cover in the distance, the street is roofed over as a bazaar for a block here and there.
Continuing east, away from the covered bazaar and toward Bab Sharqi, the street opens up a little. You pass through a variety of neighborhoods. There are residences and all sorts of businesses.
Bab Sharqi, or the Eastern Gate, is where The Street Called Straight reaches the old city wall. Pronounced "Bob Sharkey", this sounds like the old Damascus used-car salesman.
Down toward Bab Sharqi, before you get there, you turn off to the left (north) to find the Chapel of Ananias. It's the home where Paul was taken in when he was blind after his Road-to-Damascus experience. This can be a little confusing, it's said to be the house of a man named Judas, but it turned into the chapel of Ananias. First, here's the official version:
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered. The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on the street called Straight and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." "Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name." But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord — Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Here is the entrance to the Chapel of Ananias. It is not right on the Street Called Straight but on a nearby narrow lane running parallel to it.
Now, as Mark Twain analyzed this:
Ananias did not wish to go at first, for he had heard of Saul before, and he had his doubts about that style of a "chosen vessel" to preach the gospel of peace. However, in obedience to orders, he went into the "street called Straight" (how he found his way into it, and after he did, how he ever found his way out of it again, are mysteries only to be accounted for by the fact that he was acting under Divine inspiration.) He found Paul and restored him, and ordained him a preacher; and from this old house we had hunted up in the street which is miscalled Straight, he had started out on that bold missionary career which he prosecuted till his death. It was not the house of the disciple who sold the Master for thirty pieces of silver. I make this explanation in justice to Judas, who was a far different sort of man from the person just referred to. A very different style of man, and lived in a very good house. It is a pity we do not know more about him.
I have given, in the above paragraphs, some more information for people who will not read Bible history until they are defrauded into it by some such method as this. I hope that no friend of progress and education will obstruct or interfere with my peculiar mission.
The Innocents Abroad, chapter 44
You go in through that gate into a courtyard, through a modern office area maintained by a religious order, and down a narrow flight of stairs into the basement.
Into the basement? Did this Judas guy live in a basement?
No, he lived in a city that has been densely populated for the intervening two thousand years. The average ground level has raised by six or seven meters through the buildup of trash and blown in dirt, so today's basements are previous ground-level homes and businesses.
If you're looking to buy a carpet in Damascus, Babel's Shop on the Street Called Straight has a good selection.
They made a sale — this carpet is now in my living room. From Beluchistan, wool-on-wool, woven around 1950-1955.
How does a Damascus dealer come to have a decades-old carpet from the Iran - Pakistan - Afghanistan triple border region?
Shi'a Islam, the predominant faith in Iran, emphasizes the hajj as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. But unlike in Sunni Islam, the Shi'ites venerate saints, positive examples, and often undertake pilgrimages to visit the tombs or birthplaces of especially holy figures.
An Iranian family made a pilgrimage to Damascus, and brought along some of their carpets to sell while in Damascus to finance the trip.
As for buying a carpet in Damascus... There will be lots of talking. Lots of little glasses of hot tea, brought upstairs by the uncle seen here. The initial price named will be quite high. Interesting, perhaps, in a purely academic sense, but of course far more than you would be able to pay, and you aren't really looking for a carpet anyway.
Then further talk about where you're from, what it's like there, and now a round of cold Pepsi is brought upstairs. While the uncle was downstairs it was revealed that yes, the uncle sets the prices and they are rather high, but not absolute, and perhaps the carpet could be sold for as little as 80% of the initial offer.
Well, maybe if I were to buy two at that price and sell one at a markup back home, but then I would have to haul two heavy carpets for quite a distance and I have no idea about the practicality of such a plan. Not really something I could count on being able to do.
That led to an offer of about 70% of the initial price. That was still quite high, I said, although about 50% of the initial price might be reasonable, assuming that the minor dirty spots could be cleaned. Anas responded before long that 60% would be equitable, and I must know my carpets and my business.
He then called to his uncle, who put the tea kettle on to boil and brought us some more Pepsi. We chatted for a while longer, then his uncle returned upstairs with the steaming tea kettle, a brass wire brush, and a clear plastic two-liter bottle that previously held Pepsi but now had a mostly clear greenish liquid, This was the carpet cleaning kit. You will notice in the above business card that they not only sell but clean and repair carpets and kilims, so this was no amateur operation. This was how the pros do it.
We looked over the carpet for soil spots. Most looked like drops of dried mud, no wider than your fingertip. Anas would pour a little of the boiling hot water from the kettle, just enough to thoroughly wet the small spot, and then would brush it with the brass wire brush. A few spots did not respond to that treatment.
The plastic bottle held Syrian gasoline. Anas carefully poured the cap full from the bottle, then transferred the contents of the cap to the carpet, working it with the wire brush as before. When the spot lifted, he repeated the hot water and brass brush treatment to float out the gasoline, and probably immediately evaporate most of it with the high temperature.
This seemed rather harsh, but I hadn't paid yet so it was their problem if this ruined it. However, this harsh treatment worked just fine.
These are serious working carpets, meant to last at least for decades, and more likely for centuries, so a little hot gasoline and wire bristles is no big deal. The cleaning was successful and I counted out the money. I had just enough currency left to complete the transaction plus a reserve until I got back to Turkey and bank machines. The paperwork, in the grand tradition of carpet paperwork everywhere, distored the actual price by claiming that I had only paid 40% of the original asking price, so I would have less trouble with customs.
The Umayyad Mosque
The Umayyad Mosque, the main mosque in central Damascus, is dedicated to John the Baptist. It houses what is believed to be his tomb (or at least the tomb for his head, after that run-in with Herod and Salome).
And, the main mosque in Aleppo is dedicated to Ananias, the father of John the Baptist.
All the holy men of Christianity are holy men to Islam, although it's a bit confusing when you first run into this.
The large minaret, visible from the main courtyard, is the Jesus Minaret. Well, literally it's the Isa Minere as that's how it's pronounced in Arabic, but you get the point...
The Islamic belief is that Jesus will appear there on Judgement Day.
Told you it was confusing.
About 85% of Syrians are Muslims, and the remaining 15% are Christians. Most of the Syrian Muslims are Sunnis, while one-fifth of them (thus 17% of the population) are of minority Islamic sects like Shi'ite, Druze, and Alawite.
The Shi'ites differ from the Sunnis as to which later successor to Mohammed was of the proper line — Mu'awiya (the Sunnis) or Ali (the Shi'ites). The Alawites are a small Shi'ite splinter group, believed by some harder line Sunnis to be heretics who worship Ali as a god. Assad and his cadre are of the Alawite minority.
The Druze are even more exotic. The Lonely Planet guidebook says of the Druze:
"Their distinctive faith has survived intact mainly because of the secrecy that surrounds it. Not only is conversion to or from the faith prohibited, but only an elite, known as 'uqqal (knowers), have full access to the religious doctrine, the hikmeh. The hikmeh is contained in seven holy books which exist only in hand-written copies. One of the codes it preaches is taqiyyeh (caution), under which a believer living among Christians, for example, can outwardly conform to Christian belief while still being a Druze at heart. They believe that God is too sacred to be called by name, is amorphous and will appear in other incarnations. Although the New Testament and the Koran are revered, they read their own scriptures at khalwas (meeting houses) on Thursday."
The Umayyad Mosque is also known for obvious reasons as the Grand Mosque of Damascus. It is one of the oldest sites of continuous prayer since the rise of Islam, but that's relatively recent in the location's religious background.
The mosque was built out of an existing Christian church, which in turn was built on the foundation of a Roman temple, which in turn was built on, well, no one really knows how far back it goes. Remember that fact from the start of the page, how Damascus has been occupied since 10,000-8,000 BC.
The Al Haramain Hotel
Damascus includes one of the greatest budget hotels ever — the Al Haramain Hotel, a leftover of French mandate days. It's on Bahsa Street, a pedestrian-only street (it has a staircase!), phone +963-11-321-94-89.
From Martyrs' Square, or Ash Shuhada Square, go one block north to Choukri Kouwatli, running roughly east-west. Choukri Kouwatli is also called Al Ittihad Street. Cross to the north side of Choukri Kouwatli or Al Ittihad, and turn right. About a hundred meters down the street a small alley covered with a lattice of vines leads down a few steps to the left — that's Bahsa. The Al Haramain is about five doors ahead, on the left. If they're full, there is a similar place or two further along Bahsa.
The Al Haramain has a courtyard with a marble fountain, leaded glass windows on the doors, and antique furniture in the rooms. The courtyard is open to the upper floors, and above them, to the sky.
About 150 S£ (US$ 3 at black market rates) for a bed in a shared room, or 500 S£ for a double.
Mark Twain has another relevant passage, this time in chapter 45 of The Innocents Abroad.
The last twenty-four hours we stayed in Damascus I lay prostrate with a violent attack of cholera, or cholera morbus, and therefore had a good chance and a good excuse to lie there on that wide divan and take an honest rest. I had nothing to do but listen to the pattering of the fountains and take medicine and throw it up again. It was dangerous recreation, but it was pleasanter than traveling in Syria. I had plenty of snow from Mount Hermon, and as it would not stay on my stomach, there was nothing to interfere with my eating it — there was always room for more. I enjoyed myself very well. Syrian travel has its interesting features, like travel in any other part of the world, and yet to break your leg or have the cholera adds a welcome variety to it.
The Innocents Abroad, chapter 45
Now, I don't think it was the cholera exactly, but I had a violent attack of something. It was probably from one of those many unwashed glasses in which the custom made fruit drinks are served. Anyway, as you see, just like Twain I had a pattering fountain to listen to and a wide divan on which to lie.
When I stayed there in 1997, I noticed that they had a collection of postcards sent from home by people who had stayed there. I sent them a card when I got home.
I received a very nice card from them in October 2001. They had kept any envelopes in which they had received cards. After the al-Qaeda attacks on the U.S., they had sent letters of condolence and support to their former American guests — even ones who had last stayed there four years before.
In their letter they first said that they hoped that none of my family or friends were harmed in the attacks.
They then expressed shock and disgust over the attacks, and said that they hoped that the American public realized that the attacks were not an expression of true Islam.
Well, that was in 2001, back before the U.S. threw away almost all available good will....
The second time I stayed there, the staff (largely one extended family) wanted me to meet a cousin who had not been there the first time. This was because he had been working as a contract laborer in Saudi Arabia.
What he said really stuck with me — he was so glad to be home in Syria, where he had so much more freedom, and there was so much less oppression.
That's right — compared to Saudi Arabia, he saw Syria as the land of freedom.
That was one of the more telling comments I have ever heard about the Magic Kingdom of Saudi Arabia...
Soon afterward, it was time to fly to İstanbul, and after a few days there, return home. On a second trip I spent less time, mostly just passing through on a trip overland from Cairo to İstanbul. | <urn:uuid:2d41cc79-86bc-4169-947a-9e19f3af8ed8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cromwell-intl.com/travel/syria/damascus.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.980677 | 4,885 | 3.15625 | 3 |
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Understanding Ichthyosis Vulgaris
Ichthyosis Vulgaris is a common genetic skin condition that affects the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, scaling, and thickening of the skin. Let’s delve deeper into what Ichthyosis Vulgaris is and explore its causes and symptoms.
What is Ichthyosis Vulgaris?
Ichthyosis Vulgaris, also known as common ichthyosis, is a hereditary skin disorder characterized by dry, scaly skin. It is a chronic condition that typically manifests in early childhood and persists throughout life. The name “ichthyosis” is derived from the Greek word “ichthys,” meaning fish, referring to the fish-like appearance of the affected skin.
Individuals with Ichthyosis Vulgaris have a genetic mutation that impacts the production of a protein called filaggrin. Filaggrin plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function, preventing water loss and protecting against environmental irritants. When filaggrin is deficient, the skin barrier becomes compromised, leading to excessive dryness and scaling.
Causes and Symptoms of Ichthyosis Vulgaris
The primary cause of Ichthyosis Vulgaris is an inherited genetic mutation. It follows an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, meaning that a child has a 50% chance of developing the condition if one parent carries the mutated gene. However, it’s important to note that not everyone with the gene mutation will necessarily develop the condition or experience symptoms.
The most common symptom of Ichthyosis Vulgaris is dry, scaly skin. The severity of the symptoms can vary widely from person to person. In mild cases, the skin may only appear slightly dry and rough, while in more severe cases, the skin can become thick, cracked, and have a fish-like scale appearance.
Other symptoms may include itchiness, redness, and increased sensitivity to irritants. The dryness and scaling are most prominent on the legs, arms, and abdomen, but they can also affect other areas of the body.
To manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with Ichthyosis Vulgaris, it’s important to explore various treatment options and incorporate a consistent skincare routine. In the next sections, we will delve into different treatment options, including topical moisturizers, prescription medications, and exfoliating agents. Stay tuned!
If you’re interested in learning more about other genetic skin conditions and their treatment options, our comprehensive articles on skin condition treatment options, moisturizers for skin conditions, and exfoliation for skin conditions provide valuable insights.
Remember, understanding Ichthyosis Vulgaris is the first step towards effective management and finding relief.
Managing Symptoms and Dryness
Living with ichthyosis vulgaris can be challenging due to the persistent dryness and scaling of the skin. However, there are several strategies you can adopt to manage these symptoms effectively and find relief. This section will highlight the importance of moisturizing and suggest lifestyle changes that can minimize dryness.
Importance of Moisturizing
Moisturizing is a fundamental aspect of managing ichthyosis vulgaris. Regular and proper moisturization helps to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, preventing excessive dryness and reducing the severity of scaling and flaking.
When choosing a moisturizer, opt for emollients or occlusives that are specifically formulated to hydrate and soothe dry skin. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or ceramides. These ingredients help to lock in moisture and restore the skin’s natural protective barrier.
Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering when your skin is still damp. This helps to seal in moisture and maximize its effectiveness. Additionally, consider using heavier moisturizers at night and lighter ones during the day to provide round-the-clock hydration. For a comprehensive guide on moisturizers for dry skin, check out our article on moisturizers for dry skin.
Lifestyle Changes to Minimize Dryness
In addition to moisturizing, making certain lifestyle changes can contribute to minimizing dryness and improving the overall condition of your skin.
1. Gentle Cleansing: Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers that are specially formulated for sensitive or dry skin. Harsh soaps and hot water can strip away essential oils and exacerbate dryness. Opt for lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
2. Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated. Staying hydrated helps to maintain the moisture balance of your skin and supports overall skin health.
3. Humidify the Air: Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the dry winter months or in arid climates. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help prevent excessive evaporation of moisture from your skin.
4. Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to harsh chemicals, detergents, and irritants that can further dry out your skin. Wear gloves when handling cleaning products or engaging in activities that may irritate your skin.
5. Protect Your Skin: Shield your skin from harsh weather conditions, such as cold winds and excessive sun exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before heading outdoors. Protecting your skin helps to prevent additional damage and dryness.
By prioritizing moisturization and implementing these lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris and improve the overall hydration and texture of your skin. Remember to consult with a dermatologist for personalized guidance and recommendations. For more information on managing dryness symptoms, check out our article on managing dryness symptoms.
Treatment Options for Ichthyosis Vulgaris
For individuals experiencing the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris, there are several treatment options available to help manage the condition and alleviate dryness. These treatment options include topical moisturizers and emollients, prescription medications, and exfoliating and softening agents.
Topical Moisturizers and Emollients
One of the key components of managing ichthyosis vulgaris is regular moisturization. Applying topical moisturizers and emollients is crucial in hydrating and nourishing the skin, helping to minimize dryness and scaling. These products often contain ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which promote skin hydration and create a protective barrier.
When choosing a moisturizer or emollient, it’s important to opt for products that are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. These formulations help reduce the risk of skin irritation and potential allergic reactions. For more information on suitable moisturizers for dry skin, check out our article on moisturizers for dry skin.
In more severe cases of ichthyosis vulgaris, prescription medications may be recommended by a dermatologist. These medications are often in the form of topical creams or ointments and may contain ingredients such as retinoids, lactic acid, or urea. These ingredients help to exfoliate the skin, promote cell turnover, and enhance moisture retention.
Prescription medications should always be used under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. They may have potential side effects and require specific application instructions. It’s important to discuss any concerns or questions with a dermatologist or medical provider.
Exfoliating and Softening Agents
To help manage the buildup of dry, thickened skin in ichthyosis vulgaris, exfoliating and softening agents can be utilized. These agents often contain ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or urea, which help to gently remove dead skin cells and promote a smoother skin texture.
Exfoliating and softening agents can be found in the form of creams, lotions, or scrubs. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and avoid excessive or harsh scrubbing, which can further irritate the skin. For more information on exfoliation for dry skin, you can refer to our article on exfoliation for dry skin.
By incorporating these treatment options into a comprehensive skincare routine, individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris can help manage their symptoms and minimize dryness. It’s important to remember that treatment effectiveness can vary from person to person, and it may require some trial and error to find the most suitable products and strategies. Consulting with a dermatologist is highly recommended to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses individual needs. For additional support and resources, consider exploring skin condition support groups and counseling services to cope with the psychological impact of the condition.
Alternative Therapies and Home Remedies
In addition to traditional treatment options, there are alternative therapies and home remedies that can provide relief for individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris. These options aim to supplement the use of topical moisturizers and emollients and further enhance the management of symptoms. Some alternative therapies and home remedies that can be beneficial for individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris include the use of natural oils and ingredients, the use of humidifiers and moisture control, and considering dietary changes.
Natural Oils and Ingredients
Many individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris find relief by incorporating natural oils and ingredients into their skincare routine. These substances can help lock in moisture, soothe dryness, and support the skin’s natural barrier. Some commonly used natural oils and ingredients for managing ichthyosis vulgaris include:
- Coconut oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, coconut oil can help reduce dryness and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Shea butter: Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, shea butter is highly moisturizing and can help soften rough patches caused by ichthyosis vulgaris.
- Oatmeal: Adding oatmeal to baths or using oatmeal-based products can provide relief from itching and irritation associated with ichthyosis vulgaris.
- Honey: With its antibacterial and humectant properties, honey can help moisturize the skin and promote healing.
It is important to note that while these natural oils and ingredients can provide temporary relief, they may not address the underlying cause of ichthyosis vulgaris. Therefore, it is recommended to use them in conjunction with other treatment options.
Humidifiers and Moisture Control
Maintaining proper humidity levels in your environment can also play a role in managing ichthyosis vulgaris. Dry air can exacerbate dry skin conditions, so using a humidifier at home can help add moisture to the air, preventing further dehydration of the skin. Additionally, avoiding excessively hot showers or baths and using lukewarm water can help minimize the loss of natural oils from the skin. After bathing, gently patting the skin dry and applying a moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp can help seal in moisture.
While diet alone cannot cure ichthyosis vulgaris, certain dietary considerations may help support overall skin health. Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and vitamin C can contribute to healthy skin and potentially alleviate symptoms. Foods such as fatty fish, nuts and seeds, avocados, leafy greens, and citrus fruits are good sources of these nutrients.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist before making any significant dietary changes. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and medical history.
By incorporating these alternative therapies and home remedies into your skincare routine, you may find additional relief from the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris. However, it is crucial to remember that these options should be used as complementary to the primary treatment plan prescribed by your dermatologist. For further support, consider joining support groups and seeking counseling to cope with the challenges of living with ichthyosis vulgaris.
Seeking Professional Help
While self-care measures can help manage the symptoms of ichthyosis vulgaris, seeking professional help is essential for comprehensive treatment and support. Dermatologists, support groups, and counseling services play significant roles in providing specialized expertise, emotional support, and coping strategies for individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris.
When dealing with ichthyosis vulgaris, it is recommended to consult with a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin conditions. Dermatologists are medical professionals who can diagnose and develop personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your condition. They may prescribe topical medications, recommend specific moisturizers, and provide guidance on skincare routines tailored to your needs. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist can help monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. For more information on skincare routines and moisturizers for ichthyosis vulgaris, refer to our articles on ichthyosis vulgaris skincare routines and moisturizers for ichthyosis vulgaris.
Support Groups and Counseling
Living with ichthyosis vulgaris can have a significant impact on one’s emotional well-being. Support groups and counseling services can provide a safe and understanding environment where individuals can connect with others facing similar challenges. These groups offer opportunities to share experiences, exchange tips on managing symptoms, and find solace in knowing that they are not alone in their journey. Moreover, counseling services can help individuals cope with the psychological impact of ichthyosis vulgaris and develop effective strategies for managing stress and anxiety. For information on finding support groups and community resources, visit our articles on skin condition support groups and ichthyosis vulgaris support groups.
Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies
Ichthyosis vulgaris can have a profound psychological impact on individuals, affecting their self-esteem, body image, and overall quality of life. It is important to address these emotional aspects and develop coping strategies to alleviate stress and anxiety. Engaging in activities that boost self-confidence, seeking professional counseling, and connecting with others who have similar experiences can all contribute to a healthier mindset. Additionally, exploring relaxation techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, may help individuals manage stress and promote emotional well-being. For more information on coping strategies and finding relief for the psychological impact of ichthyosis vulgaris, refer to our articles on coping with ichthyosis vulgaris and relief for ichthyosis vulgaris.
By seeking professional help, individuals with ichthyosis vulgaris can benefit from the expertise of dermatologists, find support through support groups, and develop effective coping strategies to navigate the challenges associated with this chronic condition. Remember, you are not alone in your journey, and there are resources available to help you manage the physical and emotional aspects of ichthyosis vulgaris. | <urn:uuid:9c381418-5daf-41f8-81ef-d307a3bf00e8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://daiaib.com/ichthyosis-vulgaris-treatment-options-2/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.890496 | 3,064 | 3.484375 | 3 |
Water is a basic necessity of life and is vital for the human body to function properly. It makes up about 60% of our body and is involved in various essential bodily processes such as digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. As much as water is important for everyone, it is even more crucial for women due to their unique physiological needs. In this article, we will delve into the health benefits of daily water intake for women and how it can contribute to overall well-being.
The Daily Water Intake Recommendation for Women
The recommended daily water intake varies depending on factors such as age, physical activity, and climate. However, the general guideline for women is to consume about 2-2.7 liters (8-12 cups) of water per day. This may seem like a lot, but it includes water from all sources, including food and other non-alcoholic beverages.
The Health Benefits of Daily Water Intake for Women
Maintains Proper Hydration and Improved Energy Levels
Proper hydration is essential for overall health, and it is even more crucial for women due to their fluctuating hormone levels. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, irritability, and headaches, making it difficult to carry out daily activities. By maintaining adequate water intake, women can ensure proper hydration and improved energy levels.
Supports Digestive Health
Drinking enough water is crucial for a healthy digestive system. It helps with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, preventing constipation, and promoting regular bowel movements. Inadequate water intake can lead to constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.
Promotes Clear and Healthy Skin
Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and water plays a vital role in maintaining the skin’s health. Drinking enough water helps to flush out toxins from the body, leaving the skin clear and glowing. It also helps to keep the skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and promoting a youthful complexion.
Assists in Managing Menstrual Symptoms
Staying hydrated is crucial for managing the various symptoms that accompany menstruation, such as bloating, cramps, and headaches. Adequate water intake can help to reduce these symptoms and improve overall comfort during this time.
Supports Kidney Function
The kidneys play a crucial role in removing waste and toxins from the body. Adequate water intake can help to promote kidney function by flushing out toxins and preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Aids in Weight Loss
Drinking water can help with weight loss in several ways. Firstly, it can help to reduce appetite, making us feel fuller and less likely to overeat. Secondly, staying hydrated can help to boost metabolism, aiding in the burning of calories. Lastly, drinking water instead of calorie-dense beverages can help to reduce overall calorie intake.
How to Track Your Daily Water Intake
Keeping track of your daily water intake can help you ensure you are meeting the recommended amount. One easy way to do this is by using the Daily Water Intake Calculator from daily-water-intake.com. Simply input your age, weight, and physical activity level, and it will calculate the recommended daily water intake for you. You can also track your water intake by using a water bottle with measurement markers or a hydration tracking app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Can I drink too much water?
- A: Yes, while rare, drinking excessive amounts of water can lead to a condition called water intoxication, which can be dangerous. Stick to the recommended daily intake and listen to your body’s cues for when you need to drink more.
- Q: Does drinking tea, coffee, or other non-alcoholic beverages count towards my daily water intake?
- A: Yes, while plain water is the best source of hydration, other non-alcoholic beverages such as tea and coffee can contribute towards your daily water intake.
- Q: Does the recommended daily water intake change during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- A: Yes, pregnant and breastfeeding women may need to increase their daily water intake to account for the additional fluid needs of their growing baby.
Stay Hydrated for Optimal Health
In conclusion, water is vital for maintaining good health, and daily intake is crucial for women to support their unique physiological needs. Implementing simple strategies like using a daily water intake calculator and tracking your intake can help ensure you are meeting the recommended daily | <urn:uuid:8dc79ae7-ff5b-4ade-b767-7331e6cf06d8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://daily-water-intake.com/decoding-the-health-benefits-of-daily-wa/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.950586 | 905 | 2.9375 | 3 |
Do you know how to use your Waterpik? In this tutorial you will learn how to use a water flosser aka Waterpik. But first you should know that Waterpik is a famous brand of water flosser and this is why most people mistake water flosser concept with Waterpik.
What is a water flosser?
if you still don’t know what a water flosser is and how it can save your teeth from dangers, you can read the following post then come back here.
How to use a water flosser? step by step!
Using a water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, can be an effective way to remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Here are the general steps to use a water flosser:
1- Fill the water flosser reservoir
Fill the reservoir with warm water and, if desired, add a mouthwash or a recommended rinse solution.
2- Choose a nozzle
Select the appropriate nozzle for your needs. Most water flossers come with different tips for different purposes, such as a standard tip, orthodontic tip, or a plaque seeker tip.
3- Adjust the pressure
Adjust the pressure control to the desired level. If you are new to using a water flosser, start with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase as needed.
4- Lean over the sink
Lean over the sink and place the nozzle in your mouth. Close your lips around the nozzle to prevent splashing.
5- Aim and floss
Aim the nozzle at your gumline, between your teeth, and around any dental work you may have, such as braces or bridges. Use a circular or back-and-forth motion to thoroughly clean the area.
6- Spit out the water
Spit out the water and repeat the process for each area of your mouth.
7- Clean the nozzle
After using, remove the nozzle and clean it with warm water and soap or vinegar.
8- Empty the reservoir
Empty any remaining water from the reservoir and wipe the water flosser dry.
It’s recommended to use the water flosser once a day, along with regular brushing and flossing, to help maintain good oral health. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and consult with your dentist if you have any concerns. | <urn:uuid:ef0b811b-2ce9-45ea-979e-f018b1158d96> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://dentakay.com/how-to-use-a-water-flosser/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.902612 | 501 | 2.53125 | 3 |
8 minute read
Do you love architecture? Perhaps you wish you could work in architecture but you lack the time or resources to get a full-fledged design degree?
Here’s the good news:
Embarking on a career in interior or architectural design has never been more accessible, thanks to the fast-track route of specialization. More than a single program or educational route, it’s a way of approaching a design education in a new way.
Here’s the big idea: We’re always told that we need a degree and licensure to become an architect, or to do meaningful work in the field of design. In fact, the world of design education is changing rapidly and continues to offer up new avenues to enter and even excel in the industry by focusing on specific aspects of the craft.
In this article, we’ll explore how honing expertise in areas like CAD drafting programs, interiors finishes and furniture selection, or digital design can catapult you into the world of architectural design without the traditional education route.
The Swift Route to Working in Architecture: Specialization
Newsflash: Gone are the days when a comprehensive university-level design education was the sole gateway into the interior design and architecture industry. Although educated professionals with five year degrees will always have their place, the landscape is shifting to accommodate people with specific skills to focus on special aspects of architectural design work.
Was this means is that aspiring designers today can hone in on particular skills and domains, allowing them to make an impactful entry into the field in a relatively shorter span of time.
The Power of CAD Drafting Programs
Ask any designer worth their ‘salt’: Mastery in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting programs is a potent asset in the world of design. These programs enable you to transform ideas into visual realities, creating detailed plans and blueprints that form the backbone of any design project.
But this knowledge is not the sole domain of large studios and universities. In fact, specialized online courses and tutorials offer a quick and effective way to learn CAD software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and there are many accredited courses that are recognized in the industry to choose from.
As design projects hinge on precise technical drawings, becoming proficient in CAD can open doors to positions like architectural drafter, CAD designer, or even pave the way for freelance design gigs.
Color, Materials, and Furnishings: The Expertise Trifecta
Another route to working in the broader interior design and architecture field is by “niching down” and specializing in aspects of design theory. How is this done? By becoming a ‘specification wizard’.
Yes, believe it or not, becoming a color, finishes, or furnishings expert can be very useful to large firms running projects at scale. Another specialization worth exploring is ergonomics and design psychology. Understanding design psychology brings a unique angle to the design world, especially as a consultant on architectural projects. While you might not lead projects, your area of expertise is invaluable to the overall cohesion of the project, or for running the specification side of the business.
We all know that color theory and psychology can greatly influence the mood and atmosphere of a space. Delving into the materials specification niche equips you to choose textures and finishes that complement the design concept while considering functionality and durability. This knowledge, combined with industry know-how and the right connections can make you an integral part of a design department’s team.
Do you know a lot about furniture? Specializing in furniture specification (especially contract) enables you to curate and specify pieces that seamlessly integrate with the overall aesthetic and needs of the project. Each of these aspects requires focused learning and practice, but could make you an invaluable asset to design teams or clients seeking a unique vision.
You can even work freelance as a consultant.
Digital Architect: Designing for the Metaverse
As technology advances, the metaverse emerges as a realm brimming with design opportunities. Designing virtual interiors for platforms the likes of VRChat, Decentraland, or Roblox opens up a realm where you can create immersive digital spaces. Self-learning in this area involves understanding the unique constraints and possibilities of virtual environments, from optimizing 3D models to considering user interaction and experience (UI and UX).
If you choose to go into the purely virtual side of the design world you’ll be in good company. Some pretty well-known designers and architects have already ditched their traditional projects to work on metaverse projects, where the realm of the imagination is way more exciting than building codes and door schedules. You yourself can embrace this avenue to craft digital habitats, interactive showrooms, or even spaces for social gatherings.
Specializing in metaverse design not only taps into a futuristic realm but also positions you at the forefront of a growing and evolving niche.
Property Staging: Creating Marketable Spaces
Property staging is an art form loosely associated with architecture, that can significantly impact property sales. Specializing in home staging, for examples, equips you to transform spaces into alluring showcases that resonate with potential buyers. Through self-learning and practice, you can learn to enhance a property to highlight its best features. These days there are many AI tools that can allow you to specialize in this totally virtually, but the opportunities for real staging are there, too.
Property Staging requires a keen eye for aesthetics, an understanding of design psychology, and the ability to create an emotional connection between buyers and spaces. Becoming proficient in home staging provides valuable skills that are highly sought after by real estate professionals, developers, and homeowners seeking to maximize property value. The best part? You don’t need a degree to break into this design specialization. Take a course instead.
Read: 8 Clever Ways to Get into Interior Design for Real Estate on Design Baddie
Pixel Perfect Designer: Photorealistic Renderings
In the digital age, visualizations are pivotal in communicating design concepts. Mastering the art of creating photorealistic rendered visualizations allows you to bring your ideas to life in stunning detail. Self-learning in this realm involves learning software like Blender, V-Ray, or Unreal Engine to create visuals that resemble real-life photographs.
The need for designers in this specialization is increasingly on the rise. Useful applications for architectural visualization, interior design presentations, and marketing materials abound, making it easy to find the right tool for the job and get cracking. By honing the skill of rendering, you can provide one of the most sought-after and exciting aspects of design: visualization. Bridge the gap between imagination and reality, creating visuals that captivate clients, stakeholders, and potential buyers.
All in a days work for the aspiring and talented rendering artist.
Specialization may not be the solution for every design path, but it is a compelling way to get started. For individuals unable to pursue a traditional interior design university course, specialization offers a tailored alternative. These focused skills can be acquired through online courses, workshops, community college classes, or even self-study.
Specialization allows you to delve deep into an area that resonates with you and holds immense potential for employment. Furthermore, specializing is a strategic move in a competitive market, as it positions you as an expert in a niche, making you sought after by employers, clients, and collaborators.
The Versatility of Specialization
Whether it’s diving into virtual metaverse design, mastering home staging techniques, or creating photorealistic visualizations, each of the avenues we mentioned offers a unique trajectory into the world of design. The beauty of specialization lies in its versatility – you can immerse yourself in an area that resonates with your passions and goals or even the needs of the market.
As the design landscape continues to evolve, remember that your journey is as unique as your specialization, and the possibilities are limited only by your imagination and determination.
Benefits Beyond the Curriculum
Choosing a specialized path doesn’t mean missing out on the broader design world. Often, specialized skills intertwine with broader design concepts, enriching your overall perspective. Learning CAD drafting programs, for instance, not only empowers you to create technical drawings but also equips you with a crucial understanding of spatial relationships and design principles. Similarly, expertise in color, materials, or furnishings harmoniously complements holistic design thinking. As you evolve as a designer you can continue to learn, branching out into the neighboring aspects of your specialization that make sense to you.
Final Thoughts: Carving Your Unique Design Journey
We hope that through today’s article we’ve helped you to gain a new perspective on your design career. The design landscape is rapidly evolving, and we believe specialization offers an express route to a fulfilling career in interior or architectural design. By focusing on specific skills like CAD drafting, materials specification, or metaverse design, you’re not only harnessing the power of a specialized skillset but also proving that a passion for design can be pursued on your terms.
Embrace the design path that most resonates with you, as it’s not just a shortcut; it’s a unique trajectory that defines your design journey.
If you’d like to learn more about interior design niches or career paths you might enjoy these articles:
See you in the next one, | <urn:uuid:28512af1-8506-4472-bc89-bf619f00ccb2> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://designbaddie.com/how-to-take-the-architecture-fast-track-through-specialization/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.921711 | 1,926 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Technical writers are primarily responsible for writing technical content. They need to document products that might be hard for users, especially technology. For that purpose, many hours may be spent wrestling with language and brainstorming ideas.
Large language models, and natural language processing, is starting to change all that. Artificial Intelligence is molding the way we write content and, more specifically, document products. Prompt engineers who are also technical writers stand a better chance of withstanding the tidal wave of disruption that AI may be bringing.
As one of the hottest tech jobs around, prompt engineers can benefit from the number of jobs on LinkedIn containing “GPT” (a popular generative AI tool) rising by more than half between 2021 and 2022.
The fact is, the better we can handle AI means technical writers are able to move with the times and make their jobs easier as well. Learning prompt engineering opens up a wealth of job opportunities that don’t require a computer science degree to be successful, but build on existing technical writing capabilities.
Understanding Prompt Engineering
The term prompt engineer may be slightly misleading, and some experts in the field have argued for “prompt specialist”, though this has not caught on yet. If you are a prompt engineer, you will be working with writing text-based prompts to feed into AI tools (such as ChatGPT) to create specific and accurate outputs.
Prompt engineers are concerned with creating content for technical products, working with complex information to make it clear and easy to understand. Writing is still vitally important, but prompt engineers use AI to create technical documents that would otherwise be more difficult to achieve.
Prompt engineers are likely to work in healthcare, technology, and engineering, just like more traditional technical writers. The emphasis is on crafting the prompts to control the output, which requires an understanding of AI models to ensure technical writers are inputting the right prompts.
Technical writers who work with prompt engineering must be able to teach the AI to learn from the prompts and become more accurate.
Essential Skills and Background for Prompt Engineering
There are a few specific skills that technical writers will require if they are to succeed in prompt engineering.
Language Model Knowledge
Prompt engineers need to have a knowledge and understanding of language models to be able to craft their prompts to generate specific text outputs. They don’t necessarily need to understand the mechanics behind the model but simply the principles governing it so they can effectively utilize it to create engaging and human-sounding technical documentation.
Programming Language Knowledge
Knowledge of programming language is not essential, but it certainly helps when it comes to prompt engineering. Python is a popular language that is used with prompt engineering to interact with APIs and manipulate data in order to make prompts more effective and accurate. Python works particularly well with ChatGPT to create prompts that generate highly specific outputs, and luckily many technical writers are already familiar with Python.
Hands-On Experience with AI and ML Technologies
You absolutely must have experience with AI and ML technologies, such as ChatGPT, published by OpenAI in 2022. Being able to work with and manipulate these technologies is a crucial part of the role of prompt engineers who want to create technical documentation. Since prompt engineering deals directly with AI, technical writers must seek out projects that use these technologies to become successful prompt engineers.
Understanding the Basics of Content Creation
The technical content created by AI tools due to prompts is unlikely to be the final product, especially since documentation must conform to specific standards and technical specifications. Working documentation still must be tested and approved before it can be released to customers or users, and prompt engineers must understand the principles of content creation to be successful. Content cannot be divorced from its human creators and rather supplemented by AI.
Ability to Work within Limited Timeframes
Even with the awesome power of AI behind you, you’ll still need to work within limited timeframes to create content to a deadline. Products can’t be shipped without appropriate documentation, and you’ll often be working just behind the pace of the engineering team. Since LLMs will be so integral to the process, project leads may expect even tighter deadlines than they would if you were simply creating documentation manually.
Types and Examples of Prompts
Now we’re going to look at a few kinds of prompts you might want to feed your into LLM.
Prompt wording means using the right words when writing your prompts for the AI model and using the correct technical terms. This basic prompt requires technical expertise and domain knowledge.
Succinctness – being as clear as possible in the wording of your prompt to enable the system to understand what you mean. Do not use more words than necessary to construct your prompt.
Roles and goals – assigning a clear role to the LLM as well as setting a goal to aim for so as to create effective outputs. This means knowing who exactly is meant to be writing the documentation and the target user.
Positive and negative prompting – incorporating commands to either do something or not do something to guide the LLM in its response. The AI understands that there is a right and a wrong answer.
Input/output prompting – clearly defining the input you want to feed into the LLM as well as the output you require, such as a script. You feed the correct data into the LLM in order to produce the correct output.
Zero-shot prompting – inputting quite a general instruction to the LLM so as to avoid limiting the response, which means the tool can arrive at a wide range of answers.
One-shot prompting – similar to the zero-shot prompt except the prompt engineer provides a little more context to the LLM to help refine results, adding extra information about how you would like the AI to formulate your answer.
Chain-of-thought prompting – guiding the LLM through the critical thinking process needed to solve a problem in order to generate more accurate responses, allowing the AI to learn from your prompts.
Why Technical Writers Need to Master Prompt Engineering
Prompt engineering is becoming an extremely in-demand skill for technical writers who want to work with emerging technologies to produce better documentation. Companies seek writers with experience working with generative AI who can use tools such as ChatGPT to handle complex information.
Also, Check out our article on Best practices in writing content for Generative AI-based chatbots
Since the field is expanding rapidly, more and more jobs are becoming available for technical writers who can master prompt engineering. Technical writing is becoming more about crafting the content and ensuring that it is highly accessible to users, which AI can support you with.
Being able to manipulate these AI technologies means technical writers can stay relevant in their field and have access to highly lucrative positions. While technical writers are already “technical” in some sense, they can expand their skills to include generative AI and prompt engineering.
Steps to Master Prompt Engineering
Follow these steps to become a master of prompt engineering as a technical writer.
Research and familiarization
Develop your ability to conduct research and find the right information and data to feed into AI as prompts. The responses of the AI tools are only as good as the information supplied to it so technical writers should be adept at identifying the right sources to craft into instructive prompts.
Adapting to Evolving Technologies
AI, like all technology, is a field that is constantly changing, and the latest technology of the day may become hopelessly obsolete when a new product is released. Being able to understand the principles behind generative AI and how prompts can be engineered is key to adapting to an evolving landscape that requires technical writers to possess the latest skills.
Supporting Cross-Functional Teams
Technical writers using prompt engineering don’t work in a vacuum, and you’ll need to work with other departments such as product, engineering, project management, marketing, and sales to produce the right documentation with AI. Understanding what these teams require from the technical writer and managing expectations is key to success.
Crafting Effective Prompts
Being able to understand the mechanics behind effective prompts, including incorporating the use of programming languages, will enable you to master prompt engineering. Asking AI the right questions and tailoring your input to enable the tool to generate the right answers means technical writers must be smarter than the machine. Crucially, technical writers must be experts in their field in order to successfully use LLMs to their full potential.
Testing and fine-tuning
Inputting a single prompt is not going to generate the final product. You must test your prompts and iterate them over many versions in order to arrive at responses that are truly suitable for your users in terms of technical documentation. The AI must be trained to adapt to the right answers, without which the tool may become nonsensical and “hallucinate” errors.
Providing Context and Use Cases
The content you will be creating with LLMs does not exist in a vacuum – that means any documentation you create must contain context and be targeted at specific use cases in order to be useful. Ultimately, the AI is not conscious of your intent behind the prompt, so you must be ultra-accurate when providing the LLM with instructions for your documentation.
Using Prompt Engineering in Technical Writing
Documentation of projects
The number one use case of prompt engineering in technical writing is documenting products for end users, whether that might be engineers, scientists or the general public. Even when you use prompts to create the documentation, it still requires a background in technical writing to ensure you arrive at content that is acceptable for the business. AI is one tool that technical writers can use to achieve this goal.
Using prompt engineering, you can take colleagues’ inputs to generate documentation representing multiple groups’ interests. As long as you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with the documentation, which ultimately should be to help users, AI tools can theoretically respond to complex instructions that generate a highly polished final product.
Automation and efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of using AI for technical writing is the ability to automate previously mundane tasks. Prompt engineers take this automation to the next level by creating documentation that previously required intensive labor and creative ability to produce the finished product, achieved quickly.
3 Best Tools for Prompt Engineering
Here are the three best tools for prompt engineering that we know of.
Document360 is Knowledge base software that uses AI to recommend tags and SEO descriptions for your documentation. This means that as you write the natural articles for your knowledge base, Document360 provides the metadata and SEO to enable users to discover your pages more easily.
ChatGPT is one of the most popular tools used for prompt engineering which Microsoft is now integrating into all of their enterprise tools. ChatGPT caused a sensation when it was released in 2022 by generating highly natural-sounding human-like responses to a variety of prompts.
GitHub is an AI-powered development platform that enables you to turn natural language prompts into code suggestions. This makes writing, testing and publishing your code much easier as you can use a feature trained on billions of lines of code, called GitHub Copilot.
Technical writers who take the time to learn prompt engineering may not only stay current with the latest technologies but also make themselves more employable. Being able to save time and produce more comprehensive documentation means you can help more users with fewer resources.
Technical writers are already “technical” in this traditional sense, and already using supporting technologies in their workflows. Generative AI provides opportunities to use existing skills to create highly informative content which is then reviewed by experts – technical writers.
An intuitive knowledge base software to easily add your content and integrate it with any application. Give Document360 a try!GET STARTED | <urn:uuid:34fe07ff-3fc6-4a3e-a2c9-a9176c4c12b5> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://document360.com/blog/prompt-engineering-for-technical-writers/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.931997 | 2,391 | 2.78125 | 3 |
What are the Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes?
It is best to think of the Parkinson’s Plus syndromes as the sisters of Parkinson’s disease.
Although many diseases are similar to Parkinson’s disease, the changes they produce and their symptoms are slightly different. It’s why we think of these diseases as the sisters of Parkinson’s disease.
Another name for them is the “Parkinson’s Plus” syndromes.
There are three common Parkinson’s Plus syndromes.
Ideally, the specific Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome should be identified correctly before the start of treatment.
But in the early stages of the disease, this may be difficult, and sometimes impossible. You ca read more here [external link: Frontiers in Neurology].
Because it is sometimes impossible to tell PSP, MSA, and CBD apart, doctors sometimes diagnose the patient as having a “Parkinson’s Plus” syndrome without noting the specific disease.
As the years go by, the appearance of characteristic features (such as eye movement problems in PSP) may enable your doctor to make a more precise diagnosis.
Which Symptoms May Indicate a Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome?
If you have any of the following features, you may have a Parkinson’s Plus syndrome. These features are called “red flags”. This means that if you have one of these symptoms, your doctor is supposed to pause and think.
What is the Treatment for a Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome?
The treatment for a Parkinson’s Plus syndrome is the same as the treatment for Parkinson’s disease itself.
Many patients respond to Levodopa. However, what’s challenging is that sometimes Levodopa does not have a dramatic effect. It may also happen that this effect may not last for many years. Therefore, the response to levodopa is somewhat unpredictable.
That being said, a significant proportion of patients with Parkinson’s Plus syndromes respond positively to a comprehensive treatment effort. This effort should include the treatment of special problems associated with each syndrome. Therefore, it is crucial to figure out which kind of Parkinson’s Plus syndrome early you have so that these specific problems can be treated.
- In PSP, the patient frequently falls backwards because the areas of the brain responsible for balance are not functioning well. In this case, balance training can help.
- In MSA, the patient can fall because of a drop in blood pressure when they get up. In this case, they should drink enough water and try to get up slowly to prevent falls. Some medications can also prevent falls.
What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?
PSP is the most common of the “Parkinson’s Plus” syndromes. Patients with PSP frequently fall backwards.
To know more about PSP, click here: [PSP patient guide]
What is Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)?
MSA is the second most common of the “Parkinson’s Plus” syndromes. Patients with MSA have trouble with a part of their nervous system that controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating and sexual function.
To know more about MSA, click here: [MSA in detail]
What are Other Types of Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes?
There are many other Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes. Since it’s not possible to describe each of these in detail here, I will mention their names and certain key characteristics.
- Corticobasal Degeneration: Characterized by difficulty using automatic movements of an arm or hand.
- Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Characterized by hallucinations & disorganized behaviour.
- Frontotemporal dementia (“Pick’s disease”): Characterized by personality changes, including impulsivity and dis-inhibition.
Here is a nice review of many Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes. It is very nicely written, but a bit detailed: [McFarland et al 2016, Neurology Continuum].
|Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission.|
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar has been recognized as one of the best neurologists in Mumbai by Outlook India magazine and India today Magazine. He is a board certified (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology certified) Neurologist.
Dr. Siddharth Kharkar is a Epilepsy specialist in Mumbai & Parkinson's specialist in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
He has trained in the best institutions in India, US and UK including KEM hospital in Mumbai, Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), USA & Kings College in London. | <urn:uuid:9e79fd49-efd2-4768-a8f1-9d4d4147dc53> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://drkharkar.com/parkinsons-plus-syndromes/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.924757 | 1,028 | 2.65625 | 3 |
by Andrea Laine
Soil covers one-third of the earth’s surface and, worldwide, it plays a role in agriculture, architecture and construction, art and rituals, medicine, water filtration, climate change and much more. Did you know that the source of phosphorus in the Amazon rainforest is soils in the Saharan Desert blown across the Atlantic Ocean? As a critical natural resource soils deserve much more respect than they typically get!
I am not a soil scientist. But if I were, I’d be proud. That is how fascinatingly interesting I found the subject of soil during a recent visit to Dig It! The Secrets of Soil, an engaging exhibition on display through August 16, 2015 at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh.
Developed in conjunction with the Soil Science Society of America (including several North Carolina soil scientists) and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, this exhibition is diverse, highly interactive and informative for all ages.
As gardeners we understand that soils are living (teeming with insects and microbes); soils are varied (more or less pH, more or less organic matter, more or less space between particles for example); soils change (sometimes whether we want them to or not); and soils link land, air and water.
Dig It! explains those points and explores the profound ways soils support our lives well beyond their role in agriculture. One exhibit focused on common products in a home that rely on soils such as ceramic tile flooring, house paint and fabrics. Another demonstrated the impact construction projects have on soils. Others let visitors peer into deep cross-sections of soil to see what it looks like well underground. One massive display included a soil sample cross-section for each of the 50 states. There is also a section about the arts and science of pottery in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is located at 11 West Jones Street in Raleigh. It is open Monday – Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.) and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.) Admission to the museum is free and there are free and low-cost parking options nearby. http://naturalsciences.org/
If you can’t make it to the exhibit, you can watch some creatively educational videos about soils by following this link: http://forces.si.edu/soils/ | <urn:uuid:f64a96cd-4473-4903-88bc-691896d446d7> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://durhammastergardeners.com/2015/07/15/dig-it-the-secrets-of-soil/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.938923 | 509 | 3.34375 | 3 |
Image Source: iNaturalist Portugal
Seasonal hyperacute panuveitis (SHAPU) has been reported only in Nepal Since 1975. SHAPU is a mysterious eye disease occurring every odd year since 1975 predominantly in children. It has been described to occur between the end of monsoon season (August –September) and the peak of winter (December-January), but recent evidence has shown that it actually occurs every year in either the summer or autumn months. It is one of the most devastating intraocular inflammatory diseases which starts from itchiness, redness and eventually leads to total loss of eyesight within a week.
In the 1980s, it was studied that the exposure to Tussock moths was the primary risk factor for the disease but later, other studies reported Gazalina moths as the suspect. In a few patients tiny hairs of the moths have been identified in ocular structures including the cornea and anterior chamber. Epidemiological study conducted in SHAPU 2017 Outbreak has confirmed the white moths are the potential risk factors of SHAPU. The history of direct contact with these white moths leading to Hyperacute Panuveitis has been reported, indicating the white moth to be the most important factor found. The moths might serve as vectors, carrying plant material acquired during their feeding time and this material may be the responsible agent that can induce infective and or immunological reactions within hours of contact with the eye leading to hyperacute uveitis. Similarly, the spines and hairs of female moths has been found to bear toxic materials (histamine, acetylcholine, venom, pro-inflammatory products of cyclo-oxygenase, vaso-degenerative and fibrinolytic effects, serine proteases and pro-coagulant toxins) for natural protection of their eggs which is capable of causing immediate hypersensitivity reactions in susceptible individuals.
This year too white moths have been found swarming in different regions of Nepal making the cases of hyperacute panuveitis rise up.The disease is almost always unilateral with rapid and profound loss of vision. Starting with just mere red-eye with little to no pain, this quickly escalates into something more frightening within days. A case report during October 2017, a 25-year-immunocompetent male presented with redness and deteriorating vision in right eye for 5 days. The symptoms developed the next day after he had rubbed his right side of forehead with the wall curtain from where a striated white moth fell down over his face. He developed rashes around the forehead with painless redness with decreased vision of right eye the next day. He had consulted the local hospital where he was documented as acute anterior uveitis with fibrin and hypopyon and started with topical intensive steroid. Several similar cases have been reported following exact repetition of scenario making it vivid the role of white moth.
The only preventive measure to be found till date is avoiding contact with moths during the seasons of epidemicity. Awareness to the general population to be away from the white moths, wash hands immediately after accidental moth contact, and to minimize the use of white lights where the moths get attracted is being done to reduce the case of SAPHU.
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Fossils found in Nebraska have previously been linked to bones from China, revealing how one species of wild animal survived millions of years after the extinction of its local relatives and establishing a blueprint for how species bridge the gap to a changing climate.
Paleontologists from the University of Kansas and the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Beijing, have published their findings about how Ekgmowechashala came to North America millions of years after the disappearance of similar species from the Earth.
Ekgmowechashala is a species found to bridge the gap between the North American apes that disappeared during the great cooling event 34 million years ago and the arrival of the Clovis people, one of the oldest known cultures in North America.
The findings are published in the Journal of Human Evolution On Monday. The results gave scientists clues about how a species can thrive when its environment is disrupted by a changing climate—a challenge that humans face today.
Illustration of Ekgmowechashala, the last ape to live in North America before humans. These species migrated to North America after other species of wild animals disappeared from the continent when the great cooling took place.
Kristen Tietjen, University of Kansas
During this project, researchers compared Ekgmowechashala fossils from North America with fossils from Palaeohodites—another type of animal found in China, according to a University of Kansas report. The fossils of Palaeohodites were discovered in the 1990s by study co-author Chris Beard.
The results showed that the animals were closely related and revealed that Ekgmowechashala was a primate, something that had puzzled researchers for years given that the fossils placed the species in North America 30 million years ago—4 million years after all other foxes disappeared. the continent. The changing climate made the region cooler and drier and therefore less resistant to earlier species.
The discovery showed that Ekgmowechashala did not somehow survive the massive cooling event that caused drought conditions in North America. Instead, the ancestors of these species migrated to North America through the Beringian region that once connected Asia and North America millions of years after foxes disappeared from the latter.
“Our analysis refutes the idea that Ekgmowechashala is a remnant or survivor of earlier settlements in North America,” said Kathleen Rust, a doctoral candidate at the Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas and co-author of the study.
“Instead, it was an immigrant species that came from Asia and moved to North America during a surprisingly cool period, probably through Beringia.”
This discovery, published in Monday’s paper, shows that Ekgmowechashala is a good example of the Lazarus effect, where a certain type of fossils appear long after their relatives have died, according to the report.
The discovery also sheds light on how species cope with drastic environmental changes that make their home inhospitable—by moving to more hospitable places.
Rust said the research is important for learning how past organisms responded to major climate and environmental changes.
“In such situations, organisms tend to adapt by returning to more hospitable environments with available resources or face extinction,” he said.
“Approximately 34 million years ago, all the apes in North America were unable to adapt and survive. North America did not have the necessary conditions to survive. This emphasizes the importance of accessible resources to our non-human relatives in times of major climate change. .”
In addition to laying the blueprint for how species can survive major environmental changes in the future, the discovery also closes an important gap in human evolution, after the Clovis people arrived in North America 25 million years after the disappearance of Ekgmowechashala.
“Understanding this narrative is not only humbling but also helps us appreciate the depth and complexity of the changing planet we live on,” Rust said. “It allows us to grasp the complex workings of nature, the power of evolution in causing life and the influence of environmental factors.” | <urn:uuid:fb958bec-1923-4e48-ba9a-bfd2170fe779> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://eggrate.com.in/rare-primate-found-in-nebraska-is-a-clues-to-the-future/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.941239 | 858 | 4.125 | 4 |
Final Exam International Business Spring 2019
1. Governments play a major role in international business and international trade—for good or ill.
Explain the role of government in each of these areas. Explain the role played by the
governments of your countries in four of the five areas. You need not address all three of your
countries in every area, but you should address the actions of all three governments at some
point in your answer.
a. structuring markets;
b. international trade agreements;
c. certifying participants;
d. Factor mobility
2. How are your countries affected by international free trade agreements? What benefits do they
receive and what price do they pay for those benefits? You should address all three of your
countries in this answer; if a country does not participate in free trade agreements, you should
3. Describe the likely economic future for each of your three countries. Explain why you think each
country’s future is bright, dull, or dark. Justify your answers based on things like their current
status on the Happiness Index and other measures of well-being.
My three countries:
2) Kitts and Nevis.
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Water chestnuts are aquatic tuber vegetables that grow in marshes, ponds, paddy fields, and shallow lakes.
Water chestnuts are native to Southeast Asia, Southern China, Taiwan, Australia, Africa, and many islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
They are harvested when the corm, or bulb, turns a dark brown.
They have a crisp, white flesh that can be enjoyed raw or cooked and are a common addition to Asian dishes such as stir-fries, chop suey, curries, and salads.
However, water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) should not be confused with water caltrops (Trapa natans), also often called water chestnuts. Water caltrops are shaped like bats or buffalo heads and taste like yams or potatoes.
Water chestnuts have many uses and are linked to several benefits. Here are five science-backed benefits of water chestnuts, plus ideas for how to eat them.
1. Water chestnuts are very nutritious yet low in calories
Water chestnuts are full of nutrients. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of raw water chestnuts provides:
- Calories: 97
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Carbs: 23.9 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Potassium: 17% of your daily need
- Manganese: 17% of your daily need
- Copper: 16% of your daily need
- Vitamin B6: 16% of your daily need
- Riboflavin: 12% of your daily need
Water chestnuts are a great source of fiber and provide 12% of the daily fiber recommendation for women and 8% for men.
Research shows that eating plenty of fiber may help promote bowel movements, reduce blood cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels and keep your gut healthy.
Additionally, most of the calories in water chestnuts come from carbs.
However, they are generally low in calories because raw water chestnuts are 74% water.
Summary: Water chestnuts are very nutritious and contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, and riboflavin. Most of their calories come from carbs.
2. Water chestnuts are packed with antioxidants
Water chestnuts contain high amounts of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules that help protect the body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. If free radicals accumulate in the body, they can overwhelm the body’s natural defenses and promote a state called oxidative stress.
Unfortunately, oxidative stress has been linked to a higher risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers.
Water chestnuts are especially rich in the antioxidants ferulic acid, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and catechin gallate.
Test-tube studies have shown that antioxidants in the peel and flesh of water chestnuts can effectively neutralize free radicals involved in chronic disease progression.
Interestingly, antioxidants in water chestnuts, like ferulic acid, also help ensure that the water chestnut flesh stays crispy and crunchy, even after cooking.
Summary: Water chestnuts are a great source of the antioxidants ferulic acid, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, and catechin gallate. These antioxidants can help the body combat oxidative stress, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
3. Water chestnuts can reduce the risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally.
The risk of heart disease is elevated by risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), strokes, and high blood triglycerides.
Interestingly, water chestnuts have been used historically to treat risk factors such as high blood pressure. This is likely because they are a great source of potassium.
Many studies have linked diets abundant in potassium with reduced risks of stroke and high blood pressure — two risk factors for heart disease.
Suggested read: 5 impressive health benefits of coconut
An analysis of 33 studies found that when people with high blood pressure consumed more potassium, their systolic blood pressure (upper value) and diastolic blood pressure (lower value) reduced by 3.49 mmHg and 1.96 mmHg, respectively.
The same analysis also found that people who ate the most potassium had a 24% lower risk of developing a stroke.
Another analysis of 11 studies including 247,510 people found that those who ate the most potassium had a 21% lower risk of stroke and an overall reduced risk of heart disease.
Summary: Water chestnuts are a great source of potassium. Diets rich in potassium have been linked to reduced heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure and strokes.
4. Water chestnuts can aid in weight loss
Water chestnuts are classified as high-volume food. High-volume foods contain either a lot of water or air. Both are calorie-free.
Despite being low in calories, high-volume foods can effectively curb hunger.
As hunger can affect your ability to stick to a diet, swapping less filling foods for filling foods that provide similar calories can be an effective strategy for losing weight.
Water chestnuts are made up of 74% water.
If you struggle with hunger, swapping your current source of carbs for water chestnuts may help you stay fuller while consuming fewer calories.
Summary: Water chestnuts are made of 74% water, which makes them a high-volume food. Following a diet abundant in high-volume foods may help you lose weight, as they can keep you fuller for longer with fewer calories.
5. Water chestnuts could reduce the risk of oxidative stress and help fight cancer growth
Water chestnuts contain very high levels of the antioxidant ferulic acid.
This antioxidant ensures that the flesh of water chestnuts stays crunchy, even after they are cooked. Moreover, several studies have linked ferulic acid to a lower risk of several cancers.
Suggested read: 10 impressive health benefits of apples
In a test-tube study, scientists found that treating breast cancer cells with ferulic acid helped suppress their growth and promote their death.
Other test-tube studies have found that ferulic acid helped suppress the growth of skin, thyroid, lung, and bone cancer cells.
The anti-cancer effects of water chestnuts are likely related to their antioxidant content.
Cancer cells rely on large amounts of free radicals to allow them to grow and spread. As antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, they may compromise cancer cell growth.
That said, most of the research on water chestnuts and cancer is based on test-tube studies. More human-based research is needed before giving recommendations.
Summary: The flesh of water chestnuts is very high in ferulic acid, an antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of oxidative stress and cancer.
How to use water chestnuts
Water chestnuts are a typical delicacy in Asian countries.
They are highly versatile and can be enjoyed raw, boiled, fried, grilled, pickled, or candied.
For example, water chestnuts are often peeled, diced, sliced, or grated into dishes such as stir-fries, omelets, chop suey, curries, and salads.
They can also be enjoyed fresh after washing and peeling, as they have a crispy, sweet, apple-like flesh. Interestingly, the flesh continues to stay crisp even after boiling or frying.
Some people use dried and ground water chestnut as a flour alternative. This is because water chestnuts are high in starch, which makes them a great thickener.
Water chestnuts can be purchased fresh or canned from Asian food stores.
Summary: Water chestnuts are incredibly versatile and easy to add to your diet. Try them fresh or cooked into stir-fries, salads, omelets, and more.
Water chestnuts are aquatic vegetables that are nutritious and delicious.
They are a great source of antioxidants and other compounds that may help prevent age-related diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Water chestnuts are also highly versatile and can be added to various dishes.
Try adding water chestnuts to your diet today to reap their health benefits. | <urn:uuid:5e444d3a-30fc-48e6-8315-034b44bb561f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://feelgoodpal.com/blog/health-benefits-of-water-chestnuts/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.936916 | 1,701 | 3.203125 | 3 |
The lottery is a popular game that offers players the chance to win large prizes. The prize money is determined by drawing winning numbers or symbols from a pool of entries. The prizes can be cash or goods, services, or land. Lotteries are typically regulated by state laws and must be conducted fairly. They must have a clear procedure for selecting winners and must disclose all relevant statistics. A lottery must also have a method for recording the identities of bettors and their stakes. The first requirement is that the lottery must have a pool of entries. The entries may be printed tickets or receipts that are collected by the organizer and shuffled for selection in the drawing, or they may be electronic entries recorded on a computer system. Regardless of the type of entry, each ticket or receipt has a unique number that is recorded to identify it in the pool.
The pool must be thoroughly mixed before the drawing, usually by some mechanical means, such as shaking or tossing. This is to ensure that chance, and not some other factor, determines the winning entries. Then, the applications in the pool are awarded positions, from one to a hundred. Those with the highest number of awards receive the lowest prize amounts, while those with fewer awards receive higher prize amounts. The color of the cells in the table indicates how many times each application received that position. Ideally, the lottery would award each position a equal number of times. However, because of the inherent inaccuracies in the lottery process, the actual results tend to be distributed differently from this ideal.
Lotteries are run as businesses, with the goal of maximizing revenues. They promote the game in a variety of ways, including advertising and offering free publicity on television and newscasts. As a result, their revenues are often volatile. They are also dependent on the willingness of people to spend their incomes on the games, and they can be criticized for the regressive impact on poor communities.
The game’s popularity has spawned numerous criticisms, from the danger of compulsive gambling to the alleged regressive impact on low-income groups. These criticisms change the focus of debate and discussion from whether or not a lottery is desirable to more specific features of its operations. Some of these include its reliance on advertising, the use of public funds to finance private enterprises, and its promotion of gambling to a general population that has a strong dislike for it. However, the fact that no state has ever abolished its lottery shows how firmly established it has become as an important element of American life. It has also proven to be a powerful source of revenue for state governments. This has created an awkward tussle between the goals of the lottery and those of state legislators and voters. The question is, how can the government manage an activity from which it profits, while avoiding the political risks and consequences of banning the activities? | <urn:uuid:d30ee6c7-38c9-4971-a2eb-f15fd947c32a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://fellowshipbaptistnpr.com/2023/11/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.977833 | 572 | 3 | 3 |
A rowing machine is a piece of exercise equipment that has become popular in the last few years. It is also known as a rowing ergometer or ergometer. The action of the rower is similar to that of the paddle in a kayak or canoe. This is one of the reasons why it is also called a type of “ergometer”. Rowers are popular because they are affordable, portable, and can be used in a lot of different ways. They are also very effective for building your upper body strength.
Both the rower and the exercise bike are low-impact, weight-bearing aerobic exercise machines that are a great way to build cardiovascular endurance and burn body fat. Both machines can be used to strengthen leg muscles, and the rower is particularly effective at building core strength.
But it turns out that there are several differences between the two machines that determine which one is better for your needs. If you want to build your endurance, the stationary bike is better, while if you want to strengthen your leg muscles, the rower is better.
Advantages of Stationary Bikes
Stationary bikes are modern-day’s miracles for people who want to stay fit. Cycling is the best way to burn calories and fat efficiently, without putting much strain on your body. However, if you want to get the maximum benefits of cycling, you must keep your body aligned while cycling.
If you do not put your body in the right position, you can end up hurting yourself. Cycling indoors, on a stationary bike, is a safe and effective way to improve cardiovascular health, and burn calories.
Stationary bikes are a great way to improve your overall fitness regime. You can easily add them to your daily routine, whether you are a busy mother, or simply someone who does not feel like going to the gym.
Rowing Machine Advantages
The rowing machine offers a variety of advantages over other types of cardio equipment. For one, it’s been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness more than other aerobic exercise equipment. And when used in combination with other types of exercise machines, it can also help you build muscle.
When you think of rowing, you probably imagine a long trip on the open sea. While this is a great image to have in mind when you are trying to get in shape, it’s just not realistic for most of us. Fortunately, you can still gain many of the same benefits of the sport without ever leaving your living room.
Rowing is a great way to develop your upper body, improve your lung and heart capacity, and burn fat. Unlike many other fitness machines, it works your whole body (including your lower body), the only part of your body you need to use is your upper body, which means you can get a great workout without putting too much strain on any one part.
Rowing Machine vs. Stationary Bike: Choosing the Right Machine for Your Workout
Rowing machine vs. stationary bike is a common question among those who are trying to get in shape. Although they both provide a great workout, each is designed for a particular purpose. Understanding the differences between these machines can help you to choose the one that will best suit your workout routine.
Rowing machines and stationary bikes are two very different types of exercise machines. Both have their pros and cons, so you need to consider your preferences and fitness goals before choosing between them. In general, rowing machines are best for whole-body workouts, especially cardio.
Stationary bikes, on the other hand, are generally better for lower-body workouts. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you’re an experienced cyclist who wants to switch to a rowing machine or vice versa, you may be pleasantly surprised at how your body reacts.
Choosing the right piece of exercise equipment is as important for your health as choosing the right foods is for your waistline. Different machines work different parts of your body and different exercises challenge different muscle groups.
But how do you choose the right piece of equipment for your specific workout routine? To help you figure that out, we have made a few comparisons between the two most popular pieces of home exercise equipment: rowing machines and stationary bikes.
Biking vs. Rowing if You have Knee or Back Problems
Working out can be hard on your knees and back. When you choose a cardio machine at the gym, it’s important to consider the impact that activity has on your body. Rowing and biking are both great cardio workouts, but rowing can put less strain on your body. When you row, you use more back muscles than when you bike. This is especially helpful if you have back or knee problems.
Rowing Machines Have More of a Learning Curve
Rowing machines are one of the most popular types of cardio machines in the gym, and for good reason: They’re typically low impact so they put less strain on the joints, and they offer a nice, full-body workout without requiring any special equipment. But while they’re easy to use, they also have a bit of a learning curve—especially if you’re used to the treadmill or elliptical.
There are two main types of rowing machines: air and hydraulic. Some users prefer hydraulic machines because they are quieter during operation and have a more consistent stroke.
Air rowers provide a workout that is more intense and challenging, and the resistance is adjustable. This makes them suitable for people of different fitness levels, and they are great for building muscle and endurance.
The downside is that they are harder to use; some users find them difficult to master. Although they are considered more advanced, they do have more of a learning curve and are not the best choice for people who are new to exercise equipment or the rowing machine.
Stationary Bike vs. Rowing Machine for Weight Loss
It’s an old debate: Which is better at helping you lose weight, a stationary bike or a rowing machine? The answer depends on your fitness goals since both have benefits and drawbacks.
If you’re trying to lose weight, either option can help you burn calories and tone your lower body, but an indoor rowing machine can also strengthen your back, shoulders, and upper body.
Rowing is also a lot more challenging. On the other hand, a stationary bike is more convenient, since you don’t have to change the resistance. It’s also easier on the joints than rowing, so it’s a good option for those with joint problems or injuries.
Most people want to improve their overall health, but many lack the motivation to get started. If you’re like most people, you’re busy and you have a lot of competing priorities, which may leave you feeling tired and stressed. Making time for a workout can seem impossible for people with a busy life. The good news is that there are several fitness options that don’t require a gym. Along with many other fitness-related pieces of equipment, a stationary bike and a rowing machine are staples of any good workout studio. | <urn:uuid:b08041b0-7639-4ada-815f-2afa62bd3884> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://fitnessboxy.com/better-stationary-bike-rowing-machine/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.963175 | 1,467 | 2.625 | 3 |
AI is here. Are we ready?
From making digital art to creating deepfakes of presidents’ voices to developing recipes, the vast capabilities and potential applications of AI technology have become clearer and clearer in recent years. AI certainly isn’t anything new, but its potential creates several implications affecting every industry. While AI carries the promise of improving our professional and personal lives, it’s just a tool, and like any other tool, it has the potential to cause harm.
One industry where this is especially true is cybersecurity. Hackers are increasingly leveraging AI capabilities to overcome cybersecurity defenses, which should raise alarms for organizations in any industry. With how sophisticated AI technology has become, many defensive capabilities currently in use need to adapt and improve, or even be replaced.
But what exactly are the implications? What about AI makes it so effective against current defensive cybersecurity systems? AI and cybersecurity researchers have developed a variety of capabilities to demonstrate how AI can be deployed offensively.
AI is faster than humans
A lot faster. A comprehensive 2022 study examined a variety of offensive AI capabilities developed in recent years for the purpose of conducting or enhancing cyberattacks.
One such capability was used against CAPTCHAs on fifty of the most popular websites, and was capable of cracking them in under 0.05 seconds.
AI can adapt in real-time
Part of what grants AI its incredible speed is its ability to autonomously learn and adapt in a given environment to overcome its defense systems. AI can use sophisticated obfuscation algorithms that makes it virtually invisible to behavioral and signature-based anti-virus software.
AI’s ability to adapt to its environments allows it to learn how to masquerade itself as a trusted system element to exploit vulnerabilities in a defense system. And the longer an AI exists unnoticed in a system, the more knowledgeable and capable it becomes.
AI is automated
In case examined by the study, an AI was used to deliver malware that stayed inactive and hidden until it reached its destination, where it activated automatically to deliver malware. Another found that AI could automate the process of developing malware, continuously updating itself with new variations to help it overcome defenses.
So what do we do?
AI is already here – are you prepared for how that will affect your organization’s future?
The good news is that AI is also being leveraged for its defensive capabilities. Given that AI is much faster and more powerful than humans in this regard, it makes sense to fight fire with fire. However, it will likely take a significant amount of time before a robust defensive AI solutions becomes accessible to most organizations.
In the mean time, it’s important to understand what solutions that already exist are effective against the sophisticated threat posed by offensive AI, like post-quantum cryptography, which aims to develop cryptographic systems that are secure against both quantum and classical computers. | <urn:uuid:dd2b9a33-69a8-4bad-ac28-5c6120c25eb4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://fognigma.com/2023/03/29/3-ways-ai-is-changing-cybersecurity/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.965418 | 583 | 2.78125 | 3 |
You, educators and users of TeachingBooks.net, often inspire the new resources on the site. For example, educators we met at a conference in Portland, Oregon mentioned how much they would love to see us create new original resources for the author Norton Juster.
Last Friday, I spoke with Norton Juster and now I’m happy to share these two brand new Book Readings and Norton’s Author Name Pronunciation:
- Norton Juster introduces and reads an excerpt from The Phantom Tollbooth.
- Norton Juster introduces and reads an excerpt from The Hello, Goodbye Window.
- Learn about Norton Juster’s name.
TeachingBooks.net original Book Readings allow you to bring authors into your classroom and enable you and your students to hear from the author about the inspiration behind their books. If you listen to Norton Juster’s readings, then you’ll have a new sense for why and how he came to write these two very memorable and creative books.
Isn’t it interesting to have the backstory from the author himself? It’s hard to see the books in quite the same way again.
Please continue to inspire us by keeping in touch about the books and authors you love. We’ll try to discover and create resources that we hope will provide you and your students with inspiration in return.
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Lineage (NCBI): root » Eukaryota » Opisthokonta » Metazoa » Eumetazoa » Bilateria » Coelomata » Deuterostomia » Chordata » Craniata <chordata> » Vertebrata <Metazoa> » Gnathostomata <vertebrate> » Euteleostomi » Sarcopterygii » Tetrapoda » Amniota » Mammalia » Theria <Mammalia> » Eutheria » Euarchontoglires » Primates » Haplorrhini » Simiiformes
Anthropoidea Look for this name in NCBI Wikipedia Animal Diversity Web
http://palaeo-electronica.org/content/fc-1 Benton et al. 2015
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Catopithecus from the Fayûm Quarry L-41 is dated at the end of the Priabonian (Seiffert 2006) with an upper bound of 33.9 Ma.
node maximum age |
Older taxa such as the African Altiatlassius and Biretia, and the Asian eosimiids and amphipithecids, may in fact be anthropoids, but appear to fall outside crown Anthropoidea (Seiffert et al., 2005). Given the fact that the oldest known euprimate (Altiatlasius) has been regarded tentatively as an anthropoid sister-taxon (Seiffert et al., 2005), the soft maximum for anthropoids must predate this occurrence in the late Paleocene. Early Paleocene strata has yielded fossils of several groups (plesiadapids, paromomyids, carpolestids) reconstructed closer to crown primates than to Scandentia or Dermoptera (Bloch et al., 2007), but has not yielded any definitive crown primates. Hence, the paleontological soft maximum can be defined as the base of the Paleocene, at 66.04 Ma ± 0.4 Myr = 66 Ma.
|primary fossil used to date this node|
Catopithecus is identified as a member of crown Anthropoidea on the basis of phylogenetic analysis (Seiffert, 2006). It shows complete postorbital closure and is a member of crown Catarrhini, so nested well within crown Anthropoidea.
Seiffert, E.R. 2006. Revised age estimates for the later Paleogene mammal faunas of Egypt and Oman. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 103:5000-5005.
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- U.S. policy has shifted from supporting strong states and basic needs to pushing free trade and structural adjustment.
- This coincides with a dramatic upsurge in polarization between rich and poor and accelerated migration to cities and Northern countries.
- The 1980s were a lost decade for the low-income countries (LICs), as poverty slipped back to pre-1960 levels.
The last fifteen years have seen an unprecedented decline in the standard of living of the world’s rural poor, and a related upsurge in both internal and international migration as people search for options. To what extent is this related to rural policies promoted by U.S. foreign policy and development assistance?
U.S. development policy shifted dramatically during the early 1980s, and in that shift we can find at least a partial answer. Going back first to the postwar period—and especially in the wake of the Cuban revolution—there were three main axes of U.S. assistance and policy pressure. The first comprised efforts to build strong social welfare states as bulwarks against “subversion.” The U.S. was perceived to be in a global rural battle for hearts and minds, fought against powerful movements for national self-determination which, tragically, were all too facilely labeled as communist. The approach of building strong states was exemplified by the Alliance for Progress aid package for Latin America and a limited emphasis on “meeting basic needs.” The multibillion dollar Alliance for Progress included financial assistance to agricultural ministries, agronomy faculties, and extension services; promotion of moderate agrarian reforms; and provision of subsidized credits, prices, marketing boards, and inputs. At the same time, business interests were a driving force behind the subsidized export of Green Revolution-style agricultural modernization based on improved seeds, pesticides and fertilizers, and the provision of credit so that farmers might adopt these technologies of dubious benefit.
These efforts worked to bring a significant portion of the peasantry into the modernization project. Together with protective tariffs levied by relatively strong developmentalist states and unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment and assistance, a period of marked economic growth took place in Latin America during the 1960s and 1970s. The irony of this era is that the rising expectations accompanying the boom were ultimately frustrated by inequitable distribution of benefits.
The second axis of U.S. development policy in this period was support for repressive military build-ups throughout the South—once again as a bulwark against communism and leftist advances. The final axis consisted of food aid, which ostensibly served the functions of covering local shortfalls in food production and generating local currency for further development projects. Unfortunately food aid created new markets for U.S. agricultural surpluses at the expense of local food producers in the LICs.
By the early 1980s the aid model was beginning to show signs of strain. While some of the rural poor had been included in economic development plans, real progress proved illusory for most of them because of the high economic and environmental costs of technology, the difficulty of competing with larger, better capitalized growers, and falling crop prices due to competition from U.S. food aid. The strong state model collapsed into a miasma of internal wars between entrenched and corrupt governing elites, presiding over governments bankrupted by the oil and debt crises, and revolutionary movements demanding redistributive reforms. Perhaps most painful to perceived U.S. interests, the strong states used tariff protection to favor local agriculture and industry, limiting the full extent to which foreign grain could flood their markets.
In the 1980s the U.S. dramatically changed the course of foreign assistance and development policy. With the end of the cold war, the strong state was no longer necessary to protect vital interests, and with the rise of neoliberal economic ideology its protectionist policies and domestic subsidies came to be viewed as obstacles to economic globalization. Structural adjustment policies were designed to weaken the state and open economies to further foreign investment and marketing.
Problems with Current U.S. Policy
- Current policies have undermined the subsistence strategies of the rural poor.
- Promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables as nontraditional exports has intensified the displacement of small farmers and degradation of the environment.
- The winners have been transnational agrifood corporations, the losers the rural poor
U.S. assistance since the 1980s has been made highly conditional upon the adoption of a lengthy series of structural adjustment reforms. These include the elimination of subsidies for domestic agriculture and industry, dramatic cutbacks in the social safety net, higher interests rates for local farmers and businesses, and the lifting of tariffs and other barriers to penetration of local markets by international capital. U.S. aid was often tied to compliance with similar requirements placed on countries by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well.
This policy package has produced the rising polarization occurring during the 1980s and 1990s, seen vividly in rural areas, as the large majority have increasingly been left out of development. Small farmers are being squeezed out of the food-producing business as tariff protection and subsidies are withdrawn. Meanwhile, the promotion of export cropping for large producers provides only seasonal employment to the displaced, insufficient to replace a farming livelihood. The focus on competitiveness in the world market has favored some producers, notably those linked to foreign corporations, but it has essentially weakened the position of the majority. While the earlier modernization project was to a limited extent about inclusion—to ward off communism—the emphasis on free trade and integration is about exclusion: the favoring of entrepreneurs and foreign investors over domestic majorities.
For most of the LICs, and particularly for the rural poor, the 1980s were a lost decade. Living standards fell back to pre-1960s levels for the South’s impoverished majority, and economic, social, and ecological crisis became widespread. With structural adjustment policies imposed on governments by international lenders, millions of the rural and urban poor were excluded from the development process. Credit, extension, subsidies, and technical education all fell by the wayside as budgets were slashed, and the lifting of tariffs flooded local economies with imported foodstuffs often available at prices below local costs of production. Poor farmers were caught in a squeeze between high production costs and low crop prices.
Simultaneously a significant amount of aid has been devoted to the promotion of nontraditional export crops. The thinking at the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID) was that traditional LIC exports such as coffee, cotton, beef, bananas, and sugar faced saturated, stagnant world markets with long-term trends toward declining prices. Yet technology advances in shipping and communication had made it possible for remote agricultural areas to serve the growing demand for year-round fresh fruits and vegetables by consumers in the North. Thus dynamic markets were opening for winter supplies of melons, snowpeas, green beans, broccoli, and other crops previously produced locally in the temperate zone, and Northern consumers were also acquiring a taste for novel tropical species like mango, papaya, and passion fruit.
Many of these crops were more suitable for smaller scale production than the traditional exports, which by the 1980s were largely produced in highly concentrated export estates. Thus two birds were to be killed with one stone: The export basket of developing countries was to be shifted in favor of products with more dynamic markets and rising prices, and small farmers were to be given a more profitable alternative to the local staple foods that they had previously produced, thus striking a blow at rural poverty. Since the early 1980s AID has heavily subsidized the nontraditional export crop industry in three dozen countries. The results have been less than heartening.
In most countries, nontraditionals have failed to displace traditional exports, though new entrepreneurial classes linked to fruit conglomerates have emerged in many areas. What initially appeared to be dynamic world markets proved to be limited, rapidly saturated ones, as dozens of countries compete to supply consumers with a surfeit of low-priced kiwi or cantaloupe.
The fate of small farmers in the nontraditionals industry has been similar their fate with traditional exports and in the Green Revolution. Nontraditionals are expensive to produce—requiring enormous quantities of pesticide, fertilizer and technical expertise, favoring larger, better capitalized producers. Because these are perishable products, small farmers are often unable to place their produce in Northern markets with acceptable quality standards, giving the edge to integrated grower-packer-shippers like the giant fruit companies. Unable to compete with better-financed growers, and heavily in debt because of high production costs, many small farmers have been driven out of business by nontraditionals. At the same time agrochemical technology has seriously contaminated the productive capacity of the soil in many regions and degraded the environment.
Because growing basic staples is no longer profitable either, due to free trade and cutbacks in subsidies, peasants have migrated to cities and to the Northern countries in huge numbers, fleeing the policy-driven collapse of rural livelihoods. The winners under current policies have been first and foremost international firms able to compete in the emerging global food system, and the net losers have clearly been the rural poor and the environment.
Toward a New Foreign Policy
- Pull back from absolutist positions on trade liberalization.
- Support domestic food security policies for the LICs.
- Emphasize agroecological technology and participatory grassroots initiatives
Reckless and short-sighted pro-corporation trade liberalization is the number one obstacle to viable rural livelihoods and environmentally sustainable production. The rural poor cannot be asked to compete in the world market from a position that is biased against them. But if the U.S. government adopts aid and trade policies that stand behind efforts by the rural poor to support themselves, then options for market integration on fairer terms can be explored and may prove successful.
The U. S. should drop its absolutist position on tariff barriers, allowing LIC countries to adopt selective protection for the production of staple foods. The ability to sustain a livelihood growing food would allow poor farmers to experiment in more lucrative cash crops with less risk of losing their farms to burgeoning debts.
Protection for food crops provides an opportunity for small farmers to produce for local markets at fair prices, and helps localities, regions and, countries achieve food security. Food security means not having to depend on the vicissitudes of world market supplies and price swings to feed one’s population, region or household, but rather having the essentials on hand at stable prices.
Fair prices for staples makes sustainable production practices viable—not because these practices are expensive but rather because no practices of any kind are possible if food production itself isn’t profitable. This is a central reason why small farm productivity is often low in the South; farmers don’t have an economic incentive to produce more.
Cuba is the exception to current trends toward market integration that proves the rule. Cut off from Western markets by the U.S. embargo and from former socialist bloc trading partners from whom it had previously obtained 57% of its food and most of its agricultural inputs, Cuba was forced to become self-reliant in the 1990s. Cuban farmers were given de facto protection from foreign competitors, and food prices rose substantially. Although production initially dropped due to a lack of agrochemical inputs, small private farmers led a comeback. Cuba has overcome its food crisis in the past two years, based on local production instead of imports. The success of small farmers led the government to break up the state farms and turn them over to the former workers. Production increases were obtained virtually without pesticides and fertilizers, using a combination of agroecological science and traditional knowledge to grow food in the absence of these inputs.
From that experience, there are important policy lessons that can be applied elsewhere. First, when farmers are given decent prices they can dramatically increase their output and their incomes. Second, they can do so with more sustainable technology. Third, when conditions are right small farmers can be more efficient producers per unit of land than large growers. In the process, they provide income for their families, protect the environment, don’t migrate to overcrowded cities, and feed their countries—thereby saving scarce foreign exchange and creating food security.
These lessons are reinforced by experiences elsewhere. In Mexico and Central America a farmer-led movement called Campesino to Campesino has used agroecological practices to provide a renewed livelihood to thousands of peasants excluded from the modernization project in the early 1980s, demonstrating the power and importance of farmer and community participation and leadership. In India the state of Kerala, one of the poorest in terms of per capita income, ranks near the top in terms of literacy, life expectancy, low infant mortality and low birth rates. The secret to this success story is large and well-organized movements of agricultural laborers and small farmers.
Thus the basis for a new rural policy that works for the poor majority is clear. First and foremost, the U.S. must retreat from total free trade policies. Second, a food-security strategy needs to emphasize small and medium farmer production of staple foods through technical assistance, credit, and marketing support. Third, agroecological technology and traditional knowledge should replace the traditional agrochemical and biotech inputs. Fourth, agrarian reform, left off the agenda since the early 1980s, should be reconsidered. Fifth, participation in agrarian policymaking should include grassroots initiatives and more nongovernmental organizations and farmers’ groups. | <urn:uuid:00f5d75d-9f2e-4f05-aefa-06ce748eca04> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://fpif.org/overseas_rural_development_policy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679515260.97/warc/CC-MAIN-20231211143258-20231211173258-00699.warc.gz | en | 0.959217 | 2,772 | 2.84375 | 3 |
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