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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a brutal and debilitating illness that affects people who have experienced traumas of all types — from combat veterans, and rape survivors, to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. Overcoming the symptoms of PTSD (anxiety, flashbacks and re-experiencing, among others) is difficult enough, but the social stigma of the disorder makes seeking professional help and complying with therapy all the more difficult. In 2013, estimates of veterans experiencing PTSD reached 200,000. While public misperceptions regarding PTSD include assumptions that people struggling with these symptoms are violent, current statistics indicate that suicide is much more likely than violence. In 2013, the estimate was that 18 veterans committed suicide each day due to PTSD. The misconceptions that feed social stigma include:
- The myth of weakness. For those who believe that strength is key to survival, admitting to debilitating symptoms and needing help may feel like weakness.
- The myth of privacy. For people in domestic violence situations, seeking outside help or revealing that the violence is happening is seen as evidence of a bad marriage and thus a sign of failure. Further, for many people in these situations, the imperative to keep “family business” private is deeply ingrained.
Both of these myths fuel social stigma. And both of these myths could be addressed through educational campaigns, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding about PTSD and those who suffer from it.
Drop The D
One solution that has been suggested to reduce social stigma for those suffering from PTSD is to “drop the D” from PTSD. By removing the label of disorder from the name of the ailment, it is felt by some professionals, especially those providing treatment to military populations, that some of that social stigma would be removed. Suffering from post-traumatic stress sounds different from being diagnosed with a disorder. The goal of dropping the D would be to make it easier for those suffering to seek treatment. Changing public opinion and easing social stigma regarding any mental illness or medical condition is not easy, but possible through aggressive educational campaigns. In addition, exploring an ever-widening range of treatment options, including complementary and alternative modalities, can increase successful outcomes. Sources: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-piper/veterans-ptsd_b_2736953.html https://militaryadvantage.military.com/2012/07/removing-the-stigma-of-ptsd/ https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/761666 | <urn:uuid:a9362cef-ead3-4ce7-ac43-e3dc85c98350> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.promises.com/addiction-blog/the-social-stigma-of-ptsd/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.953008 | 521 | 3.453125 | 3 |
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Visit the Colorado Division of Emergency Management website for additional safety tips.
Read tips on how to stay safe during a blizzard.
Create a defensible space around your home to protect it from fires.
Several factors contribute to flash flooding. The two key elements are rainfall intensity and duration. Intensity is the rate of rainfall, and duration is how long the rain lasts.
Lightning is one of the most beautiful displays in nature. It is also one of the most deadly natural phenomena.
Thunderstorms affect relatively small areas when compared with hurricanes and winter storms.
Get information on measures to protect yourself when a tornado is present.
The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by combined effects of wind and cold.
Access safety tips in regards to winter storms. | <urn:uuid:9d4b8132-65ac-4740-899a-24029fe875d4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.pueblosheriff.com/194/Preparedness---Natural-Hazards | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.9167 | 180 | 2.65625 | 3 |
People who write poems understand the depth of the poetry and know how difficult the writing of poetry is. Poets live passion to write and their love for it grow with age. Also, there are people who can’t write poems but love to read them.
So to read poems, they need to search for books of their favourite poets and this becomes quite difficult for them. However now with online medium, reading poems has becomes really very easy. With online medium, readers can enjoy the benefit of it. As reading poems have many benefits and today here are some of the benefits of reading it.
- It brings out a public speaker from you:
Poetry holds rhythm as its major component and it needs to read out loud which makes the reader more aware of the dynamics of language. It makes aware that where to pause in the sentences, where to speed up and other things. Poets have to make readers believe the words of their poetry.
- Makes you concise
Poems are framed in smaller chunks and as per psychological fact; the human mind can process about 5 to 7 pieces of information at one time. So, poetry conveys a lot of meanings using only a few words.
- Strengthens your vocabulary
Poets use a specific number of lines and syllables while framing poetry, so they need to choose only those words that convey the meaning appropriately. For example, using common words like “good”, writers use words like “melancholy”. This word conveys a specific meaning, not general meaning.
- It can be written beautifully with other art forms
Though not only poetry can be written with other art forms, there are other writings also which can be combined but writing poetry with other art forms is really special. It can be framed with music. It can consist of art forms like dance, instruments and multiple languages. There is no limit of combining poetry.
- Allows you to connect with others
Writing poetry requires searching for depths of writer’s soul, so it is the most personal of all writing genre. Writers generally put their feelings in the poems. They write their heart out in the poems. What they can’t say, can express through poetry. This is the best way to write the truth. And today, you can read the poetry of any writer online and connect yourself and your feelings to those poetry | <urn:uuid:008a1bdc-53fd-455e-8c76-a076d2277972> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.rcreducation.com/know-the-benefits-of-reading-poetry/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.968895 | 484 | 2.578125 | 3 |
Almost 200 countries have reached an agreement to phase out a powerful greenhouse gas used in air conditioners, refrigerators and insulating foams.
On Oct. 15, the 197 parties that enforce the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, including the U.S., agreed to a landmark deal to reduce the emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), in a move that scientists estimate could prevent up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by the end of the century.
The agreement to amend the treaty after seven years of negotiations was ratified during the annual meeting held in Kigali, Rwanda.
“It is not often you get a chance to have a 0.5-degree centigrade reduction by taking one single step together as countries—each doing different things perhaps at different times, but getting the job done,” U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement. “If we continue to remember the high stakes for every country on Earth, the global transition to a clean energy economy is going to accelerate.”
Under the phase-out agreement, developed countries will begin to phase down HFCs by 2019 and developing countries will follow with a freeze of HFCs consumption levels in 2024, with some countries freezing consumption in 2028. Under the agreement all countries are expected to consume no more than 15-to-20 percent of their respective baselines by the late 2040’s.
UN Environment Chief Erik Solheim said the agreement is the single largest contribution the world has made towards keeping global temperature rise “well below” 2 degrees Celsius, a target that the same group agreed to at a 2015 climate conference in Paris.
“Last year in Paris, we promised to keep the world safe from the worst effects of climate change,” Solheim said. “Today, we are following through on that promise. This is about much more than the ozone layer and HFCs. It is a clear statement by all world leaders that the green transformation started in Paris is irreversible and unstoppable. It shows the best investments are those in clean, efficient technologies.”
While the phase out is set to begin in the next three years, research on alternatives that do not deplete the ozone layer and have a smaller impact on the climate, while being cost efficient and effective is currently being explored.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, HFCs are currently the world’s fastest growing greenhouse gases, with their emissions increasing by up to 10 percent per year. They also trap thousands of times more heat in the Earth’s atmosphere than another greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide.
HFCs have grown rapidly in recent years largely due to the growing demand for cooling, particularly in developing countries in hotter climates with a fast-growing middle class.
“The faster we act, the lower the financial costs will be and the lighter the environmental burden on our children,” Rwanda President Paul Kagame said in a statement. “That begins with a clear signal that change is coming and it is coming soon. | <urn:uuid:3012d960-0b6d-4a0b-8882-e555d5786141> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.rdworldonline.com/international-deal-to-curb-use-of-hfcs/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.94896 | 638 | 2.84375 | 3 |
The Black Church is the most representative historic monument in Brasov, the greatest Gothic church in Transylvania and the greatest religious edifice from Vienna to Istanbul. More than that, inside the church there is one of the greatest organs in Europe, and also the largest collection of old carpets from Asia Minor.
At the heart of the fortified city, St. Mary’s Church, known as the Black church after the fire in 1689, was ambitiously rebuilt as of 1383 from the initiative of Thomas Sander, Rector. Thus it became the most important gothic edifice in South-Eastern Europe. The Council House was erected in 1420, right on top of the fur merchant’s shop. The building was extended later on, during the coming centuries. In the Middle Ages the church was surrounded by several edifices, most of which have disappeared, excepting the nucleus of the rectory (mentioned in documents in 1379, but in fact much older) and the vestiges of Saint Catherine Chapel (1388), most likely situated on the spot of the former Premonstratensian monastery, mentioned in 1235, that had been destroyed during the 1241 Tatar invasion.
In the course of evolution of Brasov’s town planning, the oldest built residential area is considered to be the northern side of the current Council Square and the adjacent area of the Targul Cailor Street (the Horse Market Street). The first documentary mention of a stone house in Brasov dates from 1360 and it refers to some medieval vestiges of the buildings that were delimiting the church square at that particular time.
The oldest wall paintings that decorate the churches of Brasov date from the last decades of the 14th century. Fragments thereof have been preserved in the northern side of the choir in the Black Church and in the southern-side chapel of St. Bartholomew Church, where figures of prophets and scenes from St. Nichola’s life may still be identified. The first information on the city’s active painters appeared right after the mid-15th century, in 1454. Even though extremely degraded, some images dating from that period have been preserved to this day.
Then, after almost 200 years, a fire partially destroyed it in 1689, and the smoke blackened the walls, and for a long period of time the facade couldn’t be renovated. The restoration lasted about 100 years, but the place of worship was called the Black Church, because of its black smoked walls .
We want to be there and so we offer the most comfortable and warm rooms, and our transfers with professional drivers, so that your stay is a memorable one in Brașov.
Ambient complex is looking forward to welcoming you! | <urn:uuid:447becd3-d2ca-4fa7-b67f-76e996d7c68b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.resortambient.ro/es/biserica-neagra-cel-mai-cunoscut-obiectiv-turistic-al-brasovului/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.971753 | 575 | 2.78125 | 3 |
A fire broke out in the basement of this 3-level townhouse in Falls Church built sometime in the late 1960’s or early 70’s. The house was built using brick and block, wood framed platform construction. In other words, the exterior walls were brick or block and each of the upper wood floors were set on wooden floor joists that ran from side to side which supported the floors and interior walls. The wooden floor joists are set into holes cut into the block walls, a typical construction practice at the time, to provide a foundation for the weight they would be required to bear. The joists are further supported by a steel I beam that runs down the middle of the building front to back. The sub flooring was then placed on top of the floor joists so that interior walls could be framed and finished with drywall. Exterior walls are commonly installed on furring strips, thinner (one inch thick) wood framing nailed directly to the block wall, so that insulation and drywall could be installed without having to construct a 2X4 framed wall. The house was fitted with forced air heating and air conditioning.
How did the fire start and why?
The fire started the way many fires start, in a kitchen. The main kitchen was located on the main floor above the basement but at some point, a galley kitchen was added to the basement. This basement kitchen was also where the washing machine and dryer were located. Flammable items, in this case a laundry basket full of laundry, were placed of the cooktop of an electric stove. One of the burners on the cooktop was either left on a very low setting or turned on inadvertently. No one was home at the time the fire broke out so the laundry basket smoldered until it ignited causing heat and smoke damage.
The Damage Part 1
The plastic (synthetic material) laundry basket filled with clothing (natural materials) burned to the point it was completely consumed by the fire leaving only a melted clump. The fire spread to the wall cabinets and nearby door and casing. Drywall crumbled due to the intense heat but did not burn. Heavy smoke filled the basement floor to ceiling leaving blackened residues on all surfaces. It penetrated openings in the ceiling spreading throughout the floor joists supporting the second level. While the damage was obvious in the basement, the two floors above showed little visible damage yet a very strong smoke odor was present. The door leading to the basement had been closed at the time preventing the smoke from simply escaping up the stairs like a chimney flu and spreading throughout the home which was a good thing, we all thought at the time.
Basement fires are challenging for several reasons. Most often they are below grade (underneath the level of the ground) so they do not have an abundance of windows. Smoke wants to move upwardly due to basic laws of physics; warm air rises and hot is attracted to cold. In the burning phase of a fire, temperature and pressure changes drive smoke upwardly until it hits obstructions such as ceilings, and in this particular case, a closed basement door. Once the heated smoke ceases moving upwardly it moves in all directions and builds in intensity changing the air pressure. Basements are not air tight spaces, penetrations (drilled holes in framing) from plumbing lines, ductwork and electrical wiring create openings between floors. Non-weather-stripped closed interior doors are also not ‘tightly’ sealed. These ‘openings’ permit smoke to move through around and under the obstructions. The heated smoke laden air is also attracted to cooler air found in the upper floors.
The Damage Part 2
So, if the smoke was only obviously visible in the basement why did the upper floors have such a strong smoke smell? Further investigation revealed moderate deposits of smoke on the third (top) level on the wood flooring adjacent to both the right and left side exterior walls in the rear of the building. The smoke had seemingly bypassed the main level and found it’s way to the top level. Did it travel on normal air currents and eventually settle out or was there some other mechanism involved?
Pressurized smoke will leave telltale wisps of black residues that where minute openings allow the smoke to escape. As described above, we looked for places where penetrations existed between floors. Sure enough, we found small wisps of smoke around the duct registers, in the main level bathroom around the toilet and where the wall met the floor in the vicinity of plumbing and electrical lines that originated in the basement. This still did not compare with the deposits found on the top-level floors adjacent to the exterior walls.
Fire and smoke restoration through investigative demolition
The drywall was removed around the ductwork revealing that some smoke had traveled up the duct chase cavity between the floors. We opened drywall in the first-floor bathroom and found similar evidence. It was not until a section of drywall was removed in the middle of an exterior wall that the we discovered how the smoke had traveled to the third floor. The removed drywall revealed heavy concentrations of smoke on the insulation sandwiched and on the back of the finished drywall wall and the block exterior wall. Smoke had somehow escaped the basement on the exterior side walls and traveled unrestricted to the top floor which is not supposed to happen.
Back to the first paragraph on background information. In typical older construction, the furring strips are nailed to the block walls. In this home the furring strips were nailed to individual wooden shims spaced evenly apart and nailed to the block walls. More on this in a moment. Construction codes require the installation of ‘fire stops’, pieces of wood made to the depth of the wall cavity, between floors and periodically within walls, particularly those with penetration holes drilled in to the bottom plate for plumbing or electrical wiring to stop or slow the spread of fire and smoke. In most cases, the floor directly above acts as a giant ‘fire stop’ to the level below assuming the wooden subfloor is installed tight against the exterior block wall.
We went down to the basement and immediately discovered that whoever built the house left a gap between the block exterior wall and the wood subfloor of the floor above of at least an inch all the way from front to back. Because the furring strips were installed on shims instead of directly to the block wall more space was created between the drywall interior surface and the block exterior wall.
There was nothing to stop, or slow, the smoke from moving upwardly along the exterior walls until it reached the attic where insulation prevented the smoke from entering the attic. As the smoke built up in the wall cavity on the top level because it could no longer rise, it pushed out underneath where the drywall was resting on the subfloor resulting in the large smoke deposits on the third floor.
The Remedy: RestorTech – Fire Damage Restoration Contractors in Northern VA
All interior drywall on the main level was removed on the exterior side walls until all the smoke damage block walls were able to be inspected for smoke. This included the removal of the kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities and any other finishes that were attached to the drywall. A week’s worth of soda blasting the basement and side block walls removed the smoke.
Who’s to blame?
Poor construction practice and a lack of building code enforcement. This unrestricted channel for smoke should not have passed a county inspection. Lack of fire stops aided in the distribution of the smoke from the basement to the upper floors and created substantially more smoke damage. Unfortunate for the building owner and the insurance company. | <urn:uuid:ae50e757-e797-49ad-9d54-65b35b5c7070> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.restortech.com/blog/fire-restoration-falls-church-va/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.964954 | 1,563 | 3.3125 | 3 |
What are stem cells? Stem cells are cells in multicellular organisms that have not differentiated into specialized cells with specific functions.
In essence, they are the precursor building blocks of tissues and organs, and are used in research and therapies.
These are the three currently known types of stem cells:
- Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells derived from embryos generated and cultured in vitro for assisted reproduction that have reached blastocyst stage (not ready for implantation) and legally donated for medical research. (The U.S. and the U.K. have informed consent rules that permit such donations.)
- Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells found within differentiated systems or organs. The two best known adult stem cells are found in bone marrow: hematopoietic (or blood-forming) cells; and mesenchymal cells, which can generate bone, cartilage and fat. Hematopoietic cells can also come from peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood, and for therapies can be autologous (from the patient’s own body) or allogeneic (from others). Adult stem cells have also been found in the adult brain and may exist in other organs as well.
- Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult stem cells derived from differentiated cells which have been reprogrammed to assume the basic characteristics of embryonic stem cells. This technology, just over a decade old, won the Nobel Prize for its discoverers in 2012. These cells are useful in drug development and disease modeling and have the highest potential for use in therapies where risk of rejection is high, as they can be made from the cells of the affected individual.
Stem cells demonstrate two principal characteristics: self-renewal / clonality, referring to the cell’s ability to reproduce itself over time without differentiation; and potency (sometimes called pluripotency), which is a stem cell’scapacity to differentiate.
Stem Cells In Treatment Of Diseases
The term “stem cell therapy” is used to indicate that stem cells are being used as part of a treatment modality. These cells can, for example, be transplanted, infused, or injected into the body. The rationale of using stem cells in treatment is that these cells have a unique ability to repair and replace specific damaged or abnormal cells arising from certain medical conditions, and could have the potential to cure certain conditions altogether.
Stem cells have already been used successfully since the 1970s to treat blood diseases such as lymphoblastic leukemia, myeloid leukemia, thalassemia, and multiple myeloma. This type of stem cell therapy, known as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), wherein the harvested stem cells are “transplanted” by intravenous infusion, was until recently the only proven clinical use of stem cells.
Stem cell transplantation takes place in three areas of treatment:
- To replace cells damaged either by cancer or by high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments
- To provide a patient with a new immune system that would enable the identification and destruction of any remaining cancer cells persisting after chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- To provide limbal (corneal epithelial) cells to help burn patients needing ocular surface reconstruction, or for people with limbal stem cell deficiency
Stem cell transplantation in cancer cases is usually recommended only if certain criteria are met. The criteria may include type and stage of cancer, chance of relapse, sensitivity of the cancer to chemotherapy, and whether there is sufficient scientific evidence to support the treatment.
Several studies have been conducted on the applicability of stem cell therapy to conditions such as stroke and spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, as well as neuromuscular, heart, bone and joint diseases. Many successful trials have been conducted on animals, but only a few on humans. Of these, some have shown promise but only on a relatively small scale and so are not yet considered recommended clinical practices by the medical community.
Experimental Treatment or Not?
Although HSCT is well accepted among clinicians and insurers in cancer treatment, many stem cell therapies are still deemed “experimental treatments.” Most policies clearly exclude it, but policy language can often be less than clear in defining what “experimental” means.
This is an example of a policy definition of experimental treatment:
Experimental Treatment shall mean treatment that is
not recognized as an established treatment which shall
be treatment that has undergone appropriate clinical
trial and assessment and where there is sufficient
evidence published in medical journals to confirm
As published clinical evidence can still be debated by the medical profession and interpreting the significance of published evidence is still very much subjective, claims assessors face an uphill task to obtain the necessary information.
There are two ways to approach this:
- Once a treatment is deemed (or commissioned) “acceptable clinical practice” it should no longer be considered experimental. This commissioning is done either by an international body of authority such as the World Health Organization, or by local entities governing clinical practices such as ministries of health or equivalent authorities such as the U.K.’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
- If a treatment has not been commissioned, insurers should fully engage their medical team and obtain the consensus of their chief medical officers as to whether there is sufficient evidence to determine if it can be accepted as a non-experimental treatment.
Medically Necessary or Not?
At the crux of any debate on stem cell treatments is whether or not these treatments, as a category, can be deemed “medically necessary.” Because of the rapid advances in stem cell research for new diseases as well as the increasing ease of harvesting stem cells, insurers today are seeing many more stem cell therapy claims for conditions other than cancers, and it is highly likely more will come in the future.
As many clinical applications of stem cells are still considered experimental, some insurers are opting to include, in addition to the usual “Medically Necessary” and “Experimental Treatment” definitions in their policy wordings, specific provisions or exclusionary language governing stem cells, such as:
- Human bone marrow using hematopoietic stem cells preceded by total bone marrow ablation is covered
- Other stem cell transplants are excluded
Alternatively, an insurer may publish references stating which stem cell treatments it considers “medically necessary” and which “experimental,” which would provide both claimants and their treating doctors with clear guidance. The “experimental treatment” language would need to be updated on a regular basis, as various treatments become accepted standards of care.
Or, rather than trying to list all stem cell experimental treatments individually, an insurer may insist that all such treatments except those previously confirmed as “medically necessary” (e.g., HSCT) be pre-authorized, which would allow each treatment to be validated on a case-by-case basis using the latest medical evidence. Because of the complexities of doing so, insurers would need comprehensive guidance in place to determine whether or not certain stem cell treatments are experimental.
Fundamental guidance would ask two questions:
- Does the treatment meet the definition of “medically necessary,” which often includes being “in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice”?
- Is the treatment excluded as experimental? If so, then it is not considered “in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice”.
For further guidance, insurers may use material from national medical accreditation bodies such as the U.K.’s NICE, which has now published 52 guidance notes mentioning stem cell therapies.
All of this being said, the medical utility of stem cells continues to be an area of debate. The ethics of stem cell therapy are often in the news when advances in science provide the potential for new treatments. Concerns have been raised in respect of how stem cells are obtained and their subsequent use.
On the other hand, interest in the field, as well as with new discoveries related to stem cells’ growing therapeutic value, is increasing around the world. Well-defined business models already exist in the U.S. and Canada, where significant investment in research is coming both from governments and private sector companies. Regulatory changes in Japan with respect to regenerative medicine has attracted substantial interest and stem cell research activities in Australia and Singapore are increasing as well. Indeed, the global research firm Transparency Market Research projects that by 2025 the worldwide stem cell market will have attained a compound annual growth rate of 13.8% and will have grown to USD 270.5 billion.
In terms of cost, the main focus for insurers should be to ensure that medical treatments are appropriately provided and that costs meet the policy definition of being “reasonable and customary.” This is especially important, as the cost of stem cell treatment can be significant and can also vary substantially from region to region. An autologous bone marrow transplant in the U.S., for example, can cost between USD 250,000 and USD 450,000 but in Asia between USD 50,000 and USD 70,000.
Right now, stem cell therapies are not likely to impact underwriting practices much in the near future. However, once their uses are well-established and the treatments they enable are proven more effective than other treatment modalities, insurers might look at considering seeing claims for stem cell therapies in a better light. | <urn:uuid:028a3de0-d85d-46b6-8bb4-764844bcd67d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.rgare.com/knowledge-center/article/global-health-brief-stem-cell-therapy | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.953615 | 1,971 | 3.859375 | 4 |
It is possible you may have a household pest called the carpet beetle. While adult carpet beetles are easier to spot and don't actually cause any damage to your household items, it's the larvae or offspring of these insects that you need to be careful of.
Adult carpet beetles may only live for a few weeks and are easier to see because they are usually attracted to bright lights or outside plants. The problem comes when these adult carpet beetles start to lay their eggs. These eggs are usually found near their food source which can be any place where lint collects such as baseboards, in the duct work of hot-air furnace systems, or with wool clothing that is being kept in storage. Larvae usually take 6-11 days to hatch and a female beetle will lay 50-100 of these eggs that are whitish in color. Larval will usually live between 250-650 days and spend this time looking for foods that contain some type of animal fibers.
Some signs of damage are random holes in a garment or fabric, sometimes found around the collar of a shirt or garment. The damage caused by these beetles differs from that of a clothes moth because the latter may leave cocoons or larvae which would be found in or near your clothing.
To avoid infestations from these carpet beetles try to keep your house as dust free as possible and make sure to vacuum your carpet regularly.
Contact us for more help or tips on how to prevent household pests. | <urn:uuid:93211737-5f14-4d19-ac9e-dd2e13ddae34> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.rockymountainpropertyinspections.com/blog/archives/04-2017 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.978256 | 293 | 2.671875 | 3 |
If you’re a regular internet user, you’re not likely to have heard of Cat 6 or Cat 7. However, understanding the key differences between Cat 6 vs Cat 7 can be helpful to boost internet performance in your home or workplace.
Cat 6 and Cat 7 refer to various categories of network cabling, commonly referred to as Ethernet cables which connect internet devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers to the router or modem.
Cat 6 Ethernet cables can support internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second and are typically the preferred choice for households.
Cat 7 Ethernet cables utilize modern technological advancements to handle higher bandwidths and faster internet speeds, making them well-suited to workplaces and data centers.
Due to their improved spec, Cat 7 cables are more expensive than Cat 6 cables.
In this article, we will explain all the key differences between Cat 6 vs Cat 7 Ethernet cables to help guide you in choosing the best network cables for your home setup.
What Is CAT 6?
Cat 6 indicates the Sixth generation of Ethernet cables. These cables support a frequency of 250MHz (Megahertz). This cable is compatible with Cat 5 and Cat 5e.
This type of Ethernet cable is prevalent for newer installations. It is versatile and has excellent bandwidth and speed.
Cat 6 has 10 Gigabits per second as their top transfer speed. Cat 6 has RJ-45 as their standard connector on the cable.
Most data centers and home networks use Cat 6 Ethernet cables. They have thick sheaths that protect them from Alien crosstalk and Near-End Crosstalk.
The Near-End Crosstalk is the interference from one twisted pair to another twisted pair of wires within the same cable.
The Alien Crosstalk is the noise interference from another cable. The Crosstalk’s causing noise and interference leads to reduced data speeds.
The key advantages and disadvantages of Cat 6 Ethernet cables are summarized below.
- Low crosstalk
- Fast speed transfer of up to 10 Gigabits per second
- It is compatible with Cat 5 and Cat 5e.
- Cannot manage multiple applications
- Thick cables make installation difficult
- Less speed and bandwidth than Cat 7
How Fast Is CAT 6?
Cat 6 supports Gigabit Ethernet data rates of 1 Gigabit per second. However, this speed of 1 Gigabit per second is theoretical, due to collision or other transient failures. In reality, the speed you will get will be marginally less than 1 gigabit per second.
Under normal conditions, most users of a Cat 6 cable should get data transfer speeds of up to 900 Megabits per second.
This cable can also accommodate 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections over a short distance. That means that a single cable can allow a 10 Gigabit Ethernet connection up to 164 feet.
The Difference Between CAT 6 and CAT 6A
The Cat 6A model is an augmented version of the Cat 6 Ethernet cable. Cat 6A is an improvement of Cat 6 and can accommodate on a single cable 10 Gigabit Ethernet data rates up to 328 feet.
Cat 6A is twice as fast as Cat 6. They are also thicker than Cat 6 but still use the same RJ-45 connectors.
Cat 6A is not expensive, so can be a great option for households wanting a cheaper faster Ethernet cables without paying Cat 7 prices.
These cables have also been shielded meaning they have thicker covers that eliminate crosstalk.
Is There A Cat 6E Ethernet Cable?
Cat 6e is not an actual standard but was labeled by some manufacturers concerning the pattern from Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables. These manufacturers were trying to show that Cat 6 was an upgrade from Cat 5e.
However, there is no legitimate category of Cat 6e standards and it is not acknowledged by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).
TIA is an accredited telecommunications company to develop standards for the telecommunication industry.
What Is CAT 7?
Cat 7 belongs to the seventh generation of Ethernet cables. These cables support higher bandwidths than Cat 6 Ethernet cables and faster speed transfer. These cables are more expensive than Cat 6 cables.
Cat 7 Ethernet cables have a maximum speed of 100 Gigabits per second making the 10 Gigabits of Cat 6 look slow.
Cat 7 cables are shielded entirely, and there is no noise interference, thus improving connection quality. These cables do not use the RJ-45 connector instead they use the Giga Gate 45 connectors
Moat home computers and networking equipment do not have the Giga Gate 45 (GG45) connection.
If you have the Cat 7 cable ensure that it has the right connector, meaning that you will have t look for the RJ-45 connector.
The key advantages and disadvantages of Cat 7 Ethernet cables are summarized below.
- Larger bandwidth than Cat 6
- Enhanced shielding that eliminates interferences.
- Ultra-fast speed of up to 0 Gigabits per second
- Difficult to install
- High cost
- No TIA/EIA recognition
CAT 6 vs CAT 7
Cat 6 is found in many homes’ networks today because of the good price-to-performance ratio. The following are the key differences between Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables.
- Crosstalk: Cat 6 cables have cable shielding that helps in reducing the crosstalk interference. However, Cat 7 has shielding on every pair of wires to eliminate nearly all interferences. Crosstalk usually causes errors and can prevent or reduce data transmission. Therefore, keeping crosstalk to a minimum ensures the network is running maximumly.
- Cost: This is a very significant difference between the two cables. The cost of Cat 6 averages at $0.25 to $0.35 per foot while cat 7 costs around $0.40 to $0.60 per foot which is about 40-60 percent more.
- Speed: The transfer speed of Cat 7 is 40 Gigabits per second while Cat 6 has a maximum of 10 Gigabits per second. However, the 10 Gigabit speed is sufficient for most average households who want to play video games, video conferences, and stream movies.
The main use of Cat 7 is in data centers because of the need for higher-speed transfers. The data centers also have hardware that is compatible with Cat 7’s GG-45 connector.
Speed in Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables reduces at 100 meters. This is where Cat 7 gets to 10Gbps and Cat 6 achieves 1Gbps at the 100-meter length.
- Frequency: Cat 7 is much faster than Cat 6 because of its high frequency of 800 megahertz compare to the 250 megahertz of Cat 6. This makes Cat 7 to be the winner in the frequency category.
- TIA/EIA recognition: Cat 6 Ethernet cables meet EIA ad TIA installation standards while Cat 7 does not meet EIA and TIA standards. These are standards followed by data centers or other large networks but do not apply to home networks.
How To Visually Tell CAT 6 vs CAT 7 Cables Apart
Both Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables have four twisted pairs of wires within the sheath. However, Cat 6 is just twisted and has a rubber insert to keep the cables twisted, this twisting reduces the crosstalk between the cables.
Cat 7 has twisted pair cables with shielding as well to reduce the crosstalk more.
What Do Different Ethernet Cable Speeds Mean?
The speed of Ethernet cables can be confusing as to what they mean and to tell how fast and slow each one is. To get a clearer picture, let’s imagine you want to download some movies which are 4.5Gb each in size.
If you have an Ethernet cable with a speed of 10 megabits per second it means that you will download a 4.5 GB in one hour.
An Ethernet cable with 1 Gigabit per second speed will download 100 movies of 4.5GB in 1 hour while a cable of 10 gigabits per second can download 1000 movies of 4.5 GB each in one hour.
What Connectors Do Cat 6 Cables use?
CAT 6 uses the same registered Jack45 (RJ_45) standard connectors as previous Ethernet cable generations. This connector has eight pins where the cable wire strands interface electrically.
These individual wires are fitted 1mm apart using a cable crimping tool. There is a term “plug” that refers to the cable or the male end of the connection and “Jack” means the female end or the port where the connector is inserted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which is best, Cat 6 or Cat 7?
It depends on your circumstances. For home use, Cat 6 cables are preferred as they meet industry standards, are affordable, and provide fast internet speeds. Cat 7 cables are better suited to high-consumption data centers.
Are there other Cat options?
Yes, there are previous generations of Cat cables such as Cat 5e, the predecessor of Cat 6. This cable has less bandwidth and slower transfer speeds than Cat 6. Cat 5e is cheaper compared to Cat 6.
However, for a better network and faster speeds, invest in Cat 6 cables. There is also Cat 8 which is an improved version of Cat 7 cables.
Hopefully, you are now clearer on the differences between Cat 6 and Cat 7. Cat refers to Ethernet cables that connect your modem or router to your internet-using devices.
This provides an alternative to wireless internet and is often used to improve the internet connection quality on high-consumption devices.
The number (i.e. 6 or 7) refers to the generation of technology the cable. The later generation models provide improved technology and internet performance.
Both Cat 6 and Cat 7 cable options provide high-speed internet, but Cat 6 is more popular in home settings.
Cat 7 is better suited to high internet usage workplaces or data centers. Cat 6 cables are cheaper than Cat 7, so Cat 6 is popular among households with average internet needs. | <urn:uuid:60df7317-6736-4f33-9426-b1cf7bcf78ef> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.routerfreak.com/cat-6-vs-cat-7/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.921657 | 2,081 | 3.03125 | 3 |
Bone Marrow Transplant is a life-saving procedure recommended for patients with various blood-related conditions. The procedure helps to facilitate the growth and production of new blood cells to make up for the replenished blood cells.. Over the years, the procedure has seen tremendous advancements and is now considered a gold standard treatment for many haematological illnesses. At present, there are 3 major types of bone marrow transplant procedures available. Want to know more about them? Continue reading this blog by the best BMT doctor in Gurugram.
What is a Bone Marrow Transplant?
A BMT or a bone marrow transplant is a procedure that can help to save the lives of people suffering from serious conditions of the blood and bone marrow, including cancer. The procedure may seem a little complex, but the idea behind it is very simple. It involves the infusion of healthy blood-forming cells into the bloodstream of a patient to aid in the production, growth and development of new blood cells. This doesn’t happen overnight and takes a couple of weeks or even months, for the patient’s blood count to get back to normal. Over the years, bone marrow transplant has proved to be a boon for patients suffering from conditions like
Bone Marrow Transplant procedure has also made it possible for patients to undergo procedures like chemotherapy and radiation therapy by addressing one of the major complications linked with these. Along with the unhealthy cells, the procedures can also destroy the healthy cells in the body, because their impact cannot be restricted. BMT procedure can help to make up for the loss of healthy cells in such cases. Bone marrow transplant in India is performed at all the leading hospitals.
2 major types of Bone Marrow Transplant
Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant -
It is a type of bone marrow transplant in which you do not need a donor. In this case, the recipient is the donor himself/herself. The procedure involves the use of bone marrow collected from the body of the patient. This is primarily done prior to a major procedure like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. As the patient’s own cells are used, the procedure comes with significant advantages. There are no chances of rejection or incompatibility.
Now, it is important to note that not every patient is eligible for an autologous bone marrow transplant and it can be considered only if the patient’s body is capable of producing healthy blood cells that can be collected, frozen, stored and reinfused in their body.
There are many conditions that can give rise to the need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy, like Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and a variety of plasma cell disorders. An autologous bone marrow transplant is performed after thoroughly conditioning the patient’s body and destroying all the unhealthy or malignant cells.
Allogenic bone marrow transplant -
It is a type of bone marrow transplant in which you need a donor, who can be a family member, a friend or even a stranger with identical HLA typing. The procedure is recommended for patients when their body is incapable of producing healthy blood cells. In this case, the bone marrow can be collected from the donor’s body in 3 different ways - either from their blood, their hip bone, or even a donated umbilical cord.
Allogenic bone marrow transplant can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of malignant and benign blood conditions like
If you want to know more about bone marrow transplant procedures, consult the best doctors in Gurugram today.
Dr. Dharma Choudhary, Director
DirectorBook an Appointment | <urn:uuid:c1bbfb7c-6814-40b3-96bc-41c406f85726> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.sanarhospitals.com/blog/understanding-different-types-of-bone-marrow-transplant | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.917475 | 748 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Study reveals few infants taken into care are placed with brothers and sisters
Only one in five infants taken into care in Scotland who had older brothers or sisters were initially placed with them, according to a new study published today.
The report – Born Into Care – is a joint piece of research from the Universities of Lancaster, Stirling and SCRA, and was funded by the Scottish Government.
The research found that although on the whole families were known to services before their birth, and thus their arrival was expected, most infants were not placed with their older brothers and sisters. Two years later, only a third of children were living with a brother or sister.
The research team analysed data for all 2,849 infants who entered the care system via a Children’s Hearing before they were a year old between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2020, and looked in depth at the circumstances of 70 of those children and their families.
The study also explored the circumstances of families where infants were removed, uncovering complex needs relating to poverty and housing problems, mental health, substance misuse, domestic abuse and offending histories.
Researchers also found that many of the parents were recorded as having difficult and disrupted childhoods themselves, with significant proportions having experienced abuse or neglect. Over a third (37%) of mothers and a quarter (24%) of fathers were care experienced.
Around a third of parents did not have any older children. But the study found that this was not the first child who had become looked after away from home for many of the parents.
Nine out of ten of the mothers known to have older children had at least one child previously removed, with one in five having had three or more children taken into care.
Although less information was recorded for fathers, over half (56%) of those with older children were known to have had a previous child removed from their care.
The use of population-level data by this study also enabled important comparisons with similar research on compulsory care proceedings in England and Wales.
This study found that infants under a year old formed 20% of all children who entered care via the Children’s Hearings System in Scotland. This is a lower proportion than other parts of the UK. In Wales, 30% of all children entering care proceedings between 2011 and 2018 were under a year old, while in England, this was 27% (between 2007/08 and 2016/17).
Between 2013/14 and 2019/20, the proportion of infants in Scotland who became looked after away from home as newborns (less than seven days old) was fairly stable at around a third. By comparison, in England and Wales the proportion of infants who entered care proceedings as newborns was higher, and showed an upward trend across the period – from 43% to 51% in England, and from 40% to 51% in Wales. | <urn:uuid:b1263a55-7ebd-4a48-a7f0-0c46cda19f02> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.scra.gov.uk/2022/04/study-reveals-few-infants-taken-into-care-are-placed-with-brothers-and-sisters/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.989795 | 578 | 2.5625 | 3 |
By Rita Chavez
Fall is here! The air is starting to feel crisp, the trees are changing color, and I am sure your kids are constantly finding treasures on the ground. Leaves, acorns, pine cones; like Templeton from Charlotte’s Web would say, “it’s a veritable smorgasbord!” If your kids are anything like mine, they have amassed a collection of fallen leaves, twigs, and pine cones on the porch, and it is forbidden to dispose of their prized collections. Don’t fret, you can turn their treasures into some fun art projects with these ideas below!
Leaf Print Paint Stamps
What You’ll Need:
Fallen leaves (the more fun the shape, the more fun the stamp!)
Paint sponge brushes
Prep your work surface with newspaper or plastic cloth to protect your table. Have your child lay a leaf on a sheet of cardstock, and using a small amount of paint on a sponge brush, help them paint the entire surface of the leaf. Once they have completely covered the leaf, help your child carefully lift the leaf and lay the painted side down on a clean sheet of cardstock paper, making sure to gently put pressure over the surface of the whole leaf onto the paper. Once you have rubbed the whole surface of the leaf, carefully lift the leaf off to reveal a painted stamp of the leaf imprint. Your child can do this with the same leaf, or use different leaves and different colors to create patterns and designs. This project would make adorable framed art, or wonderful fall greeting cards!
Pine Cone Sun Catcher/Mobile
What You’ll Need:
4-5 Pine Cones
A branch (about 12 inches long)
Clear liquid glue
Paint brush (for the glue)
Prep your work surface to protect your table; alternatively, you could take this project outside as it could get very messy! For this project, working on one pine cone at a time works best, as you and your child will be using glue. Using a 20-22 inch length of twine, tie each end securely to each end of the branch and set aside; this will be your hanger. Pour some glue onto a paper plate and let your child generously brush glue onto the surface of the pine cone. Using a different paper plate, holding the glue painted pine cone above the plate with tongs or a glove, help your child sprinkle glitter over the pine cone, making sure to cover all areas that have been painted with the glue. Shake off the remaining glitter onto the plate and set the pine cone on a clean plate to dry. You can reuse this glitter by pouring it back into the jar. Help your child decorate 3-4 more pine cones. Once the pine cones are completely dry, cut different lengths of twine in the number of pine cones you have. Tie one end of twine securely around the end of a finished pine cone, getting under the scales to ensure it holds, then tie the other end securely to the branch hanger. Repeat this with all of the pine cones, and secure them evenly spaced on the branch hanger. You can hang your finished sun catcher in a sunny window or on the porch and enjoy the sun making it sparkle! Alternatively, you can make this project glitter free by letting your child use tempera paint instead of the glue and glitter. The pine cones will be just as beautiful, and they have the freedom to paint each scale of a pine cone a different color!
Pine Cone Bird Feeder:
What You’ll Need:
This project is for the bird lovers! Prep your work surface. Scoop ¼-½ cup peanut butter into a bowl, pour bird seed into another bowl, and set aside. Using at least 22 inches of twine, tie one end securely onto the ends of however many pine cones you would like to use, making sure to get under the scales of the pine cones to ensure it holds strong. Once the pine cones have been tied with twine, help your child hold each pine cone and use a butter knife to spread the peanut butter from the bowl generously on the surface of the pine cone. Then have your child roll the peanut buttered pine cone in the bowl of bird seed, making sure to have them push the pine cone into the seed to help it stick. Once they have rolled bird seed onto the pine cones, they are ready to hang in the nearest tree by tying the other end of twine attached to the pine cone securely on a tree branch. Watch the birds enjoy a fall feast!
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Over the last 100 years, scholars have developed Social Capital as a multifaceted concept, emphasizing constituting elements for different purposes in a variety of fields. This section discusses the development of Social Capital theory during three distinct periods. Table 1 gives a condensed summary.
Table 1. Overview of the evolution of Social Capital theory
|Social||Capital||Social and Capital|
|Educational domain||Domain of origin; Attention to social relations and educational improvement||Attention disappeared; emphasis on achievements of students in different social layers||Growing attention; emphasis on student achievements and institutional innovation|
|Theme||What is Social Capital?||What is the impact of Social Capital?||How does ‘social’ create ‘capital’?|
|Important domains||Education, minorities||Community, society, politics, economics, public health, education||Community, society, politics, economics, public health, organizational development, education|
|Definition||Quality of the relations as resource for common action and goods||Variety of definitions, fragmentary aspects||From definition to redefined models, tested theory, growing evidence|
|Scholars||Hanifan, Bourdieu, Coleman||Putnam, Portes, Lin, Woolcock, Burt, Granovetter||Putname, Portes, Lin, Nahapiet, and Ghoshal, Paldam, Adler|
|Research||Metaphorical and prescriptive||Quantitative evidence, mostly on economic innovation and societal improvements||Qualitative, mixed, multidisciplinary|
|Dissemination||Some articles||A myriad of articles in journals in many domains||Mainstream books and handbooks|
Social Capital theory has its origins in the educational domain. Hanifan, Bourdieu and Coleman are regarded as the pioneers who utilized Social Capital theory for improving education. Hanifan, a reformer of rural schools in West Virginia, proposed the concept for the first time in the context of educating minority populations,
stressing the importance of community involvement. His account of Social Capital emphasized the value of social relations in a community ‘as capital’ for their members. Social Capital refers
‘… not to real estate, or to personal property or to cold cash, but rather to that in life which tends to make this tangible substances count for most in the daily lives of people, namely, goodwill, fellowship, mutual sympathy and social intercourse among a group of individuals who make up a social unit…’ (Hanifan, 1916).
Hanifan’s introduction of the concept, however, did not attract noticeable attention. Scientific recognition came six decades later when the French scholar Bourdieu used the concept to demonstrate the inequality of the Social Capital of groups in society. At the same time, the American scholar Coleman promoted Social Capital as a means of socialization, ‘creating human capital’. Bourdieu’s sociological definition of Social Capital includes
‘… the aggregate of actual or potential resources linked to possession of a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance or recognition…’ ‘This group membership provides members with the backing of the collectively owned capital’ (Bourdieu, 1986).
He emphasized the ‘resources’ of the membership of a network as a collective possession, which defines one’s social position and possibilities, as well as the availability of ‘institutional resources’, such as education.
Contrary to Bourdieu, Coleman (1990) welcomed the reproduction of upper-class values and norms by means of forming the right Social Capital. Family and school have to contribute significantly to this process of reproduction. Coleman proposed three forms of Social Capital: level of trust (as evidenced by obligations and expectations), information channels, and norms and sanctions that promote the common good over self-interest. This Social Capital facilitates certain actions (Coleman, 1990). His definition emphasizes, like Hanifan’s, the value of social relations and the quality of these relations, as well as the channels, promoting the common good.
Despite their differences, Hanifan, Bourdieu and Coleman share the emphasis on the usability of the concept as an explanation for educational achievement. However, they did not further develop the concept into an empirically sound theory.
Between 1990 and 2000, the concept of Social Capital became recognized across different fields. Especially Coleman’s interpretation was frequently adopted mostly by scholars in political sciences and economics in attempts to ‘capitalize’ social relations. Key questions included the economic pay-off of Social Capital (Knack & Keefer, 1997), and how to measure Social Capital (Paldam, 2000; Stone, 2001). Scholars pointed at Social Capital as a powerful factor at macro, meso and micro levels (Isham, Kelly & Ramaswamy, 2002) that positively influences the development in settings as developing countries, communities, health, education, democracy and government, and economic development (Jackman & Miller, 1996; Portes & Sensenbrenner, 1993). In the USA, Social Capital theory continued to attract attention in education circles since it was used to investigate the achievements of pupils and students (Dika & Singh, 2002). The rise of Social Capital theory was encouraged by publications in well-established journals, such as the Academy of Management Journal and Harvard Educational Review, which contributed to its scientific status.
The enhancement of the status of Social Capital theory was accompanied by indepth elaboration on its various components, such as networks, trust, norms, values and collaboration. This pursuit of making the concept of Social Capital better measurable was also criticized as it encouraged researchers to focus on separate variables, ignoring the concept of Social Capital as a whole. As Lin (1999, p.33) stated, ‘the concept of Social Capital has been de-contextualized and divorced from its roots in individual interactions and networking’. Most research studies in this stage are quantitative and non-contextual (Cooke & Wills, 1999; Gabbay & Zuckerman, 1998; Tsai & Ghoshal, 1998). The concept became accepted in fields as economics and political sciences, but as a consequence the ‘capital’ aspect was placed in the foreground and the ‘social’ gradually faded into the background.
The fact that Social Capital research focused more on particular fragments, raised concerns. The need for an overarching theory outlining the essence of Social Capital was signalled by Nahapiet and Ghoshal (1998), who proposed a three-dimensional model that became widely adopted by many scholars in different fields. During the last decades, multidisciplinary research has grown, theoretically refined models have emerged and increasing attention has been paid to the contextual embedding of Social Capital. The use of qualitative research and mixed methods has become common.
The growing body of research encouraged the production of reviews, books and handbooks, such as the often cited review by Portes (2000). Dika and Singh (2002) reviewed the state of the art in the educational domain, while Robert Putnam ‘s book ‘Bowling Alone’ (2000) attracted a broad readership. A year later, the first
‘Social Capital’ handbook was published, ‘Social Capital, a theory of social structure and action’ (Lin, 2001), presenting empirical research and providing a research agenda on the instrumental aspects of Social Capital. More handbooks are those by Castiglione, van Deth and Wolleb (2008), and Svendsen and Svendsen (2009), ‘The Troika of Sociology, Political Science and Economics’. It seems as if through these handbooks partly the work of the early pioneers mirror. Lin’s work is influenced by Bourdieu and presents Social Capital as phenomenon of networks and action. Castigilione, van Deth and Wolleb focus on the effects of Social Capital, whereas Svendsen and Svendsen emphasize the need for interdisciplinarity. None of the handbooks pays any attention to Social Capital in the educational domain.
Pages in this article: One Hundred Years of ‘Social Capital’
Citing this article
This article is part of a thesis:
Corry.G.J.M. Ehlen. 2015. Co-creation of Innovation: Investment with and in Social Capital. Open University. Heerlen. The Netherlands. ISBN 97894 91825 77 4.
You should reference this work as:
Ehlen, C.G., Van der Klink, M., Boshuizen, H.P.A. (2014). One Hundred Years of ‘Social Capital’: Historical Development and Contribution to Collective Knowledge Creation in Organizational Innovation. Open University. Heerlen. The Netherlands.
- Hanifan, L. J. (1916). The Rural School Community Center. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 67, 130-138. ^
- Bourdieu, P. (1986). The forms of capital. The sociology of economic life. Richardson, J., Handbook of Theory and Research for the Sociology of Education, (pp. 96-111; 241-158). New York Greenwood. ^
- Coleman, J. S. (1990). Social capital in the creation of human capital. American Journal of Sociology, 94(S1), 95. ^
- Knack, S., & Keefer, P. (1997). Does Social Capital Have An Economic Payoff? A Cross-Country Investigation. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 112(4), 1251-1288. ^
- Paldam, M. (2000). Social capital: one or many? Definition and measurement. Journal of economic surveys, 14(5), 629-653. ^
- Stone, W. (2001). Measuring social capital: towards a theoretically informed measurement framework for researching social capital in family and community life (Vol. 24, februar): Australian Institute of Family Studies. ^
- Isham, J., Kelly, T., & Ramaswamy, S. (2002). Social Capital and Economic Development: Well-Being in Developing Countries. Cheltenham, UK Edward Elgar. ^
- Jackman, R. W., & Miller, R. A. (1996). A Renaissance of Political Culture. American Journal of Political Science, 40(3), 632-659. ^
- Portes, A., & Sensenbrenner, J. (1993). Embeddedness and immigration: notes on the social determinants of economic action. The American journal of Sociology (AJS), 98. ^
- Dika, S. L., & Singh, K. (2002). Applications of social capital in educational literature: A critical synthesis. Review of educational research, 72(1), 31-60. ^
- Lin, N. (1999). Building a network theory of social capital. Connections, 22(1), 28-51. ^
- Cooke, P., & Wills, D. (1999). Small firms, social capital and the enhancement of business performance through innovation programmes. Small Business Economics, 13(3), 219-234. ^
- Gabbay, S. M., & Zuckerman, E. W. (1998). Social capital and opportunity in corporate R&D: The contingent effect of contact density on mobility expectations. Social Science Research, 27(2), 189-217. ^
- Tsai, W. & Ghoshal, S. (1998). Social capital and value creation: The role of intrafirm networks. Academy of Management Journal, 41(4), 464-476. ^
- Nahapiet, J., & Ghoshal, S. (1998). Social capital, intellectual capital, and the organizational advantage. Academy of Management Review, 23(2), 242-266. ^
- Portes, A. (2000). The two meanings of social capital. In Sociological forum (Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 1-12). Kluwer Academic Publishers-Plenum Publishers. ^
- Putnam, R. (2000). Bowling alone: the collapse and revival of American community. New York, Simon&Schuster. ^
- Lin, N. (2001). Social capital. A Theory of Social Structure and Action. Cambridge University Press. New York. ^
- Castiglione, D., Van Deth, W., & Wolleb, G. (2008). The handbook of Social Capital. Oxford: Oxford University Press. ^
- Svendsen, G., & Svendsen, G. (2009). Handbook of Social Capital: The Troika of Sociology, Political Science and Economics Cheltenham: Edward Elgar. ^ | <urn:uuid:edbd05ab-f14f-42f1-a8b7-170736e9618b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.socialcapitalresearch.com/one-hundred-years-social-capital/evolving-concept-of-social-capital/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.866133 | 2,653 | 3.40625 | 3 |
In 2007 a group of magicians including James Randi, Teller, one half of Penn & Teller and others, gathered in Las Vegas to talk about the psychological principles they use to produce magic. Nothing unusual there, except that their audience was made up of psychologists and neuroscientists attending ‘The Magic of Consciousness Symposium’.
The aim of this collaboration between magicians and psychologists was to help uncover new ways of investigating human thought and behaviour. Now two articles on the psychology of magic have been published in prestigious academic journals. In one paper in Nature Neuroscience the magicians, with the help of academics Stephen L. Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde explain the psychological principles magicians use. In the other, appearing in Trends in Cognitive Science, Dr Gustav Kuhn, points to how magician’s techniques can be used by psychologists to develop new avenues of research.
Psychologists are interested in the principles of magic because magicians have been carrying out informal behavioural experiments on people for centuries and have built up a huge array of techniques – many psychological – to create their mind-bending effects. Tricks often rely on manipulating people’s expectations, misdirecting their attention and subtly influencing decision-making – all the kinds of things that intrigue psychologists.
While physical misdirection, physical illusions and physical ‘forcing’ (see number 3 below) are well-known magical techniques, less is known about their psychological counterparts. So here are three critical psychological techniques oft-used by magicians of all types which psychologists are just beginning to explore experimentally.
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1. Psychological misdirection
Physical misdirection is a well-known tool for the magician: he points at an object, a big gesture distracts, spectators fixate on a suddenly appearing dove. All are designed to distract from another movement that is vital for the trick.
Psychological misdirection is much more subtle – a good example is the false solution. This is where the magician leads spectators to believe they’ve worked out how the trick is done. Once this ‘solution’ is suggested people are much less likely to notice the clues that crop up as to how it’s really done. Instead people look for confirmation that their own theory is correct. When the magician finally shows this ‘solution’ is no such thing, spectators are left even more bemused. The false solution is, therefore, not just a happy coincidence, it is used as a distraction from the real solution.
Research in problem solving shows that once we have one solution in mind, it is very difficult to consider alternatives. Something like this effect is a common occurrence when, for example, we’re trying to remember the name of a particular actor and get the wrong one ‘stuck’ in our head. We know it’s not Christian Bale, but we can’t seem to get his name out of our heads so we can remember who it really was.
A recent study by Dr Gustav Kuhn of York University and colleagues has examined a very simple use of misdirection in the vanishing ball trick. This is where the magician throws a ball into the air three times, but on the third occasion it disappears. Dr Kuhn, a practicing magician, is shown demonstrating the trick in this clip:
In reality the magician has palmed the ball on the third throw but still looks upwards as though expecting to see the ball in flight. The spectators follow the magicians social cue and look up as well.
Dr Kuhn’s study found that it’s this social cue of looking upwards that has a huge part to play on whether this simple trick works or not. Around two-thirds of observers said they saw the ball actually moving upwards when the magician looked up. But, in another condition when the magician continued to look at his hand only about one-third thought they saw the ball moving upwards.
2. Cognitive illusions
Many an elephant, aeroplane or major landmark has been disappeared with the use of physical illusions: smoke and mirrors or other hardware techniques. But magicians also use mental illusions which can fool our attention or play with the way we predict the future.
Research suggests that it takes about a tenth of a second from information arriving in the brain to its conscious perception. Living a tenth of a second in the past is potentially deadly so we seem to get around this lag by ‘predicting the present’. Even before incoming stimuli are fully processed our brains are trying to work out what is going in the ‘future’, i.e. right now.
Our automatic predicting of the future is often used by magicians to trick us. The most common example is where a coin is made to disappear after it is apparently passed from one hand to the other, when it has in fact been palmed. Because the mind is already working ahead, assuming the coin has been passed to the other hand, it’s as though it has disappeared when the other hand is revealed to be empty.
Cognitive illusions can also rely on manipulating our attention. It is incredible what changes we will miss if our attention is directed elsewhere. The classic example is Simons & Chabris’ (1999) study in which many people fail to notice a man walking right across their field of vision in a gorilla suit (see also: choice blindness). An elegant demonstration of this effect has been produced by another magician/psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman – watch the video below. It starts off as a boring trick, but hold on until half-way through for the punch-line.
Psychologists have begun to probe the reasons why we’re so poor at spotting such obvious changes like this. One theory is that it mostly depends on where we happen to be looking at any given moment. To test this, research by Dr Kuhn and colleagues has used eye-tracking technology to map out exactly where participants are looking while they are watching a magic trick.
Their results show that the trick works not because our eyes don’t happen to be looking in the right direction, but because our attention is directed elsewhere. Surprisingly psychologists have found that exactly where we’re looking and what we’re paying attention to can be two different things. In this study even participants who were looking directly at the area where the deception was being perpetrated often didn’t ‘see’ the deception, because their attention was directed elsewhere. It seems where we’re looking isn’t as important as what we’re paying attention to.
3. Mental forcing
At its least sophisticated physical forcing is asking a spectator to pick a card from a special pack containing 52 aces of spades. Obviously the ace of spades can’t be avoided. But magicians consider this inelegant and prefer to use mental forcing to create their effects.
A more subtle, psychological, version of forcing involves giving a spectator the impression that they have a free choice from all 52 cards, but actually use some technique to expose them to the ace of spades for longer than the other cards, thereby influencing their decision. The spectator is then put under pressure to answer quickly but, at the same time the free choice is still emphasised. In fact the ‘free choice’ was no such thing at all. Professor Richard Wiseman demonstrates, but with a twist in the tail:
This is why magicians spend so much time emphasising to spectators how free their choice was. Magicians are effectively trying to rewrite spectators’ vague memories of being implicitly influenced and under pressure with the idea that their choice was completely of their own volition.
It turns out that magicians are much better at mental forcing than psychologists who have often recorded only modest effects in laboratory conditions.
Find out more…
Psychologists have only just begun to use magician’s techniques in the laboratory and they clearly still have much to learn.
If you’re interested in learning more about magician’s psychological techniques the complete Nature Neuroscience article is currently available online. You can also download videos from the ‘The Magic of Consciousness Symposium’ of presentations given by Teller, Apollo Robbins, The Amazing Randi, Mac King and The Great Tomsoni via Susana Martinez-Conde’s site.
Here is Teller’s very entertaining presentation which has been uploaded to YouTube. And if you’re not used to seeing him actually talking (he’s resolutely mute during his act) you may find it weird to begin with!
Hello, and welcome to PsyBlog. Thanks for dropping by.
This site is all about scientific research into how the mind works.
It’s mostly written by psychologist and author, Dr Jeremy Dean.
I try to dig up fascinating studies that tell us something about what it means to be human. | <urn:uuid:cbc63203-9cc5-42f9-9643-19ecc93011f8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.spring.org.uk/2008/08/psychology-of-magic-3-critical.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.957422 | 1,850 | 2.78125 | 3 |
Stellantis may be committed to selling only battery-electrics in Europe by 2030, but it is also testing “eFuels” (also known as “electrofuels”) on European vehicles made since 2014. The company said eFuels could potentially be used on up to 28 million of their vehicles, possibly reducing another 400 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions in Europe from 2025 on.
eFuel is a synthetic fuel made from captured carbon dioxide and hydrogen using renewable energy. The advantage of this kind of fuel over hydrogen or batteries is its potential as a drop-in replacement: it could simply be used in place of gasoline or diesel fuel, depending on the formulation. The disadvantage, at this time, is much higher cost, but costs could potentially come down as the technologies mature. It also takes more energy than simply using battery power or hydrogen, and still emits methane and nitrous oxide as well as local pollution. However, eFuel can keep cars and trucks running longer, and may be the only serious replacement for long-haul aviation.
In theory, electrofuels use the same amount of carbon dioxide as they produce when burned.
Stellantis is validating 28 engine families made from 2014 to (projected) 2029, both gasoline and diesel, with tests for emissions, starting, power, reliability, durability, oil dilution, fuel storage and delivery, and other related issues. This is important in the European Union, which has a quota demanding a small percentage (1.1%) of eFuel use by 2030. | <urn:uuid:c28c6862-65d9-4724-bb3d-752494b2c432> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.stellpower.com/news-2023/stla-moves-to-efuel-testing-on-28-engine-families/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.967554 | 318 | 3.015625 | 3 |
By Steven Hill, Al Jazeera, April 13, 2014
Germany has been led by eight chancellors since 1949, and nearly all of them have been world-class leaders. Their vision and achievements have been immortalised in portraits that hang in the Gallery of Chancellors on the first floor of the chancellery building.
Helmut Kohl reunited west and east, Gerhard Schroder is credited with tough policies that restored Germany’s competitiveness and exports. Willy Brandt, Helmut Schmidt and Konrad Adenauer, each in their own way, displayed a grand vision for domestic, European, transatlantic and global affairs that was epic-making.
After eight years in office, how does Chancellor Angela Merkel measure up against her predecessors? So far her signature achievement has been providing steady leadership during the cliffhanger turbulence of the eurozone crisis. Germany’s brand of austerity economics initially had its place, with its emphasis on debt consolidation as a way of steadying the boat in rocky seas. But unlike her predecessors, Frau Merkel has had difficulty articulating her own grand vision capable of unifying the various dimensions of German and European politics. Indeed, Merkel is the first German leader since World War II who appears to have no grand plan for how to pull Europeans closer together, or to further Europeanise Germany.
Combined with new challenges such as the Russian reclamation of Crimea, Merkel’s leadership is being tested over how to pilot not only Germany but Europe. Her policy of economic engagement with Russia as a vehicle for forging common bonds, which began under her predecessor Gerhard Schroeder (who subsequently became cozy with Gazprom and Russian energy interests as chairman of Nord Stream), now lies in tatters.
Germany, as Europe’s largest economy and most populous nation, has the power to veto any other member states’ initiatives. But doing so is not the same as showing leadership. Chancellor Merkel’s brand of always “do as little as possible” has broken with her many predecessors’ bold trajectory that for over fifty years gave essential leadership and momentum to the European project and world affairs.
Social Democrats to the rescue?
With the inclusion of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) in the new grand coalition (GroKo), many hoped that it might act like a rocket booster to nudge the German government back into its historic leadership orbit. It may be too early to say, but so far it appears that the SPD does not differ substantially from Merkel in how it approaches either eurozone challenges or European leadership on the global stage.
The negotiated grand coalition agreement mostly reinforces “muddling through” as Germany’s bipartisan approach to the eurozone. While foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier of the SPD announced in early February a new foreign policy of greater global engagement, the rhetoric was stronger than the details and the recent Ukrainian crisis has resulted in more typical Merkel-like caution. Indeed, Merkel’s (as well as other European leaders’) reluctance towards more enlargement in general, and ambivalence towards Ukraine in particular since the days of the Orange Revolution in the mid-2000s, provided Russia the opening that led to the current crisis in Germany’s near-abroad. Confusion has its costs.
While muddling through has been sufficient to get Europe through the worst of the economic crisis, it is highly unlikely that it will be successful in building a vibrant Germany or Europe for the 21st century.
Germany’s clumsy economics
But Merkel’s failed vision is most in evidence with her administration’s continued insistence on policies focused on increasing competitiveness and reducing debt levels and inflation – otherwise known as “austerity”. Austerity has only led to miniscule growth, high unemployment, borderline deflation and even higher debt levels for far too many member states. Germany and other northern European nations have been relying on large trade surpluses with southern Europe and the rest of the world to stimulate their economies. Germany’s trade surplus has averaged a whopping 6 percent of GDP over the last decade, but it’s not alone: Sweden’s has averaged 7 percent during the same period.
Germany says “do as we do” to its eurozone partners, yet basic economics shows that not all countries can run trade surpluses at the same time. The world’s overall current-account balances must ultimately sum up to zero because one country’s exports are another country’s imports; you cannot have one without the other.
Certainly Merkel has a point – that governments cannot simply run up unlimited debt. Her fellow eurozone leaders completely agree, even Greece, which for the first time in a decade had an annual budget surplus last year. But there’s a flipside to that coin. For example, even though Greece and Spain’s painful internal devaluation has resulted in a competitiveness gain of approximately 5 percent vis a vis Germany, the euro has appreciated 7 percent against the dollar and other international currencies over the past year.
So the euro’s appreciation has wiped out most of the gains that would have allowed Greece and Spain to increase their exports outside the eurozone. This leaves Spain, Greece and others trying to do the impossible: service their rising debt burdens with a shrinking economy. Whatever were the initial benefits of budget consolidation and austerity as a way to steady the ship, at this point continued German-led austerity is threatening to sink Europe’s fragile recovery.
Germans must recognise that it will be a very long time – if ever – that member states like Greece, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Spain can be competitive with Germany. Now even the Netherlands has become the latest country locked in a vicious austerity cycle of cuts in government spending contributing to higher unemployment which has resulted in less tax revenue and greater deficits, followed by a doubling down on austerity to reduce the increased debt.
So as Germany celebrates a sense of having weathered the storm, for Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and Greece the crisis has never subsided, despite their return to the bonds markets. Record unemployment, low growth and virtual deflation are crippling them, and Germany’s “solutions” are akin to bleeding the patient to save her. Eurozone exit for one or more member states is still a real possibility, which would destabilise the still-fragile currency union.
At this point in the trajectory of the economic crisis, the policy alternatives to austerity are crystal clear: targeted stimulus spending (to jumpstart economic growth in the eurozone), more federalism (including transfers from better-off member states and debt-pooling in the form of Eurobonds), a robust banking union (that guarantees depositors and breaks the negative feedback loop between national banks and member states) and policies targeted to balance trade within the eurozone. But what has been lacking is the political will to do what is necessary. Even the Social Democrats seem unwilling to take the next obvious steps.
Certainly Merkel also is correct that budget discipline is necessary to keep Europe’s economic model sustainable. Yet even here, Merkel and her finance minister Wolfgang Schauble have failed to advance a compelling economic vision or grand initiative for how Europe may succeed at this, other than to keep bleeding the patient by staying the course on austerity. At this point, such passivity in the face of Europe’s existential challenge is woefully inadequate.
The tug-of-war with Russia over Ukraine shows how important it is that Europe put itself on a course that is stable, prosperous – and unified. Europe needs the right kind of leadership and, while there is much to admire about Germany, unfortunately German leadership appears to be the wrong kind for this important moment. | <urn:uuid:413be786-4bd8-44f4-8fd8-e267475cc3f6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.steven-hill.com/merkels-flawed-vision-for-europe-ukraine-russia-and-beyond/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.962341 | 1,580 | 2.8125 | 3 |
Pupils learn through a balance of child-initiated and adult-directed activities. The timetable is carefully structured so that children have rigorous directed teaching in English, maths and phonics everyday with regular circle time sessions to focus on PSED. These sessions are followed by group work where children work with a member of staff to develop their individual targets. This focused group time means the teacher can systematically check for understanding, identify and respond to misconceptions quickly and provide real-time verbal feedback which results in a strong impact on the acquisition of new learning.
Children are provided with plenty of time to engage in ‘exploration’ throughout the variety of experiences carefully planned to engage and challenge them in the provision. The curriculum is planned for the inside and outside classrooms and equal importance is given to learning in both areas. The curriculum is planned in a cross-curricular way to enable all aspects of the children’s development including understanding the world and expressive art and design as well as to promote sustained thinking and active learning.
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. Children follow the rigorous and highly successful Pearson’s Bug Club Phonics and Early Reading program faithfully so that they meet good outcomes for reading with almost all children passing the Year One phonics screening.
We follow the White Rose Maths approach in Reception with an emphasis on studying key skills of number, calculation and shape so that pupils develop deep understanding and the acquisition of mathematical language. Pupils learn through games and tasks using concrete manipulatives which are then rehearsed and applied to their own learning during exploration. These early mathematical experiences are carefully designed to help pupils remember the content they have been taught and to support them with integrating their new knowledge across the breadth of their experiences and into larger concepts.
Our inclusive approach means that all children learn together but we have a range of additional intervention and support to enhance and scaffold children who may not be reaching their potential or moving on children who are doing very well. This includes, for example, Talk Boost; nurture groups with some of our vulnerable children or additional ‘catch-up’ provision in Maths. The characteristics of effective learning are viewed as an integral part of all areas of learning and are reflected in our observations of children. | <urn:uuid:adea2559-78e5-4a1b-a1ff-cd251007ee41> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.stmaryssw.co.uk/implementation/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.962526 | 457 | 3.25 | 3 |
What is Chlorella Growth Factor?
Chlorella Growth Factor, also known as CGF, is a powerful extract that is only present in the single-celled green algae, chlorella. With Chlorella Growth Factor as part of its biochemical makeup, chlorella can multiply by four every 20-24 hours. When you consider how unique of an ability it is for a plant food to grow at such a rapid rate, imagine the health benefits it can also provide to your body once absorbed at the cellular level, such as repair and regeneration.
Chlorella Growth Factor also contains a unique mix of nucleic acids DNA and RNA along with the increasingly popular natural cosmetic nutrient, beta glucan.
Now, you may be thinking "that's great, but how does CGF measure up to my favourite line of anti-aging creams?
Once you hear the answer, you'll wish you'd heard of Chlorella Growth Factor sooner.
DNA and RNA for Flawless Skin and Anti-Aging
A youthful appearance isn't only skin deep. What goes on inside your body will always be reflected outwards and remain an indication of your overall health and wellness. Furthermore, how you age in terms of energy, health and appearance as you enter your 50's, 60's and 70's is all relative to the health of your cells. I promise not to give you an intense biology lesson, but I can assure you - once you understand the needs of your body at the cellular level, you'll be much better equipped to take control of how you maintain your youth and vibrant health!
RNA and DNA are the nucleic acids, or "materials” that your cells need to repair and regenerate. These acids carry the instructions for tissue repair and cell reproduction. Without sufficient RNA and DNA, your cells can get confused, which leads to repair and regeneration complications down the road.
As you age, your body's natural production of DNA and RNA declines. With less RNA and DNA being produced, the signs of aging become more visible (read: fine lines and wrinkles), and we experience a decrease in the speed of wound healing, energy and overall cellular function. For this reason, nucleic acids are a key component to anti-aging and beauty from the inside out.
Luckily, CGF contains a high concentration of bioavailable dietary nucleic acids, which means the RNA and DNA can be absorbed and utilized efficiently by your cells. Even if you're not concerned about aging just yet, you'll still benefit from the rejuvenating effects that the nucleic acids provide while taking a preventative measure for your health.
Beta Glucans for Younger Looking Skin
Beta glucan is a type of sugar molecule found in specific plant based foods such as oats, mushrooms and Chlorella Growth Factor.
While research on the health benefits of beta glucan remains incomplete, many people claim to experience a noticeable improvement in the appearance of their skin upon consumption or topical application. For this reason, you've likely seen beta glucans included in the ingredients list of herbal supplements and various topical skin care products intended for skin repair and regeneration- especially when it comes to anti-aging cream and burn and scar treatments. So far, it's been proven effective in reducing the overall severity of pain, inflammation and redness in the skin.
Beta glucan also acts as an antioxidant and immune system booster in the body by activating macrophages, the immune systems cells that destroy harmful pathogens. Since the body doesn't produce beta glucan on its own, you must obtain it from external dietary sources and you can do so by consuming Chlorella Growth Factor. All in all, beta glucan is a powerful nutrient to have on your side to radiate inner and outer beauty.
Protein for Beauty
Protein is an essential macronutrient for healthy and shiny hair, strong nails and blemish-free, soft skin. The RNA and DNA present in Chlorella Growth Factor help the body manufacture and utilize proteins. Protein is also essential for collagen production, a nutrient responsible for maintaining firm skin and elasticity.
A person with a low protein diet is more likely to have sagging skin, thin nails that break easily and hair loss. Other implications of protein deficiency include hormone imbalance, rashes and irregular or disturbed sleep. Additionally, a low protein diet can promote sugar cravings, an anti-beauty food that sabotages your overall health and wellness and your natural weight loss goals.
While it's a common belief that only animal foods contain protein, all plant foods also contain amino acids - even lettuce. You can get plant based protein simply by eating your favourite fruits and veggies each day. To receive higher concentrations of protein, be sure to include hemp hearts, algae, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, lentils, brown rice protein, oats and other whole grains in your diet. Organic animal protein such as bison, plain yogurt, chicken and omega 3 free range eggs are also excellent sources of essential amino acids.
The grams of protein you require per day will depend on your activity levels, gender and body weight, so be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to accurately determine your individual needs.
Bonus Natural Beauty Tips
To further promote the health of your cells and beauty that radiates from the inside out, it's important to consider additional lifestyle factors that contribute to anti-aging and preventing health imbalances.
Managing your stress levels, exercising regularly and moderating alcohol are three important lifestyle habits that can make a world of difference in your health when combined with a nutrient rich diet.
Limiting processed foods that contain unhealthy fats and refined sugar are also key to maintaining proper cellular function and therefore an appearance that radiates with health. When the state of your inner health reflects outwards, you can't help but look flawless at any age.
- Beauty is not skin deep, it begins from within and radiates outwards from the health of your cells.
- The health of your cells mirror your internal and external health, especially as you age.
- RNA and DNA are nucleic acids that are responsible for cellular repair and regeneration.
- To have healthy cells, your body must be producing sufficient RNA and DNA. Your body produces less RNA and DNA as you age, which is why it's so important to obtain it through your diet from a food source such as Chlorella Growth Factor. (Even if you're not concerned about aging yet, every life stage will benefit from CGF.)
- Chlorella Growth Factor also contains a unique sugar molecule called beta glucan, which has been proven effective for skin repair and rejuvenation. Beta glucan is available in topical skin treatment products, but will offer increased benefits to the body when ingested.
- Sufficient protein intake is required for clear, bright skin, strong nails and thick, shiny hair. The RNA and DNA in Chlorella Growth Factor helps your body produce and utilize protein.
- When you prioritize and maintain your health, it is reflected in your energy and outer appearance, allowing you to look and feel beautiful at any age.
How to Get Chlorella Growth Factor
The only way to get CGF in your diet is by taking chlorella, of course! However, there are a few different ways to get your CGF fix aside from chlorella superfoods such as tablets and powder - although we do recommend taking a chlorella supplement for additional fibre and antioxidant support.
To truly receive all the health benefits we've covered, you'll want to take CGF in a concentrated nutritional supplement. Sun Wakasa has been formulated to provide your body with a pure, potent concentration of CGF- and it also tastes great! Sun Wakasa can be added to your favourite beverage, smoothie or tea for a sweet and nutritious treat.
When Sun Wakasa is paired with Sun Chlorella tablets or Sun Chlorella powder, your body can count on receiving a spectrum of bioavailable nutrients to help you look and feel your absolute best.
If you want to take your health and wellness one step further, Sun Chlorella Cream is a topical chemical-free, anti-aging skin cream rich in Chlorella Growth Factor.
About Brandi Wagner, RHN
Brandi Wagner is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist from Vancouver, B.C. Experiencing her own health challenges at a young age led her to become passionate about educating on the healing properties of food, and how to achieve hormone balance, clear skin and sustainable weight loss naturally. In her spare time you'll find Brandi writing in her blog and hanging out with her teacup chihuahua, Coconut.
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We believe great content should be read and passed around. After all, knowledge IS power. If you'd like to share any of the insightful articles on SunChlorellaUSA.com, you may republish or syndicate it without charge. The only thing we ask is that you keep the article exactly as it was written and formatted. You also need to include an attribution statement and link to the article. This information is proudly provided by Sun Chlorella. For more information visit https://www.sunchlorellausa.com/.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11150448 Additional Resources:Beta Glucans for Skin Care: http://www.livestrong.com/article/320195-beta-glucan-skin-care/ Beta Glucan and Macrophage Activation: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20026063 | <urn:uuid:639796b3-a04b-43d0-af45-05746a3d81b3> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.sunchlorellausa.com/blog/healthy-tips-4/beauty-benefits-of-chlorella-growth-factor-217 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.939811 | 1,994 | 2.671875 | 3 |
The chapter begins by noting the importance of values and the seriousness of a failure to nurture the values needed for sustaining democracy. It discusses the confusion between cultural, legal and moral values. An important section then exposes the undervaluing of moral values by intellectual doubt that they are anything more than socially-constructed values – effectively evolutionary survival techniques. The input of philosophical positivism has further encouraged moral relativism. Nevertheless, a sense of moral awareness remains present in almost everyone, however unacknowledged it may be. The chapter argues that the values on which democracy depends can be summed up as a four-fold concern for truth, fairness, compassion and beauty. The chapter ends with suggestions concerning the transmission of values: how important it is that they are publicly articulated; the power of the home background; the crucial role of the school in supporting or correcting what children have imbibed at home, which is the focus of Part II of this book; and the role of the humanities and the arts in educating emotions. | <urn:uuid:189e57f3-b1ec-4711-a96d-22e2d25fd21e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/mono/10.4324/9780429270444-4/rethinking-values-brenda-watson | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.927187 | 203 | 3.375 | 3 |
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Lesson plan: KS4 English – active poetry
What I learnt at school: Julian Clary
Dara O Briain and Brian Cox on STEM
Maths and Science
Promoting and delivering the new D&T curriculum
Browse by Secondary Subject | <urn:uuid:f0d04033-9022-418c-8fa7-dd13ac442ecb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.teachsecondary.com/humanities/view/teaching-the-topic-of-hiv-in-rse | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.815109 | 72 | 2.59375 | 3 |
Public choice approach or the public choice theory is a novel approach to study bureaucracy developed by American economists in the second half of the twentieth century – in mid 1960s. The founding fathers of public choice theory include Kenetth Arrow Duncan Black, James Buchanan, Gordon Tullock, Anthony Downs, William Niskanen, Mancur Olson, and William Riker. Public choice has revolutionized the study of democratic decision-making processes.
Public choice approach is best defined as application of the rational choice model to non-market decision making – application of laws of economics to political science. It supports the neo-liberal policies. It is against the welfare state.
This theory challenges the Weber‘s approach towards the bureaucracy. This approach assumes that decision making in government is based on unselfish motives. Bureaucrats are unselfish.
Public choice theory criticizes this approach. They say that the bureaucrats are inefficient and unresponsive – and this is because bureaucracy is not subject to market forces.
Choice implies competition. Public choice theory wants competition into public administration in order to make it efficient and responsive.
There is no correlation between public revenue and expenditure. The civil servant has little incentive to minimize the costs and maximize profits. Bureaucrat is a budget maximiser. The monopoly of bureaucracy must be reduced by exploring private sources of supply of public services.
Increasing dissatisfaction with the performance of the bureaucracy stands in sharp contrast to the success of the private sector. It believes in market values. It is against monopolies. Public choice theory wants to abolish the monopoly of the government in the supply of public services. | <urn:uuid:acb9046d-c70b-4f3e-aa44-a6618f8ed961> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thefreshanswers.com/public-choice-approach/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.930847 | 329 | 3.375 | 3 |
The Henry Potts - June 2022
Creating The Henry Potts
Before The Henry Potts
A history of Watergate House and Henry Potts
This information was originally put together by Kirsty Henderson of the excellent Henderson Heritage (hendersonheritage.co.uk). She’s a good one to go to if you need advice on historic buildings.
Chester is best known for its timber framed buildings, such as the 16th century Stanley Palace, just up the road on Watergate Street, built in 1591, and the wonderful 19th century timber framed buildings of the Vernacular Revival. The city also has some beautiful, classical buildings and townhouses and The Henry Potts resides in one of these, nestled in the basement of Watergate House. The Grade II* listed building was designed in the Georgian period and sits on a street of mostly Georgian terraced buildings.
Watergate House is a fine building, on the corner of Watergate Street and Nicholas Street Mews, its curved main entrance and cobbled forecourt facing up Watergate Street. It was designed in 1820 by Thomas Harrison (1744 –1829), one of Chester’s most eminent architects. It was built on the site of Black Hall, a house belonging to The Brookes of Norton Priory. It is on (or close to) the site of the Dominican Monastery of the Black Friars, established in Chester by 1237 or 1238 and dissolved following the Dissolution of the Monasteries during the reign of Henry VIII.
Much later, between 1907 and 1935, Watergate House took on a very different, military purpose. It became the headquarters of the North Western Command, comprising the country of Wales (including the county of Monmouthshire), and the English counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Lancashire, Cumberland, and Westmorland. It also included the Isle of Man. Despite the significant change of use, the original plan of the building remained, making it quite unique.
Watergate House is built of Flemish bond brown brick, in satisfying contrast to the black and white timber framed buildings of the city. Its front has a stone plinth, stone dressings, a moulded band and cornice, and small paned sash windows. Its entrance door is impressive, recessed back from the facades to St Nicholas Mews and Watergate Street and flanked by an Ionic column doorcase on top of six stone steps. An unusual feature of the building are two false windows, one to the ground and one to the first floor. They each have a frame, glazing bars and glass but with brickwork painted black behind.
The entrance to the main house leads through a domed circular corner lobby to the octagonal central hall with a large pair of pillars, supporting a grand looking gallery-landing. This is a stunning room, covered by a fantastic glasshouse. The house once had a large garden to its west side, sadly long since disappeared but we do at least have this picture of it.
The entrance to The Henry Potts is more discreet but no less charming. At basement level, further down the street and set back behind a small stone wall with cast iron railings, you will find our front door, set within an enormous stone white plinth. Inside it is low ceilinged, warm, intimate and welcoming, retaining historic features of the house - the original grate, sash windows, brick bow windows and cast iron columns. Back of house, in our kitchen, are brick arched cellars, built so that loads imposed by the walls and gallery of the main house are transmitted to the foundations.
Before you enter the Henry Potts, look down Watergate Street to Joseph Turner’s Watergate, built in 1788, which replaced a medieval structure, when the River Dee lapped the Roman city walls. Once defensive, the city walls offer a pleasing perambulation around the city and a unique two-tiered viewing experience of Chester. Pevsner describes them as “the best-preserved circuit in England, rivalled only by York.” We’ve put together our own walking guide for those of you that want to explore the walls, which you can find HERE. Beyond Watergate and the city walls, is Chester racecourse, The Roodee, which is the oldest in Britain.
Who was Henry Potts?
Watergate House was built as a town house for Henry Potts, Esq. Clerk of the Peace for the County of Chester, and solicitor in the legal firm of Widden, Potts and Leek, established in Chester in 1779. Potts was a wealthy landowner and philanthropist; a pillar of Cheshire society.
Records show that Henry Potts had a variety of work, including on where to house insane convicts, whether in gaol or a lunatic asylum, or whether magistrates of Anglesey would wish to contribute to a new House of Correction at Middlewich. His role as Clerk of the Peace was an important one, dealing with judicial business, minor offences and licensing as well as managing roads, bridges, prisons, and workhouses.
Henry Potts married Ann Garnet, and they had five children, one of which, Charles, sadly died in infancy. Eliza (1809 – 73), the oldest daughter, was a botanist. Her portrait by William Owen Harling (1813-1879), a British artist who exhibited frequently at the Royal Academy from 1849 until 1878, is now at The Grosvenor Museum. The Museum also houses Eliza’s collections of early records of plants from this area. She contributed to T.B. Hall’s "A Flora of Liverpool" (1838), with "Thirty Interesting Cheshire Plants of Parkgate and Hoylake” and in Lord De Tabley’s book "The Flora of Cheshire" (1899).
Another of Henry and Ann’s daughters, Harriet, was the mother of the Reverend Canon Lionel Garnett of Christleton. Arthur Potts, second son of Henry, was a noted railway engineer employing over eight hundred men, making a fortune in locomotive construction-during the golden age of railways.
Henry Potts also unwittingly produced one of the first riders to win the Grand National. Unbeknown to him, his son, Henry Potts (1810 – 84) rode as a last-minute replacement for Captain Martin Becher (1797 – 1864), who could not reach the race in time in 1837, the latter of which has Becher’s Brook at Aintree named in his honour.
Potts also owned a country estate at Glanyrafon, Llanferres, Denbighshire, that Thomas Harrison designed in 1810, a country house in picturesque surroundings. It is close to the famous Moel Famau, near Loggerheads, where the far-reaching views at the summit are spectacular. The remnants of the obelisk of the Jubilee Tower sit on the summit, designed in the Egyptian Revival Style by Harrison to commemorate George III's Golden Jubilee in 1810.
A plaque in memory of Henry Potts hangs in Chester Cathedral, in the heart of the city. The Cathedral’s famous Tower Tour is well worth a visit for those that haven’t already been. | <urn:uuid:6a6f7e1d-a8af-4e35-9b7b-18f794028f44> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.thehenrypotts.co.uk/ourpub | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.95476 | 1,522 | 2.765625 | 3 |
Reading is at the heart of our curriculum. We want all of our children to leave Tithe Farm as insatiable readers. To do this it is imperative that we instil an love of reading from the moment they start school. Developing successful, fluent readers who can access and comprehend a wide range of texts form the foundations of our teaching at Tithe Farm.
We teach reading by providing exposure to a wide range of quality texts. These texts link across the curriculum and allow our children to gain a deeper knowledge of the world and become cconfident and knowledgeable talkers and writers.
We want our children to be imaginative and skilled writers who enjoy the writing process. Through our teaching sequence for writing we develop children who are curious about vocabulary, grammar and language.
The teaching sequence for writing is taught using high quality texts which (where possible) link to other parts of the curriculum. Through reading a wide variety of texts, we want children to have a rich understanding of how authors use different structures in their writing to enhance meaning and understanding. Through their independent work, children will draw upon these writing structures to create their own engaging pieces of writing. | <urn:uuid:738cc0ac-55fd-4f45-81c1-e2fdd50f4ba5> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.tithefarmprimary.co.uk/page/?title=English&pid=75 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.950562 | 232 | 2.96875 | 3 |
When it comes to air quality concerns, many people focus on outdoor sources like car exhaust, smokestacks, and ozone. However, many homeowners don’t know that indoor air quality is often far worse than outdoor air. That’s why it’s important to learn about some of the most common air pollutants and the health problems they cause.
Signs Your Indoor Air is Polluted
The EPA estimates that some pollutants are two to five times more concentrated indoors than they are outside. If you’re concerned about poor indoor air quality, watch for these signs of trouble:
- Abnormal or lingering odors
- Stale, stuffy, or musty air
- Visible mold and mildew growth
- Dirty or broken HVAC system
- Damaged ventilation pipes or chimney flues
- Indoor relative humidity exceeding 50%
- Allergy or asthma symptoms that dissipate when you leave home
- Poor respiratory health after remodeling, moving, buying new furniture, or using cleaning products
10 Common Air Pollutants in the Home
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in rock and soil. It was once used as a fire retardant in insulation, roof shingles, floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, and other building materials. However, scientists later discovered that inhaling asbestos fibers increases the risk of lung disease, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
While asbestos is now banned, it can still be found in many older homes. It is usually harmless if left undisturbed, but if you’re planning a renovation project, you should schedule a professional inspection (and remediation, if necessary).
Mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, dust mites, pet dander, and pollen are examples of biological pollutants. These living sources of allergies and asthma tend to thrive in damp settings, such as unvented bathrooms, crawlspaces, and neglected humidifiers. Common symptoms include sneezing, coughing, runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, and other upper respiratory distress. Exposure to bacteria and viruses may also cause illnesses and infections to develop.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that releases as a byproduct of incomplete combustion. Indoor sources of CO gas include appliances that run on natural gas, oil, or propane, including furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.
Carbon monoxide can be extremely harmful or even deadly because it prevents the blood from absorbing and carrying oxygen to critical organs. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, poor coordination, drowsiness, headaches, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, and death. Babies, older adults, pregnant women, and people with heart and lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of CO gas.
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is emitted from burning fuel, such as natural gas and kerosene. Like CO gas, it is colorless and odorless. Long-term exposure can harm the lungs, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections and chronic bronchitis. Even low-level exposure may cause coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and heightened asthma symptoms.
Solid Fuel Stoves and Grills
In addition to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning, burning solid fuel like wood and charcoal indoors is a major source of air pollution. Wood cookstoves and charcoal heaters are not common in the US, but remember to only use your grill or camping stove outside and away from open windows and doors.
Pesticides are chemicals used to control insects, rodents, microbes, and other pests. These poisons are commonly used indoors as insecticides and disinfectants. Exposure can have various short- and long-term effects, including skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation; increased risk of cancer; and central nervous system damage.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from the soil and rocks beneath your home. Radon can get inside through cracks in the foundation, plumbing penetrations, and other openings at or below ground level. As a result, basements tend to have the highest radon levels.
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Because the gas has no smell, color, or taste, it is impossible to detect without special testing. Fortunately, at-home kits can identify elevated radon levels. If your home’s levels are high, you can install a radon mitigation system to safely vent the fumes outside.
When sunlight streams directly into your home, you can see just how much particulate matter is floating around. Much of the dust, dirt, and smoke in the air is visible, but other particles are microscopic.
Prolonged exposure to particle pollution can cause everything from aggravated asthma and other respiratory symptoms to irregular heart rhythms and heart attacks. Installing a high-efficiency air filter in your HVAC system is an effective way to trap airborne particles and remove them from the air you breathe.
Also known as environmental tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke comes from other people burning tobacco products in the vicinity. Breathing in this smoke is known as passive smoking, which can introduce trace amounts of more than 7,000 substances into your lungs. As such, the EPA classifies secondhand smoke as a Group A carcinogen, meaning it is known to cause cancer. Environmental tobacco smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, asthma attacks, and other lung conditions.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gases emitted by building materials, household products, cleaning chemicals, and many other sources. Examples include formaldehyde, benzene, ethylene glycol, and methylene chloride. Some VOCs have an acrid smell, but others are odorless. Some of the short- and long-term health problems of these air pollutants include headaches and dizziness; nausea; eye, nose, and throat irritation; damage to the liver, kidney, and central nervous system; and cancer.
If you or another member of your household struggles with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory problems, Triple T Heating, Cooling & Plumbing would love to help. We can install an air purifier, humidifier, high-efficiency air filter, or other solutions to reduce indoor air pollutants. For more information about how can help you breathe easy, please call us at 801-798-7711 if you live in Utah County or 435-275-4011 if you’re a Washington County resident. You can also schedule HVAC services online. | <urn:uuid:971d77a2-c147-478a-a138-5f4566748720> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.tripletheating.com/blog/common-air-pollutants-that-can-lead-to-health-problems/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.92017 | 1,353 | 3.15625 | 3 |
(Part Two of a Four-Part ACEs Series)
By Kyle Taylor Lucas, Tulalip News
This is the second story in a series on the intersection of chronic health and addiction issues and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs among American Indians. The series focuses upon contributing factors of high ACE numbers and substance abuse and behavioral and health disparities in American Indians.
The ACEs Study became a reality due to a breakthrough from an unexpected source—an obesity clinic led in 1985 by Dr. Vincent Felitti, chief of Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Preventive Medicine, San Diego. Dr. Felitti was shocked when more than fifty percent of his patients dropped out of the study despite their desperate desire to lose weight. His refusal to give up on them led to individual interviews where he learned that a majority had experienced childhood sexual trauma. That led to a 25-year research project by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente. The landmark study linked childhood adversity to major chronic illness, social problems, and early death.
According to the CDC, “the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study is one of the largest investigations ever conducted to assess associations between childhood maltreatment and later-life health and well-being.” The study included more than 17,000 Health Maintenance Organization members who in routine physicals provided detailed information about childhood experiences of abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction. The ACEs Study links childhood trauma to social and emotional problems as well as chronic adult diseases such as disease, diabetes, depression, violence, being a victim of violence, and suicide.
Since the ACEs Study, hundreds of published scientific articles, workshops, and conferences have helped practitioners better understand the importance of reducing childhood adversity to overcome myriad social and health issues facing American society. See the ACEs questionnaire, here: http://www.acestudy.org/files/ACE_Score_Calculator.pdf. Learn more about the ACEs Study here: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/acestudy/
The ACEs research is of significant relevance to American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) communities beset with behavioral and physical health issues—disproportionately high as compared to the general population.
Unquestionably, any discussion of social and health disparities in Indian Country must include historic trauma, and the political and economic realities affecting American Indians and tribes. Research into epigenetics subsequent to the original ACEs Study indicates that historic trauma is likely one of the primary contributors to disparate behavioral and physical health issues affecting AIANs. Subsequent stories will more fully explore the physiological brain changes that result from childhood adversity.
Native Strategies – Addressing Historic Trauma in Native Communities
Tribal experts in the area of historic trauma emphasize that while the ACEs Study is important, it is also important to ensure concurrent address of historical trauma on AIANs and tribal communities.
One of those experts is Pam James who is co-founder of Native Strategies, a non-profit organization established with her husband and partner, Gordon James, in 2009. Pam is a member of the Colville Confederated Tribes and Gordon is a Skokomish Tribal member. The two have been consulting on historic trauma and Native wellness in tribal communities for the past thirty years. Pam earned a B.A. Degree in Psychology and Native American Studies from The Evergreen State College and a BHA in community health from the University of Washington.
“Until we established our non-profit, we did freelance consulting. We worked with the Native Wellness organization, sought grant funding, and wrote a wellness book. Then we used our book to write a curriculum that we’ve applied in our work,” said James.
The non-profit allows better access to funding and resources to further their work empowering tribal people and communities. “We are able to provide training and technical assistance absent tribal politics,” said James who noted they are also free to be creative in designing a broad array of programs, training, services, and technical assistance. “We’ve helped several organizations start their own non-profits. We do a lot of grant writing. We do workshops around historical trauma, parenting, healthy relationships, and government-to-government training. We also do planning and program evaluations and help organizations get into compliance.”
James said one of the most sensitive and impactful of their workshops is healthy workplace training. “We look at it holistically, at interpersonal relationships, family relationships, and relationships to all things–earth and to all creation.” She asks, “How do you create a healthy workplace? You can’t do that until you begin to address the historic trauma.” In their work, James said they help to rewire the brain for positive impact, noting, “Behavior is just a habit. We have to change the habit. I do it from a cultural perspective and I blend in humor.”
However, James is mindful of her approach. She said, “every workshop, every training I do, people get triggered,” so she is careful with her audience. They try to unlearn negative behaviors. In the communities, she finds, “Though it doesn’t work, people do the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.” She said their training “takes people back to that value system that our people always had, treating people with honor and respect. We have a roadmap that asks, “What do you want in your life, spiritually, emotionally, and how do you start creating the life you want?”” She said repetitiveness in practice and training is critical and noted the impossibility of creating change in a workshop or two.
Asked whether training the trainer is part of their work, James replied that it was and that it is essential. “We help train the trainer for tribes so that they can teach it themselves. First, we do community training, then a three-day “train the trainer” workshop, and then we come back in 3-6 months to assist them with their first training. It’s very sensitive. What do you do when someone gets triggered? We help to prepare them.”
About their generational trauma and wellness work, James added, “In our training, we’re opening awareness. The second step is intervention. How do we implement and make change? The third step is continuing education and putting it into practice. It is developing new ways of coping, replacing behaviors, and doing it on a consistent basis. It’s a theory and it’s ongoing.”
However, she said, “Most of our tribal communities are in crisis mode by the time they call. I urge them to call us before that.” She noted three stages—prevention, emergent, and intervention. “I urge them to look at those areas and ask, “How do we get to the place where we’re doing prevention rather than intervention?” Tribes have to start looking at this type of training as ongoing. Just like computer classes. This is not a one-time shot.”
In their training, James said they often support eight-week parenting classes. However, she recommends to clients, “Before we do that, let’s do a healthy relationship class!” Again, she says it is a matter of steps, mentally, emotionally, and educationally. “First of all, we start with the parents to help them learn how to interact with each other. We are in a society that wants a quick fix, but there is no quick fix. It’s about awareness, learning new skills and behaviors, and then we have to practice, practice, practice. It’s not about the end result it’s the journey.”
James said she attended one of Laura Porter’s workshops on ACEs and thought, “Wow, this would have been great to know years ago! Oh my gosh, I wish we had been involved.” To date, only a few tribes have engaged with the state’s research work around the CDC ACEs Study and measurements. James believes “ACEs is one piece of the puzzle, one piece of the process for Native people.” She said her non-profit is looking at funding opportunities to develop a curricula based on their 30 years of work. They plan to work with an advisory team of Native people and the curricula will be designed for implementation by tribal communities, and culturally appropriate to their needs.
Specific to generational historic trauma, James believes “The ACEs information doesn’t go far enough. The State is a very good example of a sense of guilt. They don’t really want to acknowledge it. It’s painful to acknowledge what was done to Native people. There is a lot of effort being made to change it, but it’s still there.”
ACEs and Physiological Rewiring of the Developing Brain
Asked about her knowledge of current scientific research on the relationship of childhood adversity and epigenetics—the study of physiological brain changes and potential application to the study of historic trauma in Native communities, James becomes animated. She noted a weeklong workshop she attended with Dr. Bruce Perry, the author of “The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog” and “Born for Love.” She said, “What an amazing man. His focus has been trauma.” She said he validated the tribal community’s long assertions of unresolved multigenerational trauma, and that the brain is actually hard-wired for empathy, but things happen to the brain when babies and children experience adversity and trauma.
James discussed the work of Dr. Patricia K. Kuhl who of the University of Washington, whose trainings she has attended. She co-authored the book, “The Scientist in the Crib.”
At one workshop, Dr. Kuhl presented studies of two children’s brains from newborn to age three–one child from a happy home and the other from a neglected home. They conducted CAT scans at ages 3, 6, and 9 months. At the beginning, their brains were identical, but by the time they were nine months old, the brain of the neglected child was visibly shrinking. Considered in the context of social and health disparities and life chances for AIANs, this is quite remarkable. The above study demonstrated that disparities begin in the crib, but as the ACEs Study and ensuing research has shown, it is intergenerational, and even in the womb. If the mother and father have high ACE scores based upon their own childhood adversity, the children are also likely to have high ACE scores unless there is intervention.
James is optimistic. She said that although the research shows adversity is generational, “It also validates that we can reverse it. It doesn’t have to be permanent. Some of it might be, but we can reverse much of it. Our ancestors adapted. We learned how to adapt for our environment; it is human nature to survive. Those are the pieces that are not happening in our community.”
Family and Community Roles and Traditions
Lamenting the negative impacts of technology, James said, “Televisions, iPads, Xboxes are the babysitters of today. They are impacting how our children develop, how their brains develop. Technology has disconnected us as people.” She grew up in Inchelium where they did not have a telephone until 1978. “All the grandmothers and everyone would come together, bring old clothes, and make quilts. They lined them with old army blankets. There was a spiritual part of that. Every newborn received a quilt. We’re not doing those kinds of activities that inspire and help our children to learn about community.” James is concerned that technology today limits human contact important to a sense of being part of something greater and of the responsibility accompanying it.
Another significant hurdle is overcoming the lateral violence that is a symptom of ACEs. James said that in her counseling work, she discovered, “We get addicted to pity, to negativity, and we become chaos junkies.” She believes people have forgotten about how just to be. “The Vision Quest taught us how to be alone, to be one with nature, to be alone physically and mentally. It taught us how to control our mind, our spirit, and our bodies.” She thinks some of those teachings can be built into the curricula to teach people how to, again, “sit quietly with themselves, to sit and listen.”
Applying the ACEs Study and Measurements to Native Wellness
James’ family of origin was not unlike many Native homes. She and her eight brothers and sisters grew up with domestic violence, alcoholism, and physical and sexual abuse. She began doing this work in 1986 when the Seattle Indian Health Board received a federal grant to put together a curriculum. She was among 40 chosen from different tribes to participate in a two-week intensive training that was life changing for her. “They stripped us spiritually and emotionally. We had to address our own trauma. We could not help others until we worked on ourselves and healed ourselves. There was no college that could give me what that training did!”
In the training, Jane Middelton-Moz, an internationally known speaker and author with decades of experience in childhood trauma and community intervention took part in the training. She addressed the pain of adult children of alcoholics (ACoA), a topic about which she has written extensively. “It was basically an ACE’s study done with Native people and it was all about the trauma.” James recounted Middleton-Moz’s journey to Germany where she worked with holocaust survivors and her later study of American Indian tribes. She discovered that they had developed the same trauma characteristics. “She was a psychotherapist and I felt blessed to have the opportunity to be mentored by her.” James noted that their work has essentially taken Middleton-Moz’s study of ACoA and applied it to multi-generational trauma among tribal communities.
Asked how the new research on childhood adversity can help Native communities, James said, “The ACEs Study is good in that it gives us the validation and affirms what we’ve known. This is what has been happening in our communities for hundreds of years.” She noted the mental and physical health issues evidenced by high juvenile suicide rates, 638 percent higher incidence of alcoholism than the general population, addiction, and disparate social, and health issues in Indian Country are all traceable to generational trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
However, James believes the survey mechanisms must be appropriate. She said, “The reality is that a lot of times when so-called experts go in and do the surveys, the tribal members don’t tell the whole truth.” Tribal communities are tight-knit and everyone knows everyone and their business. It may be that a special survey mechanism is necessary for tribal communities. James said, “It will be difficult to get reliable data if the members don’t trust enough to give accurate information, to tell the whole truth.”
Those involved in tribal wellness have said for years, and James echoes this, that it is important to put the disparate social and health issues in Indian Country into context. “We have people who have suffered such trauma in their lifetimes, in their parents, and grandparent’s lives!” said James.
People forget that generations of American Indians experienced breaks in the family unit caused by the government’s forcible removal of children placed into Indian boarding schools. Indian children were deprived of parental nurturing; many were physically and sexually abused. They did not learn how to parent and nurture their children, but at adulthood, they were returned to the reservation to start their own families and the same cycle was repeated.
In their workshops, James stresses traditions. “We’ve adopted behaviors that were not ours traditionally. Instead, we go back to the medicine wheel, it teaches you everything—body and mind. When you look at what is happening with our communities, we’ve lost touch with all of the ceremonies, languages, and the practices that kept us resilient. There is a veneer of positivity, but underneath there’s all this pain.”
Clearly passionate about her work, James makes the call, “Someone has to be the voice of our children, someone has to stand up and take the arrows, stand up and say this is not what our ancestors wanted. I really believe this is the core work if we can get it into our communities, we’re going to change, and it has to take place for our survival.”
Integration of ACEs Research in Tribal Family Services and Other Programs
As Sherry Guzman, Mental Health Manager in the Tulalip Family Services Department said, about the ACEs Study, “Most tribes were very leery at first, but I went forward with it because I saw the value of it. It enabled me to see the difference in average of Washington State versus Tulalip Tribes. I like the ACEs model because it gives a base to compare something to.” She, too, felt the ACEs measurements validated what she and others in Indian Country have advocated—that unresolved generational trauma is a significant contributor to social and health disparities among tribes.
Guzman’s department has scheduled an all-staff meeting focused upon the ACEs Study and Tulalip’s work with the statewide network a few years ago. They hope to re-establish a dialogue and consider the future direction the Tribe may take in applying the ACEs Study and measurements in its programs.
In communities utilizing the ACEs measurement across the nation, the subsequent application of community resilience building has consistently demonstrated success in lowering of ACE scores in community members, which in turn helps build stronger and more resilient communities. Imagine the possibilities if communities invested in families on the front end, supporting pre-natal work, pre-school and all day kindergarten, rather than building juvenile detention centers and adult prisons.
At least twenty-one states have communities actively engaged in ACEs work.
Future stories in this series look at that work and new developments in ACEs research, including neurobiology, epigenetics, and the developing brain. Also featured will be tribal organizations applying similar intervention and measurements to address generational trauma. Because ACEs extend beyond the nuclear family to educational and child welfare policies, and to racism in social, police, courts, and other institutions controlling the lives of Indians, those intersections are reviewed along with the economics. Finally, the series will explore the potential of ACEs measurement in prevention and for building resiliency for American Indian people and tribes.
Kyle Taylor Lucas is a freelance journalist and speaker. She is a member of The Tulalip Tribes and can be reached at KyleTaylorLucas@msn.com / Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kyletaylorlucas / 360.259.0535 cell | <urn:uuid:a830af35-7f3b-4537-a970-2fae8372298c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.tulalipnews.com/wp/2014/09/22/reducing-aces-in-indian-country-by-addressing-historic-trauma-and-building-capacity/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.967539 | 4,001 | 2.859375 | 3 |
Laysan albatrosses (Diomedea immutabilis) are among the most prominent bird species which interact with commercial fisheries in the North Pacific. They are attracted to fishing nets and vessels and feed extensively on animals caught in nets, waste fish, offal, and refuse discarded from vessels. Approximately 17,500 individuals were killed in the five major high seas driftnet fisheries in 1990. Laysan albatross numbers are still increasing after being decimated in the early 1900's. Mortality in the high seas driftnet fisheries is reducing the recover rate by an estimated 0.4 to 1.6% per year depending on the intrinsic growth rate of the population. The impact of the fisheries is thought to be more severe on the less abundant black-footed albatross (Diomedea nigripes) which is also increasing but at a lower rate. No driftnet mortalities have been reported for the short-tailed albatross (Diomedea albatrus).
|Title||Population dynamics of the Laysan and other albatrosses in the North Pacific|
|Authors||Patrick J. Gould, Rod Hobbs|
|Publication Type||Conference Paper|
|Publication Subtype||Conference Paper|
|Series Title||Bulletin of the International North Pacific Fisheries Comission|
|Record Source||USGS Publications Warehouse|
|USGS Organization||Alaska Science Center| | <urn:uuid:94f6adb5-1841-4872-9344-69700d827bfa> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.usgs.gov/publications/population-dynamics-laysan-and-other-albatrosses-north-pacific | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.864271 | 296 | 3.359375 | 3 |
Airborne spectral and light detection and ranging (lidar) sensors have been used to quantify biophysical characteristics of tropical forests. Lidar sensors have provided high-resolution data on forest height, canopy topography, volume, and gap size; and provided estimates on number of strata in a forest, successional status of forests, and above-ground biomass. Spectral sensors have provided data on vegetation types, foliar biochemistry content of forest canopies, tree and canopy phenology, and spectral signatures for selected tree species. A number of advances are theoretically possible with individual and combined spectral and lidar sensors for the study of forest structure, floristic composition and species richness. Delineating individual canopies of over-storey trees with small footprint lidar and discrimination of tree architectural types with waveform distributions is possible and would provide scientists with a new method to study tropical forest structure. Combined spectral and lidar data can be used to identify selected tree species and identify the successional status of tropical forest fragments in order to rank forest patches by levels of species richness. It should be possible in the near future to quantify selected patterns of tropical forests at a higher resolution than can currently be undertaken in the field or from space.
|Title||Prospects for quantifying structure, floristic composition and species richness of tropical forests|
|Authors||T.W. Gillespie, J. Brock, C. W. Wright|
|Publication Subtype||Journal Article|
|Series Title||International Journal of Remote Sensing|
|Record Source||USGS Publications Warehouse|
|USGS Organization||National Cooperative Geologic Mapping and Landslide Hazards| | <urn:uuid:863bafd3-1b0d-4850-a2c2-8475c5141985> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.usgs.gov/publications/prospects-quantifying-structure-floristic-composition-and-species-richness-tropical | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.821893 | 346 | 3.265625 | 3 |
As the trusted provider of HVAC solutions, we understand the crucial role that ambient temperature plays in the performance and efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. In this, we will explore the relationship between ambient temperature and HVAC systems, highlighting the challenges it poses and offering valuable insights to ensure optimal performance even in extreme conditions. Join us as we delve into the world of ambient temperature and its impact on HVAC systems.
Understanding Ambient Temperature
Ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surrounding air or environment in which an HVAC system operates. It significantly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, as they rely on temperature differentials to provide the desired indoor climate.
Summer Challenges: High Ambient Temperatures
During scorching summer months, HVAC systems face their greatest challenge – combating high ambient temperatures. As the outdoor temperature rises, the system must work harder to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. The compressor, condenser, and fans are subjected to increased stress and heat, leading to potential efficiency issues, increased energy consumption, and even system breakdowns.
Key Considerations for HVAC Systems
- Sizing and Capacity: Properly sizing the HVAC system is crucial to handle the load imposed by high ambient temperatures. Undersized systems will struggle to cool the space efficiently, while oversized systems may short-cycle, resulting in inadequate dehumidification and suboptimal performance.
- Maintenance and Airflow: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that HVAC systems are clean, free of debris, and operating at peak efficiency. In high ambient temperatures, proper airflow is critical for heat exchange, and clogged filters or dirty coils can impede this process.
- Insulation and Sealing: Adequate insulation and sealing of the building envelope play a vital role in reducing the impact of high ambient temperatures on HVAC systems. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the workload on the system.
Winter Challenges: Low Ambient Temperatures
Just as high ambient temperatures pose challenges, extremely low temperatures can also impact HVAC systems. In cold climates, the system’s ability to heat the indoor space effectively can be compromised. Low ambient temperatures can lead to decreased efficiency, longer heating cycles, and potential freezing issues, particularly in the condensate drain lines.
Key Considerations for HVAC Systems
- Equipment Selection: In colder regions, it is crucial to select HVAC equipment capable of withstanding low ambient temperatures. Heat pumps, for example, should be equipped with defrost mechanisms to prevent ice buildup on the outdoor coil.
- Thermostat Settings: Properly programming thermostats and using setback or programmable features can help optimize HVAC performance in colder temperatures. Lowering the temperature slightly when the building is unoccupied can help save energy without compromising comfort.
- Airflow Management: Proper airflow management is essential during winter months to ensure consistent heat distribution throughout the space. Obstructions such as blocked vents or furniture placed in front of registers should be avoided to maintain optimal airflow.
Ambient temperature plays a vital role in the performance of HVAC systems. By understanding the challenges posed by high and low ambient temperatures, and implementing appropriate measures, we can ensure that HVAC systems operate optimally throughout the year. Whether it’s battling the heat of summer or the chill of winter, our team is committed to delivering reliable and efficient HVAC solutions that keep your indoor environment comfortable, regardless of the ambient temperature. | <urn:uuid:73175560-54dc-46ab-bc91-f1c5e5cba99c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.vistatradersnepal.com/the-impact-of-ambient-temperature-on-hvac-systems-ensuring-optimal-performance/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.893942 | 720 | 2.6875 | 3 |
Editor's note: This segment was rebroadcasted on July 31, 2023. Find that audio here.
From “The Sound of Music” to “Mary Poppins,” Julie Andrews has earned legendary status as a musician. Now, with the help of her daughter, author Emma Walton Hamilton, Andrews has translated her musical prowess onto the page of a children’s book.
“The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi” hit the shelves Tuesday and tells the story of an 11th-century Benedictine monk named Brother Guido who invented a system of musical notation still used today. Written by Andrews and Hamilton, the book is illustrated by Chiara Fedele.
Though Andrews lost her crystal-clear soprano singing voice in 1997 after a botched throat operation, she still lends her voice to the screen — in movies like “Princess Diaries” — and the pages of more than 30 children’s books.
On finding out about Brother Guido
Emma Walton Hamilton: “We first heard about Guido from my son's music teacher about 15 years ago. My son was taking guitar lessons at the time, and we were chatting with his lovely music teacher and she said, ‘You may not know this, but the man who invented the solfège — the do re mi fa so la ti da — was actually a Benedictine monk, a thousand years ago in a monastery in Italy.’ And it stayed with us.
“We kept sort of coming back to it and thinking, I wonder if there's any further information to learn. I wonder if anyone's written about him. Would this be a possible story for a children's book? …. And at a certain point, we came back to it and realized that very few people were familiar with the story, including musicians.”
On how music was passed to others before the solfège
Julie Andrews: “Nobody was able to read or write music because there was nothing known about it. People just passed on hymns or other things to do with the church.
“If somebody is teaching it from memory, I don't know how many monks and people like that were terribly reliable in terms of remembering a complete tune and the way it should go. So sometimes you’d get the same song sung in different ways.”
On how Brother Guido sought acceptance for his methods
Hamilton: “He not only invented do re mi fa so la ti do, but he also invented the musical staff and the idea of music notation. In his day he created them as little squares on lines. Today, of course, we know them as ovals, musical notes on the staff.
“When he shared his ideas with his fellow brothers at the Abbey, they told him that he should spend less time thinking and being creative and more time praying and being studious.”
On how Hamilton grew up around her musical mother
Hamilton: “When we sang, we sang together as a family and, quite often, it was around campfires when we were having picnics and things like that.”
Andrews: “‘You Are My Sunshine' was one of ours.”
Book excerpt: 'The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi'
By Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
Excerpted from"The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi" by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. Published by Little, Brown and Company. Copyright © 2022 by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton. All rights reserved.
This segment aired on November 1, 2022. | <urn:uuid:7a4f1110-5437-41a4-ac9e-be63dd86622c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2022/11/01/julie-andrews-kids-book | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.97391 | 767 | 2.765625 | 3 |
Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, will help our teachers work together more efficiently, use data more effectively and approach their work more strategically. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of instruction that every single child receives.Here's what you need to know:
What is MTSS?
Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, allows teachers to quickly identify student needs and the best methods to address them. These can be needs of individual students or groups of students, related to academics, behavior or both. The idea is to get each and every student – those with profound needs, those who are exceptionally gifted and all those in between – what he or she requires to be successful.Administrators, teachers and specialists have undergone intensive training. MTSS coaches assist them in making sure they are using best practices to make sure all students are getting what they need to succeed.
It will make all students more successful in school and on track for graduation, while preparing them to be college or career ready. MTSS has been implemented and proven effective in districts across the country. An independent study released in January, for example, found that “Kansas MTSS is substantially contributing to improved student outcomes at the local level, as well as benefitting teachers, improving instruction, and supporting better school functioning.”
How does MTSS work?
MTSS has three levels, or tiers, of instruction and support, all aimed at giving teachers a streamlined way to provide the best instruction to all students.
MTSS provides guidelines to more quickly identify both challenges and solutions. Timely data – including test scores, suspension rates, attendance and more – are used to help problem solve and identify the levels of supports needed for students.Here’s an example:
- Tier I includes the instruction and support provided to all children.
- Tier II serves students needing more help. Extra instruction and support often are provided to these children in small groups.
- Tier III is for children who need intense support in order to succeed. Extra instruction and support are provided, often in even smaller groups or one-on-one.
Say the reading proficiency of a group of third graders has declined compared to prior years. Teams of teachers would discuss instruction, curriculum and the learning environment.
They may find that some teachers are not using the most effective teaching practices (instruction), that reading materials aren’t assigned to students based on their current skill level (curriculum) and that absenteeism is high during first period (learning environment).That same team brainstorms and implements solutions, such as sharing better classroom strategies among teachers, demonstrating how to better differentiate reading assignments, and working with parents and transportation officials to reduce morning. Going forward, the team looks at data to find out if their solutions worked and makes changes as needed.
How is MTSS different than current practice?
Of course, this kind of evaluation and intervention already is taking place. School Improvement Teams are groups of teachers and school leaders who look at schoolwide trends and work to implement solutions. Professional Learning Teams are smaller groups, usually organized by grade-level or subject area, who work on the needs of individual students or groups of students, sometimes with the help of social workers, counselors, ESL teachers, etc.
MTSS connects all efforts of the school to ensure each student is successful. Teachers and administrators speak a common language and use a data–driven problem–solving process to address areas of need.
What does MTSS mean for me and my child?
One of the keys to the success of MTSS is developing strategies that are effective for a particular student. Parents are an essential part of that equation. You know your child’s interests and strengths and also know interventions tried in the past, those that worked and those that didn’t. MTSS encourages teachers and parents to effectively communicate, collaborate, and problem solve using data to best meet the needs of your child.
Please note: If at any time, a parent, caregiver or school staff member suspects that your child may have a disability, a referral to special education will be made. The IEP Team, which includes the parent, will determine if an evaluation will be conducted. This process is generally referred to as Child Find. For more information, please review the Special Education Process located under WCPSS Services > Special Education.
Identifying Students With Disabilities
Please note: If at any time, a parent, caregiver or school staff member suspects that your child may have a disability, a referral to special education will be made. The IEP Team, which includes the parent, will determine if an evaluation will be conducted. This process is generally referred to as Child Find. Learn more about this process.
Tips for Parents
Praise your child for any improvement in the area of concern. | <urn:uuid:b23a4128-7669-4fcd-90de-1486745c8f14> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wcpss.net/domain/18429 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.959611 | 1,017 | 3.5625 | 4 |
The story of Sri Lanka's most beloved sweetener starts with the kithul, or fishtail, palm tree and a tapper, like 58-year-old Amuvita Gamage Dayasena.
The slightly built farmer sharpens his knife on the fallen branch of a tree and climbs up a wooden lattice that he has tied to one side of a kithul tree in his garden. Within minutes, he is on the top of the nearly 40-foot-tall tree, making sharp incisions at the base of a cluster of flowers that droop down from a branch like a bunch of grapes. Dayasena ties a jute sack to the base of the cluster to collect droplets of sap trickling down.
He will collect the sap over several days and boil it down over an open wood fire, until it reduces to a sticky and intensely sweet syrup the color and thickness of honey.
This is kithul syrup, or kithul peni, as it's called locally. At its purest, it boasts woody, floral, smoky and even savory notes and is used widely in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is also further boiled down and set into molds, usually fashioned out of empty coconut shells, to make little blocks of hakuru, or jaggery, a partially refined palm sugar used all over the island.
Despite its vital place in the Sri Lankan pantry, kithul syrup is becoming something of a vanishing treasure. And tappers are increasingly turning to other, more lucrative professions. Dayasena too has other sources of income – two acres of farmland on which he cultivates tea and a flourishing home garden, where he grows a variety of food crops like pepper, pineapples and vegetables.
The fishtail palm, also known locally as the jaggery palm, is abundant all over Sri Lanka. It's been used by the island's residents since ancient times. Nineteenth century historians mention its uses in Ceylon (as the country was known until its name was officially changed to Sri Lanka in 1972) in their writings.
"This magnificent palm ... has found a place in the oldest records of Ceylon, sacred and historical," noted T.B. Pohath-Kehelpannala, a local historian and author, in an essay called The Kitul And Its Uses, published in 1898.
It was once prized for its strong timber; thalapa, a kind of nutritious gruel that was made from its tender leaves; and also for the mildly alcoholic toddy, or palm wine, made from the sap.
These days, though, in addition to toddy, the fishtail palm is best known as the source of kithul jaggery and syrup. Both have treasured places in Sri Lankan cuisine. "Hakuru or jaggery is what we use in place of sugar in everyday life," says Narmada Mueller, a publisher and entrepreneur based in Colombo. "For instance, it's common for a cup of black tea to be served with a piece of jaggery."
The syrup is often used as a sweetener in traditional desserts, like kiri peni, a creamy buffalo milk yogurt with palm syrup drizzled on top. "Sri Lankans have a big sweet tooth and kiri peni has always been our go-to dessert," says Mueller. The syrup is also used as a sweetener in Sinhalese and Tamil New Year treats like kavum, a deep-fried sweet made of rice flour and coconut milk, and aluwa, a flat, diamond-shaped sweet made of rice flour, cashew nuts and kithul syrup.
But a host of factors have led to the recent scarcity in this once-abundant sweetener. One of them is rapid destruction of rainforests, which provide a particularly favorable environment for kithul trees. The forests are being cleared partly to make room for tea and rubber plantations.
In Dayasena's village of Kiriweldola, which is situated close to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a narrow strip of rainforest that's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, most families now cultivate tea on the small plots of land they own.
"Thirty years earlier, their main livelihood was kithul tapping and collecting non-timber forest products, like mushrooms and medicinal plants," says Ajith Thennakoon, a veteran development professional and field director of Sewalanka Foundation, a local non-profit working on projects to empower rural communities. "Now, their lifestyle has changed completely."
Kithul cultivation and tapping is a risky, high-investment proposition that takes time to yield returns. If the flowers grow well, Dayasena can earn about $200 from each tapping, by selling the syrup and jaggery. He has nine kithul trees on his land.
"But the tree dies after it flowers once or twice, and the amount of sap it produces can vary," he says. In comparison, the tea, pepper and other crops he cultivates promise a much more reliable source of income.
In addition to these troubles, Sri Lanka's kithul industry has also been affected by changing social values. More and more families want their children to pursue professions perceived as being more stable and respectable, such as government or bank jobs, leading to a growing dearth of skillful tappers.
The kithul palm tree demands a close and intuitive understanding of its various stages of flowering and sap production. It can take up to 15 years of constant care for the palm to flower and produce sap, and it is also sensitive to changes in wind and rain. Tappers are privy to a wealth of traditional knowledge about the tree and tapping techniques that are passed down through the generations, says Thennakoon: "This knowledge is threatened because the younger generation doesn't want to climb trees."
All these factors combined have led to a decline in the production of fishtail palm syrup and jaggery, despite sustained demand from the local market. Adulteration is rife and the quality of the syrup has suffered.
"It takes a lot of work to be able to get the sap and boil it down," says Amanda Kiessel, founder of the Good Market, a marketplace that brings together a large number of socially conscious, organic and fair trade enterprises under one umbrella. The syrup is expensive, she says, and it's common for tappers to add sugar or water it down to earn a little extra money.
For the moment, initiatives like the Good Market are giving this artisanal product a much-needed stamp of quality. The kithul brands sold under the Good Market umbrella are all-natural – they don't contain artificial food additives – and sourced using fair trade practices. The close relationship between vendors and customers at the weekly market ensures that quality is usually maintained, says Kiessel.
Kithul syrup and jaggery are also getting a boost from a new crop of local chefs and entrepreneurs who are taking a renewed pride in indigenous ingredients. At Kopi Kade, a minimalist coffee shop in Colombo, the country's capital, the menu includes a salted kithul ice cream and an affogato sweetened with salted kithul syrup.
"It has been totally rewarding for me to work with local ingredients like kithul," says Nimeshan Namasivayam, the proprietor of Kopi Kade. His latest experiment involves using kithul syrup to make a batch of kombucha.
The syrup is used as a replacement for refined sugar in smoothies, cakes and other baked goods at Cafe Kumbuk, a popular restaurant that emphasizes local, organic and seasonal produce. The syrup is also served as an alternative to honey or maple syrup, drizzled on top of Kumbuk's pancake stacks.
However, rebranding this already popular ingredient as hip may not be enough to save it from disappearing, says Thenakkoon. What's likely to have a bigger impact is finding ways to instill a sense of pride in the traditional occupation of palm tapping, by offering it as a vocational skill at universities, he says.
For Dayasena, who maintains meticulous records of his monthly earnings, it's clear that kithul tapping is an unreliable source of income. He is keener to show off his recent success with organic tea cultivation, and the organic pepper that is drying in his front yard.
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Water scorpions can be found in various aquatic habitats, and they are fascinating creatures with distinct life cycles. You might be surprised to learn that water scorpions in the genus Ranatra resemble underwater walking sticks, using their mantis-like forelegs to capture small aquatic prey source.
In this article, we’ll delve into the life cycle of water scorpions, which goes through several stages, including egg-laying, nymph development, and adulthood. Bearing in mind the importance of understanding these unique insects, you will gain a deeper appreciation for their role in our ecosystem as they strive to survive and reproduce in their watery habitats.
Water Scorpion Overview
Water scorpions are fascinating aquatic insects belonging to the Nepidae family, which is a part of the larger order Hemiptera, also known as true bugs. They resemble underwater walking sticks and are sometimes mistaken for actual scorpions due to their similar appearance.
These creatures can be found in North America and in other regions worldwide. The most common water scorpion genus in North America is Ranatra, while in Asia, Laccotrephes japonensis is the most prevalent. There are also other genera, like Nepa, which are characterized by their fat bodies.
Water scorpions are well-adapted to their aquatic environment. Some of their distinguishing features include:
- Long, slender body
- Three pairs of jointed legs
- Mantis-like grasping forelegs for capturing prey
- Needle-like appendage at the tip of their abdomen
The needle-like appendage is actually a breathing tube, which they use to take in air from the water surface while remaining submerged. It allows them to be efficient predators, preying on small aquatic creatures like mayfly nymphs.
As for their life cycle, water scorpions undergo simple or incomplete metamorphosis. This means they do not go through a larval or pupal stage, like some other insects. Instead, they hatch from eggs directly into smaller versions of their adult selves, called nymphs, and grow through a series of molts until reaching adulthood.
Now that you have a basic understanding of water scorpions, here’s a quick comparison between the most common genera mentioned earlier:
|Ranatra||Thin-bodied, long-legged||North America|
|Nepa||Fat-bodied, short-legged||North America|
|Laccotrephes japonensis||Slender with elongated rostrum||Asia|
In conclusion, water scorpions are intriguing aquatic insects with a unique morphology and lifestyle. Although they may look fearsome, they pose no threat to humans and are an essential part of aquatic ecosystems.
Water scorpions, such as Nepa apiculata, are unique aquatic insects with interesting physical features that set them apart from other creatures. In this section, we’ll explore some of these characteristics to help you better understand their appearance and functionality.
Your first encounter with a water scorpion may be surprising, as their appearance is quite distinctive. They range in length from 0.8 to 1.2 inches, making them relatively small but noticeable creatures when spotted in their aquatic environment. Their size is coupled with a slender, elongated body that resembles an underwater walking stick1.
Regarding their wings, you’ll find that water scorpions possess a set of functional wings, allowing them to fly short distances when necessary. This attribute enables these insects to move about in search of new habitats or food sources.
A crucial aspect of their physical structure is the tail. Instead of a traditional tail, water scorpions have a slender, needle-like appendage at the tip of their abdomen1. This structure serves as a breathing siphon, which helps them to take in oxygen from the water while remaining submerged.
One of the distinguishing features of water scorpions is their thorax, which houses specialized forelegs. These forelegs are raptorial, or mantis-like, and are employed by the insect for grasping and seizing small aquatic prey1. While you might initially mistake them for antennae, they are actually an essential part of the water scorpion’s hunting apparatus.
To summarize, water scorpions exhibit several fascinating physical characteristics:
- Length: 0.8 to 1.2 inches
- Slender, elongated body
- Functional wings for short-distance flight
- Needle-like appendage serving as a breathing siphon
- Raptorial forelegs for grasping and seizing prey
Understanding these traits will give you a clearer insight into the captivating world of water scorpions and their life cycle.
Habitat and Distribution
Water scorpions can be found in various freshwater habitats. They typically prefer locations with slow-moving or stagnant water, such as ponds, streams, and ditches.
In these environments, you might find them in:
- Lakes with muddy bottoms
- Overwintering sites like temporary wetlands
- Rice paddy systems and rice fields
- Weed-covered ridges near irrigation ponds
Their versatility allows them to adapt to a range of environments, including agricultural areas with rice fields, where they can be found making use of the rice paddy system and irrigation ponds.
Water scorpions are not only limited to natural habitats; they can also be found in man-made locations, such as rice fields and irrigation ponds. This adaptability allows them to thrive in various ecosystems, providing ample sources of food and shelter.
So, when you come across slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds or streams with rich aquatic vegetation, keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures!
Water scorpions have an interesting life cycle that begins with eggs. The female deposits her eggs on submerged vegetation or other underwater structures. Once the eggs hatch, the young water scorpions, called nymphs, emerge and start to grow.
These nymphs undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which means they gradually grow larger and more developed without drastic changes in form. They typically progress through several stages, gradually transforming into adults.
As an adult, a water scorpion is a predatory insect that uses its elongated breathing tube to ambush and capture prey. They prefer still or slow waters with detritus and muddy bottoms, hiding among plant stalks and submerged vegetation.
Regarding reproduction, adult water scorpions mate and lay eggs in springtime, starting the cycle anew. Some water scorpions may overwinter as adults, remaining inactive during the colder months and resuming activity once the weather warms up.
To recap, the key points in the water scorpion life cycle are:
- Starts as eggs laid on submerged vegetation
- Nymphs emerge and grow through incomplete metamorphosis
- Adults are ambush predators in calm waters
- Reproduction occurs in spring
- Some adults overwinter in an inactive state
By understanding their life cycle, you can better appreciate the fascinating world of water scorpions and their unique adaptations for survival.
Feeding and Prey
Water scorpions primarily feed on small aquatic organisms. They are opportunistic predators, meaning they will eat whatever they can find and catch. In their natural habitat, you’ll find water scorpions feasting on a variety of aquatic invertebrates.
Their diet typically consists of tadpoles, small fish, aquatic insects, and mosquito larvae. To feed, they use their raptorial forelegs to seize their prey, providing them with a steady supply of food. For example, if you observe a water scorpion hunting, you might witness it catching fish or snatching a mosquito larva.
In comparison to other aquatic predators, water scorpions are relatively small but still quite effective. They are not known for being picky eaters and will adapt their feeding habits based on the availability of prey.
Here are some common prey items for water scorpions:
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Aquatic invertebrates
- Mosquito larvae
Remember that as a water scorpion’s environment changes, so will its choice of prey. As long as there are small aquatic creatures available, a water scorpion will never go hungry.
Water scorpions are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors. For instance, they are known for their ability to swim and ambush their prey, such as small aquatic insects and tadpoles. They mainly rely on their camouflage and stealth to catch their prey1.
Water scorpions are also capable predators. They use their elongated, snorkel-like breathing tube to take in air while staying submerged in water2. This special adaptation helps them maintain a low profile while hunting. Here are some key features of water scorpions:
- Swim efficiently in water
- Ambush their prey using camouflage
- Use a snorkel-like breathing tube for respiration
When it comes to seeking shelter and securing their survival, water scorpions rely on various tactics. They are known to inhabit aquatic habitats that provide cover, such as submerged vegetation and debris3. These environments not only offer refuge from predators but also enhance their hunting techniques.
Survival rates of water scorpions may be studied using methods like mark and recapture censuses, Jolly-Seber method, survival analysis, and recapture rate. These techniques help researchers to better understand water scorpions’ population dynamics, migration patterns, and population size4.
In conclusion, water scorpions exhibit intriguing behaviors that make them exceptional predators and survivors in their aquatic habitats. Understanding their behavior and how they thrive in their environment is crucial for their conservation and management.
Water scorpions play an important role in aquatic ecosystems, especially in terms of biodiversity conservation. Their presence can be an indicator of healthy and diverse wetland habitats. However, as with many other aquatic species, various factors can impact their conservation status and abundance.
The diversity of water scorpions can be affected by different worldwide environmental factors, including habitat loss and pollution. In some cases, water scorpions may face challenges similar to their distant cousins, the true scorpions. For example, when specific vegetation types they rely on are threatened, their populations might decline as well.
As a comparison, consider the endangered giant water bug and the endangered water bug, which are also sensitive to changes in their environment. These bugs could end up on the red data list, just like many other aquatic species at risk. While there’s currently no clear indication that water scorpions share a similar status, it’s crucial to monitor their populations and maintain healthy wetland habitats.
To maintain water scorpion populations and reduce the risk of declining abundance, consider supporting alternative wetlands and promoting sustainable land use practices. By protecting their habitats, you can help ensure the conservation of not just water scorpions but countless other species that rely on aquatic ecosystems as well.
Water Scorpions and Human Interaction
You might encounter water scorpions in various aquatic habitats. There are about 13 species in North America and 270 species worldwide, which belong to the family Nepidae. Some broader-bodied species like the Brown Water Scorpion (Ranatra fusca) even resemble the appearance of a giant water bug.
These invertebrates are a fascinating part of aquatic fauna, but can also be a concern in some areas. For example, they might appear in regions like Hyogo and Central Japan, where rice saplings are drained and irrigated in ploughed fields.
With their unique and diverse characteristics, you might be wondering how they interact with humans. Let’s discuss two main aspects to consider when encountering them:
- Sting: Despite their name, water scorpions don’t possess a sting like true scorpions. Instead, they have a needle-like appendage at the end of their abdomen that they use for respiration.
- Bite: Although they don’t sting, water scorpions can bite if you try to handle them. Their bite is not dangerous, but it can be painful. It’s best to observe these fascinating creatures from a safe distance.
In terms of pest control, water scorpions are unlikely to pose a significant threat to crops or humans. They mainly feed on small aquatic prey and help to maintain a balanced ecosystem in water bodies.
Overall, water scorpions are intriguing creatures with a unique distribution and role in aquatic ecosystems. It’s essential to appreciate and respect their role in nature and interact with them cautiously.
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Water Scorpions in Public Pool
Location: Swimming pool in Tucson AZ
August 1, 2010 10:53 pm
Hello, I believe this is a water scorpion (actually 2) that were found in a public swimming pool today (early August) in Tucson AZ. It is about 2 inches long, abit longer if you measure the tail like appendage. Water bugs are not uncommon this time of year, but this variety was new to me. I identified it as a water scorpion from other posts on your site. How do water bugs survive in swimming pools when the chemicals that make the water safe for swimming are supposed to destroy organic matter?
You are correct. These are Water Scorpions. Water Scorpions and most other adult aquatic insects breath air, in the case of the Water Scorpion, through the breathing tube at the end of the abdomen which functions like a snorkel. Since they do not take oxygen from the water, they are not adversely affected by the chlorine in the way that fish with gills may die in chlorinated water. If conditions become unbearable, the Water Scorpions just take flight and find a better habitat.
Letter 2 – Water Scorpion from Gambia
Big Gambian water loving bug
March 29, 2010
Hi Bug peeps, recently got married in the gambia, west africa and stayed with my mum. She often gets these huge bugs in her pool – they are about 6″ including the long tail, and when they are fished out and dried off, their underbellies are bright orange. Any ideas what they might be? I’m guessing that’s not a sting… I hope!
Gambia, west africa
This is an impressive Water Scorpion, and though the name might imply a stinger, you are correct that it is not a stinger. The Water Scorpion breathes through that extremity, using it like a snorkel. Water Scorpions are quite capable of producing a painful bite if they are carelessly handled, but the bite comes from its piercing beak, the means by which it sucks nourishment from any prey it captures with is raptorial front legs.
Wow, thanks Daniel!
They always seem pretty chilled out, they never try to bite – they just have a swim, then dry off to fly off in a swirl of neon orange – they lumber along the ground but they are graceful otherwise.
I’ll let Mum know, she could not remember what the local name for them was but she’ll be glad to know what they are.
Very much appreciated!
Letter 3 – Water Scorpions Mating
I live in Sydney Australia and found your website when trying to identify these bugs, found in our backyard swimming pool. I think they might be what you call Toe-biters or Giant Water Bugs, but these ones have longer front appendages and long spikes at the back, at least the length of their abdomen. There is one smaller one on the back of the larger one and does not get off. Are they mating or is the little one eating the big one? Please help, my girls are too scared to go back in the pool!!!!
Janine in Oz
My Oh My we are thrilled to have received your excellent photo. We haven’t posted anything on our Bug Love page in weeks. These are actually Water Scorpions, relatives of Toe Biters that can also deliver a painful bite. They are mating. Tell your girls not to fear the water. The Water Scorpions are probably not established in your pool unless the water is stagnant. The appendages are actually breathing aparati, similar to snorkles.
Letter 4 – Water Scorpions
I found what I thought was a dead walking stick in my pond in Myakka City, Florida. Surprise it was alive and there were two of them. Are these water scorpions? Do they really bite? They didn’t seem very aggresive when I touched their front legs.
These surely are Water Scorpions in the genus Ranatra, and they really will give a painful bite. Your photo is totally awesome.
Letter 5 – Water Scorpion pummelled to death
What is this thing?
Wed, Dec 31, 2008 at 7:26 AM
Found this bug by the open overhead door at the metal shop I was working in. It was September I believe. I kept it alive and scooped him up with a piece of paper and took it outside, however the owners son proceeded to smash it repeatedly with a 5 lb dead blow hammer, of course I was wroth with him for it. He smashes all the weird bugs that seem to show up in large numbers around the shop also. Found a luna moth that had been knocked down by a robin, and I saved a praying mantis that was over 4 inches long this fall! Don’t know what this thing is, had small hooks on the end of it’s strange mantis like front legs. Some damage to it in the picture, probably as a result of flying into the stockroom of a metal shop! if you could identify it, I would be grateful.
Western NY state, USA
We are very sorry to hear that this unfortunate Water Scorpion has been pummelled to death by an insensitive insect hater. The Water Scorpion in the genus Ranatra is a predatory aquatic insect that can fly and is sometimes attracted to lights. Water Scorpions get their name from the painful bite they will deliver if they are mishandled, but the species does not aggressively bite humans.
Letter 6 – Water Scorpions eat Damselfly Naiad
water scorpions share meal
Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 10:49 AM
I thought you guys might like this picture I took last year. Over the summer I raised several water scorpions, and these are two of them. They were both eating the same damselfly larva at the same time. I thought that this was a rare moment and snapped several shots. I later realized that the darker one had little egg pouches, or mites of some kind on one of its legs, and that there is another damselfly larva on the lighter one’s back. I hope you guys enjoy this image. Thanks again for the awesome site.
Hi again Josh,
Thanks for the interesting image of two Water Scorpions feeding on a Damselfly Naiad. It will be an excellent addition to our Food Chain section. We took the liberty of adding Oklahoma to your posting as you did not submit your letter using our new form that requires a location. Adding the location requirement to our online form has saved us the bother of writing back for a location. Please include a location in any future letters.
Letter 7 – Water Scorpion from Gambia
Subject: unknown creature
Location: Kotu beach, Gambia
August 1, 2012 1:15 pm
Saw this insect? on the beach in the Gambia.It was around 25-30 cm long.Very big !Can you help?
This is an aquatic True Bug known as a Water Scorpion. Though they are not considered venomous, they are predators with piercing and sucking mouthparts that can deliver a painful bite if they are carelessly handled or accidentally encountered in the water. Most Water Scorpions can also take flight in the event their aquatic homes dry out.
Letter 8 – Water Scorpion from Thailand
Subject: Bug discovered in Koh Phangan
Location: Chaloklum, Koh Phangan, Thailand
May 2, 2013 8:52 am
Found this bug next to the pool, it was not frightened of water and used its two back legs to rub the water off its back. The two large pincers at the front were also used for walking.
Signature: Emma and Maz
Dear Emma and Maz,
We are thrilled to post your photo because we haven’t received an identification request for a Water Scorpion in quite some time. Water Scorpions are aquatic True Bugs that reportedly have a very painful bite.
Letter 9 – Water Scorpion from Thailand
Subject: This was found at the pool, straightened up into a twig when removed.
Geographic location of the bug: Chiangmai, Thailand
Time: 11:25 PM EDT
Can you tell me what this guy is?
How you want your letter signed: Richard
This is an aquatic, predatory True Bug commonly called a Water Scorpion. They are reported to have a painful bite.
Letter 10 – Water Scorpion from Thailand
Subject: odd creature found in Thailand
Geographic location of the bug: Bangkok suburbs, Thailand
Time: 12:45 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: This thing was in a swimming pool. Didn’t look to be struggling. I took it out and it sat on the side of the pool. I took some photos and a few minutes later I couldn’t find it. As you can see it has 4 legs, no wings, two large eyes and quite a long tail.
How you want your letter signed: Alex Slater
This is a predatory Water Scorpion, and the common name is a reference to its painful bite. Water Scorpions are also capable of flying.
Letter 11 – Water Scorpion from Vietnam
Subject: Unknown bug
Geographic location of the bug: Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh, Masteri
Time: 11:10 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: The bug is brown with no wings. It is very strong as it is still stuck to my net when I shakes it really hard.
How you want your letter signed: Allison
This looks to us like an aquatic, predatory Water Scorpion. You did not indicate if you were using your net in the water or to catch flying things. Water Scorpions actually do have wings and they are capable of flying from pond to pond. Handle Water Scorpions with caution. They can bite and the bite is reported to be quite painful. | <urn:uuid:98a90f21-85f1-4f67-aa5d-49f665968066> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.whatsthatbug.com/water-scorpions-life-cycle/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.951982 | 4,640 | 3.46875 | 3 |
Stink bugs may be a nuisance to many due to their unpleasant odor, but they play a vital role in the ecosystem as a food source for various predators. In this article, we will explore the diverse range of creatures that feed on stink bugs and the ways in which they help control stink bug populations.
You might be surprised to learn that a number of birds, insects, and even spiders consider stink bugs a tasty snack. From the sneaky attacks of assassin bugs to the brutish pecks of a blue jay, these predators are more than happy to feast on these odorous insects. Let’s take a closer look at some standout examples of stink bug predators and how they manage to subdue their smelly prey.
Understanding Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are a type of insect known for their distinct odor, which they release as a defense mechanism against predators. These bugs come in various species and colors, with the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) and the green stink bug being quite common.
The brown marmorated stink bug is shield-shaped and measures between 14 and 17 mm long, roughly the size of a U.S. dime. Its abdomen and antennal segments feature alternating broad light and dark bands. Adult females lay clusters of 20-30 light green or yellow, elliptical-shaped eggs between May and August.
On the other hand, the green stink bug belongs to the Pentatomidae family. It is a major pest in cotton, rice, and soybean fields and releases an offensive odor when handled, just like its brown counterpart.
Generally, stink bugs have some shared characteristics:
- Shield-shaped body
- Unpleasant odor when disturbed
- Variety of species and colors
While some species of stink bugs are harmful to crops, others can be beneficial to gardeners. For example, predatory stink bugs feed on over 100 species of insect pests, helping to control their populations.
Comparing the two most common stink bug species:
|Feature||Brown Marmorated Stink Bug||Green Stink Bug|
|Color||Brown with light and dark bands||Green|
|Size||14-17 mm||Varies, often larger|
|Crop Impact||Damaging to crops||Damaging to crops|
|Habitat||Various, including residential areas||Mainly agricultural fields|
Remember, understanding the differences between stink bug species is essential because some pose risks to your garden or crops, while others prove helpful in pest control.
Feeding Behavior of Stink Bugs
Stink bugs are known for their diverse diet, as they feed on various parts of plants, including the fruit, leaves, and stems. Here’s a brief overview of stink bug feeding habits, centering on their preferred plants and fruits.
When feasting on plants, you might find stink bugs targeting:
For fruit lovers, stink bugs are known to feed on:
Their feeding method involves piercing the plant or fruit with their straw-like mouthparts, followed by consuming the sap or juices. This causes damage to the plant or fruit, leaving scars, marks, or even creating openings for other pests and microbes.
Stink bugs lay their eggs on the plant leaves and their nymphs will feed on the same plants as they develop.
Here’s a comparison table to help you further understand their feeding preferences:
|Plant/Fruit||Stink Bugs Feed On|
In summary, stink bugs are not picky eaters and their diet mainly consists of plant leaves and various fruits. They cause damage to plants and fruits, affecting their appearance, and allowing other pests or pathogens to enter.
Habitat and Hibernation
In the fall, stink bugs search for warm places to spend winter. They often find their way into your home, seeking the warmth and protection it offers. If you’re wondering where these pests venture during spring, they’re likely to be found in gardens around the United States and beyond.
When hibernating, stink bugs typically seek refuge in tight spaces such as cracks and crevices in walls, window frames, and beneath sidings. A popular spot for them is near cedar trees, allowing them to stay sheltered during the colder months. In your home, they might hide in attics, crawl spaces, and even between walls.
In spring, as temperatures rise and warmth returns, stink bugs exit their hiding spots and become more active. You’ll likely encounter them in your garden, feasting on various plants and fruits. To keep these pests at bay, follow these simple guidelines:
- Inspect your home in fall for gaps and cracks where stink bugs could enter.
- Seal any openings you find with caulk or draft stoppers.
- Keep cedar trees well-trimmed and away from your home’s structure.
- Maintain a clean and well-tended garden to reduce potential hiding spots.
By understanding the habitats and hibernation patterns of stink bugs, you can make well-informed decisions on how to best protect your home and garden from these persistent pests.
Signs of Stink Bug Infestation
Stink bugs can cause significant damage to your crops and become a nuisance in your home. Knowing the signs of their infestation is crucial in order to protect your plants and maintain a comfortable living space.
- Stink bugs mainly feed on fruits and vegetables, causing irregular scarring on their surface.
- Their feeding leaves behind a distinctive scar that resembles a series of concentric circles, known as the “cat-facing” injury.
Infestation in Orchards
- You might notice these pests clinging to the bark of trees in your orchard.
- They can cause extensive damage to fruit crops like apples and peaches.
- As temperatures drop, stink bugs tend to seek shelter in homes.
- Watch out for these insects gathering around windows, doors, or cracks in your house.
- The smell of stink bugs can be an indicator of their presence.
- If you notice a strong, unpleasant odor in your home or garden, it could be a sign of an infestation.
To prevent further damage, it’s important to act fast if you suspect a stink bug infestation. Investigate the affected areas and consider seeking professional help if necessary. Remember to remain vigilant for these insects, especially during the growing season, to keep your crops and home stink bug-free.
Common Stink Bug Predators
In your garden, stink bugs can be quite a nuisance. Luckily, there are several natural stink bug predators to keep their population in check. Some of the common predators include:
- Ants: These tiny insects may be small, but they don’t shy away from tackling a stink bug. They can often be seen dragging stink bugs back to their colony.
- Birds: Many bird species, such as bluebirds and woodpeckers, enjoy feeding on stink bugs.
- Spiders: These eight-legged creatures are known to weave their webs and trap stink bugs, consuming them for a meal.
In addition to these common predators, there are other specialized insects that feed on stink bugs as well:
- Predatory stink bugs: Unlike the bothersome brown marmorated stink bugs, these species of stink bugs are a gardener’s friend. They feed on over 100 species of pest insects, including their pest-relatives.
- Wasps: Some wasps, particularly parasitoid wasps, lay their eggs on stink bug eggs or nymphs. When the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae consume the stink bug, eventually killing it.
In summary, nature has provided various stink bug predators that help to control their population. Encouraging the presence of these predators in your garden can be an excellent way to keep stink bugs at bay. Remember, though, not all predators are suitable for all environments. Make sure to consider which predators will best work with your garden’s ecosystem to maintain a healthy balance.
Problems Caused by Stink Bugs
Stink bugs can be quite a nuisance, especially for gardeners and farmers. These bugs are known to feed on a variety of plants, including berries, sweet corn, and soybeans. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract sap, causing distortion and decreased fruit quality.
The smell emitted by stink bugs can be unpleasant and pervasive. When threatened, they release a foul-smelling chemical which can linger on surfaces.
By feeding on plants, stink bugs can cause significant harm:
- They leave scars on fruits and vegetables, reducing their market value.
- In large numbers, stink bugs can lead to substantial crop damage.
To prevent and control stink bug infestations, it’s essential to know your options. Some people may choose to hire an exterminator, while others might try DIY methods. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
|Exterminator||Professional, often more effective||Can be expensive, use of chemicals|
|DIY methods||Cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives||Less effective, time-consuming|
As a gardener or farmer, managing stink bug problems is crucial to protect your plants. By exploring the right extermination methods, you can find what works best for your specific situation and ensure healthy, bountiful crops.
Stink Bug Management Techniques
To get rid of stink bugs, it is essential to focus on prevention and exclusion. Begin by sealing windows, doors, and any cracks or gaps around your home. Pay special attention to the eaves, making sure to seal any openings you find. Replace or repair damaged screens on windows and doors, and use caulk to seal gaps around them.
There are several methods available to manage stink bugs, such as:
- Vacuuming up the stink bugs
- Startling and collecting them
However, these methods might not be enough, and you may need additional means to control stink bugs. Among them are traps and pesticides. Traps are a simple and chemical-free option, while pesticides should be used carefully and as a last resort.
Here’s a comparison table of the pros and cons of traps and pesticides:
|Traps||Chemical-free, easy to set up||May not catch all stink bugs|
|Pesticides||Effective in controlling large infestations||Can be harmful to other organisms, may require professional assistance|
In conclusion, adopting a proactive approach to stink bug management by sealing entry points and using traps or pesticides when necessary will help you keep your home stink bug-free. Remember to always follow the instructions and safety precautions provided by the product manufacturers when using traps or pesticides.
Natural Stink Bug Remedies
Stink bugs can be a nuisance, but there are natural remedies you can use to deter them. One effective way is by using garlic in your garden. Garlic can act as a repellent, so planting it near your plants can help keep stink bugs away.
Another remedy you can try is using soapy water. Simply mix water with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle and spray this mixture on stink bugs you see in your garden. This solution can help deter them and even kill them without harming your plants.
A more potent option is to use garlic spray. To create this, you can blend garlic cloves with water and strain the mixture to make a spray. Spraying this mixture on your plants can help repel stink bugs.
Diatomaceous earth is another useful remedy. It’s a natural powder that can be sprinkled around your plants to create a barrier against stink bugs.
Some other natural remedies include:
- Mint: Planting mint around your garden can act as a repellent, as stink bugs dislike its scent.
- Essential oils: Oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus can be mixed with water and sprayed on plants to help repel stink bugs.
- Neem oil: This oil can be mixed with water and sprayed as a natural insecticide for stink bugs. Be cautious, as it can also harm beneficial insects.
Lastly, you can use kaolin clay as a barrier against stink bugs. This natural clay can be mixed with water and sprayed on your plants, creating a protective layer that stink bugs find hard to penetrate.
When using these remedies, always remember to:
- Keep your garden clean and free of fallen fruits and plant debris.
- Use minimal amounts of these remedies to avoid harming your plants.
- Observe the effectiveness of each remedy and adjust your usage accordingly.
Stink Bug Prevention Methods
To keep stink bugs away from your home, it’s essential to close off their entry points. Check for gaps around pipes and crevices in walls and foundations. Seal them with caulk or other appropriate materials. For instance, cover gaps around utility pipes and use mesh screens on chimneys to block stink bug access.
Ensure that your home’s siding is secure and well-maintained. Stink bugs can sneak through damaged areas or loose siding, so regular inspections and repairs are necessary. Here’s a quick list of tips for a stink bug-free home:
- Seal gaps and crevices
- Inspect and repair siding
- Cover utility pipes and chimneys
In case stink bugs have already found their way indoors, using a vacuum cleaner can be an effective method to remove them. Be sure to empty your vacuum bag outside, away from your home, to prevent the bugs from re-entering.
To discourage stink bugs from congregating near your home, avoid using bright outdoor lighting that may attract them. Instead, use dim or yellow night light bulbs, which are less appealing to these insects.
In summary, proper home maintenance, sealing entry points, and using appropriate lighting can help prevent stink bug infestations. Remember to act quickly if you spot any; a vacuum cleaner can be your best friend in this situation.
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Stink Bugs hatch in India
Subject: Little green bugs protecting their eggs
Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India
September 7, 2013 1:50 pm
Dear Bugexperts, I spotted these delightful little greens chaps surrounding what appear to be their young. They were about three feet up the outside wall of our hotel in India. I assumed they’d stay in their protective ring until the young hatched but one morning we awoke to find they’d all wandered off. I would love to know what these creatures are called so I might read more about them.
These are not insects guarding eggs. They are newly hatched Stink Bugs that emerged from the eggs and they vanished because they eventually dispersed. Though it is a different species, we have a similar photo of Brown Marmorated Stink Bug hatchlings in our archive.
Letter 2 – Tomato Stink Bug Nymph
Subject: Yellow bugs congregating on tomato
Location: Sarasota Florida
July 4, 2014 12:31 pm
I was weeding some plants on my patio & found 15 or more of these yellow bugs congregating on a green tomato. I didn’t see any others on the plant or my other potted veggies. I live in Sarasota Florida so we have where to grow veggies in pots. I’ve tried id’ing the bug but nothing comes close. I’ve not seen this type before. It measured about 1/4 long.
Signature: Garden girl 52
Hi Garden girl 52,
This is an immature Stink Bug, and we quickly identified in on BugGuide as a Tomato Stink Bug, Arvelius albopunctatus, a species previously unknown to us, which is surprising as we often get requests to identify pests on tomato plants. Keep an eye out for reproductive adults, which are also pictured on BugGuide, and you will likely reduce the effects of an unwanted epidemic of Tomato Stink Bugs in your garden.
Letter 3 – Striped Bug from Montenegro
Subject: Red and black striped stink bug
Geographic location of the bug: Montenegro
Time: 07:04 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Thought you might like to know we found this guy in Montenegro Kotor Bay
How you want your letter signed: Frangipanimoonflower
According to iNaturalist, this boldly colored and marked Stink Bug, Graphosoma lineatum, is commonly called a Striped Bug or Minstrel Bug. The site states: “The orange and black warning colours (aposematism) indicate that the insects are foul-tasting, protecting them from predators. The nymphs do not have the orange-black stripe pattern, instead they are mostly brownish.”
Ed. Note: We thought we needed to do additional research on the name Minstrel Bug, and we have decided upon further reflection to change the name of both the subject line of this posting and the caption on the image to Striped Bug. A minstrel is, according to Merriam-Webster: “one of a class of medieval musical entertainers especially : a singer of verses to the accompaniment of a harp wandering minstrels,” but a more recent meaning entered the language with this definition: “a member of a type of performance troupe caricaturing black performers that originated in the U.S. in the early 19th century. NOTE: The acts of minstrels, who typically performed in blackface, featured exaggerated and inaccurate representations of black people in songs, dances, and comic dialogue. The popularity of minstrel shows in their heyday played a significant role in promoting negative racial stereotypes. Professional minstrel shows had fallen out of favor and effectively disappeared by the mid-20th century.” What really interested us was how the black and red stripes of the Striped Bug related to minstrel costumes, and our initial searching located this image with a fascinating reversal of a racially insensitive representation of the other on the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago where this statement is posted: “Minstrel of old sang plantation songs and other American songs like ‘Swanee River’ and dressed in a variety of costumes e.g. Uncle Sam tailcoat, pinstripe trousers, white gloves and felt top hat.” To add further confusion to the common name Minstrel Bug, this insect is European, and we can’t imagine how a decidedly American negative stereotype came to be used for the name of a European insect.
Letter 4 – Stink Bug nymph from Brazil
Subject: Gem on legs
Location: Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
March 2, 2014 9:19 am
We spent about half an hour chasing this beauty with our camera, randomly shooting and battling the autofocus sabotage system.
It was parading on the main paved road of the Serra dos Orgaos National Park, Teresopolis.
The colours remind me of a pest beetle from my youth, an American import which was harmfull to our European crops during the 80’s.
But the form and texture of its shield are more complex.
This is an immature Stink Bug nymph in the family Pentatomidae, or possibly a nymph of a Shield Bug in a closely related family Scutelleridae. We are posting the image and we hope to be able to provide you with a species identification soon. Shield Bugs are sometimes called Jewel Bugs because of their bright metallic coloration.
Letter 5 – Stink Bug Nymph from England
Subject: Bug I.D
Location: London , England
August 19, 2017 11:15 pm
I found this little creature resting in a leaf, in my back garden . Can you tell me what it’s called ?
This is an immature Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae. Based on images posted to British Bugs, we are confident it is Nezara viridula. British Bugs states: “Native to Africa, but frequently imported to the UK in food produce, it is widespread in southern Europe and has been recorded annually from sites in southern England since 2003 on various foodplants including tomato, beans, golden-rod, Lavatera, Viburnum and hemp agrimony. Manyrecords are from all.”
Letter 6 – Stink Bug Nymph from Israel
Subject: Art bug?
Location: Jordan Valley, Israel
March 29, 2015 12:30 am
I found this beauty on the front fender of an ATV while ona jeep trip in the Jordan Valley yesterday.
I took a picture and then let him go (a safe distance from the ATV).
I didn’t find anything on my morning research session, but I’ll keep trying. My main source of Israel Insect information is the Israel Insect World website http://israel-nature-site.com, but there are no photos of bug nymphs on it.
Signature: Ben from Israel
This is an immature Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae, and based on its size, it is a very early instar. It is possible that its markings and coloration may change during each of its five instar phases, and it is also possible that there is great variation within a species. With all that said, we were unable to locate a species match during a quick internet search.
Letter 7 – Stink Bug Nymph in Australia
Yellow and Black Beetle
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
February 8, 2012 5:26 am
I found this beetle on my lemon tree.
This is not a Beetle. It is an immature Stink Bug, possibly the Green Vegetable Bug, Nezara viridula, an introduced species with highly variable nymphs in many colors. The Brisbane Insect website describes them thus: “The immature stages are brightly coloured with orange, red, black and green. “
Letter 8 – Stink Bug Nymphs
Subject: Unknown Insect
Location: Laurel MD
August 21, 2017 4:36 pm
This appears to me to be a juvenile insect. Maybe Japanese Beetle but I cannot find pictures to support my hunch. I found several on my avocado three this evening.
Immature Japanese Beetles are grubs that live underground and that look nothing like the mature Japanese Beetles. These are immature Stink Bugs.
Letter 9 – Stink Bug Nymphs “Everywhere”!!!
Subject: Gross bugs
May 4, 2014 2:50 pm
These bugs are everywhere and I have no idea what they are? Please help us.
Letter 10 – Stink Bug Survives Microwave
Stink bug survives microwave
November 6, 2010 3:27 pm
During a cool spell in Sept. I made some hot chocolate in the microwave. After one minute on high I removed the mug to give it a stir. I was surprised to see a stink but walking around under the glass tray! He had been in there for a full minute with no ill effects! Had not even made it stinky in there. I removed the tray and he crawled onto the ring, which I picked up and carried outside. I wonder if he’ll grow 10-foot tall with two heads and come back??
We hope that your letter does not inspire a spate of science projects.
Letter 11 – Stink Bugs
I found your web page while looking up information on stink bugs. I moved into a 14 year old house last November. In the spring I washed the windows and sills. (Crank out windows) When I opened the windows, lots of dried grass was in between the window and the frame. I opened a window this week (had not been open for 2 to 3
weeks) and lots of grass dropped from above. I looked up and there was a brown stink bug. Are they nesting in between the windows? How can I discourage this? Thanks for your assistance.
Although stinkbugs can get into the house and occasionally become pests, they will not make nests of any form when they are there. They grass came from some other source, maybe mice or just the wind.
Letter 12 – Stink Bugs
I live in Overland Park, KS and came across this critter in the living room, of all places! I assume that the oncoming cold of winter is driving many bugs to seek food and warmth inside. This guy seemed harmless enough. I released him back outside in the garden.
Can you tell me what this bug is?
Overland Park, KS
You just released a species of Stink Bug into your yard. They are true bugs, and as such, have sucking mouth parts which they use to extract the life giving juices from plants. Because of this habit of feeding, they are considered injurious and are garden pests, consuming a wide variety of edible and ornamental cultivated plants. They are sometimes attracted to lights, which could explain its presence in your home. The Stink Bugs (Family Pentatomidae) secrete a noxious odor from glands on the thorax, hence their common name.
Thanks for the informative reply…now I gotta go get a flashlight and git that sucker!
Letter 13 – Stink Bugs
I am needing a little guidance from you. In the last 2 nights, I have discovered 2 large shiny green bugs in my bed! They were about 3/4 of an inch long and about 1/2 inch wide and look like a beetle variety. They have long legs and do emit an odor when I was chasing it. Both times, they were crawling on my bed and I heard them flying about my room. I don’t know if they are stink bugs, since I know other bugs do emit odors. I am wondering what I can do to get rid of these pests because I don’t want to get back into bed! Please help me.
Though you provided no geographical information which could help in my identification of local species, I think your guess that the large shiny green bugs in your bed might be stink bugs could be correct. Here in Los Angeles, we have two species of green stink bugs belonging to the family Pentatomidae, both of the genus Chlorochroa, from the Greek chlôros which means "yellow-green". They are the same general size that you describe.
Stinkbugs are true bugs, not beetles since they undergo incomplete, not complete metamorphosis. They are not shiny like a tiger beetle, but they are a vivid green. Tiger beetles, family Cicindelidae, are often a shiny, metalic green or blue green, and have very long legs that they use to chase down their prey. They are good fliers, often being mistaken for flies, but they like sunny weather and don’t emit an offensive odor. Stink bugs, on the other hand do emit an offensive odor as a defense mechanism, and are often attracted to lights at night, which could explain how they wound up in your bed. Probably the last lights you turned off in the house before retiring were in your bedroom, luring the stink bugs to your bed. Conserving electricity by keeping fewer lights on in the home might keep unwanted visitors from your bed.
Letter 14 – Stink Bugs
I live in New Hampshire and am having a problem with stink bugs. It is winter and we keep finding them in the house, on the windows, in the bathroom, etc. We seem to find one a week, where are they coming from?
Dear Jane H.
Stink bugs are notorious plant eaters, and they use their sucking mouthparts like a syringe to withdraw the vital fluids from their host plants. The most common species are either green or harlequin (red and black) and the green varieties are sometimes attracted to lights. These are the true stinkers in the insect world as well as being true bugs with incomplete metamorphosis. Without more information regarding the actual species I cannot conclude anything more than that perhaps the warm fall weather increased their survival rate outdoors and they entered the house for warmth, or else a houseplant, especially one that was outside this summer, has become their indoor host. Check your plants.
Letter 15 – Stink Bugs
MY name is joey. Today a bug fell of my wall the bug is mostly orange with black stripes and when i squeshed it it smelt really bad. it had six legs and like a spout like thing under its head the back is like a oval. I was just wondering what it was and if it was harmful. I live in VA to if that helps please write back sone the bug was half a starburst or a little more
The reason your bug smelt so badly is because it was probably a type of stink bug (family Pentatomidae) of the harlequin variety. They are true bugs, hence the sucking mouthparts which may look like a spout. They are not harmful to humans, except for the foul smelling odor which they emit from glands near the hind legs. The odor serves to discourage or repel enemies. The harlequin stink bug can be harmful to plants, especially those of the cabbage family, and they use their sucking mouthparts to withdraw vital fluids from their hosts, occasionally causing major damage when large numbers of bugs are present.
—Daniel Marlos "What’s That Bug?"
Letter 16 – Stink Bugs at Sea
I work on an oil rig in the middle of the north see half way between the Orkney islands and Norway. 150 miles north east of Aberdeen. We had what can only be descried as a shower of flying beetles here. 1000’s falling from the sky and settling on the deck of the platform, along with these bugs were numerous moths and red admiral butterflies, a very rare occurrence as we hardly ever see creepy crawlies out here. Following them were numerous small birds such as robins and warblers who took full advantage of this free meal, Following the small birds were two peregrine falcons that in turn took their fair share of the small birds. No major recent storms which could have blown them out here. There has been A long period of moderate Southern winds with warm air and fog . Can anyone tell me what they are?
East Brae Platform
Marathon Oil UK
Your account of the food chain at sea is fascinating. These are not beetles, but True Bugs in the family Pentatomidae. They are commonly called Shield Bugs and even more commonly called Stink Bugs.
Letter 17 – Stinkfliege
Subject: Flying brown bug
Location: Lees summit, Missouri
June 4, 2015 10:25 pm
Hello, found this guy on my lap as I entered my car. He came along for the ride till I stopped then flew away. Looks a bit like a horse fly.
We are very excited to post your images of a Stinkfliege, Coenomyia ferruginea, a fly in the family Xylophagidae, as we have but one other example on our site and your images are far superior. Alas, there is not much information on BugGuide, but according to the translation of Insektenbox: “Larvae live on detritus (dead vegetable matter, sludge).” According to the translation of Insekten, the family are called Wood Flies.
Letter 18 – Stinkfliege
Subject: Robber fly
Geographic location of the bug: South-central New York state
Time: 07:39 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: I discovered this on a pepper plant on my deck, and have never seen it before. I think it may be a species of robber fly. Can you identify it?
How you want your letter signed: Eric
This is a female Stinkfliege in the family Xylophagidae. According to BugGuide, the female can be recognized because, among other traits, she is: “Shiny orange with light-orange abdomen, almost white.” Of the family, BugGuide notes: “Adults sometimes take nectar and other fluids” and “Larvae scavengers or predators.”
Letter 19 – STINKY!
I recently came across a message where you had identified the dreaded "stink bug". I live in northern Michigan near Petoskey. I build a new house in the winter of 2002 and in August of 2002 was invaded by brown stink bugs. I have 2 plants which I have never seen the bugs near. I usually find them near the windows. I am desperate to get rid of these ugly creatures!!!! Please advise me of anything you know that would be helpful.
What constitutes an invasion? A few stink bugs might have wandered into the house through the door and then were drawn to the windows because of the light. They are accidental visitations, much like the occasional fly or bee which finds itself indoors and wants nothing more than to get out. Also, they are seasonal, maturing in the late summer when you found them. You shouldn’t have a problem when they are in their wingless stages. Rest assured that stinkbugs will not take up permanent residence in your new home. Ants, roaches, termites and silverfish are a bigger concern.
Letter 20 – Tomato Stink Bugs
really cool bug
Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 8:59 PM
I shot this bug in my garden in Austin, Texas and cant’ find it in my bug books. Hope you can help. It’s so beautiful!
Dear Eastside Gardener,
These are Tomato Stink Bugs, Arvelius albopunctatus. We identified them on BugGuide, which indicates that: “It is a plant-feeder, with hosts including tomato, potato, sweet potato, green beans, sunflower, pepper, eggplant, okra, and soybean.”
Letter 21 – Tree Stink Bug
Help Identifying a bug
I found your site while my 4 year old daughter and I tried to identify an insect we found on our screen door in Sacramento California. I’m confidient you’ll be able to help us figure out what it is. I’m hoping to keep her interested in insects so she won’t develop a fear to bugs. By the way, she loved looking at all the beautiful insects on your site. Thanks in Advance,
The Tree Stink Bug is one of the Predatory Stink Bugs in the genus Brochymena. Eric Eaton provided us with this clarification: “I would classify them as scavengers or opportunistic predators, though, as are many, if not most, Hemipterans, even if they are principally herbivores. I once saw two smaller milkweed bugs sharing a dead honeybee carcass! Was I shocked!…. Eric”
Letter 22 – Tree Stink Bug
unknown bug in lake tahoe
December 17, 2009
this is the third bug of this species we have found this winter. not sure what it is.
lake tahoe, sierra nevada mountains
This is a Stink Bug in the genus Brochymena, commonly called a Rough Stink Bug or Tree Stink Bug We have gotten several letters per week for the past month requesting their identification. Like the Western Conifer Seed Bug, Brochymena Stink Bugs frequently enter homes as cool weather approaches. They will hibernate through the winter and they will not damage the home nor its contents, and they pose no threat to the human inhabitants.
Letter 23 – Tree Stink Bug
Is this a true or stink bug?
December 30, 2009
We found this dead bug in our warehouse a couple of weeks ago. Then we found your website today and spent most of the afternoon going thru submitted pics and responses. What a way to spend a quite afternoon at work!
Handly Working, Dave
We can’t help but wonder if you were handily working, or hardly working. This is a Tree Stink Bug in the genus Brochymena. They often seek shelter indoors when cold weather approaches and they will not damage the home, its furnishing, nor the inhabitants. As a point of clarification, all Stink Bugs are True Bugs, but not all True Bugs are Stink Bugs.
Letter 24 – Tree Stink Bug
Subject: Cat vs. Beetle
Location: Grand Prairie, Tx
November 11, 2013 3:01 pm
I let my cat on my balcony and she darted toward this oddly colored beetle. I didn’t want her to eat it so I presumed to spat her and she ran hyper-salivating at her mouth. I freaked, so I called the vet, which got me no where. They said to google the bug and I landed here. I was wondering what kind of beetle it is and what defense mechanism does it have against animals?
Signature: Robin W
This is a Rough Stink Bug or Tree Stink Bug in the genus Brochymena, and like other Stink Bugs, it is able to produce a foul odor as a defense mechanism. We imagine that the foul odor might also have a foul taste, and we believe that caused the reaction in your cat, but we do not believe there will be any lasting harm. See BugGuide for more information on the Tree Stink Bugs.
Letter 25 – Tree Stink Bug
Subject: Rock beetle?
Location: Cameron Park, CA
December 26, 2014 10:55 pm
Hi there. Just found this in my house and am stumped. He looks like a beetle obviously but he looks like he’s designed to hide on a rock. Not on my carpet. :-/
Signature: Lisa Visconti
This is a Tree Stink Bug or Rough Stink Bug in the genus Brochymena, and we haven’t posted a recent image of this genus to our site in quite some time. According to bugGuide: “Usually bark-like (cryptic). Lateral teeth on juga. Head elongated, pronotum laterally with toothlike projections, and rear margin of abdomen has pleated pattern.”
Letter 26 – Tree Stink Bug
Subject: what is this?
Location: Foldom, CA 95630
January 1, 2015 12:29 pm
Found this bug in my bed…yuck! Where did it come from?
Signature: Heather Moustakas
This is a Rough Stink Bug or Tree Stink Bug in the genus Brochymena, and it is not considered a household pest, though individuals sometimes enter homes when the weather begins to cool.
Letter 27 – Tree Stink Bug Nymphs
Subject: Tick like liking bug?
Location: Central fl
December 27, 2013 1:34 pm
What type of bug is this? I was parked under a tree and near some shrubs. I had 5-6 of these bugs on my vehicle. Are they ticks?
These are not ticks. They are immature Stink Bugs in the genus Brochymena. We matched them to photos on the Stink Bug page of Field and Swamp: Animals and their Habitats (scroll down) and we verified that by finding this image on BugGuide. Stink Bugs in the genus Brochymena are known as Tree Stink Bugs or Rough Stink Bugs.
Thanks so much for your help! I really appreciate it. Have a Happy New Year
Letter 28 – Tree Stink Bugs
Red Maple Borer?
We have a Red Maple that has suffered extensive damage due to some type of borer. The tree did not fully bloom this spring. Until now, we were not able to find any insect that could be responsible. And, the damage does not match the description for any known borers that attack maple trees. At the beginning of August, we noticed new damage consisting of an entry hole and quite a bit of sawdust at the base of the tree. Peeling back the bark revealed quite a bit of new damage to the tree. The damage included a couple of holes/tunnels that went almost 4 inches into the tree. This week we found a couple of beetle like insects on the trunk. Attached is a jpg image. Any help identifying these insects would be very appreciated. We live in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Thank You.
These are Brochymenas, Tree Stink Bugs. The winged one is an adult and the other a nymph. They are not your borers.
Letter 29 – Stink Bug Nymph from South Africa
Subject: Leaf Footed Bug
Location: Rietfontein, Pretoria, South Africa
January 9, 2014 12:00 am
In response to an earlier post I am sending two photos of a bug that I suspect is a Leaf Footed or True bug. It was observed in my garden during summer (November) 2013. Your identification help is highly appreciated.
Signature: Robert Erasmus
We are currently experiencing a technical situation that we don’t quite understand and that has caused us to contact our webmaster. The comment you supplied to our old posting of Possibly Leaf Footed Bug Nymph from South Africa has appeared in our email account, but not to the posting itself, so we cannot approve the comment to the site. We are happy you submitted your own photographs and we would like to address your questions. It is interesting that you labeled one file as a Stink Bug and one as a True Bug. We still believe the posting you originally commented upon is likely a Leaf Footed Bug, and we agree that your nymph appears to be a Stink Bug or Shield Bug nymph. Nymphs can be notoriously difficult to identify as they often differ considerably from adults and it is generally the adult or imago that appears in identification guide books. With that said, we will attempt to research your request. In the meantime, we will go live and enlist the assistance of our readership, and we will follow our gut instincts and classify this as a Stink Bug or Shield Bug.
Your nymph looks similar to, but not identical to, this Stink Bug nymph from Pretoria that is posted to Project Noah. We found a pretty good match on ISpot, but it is not identified beyond the Stink Bug family Pentatomidae.
Letter 30 – Stink Bugs from South Africa: Flaminia natalensis
Subject: Shield bug in South Africa
Geographic location of the bug: Johannesburg South Africa
Time: 02:49 PM EDT
Please could you kindly assist. I have found these bugs infesting all my aloe plants. I cannot find them in the net. The closest bug I could find is the African painted bug. They have similar markings but are more horizontal then vertical. The bugs are about 2-5mm long. They are in huge groups and are causing substantial damage to the plants. They are only on the aloe plants.
How you want your letter signed: Thanks
Your image includes both a mature winged Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae and immature individuals. We could not locate any matching images on iSpot. We will continue to research the identity of this Stink Bug species.
Thanks for the help. A local entomologist identified them for me. They are the 8 backed shield bug.
Update from Kevin Clark: Flaminia natalensis
Hope this helps
Ed. Note: We are attempting to locate a second image for corroboration, and interestingly, the same image pictured on iNaturalist with the location listed as Zimbabwe is posted to Naturalista, and the map of Mexico and Central America appears. We cannot locate other images online.
Letter 31 – Tree Stink Bug
Stink/Shield Bug from Knoxville, TN
January 7, 2010
I found this little insect crawling across the ground at the Knoxville Zoo, Knoxville, TN, during our summer vacation this past August. I believe it is a stink or shield bug, but I haven’t been able to find photos of any species with the same crisp pink trim and overall pale color of this bug. Could you help?
We have decided to allot a bit more time than usual to provide you with a response, and that means sifting through numerous pages on BugGuide. We have decided that we will just being indicating possibilities and then make a guess as to the actual identity. There are some similarities to Euschistus inflatus, notably the pink edges, but that species seems to be limited to Utah according to BugGuide. We wonder if perhaps it might just be a light, possibly recently metamorphosed Brown Stink Bug, Euschistus servus. According to BugGuide: “Body is oval with the underside being slightly concave and the abdomen narrow. Entire dorsal side grayish yellow with dark brownish-gray punctures becoming denser at the edges of the pronotum. The last two antennal segments (fourth and fifth) are darker in colour. The ventral surface usually has a pinkish tinge. Cheeks large passing the clypeus in length and more pointed. The humeral angles of the pronotum are rounded.” We will post your letter to see if anyone writes in with suggestions, and we will also contact Eric Eaton for his opinion.
Thank you so much for your prompt response! I examined photos of brown stink bugs before submitting, but I failed to find many photos of adults or nymphs with such a distinct pink pattern. The paleness of the wing membrane also seems atypical for an adult, so I also suspected that it may simply have recently metamorphosed. Hopefully, you guys will unearth a more definite ID.
Eric Eaton provides identification
This is indeed a stink bug, a recently-molted adult in the genus Brochymena. The wing membrane has yet to attain any pigmentation, and remains soft. It will eventually darken and stiffen. | <urn:uuid:40ae7bdb-798d-4f6b-a8b9-c0f357d8c4ca> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.whatsthatbug.com/what-eats-stink-bugs/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.939053 | 9,584 | 3.640625 | 4 |
The classification of art scissors may include two different kinds of scissors. The first kind of scissors are traditional scissors that cut a straight edge, which are called art scissors because they are only used on art projects. The second and most common kind of art scissors work the same way as a traditional scissors, however, they have a different shape of blade. The blade is made in a special shape that shows up when a cut is made on whatever project is being worked on. Many times, these kinds of art scissors may also be referred to as decorative scissors or paper edgers.
When someone cuts with art scissors, the cut leaves a very unique shape depending on the design of the art scissors being used. Art scissors can be purchased at a local art supply or craft store and can be found in endless amounts of shapes. They come in classic shapes such as a scallop, a ripple or zigzag. In addition to classic shapes, they also come in more contemporary designs that are more asymmetrical such as lightening, the reading off of a heart monitor, or the look of ripped paper. There are also designs, such as Colonial and Victorian, which are influenced from certain time periods, and shapes, such as Arabian, that are influenced from all different parts of the world. Art scissors used for very specific art projects come in themed shapes such as hearts, clouds, seagulls and flowers.
It is interesting to note that art scissors are a timesaver for those who use them. Prior to their existence in the marketplace, the same design could only be achieved with drawings, by stencil or by hand, and a traditional scissors to cut out all the intricate details. Art scissors achieve the same intricate details in one cut and offer exactness that is difficult to replicate by cutting out a design with a traditional scissors.
Art scissors can be used for a variety of things. They can be used to make stationary for a gift or personal use or to decorate the edge of photographs for an album frame or scrapbook. Some of the most popular ways to use art scissors are by putting together a scrapbook or making greeting cards. Children can use art scissor at school or at home to decorate the edges of their coloring or drawing papers. Regardless of how art scissors are used, they will most definitely add a personal touch to any project. | <urn:uuid:eb0ebf85-febc-4e5d-b042-0cc464eb9769> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wise-geek.com/what-are-art-scissors.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.964645 | 474 | 3 | 3 |
Today’s Wonder of the Day was inspired by Roberta. Roberta Wonders, “Why are firetrucks red?” Thanks for WONDERing with us, Roberta!
OK…so that's an old joke, but it does reveal a common fact that many people WONDER about: why are fire trucks red? If you ask anyone to color a picture of a fire truck, they'll most likely color it red. Why is that?
One popular answer to why fire trucks are red goes something like this: “Because they have eight wheels and four people on them, and four plus eight makes twelve, and there are twelve inches in a foot, and one foot is a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth was a ruler, and Queen Elizabeth was also a ship, and the ship sailed the seas, and there were fish in the seas, and fish have fins, and the Finns fought the Russians, and the Russians are red, and fire trucks are always “Russian" around, so that's why fire trucks are red!"
Of course, that's just a joke with questionable logic. The real reason why fire trucks are red remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. There are, however, a few competing theories out there, one of which may contain some or most of the .
For example, one theory holds that fire trucks are red, because the earliest fire departments were made up of unpaid volunteers. These volunteers didn't have much money, and red was the cheapest color of paint to use, so they painted their fire trucks red.
A competing theory dates back to the same time when fire departments were composed of unpaid volunteers. According to this other theory, however, there was fierce competition amongst the volunteer brigades of neighboring towns. Because red was the most expensive color of paint, volunteers used red to make their fire trucks stand out as a source of pride.
Of course, these two theories are related but opposite. Another theory holds that fire trucks were painted red to make them stand out from all the other vehicles on the road. In the early 1900s, Ford only offered cars in black, so red fire trucks would be sure to stand out amidst the sea of black vehicles on the road.
Standing out from the crowd is obviously a good quality for a fire truck — or any emergency vehicle — to have. But is red the best color to stand out, especially at night? Experts would say, “No!" Rather than red, studies have shown that yellow or lime green is most easily seen after dark.
Today, red remains by far the most popular color for fire trucks and a variety of other emergency vehicles. However, you will also see many other colors of fire trucks. For example, it's not uncommon to see fire trucks that are white, yellow, blue, orange, green, and even black.
Standards: CCRA.L.3, CCRA.L.6, CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.10, CCRA.SL.1 | <urn:uuid:8d5889b3-c176-4aba-8a5a-0b26ae674c76> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.wonderopolis.org/wonder/why-are-fire-trucks-red | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.977754 | 633 | 3.234375 | 3 |
Baalbeck is a city in eastern Lebanon famous chiefly for its magnificent, excellently preserved Roman temple ruins. It was a flourishing Phoenician town when the Greeks occupied it in 331 B.C. They renamed it “Heliopolis” (City of the Sun). It became a Roman colony under the Emperor Augustus in 16 B.C..On its acropolis, over the course of the next three centuries, the Romans constructed a monumental ensemble of three temples, three coutyards, and an enclosing wall built of some of the most gigantic stones ever crafted by man. Some tourists believe that the construction can only be attributed to extra-terrestial artwork.
At the southern entrance of Baalbeck is a quarry where the stones used in the temples were cut. A huge block, considered the largest hewn stone in the world, still sits where it was cut almost 2,000 years ago. Called the “Stone of the Pregnant Woman”, it is 21.5m x 4.8m x 4.2meters in size and weighs an estimated 1,000 tons.
Stone of the Pregnant Woman
Do not miss this follow-up article by Alan Alford:
The Mystery of the Stones at Baalbek >>
The Temples In History
For centuries the temples of Baalbeck lay under meters of rubble, obscured by medieval fortifications. But even in ruin the site attracted the admiration of visitors and its historical importance was recognized.
The first survey and restoration work at Baalbeck was begun by the German Archaeological Mission in 1898. In 1922 French scholars undertook extensive research and restoration of the temples, work which was continued by the Lebanese Directorate General of Antiquities.
Baalbeck’s temples were built on an ancient tell that goes back at least to the end of the third millennium B.C. Little is known about the site during this period, but there is evidence that in the course of the 1rst millennium B.C. an enclosed court was built on the ancient tell. An altar was set in the center of this court in the tradition of the biblical Semitic high places.
During the Hellenistic period (333-64 B.C.) the Greeks identified the god of Baalbeck with the sun god and the city was called Heliopolis or City of the Sun. At this time the ancient enclosed court was enlarged and a podium was erected on its western side to support a temple of classical form. Although the temple was never built, some huge construction from the Hellenistic project can still be seen. And it was over the ancient court that the Romans placed the present Great Court of the Temple of Jupiter.
Aerial view of the Acropolis
The temple was begun in the last quarter of the 1rst century B.C., and was nearing completion in the final years of Nero’s reign (37-68 A.D.). the Great Court Complex of the temple of Jupiter, with its porticoes, exedrae, altars and basins, was built in the 2nd century A.D. Construction of the so-called temple of Bacchus was also started about this time.
The Propylaea and the Hexagonal Court of the Jupiter temple were added in the 3rd century under the Severan Dynasty (193-235 A.D.) and work was presumably completed in the mid-3rd century. The small circular structure known as the Temple of Venus, was probably finished at this time as well.
When Christianity was declared an official religion of the Roman Empire in 313 A.D., Byzantine Emperor Constantine officially closed the Baalbeck temples. At the end of the 4th century, the Emperor Theodosius tore down the altars of Jupiter’s Great Court and built a basilica using the temple’s stones and architectural elements. The remnants of the three apses of this basilica, originally oriented to the west, can still be seen in the upper part of the stairway of the Temple of Jupiter.
After the Arab conquest in 636 the temples were transformed into a fortress, or qal’a, a term still applied to the Acropolis today.
During the next centuries Baalbeck fell successively to the Omayyad, Abbasid, Toulounid, Fatimid and Ayyoubid dynasties. Sacked by the Mongols about 1260, Baalbeck later enjoyed a period of calm and prosperity under Mamluke rule.
The temple complex of Baalbeck is made up of the Jupiter Temple and the Bacchus Temple adjacent to it. A short distance away is the circular structure known as the Temple of Venus. Only part of the staircase remains of a fourth temple dedicated to Mercury, on Kheikh Abdallah hill.
Temple of Jupiter
The first view the visitor has of Baalbeck is the six Corinthian columns of the Great Temple (or “Jupiter Temple”) thrusting 22 meters into the skyline. Built on a podium seven meters above the Court, these six columns and the entablature on top give an idea of the vast scale of the original structure.
The complex of the Great Temple has four sections: the monumental entrance or Propylaea, the Hexagonal Court, the Great Court and finally the Temple itself, where the six famous columns stand.
The Temple of Jupiter is one of the most impressive Temples in Baalbeck.
It measures 88×48 meters and stands on a podium 13 meters above the surrounding terrain and 7 meters above the courtyard. It is reached by a monumental stairway.
Originally surrounded by 54 external columns, most of these now lie in fragments on the ground. The six standing columns are joined by an entablature decorated with a frieze of bulls and lions’ heads connected by garlands.
The Podium is built with some of the largest stone blocks ever hewn. On the west side of the podium is the “Trilithon”, a celebrated group of three enormous stones weighing about 800 tons each.
It was decided to furnish the temple with a monumental extension of the podium which, according to Phoenician tradition, had to consist of no more than three layers of stone. The fact remains that this decision initiated the cutting, transporting and lifting of the largest and heaviest stones of all times. Not only had a wall of 13 meters in height to be composed of three ranges of stones, but in the interest of appearance the middle blocks were made of a length four times their height. Adding to this a depth equal to the height of the stones, they had to be of a volume of up to 400 cubic meters per block, corresponding to a weight of almost 1000 tons. Technically, the builders of Baalbeck proved that they could do it, since three such blocks of the middle layer are in place, but in terms of time they did not succeed – the podium remained incomplete. Nevertheless, so awe-inspiring were those blocks to all beholders ever after, that Baalbeck was known for a long time primarily as the site of the three stones, the trilithon.
Do not miss this article by Alan Alford:
The Mystery of the Stones at Baalbek >>
Stone Technology of the Ancients
Heavy equipment of the ancients
Everybody who has traveled to Egypt, Mesopotamia, South America and many ancient places has seen it: the astonishing craftsmanship of these ancient stoneworkers. The precision fit of large stone blocks is eminent in both the Old and New World. It is hardly imaginable, that all of this should have been done by pure manual work alone. This very interesting link, Ancient Stone Technology, also includes theories of Professor Davidovits from the Geopolymer Institute in France.
In short, his theory is that the 2 million blocks of limestone that make up the core of the pyramid of Chufu (Cheops), have not been cut into shape, but the limestone was solved in water, brought to the building place in small portions and then the blocks were cast in situ. Even more interesting are his ideas on the precision-fit Inca walls: He puts forward a technique to soften the stone by use of acid plant extracts!
Another interesting website is STONE TECHNOLOGY. The ancient Egyptians were masters in working with stone. These pages document photographic evidence, historical research and contemporary debates on stone technology. Topics include predynastic stonewares, straight saws, circular saws, tube drilling and lathes – Photos, Research Papers and Newsgroup Debate Summaries. | <urn:uuid:af86c0f9-e8e3-43a9-aac6-7664012d71bd> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.world-mysteries.com/mystic-places/temples/baalbek-baalbeck/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.959565 | 1,757 | 3.265625 | 3 |
Mount Baldy - The Sacred Site
There are many mountains around the world that are considered holy by different cultures and religions. Mount Baldy, 50 miles east of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Mountains, is one of these. It has been considered holy by the San Gabrielino/Tongva native Americans for generations, and by The Aetherius Society for almost 60 years. There has also been a Zen Buddhist Center on the mountain for over 40 years.
Although the entire mountain is considered sacred containing powerful energies, the energy is easier to invoke from a particular place near the top. This sacred spot is at an elevation of approximately 9500 ft. (see map). It was at this site on August 9th, 1959, where Western Master of Yoga and Founder of The Aetherius Society, Dr. George King, acted as a channel for a stream of Cosmic energy to flow into the mountain.
The charged spot on Mt. Baldy
Every year, in addition to the Interfaith World Peace Pilgrimage, The Aetherius Society (organizers of the World Peace Pilgrimage) holds regular Pilgrimages to Mt. Baldy and other holy mountains. For a schedule of Pilgrimages please contact email@example.com or visit the upcoming pilgrimages page on our website.
Dr. George King, after charging one of the holy mountains | <urn:uuid:be490761-4879-4944-b3aa-aa669bd26ea7> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.worldpeacepilgrimage.org/mount-baldy-the-sacred-site | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.93592 | 276 | 2.53125 | 3 |
While it wouldn’t be accurate to say that using pixels is inherently “bad” …
There are certain aspects of pixels that might make them less suitable for certain use cases, especially in the context of modern web design.
Lack of Scalability and Responsiveness
Pixels are fixed units of measurement that don’t adjust or scale based on user settings or screen sizes.
In an era where web content is consumed on a variety of devices with different screen sizes and resolutions, from small mobile phones to large desktop monitors, this can be problematic.
For instance, a font size of 16px will always be 16 pixels tall, regardless of whether it’s being viewed on a mobile device or a 4K monitor. This can lead to legibility issues on high-resolution displays or for users with visual impairments who may need larger text.
No Relative Sizing
When you specify measurements in pixels, those sizes are absolute, and they don’t adjust relative to other elements. This makes building modular, scalable designs more challenging.
In contrast, relative units like EM and REM adjust based on other factors (either the font size of the parent element or the root element, respectively), which can make your design more adaptive and flexible. For example, increasing the root font size will proportionally increase all sizes defined in REMs, something that isn’t possible with pixels.
Pixels are absolute units and don’t respect the default font size of the browser. Many users will adjust their browser’s default font size for accessibility reasons, and using pixels for font sizes can lead to text that is too small to read comfortably.
In contrast, using relative units such as REMs will respect the user’s browser settings and scale appropriately, leading to a more accessible design. | <urn:uuid:44598d80-abca-4412-ac6d-20e850ff3cb6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.xrilion.com/px-to-rem-converter | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.878344 | 372 | 3.125 | 3 |
GD&T tolerances allow for determining and assessing geometrical deviations of parts. They describe the maximum permissible deviations from the nominal state of a part. If GD&T tolerances are exceeded, the function, accuracy of fit or form of the part is not fulfilled. The tolerances can be used to determine whether a bore hole is manufactured to fit exactly, whether it has the correct direction or whether existing form errors are within the permissible limits, for example. GD&T tolerances are used throughout all steps of the process chain, such as design, production and quality control.
- Deformation during processing
- Wear and tear of the tool
- Machine vibration
- Temperature fluctuations during processing
While GD&T tolerances are used for specification in design, they help the metrologist to verify a part. The basic prerequisite for efficient evaluation is full-field measuring data generated by optical measurement technology. ZEISS INSPECT includes several GD&T functions for a comprehensive analysis of dimensions, form and position by means of datum systems, fitting elements and tolerances. The parametric design of the ZEISS INSPECT additionally supports and facilitates GD&T analyses. For measuring and analyzing the individual elements, this means that every element only has to be constructed once and can then be used as a reference. The respective computation method is set automatically.
ZEISS INSPECT enables you to visualize GD&T tolerances in accordance with the ISO standard. This allows you to add results to a visualization that is very similar to the technical drawing or CAD data.
ZEISS INSPECT provides you with a project guide that guides you through your project. This allows you to detect calculation errors in time. The software also suggests suitable solutions. | <urn:uuid:7244e57a-aed6-42f0-9868-779e626498b4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://www.zeiss.hu/merestechnika/termekek/szoftverek/inspect/gd-and-t.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.899497 | 355 | 2.65625 | 3 |
Sleep Apnea and Related Breathing Disorders The Dentist’s Role In Management and Treatment
Obstructive sleep apnea, usually characterized by severe snoring is now recognized as a life threatening disorder associated with higher rates of stroke and heart attack and accidents that are often associated with excessive sleepiness while driving motor vehicles. It also affects mental acuity and alertness and temperament leading to work impairment and social strife.
Yet obstructive sleep apnea is often not diagnosed and, even when diagnosed, is often untreated or ineffectively or inappropriately treated. It is caused by the collapse and/or narrowing of the upper airway associated with sleep related breathing disorders.
It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more common in men. One out of 25 middle-aged men and one out of 50 middle-aged women have sleep apnea. Impaired breathing and the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea increase with age.
Oral Appliance Therapy for
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Oral appliance therapy (OAT), when appropriately practiced, provides a more predictable success rate than surgery, is reversible and considered more user friendly than blowing air down the throat through nasal CPAP treatment.
It is a non-surgical approach to management of tongue position. It prevents the base of the tongue from collapsing and obstructing the upper airway. Oral appliances may function in three basic ways (1) by repositioning the mandible (lower jaw), tongue, and hyoid bone; (2) by stabilizing them; and (3) by increasing baseline genioglossus (tongue) muscle activity.
There are two types of oral appliances that have demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea tongue retaining devices (TRD) and mandibular repositioning devices (MRD). Of these, the MRDs are most numerous and have more design variations.
The challenge of oral appliance therapy is eliminating or significantly reducing snoring. Successes depend on matching the most appropriate appliances and method of use to each individual patient.
Oral Systemic Balance
The new generation of oral appliance therapy, Oral Systemic Balance (OSB) Therapeutic Systems, were developed by Farand C. Robson, DDS. OSB focuses on restoration of impaired oral function which primarily impacts speaking, swallowing and breathing both while awake and asleep. The observed results of OSB appear to have more profound and far reaching affects than traditional OAT that is limited to the treatment of “obstructive” sleep disordered breathing. Even here OSB appears to surpass traditional OAT.
Consult with your dentist about which treatment may be best for you.
Other Articles You May Find of Interest...
- Strategies for a Winning Dental Care Routine
- Dental Implants: A Lifesaver For Tooth Loss and Oral Health
- Sleep Apnea: CPAP Is Not the Only Option
- Nurturing Healthy Smiles: The Significance of Preventive Care and Establishing a Pediatric Dental Home for Children
- Optimal Dental Health: Achieving Orofacial Harmonization
- Exploring Hard Tissue Augmentation in Periodontal Dental Health
- Natural-Looking Fillings and Crowns In A Single Visit | <urn:uuid:f59802d6-0d83-4cc5-b493-641d67d38ba8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/dental-health/sleep-apnea-and-related-breathing-disorders-the-dentists-role-in-management-and-treatment/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679099281.67/warc/CC-MAIN-20231128083443-20231128113443-00000.warc.gz | en | 0.916535 | 684 | 2.90625 | 3 |
A Rich History
Fort Chaffee was established in western Arkansas in September 1941. Originally designated as Camp Chaffee, the site included 72,000 acres of predominantly farmland.
Combat training was initiated at Camp Chaffee in 1941 and most of the major buildings on the site were completed by the following year. From 1942 to 1946, Camp Chaffee was also used as a German prisoner of war facility. For several years after World War II, Camp Chaffee was placed on inactive standby status until the advent of the Korean War in 1950, which resulted in its reactivation as the Headquarters for the 5th Armored Division.
In 1956, the site was chosen as the U.S. Army Training Center for Field Artillery and was permanently established as Fort Chaffee. Between 1961 and 1974, Fort Chaffee was declared inactive and placed under caretaker status, and then reactivated on several different occasions.
In 1975, Fort Chaffee was used as a relocation center for the Vietnamese refugee program and then for Cuban refugees from 1980 to 1982. Fort Chaffee also served as the temporary home, between 1987 and 1993, for the Joint Readiness Training Center.
In 1995, the defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended the permanent closure of Fort Chaffee. The federal government opted to lease 65,000 acres to the Arkansas Army National Guard to be used for training. The remaining 7,000+ acres were turned over to local communities for redevelopment. The Fort Chaffee Redevelopment Authority was formed in 1997.
The Authority is dedicated to ensuring that this great opportunity reaches its full potential. They are stewards of this resource and will ensure that the public receives the full market potential for the property. To accomplish this, guidelines are required to enhance and perpetuate property values, to manage the timing of land sales to coincide with supply and demands in the market, and to schedule efficient expansion of the infrastructure. In addition to economic stewardship, the natural resources of the area must be conserved and the history of the area must be honored in the new community. Authority members believe that sustaining property values is a critical element of their stewardship. They believe that each new building sets a standard or precedent for the buildings that will follow. They believe that there is value in design and that design can be incorporated into a site or building in an affordable way. They believe that design guidelines can establish a level of quality while still leaving room for creativity and expression. They believe that design guidelines can ensure that this will become a community where parents will be proud to show their children where they work.
Chaffee Crossing will become a community where buildings hold their value over time and a place where the older may be more valuable than the new. This will be a community where builders can be assured that subsequent builders will honor the investment they have made. | <urn:uuid:7870836e-a0af-4d44-ba45-dbf3a1d0df3d> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://chaffeecrossing.com/index.php?mact=News,ma3726,default,1&ma3726summarytemplate=article%20summary&ma3726category=news&ma3726number=3&ma3726pagenumber=117&ma3726returnid=49&page=49 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.973541 | 572 | 3.03125 | 3 |
Create a collection of quadratic vertices.
import numpy as np def setup(): py5.size(100, 100, py5.P2D) random_quadratic_vertices = 100 * np.random.rand(25, 4) s = py5.create_shape() with s.begin_shape(): s.vertex(py5.width / 2, py5.height / 2) s.quadratic_vertices(random_quadratic_vertices) py5.shape(s)
Create a collection of quadratic vertices. The purpose of this method is to provide an alternative to repeatedly calling Py5Shape.quadratic_vertex() in a loop. For a large number of quadratic vertices, the performance of
quadratic_vertices() will be much faster.
coordinates parameter should be a numpy array with one row for each quadratic vertex. The first few columns are for the control point and the next few columns are for the anchor point. There should be four or six columns for 2D or 3D points, respectively.
Drawing 2D bezier curves requires using the
P2D renderer and drawing 3D bezier curves requires using the
P3D renderer. When drawing directly with
Py5Shape objects, bezier curves do not work at all using the default renderer.
quadratic_vertices( coordinates: npt.NDArray[np.floating], # 2D array of quadratic vertex coordinates with 4 or 6 columns for 2D or 3D points, respectively /, ) -> None
Updated on June 26, 2023 01:48:07am UTC | <urn:uuid:a2850bc1-96ec-46e6-90c4-1100444440f2> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://dev.py5coding.org/reference/py5shape_quadratic_vertices.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.700359 | 365 | 2.984375 | 3 |
>> Solar, Weather and Climate Data >> Ersatz future climate data
Ersatz future climate data
(climate weather change scenarios for 2030 and 2050)
Large-scale systems typically operate for a life cycle of 20 years or more. Most buildings last many decades longer. Any renewable energy system or building is likely to experience a change of climate over its effective functional lifetime.
Exemplary Energy has developed advanced techniques to create Ersatz Future Meteorological Year files (EFMY) to ensure that plant systems are designed and financed with due consideration of a changing climate, by predicting the range of likely and foreseeable future system responses producing RMY data sets for future climate scenarios by combining CSIRO climate projections with baseline data representative of "current" climate. For details of how this is done, please see this presentation or published paper.
CSIRO provided projected seasonal and monthly change values for each of the 100 sites for 2030 and 2050 for low (B1), mid-range (A1B) and high (A1FI) worldwide greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions scenarios.
"Future climate data for 100 prospective Australian solar energy sites" by John M Clarke, Craig Heady and Dr Leanne Webb, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, September 2014
For this CSIRO report, which forms the basis of these EFMYs, click here. | <urn:uuid:dbc32aac-9804-43a7-9b94-fe440a76b58e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://exemplary.com.au/solar_climate_data/EFMY.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.88363 | 276 | 2.75 | 3 |
What does ISO 9001 stand for? ISO 9001 refers to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) international standard for developing Quality Management Systems. ISO 9001:2015 was the last revision. ISO 9001 was required to be approved by a majority (or all) of its member countries before it could ever be released or updated.
What does a quality management system consist of? This standard describes the QMS standards that must apply to businesses that want to create products and services that meet regulatory requirements and increase customer satisfaction. Quality management systems form the basis for quality assurance activities.
Why Is ISO 9001 So Crucial?
ISO 9001:2015 is a global standard that can be used to establish, implement and maintain a quality management system for a company. It is applicable to all industries and companies. It is recognized worldwide as the standard for any organization that establishes a system to guarantee customer satisfaction and continuous improvements. This certification is required by many corporations.
The ISO certification assures your clients that you have built a Quality Management System based on ISO 9001’s seven quality management principles. Check out this article to discover more about the quality management principles underlying the ISO 9001 standard. There are seven Quality Management Principles that underpin ISO 9001 criteria.
ISO 9001 is such an important and significant standard that it serves as the foundation for other industry standards, including AS9100 in the aerospace industry, ISO 13485 in the medical devices sector, and IATF 16949 in the automobile industry.
A survey of ISO 9001 certification at the end of 2017 reveals that, despite the global recession, the number of organizations that have applied the ISO 9001 standard for quality management has remained stable globally.
What Is The Current Standard For ISO 9001?
The standard’s current revision is ISO 9001:2015. The ISO 9001 2015 standard, also known as ISO 9001 revision 2015, was published in October 2015 and replaced the ISO 9001:2008 revision. This updated revision contains many of the procedures from the previous version of the standard, with a greater emphasis on risk-based thinking and organizational context. To reflect this transformation, the ISO 9001:2008 standard underwent significant structural adjustments; the 2015 iteration of the standard differs significantly from the 2008 revision.
What Is The ISO 9001:2008 Standard?
ISO 9001:2008 is the upgrade of the 2015-withdrawn ISO 9001 standard. ISO 9001:2008 was built on ISO 9001:2000, with a few minor modifications. ISO 9001:2000 was the first iteration of the ISO 9001 standard to be based on the seven quality management principles listed above, which made the standard’s standards applicable to everything a business does to develop products and services. Prior to the ISO 9001:2000 revision, revisions of ISO 9001 (ISO 9001:1987 and ISO 9001 1994) focused more on establishing and implementing 20 particular procedures than on understanding the organization’s processes.
ISO 9000 Vs ISO 9001
While ISO 9001:2015 is the latest ISO standard for constructing a Quality Management System, other ISO 9000 papers support the ISO 9001 standards. ISO 9000 describes the seven quality management concepts underlying ISO 9001 and defines all ISO 9001-specific terminologies. In addition, ISO 9004 gives advice on how to make an ISO 9001 Quality Management System more effective and focuses on how to improve ISO 9001 processes by providing information on best practices. | <urn:uuid:8570b5dc-851e-408e-a7d5-19242824a827> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://fishinnrockpool.com.au/2022/10/28/what-is-the-iso-9001-standard/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.907103 | 704 | 2.71875 | 3 |
This far side high latitude (77°N) fresh crater (~1.1 km in diameter) presents striking linear patterns in its ejecta. Due to the high latitudes, the incidence angle is always very high in this area (including this image), which enhances subtle topographic features. The ejecta source crater is toward the bottom left (off the image), thus the ejecta landed with the velocity component in upper right direction, consistent with the linear stripes dominating whole area of this image.
Interestingly, the lower left (closest to the rim) and upper left corners of this image show a craggy, rough surface, while the right portion shows only the striped pattern. What causes such texture differences within the same ejecta blanket?
One possibility is the impact melt content was enriched near the rim, increasing the cohesion among the rock fragments and decelerating the flow inducing multiple pressure ridges perpendicular to the flow direction. Perhaps variations in roughness of the pre-existing surface controlled the final look of the ejecta. What else?
Explore this fascinating ejecta morphology in full NAC frame, and find your own hypothesis and answers!
Back to Images | <urn:uuid:4a2b07be-78a9-49ff-b373-426db093f721> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://lroc.sese.asu.edu/posts/700 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.84912 | 237 | 2.78125 | 3 |
“I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I traveled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer.” – Benjamin Franklin, 1766
What did he/she say?
“Abraham Lincoln once asked an audience how many legs a dog has, if you called the tail a leg? When the audience said “five,” Lincoln corrected them, saying that the answer was four. “The fact that you call a tail a leg does not make it a leg.”
That same principle applies today. The fact that politicians call something a “stimulus” does not make it a stimulus. The fact that they call something a “jobs bill” does not mean there will be more jobs.
What have been the actual consequences of all the hundreds of billions of dollars that the government has spent? The idea behind the spending is that it will cause investors to invest, lenders to lend and employers to employ.
That was called “pump priming.” To get a pump going, people put a little water into it, so that the pump will start pumping out a lot of water. In other words, government money alone was never supposed to restore the economy by itself. It was supposed to get the private sector spending, lending, investing and employing.
The question is: Is that what has actually happened?” – Thomas Sowell, Stimulus or Sedative? | <urn:uuid:2d209465-84be-4ac6-984b-8860516d516b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://thestaffordvoice.com/2010/daily-dose-46/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.980165 | 383 | 2.6875 | 3 |
In Texas, mosquitoes are a problem. These hazardous insects often promote questions among the locals. We at A-Tex Pest Management would like to answer a handful of the most frequently asked questions regarding mosquitoes in Texas to help clear up some confusion.
What are Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Attracted To?
When local citizens complain about being bitten by daytime biting mosquitoes, Asian tiger mosquitoes are likely the culprit. One of the most common and widespread in Texas, are Asian tiger mosquitoes. They will bite in the evening hours if the area is illuminated adequately outside, or if they get inside buildings. Generally, mosquitoes do not breed in puddles, ditches or ground pools like many other species, but these mosquitoes breed in tree holes or containers. To deter Asian tiger mosquitoes from lingering on your property, eliminate all standing water in containers on the grounds. Every week, replace the water in birdbaths and wading pools.
Standing Water Attracts Mosquitoes?
It might be a species that breeds in puddles, roadside ditches, or storm-water management basins as there are some mosquitoes in the area. During daylight hours comes from roadside ditches or puddles, very few of the mosquito species in Texas that bite.
Do Asian Mosquitoes Bite
Asian mosquitoes are persistent biters but are usually cautious and sneaky. When people are standing relatively still or moving slowly, they bite and will flit away in response to a sudden movement usually. They tend to bite, such as ankles, legs and backs or undersides of arms in places where they are less likely to be noticed. Many of the woodland pool species are fairly aggressive and will try to bite a person on the head, face or upper body, even when that person is walking. Even as the person is running or waving a broom at the mosquitoes are both dark rice-field mosquitoes and salt marsh mosquitoes, these very aggressive biters that will try to bite a person.
Are Mosquitoes Attracted to Running & Moving Water?
Mosquitoes are not generally attracted to flowing water. However, could be an important source of mosquitoes if the water has no flow, or water that is stagnant. Water that stands for less than a week will not breed mosquitoes, generally. In less than seven days, only the dark rice-field mosquito can complete its aquatic life cycle. They would probably not lay eggs in a puddle that would dry up so quickly, as this mosquito is not very common in the area. Most mosquito species require standing water for a minimum of 10 to 14 days to complete their development. You should not be concerned by puddles that stand for less than a week.
Can Mosquitoes Breed in Holes of Downed Trees?
The holes left by root balls may provide breeding habitat for mosquitoes if the water stands in the holes longer than a week. Standing water and organic matter, like decaying leaves provides ideal habitat for mosquitoes to breed. It is not risk using topsoil to fill in the holes and holes drained within a week. | <urn:uuid:89485cb5-e349-4012-b147-2e3db6082d33> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.atexpestmanagement.com/asian-tiger-mosquito-faq-in-jonestown-tx-what-are-mosquitoes-attracted-to-how-do-i-keep-them-away-more/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.957248 | 619 | 2.5625 | 3 |
Discover Central Government
Who are UK Civil Servants?
Civil servants are technically those people employed by the Crown.
In theory the Queen appoints all Government Ministers, though in practice the Prime Minister (and during the Coalition also the Deputy Prime Minister) appoints Ministers. This means that Government politicians are defined as Ministers of the Crown and civil servants are all those who are responsible to the Government.
Who do UK Civil Servants work for?
So civil servants are those who work for:-
- Government Departments such as the Home Office or Department for Transport. Political Advisers in each Department are still civil servants.
- Executive Agencies, headed by a Chief Executive, that deal with detailed areas of Government work such as the Prisons Service and the Highways Agency and a number of what are known as non-ministerial departments that are responsible to the Government but because of the nature of their work need to have a level of independence such as HM Revenue and Customs and the Food Standards Agency
- The devolved Governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Other people that work for public bodies are not civil servants and this includes the Armed Forces, the BBC, the NHS, Quangos that are responsible to a Board such as the Environment Agency and the Arts Council England and Local Government.
The UK Civil Service Code
Civil Servants have a Code which specifies the standards to which they should keep, such as impartiality, and can complain to the Civil Service Commissioners if they are asked to breach this code.
They have a separate grading and pay structure.
There is a common process of entry and most civil servants are seen as having a general expertise in administration rather than a technical or professional expertise, which most people working in the NHS or for local government need, though they may develop a detailed knowledge of a particular policy area.
They are employed by the Government as a whole rather than by a particular department and so can be moved between organisations. This makes it easier to reorganise Government Departments.
Senior UK Civil Servants
Over 3000 civil servants are in the Senior Civil Service.
Senior Civil Servants work closely with Minister. Their job is to:
- help Ministers set priorities
- make sure that the Department runs smoothly
- bring together all the expertise in the Department to deal with issues and problems, and;
- keep in touch with pressure groups and others in the outside world.
Departments keep in touch with each other to sort out problems that overlap their responsibilities.
Each Government Department is headed by a Permanent Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary is responsible for the civil service as a whole. | <urn:uuid:8055b266-021d-484d-9347-c2d4b7b029b4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.britpolitics.co.uk/civil-servants-a-level-uk-politics/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.968645 | 534 | 3.015625 | 3 |
Smart, sustainable and resilient cities: the power of nature-based solutions
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can help cities address urgent and fundamental environmental challenges by bringing ecosystems services back into cities and rebalancing cities’ relationships with their surrounding areas. By accelerating the implementation of NbS, decision-makers can help cities adapt to effects of climate change, reduce urban heat island effects and cooling needs in buildings, clean air, manage water. This report, produced by UNEP in close collaboration with the Italian Presidency of the G20, investigates the potential of NbS to help build smart, sustainable and resilient cities, drawing from more than a decade of research and experience from G20 countries and beyond. It offers an overview of the best practices of NbS implementation in cities around the world, and a set of guiding principles to improve territorial governance and establish multi-level governance frameworks to increase the impact and coherence of policies and private investments. | <urn:uuid:00f9d064-6106-44de-8b80-d85fefbef55c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.environmentportal.in/content/471179/smart-sustainable-and-resilient-cities-the-power-of-nature-based-solutions/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.91882 | 194 | 2.875 | 3 |
Information Possibly Outdated
The information presented on this page was originally released on June 14, 2007. It may not be outdated, but please search our site for more current information. If you plan to quote or reference this information in a publication, please check with the Extension specialist or author before proceeding.
4-H photo re-enactment uses modern technology
By Courtney Coufal
MSU Ag Communications
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- In celebration of the Mississippi 4-H centennial, the organization's members, agents and volunteers re-enacted a decades-old activity using modern technology.
During the 2007 4-H Congress, more than 600 4-H'ers gathered in the shape of a clover leaf for a photograph on Mississippi State University's historic Drill Field. Mississippi youth formed a similar design 80 years ago at the first 4-H Congress in 1927 and then again several times in the following years. However, instead of freely forming the familiar 4-H logo as was done decades ago, this time organizers created a 100-foot-wide clover-leaf perimeter using a Global Positioning System satellite and Geographic Information Systems.
Jim Lytle, chief photographer for the MSU Office of Agricultural Communications, coordinated the event and said he wanted to create the shape as close to perfect as possible, so free-forming it was not an option.
“Knowing the unique shape of an actual clover leaf, if we tried to free-form it, the odds of getting it close to what it looks like were minimal,” Lytle said. “I thought if we were going to do this for the 100th anniversary, I wanted to do it the best way possible.”
Louis Wasson from the GeoResources Institute at MSU explained GPS as a system of Earth-orbiting satellites and a receiver on the Earth's surface. The satellite tracks the receiver by using longitude and latitude points. The receiver can be a hand-held unit or a fixed unit such as those used in cars for navigation systems.
Creating the clover-leaf perimeter involved several steps, Wasson said.
“We took the logo and enlarged it to 100 feet across, then made a map of the logo on the Drill Field using GIS software. Next, we transferred the logo map to a GPS receiver so we could go out to the Drill Field and walk the 100-foot logo using GPS,” Wasson said. “It sounds simple and it is, but there are a lot of little details that needed to be accomplished before the logo map was transferred to the GPS receiver.”
Wasson used GIS software and geo-referencing to create the map that was transferred to the GPS receiver. GIS is a way to display and analyze geographic data that have latitude and longitude information, like a road map or atlas, he explained. Geo-referencing assigns latitude and longitude points to objects, such as the 4-H clover leaf.
“We brought the image of the campus into GIS software and zoomed in on the Drill Field. We then drew a 100-foot square on the image where we wanted the logo to go (in the southwest corner of the Drill Field),” Wasson said. “Then we stretched and geo-referenced the 4-H logo to fit the dimensions of the 100-foot square. The final result is a map showing the 100-foot-wide 4-H logo correctly positioned on the Drill Field with precise geographic coordinates.”
At that point, the clover-leaf map was transferred to the GPS unit, and 4-H volunteers walked on the Drill Field with hand-held receivers and placed survey flags at the specific plotted points to create the shape of the clover leaf.
The 4-H'ers filled in the plotted areas, creating a precise outline of the uniquely shaped clover leaf, Lytle said.
“The GPS made a huge difference. If you look at the pictures taken in the 1920s and 1930s, you can tell that they were free-formed,” Lytle said. “They came close to the shape but were not able to achieve the precision that we did using this technology.”
Research for GPS and GIS application continues, Wasson said, but it has already had a significant impact on the agriculture and forestry businesses, especially precision agriculture.
“In precision agriculture, for example, a farmer is able to pin-point specific areas of pest or weed infestation in his field using aerial imagery or a GPS receiver. He can then spray that particular area and not have to spray the whole field. This has a positive impact on the environment and keeps costs down.”
As spatial technology becomes more available, it has already proven worthy for the 4-H'ers. Susan Holder, state 4-H program leader, said this project provides a glimpse into what 4-H is about today.
“We still have many of our traditional projects and some of the youth activities that were important decades ago, such as livestock, agronomy, cooking and clothing,” she said. “We also have projects that stretch modern technology and activities, projects that 4-H members could not have dreamed of a century ago, such as computers and engineering.” | <urn:uuid:69899399-799d-4b2a-9db2-823f73dba18a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.ext.msstate.edu/news/feature-story/2007/4-h-photo-re-enactment-uses-modern-technology?page=5 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.947985 | 1,100 | 2.8125 | 3 |
Arity is a term that is occasionally used to refer to much the same as valency (e.g. Reinhart & Siloni 2005) and refers to the number of arguments that a predicate takes. The predicate P in the formula P(a,b) has arity 2 (is a two-place predicate) because it takes two arguments a and b. Generally, a predicate with arity n is called an n-place predicate. Another term for arity is adicity.
The term was taken from mathematics. According to the OED, arity is "the number of elements by virtue of which something is unary, binary, etc."
- Gamut, L.T.F. 1991. Logic, language, and meaning, Univ. of Chicago Press, Chicago.
- Reinhart, Tanya & Siloni, Tal. 2005. "The lexicon-syntax parameter: reflexivization and other arity operations." Linguistic Inquiry 36.3:389-436. | <urn:uuid:db106578-5d9a-4a15-9e26-d998f77591c4> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.glottopedia.de/index.php/Arity | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.920614 | 208 | 3.34375 | 3 |
Before embarking on writing a business plan for starting a car wash, a definition of what a business plan is in order. A business plan is a document to identify an opportunity, research why this opportunity is profitable and the steps needed to capitalize on the opportunity. The business plan can be a formal document or it can be written on the back of a napkin but the mere act of writing the idea down forces you to get the idea out of your head and on paper which helps find hidden business flaws and makes you think carefully about each phase of your business.
Creating a business plan is something anyone can do, even if you don’t know anything about business or finances. Even though the business plan is critical to getting the idea off of the ground, many entrepreneurs procrastinate when it comes to preparing a written plan. If you don’t know anything about business or finances, this is the best time to begin learning as the chances of your business being successful will be limited without this knowledge. Just as a builder won’t begin construction without a blueprint, entrepreneurs shouldn’t rush into new ventures without a plan. The old saying that “those who fail to plan, plan to fail” is very relevant when talking about starting a business. SBA’s statistics claim over half of new businesses fail in the first three years and the common factor is poor planning or under-capitalization (which is also poor planning).
The first step in creating a business plan is just getting started. Writing the business plan may seem overwhelming at first, but if you break the plan down to bite sized pieces and work on one section at a time won’t seem as daunting. Begin with what you know first and describe your business and your product or services. Work towards the more difficult subjects such as marketing, operations and financials. Don’t worry about it being perfect now, just get the concepts on paper – expand and refine later. If you get stuck on a section in the plan, skip it for now and come back later when you have more details.
Who is your audience?
When writing your car wash business plan, you need to keep in mind who your intended audience is and why you are writing the plan. Why? A plan for the bank will be less interested in the exit strategy and return on investment than one for equity investors. Additionally, a plan for written for internal use will be different than one looking for financing as a bank is not necessarily interested in detailed operations of the business.
Business plans tend to have a lot of elements in common. While there is not a format that all business plans follow, there are generally accepted guidelines that most follow as the order in which the subjects flow are not random. The Business Description of a business plan is aimed at painting a picture of your business and why this business will be successful. The Marketing, Management and Operations sections are researched and a strategy of how your business will compete and operate is developed. Last financial projections show in numbers what you explained in the business plan for the sales and expenses.
Breaking these three major sections down even further, a business plan consists of six key components:
In addition to these sections, a business plan should also have a cover, title page and table of contents.
How Long Should Your Business Plan Be?
The answer that nobody liked in school applies to a business plan which is, “as long as it needs to be”. The more complex a business or the more sophisticated investors or funds requested will increase the length of a plan. An average car wash business plan narrative should be 4-15 pages plus financials and appendix items.
Business Plan Outline
The executive summary is the first part of the business plan but is the last to be written. It gives the reader a quick glance of what your business proposal is about and what you are asking for. This part is critical as most readers will scan this section before deciding whether to read further.
The executive summary should typically be about one-half of a page in length and include what you would cover in an elevator pitch such as:
Concise is the key in the executive summary. You will go into more detail later in the business plan.
The purpose of the business description is to objectively describe the car wash business details and future potential include:
Any facts or figures should be noted and sources included in the business plan. This information is important should you need to defend your data and assumptions. The business description is where you are trying to paint a picture of the potential of your business along with the facts to support it. Try to inject energy and excitement to get the reader enthusiastic about the idea, without going overboard of course.
After describing the business, it is time to describe and additional products or services your car wash is selling. Keep in mind that it is important to show how your products and services are better than the competition. If you don’t have a good answer than you should rethink your strategy. What is it about your car wash that is going to get the customer to change doing business with the competition?
A very important part of your business plan is the marketing section. Regardless of the quality of your products and your services, your business will be lost in the clutter of advertising. If you don’t know your customers, how will they ever find you? All of this begins with doing some research.
Customers: Who Is Your Market
The first step is to determine who you are going to sell to by identifying common characteristics of your market such as age, income, race, religion, education, interests and/or geographic locations. While everyone will want to wash their car product how are you going to effectively advertise to everyone and still make a profit? What you need to do instead is determine the group or groups of people who are most likely to use your car wash services and market to them. After all you are trying to generate a positive return on your marketing dollars, so use them wisely.
In today’s ultracompetitive marketplace, there is going to be competition, no matter how creative your business concept is. Attempting to run a portion of your car wash business better than the competition may be a difficult challenge so it is often better to focus on planning on being different and competing with them less directly. Can you serve a particular market niche such as the elderly that isn’t being looked at? Can you identify a unique operations/marketing/distribution strategy with a mobile approach? Even if you don’t have direct competition in your area meaning someone selling the same or similar products/services, you will have indirect competition for replacement products/services. If you indicate in your plan there is no competition it will be viewed that there is either no market for your product or you have not done your research.
Optimally you will want information on at least three but no more than five competitors. List information about who they are, how long they have been in business, location, products or services offered, perception on pricing, quality, etc. and compare your advantages and disadvantages. If the information you are looking for is not available online, you may need to pretend you are a customer to get some of this information.
Distribution – How Will You Get the Product To The Customer: By looking at who your market and competition is, you will have an idea of how to get your product to them. Perhaps through your research you will find a strategic advantage to serve the customer that the competition does not.
With the above steps researched, the promotional strategy follows. The promotional strategy is where most entrepreneurs fail as they use the blanket statement that they are going to advertise in the newspaper, radio and/or television without thinking through the process or the customer. The promotional strategy provides you a map of how you are going to reach your market in the most efficient manner possible. Advertising is expensive, use it wisely.
On of the more difficult areas of the business plan is coming up with sales projections. This number is probably going to be wrong and that’s ok. What you want is a figure backed up with justifiable data. Just grabbing a number out of the air saying you will make $300,000 won’t work. There are many sources to help come up with this number including:
The effects of pricing play a large role on how your product is perceived in the marketplace. Price too low compared to the competition and your product could be perceived as cheap and unreliable. Price too high with the features and benefits of your product and few customers come through the door. While this is a complex issue, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Management & Employees
In this section you would describe who is going to manage the business on a daily basis as well as provide strategic direction (if these positions are separate). Each of these people need to have a brief biography included as well as a resume in the appendix. Try to show how the experience and education of these people will be able to successfully execute the strategy in the business plan and succeed. Many times the owner may not have the specific experience for this business, so it is very important to pull their other professional experience in and explain how it will make for a successful operation. Next, a brief explanation of the employees is in order including:
It is also recommended to add the professional and advisors to your business. These people include:
Operations & Location
The operations and location section of the plan illustrates how you are going to make or acquire your product and information about your business location.
Operations – Explain how and where your products or services are made. A few points to include in your plan
How does your car wash operate, what steps are in your service?
Who are your suppliers?
What are the terms and lead time for this product?
Location – Location is where you will be doing business out of. If you are in the classic, I can’t get my location until I get a loan so I can’t finish my business plan scenario, list what features you are looking at in a building along with average prices or rents and pad that number a little just in case. A few things to add:
Financial projections are placed at the end of your business plan, before the appendix but it a very critical piece to the plan. The three must-have financial statements are a cash flow statement, a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet. The information already provided in the narrative portion of the business plan must match the financial projections. Most financial projections are three years in length. It is a good idea to include a Notes & Assumptions to Financial Projections page to both help make sure all of your numbers come through and provide an itemized list to provide clarity for the reader.
Notes & Assumptions to Financial Projections
And any monthly costs not discussed in business plan narrative
Financial Projection Sections
Startup Expenses – These are all expenses you will incur prior to opening your car wash. It is recommended to have quotes available or in the appendix for the larger items. It is also recommended that you pad your numbers some as there will always be unexpected expenses that were not accounted for.
Sources and Uses of Funds – This section details how the loan money will be used (inventory, car wash equipment, repairs and improvements, working capital, etc) and who is providing it (bank, investor or owner). You will likely need to be injecting 20% of your own money and maybe more depending on the risk assessment of the business and your personal finances.
Cash Flows – The cash-flow statement is one of the most important pieces of your business plan. It shows a schedule of the money coming into the business and expenses that need to be paid and whether you have enough cash to sustain the business gained during the warm month to cover the costs during the winter months. Every part of your business plan is important, but none of it means a thing if you run out of cash. Should this number be negative, you either need to raise sales, reduce expenses or have more cash. Your cash flow statement will typically be three years in length with the first year analyzing the monthly figures and later years by quarter. Don’t be intimidated with the cash flow statement as it is merely a future look into your checking account.
Profit & Loss – This statement, while similar to the cash flow statement but illustrated annually looks at the effects of non-cash charges such as depreciation and amortization to get an accounting overview of the operations of your business.
Balance Sheet – The balance sheet is a summary of the value of all assets, liabilities and equity for an organization at the end of each year. A balance sheet is often described as a “snapshot” of a company’s financial condition and will show the value of the business over time.
Personal Financial Statement – If you are looking at bank financing every person who will have a 20% or more ownership position will need to provide a personal financial statement to show how effective they are at managing your money. This statement will show your assets (checking & savings accounts, cd’s ira, 401K, valuables, home, vehicle, etc) as well as assets (mortgages, credit card bills, installment accounts, etc)
Appendix items are various pieces of information that help make your case. Include details and studies used in your business plan; for example:
There is a lot to creating your business plan but will definitely make your business stronger. While it may seem easier to have someone else write your plan, there is no substitute to writing it yourself. This is your business and by writing it yourself you will have a better understanding of your business and strategies for success. There are also many free business plan templates and workbooks available on the web to help you get started. You can use these to help get started creating your business plan and then modify it for your car wash business.
For more free articles and resources for starting a car wash are available at www.StartingACarWash.com.
Additionally, business plan help can be found at www.TheBusinessPlanFactory.com | <urn:uuid:a65a3356-1124-4c93-9439-f0c15c12cbac> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.hispeed.co.nz/creating-a-car-wash-business-plan | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.959707 | 2,899 | 2.578125 | 3 |
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Department of Applied Physics, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, USA
It has long been known that hurricanes, the strongest and most destructive atmospheric events, do not occur below a sea surface temperature near 26 C. The detailed dependence of hurricane power on ocean temperature is of increasing interest and concern in the prospect of continuing global warming. The hurricane power was usefully quantified by Emanuel in 2005 with the definition and tabulations of the power dissipation index, PDI. This is the integral over the relevant sea areas of the cube of the maximum windspeed, representiting the power dissipated over one year. In his important 2005 paper Emanuel found that the PDI for the North Atlantic increased strongly in recent decades and showed in plots a close correlation of PDI with sea surface temperature. A critical temperature Tc, and a linear T-Tc power law dependence, typical of a continuous phase transition, for hurricanes have prcviously (Wolf, 2020) been inferred from plots of the power dissipation index PDI vs sea surface temperature T. This implies that tropical cyclone formation can usefully be regarded as a second order phase transition of the warm ocean-atmosphere system, driven by disequilibrium in atmospheric water content. We here show that the theory of phase transitions allows a precise prediction of the temperature dependence of hurricane power and windspeed on ocean surface temperature. We find that the wind velocity transition of the hurricane is in the same universality class as the Ising Model, the uniaxial antiferromagenet and the vapor- liquid transition of simple fluids, and shares their critical exponent. An implication for the applicability of potential intensity theory is noted.
Tropical Cyclone, Power, PDI, Critical Temperature, Universality Class, ISING Model, Continuous Phase Transition
Edward Wolf. (2021). Precise Prediction of Hurricane Power vs Ocean Temperature. International Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 5(1), 1-5. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijaos.20210501.11
Copyright © 2021 Authors retain the copyright of this article.
This article is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
|1.||Palmén, E., 1948: On the formation and structure of tropical hurricanes. Geophysica, 3, 26-39.|
|2.||Wolf, E. (2020) “Critical Behavior of Tropical Cyclones”, Theoretical and Applied Climatology, 139 (3) 1231.|
|3.||K. Emanuel, Increasing destructiveness of tropical cyclones over the past 30 years. Nature 436, 68 (2005).|
|4.||Kerry Emanuel, Environmental factors affecting tropical cyclone power dissipation. J. Climate 20, 5497 (2007).|
|5.||Nigel Goldenfeld, Lectures on Phase Transitions and the Renormalization Group. Taylor and Francis (1992). See Section 5.3.|
|6.||Emanuel, Kerry (2018) “100 Years of Progress in Tropical Cyclone Research”, Ch. 15 in AMS Monographs, Vol. 59 (American Meteorological Society).|
|7.||Wilson, K. (1983) “The renormalization group and critical phenomena” Reviews of Modern Physics 55, 583.|
|8.||Peters, O. M. and J. D. Neelin. (2006) Critical phenomena in atmospheric precipitation. Nature Physics 2, 393.|
|9.||Neelin, J., Peters, O., Lin, J., Hales, K., and Holloway, C. (2008) “Rethinking Convective Quasi-equilibrium: observational constraints for stochastic convective schemes in climate models” Phil. Trans. Royal Soc. A 366, 2581.|
|10.||Peters, O. and Neelin, J. (2009) “Atmospheric Convection as a Continuous Phase Transition: Further Evidence” Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 23, 5453.|
|11.||Polisetto, A. and Vicari, E. (2002) “Critical Phenomena and Renormalization Group Theory” Physics Reports 368, 547.|
|12.||L. M. Holmes, L. G. Van Uitert, and G. W. Hull (1971). “Magnetoelectric effect and critical behavior in the Ising-like antiferromagnet DyAlO3” Solid State Communications 9, 1373.|
|13.||R. Dare and J. L. McBride. The threshold sea surface temperature condition for tropical cyclogenesis. J. of Climate 24, 4570-4576 (2011).|
|14.||Smith, R., Montgomery, M., and Van Sang, N. (2009) “Tropical cyclone spin-up revisited” Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc. 135, 1321.|
|15.||Smith, R and Montgomery, M. (2016). “Understanding Hurricanes” Weather 71, 219.| | <urn:uuid:0b1cc7fd-8693-4799-af14-7fb6769b18ba> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.ijaos.org/article/10.11648.j.ijaos.20210501.11 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.804011 | 1,155 | 2.859375 | 3 |
Amalgam was first introduced in United States during 1833. It is then used widely as dental filling material over the years because of its strength, durability and low cost (especially for posterior teeth). It is now discontinued or banned in certain countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark because of its known biological effects on human body. Amalgam is made of metals such as Silver, Tin, Copper, Zinc and Mercury. 50% of amalgam is made of mercury and they are then mixed to form a hard material which has silvery grey appearance through a process which is known as amalgamation. Patients are exposed to high dose of mercury during the process of placing and removal of amalgam restoration.
What are the harmful effects of amalgam as dental filling material?
1. Central nervous system (consists of brain and spinal cord) is a part of our nervous system which receives information and coordinates activities. Absorption of mercury is fast and is taken up by the nerve axons to the brain and spinal cord. Studies have shown that mercury can cause mild behavioral to serious psychological problems such as depression, sleeping disturbances, parasthesias of certain body parts, Alzheimer (research by Dr Boyd Halers)and etc.
2. Mercury can also be passed from mother to fetus (through blood) and infants (through breast feeding).Although amount of mercury that has been transferred might be below level of toxicity, but there are some studies which proved that mercury exposure is a risk of developing autism in infants.
3. Some patients might develop allergic reactions such as rashes , lichenoid like lesions as a result of having amalgam dental fillings. Lichenoid lesions, which are similar to lesions seen on lichen planus patients, will normally disappear after the removal of amalgam restoration. It is rare to develop allergic reactions against amalgam but if it happens, please do not hesitate to inform your dental surgeon about it.
4. Prolonged exposure to amalgam can bring side effects to dental personnel. During the packing or removal of amalgam restoration, certain amount of mercury vapor can be released to the atmosphere. Spillage of amalgam during handling can also cause increase the concentration of mercury in the atmosphere. Thus, handling of excess amalgam material should be careful such as proper disposal of amalgam in chemical solution.
It is undeniable that amalgam is a strong and cheap restorative material. There are two schools of thoughts regarding amalgam toxicity. If you are given a choice between amalgam or other restorative materials to fill your teeth, please do not hesitate to consult your dental surgeon regarding the advantages and disadvantages of the available materials. | <urn:uuid:d552d5cd-949e-4543-a24d-47f4ca7f1499> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.intelligentdental.com/2011/09/09/dangers-of-amalgam-dental-fillings/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.952095 | 538 | 3.296875 | 3 |
March 14 marks Write Your Story Day 2023 and provides us all with an opportunity to reflect on what makes us unique: our stories.
While the autobiographies we read might often be written by celebrities and produced on an industrial scale to be sold around the world, our stories (our own and those of our communities) are equally important—even if they are read by only a small number of people.
While we may not be able to write about how we rubbed shoulders with famous people, how we changed the world and had a global impact, or how our legacies will live on long after we are gone, we can inspire and engage others with our unique and personal stories of happiness and sadness, inspiration and motivation, and triumphs and tribulations.
To that end, the third NEHS Writing Contest (April 10-24, 2023) is dedicated to short personal narratives that focus on a unique event or experience in the life of the writer. We hope as many students and Chapter Advisors as possible will contribute to this contest and will share moments in their lives that can educate, entertain, and inform readers. Winning submissions will be published on our blog and sent to the 70,000 students and 1,600 Chapter Advisors that form the NEHS community.
Here are some of our favorite autobiographies, written by influential people from all over the world, to inspire you:
Frederick Douglass (1845)
Douglass overcame the abuse and hardship of his youth as a slave in the American South, escaped to the North and become the leading spokesperson for the abolitionist movement in the USA. This autobiography was written by Douglass to disarm his critics, many of whom believed that he could not have been a slave because he was able to read and write. This is a must-read text for any students of American History and American Literature, giving first-hand insight into the lives of slaves and the legal and political systems that supported slavery for centuries.
Earl Lind (1918)
This autobiography is not as well-known as it should be and was never written for the general public to consume but rather was envisioned as a text for medical practitioners. Lind depicts their life as a non-binary person at the turn of the twentieth century through simple and clear language with the aim of providing doctors and nurses with the information they needed to end the discrimination and lack of recognition non-binary people faced when receiving medical care: a fight that still goes on today. Anyone who wants to learn about the history of the queer and transgender community should read Autobiography of an Androgyne.
Luis Rodriguez (1993)
This autobiography was written by Rodriguez as a way of saving his son from the gang culture that pervaded his own youth. Drawn into gang culture as a child, Rodriguez witnessed numerous beatings, shooting and killings within his own neighborhood. His only way out was to educate himself and use his skills as a writer to free himself from the torment of his youth. If you want to read a truly inspirational story of overcoming great odds, this is for you.
National English Honor Society
The National English Honor Society (NEHS), founded and sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta, is the only international organization exclusively for secondary students and faculty who, in the field of English, merit special note for past and current accomplishments. Individual secondary schools are invited to petition for a local chapter, through which individuals may be inducted into Society membership. Immediate benefits of affiliation include academic recognition, scholarship and award eligibility, and opportunities for networking with others who share enthusiasm for, and accomplishment in, the language arts.
America’s first honor society was founded in 1776, but high school students didn’t have access to such organizations for another 150 years. Since then, high school honor societies have been developed in leadership, drama, journalism, French, Spanish, mathematics, the sciences, and in various other fields, but not in English. In 2005, National English Honor Society launched and has been growing steadily since, becoming one of the largest academic societies for secondary schools.
As Joyce Carol Oates writes, “This is the time for which we have been waiting.” Or perhaps it was Shakespeare: “Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer . . .” we celebrate English studies through NEHS.
National English Honor Society accepts submissions to our blog, NEHS Museletter, from all membership categories (students, Advisors, and alumni). If you are interested in submitting a blog, please read the Suggested Guidelines on our website. Email any questions and all submissions to: firstname.lastname@example.org. | <urn:uuid:33987354-0a26-423f-ba90-247ab5c19f57> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.nehsmuseletter.us/write-your-story-day-2023/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.97188 | 948 | 3.0625 | 3 |
New images may yield Viking ships
- On 07/10/2010
- In Marine Sciences
- 0 comments
LBI ArchPro / NIKU
From News in English
Archaeologists think they have found two more Viking ships buried in Vestfold County south of Oslo. The biggest may be 25 metres long, larger than any found so far.
Road construction near the old Viking trading center at Kaupang has led to the discovery of two large ship silhouettes on ground radar pictures.
The pictures have been made possible through a venture involving the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (Norsk institutt for kulturminneforskning, NIKU) and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Archeological Prospection and Virtual Archeology.
They portray some “exciting” images with the help of high tech methods including satellites, laser scanning, magnetometers and georadar, according to NIKU officials.
The methods can avoid or minimize destructive excavations by allowing archaeologists to register what the Norwegians call kulturminner (cultural antiquities) under the surface with a high degree of precision.
The images of Viking ships, along with several burial mounds, could be the biggest discoveries of their kind for more than a century, and some call them potentially “sensational” while officials urge restraint.
Even though the data so far is startling, the head of the Directorate for Cultural Heritage in Norway, Jørn Holme, told Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) that people should not expect too much at this stage. | <urn:uuid:4a71075a-ed11-441b-bdd4-1a905d3a4d19> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.oceantreasures.org/blog/marine-sciences/new-images-may-yield-viking-ships.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.926513 | 329 | 2.890625 | 3 |
Real Nuclear Remediation Technologies Exist but Governments Don’t Want to Hear About Them: Demand a Real Investigation of Nuclear Cleanup Technologies That CAN Work: http://TinyURL.com/FukushimaHope.
“Heavy Water”, a radioactive type of water used in nuclear reactors, is a unique radioactive type of water which is dangerous to living things so it has to be contained carefully.
A major Heavy Water leak has been revealed in an Indian nuclear power plant, ironically almost five years to the day after the Fukushima disaster in Japan put the world on notice about the continuing dangers of nuclear power and the near-impossibility of containing such accidents.
Five years down the road from the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear power facility in Japan, another major disaster at a nuclear power plant is under way. And yet another at Indian Point Power Station in Buchanan NY where radioactive water leak is causing a massive cancer cluster. Then there’s Miami FL’s Turkey Point nuclear station and Diablo Canyon and Hanford and….
And how many more nuclear plants are leaking with either no public notice or an active cover up to hide the truth?
In India, the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat had to be shut down after leakage of Heavy Water was leaking from coolant channel components of the reactor.
Notably, the pressure tubes of the coolant channels in this reactor were switched out with ones made from “improved material” five years ago.
India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has categorically stated that there are no major safety concerns and that the reactor is stable and has been safely shut down. But ongoing questions about the lack of transparency by the people who run India’s nuclear program have some critics saying this could be just the tip of the iceberg.
Just a day after the leak, the former head of the AERB, A. Gopalakrishnan alluded to the possibility that the country’s nuclear power operator, the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the AERB had relaxed their adherence to a program specifically designed to deal with aging tubes of the kind suspected of causing the leak as a possible backdrop to the incident.
And while the nuclear regulators and the Indian government were quick to say that there is no danger of radiation leakage, and that all the plant’s workers are safe and radiation-free, people closely watching nuclear power in India are understandably on edge–this isn’t the first major leak in recent months. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s first nuclear reactor power unit, was briefly shut down recently to fix a leak at the station.
Transparency and accountability are so poor that the date of that leak could not be determined. Officials assured the Indian people and the world that there were “no radiological safety implications” and therefore no need for further study or a safety audit.
Four years ago, yet another Indian nuclear plant found four workers exposed to a “tritium uptake” or nuclear exposure during routine maintenance.
When the people who run these death machines won’t even come clean about the mistakes they’re making with them, how are we supposed to trust them?
It’s been five years since the Fukushima disaster, and nuclear isotopes are washing up on US shores in increasing amounts. Will India be the next source of nuclear calamity? The nuclear reactor down the street from where you live? When will we learn?
When will be compel the Nuclear Industry, world-wide, to develop and use real technologies that can actually clean up the mess once and for all? Take Action Here: http://TinyURL.com/FukushimaHope. | <urn:uuid:89c427b8-13b0-408a-9c0d-5e6643751345> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.opensourcetruth.com/major-radioactive-leak-leads-to-shutdown-at-indian-kakrapar-atomic-power-station-kaps-nuclear-station/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.932767 | 779 | 2.875 | 3 |
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) is a condition where the body can't use glucose for energy because it doesn’t have any or enough insulin. Insulin controls how much glucose can pass from the blood into body’s cells. If this is impaired, it results in higher blood sugar levels than normal and is called Diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and nerves in the body. Of those people with diabetes, it is estimated that 25% will develop foot problems related to the disease from a combination of causes. People with diabetes should pay particular attention to their feet and legs, because they are prone to foot problems such as:
Loss of feeling and circulation in the feet Changes in the shape of the feet Foot ulcers or sores that do not heal Increased rate of infection in the feet and legs
Leg and foot problems are the most common reason for diabetes-related hospitalisation, and diabetes related problems are the leading cause of non trauma amputation in the lower leg and foot. Regular examinations and assessment by a podiatrist of the feet and legs are strongly recommended in diabetics every 6-12 months, to detect early changes in neurological or vascular deficiencies. Vascular testing is important to help diagnose inadequate blood flow in the legs and feet, whilst neurological testing determines if your diabetes is having an affect on the sensation in your feet. These tests are quick, painless and can be performed by your podiatrist.
Neuropathy Diabetes can affect the nerves in your feet. Nerves are the 'wiring' of the body. They carry feelings to the brain from the rest of the body. The nerves to the feet are the longest in the body and the most likely to be affected by diabetes. Diabetic Neuropathy can cause insensitivity or a loss of ability to feel sensations such as touch, pressure, vibration, pain, position in space and temperature. A person whose nerves are damaged by diabetes may not realise they have cuts, corns, blisters, pressure sores or ulcers, which in extreme cases may end up requiring amputation. Neuropathy can also cause deformities such as Bunions, Hammer Toes, and Charcot Feet.
As well as a loss in sensation, nerve damage can cause: - Painful feet - Numbness in the feet - Pins and needles or shooting pain in the feet - Burning sensation, particularly on the soles of the feet.
Prevention of neuropathy is very important in diabetics as once the nerves are destroyed, sensation rarely improves. It is important for those who do experience a loss of sensation to protect their feet as much as possible from harm. Daily foot checks are extremely important, as is timely treatment for cuts, bruises, burns, redness, cracks or blisters etc. The good news is that when a diabetic person takes the necessary preventative foot care measures, he or she reduces the risk of serious foot conditions significantly.
Poor Circulation Diabetes often leads to peripheral vascular disease which reduces the amount of blood flow to the feet. Poor circulation can lead to a number of problems. When the blood vessels are damaged, vital oxygen and nutrients have trouble getting to the feet. A lack of circulation can lead to swelling and dryness of the feet and can impair the healing process. Poor circulation can also lead to ulcers, infection, and other serious foot conditions.
Poor blood supply can cause these common symptoms: - Cold feet - Painful legs (in particularly the calves) when walking - Painful calves in bed at night. - decreased healing rate in feet
You can improve circulation if you: - Avoid smoking and decrease caffeine intake - Are physically active - Control cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. Note: If you control blood glucose levels it will also reduce the risk of nerve damage.
How to prevent foot problems - Keep your blood sugars within normal healthy levels - Check feet daily for any signs of injury or changes. You may need a mirror to look at the bottom of your feet or even get a little help from someone else if required. - Wash feet daily and dry well between the toes to avoid problems such as tinea. - For those people with no foot concerns and who don't require the assistance of a podiatrist for nail care, keep toenails trimmed. Cut toenails straight across and file rough edges to avoid Ingrown toe nails. It may help to soak your toenails in warm water to soften them before you cut them. - Avoid injury by wearing well-fitting, protective shoes. - Have corns or calluses treated by a podiatrist. - Keep the skin on your feet in good condition by moisturising daily. Avoiding putting cream between your toes to reduce the risk of tinea. - Don't let your feet get too hot or cold. - Don't go barefoot (especially outside). - Avoid talcum powder where possible. - Choose appropriate shoes and socks for diabetics - And always remember to keep up with your 6-12 month foot checks at your podiatrist. | <urn:uuid:ff636173-72a3-4c7e-a5a3-a42fe4dfef51> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.podantics.com.au/diabetic-foot.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.937239 | 1,032 | 3.734375 | 4 |
Psychology of Joy is a multidimensional psychology that integrates philosophy, meditation, and unique creative processes which support more mindful and loving states of consciousness. Psychology of Joy accomplishes this by generating a “Loving Space” in which all elements of the human psyche, the subconscious, conscious and superconscious are integrated and from which personal transformation proceeds. The purpose of Psychology of Joy is to provide unique understandings of human psychology and personal experiences that support individuals, families, and communities to live profoundly joyous lives.
In the new paradigm of psychology, the goal of psychological integration, realization, and actualization will be through fundamentally joyous processes. Psychology of Joy is a psychology of the future.
WHAT WE OFFER
To support individuals in creating more meaning, fulfillment and personal growth Psychology of Joy offers individuals, couples, family therapy, telephone counseling, life coaching, courses, and workshops.
RETHINKING THE DYNAMICS OF JOY AND SUFFERING
We cannot talk about joy without talking about suffering. Pain is part of existence. How we respond and what our minds do with that pain, especially emotional pain, can lead to more suffering. Psychology of Joy utilizes a mindful and loving space approach to psychological pain. By learning to approach our suffering from this loving space we generate deeply joyous states of consciousness and lasting psychological change.
In this therapeutic process, the means and the goal are the same. The beginning, the process, and the goal of counseling all flow from a compassionate and mindful space. The outcome generates a more expanded and stable experience of loving mindfulness in which to be with our life challenges and express our heart’s desires.
THE AXIS OF PSYCHOLOGY IS SHIFTING
There is a general paradigm shift in the healing arts and sciences. Psychology of Joy is an expression of this positive productive shift. Now, psychological research and practice are increasingly focused on happiness, resiliency, strengths, and meaning. There is an increasing value placed on transpersonal and spiritual experiences, research in neuroscience on the biology of consciousness, which in turn is raising new questions about the philosophy of mind.
The psychology of joy is realistic and embraces not only what works and the ordinary human strengths and virtues of a person but also recognizes, assimilates, and integrates those aspects of our experience that are painful and dissonant. It embraces the dark realities of our fear, despair, grief, and pain that we may prefer to deny or avoid. Rather, holding these experiences in a space of loving consciousness will transform these challenging emotions, allowing in an experience of joy, illumination, and liberation. | <urn:uuid:9a3e0b22-caf9-421f-91f9-9d5a963d7e8a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.psychologyofjoy.com/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.899938 | 530 | 2.671875 | 3 |
Most people love taking a long, hot, steamy shower on a cold day. But it comes at a cost to the environment and your wallet. A person taking a 10-minute shower uses anywhere from 20 to 50 gallons of water, at the use of 2 to 5 gallons per minute.
Australian engineering firm CINTEP has developed a product that cuts that number by more than half. The Water Recycling Shower looks and feels like an ordinary shower, but is able to slash water consumption by 70 per cent. It does this by automatically cleaning, filtering and pasteurizing used water. The shower then recirculates and reuses 70 per cent of that clean water.
Peter Brewin, a British engineer, invented the environmentally-friendly shower in 2004 while he was an industrial-design student at the Royal College of Art in London. The shower functions somewhat like a small-scale water treatment plant in that it continuously captures, cleans, and recirculates 70 per cent of the water used during a shower. Pasteurization—the same method used for heating and purifying milk—because it’s the fastest and most environmentally-friendly way to clean and recirculate the water.
“The main benefits [of pasteurization] are that it requires no chemicals and can be very rapid,” Brewin said. “Because in a recirculating shower you are starting with warm water and you have to heat it anyway it was possible to use a heat exchanger to heat the water to a high enough temperature to achieve pasteurization without a significant additional energy input.”
Nick Christy, the CEO and co-founder of CINTEP with Brewin, explained the step-by-step process of how this shower works.
How It Works
1. Water is pumped from the mains (cold water only, no hot feed necessary), and a non-return valve prevents back flow into the mains.
2. The mains water is then pumped to the mixer, which will adjust the relative cold and hot flows until the mixed flow is at the requested temperature.
3. The water passes through a mesh filter and is pumped from the shower tray to the hydrocyclone.
4. The hydrocyclone removes heavier than water particles from the water and splits the flow so that 30% leaves through the underflow carrying the majority of un-dissolved solids to the drains. The balance of 70%, which is now clean, exits through the top of the hydrocyclone.
5. The clean water is then carried to the carbon filter where it becomes visually clean and chlorine is removed. This filter will require replacement every 6 months.
6. The water is now visually clear and enters a heat exchanger with an efficiency of 90%. The heat exchanger raises the temperature of the water in the inflow to the heater, reducing the energy input required to reach pasteurisation and increasing the efficiency of the shower.
7. The water then enters an electric heater where the temperature rises above 72 degrees Celsius/162 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds. This pasteurizes the water (the same treatment that makes milk safe to drink) and is sufficient to kill almost all biological pathogens.
8. After leaving the heater, the water re-enters the heat exchanger where some of its heat is transferred to the water entering the heater, reducing the temperature of the water in the outflow, which reduces the amount of cold water required to reduce the outflow water temperature for use in the showerhead. The presence of the heat exchanger therefore increases both the energy and water efficiency of the shower.
9. The water then enters the mixer where it is mixed with cold water (approximately 30% of the re-circulated volume) from the mains supply to reduce its temperature to the requested temperature and to replace the volume lost at step 4 from the underflow of the hydrocyclone.
10. After passing through the mixer, the water passes to the showerhead.
Conserving Water & Energy
The shower recycles 70 per cent of the water it uses. That means that for each liter input to the shower system, it will output 3.3 litres at the showerhead.
Christy explained that when the shower starts, it fills with three litres (.80 gallons) of clean unfiltered water. It then heats and filters that water before you even step foot in the shower, meaning that you won’t have to waste any time waiting for the water to get hot. The shower will then continually re-use 70 per cent of that water. At the end of the shower, it will drain completely before it can restart, meaning that you will never use dirty shower water.
But the shower doesn’t just conserve water. It saves energy too. It uses about 40 to 70 per cent less power than a traditional shower because the system doesn’t have to heat as much water.
“Water has a very high specific heat capacity which means that a huge amount of energy is required to heat cold water for a shower so the energy saving is a very considerable environmental and cost benefit,” Brewin said.
Christy claimed that each person who uses the Water Recycling Shower would take up about about 5,000 to 10,000 fewer gallons of water per year. That means that over the course of a year, a typical household (with a family of four) would save about 20,000 to 40,000 gallons of water.
Popular Science calculated that this would mean that a local water treatment plant would save upwards of 200 kilowatt-hours of energy per household per year.
The shower is currently in the testing phase, but Christy said that he expects the shower to be available for sale in early 2013. CINTEP has not yet set a price for the shower, but Christy claimed that “the shower will pay for itself in 3 to 4 years at current utility prices.” | <urn:uuid:192f631c-c455-4767-b141-ea2575393f12> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.recyclingshower.com.au/cinteps-recycling-shower-is-one-of-30-game-changers/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.943058 | 1,224 | 3.1875 | 3 |
The most part of the Muslim country has strict limits for alcohol drinks. Because of religious beliefs. legal, moral, belief, education are four kinds of factors both restrict for the group and personal behavior. That is why some rules can be continued for a long time, therefore these four factors have large overlap areas. But, in the different backgrounds of cultures, politic, ethics, there are lots of differences.
About the main beer prohibition passed by having legal restrictions, they have it selves difference. At present, Afghanistan nationals prohibit own and drink alcohol. But the Afghanistan government provide the business certificate to many stores, allow to sale alcohol drinks to the foreign reporter and tourists. The foreigner who enter to Afghanistan can be allowed to bring two bottles or two liters of alcohol drinks.
In Bangladesh, according to the local law, every drink that has more than 0.5% alcohol can all be thought of as alcoholic drinks. Bangladesh’s alcohol drinks are limit and regulate. Wherever you are, drink beer and sale alcohol drinks are not allowed. However, non-Muslims believers who live there or travel is not limited by this law in Bangladesh. And some restaurants, hotels, and bars, especially those travel scenic spots, a lot of places can also buy alcohol drinks in legal.
In fact, beer is not must be by four materials make up. According to the definition, beer is one of alcohol drinks that usually use grain and malt, hops to add flavor and fermented. That is also mean, not each one beer must use malt, hops, and yeast. In the past, brewers also usually use other spice or herbaceous plants to add flavor.
There are also appear to beer that not use any yeast, and even use microbes to brew. For example, Stella Artois, according to the brewers said, this beer is not added of any yeast, on the contrary, use biological enzyme instead of yeast function. | <urn:uuid:1396aedf-57b5-423b-935b-1158cd9fa16c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.rjbeerbrewery.com/some-trivia-you-didnt-know-about-the-home-brewery.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.959611 | 389 | 2.546875 | 3 |
June 20, 2001
Fifth graders learn history through war re-enactment
By KAREN KABILING
Instead of reading about United States history from textbooks, Stevens Creek Elementary School recreated a piece of history on June 7, so that the fifth-grade class could learn more about the Revolutionary War outside the classroom--literally, just yards from the classroom.
With 107 fifth-graders divided into six different companies, marked with their own distinct name and flag, the schoolyard turned into a war camp with six rotating activities. There were enough tents for an overnight stay--complete with a canon, a box of muskets and a surgery station.
The school held its second Revolutionary War encampment, the first-ever fifth-grade overnight "Living History Day" that ties in with the Revolutionary Period of U.S. history.
Dressed in white shirts and black pants with either a red or blue sash across their chests (red signifying the British Army and blue as the Continental Army) the students were transformed into soldiers during the Revolutionary War period.
The project was the idea of Stevens Creek Elementary fifth-grade teachers Scott Henderson and Sarah Beetam who both attended the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a weeklong teachers' program based on Colonial American History.
Beetam said Colonial Day was typically a daytime event, but it was the "brainchild of Scott Henderson" to create an overnight military camp-style activity.
Beetam said the biggest advantage of the project was that the students would probably find the re-enactment more interesting than the textbook, which she said is often forgotten within six months.
According to Beetam, about 40 percent of the students are originally from countries other than the United States whose parents do not know U.S. history.
"A lot of things are a part of the United States background," Beetam said. "We spent a lot of time putting history into it, so that the kids would really learn some U.S. history."
Stephen Williams, a fifth-grade teacher who handled the musket station, said that, instead of just reading about history in books, the students were able to relive it.
"It's so great for the kids to live out historical aspects," Williams said.
Jenny Simonovich, a fifth-grade student, said she enjoyed being a part of the artillery canon team.
"It is really cool," Simonovich said. "We've really been having fun."
Brittany Russell, another fifth-grade student, added that the teachers were the reason the day was so enjoyable.
Debbie Black, a parent volunteer, noted that with such a diverse group of students, it was a great way to teach students from other cultures about the United States.
"The fifth-grade teachers did a great job--they don't have to do this," said Jodi Soboll, a parent chaperone. "[The students will] remember this for a long time." | <urn:uuid:6b6289c5-4a5f-4fde-abf8-74e84bdb887f> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.stevenscreekparents.org/revday.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.977982 | 618 | 3.078125 | 3 |
By Ofir Koren and Hillel Newman
Israel and Morocco are currently promoting a declaration on “Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response,” which will hopefully be endorsed at the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting. This declaration is an excellent example of “health diplomacy.”
Health diplomacy is a field that merges international relations with healthcare endeavors, such as public health and medical innovation, with the objective of achieving common healthcare goals through diplomatic channels.
The roots of health diplomacy can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when international agreements were reached in order to combat communicable diseases such as cholera. The establishment of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948 was a major milestone in the development of the field. Over time, health diplomacy has evolved from addressing individual health crises to a broader approach that encompasses preventive measures, capacity building and the strengthening of healthcare systems.
Health and medical challenges transcend borders and nationalities. Thus, there is a growing understanding that health issues must be addressed on a regional if not global level.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the urgency of international cooperation in this field. Faced with unprecedented challenges, nations turned to health diplomacy as an indispensable tool for information exchange, resource allocation and collaborative solutions. A notable example was the international effort to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
The lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of sustained investment in health diplomacy. The pandemic was a poignant reminder that diplomacy is not only a tool of international relations. It can save lives and shape the future of global health.
Today, Israel is emerging as a global leader in health diplomacy. This is inextricably linked to Israel’s tech industry, of which the health tech sector is an integral part. As documented by Start Up Nation Central, healthcare is currently the largest sector of the Israeli startup ecosystem. It represents 1,600 — around 20% — of all technology companies, over 70 innovation hubs, dozens of R&D centers for multinational corporations and global tech companies, and more than 250 active VCs.
In recent years, Israeli diplomats have cooperated with Israeli and American physicians in the field of health diplomacy in Los Angeles, with extraordinary results. The primary goal of this initiative was to establish partnerships between medical institutions, academic organizations, research centers and biotech institutions in southern California and Israel. These partnerships involved sharing knowledge and best practices, confronting challenges, fostering cooperation that transcends borders and enhancing critical care capabilities.
In the context of this initiative, agreements were signed and understandings reached between medical institutions in Israel and Los Angeles in the fields of R&D, collaborative medical innovation and exchanges of medical teams and students. The institutions involved collaborate on issues like next generation transcatheter heart valves that help make open-heart surgery unnecessary, delivering less-invasive treatments of cardiac and non-cardiac diseases, identifying the causes behind the decrease in female infertility, providing preventive solutions for acute medical challenges and more.
The Israel-Los Angeles health diplomacy initiative will also help address critical disparities in Israeli healthcare services; for example, between medical services in the center of Israel and Israel’s periphery. The periphery suffers from shortages of skilled medical practitioners, advanced equipment, supportive technology and research opportunities. This problem is particularly pronounced in regions outside major urban centers.
As of 2022, the number of physicians in Israel’s periphery was about 10% below the OECD average. Yet the demand for medical care has increased and will continue to do so.
There are several reasons for this. In particular, small and medium-sized hospitals struggle to attract residents and researchers due to limited access to advanced procedures, data-driven research and cutting-edge technology. This perpetuates a cycle in which the most talented physicians seek training and employment in major hospitals, exacerbating the critical care gap.
The Israel-Los Angeles initiative included the use of health diplomacy to address the unmet needs of the Israeli healthcare system. For example, there is the recent partnership between the University of California Irvine (UCI) and Emek Medical Center in northeast Israel. This collaboration stands out not only for the fruitful exchange of students and medical professionals but also its broader implications beyond medicine and academia. It builds ties and thus helps decrease anti-Zionism and antisemitism.
The evolution of health diplomacy reflects the growing interdependence between nations regarding complex healthcare challenges. Israel can be a global leader in this field, benefitting the global community and reaping its own benefits by addressing regional gaps in its healthcare system and working to alleviate antisemitism.
Dr. Ofir Koren is an interventional cardiologist, renowned international researcher and global presenter. Dr. Hillel Newman is a historian and diplomat. | <urn:uuid:2f7b8c10-c77f-47b7-9f7c-eb99d70844ea> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | http://www.washingtonjewishweek.com/israels-health-diplomacy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.941776 | 970 | 2.609375 | 3 |
geared motor for windowing
geared motor for screening
- Substantial Effiency
- Minimal Sounds
- Huge Torque
- Trustworthy Restrict Switch
- Extended Doing work Life
What is a roller chain?
What is a roller chain? A roller chain is a transmission system that transmits power from 1 shaft to another. Internal lubricant helps chains last longer and are interchangeable. Chains are usually made of carbon or alloy steel. Stainless steel is sometimes used in food processing machinery or in environments where lubrication is problematic. Brass and nylon are also sometimes used. If you need to slow down the machine, nylon chains can be used.
Roller chains are used to transmit power from 1 shaft to another
Generally speaking, the life of a roller chain is limited by 3 main factors: wear, corrosion, and fatigue. These can be minimized by following some simple guidelines. For optimum performance, the roller chain must be lubricated. Proper lubrication reduces friction and extends product life. Remember that corrosion and wind resistance can adversely affect lubrication, so protect the product properly.
A chain is a mechanical device used to transmit power from 1 shaft to another. The chain consists of a series of steel plates called bushings. Bushings are attached to the roller chain by pins or bushings. The block and bushing are held together by pins or bushings C riveted to the outer link D. The chain is also attached to the sprocket and bucket by pins or hooks. Chain pitch is measured between hinge centers, usually denoted p.
There are 3 types of chains: single-strand standard series, multi-strand standard series, and silent chain. Single strand chains are the most common type and cover a wide range of drive loads. Multi-strand chains provide greater power capacity without increasing chain pitch or line speed. An inverted tooth chain is a variant of a single-strand chain that eliminates the noise caused by pitch-related friction.
The inner and outer plates of the roller chain drive are made of steel. The rollers are positioned evenly between the chain links and are fastened to the sprockets. In addition, the rollers can rotate freely within the bushing. The chain links are arc-shaped and mesh with the sprocket teeth to transmit power through the chain.
Chain drives are another common way of transmitting mechanical power. These are the simplest forms of power transmission and are used on conveyor belts and other low-speed applications. The chain wraps around the sprocket and passes through the sprocket whose teeth mesh with the links. This mechanism transfers mechanical power from 1 shaft to another, increasing speed.
They are interchangeable
There are many different types of roller chains, but most are made of steel. Although they have their own advantages and features, they are generally interchangeable. You can buy different kinds of roller chains from domestic and foreign manufacturers, and you can choose the 1 that best suits your needs. Bearing Services can help you choose the right bearing for your application needs and budget. Here are some important things to consider before buying a roller chain. Here are some tips to make it easier for you to buy the right type of chain.
When choosing the right roller chain, be sure to consult the available size charts. Depends on how much chain you need to move the load you need to move. Remember that roller chains can be manufactured to fit a variety of machines and must meet your specific needs. Also, the chain should be long enough for the machine you are using. Make sure to buy a chain made of high-quality materials.
Double pitch roller chains have a flat top surface and are used in many different conveying applications. Double-pitch load-carrying roller chains, also known as oversized roller double-pitch chains, have rollers that extend beyond the sidebars to carry products. Double pitch drive series roller chains are used in elevators, long conveyor drives, agricultural machinery, and commercial sprinkler systems.
The 10sile strength of a roller chain is a key factor to consider before purchasing a chain. The 10sile strength of a chain is a function of the maximum force the chain can withstand before breaking. The 3 different types of 10sile strength represent the force a chain can withstand without breaking. Each chain also has different strengths that can determine the type of chain you need.
The outer and inner links of the roller chain are designed for bearings. This allows the chain to be paired or unpaired with its internal links. The outer link has a pin, and the inner and outer pins are press-fit into the connecting plate. These links are usually made of steel and have a 10sile strength of about 20 times their weight. The fatigue strength of 2-pitch offset links is the same as that of the base chain.
They reduce wear with internal lubricants
In a roller chain, the pins and bushings rotate inside the chain without lubricant on the outside. They are in contact with the teeth of the sprocket and can easily wear out if not lubricated. The plates that connect the links and pivot about the pins can also rub against each other and cause wear. This is where lubricants come in handy. Without lubricant, the bare metal of the plate and bushing would rub against each other.
The lubricant should have the appropriate viscosity to penetrate critical internal surfaces and form an effective oil film. Recommended viscosities are listed in Table 1. Lubricants must be clean and non-corrosive. For roller chains, a good quality non-clean petroleum base oil is sufficient. While defoamers are not required, other additives such as antioxidants and extreme pressure inhibitors may be useful. However, impure oils should be avoided due to the risk of damage.
The shape of the spray head 10 overlaps with a conventional drive chain 12. The drive chain includes a plurality of rollers 24 and roller link plates 26. Each roller includes a roller pin 29 and is connected to a pair of pin link plates 28. Most drive chains have critical wear points on the sides of the roller pins 29. The shape of the spray head 10 prevents overspray onto the central portion of the roller.
In addition to preventing wear, these chains have unique specifications. Manufacturer CZPT requires raw material suppliers to certify that their products meet standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). CZPTs do not accept uncertified raw materials. For safety, the machine must be turned off before attempting to measure the chain. After the system is shut down, the measurement process should be completed in accordance with safety procedures.
General spray oil has lubricating properties, but is not as good as other types of chain lubricants. These are typically used for rust protection and include antioxidant chemicals. Generally, they are inexpensive and widely available in retail stores. However, they have the disadvantage of being very penetrating and difficult to apply evenly. Oil cannot stay on the chain as it spins, which can accelerate wear and corrosion.
They can be used to speed up or slow down machines
Typically, roller chains are chains used to move mechanical system components. Unlike belts, roller chains can be used to speed up or slow down a machine. The main difference between belts and roller chains is the lubrication process. Belts use lubrication to help them move at a constant speed, but should not exceed the critical speed of the roller chain. This critical speed is not easy to determine and lubrication is critical to its life.
A roller chain is a chain consisting of a steel bushing that holds the inner plate A and pins C together. Pin C is riveted to outer link D, while roller R surrounds each bushing B. The teeth of the sprocket are supported on the rollers. They spin freely on pins and bushings, reducing friction.
The chains can be single-stranded, double-stranded, or multi-stranded. The rated power capacity of the single strand chain can meet various drive load requirements. Multi-strand chains provide higher power capacity without increasing chain pitch or line speed. The silent chain, also known as the inverted tooth chain, consists of a series of toothed chainplates. The pins of the chain are pressed into the wide ends of the sidebars and outer links.
Although roller chains are a common mechanical component, they can fail under certain conditions. The most common cause of excessive wear is wrong to load sizing. Each manufacturer sets a maximum workload for its product. A chain that is too small for the load carried will not run smoothly and may cause premature failure. Chains can also fail due to rust or improper maintenance.
There are many ways to choose the correct size roller chain. The easiest way to choose the right 1 is to use a horsepower chart to determine the speed of the motor. RPM will determine the size of the chain and the number of teeth on the drive sprocket. Conveyor chains offer a variety of options to move products horizontally or vertically, even around bend radii. | <urn:uuid:d8ae2b4b-a054-43d3-9de8-24c4535dc0e7> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://3phaseacmotor.com/china-china-geared-motor-for-greenhouse/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.938276 | 1,846 | 3.5 | 4 |
Principle of Plenitude
Tom Moynihan: So the principle of plenitude directly stated says that whatever can happen will happen. In its stronger form it says whatever can happen will happen reliably and recurrently. And in its strongest form it says that all that can happen is happening right now. And that’s the way things will be forever.
Rob Wiblin: So this principle of plenitude as you’re laying it out would have the implication that if humanity ever disappeared for some reason, then it would have to reappear, because the universe should be full of valuable things, like not wasting an opportunity to create something valuable. Is that basically right?
Tom Moynihan: Yeah. So I think that the way the principle is most commonly articulated, particularly within the Christian tradition, comes with a load of value claims, lots of axiology. So the idea is often that the world is as maximumly full of valuable things as it can be. But you don’t even need those value claims to arrive at a idea of the imperishability or indestructibility of species, but lots of pre-Christian people, the pagan worldview, a lot of them talk about humanity and its role within creation quite indifferently, but they still believed in plenitude invariably. And that led them to this idea that humanity would return, regardless of how valuable you might think it is, how central its role is in the universe. Because again, if you’re yielding the definition of possibility based on frequency within time, that means that your only definition of possibility is something is possible if it sometimes happens. Now that sometimes goes forwards in time and backwards in time. So if humanity is something happening currently right here, right now, we can reliably say that it will be happening again at some arbitrarily far future date, regardless of if there’s some arbitrarily long interval in time where humanity isn’t happening. So it creates this sense of eternal return.
How do we know they really believed this?
Tom Moynihan: Yeah. So people do say it quite explicitly. So Aristotle for example, in [Decalur], he says, “Anything then which always exists is absolutely imperishable.” I find it really interesting that he says, what the train of thought is, to unpack that, is that he’s saying that if it was possible for species to go extinct and never return, that would have already happened, because what is possible is what sometimes has been known to happen. But we find ourselves in a world filled with species, and filled with all kinds of things. So therefore these things must be imperishable. So he’s there yielding the definition of omnitemporal, or always known to exist, in terms of necessity. So it’s necessitous that species are the way they are and that they continue existing. People continue to make this claim throughout the whole tradition up until some point in the 1800s.
Rob Wiblin: Do you have any other quotes from people… We’ve talked most about the ancient Greeks here, but I guess it seems as though you’re saying even natural scientists were appealing to this principle as late as the 1800s, although I guess it started to wane around then.
Tom Moynihan: Yeah. So I’d love to read out some good examples. Fast forwarding to the Romans, but returning to Lucretius who I mentioned earlier, he’s an interesting case because there were some points in his poem De rerum natura where he puts forward his Epicurean worldview, and it’s quite atheistic. It’s very materialistic. And there are also points in it where he says that the world itself is aging. And one day the world will perish. It will fall apart. He also talks about species that seem to not exist anymore. He talks about them in the sense that they are abominations, or monstrous creations that had to be weeded out of creation rather than irreversibly disappeared, viable species.
Tom Moynihan: So he says these things that seem very modern. And people have read into this, that Lucretius was an early proponent of extinctions and irreversibility within nature. But then he also says this, and I quote, he says, “It is impossible for anything to return to nothing. And so no visible object ever suffers total destruction. Since nature renews one thing from another, there is the further consideration that, in the totality of created things, there is nothing solitary, nothing that is born unique and grows unique and singular. Therefore, you can have no final instance of a dying kind.” And then he also says, and this will become relevant later on I think, he says, “You are bound to admit that in other parts of the universe, there must be other worlds inhabited by many different peoples…” (note peoples) “…and species of wild beasts.” So those are all plenitude-derived assumptions, and I think that’s a very good example. Because Lucretius elsewhere says these things that can lead you into thinking that he is thinking in a way that we’d recognize as modern about extinction.
Rob Wiblin: Yeah. I’m slightly asking for these quotes because I can imagine people in the audience being skeptical about this, as I was initially skeptical when I heard this claim. It just sounds so fabulous and such a strange view for people to have almost, I didn’t quite… And it’s so convenient for me to think oh, past generations had this wacky view and that’s why they didn’t share my concern about the risk of extinction. But yeah, it does seem like the accumulation of quotes that you have in the book did eventually convince me that, at least as far as I can tell, you’re on the right track. What about a quote from someone more recently, in Europe?
Tom Moynihan: I have a couple that I think might be useful. So a quick one from Descartes… Actually this one’s rather interesting. He says, “Due to the laws of nature, matter takes on successively all the forms of which it is capable. Therefore, if we consider these forms in order, we could eventually arrive at the one which is our present world. So that in this respect, no false hypothesis can lead us into error.”
Rob Wiblin: Can you translate that?
Tom Moynihan: Yeah, we’ll begin to talk about this later on, unpack it later, this idea that plenitude or infinities, eternities, can create interesting practical consequences. But here’s also theoretical consequences of thinking in terms of plenitudes. Not to do with morality, but to do with the epistemology. Descartes is saying that if plenitude is true and everything that can happen will happen, then no false hypothesis, no idea that we can say about the world is wrong in some strong sense, because at some point in the future or the past, it has been true. It’s a really interesting claim. And yeah, again, hopefully later on, we can unpack how that converts from doxastic to normative ideas, but yeah, I think that’s quite a nice and strong example.
How to react to wacky old ideas
Tom Moynihan: My policy when it comes to reading this is always to have a kind of attitude of magnanimity to these incredibly wrong— by our lights — worldviews. I think that something almost similar to scope neglect can happen, where we see the sheer extent of ignorance in the past and therefore think that is boundless. And this could lead you to a position where you think therefore our progress is also made insignificant within this boundless sea, but no, I think it’s structured. There are bounds to ignorance and we’re making progress, but within a space that’s potentially far bigger than we can currently think of.
Tom Moynihan: I also think another point I’d want to make is that we all take for granted these ideas that are incredibly important to our thinking about the world. I think lots of ideas are crucial considerations, and we take them for granted. The way that I like to think of it is we often take for granted our skeleton, or our functional breathing. We don’t have to think about those kinds of somatic realities, but nonetheless, they underwrite every single thing that we’re capable of doing. Obviously if we sat there in awe all the time of all the contributions of scientists, naturalists, and philosophers, we wouldn’t be able to get anything done. But nonetheless, I think that they do deserve that, because these people in the past might’ve been as intelligent as us in the same way that some counterfactual human that has no skeleton but the same muscle mass as one of us does, but in the same way that counterfactual boneless person can’t do anything, you require the backbone of all these previous thoughts to actually enable us… Yeah, I guess what I’m saying is that we all do stand on the shoulders of giants.
How we got past these theories
Tom Moynihan: So the gap in the solar system, the Mars-Jupiter asteroid belt, turns out that it’s not a ruined planet, but that was a hypothesis for a long period of time. And yes, it created the sense of there being this huge vacuity in our kind of cosmic neighborhood. So William Godwin, Mary Wollstonecraft‘s husband, Mary Shelley‘s dad, was really disturbed by this. He said God does not suffer any region of matter to be unpopulated, but here we have this planetary ruin on our doorstep. All of these insights build up and build up. And it took a very long time to trickle into the consciousness of the scientific community. But this idea that the earth was unliving for a long period of time, obviously now we’ve actually updated that and we know that life has been around on Earth pretty much since the beginning, but it’s just been very unicellular uncomplex life. But this idea that there was nothing interesting, nothing complex going on on the planet for a long period of time, you find that in the very beginning of geology with Nicholas Steno, but it begins to trickle very slowly into consciousness around kind of the 1800s.
Tom Moynihan: It begins to pick up and you get this beginning of the forcing of the acknowledgement of there being genuine historicity in the planet. Why that’s important to what we’re talking about — the long-term future and what can be achieved within it — is that this puts a very important end stop on previous eternities wherein everything achievable has already been achieved. So in the 1800s, people began to think that intelligence is in a sense, a recent potential phenomenon on the planet. Therefore, all its potentials haven’t already been exhausted. So I think it’s really important, that backstop on previous eternity. Now, obviously it’s indexical because it’s on this planet. So you still have all those other planets in which everything achievable has been achieved and people continue to think that off until well, into the late 1800s, potentially even later. But yeah, that’s a very important discovery.
Tom Moynihan: I would use a comparison with paleontology. Paleontologists do not have access to the whole fossil record, because plenty of animals — probably the vast majority of animals — aren’t recorded. It’s the same way. The vast majority of human thoughts aren’t recorded. Some of them are, and some of them are passed down to us.
Tom Moynihan: But nonetheless, even though you have very incomplete records, you still get a sense of the major shape of life, if we’re talking paleontology, but also in terms of the record of ideas, I think you do get that. You know the overall shape and you can pinpoint novelties and emergences within it. So there’s this thing in paleontology, the Signor-Lipps effect, which is a biasing effect where, well it’s an attempt to account for a bias, where it’s argued that you should never consider any actual fossil the first or the last instance in the actual record, because of the incompleteness of the record.
Tom Moynihan:I try to think about and apply a similar principle when I’m thinking about how all of this fits together. Sure, I’m not going to ever probably get the first instance of a new idea. I think actually in some cases you can, The Last Man is the first instance of a novel about human extinction in a modern sense. But with these more substructure logical background assumptions, yeah. I think it’s hard. And you do have to take that into account. But nonetheless, yeah. The biologist J.B.S. Haldane was once asked what would knock his confidence in the theory of evolution, and he answered “a Precambrian rabbit.” I would answer the same question about the very basic rudimental shape of what I’ve tried to tell when it comes to the Western tradition. The equivalent would be if someone could point me to someone writing in 300 BC that had anything as insightful or detailed to say about the future of humanity as, say, Toby Ord. That’s the Precambrian rabbit. I know that’s setting the goalposts very wide, but I do think that even though the record is very incomplete and my reading of it is very incomplete you still can see the basic structure, particularly when it comes to important ideas.
Apocalypse vs. extinction
Tom Moynihan: I think that in religious and mythological traditions, the idea of the apocalypse is imbued with a lot of significance. So what I mean by that is that it’s often seen as the culmination of the moral order, particularly within the Christian, the Abrahamic religions. It’s seen as this vast culmination, conclusion of what is moral. So in rapture, God sorts the good souls from the bad souls. Even though it’s probably inscrutable to us mortal souls, nonetheless, the ultimate good is still consummated. And that means that nothing’s at stake in our individual actions, because we might be a bad person, that might be bad in some very local sense, but nonetheless, in the end that big sorting is going to happen, so nothing’s really at stake. Whereas, in extinction, in the modern idea of extinction, if we’re believing that in some meaningful sense, there aren’t any other intelligent agents in our cosmic vicinity, it’s this sense of this irreversible terminal frustration of what we think of as the moral order.
Tom Moynihan: So be that the impartial demand to make the world a better place, not just from moral agents, but also from moral patients: animals, other sentiences… It’s the frustration of that upward force, that escalator to betterness, which you just don’t find in the apocalypse. And there are a couple of other things I mentioned earlier: the idea of the physical world continuing without that agency around. In apocalypses, it’s the afterlife. Everything just switches into this land beyond. So even though there are some exceptions, like I mentioned earlier, these other traditions outside of the Christian one that have some of these factors in them, they don’t have all of them. And so the way I sum it up is apocalypse secures a sense of an ending, whereas extinction anticipates the ending of sense.
Tom Moynihan: So it’s a very different outlook. Whereas in the apocalypse, nothing’s at stake. Potentially in the possibility of extinction, in a sense, everything is at stake. I’ve changed the way I talk about this in the book. I think I imbued too much unique significance on humanity. But again, everything is at stake in that sense of there being a kind of direction and that morally meaningful universe.
Are we making progress?
Tom Moynihan: So I began, this is around a decade ago, I began having that prior worldview, the kind of post-modernist, deconstructionist one, post-humanist is the current vogue in lots of continental theory. And that’s just because of the corner of the humanities that I emerged from. Instead of being taught Quine, I was taught Derrida. So I started off with that kind of worldview. And then it was from trying to look at the Enlightenment, trying to dismantle it, that requires actually reading the Enlightenment and I was actually very convinced by a lot of its texts. And also just through reading through… I was just convinced that there are these vast gains in insight and also moral insight, more importantly, that have happened. And I think it’s just undeniable that humanity has gained a lot more insight when it comes to the big picture.
Tom Moynihan: So things like the fact that you go back a certain amount of time and everyone thinks that the universe is in its most optimal, valuable state. William Paley, the famous argument from design theologian, this was around 1800, he said we might not like mosquitoes and mice, but they’re actually really good because when an area is unpopulated by humans, it will be filled by these lower creatures that are kind of placeholder vehicles of sentience that mean that value in the world can never dip below some certain level.
Tom Moynihan: No one would say that anymore, or at least not many people would say that. Or for example, Alexander Pope in his brilliant long poem, The Essay on Man, he says that everything that happens in the universe happens for a good end, including the destruction of Earth. And it’s good that we just don’t know when that will happen, because otherwise we’d worry about it. And he compares this to the lamb that licks the hand of the slaughterer. That’s barbaric, right? So the fact that we now wouldn’t say those things, I think is just in my view, undeniably a gain in insight. So I think actually picking through the history of ideas, and this is me talking from my own personal experience, so take it with a pinch of salt, but it actually converted me away from a pessimistic worldview towards one that’s more convinced in progress or at least the possibility of progress. | <urn:uuid:79153ba8-51ce-483e-a78f-91b81f558d76> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://80000hours.org/podcast/episodes/tom-moynihan-prior-generations/?startTime=0&btp=68ea2273 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.966507 | 3,940 | 2.640625 | 3 |
Jun 28, 20232023 Insecticide Usage on Conventional and Organic Lettuce
We recently compiled the surveys from our annual Lettuce Insect Losses Workshop and results continue to show interesting trends in insecticide usage on desert lettuce. In general, the most used insecticides in fall and spring lettuce correspond directly to the key pests that typically occur during these growing periods. Overall, the pyrethroids applied both as foliar sprays and through chemigation at stand establishment were the most used insecticide class.in conventional lettuce production. No surprise there. Over the past 18 years, pyrethroid usage has remained steady and the reason is quite clear; pyrethroids are the most inexpensive and safe broad-spectrum insecticides available for effective control of beetles, crickets, plant bugs, and some Lepidopterous larvae and adults (cabbage looper and corn earworm). The overall use of OPs and carbamates decreased this season. Methomyl (Lannate) and acephate usage declined by more than 20% compared to 2022 and was lower this year than the previous 5 years. In the past few years, OPs/carbamates have been increasingly replaced by several reduced-risk chemistries, of which the spinosyns are the most used class of selective insecticides. Radiant usage against both lepidopterous larvae and thrips has remained steady over the past 19 years, averaging over 2 sprays per treated acre, and remained high in 2022-23. The Diamides (Coragen, Besiege, Minecto Pro, Exirel and Verimark, and Harvanta) were another commonly used selective chemistry in lettuce this season. Since they were first registered in 2008, PCAs have steadily incorporated this new chemical class into their management programs and were used on > 80% of the fall lettuce over the past 4 seasons. Among the diamides, Harvanta, Minecto Pro, and Besiege were the most used products. Another important class of chemistry used in fall and spring lettuce are the neonicotinoids (the 3rd most used chemistry in lettuce in 2022-23) driven primarily by soil-applied imidacloprid for whiteflies and aphids. The usage of imidacloprid on both fall and spring lettuce increased markedly in 2022-23, treated on well above 80% of the acreage. Foliar neonicotinoid usage decreased last season on both fall and spring acres. However, Movento was applied on over 80% of spring acers in 2022 and was the most used product for sucking insect control due to heavy aphid pressure that occurred this season. Sequoia, Sivanto, Beleaf and Versys accounted for significant usage this spring, again due to aphids. Torac usage was up slightly last spring for thrips management but was only used on about 5% of the acreage. In organic lettuce, Entrust was the most commonly applied biopesticide. Like Radiant, it was applied more than two times on 100% of the fall and spring acres. Bts, Pyganic and azadirachtin/neem oil products were the next most used biopesticides on organic crops. Finally, among all insecticide chemistries, the broad spectrum, consumer–friendly pyrethroids have been the predominant chemistry applied to lettuce. However, for the past 12 seasons PCAs treated a greater percentage of their lettuce acreage with selective, reduced-risk products than with the broad-spectrum chemistries. To view the report of the estimated insecticide usage by chemical class, as well as the most used insecticides on fall and spring lettuce this past growing season, go to this link: Insecticide Usage on Conventional and Organic Lettuce in the Desert, 2022-23.
To contact John Palumbo go to: jpalumbo@ag.Arizona.edu | <urn:uuid:e1778079-3d09-4744-b5fd-50dcdcc05337> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://acis.cals.arizona.edu/agricultural-ipm/vegetables/vegetable-ipm-updates/16?Trappingpage=11&Biometeorologypage=10&Insectpage=11&Weedspage=4&PlantDiagnosticpage=15 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.954697 | 801 | 2.71875 | 3 |
Oct 18, 2023It’s That Time of the Season for Corn Earworm in Lettuce
With early-planted head lettuce crops beginning to rosette and folding-in to form heads, it would be wise to keep a keen eye out for corn earworm (CEW). This fall could be important as pheromone trap catches spiked 2 weeks ago in Wellton and Dome Valley, and moths continue to be active. Plus, the weather for the next 7 days is near optimal for CEW development. Although pheromone trap counts don’t always correlate to field infestations, we have associated peak CEW moth trap counts with larval CEW activity in surrounding lettuce fields in the past. With the calm, warm nights expected to continue for the next 7 days, above average moth activity should be expected. Lots of moths usually means lots of eggs.
CEW can be very damaging in early fall head lettuce crops. On older plants beginning to form heads, larvae will migrate to the succulent terminal growth. If not controlled before the plant leaves fold in, they are protected from foliar sprays. By this time in plant growth, at-planting soil applications of Coragen or Verimark may not be effective enough to protect the heads. Once head formation begins, newly hatched larvae will usually bore into the head almost at once upon hatching. Corn earworm is much more likely to bore into lettuce heads than other Lepidoptera larvae, rendering the heads unmarketable. Larvae may enter the head from any point on the plants but can often be found burrowing in from the lower half of the head. If fields are not watched closely, infestations may not be noticed until the head is harvested. Once inside the head, it is virtually impossible to control the larvae with insecticides. Thus, pay careful attention for newly oviposited eggs (laid singly) on lettuce plants. If you are beginning to find eggs and suspect that CEW are active in the field when plants are beginning to head or cup over, you should treat as soon as possible. Moreover, during late October and early November it is probably a good idea to prophylactically apply a pyrethroid, methomyl or acephate in combination with another larvicides (e.g., Radiant, Coragen, Proclaim) when heads begin to form. The UA nominal threshold for CEW in head lettuce from the beginning of heading to harvest is 1-2 larvae / 100 plants (1-2%). Repeated insecticide treatments may be required to maintain low population levels if heavy pressure is sustained near harvest. Lab bioassays have shown that CEW larval mortality is most rapid when exposed to Lannate at 0.5 lb (>90% mortality in 1 hr after exposure) and pyrethroids at high rates (>90% mortality in 3 hrs), followed by Radiant, 5 oz (>90% mortality in 12 hrs). By 24 hrs, mortality was 100% for all the treatments including Coragen and Proclaim. For more information on CEW management see Corn Earworm Management on Desert Produce.To contact John Palumbo go to: jpalumbo@ag.Arizona.edu | <urn:uuid:28ebaeb1-7a2f-4df7-84b6-2225297b7eb1> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://acis.cals.arizona.edu/agricultural-ipm/vegetables/vegetable-ipm-updates/20?Weedspage=8&Insectpage=3&Biometeorologypage=9&Trappingpage=14&PlantDiagnosticpage=9 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.937994 | 664 | 2.671875 | 3 |
I was assigned chapter 2 in the book Designing with the Mind in Mind by Jeff Johnson The challenge of the project was to get a design that had an emphasis on different structures as well as showed the Gestalt principles. There are many different Gestalt principles but the thing that connects them all is the importance of the layout and design of the page and making sure everything is planned in the design.
- how might we improve the overall layout in the design
-how might we show each principle in a visual aspect
-how might we make sure the vision is coherent.
-how might we ask the audience what they see
-how might we guide the viewer's eye
I Chose these two concepts because they both expressed gestalts principles in different visual ways.
I chose to do a pie chart because it gave me enough room to show each principle and divide them into sections to make it easier to focus on each principle individually.
I decided to do a survey in order to convey each principle and in order to question how much the participant understands the principles.
When it comes to improvements to my testing I would improve on the questions and many hints better at what principle is present for the question.
Overall I would say the results I got from the survey were very positive and better than expected and most of the people got the gist of the principles. | <urn:uuid:9258188b-ebdf-4bab-bb8c-4f98b0016604> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://adamfenix5.medium.com/design-theory-1851abb96333?responsesOpen=true&sortBy=REVERSE_CHRON&source=author_recirc-----ce2d9964dcaa----1---------------------fe6e6749_91d9_4801_8b0f_31ac74a0dc1d------- | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.967899 | 275 | 2.625 | 3 |
” Unity in Diversity PM Modi lawyers for Uniform Civil Code”
Prime Minister Modi has lately been championing for a Uniform Civil Code to promote concinnity in diversity across India. The conception of a Uniform Civil Code is grounded on the notion that all citizens should be treated inversely under the law, anyhow of their religion, estate or gender.
PM Modi believes that a common law will help make a further indifferent society by guarding the rights of every citizen. In this blog post, we will explore the implicit benefits of enforcing a Uniform Civil Code and dissect the argument for its relinquishment.
1.Understanding the Uniform Civil Code( UCC)
The Uniform Civil Code( UCC) is a proposed legal frame in India that seeks to replace the colorful particular laws presently in practice with a livery set of laws governing matters similar as marriage, divorce, relinquishment, heritage, and race.
particular laws are grounded on religious Holy Writ and customs, which differ among communities in India. These laws have led to conflicts, demarcation, and unstable treatment for women and nonage groups.
In 2015, P M Modi’s government issued a statement in the Supreme Court calling for a debate on the UCC. This move was seen as an attempt to move towards a further inclusive and indifferent society. The UCC seeks to bring all citizens under the same legal marquee, irrespective of their religion, estate, or gender. It aims to produce a harmonious society where everyone is treated inversely under the law.
While the idea of a UCC isn’t new, it has been met with resistance from colorful religious and political groups. Some argue that the UCC would undermine artistic diversity, while others feel that it would bump on their religious beliefs and practices.
still, proponents of the UCC argue that it would be a step towards creating a truly temporal and progressive society, where individualities aren’t discerned against grounded on their religious identity. As India moves towards getting a ultramodern and inclusive republic, the debate on the UCC continues to gather instigation. Whether or not the UCC will be enforced remains to be seen, but one thing is certain the discussion around it’s important in shaping India’s future.
2.The Current script Multiple particular Laws in India
India is a country known for its diversity in culture, religion, and customs. still, this diversity has led to the actuality of multiple particular laws that govern colorful aspects of life similar as marriage, divorce, heritage, and property rights. These particular laws are grounded on different persuasions similar as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism.
The actuality of these particular laws has been a subject of contestation and debate for numerous times. Some argue that these laws cover the artistic identity of colorful communities and give a sense of security. Others, still, feel that these laws produce a division among the citizens of the country and undermine the conception of a unified nation.
One of the main problems with these particular laws is that they distinguish against women. For illustration, under the Hindu law, a son has only half the right to heritage as compared to a son. also, under Muslim law, a hubby can disjoin his woman by simply saying the word” talaq” three times, while a woman can not do the same.
also, these particular laws frequently disaccord with each other, creating confusion and legal battles. For case, in cases ofinter-faith marriages, it becomes grueling to decide which particular law should be applied. Overall, the current script of multiple particular laws in India presents several challenges and enterprises.
To address these issues, the Indian government has been considering the perpetration of a Livery Civil law( UCC) for several times. The UCC aims to replace all particular laws with a common set of laws that apply to all citizens anyhow of their religion. This move, if enforced, could give a sense of concinnity and cohesion among the different population of India.
3.PM Modi’s Call for UCC The Need for Unity in Diversity
In a country as different as India, the actuality of multiple particular laws can produce confusion and disharmony among its citizens. particular laws grounded on religion govern matters similar as marriage, divorce, heritage and relinquishment. This has led to situations where different people are subject to different laws grounded solely on their religious identity, leading to difference and inconsistencies in the legal system.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has supported for a Livery Civil law( UCC) to address this issue. In his vision, a UCC would give a common set of laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion or race. It would establish one set of rules and regulations to govern particular matters, creating a position playing field for all Indians. PM Modi argues that this move is pivotal to promote social harmony and integration in a country with different societies and religious beliefs.
He believes that a UCC will break down religious and collaborative walls, and help make a sense of public concinnity. also, the preface of a common civil law will bring translucency, responsibility, and pungency to the legal system, further strengthening republic in the country. still, enforcing a UCC isn’t without its challenges.
It has been blamed for being asleep to religious sentiments, and for assessing a uniformity that might not take into account the complications of different communities. Critics argue that a UCC could be perceived as a trouble to the autonomy of nonage communities, which are defended by the Constitution.
Despite these challenges, it’s worth noting that there are exemplifications of countries that have successfully enforced a UCC. Countries like France, Japan, and Turkey have introduced civil canons that apply inversely to all citizens. It’s possible that India could also profit from such a system.
4.Pros and Cons of enforcing a UCC in India
As with any major policy change, enforcing a Livery Civil law( UCC) in India has both advantages and disadvantages. Then are some of the crucial pros and cons
- Equality A UCC would give equal rights and protection to all citizens, anyhow of their religion or gender. This would be a significant step towards gender and social justice.
- Simplification The multiple particular laws in India produce confusion and complexity in legal proceedings. A UCC would simplify the legal system and make it more effective.
- Unity A UCC would promote concinnity among different religious communities in India by treating them all inversely under the law.
- Denomination A UCC would help uphold India’s denomination and separate religion from law, which is a pivotal principle for a republic.
- Artistic Differences India is a different country with numerous artistic and religious differences. Some people argue that a UCC would go against these differences and put a invariant law on everyone, which could beget pressure.
- perpetration enforcing a UCC is a complex process that could face legal, political, and social resistance. There’s also the challenge of icing that everyone follows the law, which could take time.
- Conflict with particular Laws particular laws in India are deeply rooted in artistic practices and beliefs. Replacing them with a UCC could spark contestation and pushback.
- Impact on nonages Some nonage groups worry that a UCC could potentially strip them of their rights and produce further demarcation against them. Overall, the pros and cons of a UCC perpetration in India need to be precisely counted and balanced before any action is taken.
- While a UCC could potentially promote concinnity and equivalency, it’s pivotal to insure that nonage rights are defended and artistic differences admired. The government must consider all these factors before making any significant changes.
5.transnational exemplifications of Countries with UCCs
numerous countries around the world have formerly enforced a Livery Civil law( UCC) with varying degrees of success. These countries serve as exemplifications of how a UCC can be successfully enforced and the positive impact it can have on a society. One similar illustration is France, where a UCC was first enforced in 1804. The French Civil law, or Code Napoleon, aimed to unify the laws of the country and produce a fair and equal legal system for all citizens.
The law has been revised several times over the times, but the principle of a UCC remains complete. Another country that has enforced a UCC is Turkey. In 1926, the Turkish Civil law was introduced, which aimed to produce a temporal legal system and end demarcation against women. The law abolished polygamy, gave women the right to bounce, and established civil marriage as the only legal form of marriage.
The law has been revised several times since also, but it remains a foundation of the country’s legal system. Tunisia is another country that has enforced a UCC. The country’s law of particular Status, introduced in 1956, abolished polygamy and gave women the right to bounce and seek divorce.
The law has been seen as a symbol of women’s rights and has been a major factor in the country’s progressive station on gender equivalency. While these exemplifications show that a UCC can be enforced successfully, it’s important to note that each country has its unique circumstances and challenges. India would need to precisely consider its own situation and apply a UCC that’s suitable for its citizens.
6.Addressing enterprises and examens of UCC perpetration
The perpetration of a Livery Civil law( UCC) has been a content of heated debate in India for numerous times. Some critics argue that enforcing a UCC would be a violation of individual religious freedom, and that it could lead to the corrosion of artistic diversity in the country.
still, these examens don’t take into account the numerous benefits of a UCC. One of the main benefits is that it would give all citizens with the same legal rights and protections, anyhow of their religion. This would insure that every citizen is equal before the law, which is a abecedarian tenet of a popular society. also, a UCC would promote gender equivalency and social justice by doing down with discriminative laws that live in colorful particular laws.
For illustration, the practice of triadic talaq in Muslim particular law, which allows men to disjoin their women simply by saying the word” talaq” three times, has been supposed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India. A UCC would insure that this practice is abolished across all persuasions and particular laws.
Critics also argue that a UCC would be delicate to apply given India’s different population and the vast differences in artistic and religious practices across the country. still, it’s important to note that several countries around the world, including France and Turkey, have successfully enforced UCCs despite analogous diversity challenges.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s call for a Livery Civil law( UCC) in India is a bold move towards promoting concinnity in diversity in the country. The current script of multiple particular laws in India has led to inequalities and disagreement, and the perpetration of a UCC could address these issues and give a position playing field for all citizens.
still, the pros and cons of enforcing a UCC need to be precisely estimated, and enterprises and examens must be addressed before any concrete way are taken. International exemplifications show that UCCs can be successfully enforced in different societies, and India can draw precious assignments from these gests . The UCC debate has been ongoing in India for several decades, and it’s high time that the country takes a decisive step towards achieving legal uniformity and social justice for all citizens. | <urn:uuid:61066c6e-ad67-48c5-9536-29c360c2b189> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://advocatesbar.com/unity-in-diversity-pm-modi-lawyers-for-uniform-civil-code/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.954245 | 2,431 | 2.6875 | 3 |
Subject: Global Marketing
“Peter Johnson, a student, is awakened in the morning by his Sony clock radio. After showering, he puts on an Italian-made jacket while listening to the latest release by Tears for Fears, a British singing group. At Breakfast, he has a cup of Brazilian coffee, a bowl of cereal made from U.S.-grown wheat, and Colombian banana. A quick glance at his Swiss watch shows him that he will have to hurry if he wants to be on time for his first class. He drives to campus in a Toyota, stopping on the way to fill the tank with gas from Saudi Arabian oil. Once in class, he rushes to take a seat with the other students, 30 percent of whom hold non-U.S. passports.” (Global Economy, by Jean-Pierre Jeannet)
No doubt from the above statement we should have that globalization has been with us even around our daily life. Thus the globalization of markets is one of the major forces impacting on companies worldwide. Although it once meant forays abroad from a strong domestic market base, it has now assumed the meaning of open trade, in which a company can be attacked anywhere, including in its home markets. A global marketing strategy involves the creation of a single strategy for a product, service or company for the entire global market, encompassing many markets. Rather than tailor a strategy perfectly to any individual market, in global marketing the company aims at setting on one general strategy that can be applied throughout the world market while maintaining at the same time flexibility to adapt that strategy to local market requirements where necessary. In global marketing there are several types of companies participate: Multinational corporations, global corporations, exporters, importers, and many different service companies. Differing from International marketing, global marketing is a subcategory of international marketing with special importance in our present world. It is the last stage in the development of the field of international marketing.
To compete successfully in today’s global marketplace, companies and their management must master certain areas. Such as environmental competence to understand the global marketing environment, analytic competence to analyze global marketing opportunities, strategic competence to develop global marketing strategies, functional competence to design global marketing programs and managerial competence to manage the global marketing effort. (Global Marketing Strategies, by Jean-Pierre Jeannet & H. David Hennessey)
I. Understanding the Global Marketing Environment
The nations of the world are linked by a multidimensional network of economic, social, cultural, and political ties. As these connections become more important and complex, countries will find themselves richer but more vulnerable to foreign disturbances, and this vulnerability increasingly will move the issues surrounding international trade and finance into the political arena.
1. The Global Economy
World trade has grown sixteenfold since 1950, far outstripping the growth in GDP. GATT and WTO have helped to reduce tariffs from 40 percent in 1947 to an estimated 4 percent in 2000. As the WTO replaced GATT in 1996, the major challenge was to assure compliance and to assert the authority of the WTO over powerful regional trade agreements like the European Union (EU), the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR), and the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). There are over eighty regional agreements between countries granting preferential access to each other’s markets. (P45-46 of Global Marketing Strategy) Thus understanding the economics of trade is critical to understanding that the need for free trade flows from country to country.
The basis for trade involves two advantages: Absolute Advantage and Comparative Advantage. As provided by Adam Smith, the theory of selling what you are best at is known as Absolute Advantage. David Richardo pointed out that it is still possible to produce profitably what one is best at even if someone else is better, and this theory is well known as Comparative Advantage. Comparative Advantage measures a product’s cost of production, not in monetary terms but in terms of forgone opportunityto produce something else. In essence, the theory of comparative advantage says it pays for countries to engage in international trade exporting in which they are efficient and to import goods that they are relatively inefficient at producing.
In global economy, balance of payments is considered to be very important by many businesspeople, government officials and economists. It is an accounting record of the transactions between the residents of one country and the residents of the rest of the world over a given period of time. There are three important balance of payments measures: the balance on merchandise trade, the balance on goods and services, and the balance on current account. The last measure is considered to be a reflection of a nation’s financial claims on other countries.
The purchase of a foreign good or service can be thought of as involving two sequential transactions: the purchase of the foreign currency, followed by the purchase of the foreign item itself. A ratio that measures the value of one currency in terms of another currency is called an exchange rate, with which we are able to compare domestic and foreign prices. When a currency rises in value, it is said to appreciate, otherwise depreciate. Exchange rate is considered to be great impact of import/export business.
Stability in the international economy is a prerequisite for worldwide peace and prosperity. For this reason come out the international agencies for promoting economic and monetary stability such as International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Group of Seven, and European Monetary System.
It is a fact of life that there are both beneficiaries and victims from free trade, just as there are when virtually any change is made. Hence protectionist legislation turns to being. It tends to be in the form of either tariffs, quotas, or qualitative trade restrictions. But there is no doubt the world is moving toward a single global economy. The economies of the world are becoming more and more interlinked, with small changes in markets being felt in many places around the world. As the speed of change accelerates, successful companies will be able to anticipate the trends and either take advantage of them or respond to them quickly.
2. Cultural and Social Forces
Cultural anthropology examines all human behaviors. Culture includes the entire heritage of a society transmitted by word, literature, or any other form. It includes all traditions, habits, religion, art and language. Culture reflects the human aspect of a person’s environment; it consists of beliefs, morals, customs, and habits learned from others. These culture elements send direct and indirect messages to consumers regarding the selection of goods and services.That bringsthe reason that marketers must understand the culture, especially in an international environment.
Language is a key component of culture because most of a society’s culture finds its way into the spoken language. Thus, in many ways language embodies the culture of the society. Knowing the language of a society can become the key to understanding its culture. Globalmarketing communications are heavily affected by the existence of different languages. To overcome this language barrier, business people all over the world have to draw two major conclusions about the impact of language on global marketing. First, a firm must adjust its communication program and design communications to include the languages used by its customers. Second, the firm must be aware that a foreign language may contain different thinking patterns or indicate varying motivations on the part of prospective clients.
Religion’s impact on global marketing becomes more apparent when the observer compares one religion to another. Global marketers need to search actively for any possible influences even when the influences are not very apparent. Developing an initial awareness of the impact religion has on one’s own culture is often very helpful in developing cultural sensitivity.
Education shapes people’s outlooks, desires, and motivation. To the extent that educational systems differ by country, we can expect differences among consumers. However, education not only affects potential consumers, it also shapes potential employees for foreign companies and for the business community overall. This will influence business practices and competitive behavior.
The role of the family varies greatly between cultures, as do the roles that the various family members play. Across cultures, we find differences in family sizes, in the employment of women, and in many other factors of great interest to marketers. Particularly since the family is a primary reference group and has always been considered an important determinant of purchasing behavior, these differences are of interest. Another factor to be taken into consideration in global marketing is family structure, in terms of such as nuclear family, extended family and etc. because the family plays very important role as a consumption unit, marketers need to understand family roles and composition as they differ from country to country.
It is impossible to predict all the possible problems that can be encountered abroad, it becomes necessary to have cultural analysis for international marketing to deal with cultural differences, to avoid self-reference criterion habit and cultural shock.
3. Political and Legal Forces
The past ten years have brought enormous political changes to this world, changes that are affecting the global marketing operations of global firms. Although these changes have resulted in the opening of many previously closed markets, numerous uncertainties remain. Herewith display the major political and regulatory forces facing global companies we are going to discuss about.
(1) Host country political forces.
Any country that contains an operational unit (manufacturing, finance, sales, and so on) of a global company can be defined as a host country. By definition, global companies deal with many different host countries, each with its own political climate. In each country, the political climate is largely termined by the way the various participants interact with each other. It is influenced by the actions of the host country government and local special interest groups, as well as by the prevailing political philosophy.
The government plays the principal role in host countries in initiating and implementing policies regarding the operation, conduct, and ownership of businesses, and so can encourage or discourage foreign business through a variety of measures. As many political scientists have pointed out, governmental behavior flow from the government’s interpretation of its own self-interest (national interest), which typically includes the following goals: Self-preservation, security, prosperity, ideology, and cultural identity.
(2) Host Government Actions
As per the national interest we have presented above, it brings the following actions that host government may carry on. The certain political actions probably involve: jawboning, “buy local” restrictions, nontariff barriers, subsidies, operating conditions, local content, ownership conditions, boycotts, and takeovers.
(3) Home country political forces
Managers of global companies need be concerned not only about political developments abroad. Many developments take place at home that can have a great impact on what a company can do globally. Home countries are essentially guided by the same six interests such as self-preservation, national security, prosperity, prestige, ideology, and culture identity. So the political development in a company’s home country tends to affect either the role of the company in general or, more often, some particular aspects of its operations. Consequently, restrictions can be placed on companies by home countries as well. Therefore, an astute global manager must be able to monitor political developments both at home and abroad.
(4) International legal forces
In many ways, the legal framework of a nation reflects a particular political philosophy or ideology. Because the law system changes from country to country, globally active companies find themselves in a situation in which they have to conform to more than one legal system. Some major legal challenges require global companies for adjustment and consideration at the corporate level: laws against bribery and corrupt practices; laws regulating competitive behavior; product liability; bankruptcy laws; patent, trademarks, and copyrights; regulatory trends affecting global marketing, which involves three major trends like trade liberalization, deregulation, privatization.
(5) Political risk assessment and risk reduction strategies Because many companies suffered some type of politically motivated damage in the past decades, they had to have established systems to systematically analyze political risk. To do assessment on political risk, companies need to decide first on the objectives of political risk assessment, then to set up organization of political risk assessment, thirdly to gather information concerning about political stability, foreign investment climate, profit remittance, and taxation. Several public or semipublic sources exist that regularly monitor political risk, such as The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), The International Country Risk Guide, and etc.
The value of political risk assessment is its integration of risk-reducing strategies that eventually enable companies to enter a market or remain in business. Local partners, invaluable status, vertical integration, local borrowing, minimizing fixed investments, and political insurance are major approaches adopted by many companies to reduce political risks.
II. Analyzing Global Marketing Opportunities
Every time a company decides to expand into foreign markets, it must systematically evaluate possible markets to identify the country or group of countries with the greatest opportunities, to discuss the variable influencing the different types of buyers: consumer, business, and government in target countries, and to collect the appropriate data to analyze the environment, the market and the consumers for products.
The assessment of global marketing opportunities begins with a screening process that involves gathering relevant information on each country and filtering out the less desirable countries. There are four factors we should take into consideration in the four stage of selection process: macrovariables which describe the total market in terms of economic, social, geographic, and political information; A proxy variables which is a similar or related product that indicates a demand for your product; microlevel considerations such as competitors, ease of entry, const of entry, and profit potential; evaluation and rank ordering of the potential target countries, based on corporate resources, objectives, and strategies. Research on global investment decisions has shown that the four critical factors affecting marke selection are market size and growth, political conditions, competition, and market similarity.
To get the factors for analyzing global marketing opportunities asks us to do global marketing research, which is meant to provide adequate data and cogent analysis for effective decision making on a global scale. Traditionally, marketing research has beecharged withthree broad areas of responsibility: market studies, competitive studies, and environmental studies. However, global marketing researchers face five principal challenges: (1) complexity of research design; (2) lack of secondary data; (3) costs of collecting primary data; (4) coordination of research and data collection across countries; (5) establishing comparability and equivalence.
Although conducting marketing research globally usually adds to the complexity of the research task, the basic approach remains the four-step process: (1) problem definition and development of research objectives; (2) determination of the sources of information; (3) collection of the data from primary and secondary sources; (4) analysis of the data and presentation of the results.
The value of market research cannot be understated, especially in new developing markets. The use of properly conducted market research can reduce or eliminate most global marketing mistakes. Market research can uncover local adaptation needs, potential name problems promotion requirements, and appropriate market strategies. Sound global marketing research techniques uncover potentially costly and often embarrassing situations.
III. Developing Global Marketing Strategies
To develop global marketing strategies brings us to develop a global mindset as the first step. The mindset is the outlook or frame of mind that the marketer carries around the world. The global mindset is characterized by a different view of the opportunities and the facts of the world market. It is more encompassing than the domestic, international, multinational, or even panregional perspective. It is a new, truly different dimension in managerial thinking that transcends traditional labels and shapes the outlook of global marketers. The marketing manager with a global mindset will need knowledge about the world markets encompassing key market knowledge, economic knowledge, political knowledge, cultural knowledge, historic knowledge, geographic knowledge.
Marketing managers who want to plot strategy with a global mindset will be challenged to process the vast amount of data they acquire in different ways. That case, we should examine the thinking and analytic routines the minds of executives have to go through as they chart global marketing strategies from a large set of data. We may concentrate on some of the unique marketing analytic skills, concepts, and tools that are relevant primarily in global marketing. These topics are grouped around the concept of the global logic, with special emphasis on how it applies to global marketing.
The source of global marketing logic might rest with the customer base, thus creating a global customer logic, global information logic, or global purchasing logic. However the industry environment may generate its own global logic sources. These industry-based global sources follow by the form of global competitive logic, global industry logic, global size logic, and global regulatory logic. When the global logic is very strong, there is almost a mandate to pursue its marketing operations on a global scale, leading to a global imperative. Furthermore, if the global logic were disregarded, the firm presumably would suffer negative competitive consequences.
Companies need not just make a decision on whether or not to adopt a global marketing strategy, but more important, they need to select from a variety of generic global marketing strategies. First, companies have to review and consider their internationalization patterns, ranging from opportunistic, or unplanned patterns, to fully planned patterns of globalization, which involve subjecting a pattern to global logics. Second, firms have to select an appropriate expansion strategy, which might result either in global market reach through market coverage or in globalizing their asset base through building companies in many markets. Third, companies must determine the desired geographic concentration strategy, which includes a selection of the markets the company intends to cover.
Companies pursuing a global marketing strategy must determine the type of presence they expect to maintain in every market where they compete. One major choice concerns the method of entering any selected market, a company may want to export to the new market, or it may prefer to produce locally. A second major choice involves the amount of direct ownership desired.
Exporting to a foreign market is a strategy many companies follow for at least some of their markets, which encompassing indirect exporting and direct exporting. Indirect exporting means a firm carries out its exporting operations through a domestically located intermediary. The most common types of intermediaries are brokers,combination export managers, manufacturers’ export agents, and some group selling activities. Direct exporting means a company carries out exporting through intermediaries located in the foreign markets. The exporter may select from two major types of intermediaries: agents and merchants. Also, the exporting company may establish its own sales subsidiary as an alternative to independent intermediaries. The point at which the manufacturer can switch from an independent distributor to a company-owned sales subsidiary is calculated as: with increasing volume, the incentive to start a sales subsidiary grows. On the other hand, if the anticipated sales volume is small, the independent distributor will be more efficient since sales are channeled through a distributor who is maintaining the necessary staff for several product lines.
Using licensing as a method of market entry, a company can gain market presence without an equity investment. Under licensing, a company assigns the right to a patent or a trademark to another company for a fee or royalty. Licenses are signed fora variet time periods. Licensing agreements are subject to negotiation and tend to vary considerably from company to company and from industry to industry. A major disadvantage of licensing is the company’s substantial dependence on the local licensee to produce revenues and, thus, royalties, usually paid as a percentage on sales volume only. Another disadvantage is the resulting uncertainty of product quality.
Franchising, as a method of market entry, is a special form of licensing in which the franchiser makes a total marketing program available, including the brand name, logo, products, and method of operation.
Many companies find it to their advantage to manufacture locally instead of supplying the particular market with products made elsewhere. Numerous factors such as local costs, market size, tariffs, laws, and political considerations may affect a choice to manufacture locally, so it deserves considerable attention before a final decision is made. The type of local production may be contract manufacturing, assembly, or fully integrated production.
Under contract manufacturing, a company arranges to have its products manufactured by an independent local company on a contractual basis. Typically, contract manufacturing is chosen for countries with a low-volume market potential combined with high tariff protection.
By moving to an assembly operation, the international firm locates a portion of the manufacturing process in the foreign country. Typically, assembly consists only of the last stages of manufacturing and depends on the ready supply of components or manufactured parts to be shipped in from another country. Thus assembling is often not guaranteed, and in countries with chronic foreign exchange problems, supply interruptions can occur.
To establish a fully integrated local production unit represents the greatest commitment a company can make for a foreign market. The reasons lay on establishing local operations to gain new business, establishing foreign production to defend existing business, moving with an established customer and shifting production abroad to save costs.
Companies entering foreign markets have to decide on more than the most suitable entry strategy. They also need to arrange ownership, either as a wholly owned subsidiary, in a joint venture, or in a strategic alliance.
Under a joint venture arrangement, the foreign company invites an outside partner to share stock ownership in the new unit. The particular participation of the partners may vary, with some companies accepting either a minority or majority position. In most cases, international firms prefer wholly owned subsidiaries for reasons of control; once a joint venture partner secures part of the operation, the international firm can no longer function independently, which sometimes leads to inefficiencies and disputes over responsibility for the venture. If an international firm has strictly defined operating procedures, such as for budgeting, planning, and marketing, getting the JV company to accept the same methods of operation may be difficult. Problem may also arise when the JV partner wants to maximize dividend payout instead of reinvestment, or when the capital of the JV has to be increased and one side is unable to raise the required funds. Experience has shown that JVs can be successful if the partners share the same goals, with one partner accepting primary responsibility for operations matters. The following cautions should be taken into account by firms considering a joint venture. (1) Do not enter into JVs with partners that are initially overconcerned with
control or how to split up if the venture should fail.
(2) The venture must be able to get the resources to grow and should not be restricted technologically or geographically.
(3) The venture must develop its own culture
(4) Venture managers need good access to top management at the parent companies.
(5) Stay away from partners who are overly centralized and have no experience in sharing responsibility.
Alliances are different from traditional joint ventures, in which tow partners contribute a fixed amount of resources and the venture develops on its own. In an alliance, two entire firms pool their resources directly in a collaboration that goes beyond the limits of a joint venture. Although a new entity may be formed, it is not a requirement. Sometimes, the alliance is supported by some equity acquisition of one or both of the partners. In an alliance, each partner brings a particular skill or resource – usually, they are complementary – and by jointing forces, each expects to profit from the other’s experience. Typically, alliances involve either distribution access, technology transfers, or production technology, with each partner contributing a different element to the venture. Experience suggests that alliances with two equal partners are more difficult to manage than those with a dominant partner.
IV. Designing Global Marketing Programs
Assembling a global marketing program requires an analysis of how the environment will affect the four marketing mix elements: price, product, place (distribution), and promotion (communication).
1. Pricing for global markets
Most companies begin pricing deliberations based on their own internal cost structure. Also of concern are country-to-country transfer costs, such as tariffs, transportation, insurance, taxes, and local channel costs
Prices have to reflect the realities of the marketplace, so income levels and competition are the two factors must be analyzed. The income level of a country’s population determines the amount and type of goods and services bought. Incomes are expressed by gross national product (GNP) or gross domestic product (GDP) divided by the total population. GNP per capita or GDP per capita is a surrogate measure for personal income and is used to compare income levels among countries. The nature and size of competition can significantly affect price levels in any given market. The number and type of competitors greatly influence pricing strategy.
A number of environmental factors also influence pricing on the global level. These external variables, uncontrolled by any individual company, include the general economic environment, foreign exchange, inflation, government price controls, and government regulations.
Managerial issues in global pricing require constant management attention, which involve transfer pricing, quoting in foreign currencies, gray-market pricing, and export price escalation. The cost to the importing or buying subsidiary depends on the negotiated transfer price agreed on by the two involved units of the international firm. Because negotiations on transfer prices do not represent arm’s-length negotiations between independent participants, the resulting prices frequently differ from free-market prices. Quoting in foreign currencies will face the foreign exchange risk. The tools used to cover a company’s foreign exchange risk are either (a) hedging in the forward market or (b) covering through money markets.
One of the most perplexing problems global companies face is the phenomenon of different prices between countries. When such price differentials become large, individual buyers or independent entrepreneurs step in and buy products in low-price countries to re-export to high-price countries, profiting from the price differential. This arbitrage behavior creates what experts call the “gray market” or “parallel imports”. To deal with gray markets, global companies can carry out a number of strategies in a reactive way and a proactive way to prevent the practice from occurring at all. These range from confronting the culprit to price cutting, supply interference, and fromproduct differentiation to using strict legal enforcement of contracts, etc.
The additional costs described earlier may raise the end-use price of an exported product substantially above its domestic price. This phenomenon, called export price escalation, may force a company to adopt either of two strategic patterns. First, a company may realize its price disadvantage and adjust the marketing mix to account for its “luxury” status. Alternatively, a company may grant a “discount” on the standard domestic price to bring the end-user price more in line with prices paid by domestic customers.
Although it is becoming increasingly clear for many companies that market-by-market pricing strategies will cause difficulties, many firms have found that changing to a uniform pricing policy is rather like pursuing a moving target. Even when a global pricing policy is adopted, a company must carefully monitor price levels in each country and avoid large gaps that can then cause problems when independent or gray-market forces move in and take advantage of large price differentials.
2. Global product and service strategies
The international firm will want to know whether existing products have to be adapted to certain global requirements or whether they can be shipped in their present form. Usually the firm has to select the particular features its products should incorporate and to determine the desired function and performance of these features. The major elements of product design include product dimensions, design features, quality, and global standards.
There are eight stages involved in the new-product development process: idea generation, screening, concept development and testing, marketing strategy development, business analysis, product development, market testing, and commercialization. The purpose of each stage is to determine whether the idea should be dropped or moved to the next stage.
Branding today turns to be such a strong force that hardly anything goes unbranded. Branding gives the seller several advantages: the brand name makes it easier for the seller to process orders and track down problems; the seller’s brand name and trademark provide legal protection of unique product features; branding gives the seller the opportunity to attract a loyal and profitable set of customers; branding helps the seller segment markets; strong brands help build the corporate image, making it easier to launch new brands and gain acceptance by distributors and consumer. Generally speaking, the best brand names suggest something about the product’s benefits; suggest product qualities; are easy to pronounce, recognize, and remember; are distinctive; and do not carry negative meanings or connotations in other countries or languages.
Most physical products have to be packaged and labeled. Well-designed packages can create convenience value for customers and promotional value for producers. In effect, they can act as “five-second commercials” for the product. Marketers develop a packaging concept and test it functionally and psychologically to make sure it achieves its desired objectives and is compatible with public policy and environmental concerns. Physical products also require labeling or identification and possible grading, description, and product promotion. Sellers may be required by law to present certain information on the label to protect and inform consumers.
Warranties and service policies have to be considered as an integral aspect of a company’s global product strategy. To be successful in global markets, companies need to be flexible in product and service offerings. Additional efforts are frequently required in product support services to assure foreign clients that the company will stand behind its products.
3. Managing global distribution channels
To be successful in the global marketplace, a company needs market acceptance among buyers and market access via distribution channels. There are two major categories of potential channel members: (1) those located in the home country and (2) those located abroad. Within a manufacturer’s home market, the types of export-related channel members could be export management company, export agent, direct exporting, and internet. Types of foreign country channel members involve import intermediaries, local wholesalers or agents, and retailers.
Within the structure of the marketing mix, the global marketer makes distribution decisions about each of the following variables: (1) distribution density, (2) channel length, (3) channel alignment and leadership, and (4) distribution logistics.
Density refers to the amount of exposure or coverage desired for a product, particularly the number of sales outlets required to provide for adequate coverage of the entire market. The key to distribution density is the consumer’s shopping behavior, the effort expended to locate a desired item. It is important for marketers to find out where consumers buy the types of products the firm plans to market early in the distribution analysis.
The concept of channel length involves the number of intermediaries involved in bringing a given product to the market. Channel length is usually influenced by three factors: a product’s distribution density, the average order quantities, and the availability of channel members.
Channel alignment deals with the structure of the chosen channel members to achieve a unified strategy. The longer the channel, the more difficult it becomes to maintain a coordinated and integrated approach. To achieve maximum efficiency in a channel of distribution, one participant must emerge as the channel captain, or dominating member.
Distribution logistics involves the physical flow of products as they move through the channel. The total task of logistics management consists of five separate though interrelated jobs: traffic or transportation management, inventory control, order processing, materials handling and warehousing, and fixed facilities location management. The firms that are able to combine the various logistics areas under the responsibility of one manager have a chance at achieving either substantial cost savings or enhanced market positions by increasing service levels at minimum costs.
The success of a firm’s international efforts depends on the partners it selects. The factors influencing the selection of channel members follow with cost, capital requirement, product and product line, control, coverage, and synergy. Selecting the most suitable channel participants and gaining access to the market are extremely important steps in achieving an integrated and responsive distribution channel. However, without proper motivation of and control over channel participants, sales may remain unsatisfactory to the foreign marketer. Better control over channel participants, firms should take into account the most common causes of channel conflict: a) bypassing channels to sell directly to large customers, b) oversaturating a market with too many dealers/distributors, c) establishing too many levels in the distribution system, 4) opening new discount channel that offer the same goods at lower prices.
To actually gain access to distribution channels may well be the most formidable challenge in global marketing. With fewer chances to outflank nonresponsive channels abroad, global marketers may develop the following approaches to the difficult situation of gaining access to distribution channels: piggybacking, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and acquisitions.
Distribution systems throughout the world are continuously evolving in response to economic and social changes. So five major trends in global distribution should be considered by managers: a) large-scale retailers, b) globally active retailers, c) direct marketing, d) online retailing, and e) information technology. These trends are likely to reshape the global distribution system and the way companies tap into markets all over the world.
4. Global promotion strategies
Research evidence and experience have demonstrated that the single-country/domestic communications model is applied to consumers in other countries as well. However, international firms have to overcome some additional barriers: the cultural barrier different source effects, and various noise levels.
In domestic or single-country, environment, companies achieve a balance in their promotion mix on the basis of experience, costs, and effectiveness. For most companies, communications mix decisions require the selection of an appropriate balance between advertising and personal selling.
In a domestic setting, push-oriented marketing strategies emphasize personal selling rather than advertising in their promotion mix. Personal selling is usually more effective when a company is faced with a short channel marketing industrial or other complex products to other companies or governmental agencies. But for consumer goods marketing firms that need to approach a large segment of the market, usually select pull strategies, which is characterized by a relatively greater dependence on advertising directed at the end user for a product or service. However, in selecting the best balance between advertising and personal selling for the pull versus push decision, companies have to analyze the markets to determine the relative need for these two major communications mix elements.
There are also other forms of promotion such as sales promotion, sports promotions and sponsorships, direct marketing, and so on. All forms of direct and interactive marketing apply to the global market as well. With the global telecommunications infrastructure developing rapidly, the appli- cations for the World Wide Web and Internet-based interactive marketing will continue to expand and will undoubtedly become ever more important communications mix elements for globally active firms, large or small.
V. Managing the Global Marketing Effort
Organizing the marketing fforts of a company across a number of countries is a difficult process. As the scope of a company’s global business changes, its organizational structure must be modified in accordance with the internal and external environments. As the number of countries in which a company is marketing increases, as product lines expand, and as objectives change, so will the organization.
The task of molding an organization to respond to the needs of a global marketplace involves building a shared vision and developing human resources. A clear vision of the purpose of the company that is shared by everyone gives meaning and direction to each manager. Managers are a company’s scarcest resource. The process of recruiting, selecting, training, and managing the human resources must help build a common vision and values. | <urn:uuid:cc111a95-7042-49ff-b651-7ca69078c4fe> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://aiu.edu/publications/student/english/Global-Marketing.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.939505 | 7,262 | 2.5625 | 3 |
Welcome to the Geneva County Alabama Genealogy & History Network website providing free information to genealogical and historical researchers.
To share your Geneva County, Alabama genealogy or history information, send an email to firstname.lastname@example.org - we will be pleased to include it here. If you have information to share for other Alabama Counties, visit the Alabama Genealogy & History Network state website and choose the appropriate county.
Geneva County was created by an act of the Alabama State Legislature on December 26, 1868, and was once part of present-day Dale County. The county was named after Geneva, the largest settlement in the new county and its only county seat to the present. The town was named by one of the first settlers, Henry A. Yonge, after his wife's hometown, Geneva, New York.
The county's first court was held in a local school in 1869 until a dedicated courthouse was built that year. That courthouse was replaced by a brick structure at some point and burned in 1898. It was replaced in 1911, but the building burned again. A new courthouse was built in 1912, and that structure was torn down in 1969 and replaced with the current courthouse. This building was renovated in 1996.
In 1861, Geneva was destroyed in what became known as the Lincoln Flood, for the president at the time, and the town was relocated to higher ground in 1865. The town was devastated again in the Hoover Flood of 1929, after which a levee was built to protect the rebuilt town. The pattern of flooding continued, and Geneva has flooded several more times since the turn of the twentieth century.
In 1901, the Alabama & Florida Railroad built a line through Geneva, connecting Georgiana, Alabama, to Graceville, Florida. The line operated until 1987, when the 23-mile Geneva spur was abandoned. In 1904, the Central of Georgia Railroad ran a line to Florala through Geneva County.
Fowler Park, located at the junction of the Pea and Choctawhatchee rivers in Geneva, offers scenic views of Constitution Oak, believed to be the largest and oldest live oak in the state. When the water levels are low, it is possible to view the wreck of a Civil War-era steamboat.
In April, the town of Geneva hosts Festival on the Rivers, which features canoe racing, food, live music, and arts and crafts. In addition, the town of Slocomb hosts the annual Tomato Festival.
The county has a total area of 579 square miles, of which 574 square miles is land and 5 square miles (0.8%) is water. The population recorded in the 1870 Federal Census was 2,959. The 2010 censusrecorded 26,790 residents in the county.
Neighboring counties are Dale County (north-northeast), Houston County (east), Holmes County, Florida (south), Walton County, Florida (southwest), Covington County (west), Coffee County (north-northwest), and Jackson County, Florida (southeast).
Communities in the county include Geneva, Hartford, Samson, Slocomb, Black, Coffee Springs, Malvern, Taylor (partly in Houston Co.), Eunola, Bailey Crossroads, Bald Hill, Bellwood, Chancellor, Dundee, Earlytown, Fadette, Hacoda, High Bluff, Highfalls, Highnote, and Kellys Crossroads.
Alabama Genealogy & History Network has much information on our county websites - cemetery listings, community data, etc. Please visit the county or counties of interest to you.
Birth Records - The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains records of births from 1908 to present. This was the year Alabama began keeping official birth records. You can obtain official copies of birth certificates by visiting the birth record page on their website and following the instructions. Since there are no official birth records before 1908 for births prior to that date you will need to determine birth information from census records, bible records, baptismal records, cemetery tombstones, etc.
Death Records - The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains death records after 1908 on file. This was the year Alabama began keeping official death records. You can obtain official copies of death certificates by visiting the death record page on their website and following the instructions. Since there are no official death records before 1908 for deaths prior to that date you will need to determine death information from census records, bible records, funeral home records, cemetery tombstones, etc.
Marriage Records - The Alabama Department of Public Health can provide you with information for marriages that took place from 1936 to present by by visiting the marriage record page on their website and following the instructions.
All existing county marriage records for any date not listed above (and for the dates listed above for that matter) may be obtained from the county's Probate Office in which the marriage was held.
Divorce Records - The Alabama Department of Public Health maintains divorce records from 1950 to present. You can obtain official copies of devorce records by visiting the divorce record page on their website and following the instructions. Records for divorces occuring before 1950 may be obtained from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the divorce took place.
Geneva County is located in southeastern Alabama.
A list of Geneva County communities & places. Some of these have additional history information.
A list of Geneva County, Alabama Churches with photos and additional information for many.
For a list of Geneva County, Alabama Cemeteries, tombstone photos and more.
A list of Geneva County, Alabama Schools. Some of these have photos and additional information. | <urn:uuid:23008b63-f7b7-408e-a1ba-4a9d781f18cd> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://alabama.msghn.org/geneva/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.965177 | 1,146 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Towing safety is of the greatest significance to avoid accidents and injuries. Tow truck drivers confront various risks while on the job, including the possibility of wrecks, injuries from road debris, and incidents involving their own equipment. To protect safety, tow truck drivers must comply with safety regulations issued by OSHA, DOT, or other regulating agencies. Proper staff training, including road tests and tow truck safety programs, may assist in guaranteeing drivers are well-versed in safety requirements. Equipment for tow truck driver safety should emphasize visibility and functionality. Before each journey, drivers should complete a safety check to verify that the hitch coupler is fastened, the pin attaching the ball mount to the receiver is intact, and safety chains are correctly connected. The towing business should give basic and renewal safety training on vehicle loading and unloading, defensive strategies while exposed to traffic, and correct use of personal protective equipment.
Types of Towing Equipment
There are several kinds of towing equipment that are used for different reasons. Some of the most prevalent forms of towing equipment include:
1. Flatbed or Rollback Tow Truck: These trucks have a flat-topped empty bed that can be tilted or lowered to the ground to enable automobiles to be put onto it. They are typically utilized for transferring disabled automobiles or those that have been in accidents.
2. Hook and Chain Trucks: These trucks utilize chains to raise the front or rear of a vehicle off the ground and pull it behind the truck. They are commonly utilized for short distances or when the vehicle being towed is not in excellent condition.
3. Integrated Tow Trucks: These trucks feature a built-in tow platform and are typically used for towing big vehicles such as buses or RVs.
4. Wheel Lift Tow Trucks: These trucks employ a hydraulic lift to elevate the front or back of a car off the ground and tow it behind the truck. They are commonly utilized for short distances or when the vehicle being towed is not in excellent condition. | <urn:uuid:86f2be0c-9d79-459a-8e8f-dc4e8dd112d0> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://albertarosetowing.ca/towing-safety-and-security/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.95972 | 406 | 2.640625 | 3 |
Some West Africans' DNA linked to unknown "ghost species" ancestor, evidence of medieval coffin birth uncovered, painting worth millions found after decades in a closet.
Some West Africans Have DNA Not Linked To Any Known Human Ancestor
Way before homo sapiens were the only human species walking the earth, other protohuman species existed. While several studies have found the DNA of ancient populations in modern humans, primarily Neanderthals and Denisovans, we lack findings of DNA from African-dwelling ancient hominids in modern humans. That’s because we haven’t been able to access archaic genomes of African populations.
But research published on bioRxiv from the University of California in Los Angeles, which is awaiting peer review, has new interesting findings on the subect.
According to their findings, there is DNA from an unknown species of ancient hominin in about eight percent of the genetic ancestry from the West African Yoruba population.
Read more here.
Rare Case Of Coffin Birth Found In Medieval Gravesite
In 2010, Archeologists excavating a grave site in the small medieval town of Imola, Italy, made a grisly discovery — a woman who seemed to have given birth post-mortem. In a recently published paper, the archaeologists broke down their findings and explained the rarity of what they had uncovered.
At first, nothing about the woman in the coffin seemed unusual. She was between 25 and 35 years old and had been buried face-up, suggesting deliberate burial. However, upon closer inspection, scientists noticed something peculiar. Cradled within the skeletal pelvis, there was a small cluster of tiny bones from a fetus that was about 38 weeks of age.
Dig deeper in this report.
Painting Stored In Closet For Decades Turns Out To Be Worth Millions
A forgotten painting stuffed in the closet of an Iowa art gallery is actually over 400 years old and likely worth millions of dollars.
In 2016, Robert Warren, the executive director of the Hoyt Sherman Place art complex in Des Moines, was poking around the closet of his art gallery when he came across an oil painting of nude mythological figures tucked in a corner between a table and the wall.
Read on here. | <urn:uuid:aa1e07ce-ccfe-4c03-9144-99ccb8b7177a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://allthatsinteresting.com/this-week-in-history-april-1-7 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.939271 | 460 | 3.25 | 3 |
It was a landmark decision that will have far-reaching impact on China for decades to come.
In 2015, the party reversed its longstanding one-child policy—one of many reforms enacted during Xi Jinping’s first five years as General Secretary.
In effect since the late 1970s, the policy aimed to safeguard China’s path to prosperity. Then paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, said China needed to ensure the “fruits of economic growth are not devoured by population growth.”
China’s plunging birth rate
The strategy appears to have worked. On its way to becoming the world’s second largest economy, China’s birth rate plummeted.
Chart: China v. World (Fertility rate, total (births per woman) from 1960-2015)
Shrinking labor pool
But now there are fewer new workers. The youngest demographic in China’s labor force (ages 16 to 24) has been declining since 2007. This could have a negative impact on future productivity.
A Gradual shift?
After the government rolled out its new policy in 2015, the number of babies born in Chinese hospitals increased 11.5 percent the very next year. According to China’s National Health and Family Planning Commission, nearly half the newborns (more than 45 percent) were not their family’s first child.
Still, permission to have a second child may not be enough to engineer the desired demographic shift anytime soon. Based on a 2017 survey, many working age Chinese women appeared reluctant to have more children.
A professor at the Population Research Institute in Beijing says it could take “a couple of decades” before the new policy has the desired effects.
Over the long-term, the government says the two-child policy should increase China’s birth rate and labor supply, and ease pressure from an aging population.
That pressure is increasing. The total number of Chinese over the age of 65 more than tripled between 1982 and 2015. | <urn:uuid:40d85a25-1a41-4a72-9a94-9c51e2da20de> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://america.cgtn.com/2017/10/16/why-china-ended-its-one-child-policy | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.954631 | 414 | 3.09375 | 3 |
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a reminder for all organizations to educate themselves on cyber attacks and how easily this can happen, potentially crippling the business. Based on the number of incidents and breaches, ALL staff must be aware and knowledgeable on ways threat actors can access (and most of the time, easily) an organizations environment.
Does your team know the following cybersecurity definitions and their implications:
- Email Phishing: a type of social engineering and cybersecurity attack where the attacker impersonates someone else via email, luring the recipient to reveal sensitive information, either through following the prompts in the email or clicking on a link or attachment that steals information such as a password, or installs malware on the device.
- Smishing: a text message is sent to trick the recipient into downloading malware, sharing sensitive information, or sending money to cybercriminals.
- Hacker, Black Hat: any hacker who attempts to gain unauthorized access to a system with the intent to cause damage or theft, typically being motivated by monetary settlements in return for lost data.
- Malware: bad software used to infect and/or damage a system. Ransomware, worms, viruses and trojans are all considered malware, usually delivered via spam emails.
- Man in the Middle Attack: hackers can break the Wi-Fi encryption and use this as a means to steal data as they now have access to your system via the internet.
- Internet of Things: an IoT attack is a malicious attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in internet-connected devices such as medical devices, smart home devices and industrial control systems, to gain control of the device, steal sensitive data or use the device as part of a botnet for other malicious purposes.
Take advantage of organizations offering cybersecurity awareness training and education, to protect your business.
HIPAA compliance isn’t a one-time checklist. It’s ongoing, programmatic in nature, and requires demonstrated reasonable diligence to stay in good standing with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Anatomy IT can provide you peace of mind with our expert HIPAA compliance services. To learn more, contact us here. | <urn:uuid:13e63cb7-e13a-4dd1-a730-a3f81a267856> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://anatomyit.com/hipaa-tip-tuesday/cybersecurity-terminology/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.912911 | 446 | 3.265625 | 3 |
What Are Bears
Bears are mammals that can be living across Alberta and throughout the rest of Canada. Bears can range in size from 60 pounds to over 1000 pounds, and although attacks are rare, they can be deadly. Modern bears include large bodies with stocky legs, long snouts, small rounded ears, shaggy hair, plantigrade paws with five nonretractile claws, and short tails.
Common bear management requests:
- Bear is causing property damage
- Bears digging through garbage
- Creating an unsafe environment for family and pets | <urn:uuid:b1af57bf-5453-42f7-8468-53f2484585d9> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://animaldamagecontrol.ca/bear-management/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.941293 | 113 | 3.359375 | 3 |
Anthropology provides unique insights into various forms of political organization throughout human history. One of the most fascinating dimensions involves distinguishing between state and stateless political systems. State-based political systems are recognized by the presence of a formal government, enforced laws, and hierarchical bureaucracy . In contrast, stateless societies lack a centralized authority and depend on more egalitarian and decentralized mechanisms of conflict resolution and decision making .
State Political Systems: Characteristics and Examples
State political systems, or “states,” are formal political entities with an established governance structure. The characteristics typically associated with state systems include:
- Sovereignty: The state has ultimate authority over its territory and the people living within its boundaries.
- Territoriality: The state’s power extends over a clearly defined geographic area.
- Bureaucracy: A complex organization structure that carries out the administrative tasks of the state.
- Legitimacy: Recognition of the state’s authority by its citizens and other states.
An example of a state political system is the United States. It exhibits sovereignty (ultimate power vested in the federal government), territoriality (clearly defined geographic boundaries), bureaucracy (branches of government, administrative agencies), and legitimacy (recognized authority both domestically and internationally).
Stateless Political Systems: Characteristics and Examples
Stateless societies differ significantly from state systems. Their defining characteristics include:
- Decentralized authority: Power and decision-making authority are dispersed among community members.
- Kinship-based organization: Group identity and social cohesion are based on familial relationships or clans.
- Conflict resolution through consensus: Issues are resolved through discussion and mutual agreement rather than authoritative decisions.
- Absence of formal bureaucracy: No formal institutions handle administration and governance.
An example of a stateless political system is the traditional organization of the San people of Southern Africa. The San demonstrate a lack of centralized authority (with leadership roles being fluid), kinship-based organization (strong reliance on familial ties), conflict resolution through consensus, and absence of formal bureaucracy.
|State Systems||Stateless Systems|
|Conflict Resolution||Formal legal system||Consensus|
|Examples||United States||San People|
Advantages and Challenges
Both state and stateless systems have unique advantages and potential challenges.
State political systems provide benefits such as:
- Order and stability due to enforceable laws.
- Ability to mobilize resources for collective goods (infrastructure, defense).
- Formal mechanisms for conflict resolution.
Challenges for state systems include:
- Potential for power concentration and abuse.
- Bureaucratic inefficiencies and corruption.
- Potential for social inequality and stratification.
Stateless political systems offer advantages like:
- Egalitarian principles and power distribution.
- Flexibility and adaptability due to the absence of bureaucratic rigidity.
- Strong communal ties and social cohesion.
However, they face challenges like:
- Difficulty managing large-scale conflicts or disputes.
- Lack of resources for large-scale projects.
- Vulnerability to external threats and influences.
The dichotomy of state and stateless political systems provides a compelling lens through which to view human political organization. As anthropology continues to explore these diverse forms of governance, it sheds light on the remarkable capacity of societies to adapt and create structures that reflect their unique circumstances and values. In the complexity of human culture and society, both state and stateless political systems have found their place, each with their strengths, weaknesses, and adaptability to their respective environments.
Service, Elman R. (1975). Origins of the State and Civilization: The Process of Cultural Evolution. Norton.
Boehm, Christopher (2001). Hierarchy in the Forest: The Evolution of Egalitarian Behavior. Harvard University Press. | <urn:uuid:7b7e2918-1889-423e-99b4-31b836122c8b> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://anthroholic.com/state-and-stateless-political-systems | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.896397 | 780 | 3.9375 | 4 |
AI and technology – understanding the future
Discovering the Future of AI and Technology
AI and technology are two of the most talked about topics in the news these days. As a result, more and more people are curious to know how these new technologies might affect our lives in the future.
Discovering the future of AI and technology
As technology advances, the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is continually developing and changing. AI is being used in a variety of industries to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and automate jobs that would have been done manually by humans in the past. AI is also being used to enhance customer experiences and to create innovative new products and services. The potential of AI is enormous, and it is only just beginning to be tapped into.
In this article, we will explore some of the latest news in the field of AI and technology, and discuss how AI is being used to create a more efficient future.
To start, AI is being used to help make transportation more efficient. Self-driving cars are becoming increasingly common, and engineers continue to develop new systems to make cars safer and more reliable. AI is also being used to help manage traffic and reduce the amount of time people have to spend commuting. In addition, AI is being used to predict traffic trends and help cities manage transportation demand.
In the medical field, AI is being used to detect and diagnose illnesses earlier than ever before. AI is also being used to develop new treatments and drugs, and to create personalized treatments for patients. In the retail sector, AI is being used for personalized marketing, to help track customer behaviour, and to make better recommendations for products and services.
In addition, AI is being used in the banking sector to help identify fraud and to process payments quickly. AI is also helping banks automate processes and reduce the amount of manual labor required to complete banking tasks.
As AI becomes more prevalent, its use is becoming increasingly important in businesses and in our day-to-day lives. It has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries, and is transforming our lives in ways that were once thought impossible.
Finally, AI is helping us to move closer to a future where almost anything is possible. AI is helping us to create smarter cities, to design products that are more efficient and tailored to our needs, and to build better healthcare systems. AI is helping us to create a better future where humans and machines work together to achieve amazing feats.
The potential of AI is endless, and it is exciting to see what the future holds. As AI continues to evolve, it will no doubt revolutionize many aspects of our lives, and will continue to shape the future of technology.}
As technology continues to expand and evolve at a rapid rate, it is increasingly important to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments in the field. AI and technology news is a great resource for discovering the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies. AI news is an especially useful resource for those looking to obtain a better understanding of the technology, its potential, and how it can be applied in industry.
AI technology is rapidly becoming an integral part of the modern world, with many industries embracing its power. To stay ahead of the curve, it is important to understand the potential of AI and to stay informed of the latest breakthroughs. AI news stories can provide insight into the exciting possibilities that are now available for businesses and consumers.
By reading AI news, you can obtain a deeper understanding of the technology’s capabilities and potential. You can discover new ways that AI can be applied in various industries and how it can be used to optimize operations. Additionally, AI news provides the opportunity to learn about the potential risks associated with the technology. By being aware of the potential dangers, you can make an informed decision about the implementation of AI in your own organization or life.
Tech news often focuses on the development of new technologies and the exciting potential of emerging ones. By staying informed of the latest advancements in the field, you can gain insight into the potential of the technology and how it can be used to streamline operations. For instance, tech news stories may discuss the development of autonomous vehicles or the potential of augmented reality. By being aware of the potential of these technologies, you can make informed decisions about the implementation of these in your own organization.
The latest news in the world of AI and technology can provide great insight into the future of the industry. By reading AI news, you can stay informed of the current trends and developments in the field and discover exciting possibilities for businesses and consumers. Additionally, AI news can provide you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about the implementation of the technology in your own organization
Technology News – Discovering the Future of AI and Technology
In recent years, the world has been witnessing huge leaps forward in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology. As groundbreaking technological advancements become a reality, it’s important to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest AI and tech news.
One of the most interesting topics right now is the potential of AI-driven automation. It’s expected that AI will be able to automate various mundane tasks, freeing up time for people to focus on creative endeavors. AI-driven automation can help with data analysis, tangomag.com logistics, customer service, and even medical diagnosis.
Perhaps the most exciting news is the potential of the Internet of Things (IoT). This is a network of physical objects that are connected to the internet, such as vehicles, lights, and appliances. The IoT has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, work, and play. It could help us build smarter and more efficient cities, increase our energy efficiency, and work towards a more sustainable future.
Another area where AI and technology are making a big impact is in healthcare. AI-powered diagnosis and treatments are already being developed, and it’s expected that they will make major strides in the coming years. AI could also help improve the accuracy of medical research. The potential for AI to revolutionize healthcare is very exciting.
The news about the potential of AI and technology is constantly evolving. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest breakthroughs, Https://Main-Coin.Ru/ as this will help prepare us for the future. AI and technology have the potential to completely transform our lives, and it’s important to stay informed about the potential benefits and challenges they could bring.
In the near future, AI and technology will continue to be groundbreaking and disruptive forces. As exciting as the possibilities are, it’s important to remember that these technologies must be used responsibly and smotretanime.online ethically. | <urn:uuid:5564e7ef-9846-458a-8a01-35bbd3ea1ac6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://austhraa.com/ai-and-technology-understanding-the-future/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.953169 | 1,376 | 2.90625 | 3 |
Pigeons, like most birds, are victims of most avian diseases, and some end up costing their lives. The only chance any pigeon owner has is observing the signs early enough to get them treated.
But what are the signs of a dying pigeon? A dying pigeon will have unkempt, fluffed, and dirty feathers as it won’t preen as usual. Its eyes would be watery and unfocused, and the bird may struggle to breathe. When wild pigeons are unwell, they retreat to hiding, where they recover or die.
The article covers various signs of a dying pigeon that you can observe and get help with on time. Read on to learn more about where the wild pigeons go to die.
What Are the Signs of a Dying Pigeon?
The following are various signs of a dying Pigeon.
1. Feather Loss
Feathers are crucial to any bird as they keep the bird warm and are their source of transport. When the pigeon begins shedding feathers, it’s a strong sign that it’s unwell. Birds with parasite infections often shed their feathers, and if left untreated, they die.
2. Puffed Up Feathers
While puffing is common when a pigeon is cold, the bird should not stay puffed up every time. If the bird has an infection or fever, it is likely to keep puffing most of the time.
3. Dirty Feathers
Birds, including Pigeons, love preening their feathers and keeping them decent. If your pigeon feathers are unkempt and look dirty, the bird may be sick and unable to clean them.
4. Appetite Loss
A pigeon not feeding is among the earliest symptoms that your bird is unwell. The pigeon may become underweight, which you can tell if you feel breast bone.
If the pigeon is vomiting after feeding or drinking, it might also be suffering from a lethal condition. However, be sure the bird is not barfing, which resembles vomiting but with less struggle.
6. Drinking More or Less Than Usual
If the pigeon begins drinking more or less water, it might be unwell. A bird that has ingested toxins may drink a lot more than usual. The same scenario is also common if they develop kidney problems.
Drinking less is also dangerous as the bird risks dehydrating. Birds that are very ill will also take less.
An ailing pigeon about to die will remain perched most of the time. It will also seem to struggle to walk or stand.
8. Changed Droppings
Watery droppings may signify a fungal, parasitic, or bacterial infection with your pigeon, all of which are lethal. Cancer in the Gastrointestinal tract may cause the bird to have blood in its droppings.
9. Struggled Breathing
Labored breathing in your pigeon may signify a lethal respiratory disease. The bird may wheeze with clicking noises, and the tail may move up and down while it breathes.
On its final days, the pigeon will shiver and shake a lot like it’s feeling cold. If the bird attempts to walk with the condition, it may fall and appear to have a seizure.
How Do You Help A Dying Pigeon Recover?
If you were lucky enough to spot the signs early and take the bird to the veterinarian, it might have a chance to live. However, during the recovery period, the bird may need your support.
Some ways you can help your pigeon recover include
1. Isolate the sick pigeon
Isolation is a crucial step as it controls contamination to other healthier birds. Also, it reduces the risk of contracting more viruses that might worsen the sickness.
2. Provide Healthy Diets
The recovery periods involve the pigeon’s body building stronger muscles and tissues. They can only achieve this with a quality diet high in essential vitamins.
3. Supply Water
Water is a crucial nutrient for a recovering bird and is required in plenty. However, provide water after you have raised the temperatures in the room with the bird.
Where Do Pigeons Go to Die?
It’s rather unusual how pigeons flock to some urban places, but only a few are seen in their final resting place. Like other animals, it’s expected to see a few of them lying around dead, but that’s not the case. A few facts could be drawn behind this mystery.
- Pigeons do not like being eaten by predators, whether alive or as carcasses when they die. So these birds retreat to a hiding place once they realize their health condition is worsening and they might die soon.
- The ailing bird will spend most of its final days in the place, probably hoping to recover. When they die, they decay quickly since most of their bones are hollow and filled with air. Hence, we hardly find their dead bodies around.
- This isolation habit of pigeons during the final days helps save people from the painful task of cleaning their carcasses. Thus, they also reduce the spreading of diseases their carcass may carry as they rot in city centers.
What Causes a Pigeon’s Death?
There are many causes of pigeon deaths, and old age is one of them. Some of the common causes include;
Injuries From Hunters
The bird may be a victim of a pellet gunshot which can break its foot or wing. If the bird is not much injured, it can succeed in flying to its hiding place to recover.
Their hiding place includes ledges on a high building, attics, and ventilation systems. Humans and most predators rarely visit these places, which makes them safe for the birds to hide.
The injured birds who don’t make it to a hiding place become easy targets to prey. Also, as they get slower with age, they’re easily isolated and preyed on by predators.
Falcons and sparrow hawks are some of the predators that prey on pigeons. Cats also eat pigeons, especially those that are injured or dead in the city spaces. With thousands of domesticated cats in towns, it may explain why no one gets a chance to see a dead pigeon.
Diseases like Hexamitiasis, a parasitic Pigeon disease, are also responsible for pigeon deaths. Pigeons can get diseases from their food, water, or interaction with droppings.If you’re interested in learning more about pigeon behavior and physiology, our articles on pigeon communication and vision can provide fascinating insights. Our article on why do pigeons coo explores the meaning behind this unique and complex form of communication. If you’re curious about whether pigeons can see at night, our article on can pigeons see at night delves into the science of pigeon vision and sheds light on this interesting question. With our articles, you can deepen your understanding of these fascinating birds and their behavior.
The section contains frequently asked questions about the pigeons’ dying signs, along with their answers.
Yes. Some viral diseases, like hepatic diseases, may cause a bird to die suddenly without showing symptoms. Also, if the bird suffered from an injury, it might die without signs. Be sure to attentively observe your birds since they may hide signs until too late.
Yes. Captive birds also isolate themselves when dying. If your pigeon stays isolated and doesn’t interact with other birds in the flock, it might be ailing. You can observe other signs to confirm the pet’s condition. However, take the bird to an avian vet as soon as you notice the isolation.
No. A pigeon standing still, especially during active hours. You should isolate the bird from the others and seek help from an avian vet immediately.
Like all living things, pigeons eventually grow old, a time when they’re more susceptible to diseases. For domesticated pigeons, you can observe some signs and seek help from an avian vet. Once the pet is treated, you can help it recover by providing healthy foods.
Once a wild pigeon gets sick, it retreats to a hiding place where it spends some time before it dies. The unlucky few that don’t manage to fly to the hiding place are eaten by cats and hawks. | <urn:uuid:d285cd12-9021-4458-be44-8269d7c1f7b1> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://avicultureblog.com/pigeon-dying-signs/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.953994 | 1,718 | 2.625 | 3 |
Proper nutrition regulates the overall health performance of both humans and animals. Consequently, racing pigeons require strict regulation to maintain their overall performance.
So what’s the role of nutrition in racing pigeons? Sufficient nutrition can help in the body’s growth, strengthen the immune system and prevent disease. Moreover, excessive consumption can lead to health problems. Regulation in diet can not only influence their performance but also improve their health.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of nutrition for racing pigeons. We will also cover how to ensure proper nutrition for your flying friends. Read on to get the things precisely.
Key Nutritional Requirements For Racing Pigeons
Generally, the key nutrients required for pigeons are water, protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins. All these nutrients are highly required at a young age. As it is the time for growth and bodybuilding. Proper nutrient intake at this stage can lead them to a healthier life.
Also, at the time of breeding, these nutrients can help to enhance the ability of offspring. If we look at their food consumption, it is full of carbohydrates and fats. When it comes to pigeons, fat is the main source of energy. Also, carbohydrates store energy, which can be used during racing or any other physical need.
Though protein is not a primary source of energy in pigeons, still, for proper body growth, it should not be neglected. Also, tiny amounts of vitamins and minerals can help to strengthen the body in the long run.
Creating A Balanced Diet For Racing Pigeons
Well, pigeons contain gizzard to digest the food, and later it is absorbed in the intestine. Mainly their meal is composed of fats and carbohydrates as they are commonly seeds. Overall, it helps to give the body enough energy to fly, especially during the time of racing.
Remember that the pigeon must gain an overall 3,000kcal/kg of energy. Where 1gm of carbs give= 4 calories. 1gm of fat gives= 9 calories.
Below, a requirement for a balanced diet is provided.
The mixture of feed generally includes peas, barley, wheat, corn, peanuts, seeds, maize, linseed, white milo, sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. Apart from that, you can also create a diet chart by yourself while considering the nutritional values.
Below nutritional content of 100 g of each product is provided.
|Product||Carbohydrate (g)||Protein(g)||Fat (g)|
You can follow the below pattern to create a diet for the pigeon.
- Peas 30-40%, maize or wheat 15%, and other additional foods.
- Barley 15% and others such as wheat, corn, and peanuts.
- 25% safflower, 25% corn, 15% hemp, 15% wheat, and raw peanuts.
Pigeons are required to maintain proper nutrition all around the year. During the racing period, adding high carbohydrate feed in the loft is a must. While, keep the protein and fat content to low. So that, they can easily digest the carbs and enough of them are available for utilizing during races.
Mainly seeds are high in fat and protein while corn, wheat, barley, and rice are high in carbs. For protein-rich feed, peas can be used as a main source. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals to maintain the growth and development of health.
Generally, you can also create a mixture of the above feeds while using different protein sources for a diet.
Some may like to add peanuts to the diet of the pigeon. It can be a treat but do not include it in an excess amount. As too much fat in the diet can backfire. Instead of providing energy the excess fat would rather get accumulated in the body. And make it tough for them to fly for a long distance followed by dieases.
Well, include seeds for enhancing the nutrient. Adding one type of seed in the meal can balance the overall nutrient. Also uding probiotics in the diet for at least once a week can boost the immune and digestive system of the pigeons. This helps in the absorption of food and results in good health.
No matter what feed you are adding in the diet, follow the balanced nutritional requirements as overfeeding can badly affect their health.
The Role Of Protein In Racing Pigeon Nutrition
Even though protein does not contribute much in providing energy during races, yet it helps to regulate bodily function. The main sources of energy are fat and carbs. When there is a lack of both nutrients, the protein can finally step up and provide energy.
The breakdown of protein is the last option when the body needs nutrients urgently. That’s why it hardly has any effect during races as other nutrients will be enough for providing energy.
It is generally known as the “building block,” which not only repairs the tissue but also helps to create them.
It is composed of amino acids, which are essential for regulating metabolic reactions. Fulfilling the nutritional requirement of the pigeon during reproduction can offer good health to the offspring. Also, genes can contribute to better racing.
Moreover, providing the essential amino acids through the diet can meet the body requirements of pigeons.
At the same time, taking too much food or amino acids can result in the opposite. Their diet already contains less amount of protein. So, you just need to make sure to put the right protein-rich food in the feed. Wheat, barley, and peas can be good sources of this nutrient.
The Role Of Fat And Carbohydrates In Racing Pigeon Nutrition
During the racing period, especially when they are attempting for a long distance, they would need the energy to go on. And this energy is derived from fat and carbohydrates.
It is the energy provider component. It can be present as either glucose or glycogen. Well, glucose gives instant energy to the body. On the other hand, glycogen is the stored form that is utilized during the lack of energy.
Carbohydrates work effectively when the pigeon needs energy immediately. Most of the feed given to them is rich in carbs such as wheat, seeds, and barley.
On the other hand, excess consumption of it can lead to the formation of fat. Which is not good as the excess amount can lead to health problems.
Fat acts as the main source of energy in the pigeon. When researches have shown that it tends to be utilized more effectively in a pigeon in comparison to carbohydrates.
Even to some extent, carbohydrates can get stored in the body as fat due to metabolism, which is utilized in need. It is also known that fat gives more energy than carbs.
As a result, the breakdown of this nutrient influences the activity of the pigeon more rapidly, which is highly needed in time for racing. Moreover, there is also a limit on fat consumption.
Fat more than 2-5% should not be given to them as excess intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the disease can highly affect their speed by making them weak.
Hydration And Racing Pigeon Performance
Hydration highly influences the output of the pigeon during racing. Well, the temperature and humidity affect their activity the most as it leads to rapid dehydration.
Even though you let your pigeon go in the race after hydrating them, on the way, they would get tired. And due to the weather, fluid loss can occur increasingly.
That’s why during races, baskets filled with water should be kept outside the house. So that they can rehydrate themselves immediately after reaching their destination.
It is obvious that they would get tired in the long run and take a rest. At that time, having a water source can help them to rehydrate.
High temperature and low humidity can cause rapid dehydration in the pigeon. Moreover, it leads to the loss of both fluid and electrolytes.
Also, the heat produced in their own body should be cooled down. Dehydration can cause fatigue and weakness. Severe cases can cause hyperthermia. Overall, this can slow down the speed.
Moreover, the pigeons take a rest midway through the competition. Now, dehydration would make them take more recharge time.
The Importance Of Supplementation In Racing Pigeon Nutrition
Apart from the major nutrients, vitamins and minerals are also necessary for the pigeon. Also, there are different supplements found where the main purpose is to ensure good digestion and utilization of food. So, a healthy body can lead well.
Generally, pigeons require vitamins A, B, E, and K mainly in their diet. All these vitamins regulate the system in the body. Vitamin k is required for healing the body. At the same time, B-complex is required for blood formation.
Moreover, they help every sector of the body to improve. Mostly green leafy vegetables are added to the diet of pigeons to increase vitamin intake.
Minerals are lost the most when the pigeon suffers from dehydration. To improve the condition, adding salt and sugar to the water can be effective. Apart from that, Calcium is required for bone health. Contrarily, magnesium and zinc are required to initiate many mechanisms in the body.
Probiotics in the diet can help to improve the metabolism. Also, ensure proper digestion of food, improve bowel movement, and increase the immune system. Apart from that, it relieves stress by contributing to bodily systems. Ensure the proper utilization of feed in the diet.The role of nutrition in the performance of racing pigeons is a critical aspect of pigeon racing. Providing the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals can significantly impact their overall health and racing abilities. If you want to delve deeper into the world of pigeon racing, our article on famous pigeon racers explores the achievements and strategies of renowned pigeon racers who have excelled in this sport. Additionally, you may also be interested in learning about the impact of technology on pigeon racing. Our article on the impact of technology on pigeon racing delves into the advancements that have revolutionized the sport.
Overall, The Role of Nutrition in the Performance of Racing Pigeons is inevitable. During the racing period, they require the most nutrients to function. However, maintaining a diet chart can help to sustain a healthy body for a long time.
This consistency in health can result in a great output at the time of racing. Moreover, maintaining a diet just before the race can hardly be of any help. That’s why you must introduce the diet beforehand and follow it. So that, the pigeon can give the best feedback in return. | <urn:uuid:fffee57b-6e86-4f87-bd4f-cfae6a626651> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://avicultureblog.com/role-of-nutrition-in-the-performance-of-racing-pigeons/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.94087 | 2,189 | 3.390625 | 3 |
Emissions of pollutants from large power plants in most Western Balkan countries exceed the prescribed limit values, and coal‐fired power plants, according to the latest data, emit more sulfur dioxide than all such plants in the EU combined. Globally speaking, coal is becoming a thing of the past and today it is more cost‐effective to build solar power plants and wind farms than to maintain existing thermal power plants. Companies that produce and use coal face increasing costs for licenses to emit carbon dioxide and complying with environmental regulations, so they are accelerating their plans to shut down or at least switch to other fuels.
While investors in the wider region are canceling their plans to build new power plants, shutting down or announcing the shutdown of dozens of existing ones, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to prioritize their plans to build new thermal power plants.
The Western Balkans has the worst air quality in Europe – air pollution causes more than 30,000 premature deaths in the region every year. The use of fossil fuels in industry, household heating boilers, agriculture and transportation also has great health consequences.
The entire Western Balkans is equally endangered, especially during the heating season, when we can often see and sense this common enemy. It is high time that we all join the fight against air pollution in our region.
It is estimated that 4,000 people die prematurely every year from exposure to air pollution in Albania, 5,900 in BiH, 900 in Montenegro, 3,400 in North Macedonia, 2,800 in Kosovo and 11,400 in Serbia. Between 80 and 90 percent of these deaths are caused by cardiovascular diseases (stroke and heart disease). The majority of the deceased, between 50 and 70 percent, whose deaths can be attributed to poor air quality, are people of working age.
A study published by HEAL, Sandbag, CAN Europe, CEE Bankwatch and Europe Beyond Coal showed that in 2016, there were 3,906 premature deaths due to air pollution from coal‐fired power plants in the Western Balkans, most of which occurred outside the region, in European Union member states.
According to the results of the research by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in 2019, in 19 larger cities1 alone, not including Kosovo, almost 5,000 people die prematurely from direct exposure to polluted air every year.
Countries do not provide aggregate data on the economic consequences of air pollution
Public finances are under pressure, mostly due to the costs of treatment and years of life lost; however, the budget’s expenditure side does not reflect this in a consolidated fashion.
It is stated in the study that coal‐fired power plants in the Western Balkans are responsible for economic damage in form of health costs amounting to between €6.1 and €11.5 billion a year, more than half of which is borne by the EU. Almost a third of the costs occur in the Western Balkans, and the consequences are felt even in Russia and Egypt. The money lost this way in a year or two in our region would be enough to build solar power plants that would replace almost all coal‐fired power plants.
We should also bear in mind that dangerous airborne substances and compounds stimulate climate change and that we will face a huge bill in that regard, too, in the form of floods, droughts and epidemics.
Particulate matter is the biggest killer out of all airborne pollutants
Coal‐fired power plants and the industry are among the main sources of sulfur dioxide emissions in the Western Balkans; nitrogen oxides mostly stem from coal‐fired power plants and transportation. In most countries in the region, emissions of SO2, NOx and particulate matter from large plants exceed the limit values set by national emission reduction plans.
Levels of PM10, SO2, O3 and NO2 are exceeded in Bosnia and Hercegovina. Concentrations of PM10, NO2 and O3 in Serbia and North Macedonia often exceed the maximum allowable values. The population of Albania is highly exposed to nitrogen dioxide and ozone. There are no coal‐fired power plants in that country.
Out of the 37 countries reporting to the European Environment Agency, eight exceeded the maximum recommended level of PM2.5 exposure in 2018. Five of them are in the Western Balkans (all Western Balkan countries except Montenegro, for which no data were available). The daily limit value of PM10 in Western Balkan cities was exceeded 120 to 180 days a year, with the prescribed limit being 35 days a year.
Citizens of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia suffer due to pollutants stemming from power plants, heating plants and factories that use coal and oil products. The air is poisoned by fossil fuel processing plants and obsolete household heating boilers.
Construction and agricultural activities and traffic also cause serious pollution.
Apart from the fact that health and the environment are endangered by fires in unregulated landfills, in recent years a part of the population has been increasingly using plastic, rubber and discarded varnished and painted wood as fuel for household stoves. This is not necessarily the result of ignorance, but a reflection of poverty, in this case energy poverty. On top of that, we are generating an increasing amount of waste and the system has no adequate answer for that, or for other issues concerning air quality.
Pressure and joint action towards clean air
Institutions are accountable to citizens. The Balkans United for Clean Air campaign is part of the solidarity‐minded and joint struggle by inhabitants of every street, neighborhood, village and city in the Western Balkans to be able to breathe clean air. Globally speaking, coal is becoming a bad memory.
It is already more cost‐effective to build solar power plants and wind farms than to maintain most of the existing thermal power plants, even the newer ones. Equipment for the production of energy from renewable sources is becoming drastically cheaper. Companies producing and using coal face increasing costs in terms of carbon emissions permits and compliance with environmental regulations. Therefore, they are accelerating their plans to shut down or at least to switch to other fuels.
Sixteen coal‐fired power plants in the Western Balkans emitted more sulfur dioxide in 2016 than all 250 in the EU combined
According to data from the aforementioned 2016 report published by HEAL and other organizations, sixteen coal‐fired thermal power plants in the Western Balkans (still their number to date), emitted more sulfur dioxide (SO2) than all 250 operating in the European Union combined. According to data gathered by Europe Beyond Coal, in the meantime there are only 219 remaining active coal‐fired power plants over the capacity of 15 megawatts in the EU and the UK. In the wider region, which includes Turkey, investors last year alone canceled plans to build nine, shutting down or announcing the shutdown of another 68 power plants.
It is almost certain that several remaining projects will be stopped, and the question is what will happen to those already under construction. Almost half of EU members intend to completely phase out coal within the next ten years, and this number could easily increase. There are similar tendencies in Japan, China and the United States. Meanwhile, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to push their plans to build new thermal power plants.
Public money should not be spent on financing the dirty coal industry
In one way or another, countries in the region spend enormous amounts of taxpayers’ money for coal mines and the construction, maintenance and reconstruction of thermal power plants. Since this sector is losing the market battle with renewable energy sources, it cannot survive without subsidies, and those funds can certainly be used better.
The system of pollution measuring stations still often fails to meet all the necessary criteria. Here, too, there is room for citizens’ engagement. Numerous small household air quality measuring devices are networked through popular mobile applications and become a tool that can control government data on air pollution, which at times is unreliable.
In North Macedonia, there are already incentives to replace fossil fuel heating boilers in households with cleaner solutions, which other countries in the region could emulate. Elsewhere in the Western Balkans, there have been modest developments, especially with regard to heating plants using renewable energy sources. Biomass plants are emerging in Serbia and Bosnia and Hercegovina, and geothermal pumps are being increasingly used in the region to heat and cool facilities.
The Balkans can implement energy transition only through joint efforts
Phasing out coal is the most important step towards improving air quality
Countries in the region need to be aware of the fact that there is no future with outdated thermal power plants and that the only choice is an accelerated transition to solar and wind energy. The functioning of such a system, which is dependent on weather conditions, requires the interconnection of the Western Balkan countries’ power grids and the construction of electricity storage facilities. These are the most important measures to reduce air pollution. However, serious progress also calls for tighter air quality standards and improved regulations on polluters, and their strict application in the case of state‐owned thermal power plants, but also those in private ownership.
All six countries in our region signed the Sofia Declaration in November 2020, thus accepting the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and pledging to follow the EU's policy and its European green plan which envisages achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Regional cooperation is a path towards improving air quality, but it can also lead to technological progress and improved economic competitiveness, with the possibility of raising and surpassing the ambitions and goals stated in the document.
The Green Agenda for the region implies regulating the cross‐border impact of air pollution, adopting strategies to improve air quality and building the capacities of the measurement systems. EU leaders have indicated that access to grants and cheap loans will not be possible if the goals are not met.
It should be made easier for citizens to install devices for the production of energy from renewable sources in their households. Furthermore, energy efficiency projects in the field of building design and construction, as well as incentives and subsidies, can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
1 Korča, Banjaluka, Brod, Prijedor, Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zenica, Bar, Nikšić, Pljevlja, Podgorica, Tivat, Bitolj, Skopje, Tetovo, Belgrade, Pančevo, Užice and Valjevo.
Read the text in all the WB6 languages: | <urn:uuid:1a8e3077-59da-462d-b628-21c136d2979a> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://balkanfund.org/empowering-citizens39-engagement/in-the-western-balkans-we-live-in-a-poisonous-cloud | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.943609 | 2,138 | 3.515625 | 4 |
Cholesterol levels are measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood (mmol/L). As a guide, these are the values healthy adults should aim for:
|Total cholesterol||Below 5|
|Non-HDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol||Below 4|
|LDL cholesterol||Below 3|
|HDL or ‘good’ cholesterol||Above 1 for men and 1.2 for women|
|TC:HDL ratio||The lower the better – above 6 is considered a high risk|
It’s important to realise these values are only a guide and your doctor or nurse may recommend different levels for you, depending on other risk factors you have for cardiovascular disease such as smoking or being overweight, and other medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
When you get the results of your blood test, you may only be given the value for total cholesterol, but you can always ask for the values for ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol, as well as your triglycerides levels. | <urn:uuid:5cbe3f8e-63fb-4f52-ac90-ec940c02c7e8> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://benecol.co.uk/faq/recommended-levels-ldl-hdl-total-cholesterol/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.888572 | 219 | 3.203125 | 3 |
The Altar Is Rebuilt
1 In early autumn,a when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose.
2 Then Jeshua son of Jehozadakb joined his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel with his family in rebuilding the altar of the God of Israel. They wanted to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as instructed in the Law of Moses, the man of God.
3 Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the LORD each morning and evening.
4 They celebrated the Festival of Shelters as prescribed in the Law, sacrificing the number of burnt offerings specified for each day of the festival.
5 They also offered the regular burnt offerings and the offerings required for the new moon celebrations and the annual festivals as prescribed by the LORD. The people also gave voluntary offerings to the LORD.
6 Fifteen days before the Festival of Shelters began,c the priests had begun to sacrifice burnt offerings to the LORD. This was even before they had started to lay the foundation of the LORD’s Temple.
The People Begin to Rebuild the Temple
7 Then the people hired masons and carpenters and bought cedar logs from the people of Tyre and Sidon, paying them with food, wine, and olive oil. The logs were brought down from the Lebanon mountains and floated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sead to Joppa, for King Cyrus had given permission for this.
8 The construction of the Temple of God began in midspring,e during the second year after they arrived in Jerusalem. The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile, including Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jehozadak and his fellow priests, and all the Levites. The Levites who were twenty years old or older were put in charge of rebuilding the LORD’s Temple.
9 The workers at the Temple of God were supervised by Jeshua with his sons and relatives, and Kadmiel and his sons, all descendants of Hodaviah.f They were helped in this task by the Levites of the family of Henadad.
10 When the builders completed the foundation of the LORD’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets. And the Levites, descendants of Asaph, clashed their cymbals to praise the LORD, just as King David had prescribed.
11 With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the LORD:
“He is so good!
His faithful love for Israel endures forever!”
Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the LORD because the foundation of the LORD’s Temple had been laid.
12 But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy.
13 The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.
Ezra, 3 chapter. New Living Translation. | <urn:uuid:85c03883-f533-47af-9509-2926524efbfc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://bible.by/nlt/15/3/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.980905 | 673 | 2.890625 | 3 |
Welding Safety Equipment
Welding hazards can affect literally any part of a welder’s body and therefore you have to use safety equipment when you’re welding.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important aspects of welding safety equipment, with special reference to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The Most Commonly Experienced Welding Hazards and Risks
Exposure to Fumes and Gases
Welding exposes you to invisible fumes which include carbon monoxide, nickel oxides, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and many more. All of them can easily get into your lungs and severely damage them.
Fires and Explosions
People involved with welding believe fires and explosions are the two main hazards associated with welding. Fires and explosions can cause serious and even fatal injuries.
Welders use live electrical circuits to create a pool of molten metal. Thus, you are at risk of experiencing an electric shock.
UV And IR Radiation Exposure
The intense bloom of UV light when you are welding can cause a painful condition called arc eye and which can potentially result in cataracts and a loss of vision.
Types of Welding Safety Equipment
The purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to protect the welder’s whole body, including eyes, ears, face, hands, arms, head, and feet. Leather gloves, gauntlets, a leather apron, a welder’s helmet and safety glasses form part of your PPE if you are a welder. Let’s look at some specific protection aspects:
Respiratory Protection (RPE)
To protect your respiratory system you should always wear a welding helmet with a PAPR system.
Always wear your welding helmet when you are busy with a welding job. The helmet visor protects your eyes.
The welding helmet also helps to protect your ears, but if there is a risk of sparks or splatter entering the ear, the best is to wear a fire-resistant hood as well.
The welding helmet protects your head. If you wear a welding helmet with side shields the helmet protects you against UV radiation, chemical burns to your face and head and face or head injuries as a result of particles and debris in the air.
Hand and Foot Protection
When welding, you have to wear insulated, flame-resistant gloves to protect your hands. You must also wear safety shoes with rubber soles and steel toe caps to protect you from electric shocks, heat, fire, burns and falling objects.
Welding Safety Equipment Regulations and Standards
Welders and their employers have to adhere to safety equipment regulations and standards to make the work environment as safe as possible. In Australia, the regulating body is “Safe Work Australia” which is a governmental statutory agency under section 274 of the Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act).
This Act requires that employers provide, their workers at least with information, training, and instruction about
- how to use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE),
- safe welding procedures, including in hazardous environments., and
- first aid and emergency procedures
Select, Maintain and Inspect the Safety Equipment
You must always purchase the best safety equipment available. Reputable outlets, such as Bilba Industries will always provide you with advice on what brands to buy.
Welders must clean and correctly store all safety equipment after they’ve used them. Team leaders must also assist welders to inspect their equipment regularly to ensure that all the equipment is fit for use.
Dispose Of Welding Material and Waste in A Way Not to Damage the Environment
Welders have to dispose of welding material and waste in a container clearly identified for scrap metal recycling. You must put all welding waste solvents and solvent-soaked tools in the hazardous waste drum.
Future of Welding Safety Equipment
Most engineers in the field of welding processes and machines believe that concerning safety equipment the welding helmet will change the most in the future. The helmet will use Bluetooth to communicate with the power source. This will improve workplace safety.
As welders will use robotic welding and laser beam welding more and more, the safety precautions and equipment will also change.
Because welding hazards can affect any part of a welder’s body, welders must always put on and use their safety equipment.
Remember, if you can’t see anymore or only have the use of one arm you cannot be a welder anymore! Rather be safe than sorry! | <urn:uuid:445eb7f6-125b-4731-aaec-e1c229b89e07> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://bilba.com.au/collections/safety-equipment/welding-curtains | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.923999 | 930 | 3.25 | 3 |
Green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture are two interconnected concepts that play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and promoting a more sustainable future. As the world faces increasing concerns about climate change, resource depletion, and food security, it is essential to adopt practices that minimize environmental impact and ensure the long-term viability of our planet. This article explores the principles and benefits of green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture, highlighting their importance in creating a more sustainable and resilient society.
The Principles of Green Manufacturing
Green manufacturing, also known as sustainable manufacturing or eco-friendly manufacturing, refers to the production of goods using processes that minimize environmental impact. It involves the integration of environmental considerations into all stages of the manufacturing process, from design and sourcing to production and disposal. The principles of green manufacturing can be summarized as follows:
- Resource Efficiency: Green manufacturing aims to optimize the use of resources, including energy, water, and raw materials. This involves reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and implementing recycling and reuse strategies.
- Pollution Prevention: Green manufacturing seeks to minimize or eliminate the generation of pollutants and hazardous substances. This can be achieved through the use of cleaner production technologies, the substitution of toxic materials, and the implementation of effective waste management practices.
- Life Cycle Thinking: Green manufacturing considers the entire life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal. This approach helps identify opportunities for reducing environmental impacts at each stage, such as using renewable materials, designing for durability, and promoting product reuse or recycling.
- Collaboration and Innovation: Green manufacturing encourages collaboration among stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, consumers, and policymakers. It also promotes the adoption of innovative technologies and practices that can drive sustainability improvements.
By adhering to these principles, manufacturers can reduce their ecological footprint, enhance resource efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable economy.
The Benefits of Green Manufacturing
Green manufacturing offers numerous benefits, both for businesses and the environment. Some of the key advantages include:
- Environmental Protection: By minimizing pollution and resource consumption, green manufacturing helps protect ecosystems, reduce air and water pollution, and mitigate climate change. This contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the overall health of the planet.
- Cost Savings: Green manufacturing practices often lead to cost savings in the long run. For example, energy-efficient technologies can reduce energy bills, while waste reduction and recycling initiatives can lower disposal costs. Additionally, companies that adopt sustainable practices may benefit from tax incentives and grants.
- Enhanced Reputation: Green manufacturing can improve a company’s reputation and brand image. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase, and they are more likely to support companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have implemented environmental regulations and standards that businesses must comply with. By adopting green manufacturing practices, companies can ensure compliance with these regulations and avoid potential penalties or legal issues.
- Market Opportunities: The demand for environmentally friendly products is growing rapidly. By embracing green manufacturing, companies can tap into new market opportunities and gain a competitive advantage.
Overall, green manufacturing offers a win-win situation, benefiting both businesses and the environment.
The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture is a farming approach that aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves the integration of environmental, social, and economic considerations into agricultural practices. The key principles of sustainable agriculture include:
- Soil Health: Sustainable agriculture focuses on maintaining and improving soil health through practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and organic matter management. Healthy soils are essential for nutrient cycling, water retention, and the prevention of erosion.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Sustainable agriculture promotes the conservation of biodiversity by preserving natural habitats, protecting native species, and promoting the use of diverse crop varieties. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, pest control, and pollination.
- Water Management: Sustainable agriculture emphasizes efficient water use and the protection of water resources. This involves techniques such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and the reduction of water pollution from agricultural activities.
- Climate Resilience: Sustainable agriculture aims to build resilience to climate change by adopting practices that enhance the ability of agricultural systems to withstand extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods. This may include the use of climate-smart crop varieties, agroforestry, and soil conservation measures.
- Social Equity: Sustainable agriculture considers the social and economic well-being of farmers and rural communities. It promotes fair trade, supports local food systems, and ensures access to nutritious food for all.
By embracing sustainable agriculture, farmers can protect natural resources, enhance food security, and contribute to rural development.
The Benefits of Sustainable Agriculture
Sustainable agriculture offers a wide range of benefits, both for farmers and society as a whole. Some of the key advantages include:
- Environmental Preservation: Sustainable agriculture helps protect ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, and reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This leads to improved soil and water quality, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the preservation of natural habitats.
- Food Security: Sustainable agriculture promotes the production of nutritious and diverse food crops, reducing the reliance on a few staple crops. It also enhances the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, pests, and diseases, ensuring a more secure food supply.
- Rural Development: Sustainable agriculture can contribute to the economic development of rural areas by creating employment opportunities, supporting local businesses, and improving infrastructure. It also helps maintain vibrant rural communities and cultural traditions.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Sustainable agriculture has the potential to mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon in soils and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Practices such as agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and organic farming can contribute to carbon sequestration and the reduction of agricultural emissions.
- Health Benefits: Sustainable agriculture promotes the use of organic and agroecological practices, reducing the exposure to harmful chemicals in food and the environment. This can lead to improved human health and a lower risk of pesticide-related illnesses.
Overall, sustainable agriculture is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of our food systems and the well-being of future generations.
Examples of Green Manufacturing and Sustainable Agriculture
Green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture are being implemented in various sectors around the world. Here are some examples of successful initiatives:
- Green Manufacturing:
- The automotive industry has made significant progress in green manufacturing by adopting energy-efficient production processes, using recycled materials, and developing electric and hybrid vehicles.
- The electronics industry has implemented initiatives to reduce the use of hazardous substances in manufacturing, improve energy efficiency, and promote the recycling of electronic waste.
- The textile industry is embracing sustainable manufacturing practices by using organic and recycled materials, reducing water and energy consumption, and implementing fair labor practices.
- Sustainable Agriculture:
- The concept of agroecology, which combines ecological principles with agricultural practices, is gaining traction worldwide. Agroecological farming systems promote biodiversity, soil health, and the use of natural pest control methods.
- Vertical farming, a method of growing crops in vertically stacked layers, is being used in urban areas to maximize land use, reduce water consumption, and minimize transportation distances.
- Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring and enhancing soil health through practices such as cover cropping, rotational grazing, and the use of compost and organic fertilizers. This approach improves soil carbon sequestration and enhances ecosystem resilience.
These examples demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of adopting green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture practices in various industries and agricultural systems.
Green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture are essential components of a more sustainable and resilient future. By integrating environmental considerations into manufacturing processes and agricultural practices, we can minimize resource consumption, reduce pollution, and protect natural ecosystems. The principles and benefits of green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture are interconnected, as both contribute to environmental preservation, economic prosperity, and social well-being. It is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and consumers to embrace these concepts and work together to create a more sustainable and equitable society.
By adopting green manufacturing and sustainable agriculture practices, we can pave the way for a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. | <urn:uuid:92e64c3f-dee2-492d-bbd0-dc41bd41ab89> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blakestarnes.com/green-manufacturing-and-sustainable-agriculture/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.906382 | 1,664 | 4.09375 | 4 |
Will you connect to your career dreams through a welding position?
Despite already having experience with several jobs, many working adults are unable to answer the age-old question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
Our Job Spotlight monthly blog series is designed to help with that. In this series, we review all the basics of specific job types, from salary and duties to why people do the jobs they do.
For this month’s Job Spotlight, we’re heating things up with a look at welding positions. Welders use high-temperature equipment to combine separate metal pieces into a completely new product. Different types of welders use different kinds of equipment. With the different types of welding come different work environments and industries.
Associate’s degree or certification program
Although it varies depending on a variety of factors (e.g. experience, industry, geographic area, etc.), welders can average nearly $40,000 a year, $100,000 for specialized welders.
What Welders Do
Welders handle a variety of responsibilities, which may include:
- Preparing and maintaining welding equipment
- Operating various welding machines to complete projects
- Employing the use of diagrams and sketches to decide upon material quantities and project completion time
What Companies Look for in Welders
Every position is different, but many require the following skills:
- Willingness to gain training and skills
- Comprehension and application of industry safety regulations.
- Ability to be extremely accurate and precise.
- Teamwork and communication abilities
Are you a welder? What else should people know about your position? Let us know in the comments below! | <urn:uuid:5f34d16a-61bc-4043-9bb8-70a9bc51b467> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.expresspros.com/movinonup/2018/06/job-spotlight-welder.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.927565 | 351 | 2.609375 | 3 |
Usually, when we report what’s new in the world of medical research discoveries, we have to add the disclaimer that the work was done on animals. While animal studies can teach a lot, they are not the same as human trials. To get to the stage of human testing, methods and medications must first be proven relatively safe. However, the results of animal studies and human trials can be very different sometimes.
A new randomized human trial has found that calorie restriction slowed the speed of biological aging. It is well known that calorie restriction slows aging in animals, but this is the first human study of its kind.
Cutting calories slowed the natural degeneration of DNA by two to three percent. That equals a 10 to 15 percent lower risk of death. That’s the same reduction in risk as quitting smoking. The risk reduction happened when people ate 25 percent fewer calories than they normally did. The study ran for two years.
“In worms, flies and mice, calorie restriction can slow biological processes of aging and extend healthy lifespan,” said senior author Dr. Daniel Belsky, associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia Univ. “Our study aimed to test if calorie restriction also slows biological aging in humans.”
The trial taught researchers which biomarkers to look at while determining how diet impacts age. “Our study found evidence that calorie restriction slowed the pace of aging in humans,” said Dr. Calen Ryan, a research scientist at Columbia Univ. and co-lead author of the study. “But calorie restriction is probably not for everyone. Our findings are important because they provide evidence from a randomized trial that slowing human aging may be possible. They also give us a sense of the kinds of effects we might look for in trials of interventions that could appeal to more people, like intermittent fasting or time-restricted eating.”
Detractors of the diet are quick to point out a flaw: 25 percent is a lot. People in the study maintained a diet eating 25 percent fewer calories than they did before for two years. Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, director of the Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute at the Univ. of Washington, said it was “not reasonable for most people” to maintain that diet for a long time.
Indeed, the diet was tightly controlled. Dietitians and nutritionists worked with participants while doctors monitored their health. It was carefully balanced to lower calories while keeping essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients at healthy levels. It wasn’t simply a case of folks in the study cutting back.
A follow-up study is underway to see if calorie-restrictive diets have a long-term impact on aging. Studies in animals linked cutting calories to a lower chance of heart disease, stroke and dementia. That could hold true in humans. | <urn:uuid:c2f23024-d848-45e2-abab-e0855e51e2e5> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.neulivenhealth.com/post/cutting-calories-appears-to-slow-aging | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.954784 | 579 | 3.046875 | 3 |
There have been several recent developments in the field of production engineering. Some of the key areas of focus have been:
- Additive manufacturing: Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the way production processes are carried out. It allows for the creation of complex parts and structures using a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, and composites.
- Industry 4.0: Industry 4.0, also known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has focused on the integration of advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning into production processes. This has led to the creation of smart factories that are more efficient, flexible, and responsive to changing market conditions.
- Lean manufacturing: Lean manufacturing is a production philosophy that aims to minimize waste and optimize efficiency in the production process. It focuses on maximizing value for the customer while minimizing waste and non-value-added activities.
- Six Sigma: Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to problem-solving that aims to identify and eliminate defects in the production process. It utilizes statistical analysis and process control techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of production processes.
- Sustainable manufacturing: Sustainable manufacturing is the practice of designing and producing products in a way that minimizes environmental impact and conserves natural resources. It involves the use of eco-friendly materials and processes, as well as the adoption of circular economy principles. | <urn:uuid:7f4afd13-634a-40a7-844d-329302e0571c> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://blog.tneahelp.in/what-are-some-recent-developments-in-the-field-of-production-engineering/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.948402 | 293 | 3.375 | 3 |
Learning how a successful business works is integral to growing your business. As you already know, these companies did not attain success overnight. It surely took them effort, business strategies, and failures.
This article will tackle how the Tesla business model transformed the company into one of the more popular ones, the automotive industry and other sectors where it also provides its services. Being this big, the company can be overwhelming as you look at its strategies, but you’ll surely learn essential things from its business model.
A Brief History of Tesla
Tesla was initially called Tesla Motors, Inc., founded in July 2003. It was founded by Marc Tarpenning and Martin Eberhard, who introduced products catering specifically to the automotive industry. Elon Musk, Ian Wright, and J.B Straubel were also accredited as the founders of Tesla Motors. Musk is currently the company’s serving CEO, who spearheads all the operations and business structures.
In 2008, Tesla launched its first product, the Tesla Roadster - a high-performance electric car. The company introduced its target market as a luxury car instead of going for the cheaper first car. The following years saw Tesla investing heavily in research, development, and research, prioritizing studies in autopilot, safe, and charging cars. It was in 2018 when Tesla became the largest electronic car seller globally, with 250,000 vehicles sold, which took up to 12% of the market.
Tesla Business Model Canvas
While the Tesla business model canvas may encompass several sections, it fundamentally relies on three distinct pillars: servicing, selling model, and charging network. These core foundations are intricately woven into Tesla’s operational framework, ensuring efficient maintenance and support services, an innovative selling model tailored to the electric vehicle market, and a comprehensive charging network that underpins the convenience of Tesla’s vehicles for customers.
Value Propositions of Tesla
The company’s value propositions in the Tesla business model include greener solutions that add high performance, modern design, energy efficiency, cost of ownership, and long-range recharging flexibility. Besides the cars that Tesla sells, which is what they’re known for, it has also launched solar panels and home batteries for commercial and residential customers. These products aim to provide convenience in terms of power resources. More than that, the company also has systems and components they sell to other automobile manufacturers. Generally, Tesla has grown so much since it started, as it also provides financial services with leases and loans.
Customer Segments of Tesla
Tesla might have introduced its first car as a luxury, but the Tesla business model canvas shows that the company designs vehicles for every customer group. This includes high-net-worth customers, green buyers who prefer eco-friendly cars, commercial fleet buyers, sports car enthusiasts, corporate executives, and fans of Elon Musk. As you know, Musk has a significant following today, especially now that he’s acquired a popular social networking site.
Also, one cannot take away the fact that more and more people are looking into environmentally conscious modes of transportation. That is why Tesla made an excellent decision to invest in designing and producing electric cars. These cars need no gas to run. You only have to charge them.
Key Partners of Tesla
The Tesla business model canvas won’t be complete without its partners. These can be sectors, organizations, or individuals. They ensure the company’s processes run smoothly to ensure customer satisfaction. Some of the company’s key partners are the following:
- OEM Alliances. In 2009, Tesla partnered with OEM manufacturer Daimler, which helped the company access superior engineering and research development. It also provided Tesla with a cash infusion to help the company from potential bankruptcy. Along the way, Tesla has allied with other large companies like Toyota, which opened the doors to buying the NUMMI factory. The battery designs were from Tesla’s joint investments with Osaka and its partnership with LG Chem Ltd and CATL of China.
- Manufacturing and purchasing. Surely, Tesla produces the entire base of cars they sell. However, some parts are sourced from third parties. The company joined forces with Toyota to create electric vehicles, including production systems and components for electric cars and their accessories.
- Tesla continues to receive tax incentives from the federal government of the United States due to the company’s focus on developing eco-friendly energies and vehicles.
- Charging points. Like gas stations, Tesla cars must be charged to run. The company partners with resorts, restaurants, shopping centers, and hotels to mount fast car charging spaces.
- Leasing companies. Tesla partners with Athlon Car Lease Company for the company’s premium electric sedan, which is dedicated to fleet services within the European regions.
Key Activities of Tesla
Based on the Tesla business model canvas, the company has four key activities, including the following.
- Car manufacturing. You can consider cars as the bread and butter of Tesla. After all, it’s the company’s main activity. Along with producing electric cars are accessories and systems that come with every unit.
- R&D. To provide innovative and advanced electric cars, Tesla must explore its options through research and development.
- Building and maintenance of various charging stations. For the electric cars to run, Tesla must also provide accessible charging stations. There are more than a thousand Supercharger stations in public places like restaurants, hotels, shopping centers, and parking spaces.
- Electric power technologies. The company uses agile principles in developing and improving its software.
Customer Relationships of Tesla
You might be wondering, ‘How does Tesla make money?’ One of the reasons for the company’s success is making customer relationships its foundation. From its founding, Tesla focused on its efforts on customer experiences. This is why it does not support dealerships. Instead, the company builds company-owned stores and develops a self-service website where it’s easy to choose, order, and customize the cars. As you know, it heavily invests in its charging networks for more accessible and cost-effective car charging.
Most importantly, Tesla has solidified its position and reputation with its target markets for being a provider of luxury, innovative, and technological vehicles while considering the environmental impact.
Key Resources of Tesla
The Tesla business model canvas relies on several essential resources to facilitate key activities and deliver Tesla’s unique value proposition. These critical resources encompass Tesla’s cutting-edge technology for electric vehicles, robust battery production capabilities, top-notch engineering and design expertise, and advanced software systems. These elements synergize to drive innovation and fulfill Tesla’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.
Channels of Tesla
As you know, Tesla focuses more on reaching out to customers directly and getting immediate and organic from them after the purchase. With this, its retail stores and galleries are one of the primary channels it uses to market its vehicles and technology. Data in 2019 revealed that there were about 276 Tesla stores globally.
While some of these stores have halted operation, they have moved to online sales channels through the Tesla website. It’s a self-service platform where customers can shop for cars. Of course, many want to see the vehicles in person before buying them, but the website allows Tesla’s markets to explore their options before visiting its retail stores. It takes off the hassle of spending hours choosing car models in physical stores.
Besides the conferences and sales events that the company utilizes to reach customers, the popularity of Elon Musk is also an excellent marketing strategy to expand Tesla’s market.
Cost Structure of Tesla
Like any global manufacturer, Tesla comes with a very broad cost structure. As of June 2023, the company has a total operating expense of $81.376B, about a 40% increase from 2022. The total expenditure covers the following process and aspects.
- Manufacturing infrastructure
- General admin and sales
- Human resources
- Research and development budget
Revenue Streams of Tesla
Tesla is a company offering diverse products for its target markets. Besides its electric vehicles, the company has developed an ecosystem of innovative and cutting-edge green cars. Moreover, it launched lifestyle products and solar energy systems for Tesla’s loyal customers and fans of the company. Essentially, Tesla has two significant revenue streams.
- Automotive segment revenue. This segment includes all the sales from vehicle models, software updates, charging network access, sales services, retail merchandise, and EV components sales.
- Storage and energy generation segment. The segment includes revenues from storage products like solar panels and Tesla’s solar energy systems.
As Tesla continues to expand, you can also expect more revenue streams. This is relatively similar in all other businesses, whether for startups or a company as big as Tesla.
How Does Tesla Make Money?
With the tough competition in the automotive industry, how does Tesla make money? As you look at its business model, you’ll know that the company’s primary revenue stream is through selling cars. Tesla generated a revenue of $81.46 billion in 2022, with almost 80% of the sales coming from automotive sales. In short, they make money from selling vehicle models. Besides manufacturing luxury cars, the unique thing about Tesla is they’re branding themselves as an environmentally-conscious vehicle provider. More and more people are getting curious about electric vehicles, and customers are willing to pay more to own one of Tesla’s car models.
However, Tesla is more than just an automotive company. It operates with a diverse and comprehensive business model which manufactures various clean energy products. China is Tesla’s largest growth market, with a continuous expansion worldwide.
The following are other products and services Tesla offers to properly understand ‘how does Tesla make money?’
- Tesla provides servicing facilities for its electric vehicles and energy solutions. Owners of Tesla car models can only go to Tesla-approved servicing centers. It also offers green energy solution installations like Tesla’s Powerwall.
- Energy solutions. Businesses and households can also avail of Tesla’s unique green energy solutions. Solar Roof, Powerwall, and Powerpack are some of its products. However, if you’re curious about the Solar Roof service, Tesla has stopped manufacturing it because of supplier complications.
- Carbon credits. Tesla also makes money from carbon credits, which they receive from the US government since Tesla manufactures electric vehicles. In fact, about 20% of Tesla’s revenue is from this segment, which are tradable certificates that give companies a chance to emit a specific amount of carbon dioxide into the environment.
- Public charging. Tesla has a Supercharger Network mounted across the US and globally. A fully-charged 85kWh Tesla Model S would cost about $20-$25.
When examining Tesla’s business model canvas, it’s crucial to understand how the company generates revenue. Tesla ventured into manufacturing a premium all-electric sedan in 2008, driven by a vision of electric vehicles becoming mainstream in the future. This strategic decision was underpinned by relentless research and development efforts, which have been instrumental in creating innovative and appealing electric vehicles that cater to a growing market segment seeking sustainable and technologically advanced transportation solutions.
Along the way, Tesla found a solid position and developed a reputation as the pioneer company that produced EVs. The EV system somehow changed the landscape of the automobile industry - what used to be just mechanical drives can now be smart and computer-driven electric vehicles. Tesla also did the right thing by expanding its services, which are still associated with its main revenue stream - the EVs. Tesla might be a global company, but other businesses can take inspiration from how they manage to create their own brand. Keeping products innovative, unique, and relevant all at once is essential to keeping that edge amid tough competition in any industry.
You, too, can create a comprehensive business model with the help of a diagramming and collaboration tool. Boardmix lets you explore its templates library and use the predesigned business model canvas template through this link. It’s customizable, so you can tweak some elements on the template to make it your own. | <urn:uuid:b94e1f53-2f37-4c11-8351-50e34887a462> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://boardmix.com/analysis/tesla-business-model/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.943332 | 2,495 | 2.6875 | 3 |
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Burke Neurological Institute Researchers Unveil Novel Technology to Better Measure Visual Function in Children
For parents, it is devastating to learn that their child has suffered a brain injury leaving them with a visual impairment, affecting their ability to learn, move, and develop normally. Ultimately this injury will reduce their future independence and quality of life and unfortunately is a common scenario. Because brain injuries occur frequently in children, and since a large part of the brain is dedicated to visual processing, visual dysfunction is a common outcome. Untreatable visual dysfunction that results from brain injury in children has been termed Cerebral Visual Impairment (1) (CVI) and is thought to be the leading cause of permanent vision loss in children ages 1-3(2). Crucial questions that arise with the diagnosis of CVI are: Can the child see? How well does the child see? Can the child recognize family and loved ones? Will the child recover their ability to see? Can the child’s visual dysfunction be treated?
Unfortunately, despite the prevalence and devastating consequences of CVI, we currently do not have satisfactory answers to these questions. Dr. Glen Prusky and his team of researchers at Burke Neurological Institute (BNI) have recently been awarded a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) titled “Grading visual impairment in children with brain injury” to pursue answers to these questions.
A major challenge for diagnosing CVI is that the same brain injury that leads to visual impairment in children can also cause impairments in cognition, attention and communication; functions that are required for participation in the current generation of vision tests. In order to assess visual function from current tests, participants need to understand instructions and provide responses (usually verbal), which are often impaired. As a result, tests that are not objective are sometimes used to diagnose visual deficits on non-communicative children. These results do not allow for comparisons between communicative and non-communicative children. Even more problematic, tests of vision are not always given to non-communicative children, leaving the true extent of CVI unknown and likely underestimated. Thus, there is an unmet need to test of visual function that do not require a high level of communication skill, are fast and efficient to administer and are highly quantitative.
To meet this need, the Prusky lab has developed an engaging computer-based system called OptokineSys, which measures visual function from the ability of participants to smoothly follow moving shapes on a video screen with their eyes. By carefully and quickly gaining evidence of smooth tracking of the shapes with an eye tracker, and then just as quickly, adjusting the visual qualities of the shape that is being tracked (ie. making the shapes harder to see similar to reading down the lines of an eye chart), the system is able to rapidly measure visual function. This system is especially useful for children with brain injury that have difficulty with understanding instructions and communicating their intentions. Using this new approach, non-communicative children with brain injury whose visual abilities were not known, have already been tested and were found to have a range of functions similar to communicative children. This ability to more accurately measure visual function in non-communicative children with brain injury will enable the researchers to more precisely diagnose and define CVI. Repeated measures made with the system also hold the promise of determining the rate of change in their visual impairment over time after injury, providing the basis to predict visual recovery. Just knowing that a brain injured child can see or knowing the degree of their visual function or change over time, can shape how the child interacts with their world, and guide how they connect with their family and loved ones. Quantifying visual function after brain injury in this innovative way will also set the stage for future studies that are planned to evaluate the ability of the device to deliver therapeutic visual experience to children with brain injury to reduce visual impairment - a treatment approach that has shown promise in pre-clinical studies at BNI.
- Cortical Visual Impairment Symptoms & Causes | Boston Children's Hospital. (n.d.). Retrieved June 26, 2019, from http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/c/cortical-visual-impairment/symptoms-and-causes
- Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI). (n.d.). Retrieved June 24, 2019, from https://nei.nih.gov/faqs/cortical-visual-impairment-cvi | <urn:uuid:e6e61c7a-5b4e-40e8-aa09-524468164e74> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://burke.weill.cornell.edu/prusky-lab/impact/news-articles/burke-neurological-institute-researchers-unveil-novel-technology | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.944844 | 928 | 3.1875 | 3 |
Alyssa Young, a PhD student in Biology working with Dr. Sally Koerner, has been awarded a prestigious Predoctoral Fellowship from the US Department of Agriculture. The award, which is for three years and totals $180,000, provides a stipend, tuition, and funds for travel and research supplies. Young’s project is titled, “Understanding symbiotic nitrogen fixation in longleaf pine savannas to enhance production.” Learn more about her research on her website: https://alyssayoungecology.weebly.com/
The longleaf pine (LLP) savanna of the Southeast US covers a mere 3% of its original 92-million acres and is in dire need of restoration. As a fire dependent ecosystem, productivity of the understory enables fire spread, maintaining ecosystem health and function. Thus, the vegetation-fire feedback loop is a primary restoration goal. Yet fire also creates resource constraints as nitrogen (N) is lost to the atmosphere during biomass burning. Legumes have the potential to overcome N-limitation through forming a symbiosis with N-fixing bacteria (rhizobia). Rhizobia live in root nodules and fix atmospheric N, and in return, legumes provide rhizobia with shelter and photosynthates. This symbiosis has potential to be a useful tool in the restoration of LLP savannas, as rhizobia facilitate the return of bioavailable N after losses from fire, thereby increasing understory productivity and ensuring the return of the vegetation-fire feedback loop. The legume-rhizobia symbiosis could eliminate the need for fertilizers while still promoting ecosystem productivity and fire spread, thus contributing to the long-term sustainability of LLP savanna restorations and minimizing the environmental management footprint. However, the drivers of N-fixation rates and the utility of rhizobia inoculations have not been explored. Here, the proposed research aims to (1) determine biotic and abiotic factors driving N-fixation, and (2) assess how rhizobia inoculations influence N-fixation, plant productivity, and N-content. | <urn:uuid:3344c50a-7274-447b-b005-a331cf6c5f65> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cas.uncg.edu/phd-student-alyssa-young-biology-wins-usda-predoctoral-fellowship-2/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.89692 | 437 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Energy Systems Catapult’s pioneering approach to supporting Local Authorities as they find ways to decarbonise and reduce emissions is turning a global challenge into local economic opportunities.
Called Local Area Energy Planning (LAEP), this data driven and whole energy system approach identifies the most cost-effective ways for a local area to cut carbon emissions.
And it does so with local opportunities very much in the spotlight – in particular the development of new local skills and projects for investment that will support local areas and create jobs, investment and prosperity.
Developing a LAEP means drawing together a wide range of information and data – all of which has an influence on meeting carbon targets -into one clear workable plan for action.
This includes electricity, heat, gas networks, future potential for hydrogen, the built environment (from homes to factories), flexibility, energy generation and storage and decarbonising transport e.g. electricity to electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
By pulling all of these different and complex elements together a LAEP can offer local authorities a way to make real progress in reducing emissions.
It shows where change is needed, and where it will have the best effect. This includes identifying the priority local projects for investment, as well as helping consider the need for new low carbon skills.
LAEP is being implemented by several local authorities in England, has been officially adopted by the Welsh Government and is being considered by the Scottish Government. It has been referenced in multiple reports, including the Climate Change Committee’s ‘Reducing UK Emissions 2020’.
Northern Powergrid and Northern Gas Networks have partnered in creating a charter for how they will support Local Area Energy Plans in Yorkshire and North East region and Ofgem included LAEP in their recommendations for the latest RIIO-2 Business Planning Guidance for energy networks. | <urn:uuid:01a1c5ef-2430-41bf-94a4-e54281c94feb> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://catapult.org.uk/our-work/case-studies/local-area-energy-planning-how-a-global-challenge-is-creating-local-opportunities/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.934793 | 371 | 2.65625 | 3 |
The Importance of a Clear Purpose
In order to create successful digital products, it is crucial to have a clear purpose in mind. Without a defined purpose, a product can easily become lost in the vast sea of digital offerings. A clear purpose gives a product direction and provides a basis for all decisions made throughout the design and development process.
Having a clear purpose helps to align the goals and objectives of the product with the needs and desires of its intended audience. This alignment is essential for creating a product that resonates with users and meets their needs effectively. Without a clear purpose, a product may end up being confusing, unfocused, and ultimately unsuccessful. Eager to learn more about the topic? software development companies in New York, we suggest it as a great addition to your reading to enhance your understanding.
Defining the Identity of a Digital Product
Once a clear purpose has been established, it is important to define the identity of the digital product. The identity of a product goes beyond its visual design and branding; it encompasses the overall experience and perception that users have when interacting with the product.
The identity of a digital product is shaped by various factors, including its user interface, functionality, content, and overall user experience. Each of these elements contributes to the overall impression that users have of the product and helps to differentiate it from competitors in the market.
Defining the identity of a digital product involves understanding the target audience and their preferences, as well as conducting thorough market research to identify gaps and opportunities. By understanding what resonates with users and what sets a product apart from its competitors, it becomes possible to shape the product’s identity in a way that is compelling and meaningful.
Creating a Cohesive User Experience
In order to create a digital product with a clear purpose and identity, it is essential to create a cohesive user experience. A cohesive user experience ensures that all aspects of the product work together harmoniously to achieve the intended purpose and convey the desired identity.
A cohesive user experience involves careful consideration of the user journey, from the initial introduction to the product, through the various interactions and tasks, to the final outcome. Every touchpoint along this journey should be designed in a way that aligns with the product’s purpose and identity, creating a seamless and intuitive experience for the user.
Creating a cohesive user experience requires close collaboration between designers, developers, and other stakeholders involved in the product’s creation. By working together and considering each aspect of the user experience in relation to the product’s purpose and identity, it becomes possible to create a digital product that truly stands out.
Testing and Iterating for Optimal Results
Creating a digital product with a clear purpose and identity is an iterative process. It requires testing and gathering feedback from users to ensure that the product is meeting its intended goals and resonating with its target audience.
Through user testing, it becomes possible to identify areas where the product may fall short and make improvements accordingly. This feedback-driven approach allows for continuous iteration and refinement, ensuring that the product evolves in a way that aligns with its purpose and identity.
Iterating based on user feedback also enables the identification of new opportunities and features that could further enhance the product’s purpose and identity. By remaining open to feedback and actively seeking ways to improve, a digital product can continue to evolve and thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape.
Creating digital products with a clear purpose and identity is essential for their success in a competitive digital landscape. By defining a clear purpose, shaping a compelling identity, creating a cohesive user experience, and iterating based on user feedback, digital product creators can ensure that their products resonate with users and meet their needs effectively.
By following these principles, digital product creators can create products that stand out, make a lasting impression, and ultimately contribute to a positive user experience. Looking to broaden your understanding of the topic? Check out this handpicked external resource to find more information. product design companies in New York https://www.wearecapicua.com!
Continue your learning journey with the related links below: | <urn:uuid:c2ebf78c-59ae-43cb-9fd4-237a2776b90e> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cavalodeiron.com/creating-digital-products-with-a-clear-purpose-and-identity/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.941025 | 834 | 2.75 | 3 |
“Takoda and Wesley are collecting shells on the beach in identical pails. Takoda estimates she has filled 7/12 of her pail. Wesley estimates he has filled 4/10 of his pail. Suppose the children combine their shells. Will one pail be full? Explain.” — from Math Makes Sense 7 published by Pearson Education.
Before we tackle this maths problem, let me just talk for a moment about the gross misstatement apparent in the title of this textbook. Maths does NOT make sense. If maths made sense, we wouldn’t need great huge textbooks full of obscure and insensible phrases like “write an algebraic expression for the number of pieces of garbage picked up by n students”. First, it’s completely insensitive to refer to a group of students as “n”s. That’s discrimination. And we all know that discrimination is evil. We learned that from the presentation we had from the people in pink shirts. Or maybe it was purple shirts. Anyway, someone wearing a shirt told us that stuff is, like, bad. And whatever.
Second, what kind of name is Takoda? It’s like a weird spoonerism for “Dakota”, which itself is an odd name. I mean, that’s a dialect. And a tribe, I think. But I could be wrong about that, because I was sick the day we learned about First Nations. It’s just weird to be named after a whole language. It’s like having someone called “Welsh” or “Italian” or “Drawl” in your class. So I don’t believe for a minute that “Takoda” is a real person.
Likewise, Wesley is a character in a science fiction programme. I doubt that two fake people would be hanging out on a beach collecting shells. I mean, maybe in fiction, but this is supposed to be basic maths, and not Advanced Applied Theoretical Mathematics for Use in Propulsion and Predictive Statistical Research. That’s a four-hundred-level class, I think. Anyway, the question itself doesn’t even make sense.
Third, what kind of child runs up the beach and hollers, “Look, Ma! I’ve collected seven-twelfths of a pail of shells!”
Fourth, how do we know the pails are IDENTICAL? Was there an accurate measurement made before the commencement of the exercise? You can’t just go claiming your variables are standardized if you haven’t applied rigorous testing. That’s not how science works. I know that because I have read books about people who claim to know scientists. And the people in those books say that their scientist friends MAKE SURE that the conditions under which they collect data are the same each time. Or else their research does not stand up to rigorous challenge, and cannot be replicated.
Fifth, how could a child tell the difference between 4/10 and 5/10? Are there measurements indicated on the sides of the pail? And if so, are Takoda’s measurements in increments of twelfths and Wesley’s in increments of tenths? And if so, their pails are NOT IDENTICAL. And if not, how does Wesley know he has 4/10 and not half a pail? Takoda and Wesley might not actually be children. And if that’s the case, the basic statements of fact are incorrect. And therefore, any conclusions drawn from the experiment will be fallacies.
Sixth, what kind of child would willingly give up nearly half a pail (or just over half a pail) of shells to their buddy? A weird child, that’s who. Not that there’s anything wrong with being weird.
And this is why I failed grade nine maths. | <urn:uuid:fc454503-fd79-4d80-93db-58be3b4f04af> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cenobyte.ca/new-math/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.953517 | 827 | 3.484375 | 3 |
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the climactic events of the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The Gospel writers record the event of the crucifixion in great detail, including the time of day that Jesus was placed on the cross and when he took his last breath. These details help reveal what time Jesus actually died.
Jesus Christ died on the cross at 3:00pm. According to the Gospel of Mark, it was the “ninth hour” when Jesus took his last breath. Mark used the Jewish method of counting hours, so he reports that Jesus was crucified at the third hour, 9:00am, and died at the ninth hour, 3:00pm.
How do scholars solve the alleged discrepancy between Mark and John regarding when Jesus was placed on the cross? How does this affect the time of Jesus’ death? What is the majority view among scholars on this issue? What are other suggested solutions to the problem? Keep reading to learn the answers to these questions and others.
Also see Why Was Jesus Christ Crucified? to learn more.
What was the hour of Jesus’ crucifixion?
Mark mentions the hour that Jesus was placed on the cross and John doesn’t. However, John specifies the hour that Pilate presented Jesus — who was obviously still alive at that point — to the Jews and said, “Behold your King!”
The basis for the alleged discrepancy is that John reports that Pilate presented Jesus to the crowd after Mark says he was already on the cross. For many scholars, the solution to the problem lies in knowing that Mark and John numbered days and hours differently. (See the verses below the comparison table.)
|Mark 15:25||John 19:14|
|Mark says Jesus was placed on the cross in the third hour of the day (see verse below the table)||John says Jesus was on trial at the sixth hour of the day (see verse below the table)|
|Alleged problem: Mark says Jesus was placed on the cross before John says he was tried||Alleged problem: John says Jesus was tried after Mark says he was placed on the cross|
|Explanation: Mark uses Jewish time to count daylight hours||Explanation: John uses Roman time to count daylight hours|
|According to Jewish time, a day began at 6:00am||According to Roman time, a day began at 12:00am midnight|
|Solution: Jesus was placed on the cross at 9:00am||Solution: Jesus was on trial at 6:00am|
|Mark doesn’t disagree with John; Jesus was placed on the cross three hours after he was tried||John doesn’t disagree with Mark; Jesus was tried three hours before he was placed on the cross|
John 19:14b: The Time of Jesus’ Trial
- “Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, ‘Behold your King!'” (ESV)
- “And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!” (KJV)
- “Now it was the day of preparation for the Passover; it was about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” (NASB)
- “It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.” (NIV)
- “It was now about noon on the day of preparation for the Passover. And Pilate said to the people, “Look, here is your king!” (NLT)
Mark 15:25: The Time That Jesus Was Placed on the Cross
- “And it was the third hour when they crucified him” (ESV)
- “And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.” (KJV)
- “It was the third hour when they crucified Him.” (NASB)
- “It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.” (NIV)
- “It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him.” (NLT)
Mark 15:33: The Time of Jesus’ Death
- “And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” (ESV); cf. Jesus “breathed his last” (v. 37)
- “And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” (KJV)
- “When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.” (NASB)
- “At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.” (NIV)
- “At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock.” (NLT)
Because Mark and John don’t disagree, but only count daylight hours differently, there is no discrepancy with regard to what time Jesus died on the cross. Mark correctly records when Jesus was hung on the cross as well as what time he died.
Also see Where Was Jesus Christ Crucified? to learn more.
How did Romans count hours?
Matthew and Luke follow Mark and state that Jesus was placed on the cross at the third hour on Friday morning. These three Gospels have many similarities, so it’s not surprising that they are in agreement on this detail.
Many Christians are familiar with how Jews numbered days and hours because of subjects like the Sabbath, which are prevalent throughout the Bible. Roman time is less familiar to many Bible readers and leads to questions about how it’s calculated and why John uses it.
Understanding Roman days
As the table above indicates, Romans considered days to start at midnight. References to Roman time can be found in non-biblical literature and verifies how people counted days and hours.
For example, the Roman historian, Marcobius Ambrosius Theodosius, writes “a day, which the Romans have declared to begin at the sixth hour of the night.” Sunset, generally considered to be 6:00pm began the night. Therefore, the sixth hour of the night was midnight.
Pliny the Elder also referred to Roman time-keeping when he wrote, “The day itself has been differently observed in different countries: by the Babylonians between two sunrises; by the Athenians between two sunsets; by the Umbrians from noon to noon; by the Roman priests and those who have defined the civil day, as the Egyptians also and Hipparchus, from midnight to midnight.”
According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, a civil day is “a day adopted for time reckoning in civil affairs; usually: the mean solar day of 24 hours beginning at mean midnight.”
Also see How Long Was Christ On the Cross? to learn more.
Why did John use Roman time instead of Jewish time?
Wouldn’t it make more sense for John to use Jewish time like the other Gospels? Many people ask this question because it would have resulted in greater consistency in reporting the chronology of Jesus’ life and death. It would also cohere with the Jewish worldview that is evident in the Gospels.
However one solves the alleged problem between Mark and John, the issue of why the latter uses Roman time instead of Jewish time needs its own resolution. Most scholars believe the answer lies in knowing more about where John writes his Gospel.
Scholars are in general agreement that John wrote his Gospel from Ephesus, which was the capital of the Roman province, Asia. Days and hours in Ephesus were numbered according to Roman time.
Importantly, John’s first readers may have been those he was serving with and ministering to in Ephesus. Telling stories in Roman time may have helped those he was with to understand Jesus’ crucifixion.
There are other examples in John’s Gospel of him using Roman time. In these passages, John refers to days ending at midnight, not sunset like in Jewish time.
- John 12:1, “Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.”
- John 20:19, “On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.'”
Other solutions to Mark and John’s time difference
Other viewpoints, which reputable Bible scholars hold, include the perspective that Mark and John approximated time; that a copyist made an error; and that John purposefully changed the time for theological reasons.
John’s time was approximate
Some scholars argue that in the first-century people estimated time to the nearest third hour. Therefore, the difference between 9:00am and noon is negligible.
Mark 15:25 contains a precise description: “it was the third hour” (ESV). But John 19:14 contains an approximate time: “it was about the sixth hour” (emphasis added, ESV).
D.A. Carson suggests a similar interpretation: “More than likely we are in danger of insisting on a degree of precision in both Mark and John, which, in days before watches, could not have been achieved. The reckoning of time for most people, who could not have very well carry sundials and astronomical charts, was necessarily approximate.”
Carson continues: “If the sun was moving toward mid-heaven, two different observers might well have glanced up and decided, respectively, that it was the ‘third hour’ or the ‘sixth hour.'”
Also see How Many Lashes Did Jesus Receive? to learn more.
A copyist of John’s Gospel made an error
Another view argues that a copyist made an error, changing a 3 to a 6 in John’s Gospel. Eusebius is an example of a historian who holds this view.
It’s unclear how this solves the alleged problem because Mark and John are referring to two different moments: Jesus’ death and Pilate’s announcement. It may, in fact, create a new problem in saying that both of those moments occurred simultaneously.
John purposefully changed the time for theological reasons
Some believe John purposefully changed the time to align with when Jews slaughtered lambs for Passover. In this view, John intends to present Jesus as the ultimate sacrificial lamb.
This view may create a new problem concerning John’s customized method of counting hours. It also necessitates Jesus dying on Thursday instead of Friday, which isn’t the majority view.
Saturnalia. 1.3
Natural History. 2.77.
Andreas Kostenberger is an example of a scholar who makes this argument (John, BECNT).
The Gospel According to John by D.A. Carson. p. 605.
"We should understand that, fundamentally, our faith is not about what we do (as important as that is), nor is it about what we think (as important as that is). Our faith is fundamentally...
The word "gospel" is a common New Testament term that Christians also use frequently today. Phrases like "the gospel of Jesus Christ," "preach the gospel," and "spread the gospel" are frequently... | <urn:uuid:cbae1479-2684-4105-a52a-18d990e27db5> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://christianityfaq.com/what-time-did-jesus-christ-die/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.97289 | 2,505 | 3.203125 | 3 |
Troy Warren for CNT #Celebrations
NATIONAL COOKIE DAY
National Cookie Day on December 4th serves up a sweet treat. Bakers across the country warm up the ovens for holiday baking, and we enjoy giving tins of cookies to friends and family all season long.
We can thank the Dutch for more than windmills and tulips. The English word “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word koekie, meaning “little cake.”
Hard cookie-like wafers have existed for as long as baking has been documented. Not surprisingly, they traveled well, too. However, they were usually not sweet enough to be considered cookies by modern-day standards.
The origin of the cookie appears to begin in Persia in the 7th century, soon after the use of sugar became common in the region. They then spread to Europe through the Muslim conquest of Spain. Cookies were common at all levels of society throughout Europe by the 14th century, from the royal cuisine to the street vendors.
Cookies arrived in America in the 17th century. Macaroons and gingerbread cookies were among the popular early American cookies.
In most English-speaking countries outside of North America, the most common word for cookie is “biscuit.” In some regions, both terms, cookies, and biscuits are used.
Cookies are classified into different categories, with the most common ones being:
Bar cookies – Drop cookies – Filled cookies
Molded cookies – No bake cookies
Pressed cookies – Refrigerator cookies
Rolled cookies – Sandwich cookies
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCookieDay
Pick up some cookies at your local bakery. Remember to share some of your cookies with your family and friends! A great way to get started is by making a list of your favorite cookies to bake and enjoy. Then organize your baking tools and start your assembly line.
First Place Coconut Macaroons
Use #NationalCookieDay to post on social media.
NATIONAL COOKIE DAY HISTORY
In 1976, Sesame Street included National Cookie Day on its calendar for the first time on November 26th. The Cookie Monster also proclaimed his own National Cookie Day in the 1980 book The Sesame Street Dictionary.
Then in 1987, Matt Nader of the Blue Chip Cookie Company out of San Francisco created Cookie Day, celebrating it on December 4th.
In Other NEWS | <urn:uuid:d4a5f266-ca09-4d7f-b161-07346a152a06> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://citynewsandtalk.com/national-cookie-day/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.951491 | 504 | 2.65625 | 3 |
In the past two decades, significant differences in colorectal cancer survival by socioeconomic status have been consistently observed in England. Researchers have investigated this issue, studying factors like age, stage of cancer, and other health conditions which may explain these disparities. While these factors contribute to socioeconomic differences in cancer survival, they don't tell the whole story.
Beyond individual and tumour-related factors, how colorectal cancer is dealt with in the healthcare system might be playing a crucial role. This includes treatment methods, and time between diagnosis and treatment, which vary greatly between individuals, despite the National Health Service (NHS) being a universal healthcare system. While researchers have studied regional differences in treatment among colorectal cancer patients, a significant gap in knowledge remains. We still don’t fully understand the extent to which socioeconomic deprivation affects the likelihood and timing of receiving treatments. This already complex question is made even more challenging to address by the unfortunate reality that some patients might not survive long enough to undergo these treatments.
Understanding these nuances is not only essential for patients and their families, but also for healthcare professionals and policymakers. By unravelling the complex interactions between socioeconomic status, treatment disparities, and survival rates, we can pave the way for a healthcare system that offers equal opportunities and support for every colorectal cancer patient, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What did we investigate?
In our research, we studied people in England who were diagnosed with colon or rectal cancer between 2012 and 2016. We wanted to understand how long it took for these patients to receive their first treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy) within the first year after diagnosis. We also considered the sad possibility that some patients might have passed away before they could get any treatment. We looked at three situations that could happen within the first year after diagnosis: patients waiting for treatment, patients who received treatment and were still alive, and patients who unfortunately passed away. To make sense of all this information, we used a specific method called a 'multistate model' to figure out the chances of patients moving between these situations and how many days they stayed in each situation. We also compared these numbers based on the social and economic backgrounds of the patient’s area of residence, which we call 'deprivation'.
What did we find?
We found that, even after considering factors like age, sex, and other health conditions, there are still significant differences in how patients are treated based on the deprivation of the area they live. Patients from poorer backgrounds, those who lived in the 20% most deprived areas in England, had a harder time getting treatment and were more likely to die earlier, in all stages of their cancer. For example, within six months of diagnosis, the most deprived patients had a 2.4% to 7.4% lower chance of being alive and treated in colon cancer cases and a 2.0% to 6.2% lower chance in rectal cancer cases.
(x axis represents the difference in probability of staying at three states at different time points after cancer diagnosis, comparing the most deprived to the least deprived)
This means they not only spent fewer days alive after getting treatment, but also had more days without any treatment. Past one year after diagnosis, for example, in stage IV colon cancer, the disparity in days spent being alive and treated was notable: 169.3 days for the least deprived versus 144.7 days for the most deprived, leading to almost 25 days difference. These 25 days include 9 days delayed treatment, and an average of 16 days earlier death.
Why are these findings important?
Our findings indicated that there are differences in how patients from rich and poor areas are treated for colorectal cancer, and this could be a big reason why some patients don't survive as long as their less deprived counterparts. We need to understand why these treatment differences happen and make changes in our healthcare system to fix them. This is especially important in the NHS. Considering all the challenges the NHS faces, it's crucial to look closely at how medical resources are given to the poorest communities. Currently, resources (funding) allocations are based on population in each integrated care board (ICB, previously clinical commissioning group, CCG), but the adjustment for inequalities and unmet needs in current formulae may not be sufficient. In addition, other sources of funding, such as local authorities and charities, may vary based on socioeconomic status of the areas. By studying these issues and making informed changes, we can work towards ensuring that everyone, no matter where they come from, has a fair chance at getting the right care and surviving cancer. | <urn:uuid:2caa2704-7f9a-4ade-a41c-c6275a547500> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://communities.springernature.com/posts/deprived-colorectal-patients-get-treated-later-and-died-earlier-than-their-affluent-counterparts-leading-to-up-to-25-days-less-being-alive-and-treated-within-the-first-year-after-diagnosis | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.970018 | 946 | 2.9375 | 3 |
What is a Keyword?
A keyword is the fundamental basis of a search. A keyword is both the search parameter and also the snippet of a website taken for contextual relevance to that search query. Keywords range from single-word queries to long-tail keyword phrases. A keyword is at times synonymous with a Search Query, however, the defining difference on platforms such as Google Ads would be that a Keyword is the advertiser-defined search parameter. | <urn:uuid:176a38db-3087-4725-b0eb-7aaff1f436aa> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://corkboardconcepts.com/marketing-resources/marketing-glossary/common-marketing-terms/what-is-a-keyword/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.936968 | 92 | 3.03125 | 3 |
As individual pieces, Lego bricks are packed with a great deal of potential and promise. Each brick has all the tools and components necessary to build bigger and better things, with imagination being the only limiting factor. That’s exactly the concept at play with “Satlets,” which aim to change the way we launch objects into space.
Satlets are tiny (15-pound) modules, designed by space tech company NovaWurks, that have all the components of a satellite, but are designed to join together to form large units. As they orbit, Satlets would seek out unused or disabled satellites, and cannibalize them for parts, thus creating a new and functioning larger satellite, all from space. If successful, this could prove to be the solution for several posing issues faced by space programs worldwide, including:
- What to do with the growing amount of space debris orbiting the Earth
- How to push away from launching massively sized space crafts toward a model far more versatile and affordable
And while the potential of a satellite construction and recycling program is exciting many, Satlets serve a greater and more immediate purpose as well. Just as Lego bricks have the potential of becoming anything from a car to a space station, the Satlet building blocks will also potentially have that same versatility.
Before it walks, it has to crawl
As with any innovation, extensive tests and trials must be conducted before Satlets are deemed a success. In the case of the Satlets, this comes in the form of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA’s) Phoenix program, which will launch its first Satlet (named eXCITe) in the third quarter of 2015. eXCITe is just one component of DARPA’s Phoenix program, which aims to prove the ability to repurpose usable components from space, including antennas and panels.
What’s wrong with satellites as they are now?
The innovation of Satlets – to replace the way satellites are assembled and launched today – raises the question of what, exactly, is wrong with satellites in their current form? The issue comes down to two specific areas: cost and size.
Current-day satellites are extremely expensive, require a long developmental lead-time, and must be designed to handle their orbit without any potential for upgrades or repairs. All this determines the size, cost, and complexity of the satellite, thus making them far from versatile once they are launched. Satlets, on the other hand, are the exact opposite. They’re small, less expensive, and aren’t confined to certain functionalities. Much like how stem cells can adapt to virtually any function in the human body, Satlets will be able to take on any responsibility it’s presented with. Meanwhile, these Satlets are designed to upgrade and repair themselves, thus giving space systems the type of accessibility and flexibly that land-based designers often take for granted.
If all goes well, the success of Satlets could be the foundation for creating a truly scalable, orbital space systems at a fraction of current costs. | <urn:uuid:ca126ccd-9f52-4874-8e0b-6704115d37cc> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://crewsafe.com/2023/04/11/self-assembling-satlets/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.952187 | 632 | 3.5 | 4 |
Weathervanes have assumed a part in the existences of mankind for a really long time. The previously recorded record traces all the way back to 48 B.C. in Athens. It was a bronze figure with the top of a man and the tail of a fish worked by the stargazer Andronicus on the Tower of the Winds out of appreciation for the Greek God Triton. Contingent upon the course of the weathervane, Triton picked which God would pick the climate for that day. To these people of old the breezes had divine abilities, so the weathervanes portrayed the Gods Boreas, Aeolus, and Mercury.
Viking weathervanes have additionally been found tracing all the way back to the ninth century. Most were planned by Norse stories and were utilized on Viking Ships. Indeed, even today the weathervanes can be found in Norway and Sweden.
Today we have refined instruments to foresee the climate however for millennia man relied upon the weathervane as a fundamental device. Ranchers utilized weathervanes to foresee the environment and mariners utilized them as a fundamental device for route. Indeed, even the affluent landowners embellished the most noteworthy pinnacle of their homes with weathervanes.
In the ninth century A.D. the pope ordered that each congregation in “The Christian world” be embellished by a chicken to help the group to remember Peter’s disloyalty of Christ. Initially they were intended to be just emblematic yet in the end advanced into weathervanes to serve the local area. Some think this is the reason the chicken has become such a customary norm.
Middle age European rulers and aristocrats flew standards and banners from palace towers. The banners were ultimately supplanted with little metal spinners that assisted bowmen with anticipating the bearing of the breeze.
The word weathervane is gotten from the Old English thing fane which means banner or pennant. They were additionally alluded to as wind vanes. In the end the name developed into weathervane. To work, weathervanes should be adjusted on their hub. They likewise spotify premium apk download need an inconsistent region on each side for the breeze to blow against. The ideal area for a functioning weathervane is the most elevated place of the structure. Any surface region that ensures a side of the weathervane will decrease the power and influence the pointers.
Minister Shem Downe was the principal recorded weathervane producer in America. He made the grasshopper weathervane on top of Boston’s Fanecuil Hall in 1742. He likewise made the pennant for Boston’s Old North Church in 1740. Thomas Jefferson read the breeze course from inside his home at Monticello by setting a chicken weathervane on the rooftop and connecting it to a pointer which hung down into the roof of the room straightforwardly underneath. Well that is simply virtuoso ! George Washington dispatched the “Pigeon of Peace” to recognize the finish of the progressive conflict. It was made by Joseph Rakestraw in 1787
By the mid 1800’s energetic plans were becoming famous in America. It was normal to see The Goddess of Liberty and The Federal Eagle. From that time forward weathervanes have been a necessary piece of American history. They can be found on chapels, homes, stables, government structures and organizations. Americans have a spot in their souls for the race horse, livestock, devoted images and natural life. Craftsmans have made lovely weathervanes utilizing subjects that encapsulate America from the hour of the Revolutionary War until the present time.
In our cutting edge world we can browse the customary styles to more contemporary plans. Most weathervanes are produced using copper and are accessible in an assortment of patinas. The most well-known completions are cleaned copper and verdigris. The present weathervanes range from little work area figures to the extremely huge that are suitable for organizations, temples and outbuildings. The weathervane is the same amount of a piece of lives in these long stretches of super advanced as it has been from the beginning of time.
From hand-tuned wind rings to craftsman planned metal and copper weathervanes: from scaled down kites, to enormous Bali Dragons, from rainbow windsocks to fish windsocks, from architect standards to copper spinners, Will of the Wind conveys a wide cluster of excellent and brilliant items all identified with partaking in the dazzling Spirit of the Wind. Snap here to purchase Weathervanes
From hand-tuned wind tolls to craftsman planned metal and copper weathervanes: from little kites, to gigantic Bali Dragons, from rainbow windsocks to fish windsocks, from originator flags to copper spinners, Will of the Wind conveys a wide exhibit of excellent and superb items all identified with partaking in the enthralling Spirit of the Wind. Visit Will of the Wind at http://www.willofthewind.com/categories.asp?cat=10 to purchase weathervanes. | <urn:uuid:5a7fac75-06b8-4813-a287-81c1e17ba8e6> | CC-MAIN-2023-50 | https://cybersp1ke.com/wood-carving-how-to-choose-the-right-tools/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2023-50/segments/1700679100081.47/warc/CC-MAIN-20231129105306-20231129135306-00800.warc.gz | en | 0.948093 | 1,047 | 2.859375 | 3 |
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