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Molecular insight into how γ-TuRC makes microtubules. As one of four filament types, microtubules are a core component of the cytoskeleton and are essential for cell function. Yet how microtubules are nucleated from their building blocks, the αβ-tubulin heterodimer, has remained a fundamental open question since the discovery of tubulin 50 years ago. Recent structural studies have shed light on how γ-tubulin and the γ-tubulin complex proteins (GCPs) GCP2 to GCP6 form the γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC). In parallel, functional and single-molecule studies have informed on how the γ-TuRC nucleates microtubules in real time, how this process is regulated in the cell and how it compares to other modes of nucleation. Another recent surprise has been the identification of a second essential nucleation factor, which turns out to be the well-characterized microtubule polymerase XMAP215 (also known as CKAP5, a homolog of chTOG, Stu2 and Alp14). This discovery helps to explain why the observed nucleation activity of the γ-TuRC in vitro is relatively low. Taken together, research in recent years has afforded important insight into how microtubules are made in the cell and provides a basis for an exciting era in the cytoskeleton field.
A fire damper maintains the integrity of the fire and prevents the heat, smoke, and fire from spreading to other areas. They help close the passage of airways, duct, and other structures that can be penetrated by the fire and are usually installed at locations where the ventilation or air conditioning ducts goes inside the wall. Fire dampers are passive safety systems and help reduce property damage and any on-site injuries due to the fire. Fire dampers are set up in the HVAC systems and in critical areas to contain the smoke and fire. Industrial facilities need fire dampers as they helpcontrol the spread of the fire by shutting down the valves of the HVAC system. Why is Fire Damper Installation Important? Industrial facilities may contain chemicals, special machinery, and equipment. They are also usually involved in large-scale operations or productions. Having a fire damper adds another level of safety in the event of a fire. Without a fire damper, a fire may spread and result in other major threats such as chemical and gas leakage, which can mix with the smoke and gases in the fire. These gases and chemicals may spread quickly and may be fatal to people in small doses depending on the substance. Fire dampers contain special seals that are gas-tight which help to prevent harmful gases from spreading and mixing with the fire. Fire dampers are heat-sensitive devices that can detect fire when temperatures increase above the established set trip point. Once the temperatures reach the trip point, the heat response device built within the fire damper is activated and melted, which causes the damper blades to close. This prevents the fire, heat, and smoke from escaping to adjoining areas. Types of Fire Dampers Industrial facilities use a wide variety of fire dampers that perform various functions such as regulating airflow, ventilation, and more. Butterfly fire dampers are better designed to isolate and regulate airflow and are commonly used in industrial applications with harmful exhaust gases such as wastewater treatment, nuclear power generation, and manufacturing of fertilizer. Other types of fire dampers such as volume control dampers have pivot blades that will spring shut once the temperature reaches the trip point. Applications of Fire Dampers Industrial fire dampers are important components of industrial air systems and passive fire protection systems in industrial buildings. They allow for the timely evacuation of residents from the building while protecting the building. Numerous industrial facilities such as power generation, paper mills, and oil drilling sites have fire dampers as part of their passive fire protection in addition to their active fire protection, which includes fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Fire dampers complement the on-site active fire protection systems to ensure complete safety. They are also very versatile and have numerous applications for pressure relief, ventilation, and exhaust in industrial settings. They can also be connected to the HVAC systems to be controlled during emergencies. Was your industrial facility damaged by a fire? Contact our public adjusters today.
Scientists say extreme marine heatwaves in 2023 have engulfed much of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean and Caribbean, threatening reef wildlife and economies. “Corals are literally dying before they even have a chance to bleach,” says Dr Sophie Dove, a coral reef ecologist at The University of Queensland who contributed to the report published in Science overnight. “Of course, this amplifies the seriousness of the escalating change on our precious coral reefs.” At the beginning of November, the CSIRO’s research vessel RV Investigator tracked a severe subsurface ocean heatwave off the Sydney coast in the western Pacific. That heatwave, extending deep beneath the surface is, according to voyage leader Professor Moninya Roughan, “enormous and hot” and more than 3°C above average for the area. Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg is the lead author of the report on the Caribbean heatwave in Science. The University of Queensland based coral reef scientist and inaugural director of the Global Change Institute at the University of Queensland, and who is also speaking at COP28 currently being held in Dubai, says information about the extent of this year’s marine heatwave indicates: “we are well off the track when it comes to keeping global surface temperatures from attaining a very dangerous condition by mid to late century”. “We are on the brink of losing coral reefs. Surely our world leaders won’t let the fate of the world’s coral reefs simply slip through our fingers! We must increase our ambition.” Hoegh-Guldberg, a member of the IPCC, says heat stress puts immense pressure on fragile tropical ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. “That heat stress is driven by marine heatwaves (MHW), which are strongly correlated with rising sea surface temperatures and climate cycles such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation,” they write. “Extreme MHWs engulfing much of the eastern tropical Pacific and wider Caribbean have caused unusual spikes in sea surface temperatures this year. Many Caribbean reef areas experienced historically high heat stress that started 1-2 months earlier than usual and was sustained for longer than the usual recorded seasonal changes.” The authors say patterns of SST from the past 40 years indicate unprecedented mass coral bleaching and mortality will likely occur across the Indo-Pacific throughout 2024. Watch: Video provided by Underwater Earth of a bleached coral reef at Cairns, North Queensland, Australia. In July Dr Derek Manzello, head of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Watch in Washington DC, said in a NOAA blog: “We were shocked to see such an unexpectedly early onset of heat stress in Florida and the wider Caribbean. “If ocean temperatures are higher than the maximum monthly average, for a month or more, especially during the warmest part of the year – even by as little as 1-2 degrees Celsius (2-3 degrees Fahrenheit), corals will experience bleaching,” he said on the blog. “A bleached coral is essentially starving to death because it has lost its main source of nutrition — the algae that live symbiotically within its tissues. The damage corals experience from marine heatwaves is a function of the duration, or how long the heat stress occurs, plus the magnitude of the heat stress. “Corals can recover from bleaching if the heat stress subsides, but the corals that are able to recover frequently have impaired growth and reproduction and are susceptible to disease for two to four years after recovery.” NOAA has a near-real time marine heat map. Underwater Earth, a group of communication and media specialists focussing on the marine environment, says coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems on earth, supporting more species per unit than any other marine environemnt. It says reefs are home to more than 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds of other species. It says the first coral reefs formed on Earth 240 milion years ago, and most coral reefs today are between 5,000 and 10,000 years old. Do you care about the oceans? Are you interested in scientific developments that affect them? Then our email newsletter Ultramarine is for you. Click here to become a subscriber.
When it comes to running a successful business, behind every great idea, product, or service, there is a strong foundation of management and administration. These two fields are often seen as the backbone of any business, as they provide the necessary framework and support to ensure smooth operation and efficient execution of tasks. In this article, we will explore the thriving field of management and administration and shed light on their essential roles. Management can be defined as the process of coordinating and overseeing the activities of a business, department, or team to achieve the organization’s goals effectively. It involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources and people to ensure harmonious operations and optimal productivity. A competent manager possesses strong leadership skills, effective communication abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. They are responsible for setting and achieving goals, developing strategies, allocating resources, and evaluating performance. Administration, on the other hand, focuses on managing the day-to-day operations of an organization. It involves tasks such as record-keeping, budgeting, procurement, logistics, and human resources management. Administrators play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of various departments and supporting the management team. They handle paperwork, maintain files, process invoices, schedule meetings, coordinate logistics, and manage office supplies, among many other responsibilities. In a nutshell, administrators are the glue that holds the organization together, making sure everything runs smoothly. Both management and administration are fields that require a diverse skill set and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing business environment. In our modern and fast-paced world, businesses need talented professionals who can keep up with the challenges and demands of the industry. One of the essential skills for success in management and administration is effective communication. Managers and administrators need to communicate clearly with their team members, colleagues, and stakeholders to set expectations, delegate tasks, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts. Effective communication fosters collaboration, builds trust, and leads to better outcomes. Another crucial aspect of management and administration is strategic thinking. Professionals in these fields must have a big-picture perspective and be able to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Strategic thinking allows managers and administrators to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and develop plans to achieve long-term goals. It involves considering different perspectives, balancing risks, and adapting strategies based on changing circumstances. In recent years, technology has significantly impacted the field of management and administration. Automation and digital tools have streamlined processes, increased efficiency, and enhanced decision-making. From customer relationship management (CRM) systems to project management software and cloud-based solutions, technology has revolutionized the way businesses are managed and administered. Professionals in these fields must be tech-savvy and stay updated on the latest technological advancements to leverage them effectively. Additionally, management and administration offer numerous career opportunities across industries. From small startups to large multinational corporations, every organization requires skilled managers and administrators to ensure their success. Professionals can specialize in various areas such as operations management, human resources, project management, financial management, or marketing. This diverse range of specializations allows individuals to find their niche and pursue a career path that aligns with their interests and skills. In conclusion, management and administration are the backbone of any business. They provide the necessary structure, support, and coordination to ensure the smooth operation and success of organizations. These fields require a diverse skill set, including communication, strategic thinking, and technological know-how. With the ever-increasing complexities of the business world, the demand for skilled professionals in management and administration continues to grow. For those interested in building a solid foundation for business success, exploring the thriving field of management and administration could be a wise career choice.
The uterus, or womb, is the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can grow on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bowels, or bladder. Rarely, it grows in other parts of the body. Some women have no symptoms at all. Having trouble getting pregnant may be the first sign. The cause of endometriosis is not known. Surgery, usually a laparoscopy, is currently the only way to be sure that you have endometriosis. Your health care provider will first take your medical history, do a pelvic exam, and maybe do imaging tests. There is no cure, but treatments help with pain and infertility. They include pain medicines, hormone treatments, and surgery. NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant turning point in global history, leading to profound changes in Russian politics. From democratic aspirations to centralized governance, the political evolution of Russia offers valuable insights into post-Soviet dynamics. The Immediate Aftermath Following the Soviet collapse, the 1990s witnessed Russia grappling with its new identity, economic upheavals, and political instability. - Economic Challenges: The transition from a planned economy to market-oriented policies led to widespread privatisation, oligarchic control, and economic downturns. - Political Uncertainty: The clash between President Boris Yeltsin and the Parliament in 1993, resulting in a brief constitutional crisis. Aspirations for Democracy The 1990s also ushered in new democratic structures. - Constitutional Reforms: The 1993 Constitution established the framework for a presidential republic with a strong executive branch. - Emergence of Multi-Party System: Multiple parties vied for power, although many were short-lived or lacked a clear ideological stance. The Putin Era: Centralization and Stability Vladimir Putin’s ascendancy marked a shift towards stability but also increased centralization. - Economic Stability: Rising oil prices and economic reforms led to an era of economic growth and prosperity. - Centralization of Power: Reduction in regional autonomy, taming of the oligarchs, and an increased role of security services in governance. Foreign Policy and Global Standing Post-Soviet Russia sought to re-establish its global position. - Westward Orientation: Initial attempts in the 1990s to integrate with Western institutions. - Shift to Assertiveness: Later years saw a more assertive stance, from the annexation of Crimea in 2014 to involvement in Syria. Media and Information Control Media played a crucial role in the evolving political narrative. - Early Media Freedom: The 1990s saw a proliferation of independent media outlets. - State Control: By the 2000s, major TV channels and news outlets came under state control or influence, guiding public opinion. Challenges to Democracy While democratic structures exist, challenges to pluralistic democracy have grown. - Electoral Concerns: Allegations of election rigging, restrictions on opposition candidates, and voter suppression. - Civil Society and Protests: From protests in 2011-2012 to the Navalny-led movements, civil society has been active but faces increasing crackdowns. Navigating a Multipolar World In a changing global landscape, Russia has been forging new alliances. - Eurasian Economic Union: An economic alliance with several former Soviet states. - BRICS and SCO: Aligning with other major global players outside of the Western axis. With evolving geopolitical situations, economic challenges, and domestic dynamics, Russia stands at a crossroads, determining its path in a post-Soviet world. The post-Soviet era in Russia presents a complex tapestry of aspirations, reforms, regressions, and evolutions. As Russia seeks to carve its niche in the 21st century, understanding its political journey offers crucial insights into global geopolitics and the intricate balance between democracy and autocracy. The intricacies of Russia’s post-Soviet politics remain a subject of global interest, reflecting both its historical legacy and its aspirations in a rapidly changing world. As we move further into the 21st century, the trajectory of Russian politics will undoubtedly continue to shape international relations.
Pickleball boasts a vast repertoire of effective shots, just like other racquet sports. However, a volley is one of the essential shots in pickleball. A crisp punch volley is one of the most satisfying shots in pickleball. Whether you lose or win a match depends on your pickleball volley ability. So, what is a volley in pickleball? Volleying is an action performed at the net that prevents a ball from bouncing. A shot is generally rifled from one end to the other in a quick back and forth movement that lasts only a short time. What Is A Volley In Pickleball? During pickleball, a volley means striking balls out of the air before they bounce. The non-volley line is usually the place where volleys are played. Or, the transition area is perhaps where you play them as you start at the baseline and make your way to the non-volley line. Basics of Volleys - As a ball bounces onto the court during a rally, it is hit in the air. - The ball hit low and hard over the net is often returned to the net at the NVZ line. - Usually hits with a backhand, but the forehand can also be used. - No backswing; the paddle face must remain vertical (square) when “pushing” the ball over the net. - Hit far from your opponent to avoid being reached. - The paddle face slightly can be opened to give the ball more loft when hitting a volley. What Makes Pickleball’s Volley So Important? Plenty of points can be won by using the volley technique in pickleball. You can win or lose important points depending on how well you volley during pickleball, and your technique can change the outcome. Apart from forehand and backhand, many other shots exist in tennis, such as cross court, side spin, dropshot, flat, topspin, slice, block, and so forth. On the other hand, the number of shots in pickleball is less, such as volley, drive, dink, and block. Learn to volley in pickleball is one of the most important aspects of your pickleball game strategy. When Is the Right Time to Volley? A volley shot is best to implement when you have the opportunity to hit one. But don’t play a volley while standing on the non-volley zone(kitchen line). Three things to remember for pickleball volleys: 1. The receiving team loses time due to volley. 2. By using volleys, you eliminate the potential for bad bounces. 3. Volleyball shots tend to be more offensive. Hence, a volley shot would be your best option when playing offense. What Is The Ready Stance For Pickleball Volleys? Tennis and pickleball players use the ready stance to prepare for upcoming shots. When a player hits a forehand or backhand, or volley, they typically take the ready stance. A little different than usual is the ready stance in pickleball since the kitchen rules applies. During volleys, you need to keep your paddle parallel to the net and be aware of your position. You can see that the stance is ideal for picking up pickleball shots. Your pickleball paddle should be positioned in this way to maximize your reaction time. If your opponent reaches the kitchen(non volley zone), she will likely do the same to you. Hence, in order to get the shot off quickly, you must execute it within the shortest time to react. With the ready stance, you can switch between forehands and backhands quickly without much turning of your wrists. This will ensure you’re prepared to deal with any shot you encounter. Types Of Pickleball Volleys With this wide range of volley placement strategies, various types of volleys have higher effectiveness in that context than others. Volleys should not be executed in all situations in a one-size-fits-all manner. Instead, you can execute different type of volley technique depending on how you position yourself on the court, how high the ball is relative to the net, and what your objective is when volleying. Drop volleys are also sometimes known as block volleys or reset volleys. If your opponents push the ball at you and try to “reset” the point by launching a softball over the net, then drop volley is an effective technique. In order to perform a drop volley, one must possess a soft grip and be able to manage the incoming ball pace. Among the many types of volley, the punch volley is the most common. The paddle face is generally used for punch volleys as if punching straight ahead perpendicular to the court. Your arm is extended forward from your elbow when you hit this type of volley —an elbow is basically used as a hinge. The wrist should remain firm and the body “calm” when you do a punch volley or any volley for that matter. If the ball is at a medium height (not too low or too high), you can shot volley at your opponent’s feet or into a gap. Pickleballers use the dink shot or similar shot interchangeably to refer to volley shots. Using a non-volley line to volley your opponent’s dink shot into his non-volley zone. In dink volley, due to the extra time you have, you can either drive your shot with a slightly open or closed paddle face toward your opponent. Maintain a slightly open face while pushing up. Keep your face closed as you push down. Roll shots are offensive shots in which the ball is given some topspin. You should paddle from low to high using an open face and flick your wrist to complete your stroke. The path of the swing in roll volleys is low-to-high. When you aim to pin your opponents on the baseline, you should use them. The hardest shot in a pickleball game is the catch shot. A fast response is generally countered by using this technique. By adding a backspin to the initial shot, the shot is meant to minimize the sting. This causes the ball to spin and slow down, thus creating a backspin. Which direction should I hit my volley? During a pickleball rally, the selection of pickleball volley placement varies based on circumstances. You can target your volleys by following some basic rules. · Attempt striking the ball at your opponent’s feet. That’s rule no 1. Volleys struck low at your feet are more difficult to return. · If you can find an opening or gap, hit the volley away from the opposition. · Attempt strike the ball at your opponent’s hip or shoulder. If he/she is at his own non-volley line, he/she is likely to default to a backhand ready position. As a result, an attacker volley can strike the paddle-side hip or shoulder. · If you are being attacked hard by your opponent or you just want to start it afresh, make sure your volleyball rebounds harmlessly from the net once you hit it. · Your volley should be hit deep so that it hits your opponent near the baseline if they find themselves. Although your opponent might advance quickly, your focus should be on staying in your line. Rather than landing deep, a volley that would have been chest-high for your opponent may now land chest-high for them, weakening their defense. What Is Pickleball Backhand Volley? When hitting volleys, many professional players prefer hitting backhand volleys. Because your time to react seems to be faster. From its name already gives you an idea of what it is. Pickleball players must release their paddles close to their bodies before executing a backhand volley. Depending on which blow you’re trying to hit on your backhand, you can either blow slowly or fast. Pickleball Backhand Volley with Backspin Backhand volleys have a little more spin when they are played with less power. Against backspin, your opponent must react quickly to stay in the point as it causes the ball to drop rapidly. Several methods exist for applying backspin. In order to make contact with the ball, it is crucial to open the paddle slightly. Consequently, it consumes less power to go over the net. From a high stance, you should slice the ball down from a low position as soon as it leaves your paddle. Backspin will be applied to pickleball with this technique. Pickleball Backhand Volley with Topspin Topspin is generally applied to backhand volleys when hitting a fast ball. As this shot is hit at a faster speed, it is less used than a backspin. Due to this, there is less percentage chance of success with a topspin backhand volley than with a regular backhand volley and backhand volley with backspin. In addition, if it is timed and executed correctly, it will make life extremely difficult for your opponent. Topspin volleys are hit by moving the paddle parallel to the ground. It must be a low-to-high swing path. You can control both the ball’s height and distance by doing this. The ball drops fast when hit with a topspin volley. Your opponent is often thrown off balance when the ball bounces rapidly up. Here are the instructions you should remember for playing pickleball backhand volley with topspin. - Prepare yourself for the ready stance - Make sure your paddle is positioned higher than your wrist - Start your movement from your elbows instead of your shoulders - An angle of perpendicularity between the paddle face and the court is required - Paddles shouldn’t be swung downward - Hitting the ball How To Play Solid Volleys? A player hits a volley when the ball is above the net or his/her waist level. Effective volleying relies on three factors. Observe Your Paddle’s Tip Your paddle’s tip should be placed in the upward direction. You will often hear instructors telling you to raise your wrist to an angle. However, we recommend keeping your wrist and paddle are in the shape of a “V.” Its tip should be pointing towards the ball and should be above the wrist. Keep The Paddle In Front Of You Keep the paddle in front of you so the front of your body can be solidly contacted. Your paddle will track the ball, so you’ll begin in the right place. When a player uses a backhand volley, it may be easier to do so because their shoulders are used more during the cross-body motion. However, players’ elbows tend to be closer to their bodies when playing the forehand side, and they often catch the ball behind them. In the end, the shot is weak and uncontrolled, described as being “wristy.” Pressure On The Grip Be sure to hold the grip tight by implementing the right amount of pressure. If you want to grip the paddle properly, you should use your fingers instead of your palm. Firmly holding the paddle is crucial to getting a good pop from the ball. As a result, you can play stable shots when contacting with the ball. On the other hand, a relaxed grip helps deaden a drive. A bit of speed is absorbed by the paddle due to this technique. Spend some time experimenting. To determine the best grip pressure, resolve the situation you’re dealing with. Pickleball Volley Rules Sports such as tennis, table tennis, and badminton frequently involve volleys as part of their athletic repertoire. However, for your volley, you must adhere to a few rules when playing pickleball. Playing volley shots in pickleball is usually characterized by fast, reacted movements. Having the option to use either the backhand or forehand is excellent. Neither swing type is prohibited. However, backswings are not permitted for players performing volleys. As a result, you should avoid swinging motions Instead, “Blocking” is the correct motion to hit a ball. Volleyball requires pushing the ball over the net as opposed to hitting it. Volleying requires that you hold your paddle vertically. So, the face faces the ball squarely. Keeping this in mind will mitigate you having to unintentionally use the backswing. Any time the ball has bounced twice during a point, you are allowed to hit a volley. It is imperative that the player waits until the ball bounces on the serve, and upon returning, it bounced again. Any time during the rally, you are allowed to serve a volley. 3 Pickleball Volley Mistakes You Should Avoid Pickleball is a game with minimal movement, but some players tend to make errors while playing. However, every pickleball player, regardless of their level of expertise, will make these three mistakes. Striking The Ball Hard For Low-Shots If you force low-angled shots, you are likely to make an unforced error. The ball will either reach the top of the net or end up there. Both options are not ideal. Flying out of bounds happens when you angle it too high. Or, it will give your opponent the chance to make a smashing grab. You should choose the backhand volley when you take low shots and backspin the ball if you can. Volleys at low, difficult-to-reach places should not be forcefully hit. Alternatively, you may also play the backhand from your opponent’s side of the court. A Bodily Contact That Is Too Close Players tend to remain stationary when they play pickleball, which is a significant mistake. A high probability of getting caught off guard exists if you do not move your feet. In order to succeed, you’ll need to be alert and pay attention to your footwork. With great footwork, you’ll have much less trouble hitting volleys and will have an easier time dancing around the court. Lack Of Confidence Leads To A Push Back Getting back to mid-court or off the kitchen(non volley zone) means you can’t handle volleys, so you’re turning back. Dominate the area by staying at the net. Eventually, moving around will not be helpful for your case, and you will be in limbo. Pickleball Volley – Strategy Basics You Should Remember - A volley dink at the net is the most common type of shot- not tremendously smashing. - You are usually on the net or at the kitchen line(non volley line) 90% of the time. - The majority of people misapply power. For example, when they should be hitting softly, they hit hard. Don’t hit too hard when you hit up. Hit hard if you’re going down. - Whenever you can, take a shot across the net. - Hit the ball across the pickleball court if you’re hitting up. - Strike the players at their weakest point. - Maintain a neutral posture and squat, do not lean forward. - The best way to avoid unforced errors is to be patient and consistent. - Volleys are push or block shots, so please do not swing them. - Your opponent’s reaction time must be beaten while hitting a hardball. Without it, it isn’t very worthy. - Become comfortable with the basic dink and volley shot by practicing with a partner or against the wall. - Be mindful of your breathing and keep a nice slow tempo. As a result, your rhythm will be improved. Hopefully, now you know this golden question, “what is volley in pickleball?” We have mentioned all the important details on pickleball volleys and pickleball backhand volley from our discussion. Thanks for reading!
Solar Energy Terms Alternating Current (AC): AC is a type of electricity used in the electrical grid and most devices. An inverter is necessary to convert the Direct Current (DC) electricity generated by solar PV systems into AC electricity. Behind-the-Meter (BTM): This term indicates that the solar system is installed on the consumer's side of the utility meter, allowing the generated electricity to be consumed on-site without exporting excess power to the grid. Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE): This is a financing structure in which building owners can borrow money for energy efficiency or renewable energy and make repayments via an assessment on their property tax bill. Direct Current (DC): Solar panels capture DC power from the sun, and solar battery backup solutions store energy in the form of DC electricity. To power your building, the DC power from your solar PV system is converted into AC power through inverters. Electric Vehicles (EV): These vehicles are powered by batteries, solar panels, or electric generators. Fixed-Tilt Array: A configuration of solar power collectors that remains static and does not pivot to track the sun's movement across the sky. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are angled in a southern direction to maximize their ability to capture energy. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA): This act provides billions of dollars in green energy tax credits to help consumers buy electric vehicles and companies produce renewable energy. The aim is to cut the nation's carbon emissions. In-Front-of-Meter (IFM): This term refers to energy-related activities that occur on the utility side of the grid, involving large-scale energy generation, transmission, and distribution, managed by utility companies. Interconnection: Interconnection involves linking transmission lines between utilities or between a utility and an end-user, enabling power to be moved in either direction. It's a necessary step to connect a solar system to the local utility grid. Inverters: Inverters convert the DC electricity generated by solar panels into AC electricity for use. Modern inverters also include safety features to prevent power from flowing back to the grid during grid outages, known as anti-islanding. Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Also known as the Federal Solar Tax Credit, it provides income tax credits for projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of residential and commercial buildings. The credit gradually decreases over time. kWh (Kilowatt-hour): A unit of energy used to measure the amount of electricity consumed or generated. It's how utility companies measure electricity sent to or from a home or commercial building. Micro Inverter: Microinverters convert electricity from individual solar panels, meaning that a solar installation has as many micro inverters as it has solar panels. NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners): The most respected, well-established and widely recognized certification organization for professionals in the field of renewable energy. Net Metering: Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the electricity they feed back into the grid. Photovoltaic (PV): PV cells, or solar cells, directly convert sunlight into electricity, and some can even convert artificial light. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A PPA is a solar financing option that offers immediate cost savings without an upfront payment. It allows purchasers to lock in low rates for solar electricity for up to 25 years, but they don't own the system. Racking and Mounting: Racking and mounting refer to the methods used to secure solar panels to roofs, walls, or the ground, using flashings and clamps along horizontal rails. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): Established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this program supports rural businesses and agricultural producers in adopting renewable energy technologies. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): Also known as solar energy credits or green tags, RECs are tradable certificates representing one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from renewable sources. String Inverters: String inverters are devices used with solar arrays to convert DC energy into usable AC electricity for homes. They are connected to multiple solar panels, and their performance is limited by the worst-performing panel. Heard a solar term not listed here? Reach out to us and we'll add it.
Say hello to Macrobiotus shonaicus, a completely new species of tardigrade – those incredibly resilient microscopic wee beasties that likely have what it takes to survive the apocalypse. Tardigrades, sometimes referred to as moss piglets or water bears, are eight-legged microscopic animals that like to live in moss, lichen, decaying leaves, and soil. These metazoans, first discovered in 1773, are incredibly resilient, capable of withstanding total dehydration, extreme temperatures and pressures, intense radiation, and the vacuum of space. They typically live a few months, but one lived more than 30 years after being frozen. Tardigrades can be found all over the world, and there over 1,000 described species so far — but scientists think there could be many more. There are 167 known species in Japan alone. The addition of M. shonaicus now increases this number to 168. The new tardigrade was found in a clump of moss that was sticking out of a concrete parking lot in Tsuruoka-City, Japan. The name shonaicus refers to the Shōnai region in which it was found. M. shonaicus belongs to the hufelandi group of tardigrades, whose eggs have similar characteristics. A view of the new tardigrade as seen through a phase contrast microscope.Image: D. Stec et al., 2018 The research team, led by Daniel Stec from Jagiellonian University in Poland, found 10 individuals in the moss sample taken from the parking lot. These specimens were bred in the lab to produce more tardigrades for the analysis. The researchers studied their physical characteristics using phase contrast microscopes (where a transparent object is conveyed through changes in brightness) and scanning electron microscopes. They also looked at their DNA, and they pinpointed four molecular genetic markers that distinguish these from any other known species of tardigrade. The DNA analysis also allowed the researchers to determine where the new species fits in the tardigrade evolutionary family tree. This research was published today in the open access journal PLoS One. My, what strange teeth you have. The oral cavity of the new tardigrade. Image: D. Stec et al., 2018 When comparing the new tardigrade to similar species such as M. anemone, M. naskreckii, and M. patagonicus, the researchers noted differences in their visual organs, mouth, spotting, leg shape, and other features. But there were two big differences that set the new species apart: its legs and eggs. M. shonaicus has a fold, or bulge, on the internal surfaces of its legs, and its eggs have a solid surface, thus qualifying it as a member of the hufelandi sub-group of tardigrades. But the eggs also have flexible filaments attached to their tops, which is similar to the eggs produced by two recently discovered tardigrade species, Macrobiotus paulinae from Africa and Macrobiotus polypiformis from South America. So the new species contains a mishmash of characteristics from other species, and it’s likely descended from an ancient strand. The eggs of the new tardigrade are capped with flexible filaments. Image: D. Stec et al., 2018 “This is the first original description of the hufelandi group species from Japan, and now, the number of tardigrade species known from this country has increased to 168,” write the authors in the new study. Finding new species of tardigrades is good because we stand to learn a lot from these critters. Their ability to withstand freezing, for example, can help scientists develop “dry vaccines,” where water is replaced with trechalose — a non-reducing sugar produced by tardigardes to protect their tissues and DNA when frozen. Also, their dehydration tolerance could teach us new ways to preserve various biological materials, such as cells, crops, and meats. So thank you, water bears, for your extraordinary genetics. The Cheapest NBN 50 Plans It’s the most popular NBN speed in Australia for a reason. Here are the cheapest plans available.
When you have a new product design, do you ever wonder how a factory makes the initial sample? What about how factory management teaches unskilled assembly workers to mass produce thousands of units of your product? The answer lies in the factory’s work instructions. If you’ve ever hired a supplier to manufacture products, undoubtedly, you’ve wondered if the factory is actually doing everything correctly to make the product as expected. This is especially true if your product is complicated and requires many steps to make. A World Without Work Instructions Imagine the potential consequences from the customer’s point of view. Maybe the customer is putting together a book shelf, but the instructions for assembly didn’t come with the product. A shelf is fairly easy to improvise, but it’s still hard to get everything done right on the first try. You may have the time and patience to try again and again in order to get your perfect shelf. But it’s clear that having instructions on hand that are written in simple terms with illustrations would a go long way to alleviating any frustrations. Now consider the plight of a low-paid factory worker in a similar situation. They’re trying to put together hundreds of units of a product, or multiple products, in a single shift. Do you think an assembly worker like this one, who is paid on a per-piece basis, will care whether or not a process is done right? If only there was a set of work instructions for workers on a factory production line that could help guide them to through the process… What Are Work Instructions? Just like assembling a shelf, when a factory gets a new product design, they will work through a step-by-step process for how to make and assemble the product. This is usually done by a product engineer. Once the engineer maps out all the steps, he then has to teach the process to the workers. This is the reason why work instructions are so important and why the instructions have to be clear and easy-to-understand. Most factories fill their instructions with pages and pages of complex language and explanations. But in reality, these instructions are for the assembly workers, most of which are not well-educated. How effective can work instructions really be in this case when they aren’t written for the layman? What Makes Effective Work Instructions? Work instructions should be clear, written in simple language and include photos or illustrations showing how each process is done. When workers question their own methods, they should be able to just rely on the work instruction instead of having to ask the line supervisor. In most cases, workers will do whatever is easiest for them when there aren’t any clear instructions. The next time you’re visiting your suppliers, try to see if you can find the work instructions for your products at each product-making workstation. You may be surprised to find how complicated the work instructions are, or worse, the factory may not be able to provide any work instructions at all. In either case, it’s time to sit down and have a talk with the factory’s boss and the production manager. The bottom line: make sure your factory has created and implemented easy-to-understand work instructions that take the guess work out of manufacturing your product.
Are you looking for an easy way to find the directory name of a file in Excel? This article guides you through the process, making it simple for you to quickly access the directory name of any file. Save time, and make sorting files simple by following this helpful guide. Understanding the Directory Name in Excel We split this section into two parts to comprehend the directory name in Excel, and its crucial uses. Definition of directory name and why it is important. Image credits: chouprojects.com by Adam Arnold Definition of Directory Name The term for the folder location where a file is saved in Excel is known as the directory name. It is a crucial component in keeping your files organized and easy to locate. By understanding directory names, you can more easily sort and find files on your computer. When saving an Excel file, the directory name can be found in the ‘Save As’ window under the ‘File Name’ box. It indicates where the file will be stored on your computer. Additionally, you can view and edit the directory name by right-clicking on a file and selecting ‘Properties’, then navigating to the ‘General’ tab. It is important to choose meaningful and descriptive directory names when organizing files. This will help you quickly locate files in the future and avoid duplicates or confusion. Additionally, creating subfolders within directories can further enhance organization and make it easier to find specific sets of files. By taking the time to properly understand directory names and implementing good organizational practices, managing large numbers of Excel files can become much less overwhelming. Without a clear directory name in Excel, you’ll feel lost like a squirrel trying to find its nuts in a snowstorm. Importance of Directory Name Directory Name in Excel: Unlocking Its Importance The directory name in Excel is a crucial element that aids users in understanding the location where data files are saved. It also enables easy accessing of file paths, ensuring smooth recollection and sharing with colleagues. Thus, comprehending the role of the directory name is essential for an efficient workflow and organized storage of data. When operating on multiple spreadsheets simultaneously or working in a team environment, it gets challenging to keep track of vital data files, leading to confusion. Here comes the importance of the directory name which serves as a roadmap guiding you through file paths and helping access needed information quickly. The directory name also plays a critical role in ensuring backup and file restoration processes are executed without any hassle. By providing correct file paths to restore, it not only saves us time but also helps prevent losses due to incorrect or untraceable pathways. It’s intriguing to note that while directory names typically show relevance to content stored within them, they vary from individual to individual depending on their preference and convenience in identifying file locations.(Source: The author’s experience) Say goodbye to Excel file confusion and hello to directory domination with these simple steps. How to Find the Directory Name in Excel Find the dir. name in Excel. Use the CELL, LEFT and SUBSTITUTE functions. These sub-sections have methods to get the directory name from a full file path. Excel can help! Using the CELL Function By leveraging the CELL function, you can locate the directory name in Excel. Using this technique, you can swiftly retrieve the path where your worksheet or workbook is saved. Add a formula to any cell within the worksheet: =CELL("filename"). This formula will return the complete path and file name of the active worksheet with brackets enclosing them. Being able to fetch the specific location of your files from within Excel using just one function can save you a lot of time and effort. By using these simple steps, you’ll be able to effortlessly find directory names whenever you need to. If you’re looking to perform this operation frequently, consider creating an alias shortcut that opens directly on your taskbar – it’s even faster than locating it in Excel. Another suggestion is to create a custom ribbon tab for frequently used functions, including this one. Both of these techniques are quick, easy ways to save time and streamline your workflow. If you’re going LEFT in Excel, make sure to take a right turn at Albuquerque before things get too confusing. Using the LEFT Function The LEFT Function to Obtain the Directory Name in Excel To obtain the directory name in Excel, the LEFT function can be used. This function extracts a specific number of characters from a string, starting from the left side. Follow these 3 steps to use the LEFT function: - Select an empty cell where the directory name will be displayed; - Type “=LEFT” to start the formula; - Within parentheses, enter “CELL(“filename”,A1)” and “FIND(“[“,CELL(“filename”,A1),1)-2″. This will create a formula that uses the left function to extract the directory name from a file path. Additionally, by using this method, one can avoid manual typing or formatting while obtaining consistent results each time it is used. A user once struggled with finding a particular directory name as they had renamed several folders within it. By following simple instructions on how to use the LEFT function in Excel, they were able to extract all relevant data and quickly find their desired folder. SUBSTITUTE your directory search frustrations with this handy Excel function. Using the SUBSTITUTE Function To locate the directory name in Excel, you can use a powerful and versatile function called SUBSTITUTE. Substitute allows you to effortlessly switch one character or string of characters with another within a specified text string. By using this feature, you can replace unwanted text within your file path and extract only the necessary directory name. To achieve this result, enter the substitute function into a cell followed by your desired file path reference brackets, then input the unwanted characters in double quotes along with new quotes that will remove them. For example, if you have a path that reads “C:\\User\\Documents\\Folder\\“, but only want to view “Folder“, you would write “=SUBSTITUTE(“C:\\Users\\Documents\\Folder\\“,”C:\\Users\\Documents\\”,””)” without quotes. It is worth noting that some paths may require additional substitution formulas due to varying levels of file depth or other criteria. For more complicated or elaborate paths, ensure each element is individually tailored before applying SUBSTITUTE. In one instance, an IT professional successfully modified numerous data source paths by using SUBSTITUTE after company-wide migration of network servers. This solution saved application restarts and limitless reconfigurations for several departments at the fortune 500 firm. Organizing directory names in Excel is like herding cats, but these tips will help you avoid a hairball of confusion. Tips and Tricks for Managing Directory Names in Excel Want efficient Excel directory names? Follow these tricks! - Use consistent naming conventions. - Include date and version in the name. - Create a sheet only for directory names. Discover why these are so important! Image credits: chouprojects.com by Yuval Arnold Using Consistent Naming Conventions Consistency in Naming Conventions is crucial in proper directory management. It ensures easy identification of files or folders in Excel without having to open them. Furthermore, it aids in classification and organization and enables automated sorting and filtering. To ensure consistency, use descriptive names that provide relevant details such as file type, version numbers, or dates. Additionally, consider using a standardized prefix or suffix to differentiate between similar yet distinct files. This practice ensures that the naming structure remains understandable to all parties involved. Furthermore, avoiding the use of spaces and characters such as slashes or colons is essential. Using these can cause errors or result in the creation of multiple directories on different operating systems. Finally, consider implementing a naming policy or convention within your organization to maintain consistent directory structures across all departments. This practice promotes teamwork and ensures everyone adheres to similar standards for easier collaboration and communication. Adding dates and versions to your directory name is like giving your work a birth certificate and a passport – it adds legitimacy and makes it easier to track down. Including Date and Version in the Name When managing directories in Excel, it’s crucial to include the date and version in the name. This enables better tracking of files and reduces confusion when multiple versions are involved. Here are five points to keep in mind when including the date and version in directory names: - Use a consistent naming format throughout. - Put the date first, followed by the version number. - Keep the names short but descriptive. - Avoid using special characters or spaces. - Update the name after every revision or update. In addition to these points, it’s also worth noting that including a brief description of what the file contains can be helpful for others who may need to access it later. To ensure smooth file management and easy access, don’t forget to include dates and version numbers in your directory names. By doing so, you’ll save time and avoid chaos caused by multiple versions of the same file. Don’t let disorganized files slow you down – start implementing these tips today! Don’t let directory names clutter your Excel sheet- give them their own space to roam free! Creating a Separate Sheet for Directory Names To organize directory names in Excel, a separate sheet can be created. This sheet will store all directory names and make it easier to manage the data. Here is a 3-step guide for creating a separate sheet for directory names: - Open the Excel file and create a new worksheet. - In the first row of the new worksheet, add column headers for Directory Name, Folder Path, Date Created and Date Modified. - Copy and paste or manually enter all directory names into this newly created sheet. Fill in relevant details into the other columns. It’s important to ensure that all Directory Names are correctly spelled, or else searching for them later could prove difficult. Aside from creating a separate sheet, there are other options to consider when managing directory names. One suggestion is to use naming conventions, like using abbreviations or numbering systems, which can make it easier to locate directories later on. Another suggestion is to regularly audit and clean up unneeded directories, which will help streamline the data and make it easier to identify relevant information. Overall, creating a separate sheet for directory names helps in efficiently storing important information. By understanding tips and tricks for managing directory names in Excel eliminates conflict with manually looking through folders every time you need something specific. Well, now you know how to manage your directories in Excel. Just make sure your file names are more organized than your love life. Summary of Findings After extensive research and analysis, it has been determined that finding the directory name in Excel can be accomplished through various methods. The most effective way is to use the “=CELL(“filename”)” formula, which returns the full path of the currently open file. From this formula, we can extract the directory name using text functions such as LEFT, RIGHT and FIND. Moreover, another method is to use VBA macros to retrieve the directory name programmatically. This approach requires expertise in Visual Basic programming and is not recommended for novice users. It is important to note that when sharing workbooks or templates with others, absolute cell references should be used instead of relative cell references to ensure accurate directory results. In addition, knowing how to manipulate strings using text functions in Excel will help simplify this task. By combining LEN function and & character operator, a flexible solution can be built that retrieves the directory name without having to adjust for different file names or locations. During a recent project involving spreadsheet management, our team realized that utilizing these methods significantly improved our workflow and saved valuable time. Remembering these techniques can aid other professionals seeking solutions for Excel-related challenges. Importance of Proper Directory Naming in Excel. Having an organized directory structure in Excel is crucial for efficient data management. Properly naming directories ensure that data can be easily located and accessed, preventing disorganization and confusion. Without an appropriate naming convention, locating files becomes time-consuming, and sometimes even impossible. Naming conventions must be consistent throughout the entire directory structure to maximize efficiency. Consistency in naming also contributes to easier data manipulation when performing tasks such as sorting or filtering. The lack of consistency in naming leads to duplicate files with different names, causing unnecessary storage use and redundancy issues. In addition to facilitating easy access to Excel files, proper directory naming can also lead to more organized file archives, reducing storage costs. It is recommended that companies have a standardized name format policy tailored to their workflows for excellent data management. In 1999, NASA lost a $125 million Mars orbiter due to incompatible units between two systems’ software; one used metric measurements while the other used English. This costly error highlights the importance of proper organization within a system and valuing the significance of proper directory naming conventions in Excel applications. FAQs about Finding The Directory Name In Excel What is ‘Finding the Directory Name in Excel’? ‘Finding the Directory Name in Excel’ is the process of locating the folder or directory path where an Excel file is saved. Why is ‘Finding the Directory Name in Excel” important? ‘Finding the Directory Name in Excel’ is important because it helps users to locate the exact location where their Excel file is saved. This will help users to avoid confusion and save time when working with their Excel files. How do I Find the Directory Name in Excel? To find the directory name in Excel, open the file and click on ‘File’ in the upper left corner. Then, click on ‘Info’ from the left-hand menu. The directory path will be listed under ‘General Information’. Is there a shortcut to find the Directory Name in Excel? Yes, there is a shortcut to find the directory name in Excel. Press ‘Ctrl + O’ to open the ‘Open File’ dialog box, then right-click on the file and select ‘Properties’. The directory path will be listed under ‘General’. What happens if I cannot find the Directory Name in Excel? If you cannot find the directory name in Excel, it may be possible that the file has not been saved yet. If you have saved the file, make sure to search your computer for the file name to locate where it is saved. Can I change the Directory Name in Excel? Yes, you can change the directory name in Excel by clicking ‘Save As’ and selecting the folder or directory where you want to save the file.
Space helps to guide the user and provide a consistent experience within products Space is the distance between elements on a screen. It’s often referred to as whitespace. Good use of whitespace can de-clutter and group content to provide a visual hierarchy. This helps users focus on what matters, and reduces cognitive load. An 8px base spacing in design systems refers to the use of an 8-pixel unit as the foundational spacing measurement for defining the vertical and horizontal distances between elements. It serves as a consistent reference point for maintaining visual alignment and balance throughout the design system. Here's how the 8px base spacing is typically implemented: - Grid system: The 8px base spacing forms the basis of a grid system within the design system. The grid is divided into 8-pixel increments, allowing for consistent and precise alignment of elements. This grid helps designers maintain a sense of order and rhythm in the layout, making it easier to position and space elements uniformly. - Margins and padding: Margins and padding around components, such as buttons, cards, or containers, are often defined using the 8px base spacing. This ensures consistent spacing between elements and maintains visual harmony across different screen sizes and layouts. For example, a component might have 8px of padding on each side or a margin of 16px between adjacent components. - Vertical spacing: The 8px base spacing is also applied to establish consistent vertical spacing between different sections or blocks of content. This includes the spacing between paragraphs, headings, images, or any other vertical elements within the layout. By adhering to the 8px base spacing, designers ensure a harmonious and balanced vertical rhythm throughout the design system. - Modular scaling: The 8px base spacing can be scaled proportionally to accommodate different sizes or scales within the design system. For example, elements with larger sizes might have a 16px or 24px spacing, while smaller elements might have a 4px or 6px spacing. This modular scaling allows for flexibility while maintaining the overall consistency and alignment of the design. - Responsiveness: The 8px base spacing is adaptable to different screen sizes and responsive layouts. It helps designers maintain consistent spacing proportions and avoid inconsistencies that may arise when elements are resized or rearranged. This ensures that the design remains visually pleasing and usable across various devices and screen resolutions. By establishing an 8px base spacing in a design system, designers can achieve a consistent and harmonious layout, where all the elements are properly aligned and spaced. This approach helps maintain visual coherence, scalability, and usability, while providing a solid foundation for the overall design aesthetic. Component spacing refers to the arrangement and distance between individual elements within a specific user interface component, such as a button, form field, or card. It involves determining the optimal spacing to achieve visual balance, usability, and clarity within the component. There are several key considerations when establishing component spacing: - Margins: Margins refer to the space between the component's boundaries and the adjacent elements or edges of the layout. Appropriate margin values ensure that the component doesn't appear cramped or crowded, allowing it to stand out and maintain a clear visual distinction from surrounding elements. - Padding: Padding refers to the space between the content or interactive elements within the component and its boundaries. Sufficient padding helps create breathing room, preventing the content from feeling cramped and making it easier for users to interact with specific elements within the component. - Internal spacing: Internal spacing refers to the distance between different elements within the component itself. It includes the spacing between text, buttons, icons, images, or any other interactive or informative elements contained within the component. Proper internal spacing ensures that these elements have enough separation to be visually distinct and easily recognizable. - Proportions: Maintaining consistent proportions and relationships between different elements within a component is essential. For example, the spacing between a button's text and its edges should be balanced to avoid an uneven appearance. Consistency in proportions contributes to a cohesive and polished design. Layout spacing refers to the arrangement and distribution of elements within a design or layout. It involves the intentional placement of spaces between various components such as text, images, buttons, and other graphical elements. Proper spacing is crucial for achieving a balanced and visually appealing composition. Effective layout spacing provides several benefits. First, it enhances readability and comprehension by allowing elements to breathe and stand out individually. Adequate spacing prevents elements from appearing cluttered or cramped, making it easier for users to navigate and understand the content. Consistency in spacing is also important for maintaining visual harmony across different screens and devices. A well-defined spacing system, often based on a predefined unit or grid, ensures that the spaces between elements are proportionate and consistent. This creates a sense of coherence and professionalism in the overall design. Additionally, layout spacing can be used strategically to guide the user's attention and establish visual hierarchy. By adjusting the spacing between elements, designers can emphasize certain elements or group related items together. This helps users understand the relationships between different components and directs their focus to key areas of the layout. In summary, layout spacing plays a vital role in creating visually appealing and user-friendly designs. It ensures readability, consistency, and visual hierarchy, ultimately contributing to a positive user experience.
What is the fourth industrial revolution? When computers were added to factories, they disrupted the established processes and allowed for much greater efficiencies. The process is now being taken one step further as computers are being linked together to generate data and ultimately to make decisions. A combination of Cuber Physical Systems (CPS), the Internet of Things and the principles of Industry 4.0 are responsible for bringing together these elements under one roof. As a result of the continuous improvements in factories, construction and quarry companies these industries are becoming less wasteful and more efficient. The Four Industrial Revolutions - The widespread use of mechanisation in industry - The widespread use of electrical energy in industry - The widespread use of computers in industry - Smart machines and products which control their own manufacturing process The fourth industrial revolution is enabled by internet technologies and the emergence of smart machines and products. The expression used for this fourth industrial revolution is Industry 4.0, an idiom that is a rumination of software revision labelling.7. Four fundamental concepts define the Industry 4.0 initiative. The “house of” is a popular paradigm often applied to the lean initiative10; this model can also be utilised for the Industry 4.0 Factory. History of Industry 4.0 The first three industrial revolutions spanned almost 200 years. The first industrial revolution began in the late 18th century with the introduction of large-scale mechanical looms for fabric production.1 From the 1870s on, the widespread use of electrical energy led to the second industrial revolution.2. The third industrial revolution began in the 1970s when newly developed electronics promoted the computerisation of manufacturing processes. 1,2. The Germanic term Industrie 4.0 was first used in 2011 to describe the fourth industrial revolution, the introduction of Internet technologies into industry. 1 The first industrial revolution was marked by the establishment of mechanised production works in the late 1700s. The founding of a water-powered cotton spinning mill at New Lanark, Scotland, in 1796 is a notable example of the first industrial revolution.3 The New Lanark spinning mill operation became a model example from the first industrial revolution of advancement and improved prosperity through the application of new technology and the adoption of social responsibility 4. Kagermann, Lukas and Wahlster first published the principal ideas of Industry 4.0 in 20115 6. In America, a concept similar to Industry 4.0 has been generated and named the Industrial Internet by General Electric1. The expressions Industrial Internet and the Internet of Things are often used with a similar meaning to the German expression Industry 4.0. Key concept 1: The Smart Factory As shown in the below image, The Smart Factory, serves as the foundation of the Industry 4.0 Factory. The Smart Factory is a manufacturing facility that harvests data from equipment sensors to enable its self-directed systems. This data needs to be transferred from the manufacturing equipment sensors to centralised Information Technology (IT) databases for analysis and monitoring. Key concept 2: Cyber-Physical Systems The first column of the Industry 4.0 Factory is Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) CPSs are hardware-software systems that control and monitor physical processes. Key Concept 3: Cobots The second column of the Industry 4.0 factory is Cobots. Cobots, collaborative robots, are robots designed to cooperatively assist their human operators. Key Concept 4: Decentralised Decision Making Decentralised decision making serves as the roof of the Industry 4.0 factory and provides shelter to the others. The Industry 4.0 workplace mandates a high degree of self-regulated autonomy with decentralised leadership and management approaches. Employees have greater freedom to make their own decisions, become more actively engaged, and have better control of their workload. This allows for faster decision making and a more engaged workforce. Industry 4.0 Technologies Within the Industry 4.0 Factory, numerous tools help enhance and deliver improvements in efficiency and productivity. These include Digital Twins, Augmented and Virtual Reality, Cybersecurity, Additive Manufacturing, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The digital transformation is driven by Industry 4.0 and scientific advancement, so the Industry 4.0 factory tool kit is constantly added to and improved. Advances in Quantum computing, 6G technology, wearables, and neurotechnology ensure that Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation never stop. Applications of Industry 4.0 Technologies While it can be difficult to identify exactly how to apply Industry 4.0 technologies to your unique case, there are aspects of every industry that can be impacted. It helps to look at the best practices out there today and see how your competitors are applying technology now. A cornerstone of Industry 4.0 is using sensors, and machine data to inform decisions. This process is not possible without first examining how the processes currently work and analysing the data to see if it can be done better. The smart factory will generate and analyse a huge amount of data from its machines. This data can then be analysed much faster and at a scale much greater than any human operator could. Most companies who implement industry 4.0 practices are able to increase their gross margin by 30% within 24 months 11 . Industry 4.0 offers the opportunity for manufacturers to optimize their operations quickly and efficiently by knowing what needs attention. Optimising Supply Chains A supply chain that is fully integrated to the processes on the factory floor, in the quarry or on the site can adjust itself to deal with unforeseen events. An example might be if a weather event closes a route or delays a delivery, the system can readjust the manufacturing priorities to deal with it. 1. Drath R, Horch A. Industrie 4.0: Hit or hype? . 2014. 2. Hermann M, Pentek T, Otto B. Design principles for industrie 4.0 scenarios. . 2016:3928-3937. 3. New Lanark Conservation Trust. The story of new lanark. Lanark, Scotland: New Lanark Conservation Trust; 1997. Accessed 2017-08-24T13:48:54+0000. 4. New Lanark Conservation Trust. Robert owen and new lanark A man ahead of his time. http://www.robert-owen.com/. Updated 2017. 5. Kagermann H, Lukas W, Wahlster W. Industrie 4.0: Mit dem internet der dinge auf dem weg zur 4. industriellen revolution. VDI nachrichten. 2011;13:11. 6. Stock T, Seliger G. Opportunities of sustainable manufacturing in industry 4.0. Procedia CIRP. 2016;40(Supplement C):536-541. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2016.01.129. 7. Lasi H, Fettke P, Kemper H, Feld T, Hoffmann M. Industry 4.0. Business & Information Systems Engineering. 2014;6(4):239. 8. Kagermann H, Helbig J, Hellinger A, Wahlster W. Recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative INDUSTRIE 4.0: Securing the future of german manufacturing industry; final report of the industrie 4.0 working group. Forschungsunion; 2013. 9. Hofmann E, Rüsch M. Industry 4.0 and the current status as well as future prospects on logistics. Comput Ind. 2017;89:23-34. 10. Flinchbaugh J, Carlino A. The hitchhiker’s guide to lean. Dearborn, Michigan: Society of Manufacturing Engineers; 2006. 11. Baur C., Wee, D., 2021. [online] Available at: <https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/manufacturings-. next-act> .
Until 1985, the small B’doul tribe resided among the historic ruins of Petra. They made most of their income from tourism, serving as guides, renting out their caves, and selling food and beverages. They also sold archaeological objects found among the ruins, mostly the shards of pots. In 1985 the Jordanian government moved them to a new village. This relocation was a consequence of two ongoing projects: one to sedentarize the Bedouin, the other to give Petra the status of a national park and thus improve tourism. The actual move was 20 years in the making. Part of the B’doul strategy to resist the move was to promote themselves as descendants of the Nabateans — the builders of Petra — and thus the rightful heirs to the property. Most other Bedouin tribes stress their Muslim Arab ancestry. According to B’doul lore, by contrast, five (or seven) ancestors were being chased by Muslims when they took refuge in Petra. Eventually they were forced to surrender and convert to Islam, which is how they got their name: from baddalu dinuhum (they exchanged their religion). J. L. Burckhardt first brought Petra to the attention of the Western world in 1806 followed throughout the nineteenth century by other travelers. In those days travel into Petra was risky because of the determination of the site’s guardian tribes to block the incursion of infidels. One type of nineteenth-century traveler was scholars, like Burckhardt, fluent in Arabic passing through to Mecca. They traveled in disguise as Muslim pilgrims, so their knowledge of Arabic, Islam and local relations among tribes was crucial to their safety. Christians on Holy Land adventures to rediscover biblical geography also traveled through the region associating the Bedouin they met with the people who lived in the same general area some 2,000 years before. By the beginning of the twentieth century, these two types of travelers were joined by an ever growing legion of archaeologists, geographers, geologists and other scientists. The B’doul hired themselves out as guides and laborers. Tourism in general was on the rise throughout this century, giving the B’doul increasing opportunities to interact with and profit from foreigners. The completion of the Hijaz railway in 1906 took Petra off the Mecca pilgrimage route, and undermined the power and influence of tribes in Jordan, including the B’douls’ patron tribe, the ‘Alawin. In 1948, with the establishment of Israel, the B’doul lost access to their main commercial trading centers: Beersheva, Gaza and Egypt. It was then that they retreated into Petra’s ruins, occupying the carved shelters and growing crops in open areas near the monuments. Thomas Cook built the first hotel in Petra in the 1930s. A second was opened in 1958. During this period the number of tourists increased considerably. The B’douls’ move to occupy the site itself was a way for them to affirm their own presence and assert their claim to Petra. This was reinforced when the Jordanian government passed a law granting title to all those who made agricultural use of arable land. For several decades before they were relocated, the B’doul coexisted with tourists inside the site. The more well-known they became among Westerners, the more other Jordanian Bedouin rejected and despised them. The B’doul responded in two ways. They emphasized their Bedouin lifestyle by erecting tents in front of each family’s cave, and they injected new meaning into their origins myth, highlighting their pre-Bedouin, pre-Islamic roots grounded in the site of Petra. The B’doul themselves were a major tourist attraction, a “living museum” infusing the stony splendor of Petra with life. Tourists of the twentieth century were just as eager as their nineteenth-century forebearers to see in the B’doul a direct link to a biblical past. The B’doul played the game. If the tourists wanted to see in them the incarnation of the Nabateans, they accepted the role. For the B’doul, the promotion of a particular identity was a strategy to gain recognition, with Petra as backdrop. The B’doul’s appropriation of Petra as their tribal patrimony was a way of capitalizing on the prestigious past of this most famous Jordanian tourist site. Since 1985, the B’doul have resided in a government-built village and have gained a different kind of social recognition. Within the Jordanian national context, as elsewhere, tribal territory no longer holds the value it once did. Today, living in an urban area is a sign of integration and fluency in the modern cosmopolitanized world. This law was reversed in 1962-1964, when the Jordanian Department of Antiquities forbade all agriculture in the site. The B’doul moved their fields to Jabal Haroun and Bayda. For an account of Jewish-Israeli attitudes toward the Bedouin of the Sinai, see Smadar Lavie, “Birds, Bedouins and Desert Wanderlust,” Middle East Report 150 (January-February 1988).
A new, very precise, method of determining which brain cells lead to epileptic episodes in children has been developed by a team at University of Texas at Arlington and collaborators. Currently, epilepsy surgery is the safest and most effective treatment for these patients and offers a 50% chance of eliminating seizures. The team used noninvasive techniques and advanced computational methods to measure the electric and magnetic signals generated by neural cells and identify functional networks responsible for the generation of seizures in children with epilepsy. “This could benefit so many children who can’t control epilepsy with drugs, which represents between 20 and 30% of children suffering from epilepsy,” said Christos Papadelis, senior author, who also serves as the director of research in the Jane and John Justin Neurosciences Center at Cook Children’s Health Care System. The paper was published in Brain, and the lead author is Ludovica Corona. It was produced in collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School. Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting about 3.4 million people in the United States. Of those, about 470,000 are children, or about one of every 100 children in the U.S. Children with uncontrolled seizures are at increased risk for poor long-term intellectual and psychological outcomes, along with poor health-related quality of life. As these authors write, “Epilepsy is increasingly considered a disorder of brain networks. Studying these networks with functional connectivity can help identify hubs that facilitate the spread of epileptiform activity.” This team retrospectively analyzed simultaneous high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography data recorded from 37 children and young adults with drug-resistant epilepsy who had neurosurgery. Then, using source imaging, they estimated virtual sensors at locations where intracranial EEG contacts were placed. They found that virtual implantation of sensors could non-invasively identify highly connected hubs in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. “By identifying which parts of the brain are producing the seizures, we can then resect them with brain surgery or ablate them with laser,” Papadelis said. “The test we developed pinpoints exactly where the epilepsy network is occurring. Currently, there is no clinical exam to identify this brain area with high precision.” “Seizures affect these children throughout their entire life and have significant impact in their normal development,” he added. “Successful treatment of epilepsy through surgery or laser ablation early in life would provide an improved outcome for these children since their brains possess extensive neural plasticity and can recover after surgery better than adult brains. This would help the children live seizure-free and have less comorbidities from epilepsy.”
medieval women’s hairstyles medieval women’s hairstyles Medieval women’s hairstyles varied depending on the time period, social status, and region. Here are a few examples of popular hairstyles during the Middle Ages: - Loose Hair: Many women wore their hair loose and flowing, especially during the early medieval period. Long hair was often considered a symbol of beauty and femininity. - Braids: Braided hairstyles were quite common and varied in complexity. Women would weave their hair into elaborate braids or multiple smaller braids. These braids were sometimes adorned with ribbons, beads, or jeweled pins. - Buns: Women often wore their hair in buns, positioned at the back of the head or on top. These buns could be simple and neat or more intricate and decorated with hairnets, veils, or decorative combs. - Tightly Pulled Back: In some regions and during certain time periods, women would pull their hair tightly back from the face and secure it at the nape of the neck. This style was often achieved with the help of hairnets, veils, or head coverings. - Wimples and Veils: Married women, particularly in the later Middle Ages, commonly covered their hair with veils or wimples. Wimples were a type of cloth that covered the hair, neck, and chin, leaving only the face exposed. - Curls and Waves: Some women used hot irons, rods, or other methods to curl or wave their hair. These curls could be left loose or incorporated into braids or updos. It’s important to note that the specific hairstyles and trends varied across different regions and social classes during the medieval period. Additionally, religious beliefs and cultural practices also influenced women’s hairstyles during this time. medieval women’s cuts In medieval times, women’s hairstyles were generally not characterized by specific cuts as we understand them today. Haircuts were not as common or fashionable during that era. Instead, women typically grew their hair long and styled it in various ways using braids, buns, or other techniques. Trimming the ends of the hair to maintain its health and prevent split ends was likely practiced, but significant haircuts or short styles were not prevalent. Women’s hair was often considered an important aspect of their femininity and beauty, and long hair was typically preferred. Cutting one’s hair short was more commonly associated with religious orders, such as nuns or certain groups of beguines, who would shave or crop their hair as part of their vows. It’s important to keep in mind that the specific customs and practices surrounding women’s hairstyles varied across time, regions, and social classes throughout the medieval period. Medieval women’s hairstyles varied depending on factors such as social status, region, and the specific time period within the medieval era. Here are some general trends and styles associated with medieval women’s hairstyles: - Long, Loose Hair: In many medieval societies, especially during the early and high medieval periods, long hair was considered a symbol of femininity and beauty. Women often wore their hair loose or loosely braided. - Braids and Plaits: Braiding was a common practice in medieval hairstyles. Women would often weave their long hair into intricate braids or plaits. The number and style of braids could vary, and some women adorned their braids with ribbons, beads, or metal decorations. - Head Coverings: Depending on the region and cultural norms, women might cover their hair with veils, wimples, or other head coverings. These coverings were often worn for modesty and were an integral part of medieval fashion. - Hair Tucked Under Headdresses: Women of higher social classes often wore headdresses that covered their hair partially or completely. These headdresses could be elaborate and varied widely across different regions and time periods. - Curls and Waves: While the predominant image is often of long, straight hair, some women curled or waved their hair. This was achieved using various methods, including hot irons or wrapping hair around fabric strips. - Tight Buns or Chignons: In the later medieval period, especially during the Gothic era, women began to wear their hair in tighter buns or chignons. These styles were often combined with veils or other head coverings. - Hennin and St. Birgitta’s Cap: In the later medieval period, particularly in the 14th and 15th centuries, women’s headwear became more elaborate. The hennin, a high, cone-shaped headdress, and St. Birgitta’s cap, a close-fitting cap with a veil, were fashionable during this time. - Hairnet and Snood: Hairnets and snoods were used to secure and cover hair. They were often made of fabric, silk, or metal mesh and could be simple or decorated. It’s important to note that the depiction of medieval hairstyles in art and literature might not always reflect the everyday styles worn by women of all social classes. Additionally, regional variations and cultural differences played a significant role in shaping medieval fashion and hairstyles. Medieval women’s hairstyles varied depending on factors such as social status, region, and fashion trends of the time. Here are some general characteristics and examples of medieval women’s hairstyles: - Loose Hair: - Many women in medieval times wore their hair loose or with minimal styling. Long, flowing hair was often considered a symbol of beauty. - Braids and Plaits: - Braids were a common element in medieval hairstyles. Women would often weave their hair into intricate patterns, and braids were sometimes adorned with ribbons, beads, or other decorative elements. - Head Coverings: - Women in the medieval period often covered their hair, especially if they were married or belonged to a higher social class. Veils, wimples, and hoods were commonly worn to cover and protect the hair. - Circlets and Headbands: - Some women adorned their hairstyles with circlets or headbands, especially during special occasions. These accessories were often made of metal, adorned with jewels, or decorated with intricate patterns. - Hair Nets: - Hair nets were used to keep hair in place and prevent it from getting tangled. These nets could be simple or elaborately decorated, depending on the woman’s social status. - Tight Buns and Chignons: - In certain regions and time periods, women wore their hair in tight buns or chignons at the back of the head. These hairstyles provided a neat and practical way to manage long hair. - Tudor and Elizabethan Styles: - During the Tudor and Elizabethan eras (late medieval to early modern period), women’s hairstyles became more elaborate. High foreheads were fashionable, and hair was often pulled back and shaped into intricate styles. Wigs were also sometimes used to achieve specific looks. - In the late medieval period, the hennin became a popular headdress. This cone-shaped hat was often worn by noblewomen and was sometimes paired with a veil. The hennin influenced the way women styled their hair, encouraging a more vertical and elongated appearance. It’s important to note that the specific styles varied across different centuries, regions, and social classes. Additionally, the availability of resources and changing fashion trends influenced the way women styled their hair in medieval times. Artwork, manuscripts, and historical records can provide insights into the diverse hairstyles of women during this period.
WS2 is an inorganic compound composed of tungsten and sulfur, chemical formula WS2. The compound is part of a class of materials called transition metal dihalides. It occurs naturally in the form of the rare mineral tungsten. This material is a component of some catalysts used for hydrodesulfurization and hydrodenitrification. Is WS2 toxic? WS2 does not pose a significant health hazard and exposure is mainly associated with dust from crushing and grinding operations. Long-term inhalation of dust can cause damage to a person's lungs. Is WS2 magnetic? WS2 (WS2) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) are two of the most popular industrial dry film lubricants. Both are similar in appearance, color, and high chemical durability. Both are dry lubricants, non-magnetic, and compatible with liquids such as paints, oils, fuels, and solvents WS2 is used as a catalyst for hydrotreating crude oil together with other materials. In recent years, WS2 has also been used in saturable passive mode-locked fiber lasers to generate femtosecond pulses. Flake WS2 is used as a dry lubricant for fasteners, bearings, and molds, and has important uses in aerospace and military industries.WS2 can be applied to metal surfaces without the need for adhesives or curing. Large single crystal WS2 single layer With the performance of silicon-based semiconductor technology approaching the limit, new materials that can technically replace or partially replace silicon are urgently required. More recently, the emergence of graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials provides a new platform for building next-generation semiconductor technologies. Among them, transition metal halogens (TMDs), such as MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, WSe2, are the most attractive two-dimensional semiconductors. The premise for building super-scale high-performance semiconductor circuits is that the substrate must be a single wafer, like the silicon wafers used today. Despite considerable efforts to develop TMD wafer-level single crystals, success to date has been very limited. Professor Ding Feng and his research team from the Multidimensional Carbon Materials Research Center (CMCM) at the Institute for Basic Science Research (IBS) of the United Nations University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with researchers from Peking University, Beijing Institute of Technology, and Fudan University, have recently reported a method for directly growing 2-inch single crystal WS2 monolayer films. In addition to WS2, the research team also demonstrated the growth of single-crystal MoS2, WSe2, and MoSe2 at the wafer scale. The key technique for epitaxial growth of large single crystals is to ensure that all small crystals grown on the substrate are uniformly arranged. Since THE TMD has an acentric symmetry or the mirror image of the TMD has an opposite arrangement concerning its edge, we must break this symmetry by carefully designing the substrate. Based on the theoretical calculation, the author proposed a "double coupling guided epitaxial growth" experimental design mechanism. The ws2-sapphire plane interaction is the first driving force, resulting in two preferred antiparallel directions for WS2 island.WS2's coupling to the sapphire step edge is the second driving force that breaks the degeneracy of the two antiparallel directions. Then, all the TMD single crystals grown on the step edge substrate are unidirectional, and finally, these small single crystals merge to form the same size substrate large single crystals. "This new double-coupled epitaxial growth mechanism is new for the growth of controlled materials. In principle, if we find the right substrate, we can grow all 2D materials into single crystals with large areas."Ting Cheng, one of the study's first authors."We have thought theoretically about how to choose the right substrate. First, the substrate should have less symmetry, and second, it is better to have more steps." "This is an important step forward in the field of two-dimensional material devices. With the successful growth of wafer-level single-crystal 2D TMD on transition metal substrates other than graphene and hBN insulators, our research provides a necessary building block for the high-end applications of 2D semiconductors in electronics and optical devices, "explained Professor Ding Feng. TRUNNANO (aka. Luoyang Tongrun Nano Technology Co. Ltd.) is a trusted global chemical material supplier & manufacturer with over 12 years of experience in providing super high-quality chemicals and Nanomaterials. Currently, our company has successfully developed a series of materials. The WS2 produced by our company has high purity, fine particle size, and impurity content. Send us an email or click on the needed products to send an inquiry.
Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum ssp. vulgare) showing hairy leaves & red-purple stems Mouse-ear chickweed is a winter annual weed with a vigorous, low-growing habit. The reddish stems may root at nodes when in contact with the soil. The flowers are small and white, with slightly notched petals. Seeds germinate in fall and grow during the cool winter months. Summer heat kills chickweed, though in cooler regions it can act as a perennial or biennial. It produces many small, white flowers and seeds throughout the winter. Common chickweed (Stellaria media). Leaves are hairless, stems are lighter and finer than mouse-ear chickweed. Common chickweed is an annual winter weed similar in growing season, habit and flowers to mouse-ear chickweed. The stems of common chickweed are finer with less red coloration, and the plant lacks hairs on the leaf surface. Leaves are light or bright green as opposed to dark green. The petals of common chickweed are so deeply notched as to appear as two separate petals. Seeds dropped by common chickweed in cooler months can germinate and grow immediately; seeds dropped closer to summer will remain dormant until cooler weather and shorter days return in fall. These multiple generations per season can create very large, dense patches very quickly, choking out desirable plants and grasses. |Dark green, with soft hairs on leaf surface |Bright/light green, few/no hairs on leaf surface |5-petaled, white, small notch on petals |5-petaled, white, very deep notch on petals (looks like 10 petals) |Red-purple and quite hairy |Green-brown, some hairs Mouse-ear chickweed flower. Note the small notch on petals. Common chickweed flower, showing the deep notch on the petals. Cultural Issues & Controls Both chickweeds are capable of flowering even when mowed closely, and are more tolerant of shade and wet soils than turf grasses. Mouse-ear chickweed is also tolerant of compacted clay soils. Both thrive as lawn weeds as their fertility and pH needs are similar to most turf grasses. The best defense is a healthy, thick lawn that keeps sunlight from reaching the soil and aiding weed seed germination. This can be achieved with good fertility, mowing regularly to the proper height, and lawn aeration to encourage thick growth. Pre-emergents in fall and applied through winter can prevent chickweed seed from germinating, though if you plan on lawn seeding in fall, pre-emergent weed control must be delayed until new grass has been mowed twice. Chickweeds can also be controlled by most selective and non-selective post-emergent herbicides. - Mouse-ear chickweed-Forest & Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0 US - Common chickweed-Wilhelm Zimmerling PAR / CC BY SA - Mouse-ear chickweed flower-Phil Sellens from East Sussex / CC BY 2.0 - Common chickweed flower-Kaldari by CC0 (public domain)
In the German Kaiserreich (1871–1918) there existed a complex political culture of imperialism, much of which was entangled with other aspects of German public life. The culture comprised many elements, and from them more than one imperialist ideology was constructed. This commentary focuses on four particularly important aspects of German imperialist culture. A few caveats are required upfront. These observations about German imperialism adopt the standpoint of political culture as the concept is employed by political anthropologists. I will attempt to identify certain connected sets of attitudes, beliefs, speech forms, images, and repeated behaviors that informed the aims and actions of Germans who considered themselves to be imperialists, that gave meaning to their ideological constructions, and that filled in their maps of the world. Although political culture is not a particularly useful approach to accounting for or predicting specific events, it can facilitate understanding of the contexts in which decisions are made. The Specter of Great Britain Images of Britain loomed over German public life throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The affective aspects of these images were often contradictory, even in the minds of individuals: fear, desire to emulate, envy, admiration, and occasionally disdain. During the period of the Kaiserreich, images of the United States tended increasingly to become connected to those of Britain, often through the category “Anglo-Saxon.” To Germans thinking, talking, and writing about their country’s relationship to the world overseas, Britain was unavoidable. The British had apparently defined the forms though which modern Europeans engaged with the rest of the globe, and they possessed the naval and financial power to structure such engagements to their own liking. Germans often exaggerated the practical extent of British power. Those with significant knowledge of commerce usually realized that the current world economy had been created not by the British alone but through the activity of Europeans of various nationalities, no small number of whom had been Germans. What the British had done was coordinate an international effort, maintain a loose hegemony over it, and bend it to their own advantage.1 To Germans who consciously advertised themselves as “imperialists,” images of Britain were even more central. Most were aware that they were directly imitating a British political fashion, with attendant terminology, that had appeared in the 1870s and 1880s. As a form of political expression and as a way of conceptualizing political action, the “new imperialism” was largely an adaptation of a British product. Although in fact the wide array of ideological and practical elements that came quickly to be attached to imperialism in Germany arose from many sources, they were mostly constructed so as to appear to be derived from and validated by the British imperial experience. Modes of colonial governance, “native policies,” models for colonial architecture, and the foreign policy stance known as “Weltpolitik” were represented in this way. Even when it came to Eastern Europe, where imperialists made much of centuries of German movement and colonization, it was the forms of Anglo-Saxon settlement in North America and Australasia that were customarily taken as the appropriate models for future German expansion. To imperialists, Britain was at once the aspirant model for Germany and the prime obstacle to achieving equivalent status. Anglo-Saxon success at managing migration and establishing new European societies was admired by imperialists, but the ability of these societies to absorb emigrant Germans and to “de-Germanize” them was perceived as dangerous. Although British naval power was not as great a danger as were the French and Russian armies, it certainly was a threat to German overseas aspirations. This explains the need to build a fleet that could engage the British navy and perhaps encourage British cooperation in German imperial expansion. Caught in the complexity of their obsession with the imperial Britain that they imagined, German imperialists could almost not help advocating policies that in practice worked against the accomplishment of many of their aims. The Weight of History Constructions of history are a fundamental part of the political cultures of modern nations. Nineteenth-century Germany was no exception. Indeed, the performance of Germans in constructing their national history served as a model for other peoples around the world. In the political culture of imperialism in the Kaiserreich, certain propositions were generally accepted. Historically, Germans were colonizers. Imperialist imaginations portrayed the spread of Germans into the Slavic East during the Middle Ages as the principal cause of the region’s economic and intellectual advancement so as to legitimate their expansionary aspirations in the present. Likewise, the fact that Germans had once ruled areas now part of the Russian empire was frequently taken as establishing a right to do so again. Imperialists also drew on the conventional German narrative of more recent times, in which Germans had continually been taken advantage of by other countries. Although individual Germans and German firms had been significant participants in the establishment of European overseas hegemony, their participation had taken place under the protection of Spain, the Netherlands, and in later years Britain, resulting in no significant political gains for the German states. The contemporary consequences of having no overseas empire were, so it was said, potentially dangerous. Germany had become a major exporter of capital, and German firms were involved in commerce throughout the world, but typically as parts of networks of business relations centered in Britain and often dominated by British companies. German banks were active in the United States, but the principal firms on Wall Street were showing distressing tendencies to align themselves with those of the City of London. To convinced imperialists (supported by the directors of German firms seeking various forms of state backing), this meant that Germany had to move decisively to establish a powerful political presence around the globe. German investors in the late nineteenth century were doing very well in a financial and commercial world in which Britain—and increasingly, the British-American connection—held the upper hand, but who knew when that might change? And of course it did change in 1914, with the anticipated consequence of Germany’s being cut out of international financial markets. The onset of World War I must at least to some extent be ascribed to the aggressive policies that the German imperialists had demanded as a way to prevent that very consequence. Pride and Self-Doubt Another significant element of the political culture of German imperialism appears at first glance to be entirely social-psychological: a pattern of connected attitudes that evinced both intense pride in the recent accomplishments of Germans and fear that Germans, as a people, would be unable to maintain the same pace in the future. Similar patterns can be found in most modern political cultures and ideologies. What is interesting in the case of German imperialism is the specific forms that the pattern took. Racial factors (in the broadest sense of the term) were heavily emphasized. General xenophobia and feelings of racial revulsion played a role, but among imperialists racism was typically embodied in more “objective” assertions. German pride in constituting one of the world’s ruling peoples was often linked to suspicion that other peoples of equivalent status (the British especially) did not sufficiently appreciate German capacities, as well as to fear that contemporary Germans would fall short of the mark. With regard to non-European peoples, the counterpoint to racial pride was also fear: in the colonies, fear that miscegenation would undermine the racial superiority on which colonial rule rested; in Asia, fear that Japan and China possessed the capacity to wrest control of the world from European hegemony. There were also domestic sources, such as the fear that a socialist working class would destroy the social order that had produced German progress in the nineteenth century or the fear that modern society and industrialization would undermine the cultural and personal virtues that made the Germans a great people. What came next was essentially the same. German imperialists argued that something must be done to prevent these fears from being realized: rally the working classes to imperial expansion, ship Germans off to settlement colonies where they can develop the personal qualities needed to prevent racial decay, ban miscegenation in the colonies, prevent China from becoming a larger, more dangerous Japan. The Imperatives of Geopolitics What has been said already about imperialism in the Kaiserreich can be visualized as features of a mental map. This map was metaphorical and heuristic, and also full of inconsistencies and contradictions. But imperialism had an advantage over many other varieties of German political culture in that it was easily presented on “real” maps, which imparted to it an impression of objective reality. Of course, others could use maps as well. Otto von Bismarck is said to have dismissed a map of colonial Africa, and by implication arguments made from it, by saying, “Here is France, here is Russia, and we are in the middle. That is my map of Africa.” Representational geography was not simply a rhetorical device, however. It was part of the conceptual structure of imperialism. Latent in imperialist maps was a Hobbesian geopolitics that held that if a country did not adjust its relations with other nations to its own benefit, some other country would. German imperialists could look at a map of China and perceive the country as a promising market, but only if Germany had the power to reserve a large piece of it for itself. They could look at a map that showed Germany’s largest actual and potential trading partners (Britain, Russia, and the United States) and see markets from which they would be cut off unless Germany followed an aggressive naval policy and an expansionary colonial one. When confronted with Bismarck’s map of a potentially encircled Germany, imperialists ran into difficulties. Fear of encirclement was an aspect of most geopolitical imaginaries in Germany, whether imperialist or not. Bismarck himself, dubious about imperialism, was briefly willing to accept limited colonial expansion in part because he thought it might set off a colonial race among the other powers that would keep them from uniting. He lived to regret it. More thoroughgoing imperialists had to convince others, and themselves, that increasing German power and territory overseas would somehow counter the implications of Bismarck’s map, or else that Germany needed to acquire a territorial “buffer” around its borders, even though trying to do so would almost undoubtedly bring the encircling states together. Within the framework of a political culture, maps are not objective portrayals of reality. Instead, they objectify assumptions on which other elements of the culture rest and render those assumptions as unquestionable imperatives. These imperatives were extremely persuasive in the context of German imperialism, not only as instruments with which politicians and interest groups tried to convince others to do what they wanted but also as assertions in which many of the same politicians and groups believed implicitly. There were several other aspects of imperialist culture in the Kaiserreich, but the four discussed above are the ones most likely to interest readers concerned with similar phenomena in other places and times. These four are an emphasis on Britain as an imperial model and threat; the use of German history as a source of motives for expansion; an attitudinal context of national, ethnic, and racial pride matched by self-doubt; and a set of geopolitical imperatives embodied in ideologically loaded cartography. I have not attempted to discuss the sources or purposes of these aspects of imperialist culture. I have only hinted at their effects on Germany’s performance in world politics, which ranged from mildly self-defeating to utterly disastrous. Moreover, the specific circumstances under which imperialism functioned in German and European politics in the 19th century were quite different from those obtaining in the 21st century (except, perhaps, in the case of contemporary Russia). But an examination of the political culture of German imperialism may suggest useful insights into present-day political cultures. In the Kaiserreich, the culture of imperialism did not extend to all parts of the politically active public. Like most political cultures, it was far from homogeneous. It contained numerous practical and ideological contradictions, some of which, when they affected national policy, produced undesirable results. Although many persons in positions of authority recognized this problem, they did remarkably little about it, treating the growing dangers arising from imperialism as though they were inevitable. More than a century later, we can see that they were probably mistaken. Can we see this with regard to some of the similar beliefs that arise from our own political cultures? Woodruff D. Smith is Professor of History Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Banner illustration by Nate Christenson ©The National Bureau of Asian Research. “Flags of a Free Empire, Showing the Emblems of British Empire throughout the World,” 1910. | Wikipedia: Public Domain Proclamation of Wilhelm I as emperor of Germany at Versailles, France, in 1871. | Wikipedia: Public Domain The BASF chemical factories in Ludwigshafen, Germany, 1881. | Wikipedia: Public Domain Ironworks Borsig, Berlin, 1847. | Wikipedia: Public Domain Map of German Reich 1871–1918. | Wikipedia: CC BY-SA 2.5
From Lewis Blevins MD – LH and FSH are produced by the pituitary gland under the regulation of pulsatile secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus. LH stimulates the thecal cells around a developing egg in the ovary to produce testosterone. Testosterone is then shuttled into the follicular cells surrounding the egg which, in response to FSH, converts it to and then secretes estradiol, the primary estrogen in women. Estradiol is “measured” by and thus regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. FSH stimulates the follicular cells to Sertoli cells to do a number of important things including the recruitment of eggs and the production of a number of different proteins including follistatin, activin, and inhibin. Inhibin acts on the pituitary to inhibit FSH secretion. In general, estradiol inhibits FSH. However, in the first half of the cycle, estradiol stimulates LH secretion and leads to a mid-cycle LH surge that causes ovulation. After ovulation, the follicular cells that were nursing the egg turn into the corpus luteum and make progesterone. When a pregnancy occurs, the placenta makes hCG that maintains the corpus luteum and progesterone secretion. If pregnancy does not occur the corpus luteum dies and forms a scar. Estradiol builds then primes the uterine lining to set it up for pregnancy. Progesterone makes further important changes to prepare for implantation of a fertilized egg. When the corpus luteum dies the withdrawal of progesterone causes the uterine lining to break down and a period to start. The life of a corpus luteum is about 14 days. That time frame is fairly consistent from one woman to the next. So, if a pregnancy does not take place, menses will usually occur 14 days after ovulation. This is the case unless there is a luteal phase defect. The most common cause of a luteal phase defect is hyperprolactinemia. Progesterone elevates the woman’s basal body temperature by about 0.5 F. Thus, charts of basal body temperature, employing a special thermometer, can be used to determine ovulation so that intercourse can be timed in those desiring pregnancy. Estrogens also cause changes in cervical secretions and mucus that can be used to assess the adequacy of FSH ad estradiol production. The vaginal cells also become granular when exposed to estrogens and evaluating them under the microscope can provide a quick biological assessment of estradiol effect. There are test kits to detect the mid-cycle surge in LH. The developing ovary has about 4 million potential eggs. Most of these are lost by the time a girl starts puberty at which time there are about 400,000 eggs in her ovaries. Some of these eggs die off without ever being brought to the brink of ovulation. Every month there are 2-4 eggs nursed to the brink of ovulation but only one will ovulate. The rest will resolve in a process known as atresia. Assuming a fertility span from 13 to 51 years this means, without pregnancy, the average woman will ovulate about 456 times in her life. Thus, only about 0.01 percent of the eggs in the fetal ovaries will ever be fully prepped for fertilization. It seems like a huge waste of genetic material yet this process guarantees that only the best eggs will ever be potentially fertilized. It is clear that the longer eggs sit in the ovaries the greater the likelihood of chromosomal defects acquired during the process of meiosis. Thus, the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders is much greater in older mothers than in younger ones. Estrogen circulates as a free molecule but most of it is bound to proteins, sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Obesity and some liver diseases can lower SHBG and thus total estrogen levels. Fertility is a complicated topic. Suffice it to say that normal regular menses and an appropriate rise in basal body temperature 14 days before menses indicate normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian I do not routinely measure gonadotropin or estrogen levels in women who have regular and otherwise normal menses. If, however, one chooses to measure these then they are best done 5-7 days after the onset of menses. Conversely, LH, FSH, Estradiol, and Progesterone can be done 21-24 days after onset of menses if one wishes to confirm that ovulation did indeed occur as progesterone levels should be appropriate for the luteal phase of the cycle. The progesterone withdrawal test is occasionally used in women who have no menses but who do have symptoms and signs suggesting they do have estrogen production. In this situation, progestins are prescribed for 10 days to attempt to convert the uterine lining. Then, the drug is withheld. A woman who makes sufficient estrogens, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome or some women with a luteal phase defect, will have onset of menses 5 to 7 days after the progestin has been discontinued. Women with ovarian failure will have low or undetectable estrogen levels along with elevations in LH and FSH. These women are said to have “primary hypogonadism.” Causes include Turner syndrome, ovarian resection, infections (mumps), chemotherapy, etc. The average age of “natural” ovarian failure or menopause is 51 years. A number of illnesses and other disease processes, including those mentioned, and even a history of hysterectomy with the ovaries left in place, can lead to early menopause. Menopause is considered “normal” if it occurs after age 40. Earlier menopause due to ovarian failure should prompt evaluation of certain rare genetic disorders. Most women of menopausal age have elevations in LH and FSH. Levels are usually greater than 50 mIU/mL. In a menopausal woman, measurement of the LH and FSH levels, which should be elevated, can serve as an indicator or inference of pituitary function. Of course, those with gonadotropin-secreting adenomas may have menopausal levels of LH and FSH. The clue that some of these women may a gonadotropin-secreting adenoma is that the tumor will have caused have other pituitary hormone deficiencies and yet the gonadotropins are elevated, a situation that is distinctly unusual in menopausal-aged women with hypopituitarism. Another thing to keep in mind is that, in menopause, the pituitary is called upon to secrete large amounts of LH and FSH. It is simply trying to stimulate the ovaries not really understanding that they have failed due to age. The cells that produce LH and FSH increase in size and number. This can lead to pituitary enlargement and a situation we call pituitary hyperplasia. Sometimes, this process can cause headaches and, rarely, it can lead to visual field abnormalities. The LH and FSH levels are usually profoundly elevated. Normal levels are up to 20 mIU/mL. I’ve seen levels, on average, in pituitary hyperplasia of about 100-125 mIU/mL with the highest levels I can recall at about 185 mIU/mL! Some reproductive age women with gonadotropin-producing pituitary adenomas will have elevations in LH and/or FSH with low estrogen levels because the gonadotropins do not work and the tumor compromises normal LH and FSH production by the remaining normal pituitary gland. Rarely, a woman will have elevations in estradiol when the gonadotropins do work in the setting of a gonadotropin-producing pituitary adenoma. Women taking estrogens in high doses, such as oral contraceptives, will usually have suppressed LH and FSH levels. That’s how the estrogens and progestins in contraceptives work! The suppression can last 3-6 months after discontinuing birth control pills. A lack of menses for more than 6 months after discontinuation should prompt an evaluation for hyperprolactinemia. Of course, high dose estrogens can cause growth of prolactinomas. Most patients with hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction will have low or low-normal LH and FSH levels in the setting of low or low-normal estradiol levels. They usually are not ovulating and have no menses or menses that occur only a few times per year that are characterized as “spotting.” These women are said to have “central hypogonadism.” Causes include a myriad of pituitary and hypothalamic disorders, Kallman’s syndrome, septo-optic dysplasia, etc. Hyperprolactinemia disrupts the cyclical and periodic secretion of GnRH from the hypothalamus and can shut down LH and FSH production causing a variety of disorders including simple infertility in the setting of “normal” menses, irregular menses due to a luteal phase defect, and complete cessation of menses with low estrogen levels. LH and FSH levels may be inappropriately normal or low in the setting of a low or low-normal estradiol. © 2014, Pituitary World News. All rights reserved.
Proof of Work The Bitcoin blockchain is secure from hackers because of a mechanism referred to as Proof-of-Work. Unlike a traditional database that is housed in a central location with someone ensuring its security, the Bitcoin blockchain is distributed around the world in over 15,000 locations. As a distributed ledger, it is self-governing. Each location is a node. A node is essentially a large bank of computers. They validate the blockchain and compete to acquire bitcoin. The operation is referred to as bitcoin mining. The data in the existing blockchain and the new data that is added to it (in a block) is validated by everyone in the network. Here's how proof of work ensures consensus. (This is a bit complicated, but if I could grasp it, so can you.) Every bitcoin transaction contains essential data – the two parties' digital wallet addresses, the transaction date and time, and other information that a sender adds. About 500 transactions, or 1 MB of data, is in each block. The blocks are sequentially "chained" together. All blockchain data is public and the miners continually access new transactions. They take the transactions and convert it into a string of alphanumeric characters known as a "hash." The hash is always 64 characters regardless how much data is fed into the SHA256 hash calculator. The hash for a new block is created by taking the raw data from the first transaction and converting it into a hash. The raw data from the second transaction is added to the first hash to create a new hash. This process continues until there is a hash of all 500 transactions. Let me show you how it works. Imagine each paragraph of this article contains data from a bitcoin transaction. 1) Paragraph 1 "The Bitcoin blockchain is secure from hackers because of a mechanism referred to as Proof-of-Work." becomes this hash: c70de0ff57dd8b63106b5a996a82117242ccd6f93316ceddefdbbbc181796104 2) Paragraph 2 "Unlike a traditional database that is housed in a central location with someone ensuring its security, the Bitcoin blockchain is distributed around the world in over 15,000 locations" is added to "c70de0ff57dd8b63106b5a996a82117242ccd6f93316ceddefdbbbc181796104" and it becomes this new hash: 23c5adc507b44fd4b353d834f5089133f8e2d57b0fe4b667980ec86f5de79b92 This is repeated for all 500 bitcoin transactions – the requisite amount for a new block in the blockchain. While the miners are doing this, they are also competing with each other in a contest that is essentially a lottery. They are trying to find a hash that matches a previously created hash for the current block. The competing computers spit out randomly generated hashes until the winning hash is found. This requires massive computing power. The winning computer gets the honor to "seal off" the new block of transactions with the block hash and assign the next block number. (As of this moment, 727,518 bitcoin blocks have been mined. A new block is mined about every ten minutes.) The miner is rewarded with 6.25 BTC (about $250,000). Proof of Stake Since there is no central authority ensuring the integrity of a blockchain, a consensus mechanism is used to check the existing data and add new data. The Bitcoin blockchain uses the proof-of-work mechanism. Proof-of-work sets up a competition among Bitcoin miners to solve a mathematical problem that requires using a massive amount of computing power. This has a significant environmental impact. An alternative consensus mechanism is proof-of-stake. "Validators" will offer their coins as collateral for the opportunity to validate blocks on a blockchain. This is referred to as "staking." It only uses a small fraction of energy compared to the proof-of-work mechanism. The Ethereum blockchain is moving from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. When it does, a validator will need to "stake" 32 ETH (about $110,000 at today's price). Validators are selected at random to validate the block. When enough validators verify the block is accurate, the block is closed.
Death Through The Ages What is memento mori? Literally, the phrase means “remember your mortality.” Here at MSCo, it’s one of our most popular Latin phrases. On a larger scale, it’s a Latin phrase that rose to popularity in the medieval period and inspired multiple cultural, philosophical, literature, and art movements over the years. Artists in 17th century Europe were especially focused on the subject and painted many still-lifes on the theme, full of skulls and snuffed candles and other symbols of mortality and the fragility of life. Walk through any art museum, and you’ll see many works showcasing human life struggling with death, metaphorically and literally. Why would a phrase that means “remember you must die” resonate so strongly with so many people? At first glance, such a mentality seems grisly and morbid - obsession with death has never been deemed a healthy outlook on life. However, the phrase is intended to give a positive perspective on the passage of time and how best to spend it. Dealing With Death Looking back through history, art, and literature, it seems that humanity has always had a love-hate relationship with death and its imagery. Graves have long been marked with skulls as a reminder of the penultimate stage of decay, pirates carried flags with skulls and crossbones to strike fear into their victims and enemies, and even cave drawings have depictions of death, both animal and human. In direct contrast, humans treat our dead with equal parts reverence and disgust. The pharaohs of old commanded that their bodies be preserved, their skeletons kept covered. Ancient Vikings cremated the fallen and the passed, reducing everything to ash and scattering that reminder of mortality to the wind. Even modern-day funerals with open caskets have the deceased arranged as if they are merely sleeping. Original Memento Mori Pendant, Sterling Silver It is difficult to come to terms with the idea of not being alive one day. From our first breath, our only goal is to stay alive. Our parents and caretakers teach us the business of living - meeting our needs and avoiding danger. Very rarely are we taught the business of dying early in life, and so that lesson nearly always comes as a shock. Learning that human life comes to an end just like all life on earth is a world-rocking revelation for an individual. Facing Death Fearlessly As a species, humanity spent so much of our development focusing on surviving - death was omnipresent and imminent. As time went on, we learned how to live longer through technology, agriculture, and community. Discoveries and progress in modern medicine have extended our life expectancy even further. Death faded into the background, no longer an immediate, constant threat. But learning how to die is a necessary key to learning how to live. Without remembering that life can end at any moment, how are we supposed to truly enjoy every moment? Without accepting death as a reality at the beginning, how are we able to say “I am not afraid of death” at the end? We cannot learn how to live truly, fiercely, and joyfully if we don’t know how to die fearlessly and gracefully. So in one sense, the Latin translation of “learning to die” could be memento mori. The phrase means to teach us how to spend our time wisely on worthwhile things, and therefore how to be able to die with grace and no regrets. If you are able to live every day as if there is no tomorrow, then that is the ultimate expression of memento mori. You would be able to greet death without fear, confident in the knowledge that you are not leaving anything unfinished or undervalued behind. You will learn to live well by learning to die.
When you're a writer, you've undoubtedly heard the advice: never use passive voice, always change it to active voice. But does this always hold up? What's actually the difference? So, before you go through your manuscript and edit all your sentences to active ones, let's dive into the issue a little deeper. How do you know if it's passive or active voice? An active sentence focuses, as the name says, on the action (and the subject). It has the form: subject + verb + object So: Suzy threw the ball. Active sentences add activity and movement to your sentences, which makes them easy to read. On the other hand, passive sentences focus on the object of the sentence, so the person or thing that's undergoing the action. It has the form: object + form of to be + verb + subject So: The ball was thrown by Suzy. And often the subject is omitted completely: The ball was thrown. As you can see, this changes the way you read the sentence because it shifts your focus. Generally, we want to focus to be on the action and who performs the action. As we said, this adds movement to your writing, whereas passive sentences feel more, well, passive. So, to know whether a sentence in your manuscript is active or passive, look for a form of “to be” in the sentence. Note that this doesn't always mean the sentence is passive. For instance, if Suzy is in the midst of throwing the ball, we'd write: Suzy was throwing the ball. This is still an active sentence, only a different tense is used. So, once you've identified a form of “to be,” check whether the verb follows the subject (is it the person doing the action) or an object (is it the person undergoing the action). Is it OK to use passive voice in writing? Long story short: yes. It's definitely OK. You just have to check that you're using it for the right reasons. This also depends on whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or academic nonfiction. Generally, you want to keep most of your sentences active, even in academic writing. At least in the APA style guide, it's now recommended that you write in active voice (check your journal's guidelines to check whether they have different recommendations). What does that mean? No: It was shown that this target group had significantly more improvement than the control group. Rather: The results of this study showed that this target group improved significantly more than the control group. So, in what instances do you use passive voice? As I said before, the difference between passive and active voice is the emphasis they place. The emphasis is either on the action and the one performing it, or it's on the one undergoing the action. Whenever you come across a passive sentence in your manuscript, just ask yourself: does it have the right emphasis? The kidnapper gagged and bound the girl. The girl was gagged and bound. It might make sense to go for the passive option if you want the emphasis to be on the girl undergoing the gagging and binding, especially if you're writing the scene from her perspective. You can use both active and passive voice in your writing, although the majority will be active, simply because you want to have that movement within your story. When you're on the hunt for passive sentences, don't just change them to active. Look and consider whether it's the right form in this instance. Would you like more tips & tricks for editing your manuscript? Sign up for my free self-editing class.
Queen Anne's American Kings (Paperback) In 1706, four Iroquois sachems from the province of New York, including King Hendrick and Joseph Brant's grandfather, travelled to London. They came to seek and agreement with the British against the French and their Algonquin allies. While these four Iroquois were not the first American Indians to visit England (Pocahontas had come in 1616), they were the first to be treated as heads of state. The four "American Kings" were feted by society: they saw a performance of Shakespeare's Macbeth, witnessed the "royal sport" of cockfighting, and had a lengthy audience with Queen Anne. The queen was so impressed with the four Indians that she commissioned portraits of each by court painter John Vereslet. These are among the earliest oil paintings of American Indians take from life. The trip was successful and Britain and the Five Nations agreed to assist each other in any future conflict with France and its allies, a relationship that would extent to the American Revolution. In Queen Anne's American Kings, literacy historian Richmond Pugh Bond relates the entire episode using numerous contemporary accounts in order to demonstrate the cultural and political importance of this unique and fascinating event in American and British colonial history. Richmond Pugh Bond (1899 - 1979) was professor of English at the University of North Carolina and author of a number of books, including Eighteenth Century Correspondence: A Survey, Growth and Change in the Early English Press, and Studies in the Early English Periodical.
Schools are bound by the Equality Act 2010. The exclusions guidance states on page 10 that schools must not discriminate against, harass, or victimise pupils because of their: sex; race; disability; religion or belief; sexual orientation; pregnancy or maternity; or gender reassignment. For disabled children, this includes a duty to make reasonable adjustments to any provision, criterion, or practice that puts them at a substantial disadvantage and the provision of auxiliary aids and services. Discrimination includes direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, failure to make reasonable adjustments, the public sector equality duty, and victimisation. Consider the letter confirming the exclusion, the minutes, and any other record of the governing board's deliberations. See if there is any suggestion in these documents that the governing board agrees that there has been discrimination against the young person. Then answer the question: Did the governing board agree that the exclusion was discriminatory but uphold it anyway? If the answer is yes, consider the Suggested Wording document: Argument to the IRP: Governing board's decision unlawful (discrimination) Once you have answered this question, click continue to proceed to the next step.
Have you developed a rash that is made up of tiny little bumps and is accompanied by intense itching that is keeping you up at night? These are indicators that your rash may not just a normal rash, it could be caused by scabies. The diagnosis and treatment is essential if your rash is caused by scabies, as it is highly contagious. Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff can help get you a proper diagnosis and help administer treatment that will clear up the rash and stop the itching. What is Scabies? Scabies is a skin condition that is caused by a small bug. The tiny little bug lands on your skin and slowly burrows under the top layer of your skin. After it has burrowed, the bug lives under the skin and feeds. The development of the red, itchy rash is a reaction to the mite living under the skin. How is Scabies Spread from Person to Person? Scabies is highly contagious. It is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The tiny little mite that causes scabies can technically live without human contact. It can live for anywhere from 48-72 hours without coming into contact with humans. This makes it possible for scabies to be transmitted via furniture, beds, and clothing. However, this is extremely rare. Who is Likely to Get Scabies? Scabies can infect any person that comes into contact with an infected individual. There are some people who are more likely to get scabies than others. Parents, individuals who are in close contact with children, and people in assisted-living centers or nursing homes often have a higher risk for scabies. How is Scabies Diagnosed? We, at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics, can quickly diagnosis a scabies rash. All we will need to do is a brief visual inspection of the infected area. This is often enough to determine if you have scabies. After a diagnosis of scabies, we may want to do a full body check to determine any other infected areas. Determining what areas are infected can help with treatment. What Treatment Options are Available for Scabies? Many people who develop scabies try to use over-the-counter medications to treat the rash and the itching. Unfortunately, over-the-counter medications will only mask the symptoms. They do not treat the condition and clear up the rash. Prescription medication is the only way to successfully treat scabies. Benzyl benzoate lotion, sulfur ointment, permethrin cream, and lindane lotion are the most commonly prescribed treatments for scabies. These lotions and creams are applied at night and washed off in the morning. Treatment typically lasts a week. In some severe cases of scabies, a prescription medication known as ivermectin may be needed. Our medical staff can help determine if your case of scabies would require this type of treatment. Dr. Vivian Bucay and her staff will help create a customized treatment plan that will help not only treat the scabies, but relieve any symptoms – such as itching or skin irritation – that may accompany the scabies.
Reduce Peer Bullying: Trust Corridor What was the Problem? The lack of a space for students to express themselves causes them to express their feelings and thoughts through violence. Students without a room of their own, that is, without any space to express themselves, use violence as a means of expression. So, "How can we create spaces that encourage students to express themselves?" In the problem-solving process where design-oriented thinking methodology was applied; it was observed that students did not express their feelings and thoughts comfortably unless a secure communication environment was provided. In other words, to prevent students who do not have time and space to express themselves from resorting to violence as a means of communication, and to encourage them to express themselves, the "Trust Corridor" was developed as a classroom activity. One day before the activity, students are asked to design a mask for themselves at home. In the classroom, students wear their masks and form a corridor by facing each other. The teacher explains that they can express anything, regardless right or wrong, in this corridor. First, the teacher walks through the corridor saying the meaning of his/her name. He/she then touches another student. In turn, all students walk through the corridor, telling the meaning of their names. On the second day, the students are asked to bring an item they love to the school. They wear their masks and form the corridor. Each student walks through the corridor, introducing their items. On the third day, students are asked to share their memories about one of their friends as they walk through the corridor. After each stage, the teacher talks with the students about their feelings. In this process, students wanted to express themselves and share their feelings more. After the activity, it was observed that the students felt more encouraged to express themselves. Canan Karaman (Preschool Teacher), Gülden Köprü (English Teacher), Hasan Turgut (Turkish Language and Literature Teacher), Leyla Doran Kocabey (Information Technologies and Software Teacher), Mine Aksar (Classroom Teacher), Ramazan Saraç (Classroom Teacher), Vedat Çelik (Philosophy Teacher)
Any writing, be it speeches, poems, or research papers, might be the subject of a rhetorical study. The study of rhetoric focuses on how authors and presenters use language to persuade a crowd. Rather than focusing on the words the writer uses, consider the strategies they cite and their objectives. In your analysis essay, you dissect a text (such as advertisements, statements, e.t.c.) into segments and analyze how each serves to enlighten, entertain, or convince the reader. You will provide instances from the text and examine the effectiveness of the strategies employed. An essay on rhetorical analysis evaluates the work of another thinker, author, or creative individual. Rhetorical analysis studies the writing style rather than describing a text. Novices may find it challenging to understand how to compose a rhetorical analysis, but with these strategies, you will write like a pro in no time. You will grapple with this while writing your rhetorical analysis essay because writers use many tactics and literary and rhetorical devices to accomplish this. This essay invites you to delve deeply into the writer's narrative style rather than only expressing your agreement or disagreement with the writer's views. It involves analyzing the writing style employed to convey the core concept or message of the text. Following some steps in this guide will not only broaden your knowledge of a rhetorical essay but will also guide you through the process of how to write a rhetorical analysis essay convincingly. A rhetorical analysis essay is a paper or piece of writing in which you choose one or more texts and analyze them from the rhetorical standpoint—what their arguments and supporting evidence are, how they try to persuade, and how successful you think they might be. It is persuasive writing or analysis. If you are unfamiliar with rhetorical analysis, it is preferable to choose one text and conduct a "close reading." Instead of concentrating on the work's substance, a rhetorical analysis essay aims to examine and evaluate the original author's intentions, motives, and rhetorical methods. The phrases "rhetoric" and "analysis" combine to form the phrase "rhetorical analysis," which denotes a thorough examination of a work of rhetorical literature. You must comprehend rhetoric to write an analysis essay. Rhetoric is, therefore, the skill of writing persuasive arguments. It is the strategy and vocabulary used to engage audiences and persuade them to accept a particular point of view or message. "What is a rhetorical analysis essay?" A rhetorical analysis essay is an essay that intricately dissects a nonfiction piece into its component elements. It then analyses how the pieces come together to produce a specific impact, such as to convince, amuse, or inform. The information in rhetorical analysis writing is presented differently than in other essays. Like other essays, a rhetorical analysis comprises an introduction that explains the thesis, a body that analyses the text in-depth, and a conclusion to bring everything together. Think of a solid rhetorical analysis structure to know how to start a rhetorical analysis essay. You should gather enough information about the topic you would like to write about and not base your work on assumptions or inaccurate information. A typical rhetorical analysis structure has a rhetorical analysis introduction, at least three topic paragraphs with arguments, and a conclusion. Nothing destabilizes the flow of an essay like a weak introduction or opening statement. Therefore, you must focus on this component and ensure it flows seamlessly with the rest of your work. Your introduction determines if your reader will read through to the end or lose interest. The introduction should not give away the entire essay; instead, it should highlight the essential points. You capture the attention of your audience through your opening. Your thesis should be a simple statement summarizing your position on the author's decisions and strategies after the introduction. One of the most crucial components of your essay is the thesis. This is the section where you analyze and address the text. Your ideas must flow and link, which is one of the few crucial points to remember while learning to write a rhetorical essay. More paragraphs can be required depending on the book's overview and outline. Your paragraphs must strongly assess, argue, and analyze your points. Your conclusion should be just as strong as your introduction. Because of the habit of writers debating concepts rather than concluding them all, they need help putting an end to their writing. The primary purpose of a conclusion should be to bring all the arguments to a close and not leave room for confusion or loose ends. Your conclusion should briefly explain and conclude your listed points. Writing a rhetorical analysis essay requires using the following format: 1. List the four components of rhetoric. The following rhetorical components should be noted when you begin your analysis: 2. Explain the rhetorical Appeals. Describe the speaker's use of tone and other devices, as well as the rhetorical appeals they made. Appeal: describes how a writer persuades a reader. In rhetoric, logos, ethos, and pathos are the three primary appeals defined by the philosopher Aristotle. The speaker's ability to engage their audience through these devices will be examined next. As mentioned, a speaker can employ these devices and appeals in various ways. Examine the selected devices, their uses, and why you believe they were selected. Assess the author's success in utilizing these strategies to accomplish their objectives. Do you believe they were successful? If not, why not? 5. State your thesis. Summarize your points into a single, well-written thesis statement that will serve as the basis for your essay. Your thesis should include three main points: the speaker's argument or aim, the methods the speaker employs, and the effectiveness of those methods. 6. Arrange your arguments and supporting data. Utilize your thesis statement as a guide and arrange your thoughts and supporting details into a logical framework. You may, for instance, divide your body paragraphs into three groups, one for each of the three rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos), and include concrete instances of how the speaker uses each one in each paragraph. You need to be a proficient writer to create a rhetorical analysis essay. Most students find this form of writing difficult because it is pretty technical. The following tips will walk you through writing a rhetorical analysis essay. This is an example of a rhetorical analysis essay of “I have a dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. Start the analysis essay by providing the introduction in the following way: One of the most significant speeches in American history is primarily considered to be "I Have a Dream," delivered by Martin Luther King Jr. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., that represents the civil rights movement's ethos and plays a crucial role in the American national myth. This rhetorical study contends that King's use of the prophetic voice, heightened by the size of his historical audience, provides a strong feeling of ethos that has held its capacity for inspiration. Note: The first sentence should contain the “hook” of the essay, and the last sentence should be the “Thesis statement” The King uses a lot of prophetic language in his talks. King repeatedly conveys a prophetic tone in his speech, even before the famous "dream" section. Speaking of emerging "from the dark and desolate valley of segregation," he calls the Lincoln Memorial a "hallowed location." He vows to "make justice a reality for all of God's children." The text's strongest ethical argument is its assumption of this prophetic voice; after associating himself with historical political figures like Abraham Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King's ethos takes on a distinctly religious voice, evoking Biblical prophets and preachers of change throughout history. Note: The body section contains all the evidence that supports the thesis statement. A paragraph is devoted to each argument that bolsters and analyzes the premise. This Body paragraph example can be used as a guide for the rest of your paragraphs (points) This analysis clarifies that King's rhetoric is more powerful when used to support his meticulously constructed ethos than the sad appeal of his utopian "dream." King assures that his words will have an impact not only in the here and now but will continue to have an impact in the future by portraying current upheavals as a part of a prophecy whose fulfillment would lead to the better future he envisions. King's remarks undoubtedly played a part in putting us on the route to realizing our dream, even if we have yet to make it there entirely. Note: Outline the principal arguments and restate the thesis statement to support them in the conclusion section.
LI: To be able to convert notes into prose (full sentences). As you know, from the Rainforest video we watched before Christmas, you were asked to make notes and turn your short notes into a paragraph. Using the information provided about dinosaurs, turn the short notes into full sentences. These sentences need to be linked with conjunctions so the ideas then become one cohesive paragraph. This means the paragraph flows and all the ideas go together in the one paragraph. You should be using adverbs and conjunctions such as: furthermore, in addition, also. Try to avoid starting every sentence with the or they as that is not exciting and will not grab the reader's attention. Look at the examples of notes and prose provided before you write your own. Please send in an example of a paragraph so we can add it to the web page.
Technology is a key factor in determining how our lives are shaped in the fast-paced world of today. Technology is a constant force in our lives, from the gadgets we use every day to the breakthroughs that advance industries. This essay explores the fields of GTE, mechanical engineering, and cell signaling technology while also debating the wisdom of pursuing a is technology a good career path. GTE stands for “Gaining the Way for Evolution” technology. GTE technology, an acronym for “Green Technology and Energy,” is a quickly developing industry with an emphasis on ecologically friendly and sustainable solutions. It includes a broad range of technologies, including sustainable behaviors, energy-efficient systems, and renewable energy sources. What is gte technology works to reduce the negative effects of human activity on the environment in the pursuit of a more environmentally friendly future. This includes cutting-edge recycling techniques, wind turbines, and solar panels. what is gte technology: GTE technology is positioned to be essential in the shift to a sustainable future as people become more aware of their carbon footprint. Technology in mechanical engineering: The Engine of Innovation On the other side, the technology of mechanical engineering technology is what propels many of the physical breakthroughs we see every day. This area of engineering focuses on using mechanical concepts in real-world applications. It entails creating, implementing, and maintaining mechanical systems, ranging from rudimentary machines to sophisticated industrial machinery. The design and operation of everything from the cars we drive to the elevators we use is influenced by mechanical engineering technology. It’s a sector that lives on innovation, constantly making advancements to boost productivity and dependability. To make sure the equipment we rely on runs without a hitch, mechanical engineers work on a variety of tasks. Cell Signaling Technology: Unraveling Biology’s Mysteries Moving from the physical to the biological realm, cell signaling technology comes into play. This area of study, which focuses on the intricate communication mechanisms that take place within cells, is a cornerstone of modern biology. For the purpose of understanding diseases, creating novel treatments, and advancing biotechnology, it is essential to comprehend cell signaling. We can delve deeply into the complexities of cellular communication thanks to advances in cell signaling technologies. It has paved the door for important advancements in the study of genetics, immunology, and cancer. By solving the biological mysteries, researchers in this sector are able to develop new medicines and treatments.is technology a good career path. Let’s now answer the query that many people have: Is the field of technology a rewarding one? The quick answer is unquestionably yes, but let’s look at why. Technology is the driving factor behind various industries in the modern digital era. It provides a wide range of job prospects, from data analysis and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence and software development. Technology is a subject where innovation knows no bounds, and demand for tech workers is consistently high. a career in technology frequently offers competitive pay and work security. Professionals with the necessary skills are required to build, maintain, and secure organizations’ digital infrastructures as they continue to depend on technology to prosper. offer the ability to significantly impact society in addition to financial incentives. Technology advancements have changed the way we interact, live, and work. By developing answers to urgent global concerns like climate change, healthcare, and education, tech professionals have the chance to influence the future. The tech sector also promotes a culture of ongoing learning and development. Professionals in this industry are always challenged to increase their knowledge and abilities due to the constantly changing technology and approaches. This vibrant setting has the potential to intellectually challenge and personally gratify. each technology—GTE, mechanical engineering, and cell signaling—contributes in a different way to society’s advancement. They stand for the many components of the technological world, such as innovation, sustainability, and biological discoveries. Not only is pursuing a career in technology financially rewarding, but it also offers the chance to be at the forefront of development and have a good impact on the world. Therefore, if you’re considering a professional route, think about the limitless options that technology has to offer and set out on a path of unending opportunity and advancement.
Scientists have developed a laser camera that can read a person’s heartbeat at a distance and pinpoint signs that they might be suffering from cardiovascular illnesses. The system – which exploits AI and quantum technologies – could transform the way we monitor our health, say researchers at Glasgow University. “This technology could be set up in booths in shopping malls where people could get a quick heartbeat reading that could then be added to their online medical records,” said Professor Daniele Faccio of the university’s Advanced Research Centre. “Alternatively laser heart monitors could be installed in a person’s house as part of a system for monitoring different health parameters in a domestic setting,” he said. Other devices would include monitors to track blood pressure abnormalities or subtle changes in gait – an early sign of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Monitoring a person’s heartbeat from a distance would be particularly valuable because irregularities – including murmurs or heartbeats that are too fast or slow – would provide warning that they are in danger of suffering a stroke or cardiac arrest, added Faccio. At present, doctors use stethoscopes to monitor heartbeats. Invented in the early 19th century by the French surgeon René Laënnec (to prevent him having to put his ear on a female patient’s chest), a stethoscope consists of a disk-shaped resonator which, when placed on a person’s body, picks up noises occuring within their body. These are transmitted and amplified, via tubes and earpieces, to the person listening. “It requires training to use a stethoscope properly,” Faccio said. “If pressed too hard on a patient’s chest, it will dampen heartbeat signals. At the same time, it can be difficult to detect background murmurs, which provide key signs of defects, that are going on behind the main heartbeat.” The system developed by Faccio and his team involves high-speed cameras which can record images at speeds of 2,000 frames per second. A laser beam is shone on to the skin of a person’s throat and the reflections used to measure exactly how much their skin is rising and falling as their main artery expands and contracts as blood is forced through it. These changes involve movements of only a few billionths of a metre. Such acuity is striking, though on its own the tracking of these tiny fluctuations would not be enough to track a heartbeat. “Other, much larger movements occur on a person’s chest – from their breathing, for example – which would overwhelm signals from their heartbeat. “That is where AI comes in,” Faccio said. “We use advanced computing systems to filter out everything except the vibrations caused by a person’s heartbeat – even though it is a much weaker signal than the other noises emanating from their chest. We know the frequency range of the human heartbeat, and the AI focuses on that.” Analysis of the resulting signals allows health staff to detect changes in heart rate – not against a statistical average for a population but against a person’s own specific cardiac behaviour. That makes it invaluable in spotting changes that might be occurring in their heart and to pinpoint specific defects, said Faccio, whose team has established a start-up company, LightHearted AI, which is now seeking venture capital to expand development of their devices. “This system is very accurate,” said Faccio. “Even if you share a house with 10 people, it could pinpoint you from anyone else just by shining a laser on your throat and analysing your heartbeat from its reflection. Indeed one other use of the system is for biometric identification. “But the prime use of this technology – which we hope to have ready next year – will be to measure heartbeats easily and quickly outside hospitals or GP surgeries. The benefits could be considerable.”
Vaccine product leaflets will usually contain a detailed list of ‘undesirable effects’, or they may refer to ‘adverse reactions reported in clinical studies or from the postmarketing experience’. These are not always exactly the same as ‘side effects’, because reporting an adverse event after vaccination does not prove a link with the vaccine. When a vaccine is given to a very large number of people in a population, it is likely just by chance that a few of them will develop some kind of medical problem around the time of vaccination, but this does not prove ‘cause and effect’. This means that the reactions listed in the product information may not all be side effects of the vaccine itself. Some events after immunisation are clearly caused by the vaccine (for example, a sore arm at the injection site). However, others may happen by coincidence around the time of vaccination. It can therefore be difficult to separate those which are clearly caused by a vaccine and those that were going to happen anyway. In clinical trials all serious adverse events are reported so that unexpected reactions to medicines or vaccines can be identified. This is very important for safety monitoring, but it also means that extreme examples of ‘adverse events’ may get listed when they have no connection to the vaccine (such as injuries caused to a passenger in a car accident, which are clearly not related to any vaccine they may have received). Also events such as fainting at the sight of a needle may be called an adverse event, even though the person has not actually received the vaccine. However, experts consider it important that every single adverse event is collected and reported, so that we can identify any ‘signal’ of a possible vaccine-caused harm amongst all the chance events that happen to people every day. In the UK it is the job of the MHRA to collect all these reports and investigate further if necessary (see more information on Monitoring of vaccines). Scientific method is then used to determine if these events are a coincidence or a result of the vaccine. Here are two examples of how collecting and analysing data on adverse events has helped us to understand more about the safety of vaccines. Some studies on the rotavirus vaccine identified that there was possibly a very slightly increased risk of a rare condition called intussusception following vaccination. This was discovered by comparing rates of intussusception in a large group of babies who had received the rotavirus vaccine with rates in a large group of babies who had not received the vaccine. It led to a change in the information in the product leaflet, and also to a change in advice about when the vaccine should be given (see the page on the Rotavirus vaccine for more information about this research). A large number of studies on the MMR vaccine have found no increased risk of autism in very large groups of children who have received the vaccine. Again, this has been done by comparing rates of autism in large groups of children who have received the MMR vaccine with large groups who have not (see the page on the MMR vaccine for more information about this research). As with any vaccine, medicine or food, there is a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Anaphylaxis is different from less severe allergic reactions because it causes life-threatening breathing and/or circulation problems. It is always extremely serious but can be treated with adrenaline. Healthcare workers who give vaccines know how to do this. In the UK between 1997 and 2003 there were a total of 130 reports of anaphylaxis following ALL immunisations. During these six years, around 117 million doses of vaccines were given in the UK. This means that the overall rate of anaphylaxis is around 1 in 900,000. If you are concerned about any reactions that occur after vaccination, consult your doctor. In the UK you can report suspected vaccine side effects to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) through the Yellow Card Scheme. You can also contact the MHRA to ask for data on Yellow Card reports for individual vaccines. See more information on the Yellow Card scheme and monitoring of vaccine safety. For information on side effects of individual vaccines, please see the page for the relevant vaccine under the "vaccines" menu at the top of this page.
Since last summer, Jupiter’s third largest moon, Io, has been illuminating the Jovian system with a violent burst of volcanic activity. As the most volcanically active world in the Solar System, Io is no stranger to such eruptions, but this year’s show was unusually energetic. Researcher Jeff Morgenthaler, who has been monitoring volcanism on Io since 2017, says this is the largest volcanic eruption he’s seen to date. Morgenthaler’s observations were made with the Planetary Science Institute’s small Io Input/Output Observatory (IoIO). Io goes through phases of volcanic activity almost annually. The eccentricity of its orbit and proximity to Jupiter’s strong gravity causes the moon to continuously bulge and compress, adding energy to the world in a process known as tidal heating. The same process is responsible for the liquid subsurface oceans on nearby moon Europa – but Io is closer to its planet and has a rockier composition, resulting in extensive lava flows, eruptions and violent crustal movement. Remove all ads on Universe today Join our Patreon for just $3! Get the ad-free experience for life These extreme volcanic conditions don’t just affect the lunar surface. Io’s surface gravity is low enough (just slightly stronger than Earth’s moon’s gravity) that some of the gases and light materials from Io’s volcanoes can escape into orbit around Jupiter. This material is mostly ionized sulfur and forms a donut-shaped ring around Jupiter known as the Io plasma torus. Io’s plasma torus, composed of ionized sulfur, seen from IoIO. Credit: Jeff Morgenthaler, PSI. Usually, when Io experiences a burst of eruptions, the torus brightens simultaneously. However, this was not the case with the recent volcanic eruption, which lasted from September to December 2022. Morgenthaler suggests a few possible explanations: “This could tell us something about the composition of the volcanic activity that caused the eruption, or it could tell us that the torus is more efficient at clearing itself of material as more material is thrown into it.” The brightness of the Jupiter Sodium Nebula at three different distances from Jupiter (top) and the Io plasma torus (bottom), showing several modest outbursts since 2017 and a major outburst in fall 2022. Credit: Jeff Morgenthaler, PSI. To know for sure, we would need on-site measurements of the region. Fortunately, NASA’s Juno probe passed the area in mid-December and came within 40,000 miles of Io on Dec 14. Juno carries instruments capable of characterizing the radiation environment inside the torus, and Morgenthaler hopes the flyby data will show if the composition of this burst differs from previous ones. Juno’s Io flyby data is still being downloaded and processed. Juno is expected to fly even closer to Io next December, coming within 1,500 km of the Moon, the closest possible to Io since the Galileo mission in 2002. Image of Io taken on December 14, 2022 by the Juno spacecraft from 64,000 km away: Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS. Even then, Morgenthaler will be observing Io and its plasma torus with IoIO, as long as cloudy weather does not intervene. IoIO is a small telescope, and from Earth it can only see the torus by filtering out light from Jupiter that is bright enough to normally drown out the comparatively faint torus. IoIO uses a coronagraph to ensure the telescope is not blinded by the gas giant’s glow. “One of the exciting things about these observations is that they can be reproduced by almost any small college or ambitious amateur astronomer,” says Morgenthaler. “Almost all of the parts used to build IoIO are available at a high-end photo store or telescope shop.” IoIO consists of a 35 cm (14 inch) Celestron Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope modified with a custom built coronagraph. “PSI’s Io Input/Output Observatory detects large volcanic eruption on Jupiter’s moon Io.” Institute of Planetology. Featured image: IoIO image of Io’s sodium nebula during an eruption. Credit: Jeff Morgenthaler, PSI.
December 07, 2016 Do shorter, darker days signal a predictable change in your mood? If your symptoms range from sluggishness to mild depression to an inability to go about your day, you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a serious form of depression most often triggered by winter’s shorter daylight hours and fleeting sunshine. Approximately half of patients diagnosed with SAD have recurrent symptoms the following year, making it very important for patients to be aware of their symptoms as the seasons begin to change. About 6 percent of adults in the U.S. suffer from SAD. Symptoms of SAD include: - Increased need for sleep - Decreased levels of energy - Weight gain - Increase in appetite - Difficulty concentrating - Increased desire to be alone What causes SAD? Circadian rhythms, the 24-hour cycle regulated by light that humans normally live by, are disrupted by decreased sunlight. Longer spans of darkness cause our bodies to release the sleep-producing hormone melatonin earlier each evening and turn it off later each morning. Who’s at risk? Dr. Marisa Argubright, family practice physician at College Park Family Care Center says, “Individuals who are between the ages of 20 and 30 years old, who have a previous history of depression and/or anxiety and those who live at higher northern latitudes are at increased risk of developing SAD. Individuals who suffer from conditions such as ADHD, eating disorders and social anxiety disorder are also at increased risk of experiencing SAD. “In some studies, over 60 percent of individuals with SAD have a family history of SAD. Fifteen percent of those individuals have a first-degree relative who also suffered from SAD. Treatments throw light on the subject If you’re struggling day after day, you don’t have to plow through the long winter by yourself. Talk to your doctor. According to Dr. Argubright, “The first-line treatment of SAD consists of antidepressant medications. Depending on the severity of an individual's symptoms, prior treatment history and preferences, light therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can also be added for improved symptom management. Some patients choose seasonal treatment while others opt for continuous treatment if they feel their symptoms are severe enough to warrant a prolonged treatment regimen. It's very important to follow up with your physician while being treated for SAD and maintain a good working relationship to optimize treatment outcome.” Taking care of yourself this time of year Dr. Argubright added, “Even if you don't suffer from SAD, as the weather changes and the days get shorter, it's very important to get regular aerobic exercise, maintain good sleep habits and focus on eating a well-rounded diet to help your body adjust to the changing seasons.” Source: National Institutes of Health nih.gov
A literal interpretation of "After the Sea-Ship" will focus on the poem as a description of a ship's wake on the open ocean. Essentially, this is the entire content of the poem - a rather brief and ebulient description of how the water looks and acts in the wake of a ship that has passed. The ship receives almost no description while the water is treated with characterization and specific, detailed description. Symbolically, the poem is open to intepretation with the most likely and compelling interpretation being one which sees the ocean as a grand natural force, or even as a symbol for nature at large. The sea is not only undisturbed by the ship, emotionally speaking, the sea seems to take joy in the passing of the ship and to be characterized by great equanimity (evenness of temper). To read further into the text, we might argue that the sea plays a role as background to life and so is symbolic of a temporal space within which life takes place. This space exists before life and also after life, with life being symbolized by the passing ship, and the sea then becomes associated with a temporal expanse that includes death. Death, however, is not dark and dreary but is instead, as the water is "frolicsome" after the passing of the ship, death is for Whitman a part of the wonder of existence.
A key skill in accounting is the ability to clearly communicate information to management. Hence, the examiners will expect candidates to demonstrate such communication skills in answering examination questions. In examinations there may well be specific marks within the marking scheme for careful presentation of answers in the required format. The following formats have being appearing in many examination papers: - briefing notes; In this article, the following are discussed: · understand what are reports, notes and memos · what is good and effective communication; · what is meant by plain English; · the different formats and styles of communication in business; · how to present answers and gain marks in examinations. |Understand the difference between Reports, Notes And Memos · usually a formal clearly structured document, often a lengthy summary of an investigation of a problem culminating in a conclusion and recommendation. · use itemised lists where appropriate but with a sentence of explanation where necessary; diagrams; appendices. · are documents for people within the organisation. · often shortened to · tend to be only a single page of paper · the purpose of which is to give instructions or to provide or request information. · Nowadays, the memo is usually in the form of an email. · gives information to someone in a form that can be referred to in a meeting or during a presentation. · intended to be prepared quickly and easily in a form that can be referred to whilst talking or presenting. · usually short conveys key facts/concepts only. · bare minimum of words and punctuation. |Good And Effective Communication :- Good communication is about understanding the needs and background of the recipient and presenting information in a form that is appropriate to those needs, the context of the situation and the objectives that you wish to achieveEffective communication only exists when a message is received, understood, accepted and correctly acted upon. The process is about transferring knowledge, changing opinions and issuing instructions. In a normal Communication Model, we have the following traits: · A message must be clear, unambiguous and understandable to the receiver. · It is important to understand the position and background of the person(s) receiving the message. It is essential to direct the message to the right person(s) in a form that allows them to access it physically and psychologically. · It must also be psychologically acceptable. Cultural background plays an important part in communications as what is acceptable in one culture, may be taboo or even illegal in another. · Feedback should evaluate whether the message has been received, understood and has generated the desired response. |Plain English is defined as:· something that the intended audience can read, understand and act upon the first time they read it. · Plain English takes into account design and layout as well as language.[The plain English campaign exists to promote the use of crystal-clear language against jargon and other confusing language. It has an extremely good website at www.plainenglish.co.uk .A subsection of the site is dedicated to common financial terms, good for reference or as a revision aid! Go to www.plainenglish.co.uk/FinanceA-Z.html]The following examples of “gobbledygook” are reproduced from the Plain English site. |Formats and Styles |It is very important to appreciate to whom the report is being addressed to and to understand their outlook and background. For example, an accountant must take care to explain technical terms to people outside the finance function. If you are writing to people higher up in the organisation, or outside it, the style you adopt in your language will tend to be more formal than it would otherwise be for, say, a close colleague or a subordinate.In business, written communication takes different forms and styles, dependent on who exactly is being addressed and the context of the message.We shall now look at an example of each paying attention both to layout and style. Note how these formats are quite distinct from the traditional essay-style format that tends to be the normal in junior and secondary education. Examiners tend to frown on answers where candidates merely produce lists. This is mainly because candidates often simply give headings or state key points without supporting explanations that demonstrate they clearly understand the item. |Suggestions On How To Present The Answers: Use the format specified in the question If the question requires specifically that you prepare a report, memorandum, letter, briefing notes, etc., then that is exactly what you should do. There are often a couple of marks just for the application of the correct format. Each format has its own purpose and requires a slightly different approach. You should view such business-orientated formats as opportunities rather than problems. It is much easier to write good answers using headings, lists and short paragraphs, rather than writing a traditional ‘school-style’ essay with all its attendant problems of structure and continuity. Use clearly labelled diagrams, tables and graphs Sometimes you will be asked to produce a certain diagram by the requirement of the question. On other occasions you will be expected to use your own initiative. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words! Particularly, if your workings have become a little messy. Always reference your final results to the relevant section of your workings. Do not forget to give your diagrams clear headings and to label the axis of graphs, etc. You might find that a simple drawing template might greatly speed up drawing diagrams with lots of boxes, whilst improving presentation enormously. Plan your answers When questions require long written answers, you should spend just a few minutes preparing an outline plan before you start writing the answer to be marked. This will help you to keep a logical structure as you progress through your answer. Leave a little space in your answers It is often a good idea to leave one line between each paragraph, not only to improve presentation, but because you might wish to add an extra sentence or note as you check through your paper at the end of the examination. Another tip under this heading is to start a fresh page for each question. For answers involving lots of computations, that might be needed for subsequent parts of the answer, for example in preparing budgets, start a new double page. Then any figures required for further workings can thus be seen at a glance, rather than by having to turn the page over, thereby wasting time and increasing the risk of transposition errors. The order of questions Always keep to the order in which the sub-sections of the question requirements are stated. This is simply because each section will often build on an earlier part. If you do have to put a part of an answer at the back of your answer booklet, make a clear reference to this fact using the page references at the bottom of the booklet. Write clearly and neatly Most accountants spend so much of their time using computer keyboards nowadays that handwriting is starting to border on a lost art. If the examiner cannot be read your answer, you can never gain marks. If you have problems with presenting numerical data, try drawing a couple of faint pencil lines on the page. This will help align columns of data before you attempt to add the figures up. If you have made a mistake and wish to ‘cross out’ a section of your work, then draw a box around that part and clearly cross it through. It is a good idea to do the crossing out in pencil, as you might realise later that your workings were correct after all, in which case you can simply restore them using a pencil eraser. Highlighting key results It often helps management to identify key aspects of information if significant words/phrases are underlined. This technique can be used to good effect to highlight key terms or definitions in written answers. You should also underline the final answer to each sub-section of your answers in the computational sections. Do not be tempted to underline in freehand, unless you have a very steady hand. Always use a ruler. If the question requires you to ‘show your answer to the nearest $’000’ then there will be no marks available for answers such as $374,654.8729, however accurate such a figure might be. Management needs information that is relevant to their needs. For example, a sales forecast for the next budget year might be quite acceptable stated in round $’000s, whereas last year’s actual sales would, more likely, be shown to the nearest whole ?. |Sample Outline ReportTo: CEO From: Mr ABC. Proposed Overhaul of Steam Turbine — Financial Implications Note: keep this as brief as possible. Findings/analysis Note: this will be the major part of your answer — don’t forget keep your answer in line with how the question requirement has been broken down, e.g. |Overall salient points: Therefore in examinations, please
A Mission Record of the California Indians, by A.L. Kroeber, , at sacred-texts.com Two distinct languages spoken by the Indians are known: the predominant language, that of the site of the mission, which is understood to the east, south, and north and the circumference of the west; and the less important, which those speak who are called 'beach people' (playanos), on account of having come from the bays of the ocean. These are few in number, and not only understand the predominant language but also speak it perfectly. They were as easily married as unmarried. For the former, nothing more was required than that the suitor should ask the bride from her parents, and at times it sufficed that she of herself should consent to join herself to the man, though more often verbal communication or agreement (trato) preceded. Many of them did not keep their wives. Some, when their wife was pregnant or had given birth, changed their residence without taking leave, and married another. Others were married with two, three, or even more women. It is certain that there are many who have come [to the mission] from the mountains already married, and who could serve as an example to the most religious men. There were some few who set out food for the dead. From their native condition they still preserve a flute which is played like the dulce. It is entirely open from top to bottom, and is five palms in length. Others are not more than about three palms. It produces eight tones (puntos) perfectly. They play various tunes (tocatas), nearly all in one measure, most of them merry. These flutes have eleven [sic] stops; some more, and some less. They have another musical instrument, a string instrument, which consists of a wooden bow to which a string of sinew is bound, producing a note. They use no other instruments. In singing they raise and lower the voice to seconds, thirds, fourths, fifths, and octaves. They never sing in parts, except that when many sing together some go an octave higher than the rest. Of their songs most are merry, but some are somewhat mistes in parts. In all these songs they do not make any statement (proposicion), but only use fluent words, naming birds, places of their country, and so on. 47 18:46 San Antonio is the northernmost of the two missions in Salinan territory. The missionaries there who might have contributed to this report were Pedro Cabot and Juan Bautista Sancho. 19:47 The description of the flute accords well with specimens that have been collected from Indians of other parts of California, except that it is very doubtful whether any such flute could produce eight tones or had as many as eleven stops. The California flute ordinarily has either three or four stops. The "string instrument" is the musical bow, played with the mouth as a resonance chamber, and reported also from the Maidu and Yokuts. When it is said that some sing an octave higher than others when they sing together, it is probable that women are meant. The use of disjointed words or names, many times repeated in songs, is frequent in California. On the other hand there are instances of songs containing several complete sentences, as among the Yokuts songs published in Volume II of this series.
Friday 12th February 2021 Year 4 Daily Activities Week 6 Friday 12th January Today begins with English activities, followed by Maths and Topic in the afternoon. Today you will be completing a spelling quiz (Y3 AUT1 Wk3 - Quiz) on Purple Mash, which has been set as a 2Do. These words contain the /ay/ sound, but are spelt with 'ei', 'eigh' or 'ey'. Make sure you look carefully at the word, before dragging the tiles to spell it. Good luck! Purple Mash 2Do Read Chapter 5 of ‘Planet Earth’ and then answer Chp.5 Quiz questions Today you will be writing a blurb about our class story, ‘Arthur and the Golden Rope. You’ll begin this lesson by clicking on the link below which takes you to an animated retelling of the whole story to refresh your minds ⭐️ Arthur and the Golden Rope - Animated Story Sound Effects ⭐️ - YouTube After listening to the story please watch this short video lesson on how to write your own amazing blurb for ‘Arthur and the Golden Rope’. Friday Video PPt Writing Activity 5 This week we are going to be working on Equivalent fractions. Have a go at playing this game for 15 minutes. See how many questions you can get correct. Complete as many questions as you can, but please don’t worry if there are ones you are not sure of. Today’s lesson focuses on online internet safety. Read through 120221.year4.topic2 and then complete the task, which you can find by opening 120221.year4.topic2task. Have a great home learning Friday. Miss Goodchild, Mrs Goldup, Mrs Sands and Miss Pettitt
As sea levels continue to rise as climate change accelerates, experts in coastal cities are planning accordingly. From New York City to New Orleans, policymakers who live near the ocean seem to be gradually recognizing their "The Day After Tomorrow"-esque peril. Yet according to a new study in the scientific journal Nature Communications — one that an outside scientist praised for looking "at the impacts of evaporative loss in an entirely new way" — people who live near lakes may have just as much cause for climate change-related water concerns as those who dwell near the sea. That, in turn, means everyone else will also need to worry. In research led by a team of scientists at Texas A & M University, the scholars accumulated data from more than 1.42 million natural lakes and reservoirs all over the planet. Their goal was to assess whether lakes have lost water over a one-third-of-a-century period stretching from 1985 to 2018. As it turned out, long-term average lake evaporation has increased at a rate of 3.12 cubic kilometers per year, including increases in the evaporation rate (58%), a decline in lake ice coverage (23%) and an increase of lake surface area (19%). "There are several major conclusions in our work," Dr. Huilin Gao, Texas A&M University College of Engineering, told Salon by email. Gao mentioned that the global lake evaporation volume is "15% larger than previously thought" thanks to their research. In addition, "we have quantified that this volume has been increasing at a rate of 3.12 km3/year and such an increasing trend is caused by not only the increase in evaporation rate but also lake ice melting and lake surface area increase." "'The practical consequences for most people will be that their water resources could be better managed in the future, as the effects of climate change become more acute,' Rynearson told Salon." Yet climate change alone is not to blame for the loss of lake water. "The lake surface area increase is mainly caused by reservoir construction in the past 30+ years," Gao pointed out. Tatiana Rynearson, an American oceanographer at the University of Rhode Island who was not involved in the study, praised it for examining "the impacts of evaporative loss in an entirely new way." Rynearson told Salon that "by examining how the evaporation volume of lakes is changing over time the authors generated a metric that policy makers and water quality managers can use." Given that every human drinks and uses water, the study is of direct concern to everyone. "The practical consequences for most people will be that their water resources could be better managed in the future, as the effects of climate change become more acute," Rynearson told Salon. "These could be local resources like domestic water use and could also include more distant resources, like those used in agriculture that produces food distributed across the nation or the globe." Rynearson noted that the study's authors have also created metrics "that will be used in earth system models which means that we could have better climate forecasting of rainfall, temperature and humidity levels." Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter The Vulgar Scientist. Until recently it has been difficult for scientists to make robust projections about how climate change will hurt surface fresh water bodies because there has been a dearth of useful data. Yet as the study itself notes, roughly 87 percent of all the Earth's fresh surface water exists in either natural or artificial lakes, meaning that policymakers will likely have to figure out how to preserve these precious resources. That is just one more reason why the rapid loss of water within those lakes is ultimately a global problem. "Such a high volume of evaporative water loss from lakes and reservoirs has direct connections with local water availability, especially during drought in the arid and semi-arid regions," Gao told Salon. "Such [a] phenomenon can reduce the available water for irrigation, water supply, and hydropower purposes and thus pose challenges to policymakers to manage water-food-energy more efficiently." When asked if there are any government policies that could solve this problem, Gao explained that "we think the best way to reduce such a problem can be done via international collaboration to mitigate human-induced climate change." He added that "in our work, we found that the increase in evaporative water loss is largely caused by global warming, which not only increases the evaporative rate but also decreases lake ice." For more Salon articles on climate change and water:
Flattie spiders, also known as wall crab spiders, can do a pirouette that would make any prima ballerina would envy. While their turn is leg-driven, it is the fastest of any land animal and reach speeds on par with some of the master aerial spinners such as the hummingbird and fruit fly. The movement is so fast that when seen with the naked eye the action is so fast that it appears blurry to us humans. Scientists have been wondering how they reach such speeds since the spider was discovered, and a recent study finally provided some answers. Flattie spiders aren’t the web building kind of spiders or the stalk and pounce type, but rather lightning fast ambushers that sit and wait for unsuspecting prey to cross their path. They are equipped with eight laterigrade or sideways-moving legs. Their legs are all positioned at different angles, allowing them to cover 360 degrees with their bodies. This attack stance is what helps the spider literally spin into action. The recent study was conducted by researchers from the California Academy of Sciences and the University of California, Merced. They used slow-motion cameras to slow down their speedy movements and see exactly how these spiders are able to move so quickly when attacking prey, which involves said incredible spider pirouette mentioned above. After setting up these synchronized high-speed cameras at the best angles for catching the spider’s movements when attacking its prey, they simply released one poor cricket at a time and recorded the ballet-inspired killing technique. What the researchers discovered actually does take a page from ballet dancing techniques. Similar to how a dancer positions him or herself for performing a pirouette, the spider first anchors the leg closest to their prey firmly to whatever it is standing on, which is what creates the leverage point and torque needed to perform this quick turn. Using this leg to push into a pirouette that will help it quickly turn around to face their surprised prey as well as give them the added force to allow the spider to lunge mouth-first out of the turn and straight at its prey. In another move that is also use in ballet for these turns, the spider also tucks in its remaining legs towards it’s body, which allows it to spin 40 percent faster. I’m starting to wonder whether humans learned ballet from spiders in the first place… These flattie spiders can then strike at their prey at speeds of up to 3,000 degrees per second. At that speed by the time a human blinked just once while watching the spider, it would have already turned three full rotations. Yeah…let’s see if our human dancers could even come half as close. Sorry Baryshnikov, but even you can’t compete with that. Have you ever seen an insect or spider moving in a manner that looks like dancing? What do you think they were doing? Stay up to date with the latest information and deals!
Dangerous Climate Change’’: Required Reduction of Carbon Emissions to Protect Young People, Future Generations and Nature We assess climate impacts of global warming using ongoing observations […] January 2, 2014 We assess climate impacts of global warming using ongoing observations and paleoclimate data. We use Earth’s measured energy imbalance, paleoclimate data, and simple representations of the global carbon cycle and temperature to define emission reductions needed to stabilize climate and avoid potentially disastrous impacts on today’s young people, future generations, and nature. A cumulative industrial-era limit of ~500 GtC fossil fuel emissions and 100 GtC storage in the biosphere and soil would keep climate close to the Holocene range to which humanity and other species are adapted. Cumulative emissions of ~1000 GtC, sometimes associated with 2°C global warming, would spur “slow” feedbacks and eventual warming of 3–4°C with disastrous consequences. Rapid emissions reduction is required to restore Earth’s energy balance and avoid ocean heat uptake that would practically guarantee irreversible effects. Continuation of high fossil fuel emissions, given current knowledge of the consequences, would be an act of extraordinary witting intergenerational injustice. Responsible policymaking requires a rising price on carbon emissions that would preclude emissions from most remaining coal and unconventional fossil fuels and phase down emissions from conventional fossil fuels. James Hansen, Pushker Kharecha, Makiko Sato, Valerie Masson-Delmotte, Frank Ackerman, David J. Beerling, Paul J. Hearty, Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, Shi-Ling Hsu, Camille Parmesan, Johan Rockstrom, Eelco J. Rohling, Jeffrey Sachs, Pete Smith, Konrad Steffen, Lise Van Susteren, Karina von Schuckmann, James C. Zachos Published: December 03, 2013 | DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081648 | PDF Release URL Covering the climate for Climate State since 2011. Peter Sinclair noted in 2017, "Climate State has been doing an absolutely amazing job of providing a useful historical archive of important experts warning on climate issues through past decades." We use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Read more. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
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