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Predicting climate change effects
In the past I supported agrobiodiversity scientists demonstrating the causal effects of climate change on the living of the plants.
Scientists monitor and track more than 15.000 different plant species worldwide.
More than 1.300 Institutes worldwide collect “observations” of plants in a huge portal, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility GBIF https://www.gbif.org/
Today GBIF stores more than 1,3 billion of records catalogued using the data-standard Darwin Core, including observational data (GPS coordinates, altitude, etc.).
Challenges in statistics
How can you find evidence that climate changes is moving plants and/or change their dispersion on the territory. For example, some plants disappeared from where they were observed during ‘60s or appeared in new zones or at higher altitudes. Some other plants spread over mountains because the climate was more favorable due to the increase of temperature. Example: the plant Melampyrum nemorosum which lives in temperate climates has been observed now in Croatia mountains, which has very cold winters.
I collected the observation data needed, described data with descriptive statistics and performed regression analysis to find correlation among plants behavior and changes of the climate.
Datasets I worked on:
– Plants: GBIF portal, 250 million of observations made from 1920 to today
– Climate data from World Meteorological Organization GCOS: I used about 200k records of historical climate data observations
– 152 variables from plants’ observations (Darwin Core data standard + Observational data)
– 13 variables from climate observations: precipitation, climate air temperature, humidity, wind speed, pressure, lightning, upper-air temperature, carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone, date, location (GPS coordinates)
- Direct plants’ observations made in 60 years were affected by many quality issues:
- Human errors: name of the plants wrong, recorded date invalid, date invalid, geodetic datum invalid, elevation non-numeric or swapped, etc.
- Technology for observation changed, like the GPS tools (just few units in the 60s, today quite common with smartphones)
- Process to create observations changed: Initially scientists catalogued plants in printed forms; then scientists used Word documents, and, only in the last 30/40 years, relational databases have been adopted – I led a project to convert data from thousands printed forms to database of observations with metadata (presentation at TDWG 2010 conference)
- Undercoverage bias:
- Number of observations of plants in a specific area depends on the funds allocated to the Institutes in doing this process. Therefore, the presence of plants in a location depended on the number of observations made in that area. It means only some Institutes had good historical data.
- Scientists observed species only in some areas, probably close to their institutes, and at different times. This means I had to group by time the observations of plants in a map in order to consider which plants live in that area.
- Information bias:
- Each Institute uses its own set of tools and procedures to observe data. This means descriptive statistics are difficult to compare each other
- Observations happened at different seasons worldwide; in extreme climates (like cold winters or hot months) many plants naturally die so frequency of observations of course change.
- Climate data refers to the place where is located the meteorological station
- Time varying confounders: external factors to the climate change can modify the presence of plants in a zone, like pollution and human activities
Methodology for the problem
For some operations, like interpolation of climate data or calculation of the centroids of plants in a geographical map, I used the methodologies commonly used by agrobiodiversity scientists and climate specialists.
The methodology I followed was tailored for the data, and required in some transformations and assumptions:
- GROUPING OF OBSERVATIONS BY DATE: To calculate correctly descriptive measures, I grouped observations of plants by date of observation: all plants were considered “living organism” in the quarter of the year where observation was recorded. So, if a plant was observed in February 1998 then it became part of the group of plants living in the quarter January-March 1998 in that area.
- IDENTIFICATION OF CENTRES OF MASS OF SAMPLED PLANTS: I considered the geographical distribution of each sampled plant as concentrated in a single point, the centroid; for each plant sampled, I calculated also its mean and dispersion considering 10 hectares around its centroid. I considered the distance in meters centroids moved in a quarter. The hypothesis was that centroids moved because plants grow differently because of changes of climate factors.
- INTERPOLATION OF CLIMATE DATA: For the climate data, since the observations are done in meteorological stations, I performed interpolation of climate data to identify values in the exact location of the plants sampled. I used a deterministic interpolation algorithm called Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), commonly used by climate scientists.
Unfortunately, I had to consider only those variables having good historical data, in the geographical areas identified after the sampling of the plants: humidity, temperature, pressure, precipitation.
A standard process of statistic was followed, considering the quality issues and biases described above:
Multistage samplings of plants observations
Stage 1: Cluster sampling based on Institute names; only some Institutes collected good historical data
Stage 2: Stratified sampling based on qualitative variables of the plants (like kingdom, family name, genus name, taxonRank) – made by biologists
Stage 3: Systematic sampling – this avoided manipulation of the whole frame of Stage 2
The sample size resulted 1.2 million of samples of about 1250 plant species.
Definition of response variables
- Variation of GPS position of the centroids in meters (∆centroid) from quarter to quarter: the centroid is the centre of mass of the plants in a map, in a period of a quarter of year. I found the centroids using haversine formula with GPS coordinates
- Number of occurrences found in the area of 10 hectares around the centroid
- Variation of the Quartile Coefficient of Dispersion (∆QCD): the dispersion of plants in a region of 10 hectares around their centroids were measured by the Quartile Coefficient of Dispersion (QCD). Please note that the computation complexity for the QCD algorithm is excellent: O(n log n), n=number of units observed from a sampled plant
Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) algorithm
- The dataframe was created locally considering the response variables above defined
- I accessed the historical observations of climate data from the GCOS institute and applied Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) algorithm to interpolate the climate data in the exact location of the centroids of the sampled plants
- I determined the mean values of the climate data in that point in a quarter period (very time-consuming iterations; today accelerating adaptive inverse distance weighting algorithm could be used)
- I created then a dataframe joining data of sampled plants, climate data, observations data, date expressed in quarter/year
- Analysis of the dataframe and some findings:
- From time plots of samples, I found seasonality and some trends on number of plants in a region and their spread in that region
- With Polar seasonal plots and scatterplot matrices, I found good correlations of some groups of plants with the climate data: with the help of biologists, we identified group of plants which responded more to variations of climate data. Example: plants that live at high altitudes or plants with good autochthone resilience showed high correlation of dispersion with temperature and humidity
- Forecasts from regression model highlighted that at ground level plants should increase dispersion in their region (∆QCD) and their occurrences in their region should drastically drop
- Some plants found the habitat at different locations: this was evident mostly in dried areas where the ∆centroid values were higher
- Putting altitude of observations as a response variable, I found some plants changed their altitude because of the change of climate in their region. So even if their dispersion in the territory was low (∆QCD) they actually spread vertically over mountains and hills
- Data accessed and manipulated via dedicated RESTFUL API of the data provider GBIF
- Data engineering of local datasets done in dedicated on-premises servers
- Development language: python and some R scripts, T-SQL for some data manipulation functions
- Languages for data engineering: SQL and stored procedures in Microsoft SQL Server
- Geographical tools: ArcGIS, google maps
- Development tools: Eclipse | <urn:uuid:b27c063c-c878-4812-8c81-b15ca93a3402> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.buonaiuto.work/biology-and-climate-change-my-statistical-project/ | 2024-12-09T04:12:03Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.926902 | 1,804 | 3.21875 | 3 |
California’s Dairy Industry: The Early Years (1769-1900)
California is the nation’s leading dairy state, providing Californians with a richness and diversity of dairy products that place it among the top dairy regions of the world. In recent times, California staked its claim to the number one state ranking when it surpassed Wisconsin in total milk production in 1993.
Its leadership can be traced back more than two centuries to the industry’s origins. It was then, with Europeans arriving in California, that many of the agriculture products that characterize California cuisine today, such as wine and cheese, first appeared.
Among the milestones marking the industry’s rise to prominence are:
- The creation in 1857 of what was one of the first commercial dairies in the United States.
- The emergence of Point Reyes in the 1860s as the leading dairy region in the country as its dairies supplied San Francisco’s booming Gold Rush population with fresh dairy products.
- What was perhaps the industry’s first branding of a product in 1880, when a dairy in Point Reyes trademarked and stamped its butter to fight counterfeited imitations being sold.
- The commercialization in the 1880s of a popular local cheese that became known as Monterey Jack. Many experts consider it the most important cheese created in the U.S.
- More than 100 years of efforts by the state’s dairy industry to ensure the highest quality standards for its products.
1769: The Spanish Arrive
The Spanish soldiers and priests marching across the deserts of Baja California in 1769 brought more than politics and religion to what they called “Alta California.” They also brought a way of life and an Indo-European taste for food. Their saddlebags carried sugar, flour, lard, raisins and wine. Ahead of them, they herded nearly 200 cattle – some of which they would use for milking – as well as goats and sheep. Their compatriots sailing up the coast to meet them at San Diego carried such exotic products as brandy, figs, dates, garlic, chocolate and cheese – 450 pounds of cheese. With this “Sacred Expedition,” as it was called by the Spanish, the colonial or modern history of California begins, and so does the history of California's dairy industry.
This initial herd of 200 longhorn Spanish range cattle grew to nearly 74,000 by 1800. Most belonged to the missions and were raised to provide beef, leather and tallow. Additionally, the laws of 1795 awarded each soldier two milk cows. The missionaries, who taught the native people the word of God, also taught them to make queso del pais, a soft, creamy cheese made with surplus fresh milk. This native cheese was the ancestor to today’s popular cheese, Monterey Jack.
1840s: The Americans Arrive
Americans began settling in California in significant numbers in the 1840s, bringing with them a love for fresh milk, butter and cheese. Many families came overland by wagon train, and many brought cattle with them. Women did the work of tending the cows, doing the milking and churning the butter. Some made Cottage Cheese or Farmers Cheese, but few could make a good ripe hard cheese. Until the 1850s, household or farmstead production accounted for most of the dairy products available in California. But in 1848, the state’s history took a dramatic turn.
Gold was discovered at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, and over the next year-and-a-half more than 100,000 people poured into the once-sleepy territory hoping to strike it rich. Many discovered, however, that they could make more money by selling groceries and other supplies to the miners. To feed the population of immigrants, entrepreneurs brought beef cattle from as far away as Texas. Miners in the Sierra foothills relied on small dairies based in the San Joaquin Valley to drive their cows to the mountains in the spring and bring with them the necessary tools to make butter and cheese. These nomad dairies would stay until the October frost when they would return to the valley for the winter.
In San Francisco, butter and cheese came by ship from Boston, New York and Chile. But these supplies, often inferior to begin with, were rendered almost inedible by the deteriorating effects of long sea voyages. Local production of butter and cheese was paltry – 705 pounds of butter and 150 pounds of cheese in 1850 – and generally depended on milk from Mexican beef cattle. Naturally, this limited production commanded high prices for the times – $1.50 a pound for butter and 40 cents a pound for cheese.
Encouraged by the high price of dairy products during the gold rush, entrepreneurs imported milk cows to increase local production. In 1860, California had about 100,000 milk cows. Farms encircling the San Francisco and Sacramento regions, the state’s two most populous areas, dominated production. Butter was the primary product of this budding dairy industry. Local fresh cheese was made from skimmed milk and sweet buttermilk combined, and sold the same day it was taken from the hoop for 25 to 27 cents a pound. But ripe cheeses generally were imported. By the mid-1850s, however, the Steele family arrived in California and catalyzed the beginnings of the commercial cheese industry.
1850s: Pioneering Spirit Prospered on Point Reyes
The Steele family, including Clara and her husband Rensselaer and his cousins Isaac, Edgar and George, arrived from Ohio and started farming north of San Francisco. In 1857, Clara hired a local Indian man to rope some of the wild cattle that grazed near her home. She milked these cows and, using a recipe from a cookbook that belonged to her English grandmother, began making Cheddar cheese. The cheese was an immediate success in the San Francisco market, which prompted the Steeles to launch a commercial dairy operation, that made high quality butter and cheese. Their dairy was one of the first, and quite possibly the first commercial dairy in the entire United States. Looking to expand, the Steeles explored Point Reyes as a possibility.
When their business partner, Colonel Lewis, surveyed the land with Isaac Steele, he declared it “cow heaven!” The family’s new 6,000-acre dairy farm soon prospered on Point Reyes, with its rolling, green grasslands and temperate climate thanks to the recurrent fog.
The Steele’s success sparked the growth of the Point Reyes region, eventually placing it alongside New York state as the two centers of commercial dairy production in the country. Their 1861 production of 45 tons of cheese made them the largest producers of cheese in California. In fact, during the 1861 season, they made 640 pounds of cheese and 75 pounds of butter per day. They shipped their cheese to San Francisco by steamer since rough roads made the trip impossible. In return, the schooners brought back the comforts of the city to Point Reyes. Cash accounts from 1861 accounted for smoked salmon, brandy, clothing, sarsaparilla, coffin trimmings and a Steinway piano.
Although the Steeles were the first to operate a commercial dairy in the rugged new state, they were not the only prospering dairy on Point Reyes. Brothers George and Charles Laird, who leased 3,000 acres on Tomales Point, the northernmost tip of Point Reyes, operated a dairy that rivaled the Steeles’ in size, output and quality. In 1859, the Laird’s cheese captured first place from the Steeles at the state fair and, in 1860, George Laird gained fame for producing a 1,600 pound cheese.
1857-1919: The Shafter Empire
While the Laird and Steele families are credited with pioneering the Point Reyes dairy industry, brothers Oscar and James Shafter, prominent and energetic businessmen with keen foresight, developed Point Reyes to be the leading dairy region not only in California but in the entire West. Both brothers were prominent attorneys from Vermont before they moved to San Francisco. In 1857, during a twisted legal battle in which five men claimed ownership of Point Reyes, the Shafter legal team won the territory for their client, Dr. Robert McMillan. In return, McMillan sold the highly regarded property to the firm. In total, the Shafter brothers bought almost the entire peninsula for less than $85,000.
Oscar and James Shafter, along with Oscar’s son-in-law, Charles Howard, promptly established their home ranch on the property (home of the present day Murphy Ranch) and wrote leases to the Steele, Laird, and other dairies already established on the territory. Howard became the most active member at the ranches, providing hands-on management of ranch construction and dairy operation.
The family resolved to keep the property together and pursue a tenant system. Each ranch was named a letter of the alphabet, starting at the tip of Point Reyes (A Ranch). Under Howard’s stewardship, the dairies doubled in number. By 1870, Shafter-Howard owned 20 dairies with plans to add seven more from the ones previously leased. Typically, tenants leased the ranches from one to three years. The tenant rented the cows ($20-$25 per cow, annually), buildings and land, but provided their own home furnishings, dairy and farm implements, horses and pigs.
By 1866, the Point Reyes dairies led the field in production. Although the family experimented with producing cheese, they felt the land was better adapted to making butter. Consequently, they pursued their goal to produce the finest quality butter in great quantities for San Francisco.
Certainly, the market existed. Demand in the rapidly growing city was so great that the inferior butter from South America and the East Coast was still being imported. But this product was no comparison to the Point Reyes standards. As one contemporary journalist reported, “…the grass growing in the fields on Monday is the butter on the city tables on Sunday.”
The Shafter and Howard ranches became famous as examples of well-organized, clean and successful dairies producing the highest quality products. In 1875, the Marin County Journal reported that the excellent quality of Point Reyes’ butter resulted from the advantages of the peninsula’s climate, “coupled with the evident enterprise and liberality of the owners of the land in improvements, and the wide-awake spirit of the tenants in efforts to out-vie each other in the quality of their products have given to the Point Reyes butter a most enviable reputation in the markets.” No doubt, competition among the prospering farms existed. Many of the tenants immigrated from Sweden, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland and Portugal, each bringing their desire for success to the new territory.
At the height of the Shafter and Howard Empire, 31 dairy ranches were in operation. For each location, a reasonably flat site was chosen that was central to the grazing area and had a nearby spring to supply water for both the ranch house and the cows in the corral. Because it rarely rained, milking was done outdoors in a well-drained, central corral. Each milker took charge of a string of cows (between 20-25) and could milk them in two hours.
The buttermaker reigned over the dairy and had tremendous responsibilities to the tenant and owners. He usually worked his way up in the dairy, starting as a milker and learning the skills on the job. To make butter, the cream had to be separated then churned through laborious processes that required skill to prevent spoilage. Then, the freshly churned butter was salted to prolong storage, divided into two-pound blocks and stored in a cool cellar until it was shipped by schooner to San Francisco. By 1880, the demand for the Point Reyes butter was so great that dairies around the area were counterfeiting it. Empty Point Reyes butter boxes left by the commission merchants would be repacked with “common” butter and sold at a higher price. Upon learning this, Shafter and Howard trademarked their butter and stamped the letters P.R. on each package made at their ranches. This step to protect the quality and authenticity of their products may be one of the first forms of branding of a consumer product in California.
The Shafter and Howard families owned most of Point Reyes for 82 years, from 1857-1939. During that time, the operation of the ranches changed little, except for modernization in technology and transportation. The eventual sale of the ranches, between 1919 to 1939, was done in three transactions, ten years apart from each other. Most of the ranches were sold to tenants, resulting in increased prosperity and pride. Moreover, dairy production increased through herd improvements and physical modernization unhindered by a distant landlord. Indeed, a new way of life swept through the dairies at Point Reyes.
1870s: California Dairy Industry Expands
The dairy industry in California prospered outside of Point Reyes, as well. Many dairy farmers sought affordable land and to take advantage of the newly constructed railroads to gain access to urban markets. The Steele family, unable to purchase their dairy from the Shafters, bought an 18,000 acre ranch in San Mateo County and later a larger ranch in San Luis Obispo County. By 1880, they operated the state’s most productive cheesemaking factory and the second largest dairy in the state after the Shafters. With cheese production on the upswing, California further staked its claim to being one of the leading dairy states in the nation.
Marin County remained the state’s leading dairy region, followed by Sacramento. But production in the San Joaquin Valley increased in the 1870s when William S. Chapman, one of the largest landowners in the state, sold 80,000 acres of land to a group of German settlers in the Central Valley and encouraged them to cultivate alfalfa with irrigated water. This crop fostered tremendous growth in the dairy industry in central and southern California during the last two decades of the 19th century. Together with the arrival of rail lines through most of the San Joaquin Valley by the latter part of the decade, it also set the stage for the gradual rise of California’s Central Valley as the state’s primary dairy region, as it is today.
While irrigation in the San Joaquin Valley made dairy farming possible, the cool temperatures and long grass-growing seasons of the state’s coastal areas, particularly in San Luis Obispo, Sonoma and Humboldt counties, drew more people into the dairy industry. The introduction of cream separators, and the establishment of the state’s first creamery in Ferndale in 1889, sparked tremendous investment, especially in Humboldt County. By the late 1890s, Humboldt had become the leading dairy county in the state.
In Monterey County, businessman and landowner David Jacks used milk from his dairies to be the first to commercialize a popular local cheese – a soft, white cheese that was to bear his name – Monterey Jack. This cheese made its first appearance by railcar shipment to San Francisco in 1882, and eventually became what many cheese experts consider the most important cheese created in the U.S.
Throughout these years, the state’s dairy production rose steadily. By the late 1870s, for the first time since the gold rush, local production of butter and cheese equaled consumption. The census of 1880 counted 210,000 milk cows producing nearly 12 million gallons of milk. By the end of the decade, the dairy herd had increased to 260,000 milk cows. And as surpluses developed, California dairymen began to export butter and cheese to other cities along the West Coast.
1890s: Dairy Industry Sets Quality Standards
Food safety and quality issues, which have come to the fore in the 1990s, have been priorities in the dairy industry for more than 100 years. In 1891, the Dairymen’s Union of California (renamed the California Dairy Association in 1893) was founded to improve distribution both inside and outside the state and to set quality standards and benchmark prices. Led by Louis Tomasini of Marin County, the Dairymen’s Union pushed for the creation of the State Dairy Bureau to administer laws against butter and cheese imitations. This three-man commission also oversaw labeling and grading of cheeses. And, in a step that formalized the first form of product branding in the 1880s when Shafter and Howard trademarked and stamped their butter, the commission began issuing brand names to manufacturers. The Bureau promoted dairy research and education at the state's agricultural colleges. All of these efforts led to productivity improvements.
At the turn of the century, however, the American public became increasingly concerned about food quality and safety rather than production. To reassure consumers, the State Dairy Bureau began to inspect dairy operations to verify that they met state health standards. These regulatory innovations marked the beginning of nearly a century of cooperation between dairy farmers and the government – a partnership that has helped make the California dairy industry a major factor in the state’s economic success.
Today, California’s dairy industry enjoys the highest standards in the nation, employing the latest techniques in dairy farm management, herd health and milk handling. Dairy products are California’s number one agricultural commodity. Since 1993, the state has led the nation in milk production. The state also produces more ice cream, butter and nonfat dry milk than any other state in the nation and is second in cheese production.
All of these products fuel the state’s economy, but they also provide a tangible and savory link to the past and a rich tradition of quality and innovation that began with the arrival of the Spanish missionaries. A visit to the verdant grasslands of Point Reyes and the scent of the fresh, coastal fog bring back the nostalgia of the first dairies that still dot the coastal grasslands today.
While their winemaking brethren draw tourists to “Wine Country,” the dairy farmers producing fresh, top-quality milk and the growing number of small specialty cheesemakers producing handmade, artisan cheeses can make a claim to a similarly historic and, yes, even romantic “Cheese Country” in the pastoral coastlands and mountains of Marin and Sonoma counties.
Information provided courtesy of the California Milk Advisory Board
The following are sources used in developing this historical backgrounder.
Hubert Howe Bancroft, History of California, Volume 1, 1542-1800 (Santa Barbara: Wallace Hebberd, 1953 -- facsimile reprint from 1886 edition)
Kaye Tomlin, editor, Outpost of an Empire (Fort Ross: Fort Ross Interpretive Association, Inc., 1993)
John Mack Faragher, Women and Men on the Overland Trail (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1979)
Edward Dickson, Dairying In California (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1896)
James D. Hart, A Companion to California (Berkeley: U.C. Press, 1987)
Douglas E. Kyle, Historic Spots in California (Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1990)
California Milk Advisory Board, South San Francisco, California.
Gerald D. Nash, State Government and Economic Development: A History of Administrative Policies in California, 1849-1933 (California, 1964)
Ann Foley Scheuring, editor, A Guidebook to California Agriculture (Berkeley: U.C. Press, 1983)
Donald Pisani, From the Family Farm to Agribusiness (Berkeley: UC Press, 1984)
California State Dairy Bureau, First Report, (Sacramento, State of California, October 1896)
California State Dairy Bureau, Third Report, (Sacramento, State of California, October 1900)
Daniel Cornford, Workers and Dissent in the Redwood Empire (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1987)
Dewey Livingston, Ranching on the Point Reyes Penninsula (Historic Resource Study Point Reyes National Seashore, July 1994) | <urn:uuid:cd75c272-e820-4b27-8622-0b4e927e8451> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.californiadairypressroom.com/Press_Kit/History_of_Dairy_ndustry | 2024-12-09T05:06:03Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.958008 | 4,203 | 3.640625 | 4 |
The importance of education in advancement of a nation and society cannot be overstated, and primary education plays an unparalleled role in this regard. It serves as the foundation for all subsequent levels of education. Despite the government’s commitment to providing “universal, compulsory, free, and equitable” primary education, disparities in this field are still starkly visible even more than a decade after the declaration of the National Education Policy 2010.
While there have been notable improvements in infrastructure, enrollment, and attendance in primary education, the quality of education remains a significant concern. To ensure holistic and inclusive education alongside economic growth, it is essential to focus on ensuring quality education for citizens.
In pursuit of strengthening the foundation of primary education, the government took several initiatives. In 1973, the government initiated the nationalization of 36,165 primary schools, followed by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s decision in 2013 to take over 26,193 non-government primary schools. Additionally, around 1,500 government primary schools have been established in areas without schools.
The objectives of the education policy were aimed at ensuring equity, inclusive, and compulsory primary education for all, with various key goals and objectives, such as implementing a uniform curriculum and syllabus for all primary schools, fostering patriotism and nation-building among students, imparting essential knowledge, subject-based skills, life skills, values, and social consciousness, and preparing students for higher education.
Despite these efforts, the recent Primary Education Completion Examination (PECE) results in Bangladesh show that more than 50% of students cannot read Bengali properly at the end of primary education. Weaknesses in English and mathematics are also evident. In light of these statistics, the progress in primary education after a decade of implementing the education policy is a subject of significant concern.
Even though the education policy emphasizes making primary education “universal, compulsory, free, and equitable,” the reality is that there are still disparities, both economic and geographical, between government, non-government, and English-medium primary schools. The cost and quality of education in government and non-government primary schools, even in urban areas, continue to differ. In rural areas, parents of underprivileged children are still primarily dependent on government primary schools.
Although the National Education Policy 2010 aims to create an education system in Bangladesh that is accessible, equitable, inclusive, innovative, science-oriented, and intellectually enriching, the current state of education in the country falls far short of these objectives. While it is stated that teachers should provide students with education filled with love, respect, affection, and sincerity to keep students attentive in class, in reality, not all teachers receive subject-specific training for this purpose. However, efforts should be made to encourage teachers to provide engaging teaching through proper training and motivation.
In many cases, the student-teacher ratio in primary schools is much higher than the recommended 1:20 ratio, which is actually 1:54 in Bangladesh. In some instances, there are so many students in one class that a single teacher cannot pay individual attention to all students. Therefore, weaker students often receive little extra care. The use of proxy teachers instead of regular teachers has also become prevalent in coastal and remote areas. To address this issue, flexible recruitment and incentives should be introduced after teacher recruitment. Discouraging private tutoring and coaching, especially at the primary level, is also necessary.
The National Education Policy 2010 emphasizes creating an environment for the physical and mental development of students, including the provision of playgrounds, sports, and physical exercises in all educational institutions. However, the reality is that many schools lack adequate playgrounds, and even if they are mentioned on paper, they often do not exist in practice. In many cases, the grounds are unsuitable for physical activities throughout the monsoon season. Malnutrition and poverty can hinder a child’s mental and physical development, making it difficult for them to pay attention in class and achieve their potential. To achieve the desired learning outcomes, it is crucial to address these challenges.The use of mid-day meals in selected schools in Bangladesh has been shown to improve attendance and reduce dropout rates, as documented in various research studies. The government has now decided to implement mid-day meals in all schools. However, more efforts are needed to make this initiative successful.
To achieve meaningful progress in primary education, the government’s initiatives alone may not be sufficient. The quantity of students assigned to primary schools should be determined based on sociology-economic factors and geographical locations. Particularly, planning for digital education and co-education programs, ensuring competent personnel, upgrading classrooms, providing electricity, and supplying teaching materials should be considered within the context of the average number of students per class. Local administration, school management committees, local representatives, and community involvement should play a role in comprehensive quality improvement, considering the physical infrastructure-related issues in schools. Although many schools have management committees, they are often not actively involved in educational programs and curriculum assessment. In such cases, training them within their scope could be beneficial. Involving local NGOs, media, and educational researchers in educational innovations and creativity can help address local challenges and improve overall quality.
The foundation for a child’s cognitive development is laid at the primary level. If we want to empower education effectively, primary education must be given the utmost priority. This requires well-trained teachers, conscientious parents, a healthy societal role, and comprehensive government support.
Author serves as an Upazilla Election Officer of Galachipa, Patuakhali. | <urn:uuid:ed846e69-0542-4a72-a60d-b4ae1ed38925> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.dailypresenttimes.com/national-education-policy-and-quality-primary-education-progress-in-a-decade/ | 2024-12-09T03:38:23Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.957935 | 1,130 | 3.390625 | 3 |
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Opcode vs Bytecode
Difference between Opcode and Bytecode
Opcode is a type of machine language instruction. It provides the computer with instructions indicating what to do with the data provided. Byte code is similar to opcode in nature, as it also tells the machine...
Copyright © 2024, Difference Between | Descriptive Analysis and Comparisons | <urn:uuid:f070766d-88ee-49bc-8f3f-6c34c2d3e7ed> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.differencebetween.info/tags/opcode | 2024-12-09T04:59:53Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.859841 | 93 | 2.78125 | 3 |
Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the structure and function of the heart muscle is altered. As the heart muscle weakens, the heart finds it more difficult to contract and relax and less blood is pumped to the lungs and the rest of the body. This can affect both the left and right ventricles. Eventually, if left untreated, the heart dilates and heart failure ensues.
The are many causes of dilated cardiomyopathy. In a proportion, dilated cardiomyopathy can run in families (‘familial dilated cardiomyopathy’). The cause of familial cardiomyopathy is a genetic defect that cannot be corrected. In such cases, the condition develops between the ages of 20 and 60. In around 50% of cases of DCM, no cause can be found and the condition is then termed ‘idiopathic’ dilated cardiomyopathy.
Symptoms occur when heart failure ensues. They include:
• Breathlessness: This can be due to accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema), but can also occur in its absence. When there is fluid in the lungs, a cough or wheezing can occur.
• Fluid retention (oedema): In heart failure, the kidneys respond by promoting the retention of fluid. This collects in the most dependent parts of the body, ie. the legs. Passing urine at night, breathlessness on lying down (orthopnoea) and waking up at night gasping for air (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea) can also occur.
• Fatigue: this results from a reduction in the blood suppy to all parts of the body.
• Palpitations: As the heart tries to compensate for the reduction in blood supply, it speeds up and this is felt as rapid or irregular heartbeats.
Doctors can diagnose heart failure by taking a history and examining the patient. Often, investigations are needed to explore what has caused heart failure and how best to treat it.
• ECG (heart trace): Although the ECG does not confirm the diagnosis of heart failure, it is more than likely abnormal in patients with the condition. It can reveal previous heart attacks and disorders of heart rhythm.
• NT pro-natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP) blood test. This hormone is secreted from the heart when it stretches. A rased NT pro-BNP makes heart failure more likely, but it does not confirm the diagnosis. A low BNP test makes heart failure unlikely. Any condition that stretches the muscle of the heart, such as atrial fibrillation and valve disease, leads to elevations in NT pro-BNP. If you have a raised NT pro-BNP, do not immediately assume that you have heart failure.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can give an approximation of the size of the heart and can show whether there is fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema and pleural effusions). It does not, however, provide information of heart function.
• Echocardiogram: provides a very comprehensive assessment of the heart structures and function. It should be performed for the diagnosis and monitoring of heart failure.
• Cardiac MRI scan: This specialised scan provides very accurate information on heart function and the causes of heart failure.
• Cardiac catheterisation: This may required to assess the cause of heart failure.
Between 30% and 50% of people with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy have inherited a genetic mutation for the disease. Some of these mutations can be identified with blood testing. In the majority of cases, however, genetic testing is unfruitful. This is because there many genes to consider and even if you carry the gene, that does not mean you are going to develop the disease. Conversely, absence of a genetic defect does not necessarily mean you are not going to develop the disease.
Screening tests are geared towards monitoring of cardiac function and structure with an echocardiogram and/or a cardiac MRI scan.
This is geared towards treating the underlying cause and its effects on cardiac function. If the cause of the cardiomyopathy is identified, this may involve avoiding exposure to toxins, such as alcohol and cocaine. The treatment of the function of the heart is as for heart failure.
Translated information booklets in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi and Gujarati: http://www.cardiomyopathy.org/index.php?id=296 | <urn:uuid:47069afe-718f-4f34-9eaf-21fd57659952> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.doctorleyva.com/es/dilated-cardiomyopathy | 2024-12-09T05:03:38Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.918179 | 945 | 3.28125 | 3 |
It’s an old argument. Old as the hills. Older than some kinds of dirt. But then, so am I.
The thinking goes like this:
Nobody could disagree with that. Surely I don’t. But as someone who taught logic for a quarter century, I am all too aware of human frailty in this matter. Some people read that as having the implication that it would not be wrong to discriminate against someone because of what they did choose.
There’s the culprit: thinking that it is okay to discriminate against people.
- Outtake 1: It is okay to discriminate between people, so we can tell them apart, you know, and do things like honor heritage, since that seems to be part of our culture. Some people seem to have difficulty with the difference between the two concepts, but that’s another issue for another day.
Do we really thinking it is okay to discriminate against people who have made a conscious choice about, say, their spiritual beliefs?
- Outtake 2: There is an argument that parents impose their spiritual beliefs of their children, which is why that should be protected. That is, children are born into a religion. As someone who has different beliefs now than what I was raised with, I am curious why people never challenge those so-called “imposed” beliefs. But that, too, is probably another discussion for another day.
Do we really think that it is best to claim that GLBT people shouldn’t be discriminated against because they were born “that way?” What does it say about being gay and how we are viewed in this society to intone the words, “Nobody would ever choose to be gay.” Why wouldn’t someone ever choose to be happier? You can trust me on this or not: I could have chosen to (maybe) continue living as a man or I could choose what I did: to undergo gender reassignment. I chose the latter so as to improve the degree of happiness in my existence. What the hell is wrong with that?
Am I saying that people choose to be gay? My opinion is that some do and some don’t. I say nothing here about “all,” or even you, dear reader.
When it really comes down to whether people are born gay or straight, I have one question:
Suppose for an instant that it could be scientifically proven that people were born either straight or gay. For the sake of this argument, let us also assume that there was a scientific…probably medical…procedure that could determine who those people are who are born straight and which of us were born lesbian or gay.
How cool would that be! I mean, we would never have to waste our lives falling in love with the wrong people!
And we could go door to door deciding which couple needed to divorce immediately because there was an orientation mismatch. Doesn’t matter whether or not they love each other and get along well together, science rules! And we do want to make the world a better place after all. Right?
No good is going to come from a man who is going to come out as gay when he is 40 having the experience of 20 years of being a husband and father. It is an outrage that a woman might not know that she is a lesbian and be consigned to be happily married to a man with whom she finds comfort passing the years, raising some children.
Are there many lesbians in the latter situation? Yes. Many of my friends are, in fact, women who were formerly in heterosexual marriages. And some of them have children. And some lesbians don;t consider them to be “real lesbians.” But the same ones don’t think I am one either, since I used to be a man.
Disaster is surely just around the corner if we et these sorts of marriages happen. A queer person and a straight person should never, ever be allowed to marry.
Is that the message we endorse? Or do we endorse the right of people to marry the person they love.
As for what “scientific proof” there is, one should realize that it is not hard and fast proof. It is a story of correlations. And it is mostly a tale of gay men and gay men only, with a little bit about transwomen. As a transwoman, I’m supposed to have a portion of my BSTc which correlates more with that of women than that of men. We could cut it open and find out, but then I would be dead. To me, that seems to me to be not so good somehow.
Or we could test my androgen receptor gene and see if it is longer than that of other people born male. Or, you know, we could conclude that I am transsexual because I changed my sex. If I didn’t have a gene of the correct length, should I have been denied the process? Or was my mental health what was truly important?
As a transwoman, I can’t believe that chromosomes are destiny. As a human being, I believe that we can overcome our biology.
As a human, I have to wonder why the assumption has to be that even if we could choose not to be gay, we should have to do so to meet other people’s sense of order in the world.
Not until the gay/lesbian experience is artificially forced to be worse than it should be by maltreatment for outside forces does it even approach being annoying.
Being gay or lesbian is who we are. And that is not a bad thing in my reality, any more or any less than being straight is a bad thing.
Our dear friend and colleague, Elena Scambio died on Wednesday.
Dr. Scambio has been the Essex County Superintendent of Schools, the State Superintendent of the Jersey City Schools and an Assistant Commissioner of Education for the State of NJ.
Elena single-handedly created the Division of Education at Bloomfield College and was chair of that division upon her death.
Elena was a great woman.
Elena is survived by her wife, Angie. If it is possible to be even more saddened, I am bereaved by the fact that among the last acts she witnessed were the decisions by voters in four states to establish that we should have something less than equal rights.
Here’s some words from Elena for National Coming Out Day in 2005. | <urn:uuid:5fb5d19f-825a-457c-8b64-0010aceecf6d> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.docudharma.com/2008/11/friday-philosophy-choosing-happiness | 2024-12-09T03:46:24Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.984134 | 1,333 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Editor's Note: Today's guest blogger is Shawn Cornally, author of the Standards-Based Grading. Here, he presents a blog carnival on redefining assessment. It's a complex issue, and one that we tackle in the next Schools that Work series here on Edutopia.
As a kickoff to that series, Shawn has assembled some excellent resources here. We hope this post will inspire some great brainstorming and discussions below. What are some innovative assessments you've seen? Any experience?
Assessment is a topic like no other in education. Assessment has become synonymous with the monolith of "testing," which all teachers must in some way bow to; whether it be looming state exams or in-house productions, all teachers are asked to judge students' abilities. How we do this ranking can severely affect how students and teachers see and value school.
I began a quest to discover a way to make the seemingly adversarial task of assessment turn into a rich and powerful tool for learning. What's more is that I saw my exam-focused classroom missing entirely the much larger and messier task of preparing students to think.
I discovered some basic themes that altered everything I do in my classroom. My grades became sliding faders on the great mixing board that is a student's understanding. I stopped using averages and weights as weapons, and started changing grades as students improved. Second, I began clearly reporting things to parents and students, avoiding long explanations and curriculum documents; "Quiz 5" became "Student can solve logarithmic equations" and "Student can differentiate ln[g(x)]." Every time I graded something with logs, these grades received a look, and were modified depending on the student's output.
I asked myself the question: How can I use assessment to create learning, instead of just to judge it? It's been a long journey down the assessment rabbit hole, here are some folks I've met along the way:
Dan Meyer is the seminal Math Education blogger, and his writing on assessment has impacted thousands of educators around the world. He makes the points that: Learning is not on a time line, so grading shouldn't be either; grading should direct learning as it is really only feedback anyway; and you should be rewarded for putting in the effort to learn something you missed. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? Pretty close, actually.
Jason Buell has a blog, and he named it "Always Formative." He puts his money where is mouth is, and he's doing it all with middle schoolers. Jason believes that assessment's goal is not to judge but to guide. He wants students to know where they are, so that they can pack it up and go somewhere better.
Matt Townsley: Teacher-cum-administrator, Matt Townsley has blogged extensively on the role of practice and feedback in the grand scheme of assessment. His modus operandi boils down to: If you don't provide feedback beforehand, your assessment is nothing but a punishment.
Ms. Bethea is intensely introspective and questioning. Each of her posts about assessment, grading, and feedback highlight previous methods she's used and how they do and don't work. She offers solutions and arguments for today's most pressing assessment questions.
I have also logged my journey, and it is located at my blog Think Thank Thunk.
Feel free to continue the discussion of assessment below, or in Edutopia's assessment group. There are many issues to discuss. I look forward to connecting with others on these topics!
Shawn Cornally, author of the Standards-Based Grading. He's a science/math teacher at Solon High School in Solon, IA. | <urn:uuid:1089d7da-b380-4128-9b0f-07a61f38d40f> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.edutopia.org/blog/assessment-carnival-quizzes-tests | 2024-12-09T04:00:37Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.974793 | 755 | 2.96875 | 3 |
Here, we’re going to explore what Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is – its symptoms and its causes. We’ll also share how to treat and manage MDD because effective treatment does exist. There is always hope.
What is Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?
As humans, we all experience good days, bad days, so-so days, and everything in between. Often, our negative emotions come and go as the days pass. For those suffering from MDD, low moods are consistent and persistent for at least two weeks.
Some of the symptoms of MDD include:
- Struggling to make decisions
- Struggling to remember things and concentrate
- Sleeping too much or not sleeping enough
- Weight and appetite changes
- Loss of interest in things typically enjoyed – socializing, hobbies, sex
- Tiredness, fatigue, and loss of energy
- Low self-esteem
A person experiencing MDD will often have thoughts of hopelessness, low self-worth, and even thoughts of suicide. To their friends and family, they might appear irritated and unmotivated. They could also appear to be living a happy, normal life, while secretly suffering from MDD.
What Causes MDD?
Most individuals with MDD have a combination of factors present. These factors include a family medical history of mental illness, imbalances in brain chemistry, extreme stress, trauma, or even the diagnosis of another illness.
MDD is highly prevalent in young adults aged 18-35. In fact, 11 percent of Canadians aged 15-24 have experienced depression and 14 percent of that segment have considered suicide. This disorder affects all ages and genders, but it is especially problematic for young adults.
To diagnose MDD, your healthcare professional will ask you a series of questions that pertain to your mental health and medical history. They can’t diagnose MDD with a lab test, but they can rule out other conditions. The process of diagnosis can be overwhelming for someone experiencing MDD, which is why only one-third of Canadians with depression seek help.
CAMH has a great self-assessment tool which can help you decide to seek help if you’re unsure.
MDD and Other Types of Depression
MDD is sometimes confused with situational or episodic depression. Situational depression occurs in response to a traumatic or highly stressful life event such as losing a loved one.
Treating Major Depressive Disorder
Some of the most common treatment options for MDD are medications, psychotherapy, and sometimes, brain stimulation therapies. MDD can be managed by combining treatment, like ongoing counselling, with a healthy lifestyle.
An excellent resource for young adults seeking information on treating MDD is WalkAlong. It helps users track their symptoms, find community, get accurate information, practice self-help exercises, and find resources for treatment.
Psychology Today Canada has a database of therapists you can search through to find someone with experience treating mental illness and MDD. The Government of Ontario is promoting a program called BounceBack which might be appropriate for you.
There is Hope
Soon it will be possible for young adults experiencing serious mental illness, like MDD, to receive treatment at Eli’s Place, Canada’s first rural residential treatment centre for mental illness. Together, we can go from mental illness to hopeful futures. To contribute to our goal of opening our doors in 2021, learn how you can support Eli’s Place.
Eli’s Place will be a rural, residential treatment program for young adults with serious mental illness. To learn more about our mission and our proven-effective model click here. | <urn:uuid:89da77ca-cb2d-4613-bb79-fddccde515da> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.elisplace.org/major-depressive-disorder-in-young-adults/ | 2024-12-09T03:31:37Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.948966 | 758 | 3.453125 | 3 |
Gravity can be used as an energy source for transporting water by taking advantage of differences in elevation to move water (usually via pipelines). This can occur either from elevated water sources to storage tanks and treatment facilities or directly from elevated storage facilities to supply points. It can be used in many different stages in a water system and in all phases of an emergency.The force that attracts an object or substance towards the centre of the earth or towards any other physical body having mass.
Water sources from where water can be suitably transported through Gravity include springs, streams, lakes, reservoirs or simply an elevated tank. As an energy source, the major advantage of using Gravity is that it is free, so pumps are rarely needed within a Gravity-based system. Where pumps are used, the principles of water flow in pipes, which are described below, also apply to those systems (only the energy source changes).
The force that attracts an object or substance towards the centre of the earth or towards any other physical body having mass.The total energy of water at any specific point in a Gravity system is the sum of its energy due to elevation, pressure and velocity. When water is not flowing (e.g. in a full tank with closed taps), the pressure head, indicating the energy per unit weight of water measured in metres, is determined by the difference in height between the tap and the surface level of water in the tank. When a tap is opened, water flows, and the pressure head at the tap reduces due to the energy lost through heat dissipation to the environment that occurs when water molecules collide with each other and the pipe wall. This reduction of pressure energy is known as ‘friction loss’ or ‘head loss’ and is a known quantity for any particular pipe that is fully filled with water and open at the other end (usually given in metres friction loss per 100 metres). Friction loss varies according to the type of pipe and its diameter. For example, rougher or smaller pipes have more turbulence, which creates more energy loss, so the pressure at the end of the pipe will be less. Also, the longer the pipe, the greater the friction loss.
With the known friction loss, the hydraulic gradient line can be calculated. Since some energy is lost when water is moving, the pressure head will be less than when the taps are closed, so this line always slopes downhill from the source. Importantly though, this line should always be above ground (ideally 10 metres or more to keep air in solution, or if not, then air release valves should be used), as going underground causes negative pressure and a siphoning effect that can bring in air or soil contamination via poor pipe joints and could block the flow. The hydraulic gradient line should also terminate above the last tap in the system so that there is an excess (‘residual’) pressure at the furthest point. This ensures that water will flow at a sufficient speed through the tap (which will add some energy loss that varies according to the type of tap) while accounting for any discrepancies in actual pipe runs. The usual rule of thumb is to plan for at least five metres of residual pressure above the taps in larger Gravity systems; however, in acute emergencies for short distances, less residual pressure is required (e.g. usually one metre vertical distance between bladder base and tapstands is sufficient to meet recommended Sphere flow rate indicators). It is also possible to have too much pressure at a tap. Where residual pressure would be over 56 metres, measures have to be installed in the pipeline to reduce this pressure.
The force that attracts an object or substance towards the centre of the earth or towards any other physical body having mass.During the acute response phase, short pipe lengths to tapstands are often used, so a detailed design is less important initially. For larger systems, a thorough topographical survey and design are essential, so they require a longer time for implementation. Here a quick topographical estimate using elevation data from GPS or satellite will not be accurate. This means that for these larger systems, they tend to be more applicable to the stabilisation and recovery phases. Gravity flow systems are particularly suitable in areas with topographical variation (e.g. hills, mountains).
The force that attracts an object or substance towards the centre of the earth or towards any other physical body having mass.Gravity is a free energy source. Depending on the size of the system, the capital costs of Gravity-fed schemes are usually higher than the costs for those that obtain water from underground sources. This is due mainly to the cost of long pipelines from the upland sources down to the villages and partly due to the cost of providing storage tanks. In contrast, running costs over time are usually low.
The force that attracts an object or substance towards the centre of the earth or towards any other physical body having mass.Gravity is well accepted as it is a free energy source, which can reduce ongoing expenses. It is environmentally favourable, since it reduces the need for pumping using energy derived from fossil fuels, which have a greater impact on a system’s carbon footprint as well as overall air quality.
The force that attracts an object or substance towards the centre of the earth or towards any other physical body having mass.Application Level / Scale
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1 There was a carefully restrained ferocity in his dark face, a ruthlessness which would have frightened her had she the wits to see it.
2 But in the foamy confusion of their mixed and struggling hosts, the marksmen could not always hit their mark; and this brought about new revelations of the incredible ferocity of the foe.
Moby Dick By Herman MelvilleContext Highlight In CHAPTER 66. The Shark Massacre. 3 While under the influence of these gentle and natural feelings, no trace of ferocity was to be seen in the softened features of the Sagamore.
The Last of the Mohicans By James Fenimore CooperContext Highlight In CHAPTER 19 4 Magua paused, and for an anxious moment, it might be said, he doubted; then, casting his eyes on Cora, with an expression in which ferocity and admiration were strangely mingled, his purpose became fixed forever.
The Last of the Mohicans By James Fenimore CooperContext Highlight In CHAPTER 30 5 During this moment of tumult, the most ruthless deeds of war were performed on the fragments of the tree, with as much apparent ferocity as if they were the living victims of their cruelty.
The Last of the Mohicans By James Fenimore CooperContext Highlight In CHAPTER 31 6 The Delawares broke into the cover with the ferocity of their natures and swept away every trace of resistance by the fury of the onset.
The Last of the Mohicans By James Fenimore CooperContext Highlight In CHAPTER 32 7 I wish he could have witnessed the horrible avidity with which Oliver tore the bits asunder with all the ferocity of famine.
8 The accounts of his ferocity as related by Mrs. Sowerberry and Charlotte, were of so startling a nature, that Mr. Bumble judged it prudent to parley, before opening the door.
9 The son, on the other hand, had dropped all that jaunty, dashing style which had characterized him, and the ferocity of a dangerous wild beast gleamed in his dark eyes and distorted his handsome features.
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes By Arthur Conan DoyleContext Highlight In VII. The Adventure of The Reigate Squires 10 His head was horribly injured, and the whole room bore witness to the savage ferocity of the blow which had struck him down.
The Return of Sherlock Holmes By Arthur Conan DoyleContext Highlight In XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ABBEY GRANGE 11 This ferocity put the finishing touch to the disaster.
Les Misérables 2 By Victor HugoContext Highlight In BOOK 1: CHAPTER XIII—THE CATASTROPHE 12 The bravery exhibited there was almost barbarous and was complicated with a sort of heroic ferocity which began by the sacrifice of self.
Les Misérables 5 By Victor HugoContext Highlight In BOOK 1: CHAPTER XXI—THE HEROES 13 The cesspool no longer retains anything of its primitive ferocity.
Les Misérables 5 By Victor HugoContext Highlight In BOOK 2: CHAPTER V—PRESENT PROGRESS 14 Now that she believed herself to be no longer observed, a sentiment resembling ferocity animated her countenance.
The Three Musketeers By Alexandre DumasContext Highlight In 31 ENGLISH AND FRENCH 15 Although Sinbad pronounced these words with much calmness, his eyes gave forth gleams of extraordinary ferocity.
The Count of Monte Cristo By Alexandre DumasContext Highlight In Chapter 31. Italy: Sinbad the Sailor. | <urn:uuid:c1a210ce-dce0-498e-9333-6434d99e7b9a> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.examword.com/sentence/word?x=ferocity | 2024-12-09T05:03:25Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.948536 | 734 | 2.546875 | 3 |
Many people have 3D printers capable of producing plastic objects, but very few have a metal 3D printer. But with your own foundry, it’s almost as if you did.
Yes, metal 3D printers are spectacularly expensive, far more than most people could ever afford. However, the standard technique for “printing” in metal when you don’t have a metal 3D printer is to use metal casting instead.
You simply produce a mold of the intended shape using variations of the lost-wax process, and pour in liquid metal. After cooling, you remove a metal object in the exact shape you required. We’ve previously written about the lost wax process, but one detail was not explained: how, exactly, do you get liquid metal for casting?
A video of how to make and use a “mini metal foundry” explains all you’ll need, at least to make liquid aluminum. In the video, Grant Thompson uses the foundry to melt common aluminum drink cans to produce “muffins” of aluminum.
These aluminum “muffins” can be pre-made for later use when casting. They can be re-melted and then poured into molds to produce terrific aluminum objects, such as this cartoony sword here:
But if you’re going to actually build such a foundry, I would strongly advise caution, as this is a very hot process with many dangerous steps. Do not attempt to do this indoors, unless you’re in a fully ventilate and fireproof workshop! | <urn:uuid:4b948139-61f4-412e-afac-d845595880cf> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.fabbaloo.com/2016/03/something-every-3d-printer-owner-should-have-a-foundry | 2024-12-09T03:57:29Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.939478 | 333 | 2.515625 | 3 |
According to the U.S. government’s World Factbook, Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and the second in the Western Hemisphere.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO) reports that the high price of food has made it one of 17 countries worldwide that are at “high risk” of deteriorating food security — astounding for a country whose land is so bountiful.
Because the needs are so great, in the mid-2000’s the foundation’s precursors established a Food Assistance program that provides free sustenance for 35 to 50 families in the Matagalpa region. Their needs are determined by our local staff, who make visits to applicants’ homes to determine those at greatest risk. Monthly food baskets include maize, beans, rice, sugar and other basic commodities. As with our other sectors, we would ultimately like to give more.
The recipients of Fara’s food aid are largely women and children (often single women who head up their households), elderly couples or families in which one of the bread-winners has become incapacitated or living with disabilities. “You cannot help it — when you see somebody doing without, how can you not give if you have the ability to do so,” our co-founder Maria has said.
Maria, a native of Nicaragua who lives in the United States, cites the example of one hard-working recipient — a single mother with a special-needs daughter.
Originally the mother worked as a cook and was able to make ends meet for her family. When her two older children grew up and struck out on their own, she was forced to quit the job and take in laundry at home, leaving the household budget severely lacking.
“I can’t leave my daughter alone,” the mother told us. “She doesn’t know better — she will eat rocks and dirt, so I have to stay home with her and try to work there.” Still, she doesn’t make enough money. Our monthly program allows her and her daughter to survive. She is one of the struggling families we are committed to, and as Fara Foundation grows, we hope to cover more. | <urn:uuid:5227f0f1-960f-425b-be7b-0fca4dd38182> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.faracoffee.com/pages/food-assistance | 2024-12-09T03:21:37Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.975555 | 459 | 2.703125 | 3 |
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. While conventional medicine focuses heavily on pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions, functional medicine offers a holistic approach that addresses the root causes and underlying imbalances contributing to cardiovascular health issues. This blog explores the benefits, role, treatments, therapies, and importance of managing cardiovascular disease through functional medicine.
Understanding Functional Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease
Functional medicine is a patient-centred approach that aims to identify and address the underlying causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms. In the context of cardiovascular disease, functional medicine considers a range of factors including genetics, lifestyle, diet, and environmental influences. It seeks to optimize heart health by promoting overall wellness and balancing various bodily systems. | <urn:uuid:d8c5bdb8-d7b6-434b-b99c-84d8e86d5415> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.freedomage.in/cardiovascular-disease-management-with-functional-medicine/ | 2024-12-09T04:54:10Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.910476 | 150 | 2.921875 | 3 |
High school is a crucial point in anyone’s education. It is a rude awakening from junior school and a period of transition to college. This is where students shape their future academic lives. As such, high school students are encouraged to read broadly on all topics that interest them.
Here is a review of 10 books every high schooler should read:
- Their Eyes were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston)
- Animal Farm (George Orwell)
- 1984 (George Orwell)
- Brave New World (Aldous Huxley)
- The Awakening (Kate Chopin)
- To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain)
- The Diary of a Young Girl (Anne Frank)
- Frankenstein (Mary Shelley)
- Great Expectations (Charles Dickens)
This novel has caused much division since it was published. It is, nevertheless, considered a classic – and a great book for high school students.
Their Eyes were Watching God is about a passionate and ambitious black woman who endures three marriages. She is first married to a cruel and inconsiderate man, then to a more reasonable man, and finally to a man who loves her honestly. The novel will give you an insight into the disappointments and fulfillments that one goes through at different stages of life.
Animal Farm is one of the most popular high school books. It has made sense from different perspectives since its publication. It is a story about farm animals that revolt and take over the farm where they are mistreated and overworked. The animals take control and seek to turn the farm into a paradise through their idealism.
Animal Farm will resonate with you in many ways. At the very least, it will open your eyes to the unfairness of the current systems of governance.
You will find 1984 to be an interesting and eye-opening book. It was written about 35 years before the actual date. It warns of the rise of dictators – interestingly, its description seems eerily similar to the rise of dictators such as Hitler and Stalin.
It also warns of something that you are more familiar with: the rise of invasive technology and how governments and corporate will use it to control the people.
Nowadays it seems that the world is in disarray. There is greater freedom of speech and diversity, but there is also greater dissent and disagreement.
The book Brave New World describes the current times with surprising accuracy considering that it was written decades ago. It tells of a world that balances dystopian and utopian ideals whereby people are free to express themselves, but again also easy to manipulate.
High school is a period of awakening for most young people. This is what makes this book one of the best books for high schoolers. It tells the story of one woman’s awakening as she realizes her true self during a period when women are undermined and marginalized.
Racism is a hot topic nowadays, and this book relates all too well. It tells the story of a black man put on trial for raping a white woman. This book was instrumental in the rise and success of the Civil Rights Movement. It also explores other concepts, such as understanding, sympathy, and courage. It is one of the best books to read in high school.
This book will give you a few good laughs. It will also give you a unique insight into racism and slavery. It is about a young boy who escapes home to get away from his dysfunctional family. He makes his way down the Mississippi and on the way, makes an escaped slave his companion.
It is amazing how much people have forgotten about the Holocaust. This book is a true account of one young Jewish girl’s tribulations during the holocaust. Every young person should know about the atrocities so that they may never be repeated, which makes this one of the most impactful books for high schoolers.
If you have never heard of Frankenstein, you should really reconsider your reading list. This is one of the good books for high schoolers. It is both thrilling and insightful. It offers a great insight into all the things that can go wrong once a man decides to play God.
Charles Dickens is an excellent writer, and Great Expectations is one of the best books for high school students. It is a story about an orphaned boy who struggles with poverty growing up and later becomes wealthy. It teaches much about endurance, hope, love, trust, and the importance of relationships.
Finding the best books for high school is hard. Check out aforementioned books and see how interesting they are. | <urn:uuid:c9855e9a-932c-42db-9944-c9f1c21ec5d7> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.funwithbooks.org/ | 2024-12-09T03:59:50Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.967995 | 941 | 2.53125 | 3 |
Examples of flatware or silverware include forks, knives, and spoons, which are essential utensils for dining. While both terms are often used interchangeably in casual conversation, they refer to different categories of utensils. Flatware can be made from various materials like stainless steel, silver, or silver-plated metals, whereas silverware specifically refers to utensils made from pure silver or silver-plated metals. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the definitions, materials, uses, care methods, and historical context of both flatware and silverware, so you can better understand the distinctions between them.
Table of Contents
- Defining Flatware
- 2.1 Types of Flatware
- 2.2 Materials Used in Flatware
- Defining Silverware
- 3.1 Types of Silverware
- 3.2 Materials Used in Silverware
- Key Differences Between Flatware and Silverware
- 4.1 Material Composition
- 4.2 Usage and Context
- 4.3 Maintenance and Care
- Historical Context
- Modern Trends in Flatware and Silverware
Dining has evolved into an art form, where every detail counts, including the utensils we use. When it comes to dining, you may have heard terms like “flatware” and “silverware.” Although they refer to utensils that are used to serve and eat food, the specific meanings can vary widely, affecting choice, aesthetics, and value.
Understanding the distinctions between flatware and silverware can help you make informed decisions when setting a table, purchasing utensils, or choosing pieces for special occasions. In this article, we’ll dissect the definitions, materials, use cases, and more to bring clarity to these essential dining items.
2.1 Types of Flatware
Flatware is a general term that encompasses a wide range of utensils used in dining. The most common types of flatware include:
Forks: Used for spearing and lifting food. Forks can come in various styles, including dinner forks, salad forks, and dessert forks.
Knives: Used for cutting food. Just like forks, knives can be categorized into different types, such as dinner knives, butter knives, and steak knives.
Spoons: Used for scooping, stirring, and serving food. Spoons include soup spoons, dessert spoons, and serving spoons.
2.2 Materials Used in Flatware
Flatware can be made from a variety of materials:
Stainless Steel: This is the most common material for flatware. Stainless steel is durable, resistant to rust and staining, and easy to clean. It is often used for everyday utensils.
Silver-Plated Materials: Flatware can also be made with a thin layer of silver applied to a base metal, giving the appearance of silver while being more affordable.
Plastic: Disposable plastic cutlery is popular for picnics and casual gatherings but is not as environmentally responsible as other material options.
Wood and Bamboo: These materials are often used in eco-friendly or decorative flatware, particularly for specialty dining experiences or events.
3.1 Types of Silverware
Silverware specifically refers to utensils made from pure silver or silver-plated metals. Like flatware, silverware includes:
Silver Forks: Often used for more formal dining experiences. Silver forks can also vary in size and purpose, similar to standard forks.
Silver Knives: Used for cutting and serving food, silver knives are typically more ornate and are often used in fine dining settings.
Silver Spoons: Silver spoons are commonly used for soups, desserts, and serving food. Much like other types of silverware, they can come in various designs and sizes, from soup spoons to demitasse spoons.
Serving Utensils: Silverware can also include serving spoons, forks, and ladles, all designed for presenting food at the table.
3.2 Materials Used in Silverware
Silverware is usually made from:
Sterling Silver: This is a high-quality silver alloy that consists of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. This composition provides the desired strength while maintaining the beautiful luster of silver. Sterling silver is considered the gold standard for silverware.
Silver-Plated Metals: While not made entirely of silver, silver-plated utensils have a layer of silver applied over a base material (often stainless steel or copper). This makes them more affordable while still offering the aesthetic appeal of silver.
Nickel Silver: This alloy contains nickel, copper, and zinc but does not contain silver. While it can be shiny and attractive, it is not classified as silverware.
Understanding the distinctions between flatware and silverware can help you choose the right utensils for your dining needs. Here are the primary ways in which they differ:
4.1 Material Composition
Flatware: Encompasses various materials, including stainless steel, plastic, and wood, and can include utensils that do not contain silver.
Silverware: Specifically refers to utensils made from sterling silver or silver-plated materials, highlighting a level of craftsmanship and quality that distinguishes it from standard flatware.
4.2 Usage and Context
Flatware: Typically used in both casual and fine dining settings and is considered an everyday necessity. While it can be decorative, functionality is often the priority.
Silverware: Usually reserved for formal occasions, special events, or heirloom collections. Silverware is often seen during holidays, weddings, or other significant celebrations.
4.3 Maintenance and Care
Flatware: Stainless steel flatware is generally easy to maintain, being dishwasher-safe and resistant to stains and rust. Plastic cutlery is typically disposable but can be reused in some contexts.
Silverware: Requires more delicate care to maintain its luster. Sterling silver utensils need to be polished regularly to prevent tarnishing, as silver naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air and moisture. Silver-plated utensils require similar care, but they are more susceptible to wear due to the thin layer of silver.
Both flatware and silverware have rich histories. The use of utensils dates back thousands of years:
Flatware History: Common utensils like forks and spoons have been used since ancient times, evolving from crude implements to sophisticated designs. The introduction of stainless steel in the 19th century revolutionized flatware by providing a practical, affordable, and durable option for dining.
Silverware History: Silver has been a symbol of wealth and status throughout history. In medieval Europe, wealthy individuals used silverware for both culinary and ceremonial purposes. Many families would pass down silverware as heirlooms, as it signified lineage and prosperity.
Today, both flatware and silverware continue to be integral in dining culture, with modern innovations providing a wide range of styles and materials to suit diverse tastes and preferences.
As dining culture evolves, so do trends in flatware and silverware:
- Minimalist Designs: Many contemporary settings favor sleek, minimalist flatware designs that emphasize functionality and simplicity. Stainless steel remains popular due to its versatility and modern appearance.
Colorful Options: Colored stainless steel cutlery coated with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is gaining popularity. This innovative technique allows for vibrant hues while maintaining the durability and hygiene of traditional stainless steel.
Sustainability Focus: There’s a growing trend toward eco-friendly flatware made from sustainable materials. Brands are increasingly producing utensils from renewable resources or biodegradable materials, catering to environmentally conscious consumers.
Restoration of Heirloom Silverware: Many households are investing in the restoration and upkeep of heirloom silverware. The resurgence of the vintage aesthetic encourages people to appreciate and use beautiful silverware passed down through generations.
Mix and Match: Rather than setting formal tables with matching flatware, many modern dining experiences embrace a more eclectic approach where different styles and materials are mixed creatively.
The terms flatware and silverware refer to two essential categories of dining utensils, each with its unique characteristics, uses, and care requirements. While flatware encompasses a wide array of utensils made from various materials—including stainless steel, plastic, and wood—silverware specifically denotes utensils made from sterling silver or silver-plated metals, often reserved for special occasions.
Understanding the differences between these categories can enhance your dining experience and help you select the appropriate utensils for your needs. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party with silverware or enjoying casual dining with stainless steel flatware, both elements are integral to how we experience food and share meals.
As you explore options for flatware or silverware, consider the materials, design, and care involved to make informed choices. Your selection will not only reflect your personal style but also contribute to the overall ambiance and enjoyment of your dining occasions. | <urn:uuid:97267de2-69d3-4c4c-ba75-15e4a1f07cfa> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.gdwyd.com/what-is-the-difference-between-flatware-and-silverware/ | 2024-12-09T02:54:20Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.915904 | 1,886 | 3.125 | 3 |
Corns and calluses are areas of the skin that thicken due to repeated contact with a rough surface or pressure. Corns are thick and deep patches of skin seen at the top or at the sides of the toe or foot. Calluses are slightly flatter lesions that are found at the soles of the feet.
Diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels and nerves in the peripheral areas of the body, such as the feet. One of the complications includes not being able to feel wounds in the foot, which can cause a widespread infection and progress to amputation. Diabetes foot care includes controlling sugar intake, meticulously checking the feet daily for any wounds, keeping the skin moisturized, and wearing proper footwear.
Arthritis is a condition involving inflammation of the joints. This can be due to trauma or injury, an infection, increased uric acid, or an overactive immune system. Symptoms include stiffness, redness, limited movement, pain and swelling. Analysis of the joint fluid and imaging tests can help determine the type of arthritis involved.
Bunions are small, bony bumps seen at the base of the big toe. A bunion may develop due to pressure on the inner side of the big toe, causing the toe to shift towards the second toe. This makes the joint at the base of the big toe protrude as a bump. There may be pain, redness and swelling on the affected area.
Knee pain is a symptom seen in different conditions and illnesses. It may be mild initially, but could become severe enough to cause difficulty in walking and completing daily activities. Knee pains may be due to problems in the joint or soft tissues around the knee. Some cases may also be due to infection or an overactive immune system.
Orthotic therapy addresses several problems involving the foot, leg or the back. It is one of the treatment options for people with foot or heel pains. Your doctor will assess how you position your feet and ankles when walking or moving in certain positions. Treatment involves a customized heel insert or pair of shoes called orthotics.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is a thick, small band of tissue supporting the bottom of the foot. Patients usually experience heel pain and swelling, felt during the first few steps in the morning and decreasing throughout the day. Prolonged standing may also trigger the pain.
Most nail infections are due to fungi. This happens when your fingernails or toenails are exposed to warm, moist environments. Symptoms include a yellowish discoloration, thickening nails, rough or crumbly nails, or changes in the shape of the nails. Fungal nail infections are commonly seen in people with diabetes and other conditions with poor blood circulation.
Tinea, also known as ringworm, is a type of fungal skin infection that can be seen in any age group, but more commonly seen in children. It presents as a ring-shaped rash on the skin or nails. Other symptoms include itchiness, dry skin, swelling and loss of hair in the affected area.
Chilblains is a condition involving inflammation of small blood vessels of the skin from exposure to cold air. This can cause redness, swelling, blisters, pain or itchiness on the hands and feet after exposure to cold weather or environments. Chilblains can cause ulcers and secondary bacterial infections to form if not treated.
Children have changes in their walking patterns that coincide with different periods of growth. They may initially be bowlegged or have knock knees, but these usually resolve as they grow. Growing pains are painful throbbing of the legs, thighs or calves, and are usually seen in children. These often happen at night, and may be accompanied by headache or abdominal pain. The true cause of growing pains is unclear, but too much exercise can contribute to the symptoms. | <urn:uuid:ef4adaa5-e2fd-492a-837a-56725b3f706d> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.glenisterpodiatry.com.au/medical-services/ | 2024-12-09T02:59:49Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.955641 | 794 | 2.671875 | 3 |
Why Was This Project Created?
Despite the fact that the world is becoming increasingly international and American society is becoming increasingly multicultural on account of a large influx of immigrants, refugees, and international workers, these trends are not reflected in children’s literature available and promoted to American children of all ages through schools and libraries. Children’s reading selections remain chiefly reliant on American, North American, and English-language production, which does not allow children to experience the richness of narratives and traditions from around the world or just to have fun encountering unexpected wonders. This is all the more regrettable, given that most of these stories are near and dear to the hearts of many Americans – those who were not born or grew up in the U.S., but live and work here now, contributing to the American economy, culture, and social life, and bringing up their children as Americans. Overall, translated titles constitute only 3% of titles published in the U.S. annually, which has become known as a “three-percent problem” (Post, 2011), and it is not at all clear what percentage can be attributed to translated children’s literature.
However, even those few translated titles that do make it to the U.S. reading market are not actively sought and promoted to young readers. Hence, the selection of reading materials engaging American children remains steadily defined by the titles written by “citizens or residents of the United States” and published in the U.S., “in a U.S. territory or U.S. commonwealth” (Sivashankar, 2020, para. 2). Under the circumstances, children do not get to enjoy the two greatest benefits of translated literature: its ability to open up the world of people and cultures residing outside of American borders (the international aspect); and its ability to help children learn and understand the lives and worldviews of their neighbors (the multicultural aspect). With issues of immigration, internationalization, and multiculturalism remaining steadily at the forefront of both societal debate and education, librarians have to critically revisit the inclusion (and exclusion) and representation of international translated children’s literature in their collections, programming, and services.
Unfortunately, introducing young readers to the wealth of translated stories is not an easy task for American librarians. There is a shortage of professional resources and tools to help librarians with selection; there is a scarcity of any authoritative, reliable, free of charge, updated, and easily accessible information for evaluating translated titles. Locating this information requires resorting to multiple sources, special awareness that these sources exist, and much time and effort to sift through scattered reviews. Similarly, even when strides are made to include international authors, voices, and stories, the outcomes often reflect an overwhelmingly European-centric orientation and do not provide enough coverage for contributions (Thorton, 2011; Möllers, 2006).
This project, supported by a Carnegie-Whitney grant from the American Library Association, stands to address these difficulties and gaps through the creation of an extensive, open-access, updatable website with reviews of international translated children’s literature, gathered in one easily accessible place. | <urn:uuid:e8acb44d-3779-41ab-9e28-e4ebf928bac8> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.globalstoryconnection.org/project | 2024-12-09T03:33:35Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.952655 | 649 | 3.171875 | 3 |
Did you know that basements can be used for something other than storage or an additional room in your house? If you don’t have much outdoor space or if you don’t want to shell out money for a greenhouse, your basement is actually a great place to grow plants! You can do it the standard way with soil, or you can create a basement hydroponic setup and try your hand at growing plants in water.
The first thing to do for a basement greenhouse setup is to make sure the space can accommodate plants. Although you’re growing in water instead of soil, there are still conditions that need to be met. Many plants require warmer temperatures, and because the basement is underground, it’s often a cooler space. This will mean investing in some space heaters to keep your basement at an even, stable temperature that will allow plants to thrive. A home unit or two will do just fine.
You’ll also need to purchase grow lights that can be used for your specific types of plants, since your basement likely doesn’t get a lot of natural light. The grow lights will help you recreate outdoor lighting to the best of your ability. Keep in mind that different plants have different lighting needs, so depending on what you’re growing, you may need to purchase a few different types of grow lights so that all your plants will be happy. Grow lights can get a bit complicated— different colors offer different benefits, and some plants will need different lights depending on their growth stage — so be sure to do your research before purchasing.
Be mindful of the air in your basement, as well. The heat you’re providing and the naturally damp environment can cause the air to stagnate. For healthy plants, it’s best to purchase a few fans to keep the air moving and help aid in the prevention of rot and mold.
Before you start your basement hydroponic setup, you’ll want to decide what growing method is best for you and your space. There are three main hydroponic systems for you to choose from, and you may find that one is easier to set up in your space than another.
Nutrient film technique
The nutrient film technique (NFT) uses a pump to transport fertilized water to the plant trays and uses a pipe to drain any excess nutrient solution; it is regarded as one of the more versatile hydroponic setups. In the NFT system, your basement greenhouse will be set up in a way that the roots of your plants will have a continuous supply of nutrient solution thanks to gravity! The grow tray is placed at an angle, which allows the water/excess solution to flow out and down the pipe while new nutrients and water are being pumped in at the top.
Because of the nature of the NFT system, there’s minimal concern around soaking the roots and overwatering the plants. The nutrient solution flows down the tray in a thin layer, allowing the tops of the roots to stay dry and receive oxygen (a crucial element for plants). The roots flow freely in this system, so it’s a good idea to choose lightweight plants because there’s no soil to help support it; however, if you do want to grow plants that require support, just make sure you have them prematurely set up, sturdy, and ready for the plants!
An ebb & flow system
The ebb and flow system is the most widely known hydroponic system and is also known as a flood and drain system. This system isn’t ideal for people who are new to hydroponic growing, especially in a basement greenhouse, as it’s a bit more difficult to use in regular environments; however, it’s a very versatile and low-cost system.
If you’d like to use it as a beginner and in your basement, just be sure to do thorough research and expect that you may have some hiccups here and there. There are many different components to this system that make it seem complicated, but once you know what you’re doing, it’s quite easy to use and maintain.
The versatility of the ebb and flow system comes from the fact that with this hydroponic setup, you can easily add and remove plants without affecting any of the ones around them. Different from the NFT system, the nutrient solution in the ebb and flow is only pumped out periodically; however, the setup of the angled tray and drain pipe is similar.
The Kratky method
This is by far the simplest and a good one to attempt if you’re a new hydroponic grower, and even more so if you’re new to basement hydroponic systems. The Kratky method is passive, having no active parts like pumps. You place a young seedling onto a raft and place the raft on a tank that’s filled with water and nutrient solution.
The water will naturally drop as the roots grow, which will create an oxygen pocket for your roots. As long as the tank you have is deep enough, the plant will be ready for harvest by the time the nutrient solution is almost gone. At that point, you can harvest your plant, refill the tank with water and nutrients, and start fresh with a new seedling. The best part is that you should only need to spray down and clean the tank once every three to five cycles, so this method isn’t very high maintenance.
When you go to choose your plants, be sure that you pick the best ones for the type of system you’re using. You may find that there are ideal crops for the different setups, so it’s possible you won’t be able to grow everything you want in your first basement hydroponic setup. But don’t fret! The more experienced you become as a hydroponic grower, the more you’ll understand the system and feel confident in your ability to grow a wider variety of plants in your basement greenhouse. | <urn:uuid:f8b3596d-7c56-4fef-b250-7b2372d03625> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.happysprout.com/inspiration/basement-hydroponic-garden/ | 2024-12-09T03:19:47Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.94749 | 1,243 | 2.6875 | 3 |
Biology is at the forefront of some of the most exciting and sensitive issues in the news today. Are you intrigued when you hear about the medical developments in genetic engineering? Do you know why cells divide and what are the causes of cancer? Are you concerned with the threat of global extinction and the devastation being caused by global warming? Do you want to learn more about the spread of infectious diseases, such of COVID-19? Studying biology at GCSE and A Level will enable you to learn more about these, and many more, interesting issues.
The courses are practical by nature so you will have the opportunity to observe specimens through microscopy, study anatomy through dissection, and follow enzyme-catalysed reactions. In addition, you will become proficient in a range of practical skills including microbiological techniques, using colorimeters and data-loggers amongst others. In the past we have organised a range of exciting curricular opportunities such as inviting prominent scientists and university lecturers to deliver enrichment masterclasses and we lead a sixth form biology trip to London to visit universities, London zoo, the Natural History museum and the Body Works exhibition which enables students to better understand human anatomy and physiology.
At GCSE level you will learn the fundamentals of Biology, whilst at A Level we explore each topic in greater depth. As an example, at GCSE, students learn about the basics of cells and then at A Level students study the ultrastructure of the cell, find out how cells differentiate so that they become specialised and discover how cell division is controlled.
A Level Biology is an excellent base for a university degree in healthcare, such as Medicine, Veterinary Science or Dentistry, as well as the biological sciences, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Forensic Science. Biology can also complement Sports Science, Psychology, Sociology and many more.
A Level Biology can open up a range of career opportunities including: biological research, medical, environmental, forensics, sports and science communication. The transferable skills you will learn, such as problem solving, are also useful for many other areas, for example law.
Your message has been sent to the School Office. They will make contact with you at the email you provided. | <urn:uuid:eafeac29-beb5-41f2-b3ba-9625063923af> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.hautlieu.co.uk/departments/biology/ | 2024-12-09T03:08:25Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.94876 | 447 | 3.375 | 3 |
The importance of social norms for behaviour, and their variation both across cultures and over time, has been well-established. There is currently a great public interest in cultural differences in norms and values and their consequences. However, scientific understanding of these issues is limited. There is an obvious need for more theoretical and empirical research to improve our understanding of why social norms vary, how cultural differences are maintained, and why norms change.
It is often assumed that normative systems prescribe individual informal punishment, since it improves a group’s ability to cooperate. However, a preliminary study has found that in some, but not all cultures, both norm-breakers and informal peer punishers are ill-reputed.
This project develops novel hypotheses that relate cultural variations in how societies view norm-breakers and peer punishers to variation in individualism and societal threat and propose how it might influence norm compliance, acculturation of immigrants, and the speed of norm change in societies. These hypotheses are tested by means of a series of cross-cultural surveys that combine methods from cultural, social and cognitive psychology and behavioural economics, as well as a time series analysis of sociological data on norms in different countries.
The project will make several significant contributions:
- It will provide robust measures of social perceptions of peer punishers and norm-breakers for a large selection of countries.
- It will demonstrate how culture influences how norms are sustained.
- It will empirically answer whether social norms, with immigrants and society at large, evolve differently depending on the perception of informal punishers.
These are timely topics in a world that gets smaller and smaller and that pays increasing attention to cultural differences. The project is conducted by an international team involving several world-leading researchers. | <urn:uuid:5ef781d0-ec7b-436a-be7c-de6a6044aa49> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.iffs.se/en/research/completed-projects/completed-cultural-variation-in-social-perceptions-of-norm-breakers-and-peer-punishers/ | 2024-12-09T05:02:14Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.955681 | 351 | 2.765625 | 3 |
An AI that completes quests in a text-based adventure game by talking to the characters has learned not only how to do things, but how to get others to do things. The system is a step toward machines that can use language as a way to achieve their goals.
Pointless prose: Language models like GPT-3 are brilliant at mimicking human-written sentences, churning out stories, fake blogs, and Reddit posts. But there is little point to this prolific output beyond the production of the text itself. When people use language, it is wielded like a tool: our words convince, command, and manipulate; they make people laugh and make people cry.
Mixing things up: To build an AI that used words for a reason, researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and Facebook AI Research combined techniques from natural-language processing and reinforcement learning, where machine-learning models learn how to behave to achieve given objectives. Both these fields have seen enormous progress in the last few years, but there has been little cross-pollination between the two.
Word games: To test their approach, the researchers trained their system in a text-based multiplayer game called LIGHT, developed by Facebook last year to study communication between human and AI players. The game is set in a fantasy-themed world filled with thousands of crowdsourced objects, characters, and locations that are described and interacted with via on-screen text. Players (human or computer) act by typing commands such as “hug wizard,” “hit dragon,” or “remove hat.” They can also talk to the chatbot-controlled characters.
Dragon quest: To give their AI reasons for doing things, the researchers added around 7,500 crowdsourced quests, not included in the original version of LIGHT. Finally, they also created a knowledge graph (a database of subject-verb-object relationships) that gave the AI common-sense information about the game’s world and the connections between its characters, such as the principle that a merchant will only trust a guard if they are friends. The game now had actions (such as “Go to the mountains” and “Eat the knight”) to perform in order to complete quests (such as “Build the largest treasure hoard ever attained by a dragon”).
Sweet talker: Pulling all of this together, they trained the AI to complete quests just by using language. To perform actions, it could either type the command for that action or achieve the same end by talking to other characters. For example, if the AI needed a sword, it could choose to steal one or convince another character to hand one over.
For now, the system is a toy. And its manner can be blunt: at one point, needing a bucket, it simply says: “Give me that bucket or I’ll feed you to my cat!” But mixing up NLP with reinforcement learning is an exciting step that could lead not only to better chatbots that can argue and persuade, but ones that have a much richer understanding of how our language-filled world works. | <urn:uuid:56434376-3217-4e4a-a090-ae5cfb9468ba> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.interestingfacts.org/fact/how-role-playing-a-dragon-can-teach-an-ai-to-manipulate-and-persuadewill-heavenon-november-20-2020-at-344-pm | 2024-12-09T04:51:33Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.963104 | 643 | 2.921875 | 3 |
Education: Majoring in biomedical engineering
McNair Project: Effects of spatial orientation of charge upon porin mediated transport (2021)
Mentor: Ryan Rafferty, Ph.D.
Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) can cause a multitude of infections that can develop into diseases. Common infections from GNB are pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Gram-negative bacteria have shown to play a role in cancer progression. When compared to Gram positive bacteria, GNB have one major distinction. The GNB have an extra lipopolysaccharide membrane which makes them resistant to most antibiotics and drugs. The main opening for small molecules and drugs to enter GNB is through their membrane protein channels, known as porins. These porins are located on
the outer most membrane. A multi-synthetic approach was used to develop a rigid Balgacyclamide scaffold, therefore scaffold will be used to test the GNB penetration. The effect of spatial orientation of charge has shown promising results in the penetration of GNB using the rigid Balgacyclamide scaffold. | <urn:uuid:52832579-9422-4db3-9575-20bd2b444b20> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.k-state.edu/leadership/scholardevelopmentandundergraduateresearch/scholardevelopment/mcnair-scholars/names/alumni/jesus_gm.html | 2024-12-09T04:51:08Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.918469 | 228 | 2.921875 | 3 |
Background: Our previous post (here) analyzed the 5V sensor supply circuit and why some analog inputs deviated from their expected input values. When it comes down to it, any resistive circuit component will 'consume' voltage, and if your analog input is used to measure voltage, from a sensor or switch, then any 'lost voltage' will decrease the accuracy of your analog input.
The current analog input circuit looks like this:
The resistor (R8) is used to prevent too much current from ruining the microcontroller in the Control Module. As a side effect, it does so by eating a little voltage. In the image above, if the input was at 3.2V, the resistor may drop it down a small bit, 0.1V, making the microcontroller read the signal at 3.1V. This difference may not seem significant in this example, but to some it is important and for that reason, we have decided to revamp the analog input circuit as well.
It is important to note that the 0.1V voltage drop across the R8 resistor will change as the current through it changes depending on the device attached to the input. For example, some sensors may only drop the signal 0.1V, while others drop it 0.3V, while other items do not drop any significant voltage at all through the resistor.
That all being said, our planned future improvements include an updated analog input circuit that increases accuracy and signal integrity.
If you have any suggestions, comments, or overall feedback towards typical applications for the Kaizen Relay Control Module, let us know either here in the Blog's comments or via email at [email protected] | <urn:uuid:b8c02bb9-a3a9-42db-8321-70242eece194> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.kaizenspeed.com/blogs/kaizenrelayblog/planned-improvements-analog-inputs | 2024-12-09T04:58:56Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.89967 | 349 | 3.046875 | 3 |
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the European Space Agency (ESA) recently shared excellent news about emperor penguins—nearly 20% more colonies exist than previously thought. This discovery was made by examining satellite images for penguin guano, or droppings, stains across the Antarctic continent.
The results of this survey were published this week in Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. The study used images from the European Commission’s Copernicus Sentinel-2 Satellite mission to scan for the guano stains. According to the ESA, the penguins are too small to capture by satellite, but the colonies leave behind brown patches disclosing their existence. The study reports that this satellite mapping technology provides higher resolution and more efficient search mechanisms than the previously used Landsat data.
Based on Sentinel-2 data collected in 2016, 2018, and 2019, scientists identified 11 new emperor penguin colonies bringing the global total to 61 confirmed colonies. Three of these colonies were previously observed but not confirmed until now. Two new colonies occur in the Antarctic Peninsula region; three in west Antarctica; and six in east Antarctica.
In the press release from BAS, Dr. Peter Fretwell stated, “This is an exciting discovery. The new satellite images of the Antarctica coastline have enabled us to find these new colonies.” The study confirms the value of Sentinel-2 and its contributions to discovering and monitoring emperor penguin colonies.
Whether these colonies are breeding groups is yet to be confirmed. The study reports that these sites might be for molting or contain groups of non-breeding birds. Additionally, the colonies are considered small, increasing the estimated global population by five to 10%. The team reports that although the presence of even smaller colonies is likely, they won’t contribute significantly to the worldwide emperor population.
Another surprising revelation of this study was the identification of emperor sites on ice shelves at offshore sites. If these are breeding colonies, it will be a new behavior for this penguin species as they typically breed inland on the Antarctic continent more protected from harsh winter conditions.
Additionally, BAS and ESA report that these newly identified sites are in areas vulnerable to climate change. In “business-as-usual” emission scenarios, emperor penguin population loss will be more significant than previously estimated.
Philip Trathan, the Head of Conservation Biology at BAS, said: “Birds in these sites are therefore probably the ‘canaries in the coalmine’ – we need to watch these sites carefully as climate change will affect this region.” | <urn:uuid:7e9527c4-129a-4062-a84e-c721190e8759> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.labroots.com/trending/plants-and-animals/18343/satellite-images-reveal-emperor-penguin-colonies | 2024-12-09T04:03:12Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.933025 | 520 | 3.671875 | 4 |
Understanding defamation in Denver criminal cases is crucial for grasping its implications on defendants' reputations and trial fairness. Defamation occurs when false statements harm an individual's reputation, manifested as either libel or slander. In criminal proceedings, wrongful statements can influence jurors and the overall perception of guilt. Public figures face a higher burden of proof, demonstrating "actual malice," while private individuals only need to show falsity and damage. The consequences of defamation can be severe, including monetary damages and long-term reputational harm. A nuanced understanding of these dynamics is key to navigating potential defamation issues effectively.
Definition of Defamation
Defamation, as a legal concept, embodies the vital intersection between free speech and the protection of individual reputation. It refers to the act of making false statements about an individual that result in harm to their reputation. Defamation is primarily categorized into two forms: libel and slander. Libel pertains to defamatory statements made in written or published form, while slander refers to those made orally. The distinction plays a significant role in legal proceedings, as the burden of proof and the nature of evidence required can differ.
In the context of defamation, the status of the individual being defamed—particularly whether they are a public figure—significantly influences the legal standards applied. Public figures, such as politicians or celebrities, must meet a higher threshold of proof to succeed in a defamation claim. They are required to demonstrate that the defamatory statement was made with "actual malice," meaning the statement was made with knowledge of its falsity or with reckless disregard for the truth. This heightened standard reflects the principle that robust debate and discussion about public figures are fundamental in a democratic society.
Conversely, private individuals enjoy greater protection and need only to prove that the statement was false and damaging. Understanding these nuances is important for both individuals and entities navigating the complex landscape of defamation law, particularly in an era where information spreads rapidly across various platforms.
Defamation in Criminal Context
In the realm of criminal law, the implications of defamation can be particularly pronounced, complicating both the prosecution and defense strategies. Defamation in this context often intersects with a defendant's criminal reputation, potentially influencing public perception and the legal proceedings surrounding a case. When false statements are disseminated about an individual involved in a criminal matter, these defamation implications can hinder the pursuit of justice by skewing jury opinions and swaying witnesses.
The impact of defamatory statements can be particularly acute for defendants who are already facing serious allegations. In such cases, the erosion of a suspect's criminal reputation may lead to a presumption of guilt in the eyes of the public, thereby compromising their right to a fair trial. Conversely, if a prosecution witness or law enforcement officer faces allegations of defamation, their credibility may be called into question, which could weaken the prosecution's case.
Furthermore, the interplay between defamation and criminal law raises questions regarding the protection of individuals' rights versus the necessity of maintaining public safety. While those accused of crimes must be safeguarded from harmful misinformation, the challenge remains in balancing this with the public's right to know about criminal activities. This dynamic illustrates the complex nature of defamation in the criminal context, emphasizing the need for careful consideration by legal professionals as they navigate the delicate terrain of reputation, truth, and justice.
Legal Standards for Defamation
Understanding the legal frameworks governing defamation is vital for navigating its ramifications within criminal cases. Defamation encompasses two primary forms: libel and slander. Libel refers to defamatory statements made in a permanent medium, such as written publications, while slander pertains to spoken statements. The distinction between these two forms is significant, as the legal standards and potential damages can vary dramatically.
In defamation cases, the burden of proof typically falls on the plaintiff, who must establish that the statement in question meets specific criteria. The plaintiff must prove that the statement was false, damaging, and made with a requisite degree of fault—either negligence or actual malice, depending on the plaintiff's status (public figure versus private individual).
The following table illustrates key differences between libel and slander:
Aspect | Libel | Slander |
Medium | Written or published content | Spoken statements |
Proof of Damages | Presumed; damages may be automatic | Must show actual damages |
Legal Standards | Higher burden due to permanence | Lower burden; often requires proof |
Understanding these fundamental principles is vital for any party involved in a defamation case in Denver. By grasping the distinctions and the burden of proof, individuals can better assess their legal positions and potential outcomes in both civil and criminal proceedings related to defamation.
Consequences of Defamation Claims
What are the potential ramifications for individuals accused of defamation? The consequences of such claims can be significant, impacting both personal and professional spheres. One primary outcome of a defamation claim is the potential for substantial monetary damages. A damages assessment in defamation cases often considers the extent of reputational harm suffered by the plaintiff, which can lead to awards for lost income, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
Additionally, individuals facing defamation allegations may encounter long-term impacts on their personal reputation and social relationships. The mere accusation can lead to a public perception that is difficult to rectify, resulting in lasting reputational harm, even if the defamation claim is ultimately unsuccessful.
In the professional realm, individuals accused of defamation may face severe career consequences, including job loss, diminished career prospects, and strained relationships with colleagues. Employers may distance themselves from those involved in high-profile defamation cases due to concerns about the associated reputational risk.
Furthermore, the legal costs associated with defending against a defamation claim can be considerable. Even if the accused prevails, the financial burden of legal representation can be significant, leading to a potentially devastating financial toll.
Defending Against Defamation Allegations
Defending against defamation allegations requires a strategic approach, as the stakes involved can be high for the accused. The primary goal in such cases is to protect one's reputation while minimizing potential legal consequences. Defendants must first assess whether the statements made fall under protected speech, such as opinions or statements made in a privileged context.
Establishing the truth of the public statements in question is one of the most effective defenses against defamation claims. If the defendant can demonstrate that the statements are factually accurate, this serves as a complete defense. Additionally, a defendant may argue that the statements were made without malice, especially when the plaintiff is a public figure, which requires proof of actual malice to succeed in a defamation claim.
Another vital aspect of defending against defamation allegations is the implementation of a robust reputation management strategy. This may include issuing clarifications or retractions of potentially harmful statements, engaging in public relations efforts to restore credibility, and utilizing social media platforms to communicate one's perspective effectively.
Furthermore, defendants should consider consulting legal counsel experienced in defamation law, as they can provide insights into applicable defenses, evidence gathering, and navigating the complexities of litigation. A proactive approach in addressing allegations can significantly influence the outcome of defamation cases and help mitigate damage to one's personal and professional reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prove Defamation in a Denver Court?
To prove defamation in a Denver court, you must establish the defamation elements: a false statement, publication, fault, and damages. The burden of proof rests on the plaintiff to substantiate these claims convincingly.
What Are Common Defenses Against Defamation Claims?
Common defenses against defamation claims include the truth defense, which asserts that the statement is accurate, and the opinion defense, which argues that the statement reflects a subjective viewpoint rather than a factual assertion.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Defamation Lawsuit?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing defamation lawsuits, typically ranging from one to three years, depending on jurisdiction. Adhering to these timelines is essential during the filing procedures to ensure the case's viability.
Can Public Figures Sue for Defamation More Easily?
Public figures face heightened defamation standards, requiring proof of actual malice to succeed in lawsuits. This higher threshold exists to balance free speech against the reputational interests of individuals who willingly engage in public discourse.
What Damages Can Be Awarded in Defamation Cases?
In defamation cases, damages types include compensatory, punitive, and special damages. Financial compensation aims to address harm to reputation, emotional distress, and economic losses, reflecting the severity of the defamatory statement and its impact on the plaintiff. | <urn:uuid:e83819fb-fe90-4677-b99a-59e265539e01> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.mastersonhall.com/understanding-defamation-in-denver-criminal-cases/ | 2024-12-09T05:04:40Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.931273 | 1,719 | 2.5625 | 3 |
10 Interesting Selenium Facts
Learn more about Selenium Facts if you want to know the chemical element used in different kinds of products. If you check the period table, selenium has the atomic number of 34 with the symbol Se. It means that this chemical element has 34 protons. If you are interested to know the discovery, history and products which contain selenium, check the following post below:
Selenium Facts 1: the name
The name Selenium is derived from the Greek word, Selene. The meaning of this word is moon. The word Selene is also used by the ancient Greek people to call the goddess of moon.
Selenium Facts 2: who discovered selenium?
Jöns Jakob Berzelius and Johan Gottlieb Gahn were the scientists who discovered selenium in 1817. Both were from Sweden.
Selenium Facts 3: the natural state
Selenium is hardly found in pure form in the nature. But the people can find this element in the metal sulfide ores. It can be found on the mineral such as selenate or selenide even though it is very rare.
Selenium Facts 4: the toxic element
You have to handle selenium in great care for it can be toxic if you have it in the form of selenium salts.
Selenium Facts 5: selenium for animals and plants
Selenium is very important for the life of plants and animals.
Selenium Facts 6: Manganese electrolysis
One of the usages of selenium is for the Manganese electrolysis. The selenium dioxide is needed during the electro winning of manganese. The largest country which uses a lot of selenium dioxide for the manganese electrolysis is China. There will be around 2 kilogram selenium oxide used for the each tonne of manganese.
Selenium Facts 7: Glass production
More than 50 percent of Selenium production in the world is used for glass production. The glass will have red color when it is mixed with Se. Most glass productions have yellow or green tint. But it can reduce both colors and replace them with red tint.
Selenium Facts 8: Alloys
The toxic lead is replaced by selenium to create brasses. It will be mixed with bismuth. The lead should be reduced in the brass based on the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 which talks about the regulation of lead in drinking water application.
Selenium Facts 9: the steel concentration
The steel concentration can be increased by adding selenium to create alloys. Therefore, it is often mixed in copper alloys. Get facts about Scandium here.
Selenium Facts 10: the solar cell
Selenium is also functional to be used in the production of solar cell. The cell is combined with copper indium gallium selenide.
Do you like reading facts about selenium? | <urn:uuid:2a74cb65-a295-47df-9cd4-d763d173c201> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.myinterestingfacts.com/selenium-facts/ | 2024-12-09T04:14:18Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.911069 | 610 | 2.875 | 3 |
In the late 20th century, the population of the white-backed woodpecker plummeted. In 2000, there were only five pairs in the whole country.
– But now it's on the rise, with more and more nests, says Malin König of nature conservation unit, Länsstyrelsen Västerbotten.
The sharp decline was due to the disappearance of much of the woodpecker's habitat as a result of modern forestry practices. The focus moved on to pure coniferous forests, whereas the white-backed woodpecker needs light, contiguous deciduous forests with many older, dead deciduous trees.
When the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency's (Naturvårdsenheten) action program was launched in 2017, Länsstyrelsen Västerbotten began working with the municipalities of Skellefteå and Umeå, as well as Holmen Skog, SCA and Sveaskog.
– It has yielded results. In the last three years, there have been four nests in 2021, five in 2022, and seven this year, says König.
– We have focused on creating habitats for the white-backed woodpecker both inside and outside nature reserves, in close cooperation with forestry companies.
Large-scale deciduous forest restorations have been carried out, with spruce being cut down to create suitable environments for the birds. It is confidential where the white-backed woodpeckers nest, but two areas in Skellefteå municipality have been targeted.
– We are giving the birds a chance to establish themselves in the municipality, says Johanna Engström, municipal biologist in Skellefteå.
On municipal land, measures have been taken along the Skellefte River, both at Bjurån and in the inner and outer bays at Gunsen.
– We have cleared away spruce to make the deciduous trees more prominent.
– The white-backed woodpecker is a cautious bird, and it's really great that the number of breeding pairs has been growing steadily, says Engström.
Now, the government is cutting funding for biodiversity conservation, and Länsstyrelsen will no longer be able to afford to restore broadleaf forests in nature reserves or maintain the restored areas.
– The budget has almost been halved. It has decreased by 42 percent and could decrease even more. It will be tough to prioritize when we have to maintain paths, care for boardwalks, and carry out measures for biological reasons," says König.
The work in Skellefteå municipality could also come to a halt.
– We don't have any special funds for this; we are looking for funding for targeted measures. In Bjurån, for example, we could get subsidies through the rural development program, says Engström. | <urn:uuid:7c65762d-7001-438e-b635-daf75bbe573a> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.norran.se/english/vasterbotten/artikel/government-cuts-endanger-extremely-rare-birds-fragile-comeback/l7egmpwj | 2024-12-09T03:24:59Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.954579 | 609 | 3.28125 | 3 |
Week 3: Looking closer
Find out about ancient volcanism on the Moon and elsewhere, as well as present-day hot volcanism on Io and icy volcanism on Enceladus. Discover the heat source that keeps such small bodies active.
First of all, Jess introduces the whole week.
By the end of this week, you should be able to:
- understand the significance of volcanic activity on moons
- consider the importance of Galileo’s discovery of four moons around Jupiter
- consider the place in our Solar System that is most likely to host extraterrestrial life. | <urn:uuid:734a4757-10a7-4082-9d51-ff45deaa0b4e> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.open.edu/openlearn/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=69109 | 2024-12-09T04:52:59Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.935794 | 120 | 3.40625 | 3 |
Claritin: A Brief Overview
Claritin is a popular over-the-counter medication that is widely used for the relief of allergy symptoms. Its generic name is loratadine, and it belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking histamines, which are chemicals that the body releases in response to an allergic reaction.
Loratadine was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993. Since then, Claritin has become one of the top-selling allergy medications in the United States. It is available in various formulations, including tablets, liquid, and chewable tablets, making it convenient for people of all ages to use.
How Does Claritin Work?
When you come into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander, your body releases histamines. These histamines bind to specific receptors in your body, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
Claritin works by selectively blocking these histamine receptors, preventing the histamines from causing these symptoms. This helps to alleviate the discomfort associated with allergies and provides relief for many individuals.
Benefits of Claritin
Claritin offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for people suffering from allergies:
- Effective Relief: Claritin is known for providing effective relief from common allergy symptoms, including sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
- Non-Drowsy: Unlike some other allergy medications, Claritin is non-drowsy, which means it can be taken during the day without causing drowsiness or impairing daily activities.
- Long-Lasting: Claritin provides relief that lasts for 24 hours with just one daily dose, making it convenient for individuals with busy schedules.
- Safe for Most People: Claritin is generally considered safe for most people, including adults and children aged 2 years and older. However, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
Surveys and Statistics
According to a recent survey conducted by Allergy UK, over 10 million people in the United Kingdom suffer from hay fever, a common allergy that affects the respiratory system. This highlights the significant impact allergies have on a large portion of the population.
In the United States, Claritin is a popular choice for allergy relief. It is estimated that over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, and many rely on Claritin to manage their symptoms.
Statistical data also shows that the allergy medication market is growing rapidly, with an estimated value of $17 billion by 2025. This indicates the increasing demand for effective allergy relief options like Claritin.
With its proven efficacy, non-drowsy formula, and long-lasting relief, Claritin continues to be a go-to medication for many individuals seeking relief from allergy symptoms. Consult a healthcare professional to see if Claritin is the right choice for you.
Claritin: Relieving Allergy Symptoms with Loratadine
What is Claritin?
Claritin is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve allergy symptoms. Its generic name is loratadine. Claritin belongs to a class of drugs known as antihistamines, which work by blocking the effects of histamine in the body. Histamine is a chemical that is released during an allergic reaction and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
How does Claritin work?
Claritin works by inhibiting the binding of histamine to H1 receptors in the body. By blocking these receptors, Claritin prevents the activation of inflammatory processes and reduces the symptoms of allergies. In addition to blocking histamine, Claritin also has some anticholinergic effects, which can help relieve nasal congestion and promote mucus drainage.
What are the benefits of Claritin?
- Relieves allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes
- Non-drowsy formula allows for daytime use
- Can be taken by adults and children aged 2 years and older
- Available over-the-counter without a prescription
How to take Claritin?
Claritin is available in various forms, including tablets, liquid-filled capsules, and oral solution. The recommended dosage may vary depending on the individual’s age and the severity of their symptoms. It is important to follow the instructions provided on the package or as directed by the healthcare professional.
Are there any side effects?
While Claritin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, some individuals may experience side effects. Common side effects may include headache, dry mouth, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances. If any severe or unusual side effects occur, it is important to seek medical attention.
Who should not take Claritin?
Claritin should not be taken by individuals who have had an allergic reaction to loratadine or any of the inactive ingredients in the medication. It is also not recommended for individuals with severe liver impairment. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
Claritin, also known as loratadine, is an antihistamine medication that provides relief from allergy symptoms. Its non-drowsy formula and availability over-the-counter make it a convenient choice for individuals seeking relief from sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. While it is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional if experiencing any severe or unusual side effects.
Possible Side Effects and Precautions of Claritin
While Claritin is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it may still cause certain side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Claritin include:
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach
If any of these side effects persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. Additionally, it is crucial to be aware of potential allergic reactions to Claritin.
In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the medication. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:
- Swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat)
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
It is also important to be cautious when taking Claritin, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medications. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following conditions:
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Enlarged prostate
- Urinary retention
Furthermore, it is essential to disclose any other medications or supplements you are currently taking, as they may interact with Claritin. Some drugs that may interact with Claritin include:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to consult with your healthcare professional before taking Claritin, as it may not be suitable for use during these periods.
Overall, Claritin is a widely-used medication for the treatment of allergies and allergic reactions. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential side effects, precautions, and interactions associated with the medication to ensure safe and effective use.
Allergies and Claritin: What You Need to Know
If you suffer from allergies, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating they can be. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny nose are just a few of the symptoms that can make life miserable during allergy season. Thankfully, there are medications like Claritin that can help provide relief. Let’s take a closer look at Claritin and how it can help you manage your allergies.
What is Claritin?
Claritin is an over-the-counter antihistamine medication that is commonly used to treat allergies. Its generic name is loratadine. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance produced by your body’s immune system in response to allergens. By reducing the effects of histamine, Claritin helps relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
How does Claritin work?
When you come into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or pet dander, your body responds by releasing histamine. Histamine causes blood vessels to widen, leading to inflammation and the characteristic symptoms of allergies. Claritin works by blocking the histamine receptors in your body, preventing histamine from causing these allergic reactions.
Who can take Claritin?
Claritin is generally safe and well-tolerated for most people. It is approved for use in adults and children aged 2 years and older. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are currently taking other medications.
Side Effects of Claritin
Like any medication, Claritin can cause side effects, although they are usually mild and temporary. Common side effects may include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, and stomach upset. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to stop taking Claritin and consult your healthcare provider.
Using Claritin Safely
To make sure you are using Claritin safely and effectively, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
– Follow the dosing instructions on the package or as directed by your healthcare provider.
– Be aware of any potential drug interactions with other medications you may be taking.
– If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to consult your doctor before taking Claritin.
– If your symptoms do not improve or worsen after a few days of taking Claritin, make sure to contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Overall, Claritin can be a valuable tool in managing your allergies and providing relief from symptoms. However, it’s important to use it safely and as directed. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using Claritin or any other medication.
– Mayo Clinic. (2020). Loratadine (Oral Route). In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/loratadine-oral-route/description/drg-20071780
– American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. (n.d.). Allergies – Types of Allergies: Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever). In AAAAI. Retrieved from https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/seasonal-allergies
– U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). The Allergies. In FDA. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/ddmac/learnmore/morei.htm
Claritin: A Powerful Allergy Relief Medication
What is Claritin?
Claritin, also known by its generic name loratadine, is an antihistamine medication that is commonly used to treat allergy symptoms. It works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic reactions.
How does Claritin work?
When you are exposed to allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, your body releases histamine, which triggers the sneezing, itching, and runny nose associated with allergies. Claritin works by blocking histamine receptors, reducing the symptoms and providing relief from the discomfort caused by allergies.
How to take Claritin?
Claritin is available in various forms, including tablets, liquids, and dissolvable tablets. It is typically taken orally, with or without food, and should be swallowed whole. The dosage and frequency of Claritin may vary depending on the individual and the severity of their symptoms. It is always best to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the directions on the packaging.
Common side effects of Claritin
While Claritin is generally considered safe for most people, like any medication, it may cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of Claritin may include:
- Dry mouth
- Stomach upset
If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Claritin, it is important to consult with your doctor.
Claritin vs. Other Allergy Medications
There are several other allergy medications available on the market, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Some popular alternatives to Claritin include:
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
- Allegra (fexofenadine)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
It is important to note that different individuals may respond differently to these medications, so it is advisable to consult with your healthcare professional to determine which medication is best suited for your specific needs.
Effectiveness of Claritin
Various studies have shown the effectiveness of Claritin in providing relief from allergy symptoms. In a survey conducted among allergy sufferers, it was found that 80% of participants experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms after taking Claritin. Another study showed that Claritin was effective in reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms in individuals with seasonal allergies, such as hay fever.
Cost of Claritin
The cost of Claritin may vary depending on the strength, form, and quantity purchased. On average, a pack of 30 tablets of Claritin can range from $10 to $20. Generic versions of loratadine, which contain the same active ingredient as Claritin, may be available at a lower cost.
Overall, Claritin is a widely used and effective allergy relief medication. It provides relief from common allergy symptoms and allows individuals to enjoy a better quality of life, free from the discomfort and inconvenience caused by allergies.
Claritin: All You Need to Know
6. Side Effects of Claritin
While Claritin is generally safe and well-tolerated by most individuals, it may still cause some side effects. It is important to be aware of these potential side effects before taking the medication. Common side effects of Claritin include:
- Drowsiness: Some individuals may experience mild drowsiness after taking Claritin. This side effect is more likely to occur if you take a higher dose of the medication.
- Dry mouth: Claritin can sometimes cause a dry mouth sensation, which can be relieved by drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum.
- Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches after taking Claritin. These headaches are usually mild and go away on their own.
- Nausea: In rare cases, Claritin can cause nausea or an upset stomach. If this occurs, it is recommended to take the medication with food.
- Fatigue: While not very common, some individuals may experience fatigue or tiredness after taking Claritin.
It is important to note that serious side effects from Claritin are rare, but they can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, or hives
If you have any concerns about the side effects of Claritin, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before taking the medication. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current medications.
7. Side effects of Claritin
Claritin is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effects of Claritin include:
- Dry mouth
These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own without any treatment. However, if they persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
In rare cases, Claritin may cause more serious side effects. Although these side effects are rare, they should be taken seriously and immediate medical attention should be sought if any of the following occur:
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms may include:
- Skin rash, itching, or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest tightness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
If you experience any of these symptoms after taking Claritin, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Severe drowsiness or difficulty concentrating
While drowsiness is not a common side effect of Claritin, some individuals may experience excessive sleepiness or difficulty concentrating. If this occurs, it is important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the side effect subsides.
In rare cases, Claritin may cause changes in heart rhythm, leading to an irregular heartbeat. If you experience palpitations, chest pain, or fainting while taking Claritin, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.
It is important to note that this list does not include all possible side effects of Claritin. If you experience any other unusual symptoms or have concerns about side effects, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
In a clinical trial involving 893 patients, the incidence of side effects with Claritin was similar to that of placebo, with the most common side effect reported being headache (1.9% in the Claritin group vs. 1.0% in the placebo group). The overall incidence of drowsiness with Claritin was 3.3%, compared to 2.3% with placebo. These results suggest that Claritin is generally well-tolerated and has a low incidence of side effects.
It is worth noting that Claritin may interact with certain medications, including sedatives, tranquilizers, and antifungal drugs. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to avoid any potential drug interactions.
Overall, Claritin is a safe and effective medication for relieving allergy symptoms when taken as directed. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication to ensure it is appropriate for you and to discuss any potential risks or concerns. | <urn:uuid:e4b8a4d6-eacf-4ec6-bd8f-d86b795f9da9> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.oxavi.org/claritin-a-comprehensive-guide-to-loratadine-its-uses-dosage-and-side-effects.html | 2024-12-09T04:33:23Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.931228 | 3,865 | 2.828125 | 3 |
Infrared heaters working?
Infrared heating panels are increasingly replacing conventional radiators. What are the advantages of infrared heating? How does an infrared heater work? Are infrared heaters safe? In the next part of the article, we will help you dispel any doubts. We invite you to read!
In the rays of the sun…
Infrared heating panels are based on a similar principle as an older type of light bulb or sunlight.
But let's start with the bulb.
Do you remember older type lamps, from the era before LEDs and energy-saving bulbs? They gave off as much light as heat.
You could warm yourself while reading a book, although the heating function was completely incidental.
The radiant heat from the bulbs was used to heat chickens on farms, in zoos to provide optimal conditions for heat-loving reptiles or newborns in incubators.
The prototype of light bulbs is, of course, the sun. The luminous star above our heads brings waves of light and heat to the earth.
The sun emits radiation visible to the human eye and invisible. Visible waves make it possible to distinguish colors, and invisible, below human optical capabilities, in the infrared areas, heat.
Infrared radiation is often called infrared. The name comes from a combination of Latin and English words. Infra means in Latin: below, and red means red in English.
Three types of infrared waves of different lengths reach the earth:
Near infrared rays - NIR near infrared
Medium infrared rays - MIR medium infrared
far infrared radiation FIR far infrared
Is infrared radiation safe for humans?
Infrared radiation close to NIR can be harmful to humans. Therefore, people working in near-infrared radiation conditions should be protected with protective clothing and goggles. Near infrared radiation can burn the skin and damage eyesight.
In the production of heating panels, only FIR far infrared rays are used, which do not pose a threat to humans.
Far infrared radiation can be compared to the emission of radiation from a refrigerator or a TV set.
It is worth mentioning that every object, including people, emits infrared radiation.
How does an infrared heater work?
Before explaining how the infrared heater works, let's focus on the traditional radiators that we have known since childhood.
The heating period in our climate begins with the arrival of autumn cold and lasts until spring. We all know the feeling when the radiators finally start to heat and a cloud of dust appears in the room. Irritating nose particles float in the air and cause sneezing, drying of the mucous membranes and an increase in upper respiratory tract infections. A difficult time begins for allergy sufferers who are sensitive to dust.
Why does the dust that has been dormant so far begin to spin and interfere with breathing?
Due to the phenomenon of convection.
Radiators heat the air directly around them with their heat. Warm air masses with dust particles rise because they are lighter than cold waves. The heat from the radiators accumulates under the ceiling, and then, pushed by successive heated waves of air, it falls in a cooled wave along the wall farthest from the radiator.
The cold air mass moves just above the floor and returns to its starting point, i.e. to the radiator. The whole process starts all over again.
Convection is the movement of matter (including gases) associated with temperature differences. People staying in a room heated by convection feel the swirling of dust particles, which irritates the respiratory system and adversely affects allergy sufferers.
The air heated by the radiator is dry and, more importantly, it spreads its heat unevenly around the room. The closest to the radiator is warmest, and the farther away the temperature drops.
We are used to the discomfort associated with the heating season. Is there any other way to heat the house?
Infrared heaters are the solution.
Infrared panels do not heat the air and act directly on objects within their range. The air is heated as a result of being warmed by the warm bodies of people and equipment in the room. Air masses along with dust do not wander constantly irritating the respiratory system and do not cause dry mucous membranes.
The sun's rays work in the same way. Infrared radiation reaches the human skin, penetrates it and affects the water molecules it is made of. This is why we enjoy sticking our faces to the sun on a cold day. The air is cold, but our skin absorbs the heat from the sun.
Heating panels in the room radiate heat directly onto objects within their range. They evenly heat the walls, which increases the insulation against the cold from the outside. They prevent the formation of mold and fungus, even behind furniture.
The air in the room stays a few degrees cooler and therefore more humid. Thanks to this, heating costs decrease and breathing comfort increases. | <urn:uuid:27e4e8c4-c994-4d9b-aa1e-63298d9ecbfa> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.oxyly.pl/en/dzia%C5%82anie-promiennik%C3%B3w-podczerwieni | 2024-12-09T04:14:21Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.946356 | 1,003 | 2.796875 | 3 |
In German-occupied Europe in November 1938, Nazis raided Jewish businesses and homes, and destroyed 268 synagogues. Tens of thousands of Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps. The incident was named Kristallnacht (Night of Crystal) because of all the shattered glass the Gestapo left in their wake.
Many of the men died in the concentration camps. Some were released, on the condition that they emigrate out of Germany. But where could they go?
Two weeks after Kristallnacht, pollsters asked Americans if they should change their immigration policy to allow more Jews, who were fleeing mass incarceration, starvation and death, to immigrate to the U.S. 72% answered “No.”
American nationalism was so strong, and created such indifference, that Dr. Seuss published a now-famous political cartoon where a grandmother wearing an “America First” sweater reads a story to two children that says, “…and the Wolf chewed up the children and spit out their bones…But those were Foreign Children and it didn’t really matter…”
During World War II, 110,000 European Jews immigrated to the U.S. Hundreds of thousands of others were denied entrance — and they died.
I hear Christians talk about how, if they were living in Nazi Germany during WW II, they would’ve “done something about it.” They would have, they claim, hid Jews in their attics or their basements, smuggled Jewish children out of Germany, fed their hungry Jewish neighbors.
But here’s the thing.
Lots of American Christians did have the opportunity to do something during WW II, and they didn’t do it. They had the opportunity to vote for immigration reform and accept more Jewish immigrants who were trying to escape almost certain death.
But they didn’t do it. And people died.
Today the Supreme Court upheld a travel ban that prevents people from Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Iran from immigrating to the U.S.
Half a million people from Syria alone have died since the Civil War began in 2011. The world has more displaced people now than it ever has. Thousands upon thousands of people are dying by the day.
Hundreds of thousands of our brothers, our sisters, our neighbors, our children, our friends — are dying. And you know how we say, “If I was living in Nazi Germany, I would’ve done something?”
Well, this is our moment. This is our chance.
If we don’t change, hundreds of thousands of people will be denied access to the U.S. They will die. And their blood will be on our hands. | <urn:uuid:fa7fc279-9f1e-44dd-a39c-705ccef38257> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.patheos.com/blogs/sarahthebarge/2018/06/kristallnacht-the-travel-ban-and-our-response/ | 2024-12-09T04:34:56Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.982992 | 571 | 3 | 3 |
Did food poisoning play a role in the Salem witch trials, leading to the hanging of nineteen men and women? Which poison recently laced the food of Russian ex-KGB agent Viktor Litvinenko, and how did it kill him? In Death in the Pot, internationally renowned food expert Morton Satin documents several culinary mishaps and misdeeds in an engrossing narrative that spans the ancient world to the present day.Historic events both tragic and bizarre have resulted from adulterated food. In the fifth century BCE, the great plague of Athens, probably caused by contaminated cereals, led to the defeat of the Athenians in the Peloponnesian War. In the prescientific Middle Ages, illnesses resulting from contaminated food were often attributed to the wrath of God or malevolent spirits. Heavily infectious ergot induced a spasmodic muscle condition, which the Church named "St. Anthony's Fire" and interpreted as retribution by God on heretics. Similarly, in seventeenth-century America the hallucinogenic symptoms of moldy grain were thought by Puritans to be signs of witchcraft. Even the madness of King George III, which played a role in the American Revolution, may have been induced by accidental arsenic poisoning.In the twentieth century, Satin recounts the efforts of modern industrial societies to make food safer; in some cases these efforts were heroic. For example, in the early days of the Food and Drug Administration a "Poison Squad" was formed, consisting of young scientists who willingly acted as guinea pigs to test the toxic effects of chemical additives. Today, the government has focused on the hazards of food bioterrorism. Satin concludes by describing measures taken to protect the public from intentional and unintentional poisoning, as well as recounting recent poisoning incidents.Both a fascinating glimpse into history from a unique angle and an authoritative reference work on food safety, Death in the Pot offers entertaining and informative reading for laypersons as well as experts in food technology and public health.
""In this unexpectedly timely account, Satin makes a case for how food poisoning has affected human events over time....[H]is speculations are fascinating....[M]any of the details are quite arresting.” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Satin provides a fascinating account of how food and wine toxicity changed the course of history. This is a spellbinding read for anyone interested in food, wine, science, or history.” CHRISTINE M. BRUHN, PhD Director, Center for Consumer Research Department of Food Science and Technology University of California, Davis
“Death in the Pot delivers equal portions of wit and wisdom in an entertaining and informative cautionary history. Morton Satin’s examples span pre-historic times to the latest headlines and remind us of our intimate connection with the food that we eat and its potential to deliver our own destruction. Food poisoning is a topic that could easily become grim, but Death in the Pot is inoculated with enough humor to make it all very readable.” CHRIS FINDLAY, PhD Councilor of the Institute of Food Technologists Consultant to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
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Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. | <urn:uuid:9e3499d2-babc-498f-ba29-762a54a6e76e> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.prometheusbooks.com/9781591025146/death-in-the-pot/ | 2024-12-09T03:20:36Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.949731 | 715 | 2.609375 | 3 |
We know that some places like laboratories, medical workshops, precision machining workshops, and so on, due to their complexity, to ensure the high quality of products, high precision, high purity, and high yield, the temperature, and humidity of the ambient air need to be strictly controlled, so the special precision constant temperature and humidity air conditioner is particularly important.
To better understand the constant temperature and humidity air conditioning unit, for this reason, Haida made some simple descriptions of the basic working principle of the constant temperature and humidity system:
The refrigeration system is one of the key parts of the constant temperature and humidity machine. The refrigeration system of constant temperature and humidity is composed of two parts, respectively called the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part. Each part is an independent refrigeration system.
The evaporation of the refrigerant in the high-temperature part absorbs the heat of the refrigerant from the low-temperature part and vaporizes. The evaporation of the low-temperature refrigerant absorbs heat from the object being cooled (the air in the laboratory) to obtain the cooling capacity.
The high temperature part and the low temperature part are connected by an evaporative condenser, which is both the condenser of the high temperature part and the condenser of the low temperature part.
The heating system is relatively simple compared with the refrigeration system. When the temperature of the adjusted air is lower than the required temperature, the computer controller of the constant temperature and humidity air conditioner will be connected to the electric heater, and the air will be heated and sent to the air conditioning room through the fan to achieve the heating effect.
The control system is the core of the comprehensive laboratory, which determines the temperature rise rate, precision, and other important indicators of the laboratory. The controller of Haida Laboratory has a large screen medium temperature LCD, RS-232 interface, to realize the monitoring network, fuzzy intelligent control, and control accuracy can reach ±1℃ and ±5%RH~10%RH.
The control system is the core of the integrated laboratory chamber, which determines the rate of temperature rise in the laboratory, precision and other important indicators. The Haida laboratory controller has a large screen LCD display of medium temperature, RS-232 interface to achieve monitoring and networking, fuzzy intelligent control, control accuracy can reach ±1℃ and ±5%RH~10%RH.
The humidity system is divided into two subsystems: humidification and dehumidification.
The humidification method is generally steam humidification, that is, low-pressure steam is directly injected into the experimental space for humidification. This humidification method has fast humidification speed and sensitive control, especially when cooling down, it is easy to achieve forced humidification.
When the humidity in the adjusted air is greater than the required value, the compressor is started for refrigeration, and the air is cooled to below the dew point temperature through the evaporator to precipitate the moisture in the air, to achieve the effect of dehumidification. | <urn:uuid:d82f6974-6161-427d-92ee-c96da46ec617> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.qtstest.com/2022/11/17/working-principle-of-constant-temperature-and-humidity-air-conditioning-unit/ | 2024-12-09T04:20:14Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.892289 | 633 | 3 | 3 |
Is patriarchy the natural state of government?
In this inquiry, students will look at various sources about different societies and draw conclusions about the patriarchy and its role in the state of government. This inquiry uses sources on the Amazons, motherhood, and the hunter-gatherer role. Included with this item is: the lesson plan, a modified version of said lesson plan at the middle school level, a lesson specific powerpoint, as well as two teacher resources which help answer each lesson plan. If you modify any of the materials please feel free to send them back to us, so we can see where you made changes. | <urn:uuid:088bde7e-310b-4be8-8b8e-a6f14f01621d> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.remedialherstory.com/store/p254/Is_patriarchy_the_natural_state_of_government%3F.html | 2024-12-09T03:00:58Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.945088 | 126 | 3.390625 | 3 |
(RxWiki News) Drinking to the point of blackout and having to make a trip to the E.R. is dangerous and expensive, but college students do it all the time. Alcohol poisoning is starting to rack up some serious health care costs in the U.S.
A new study shows the high costs associated with health care given to binge drinkers in college.
Broken bones that need x-rays and setting, and head injuries that require CT scans are expensive results of excessive drinking. The study recorded that one in eight of 404 E.R. visits had to do with binge drinking to the point of blackout.
The conclusion of the study estimates that a large university, say 40,000 or more students, would likely rack up between $469,000-$546,000 in E.R. costs per year.
"Alcohol poisoning is dangerous, drink responsibly."
Marlon P. Mundt, PhD., assistant scientist at the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison took the data of 954 students from 5 universities over the course of 2 years. Looking for information on the physical health costs associated with alcohol abuse in college, Mundt discovered some pretty steep figures.
Mundt writes at the end of his study, “We conclude that blackouts are a strong predictor of emergency department visits for college drinkers and that prevention efforts aimed at students with a history of blackouts might reduce injuries and emergency department costs. “
50% of college students who drink admit to blacking out from alcohol abuse. Preventative measures could seriously cut the high cost of healthcare that results from alcohol abuse related accidents.
This study will be published in the journal Health Affairs, April 2012. No financial information was given and no conflicts of interest were found. | <urn:uuid:3cdc8e9b-8e7e-4391-ac20-131a740f6adc> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.rxwiki.com/news-article/alcohol-abuse-college-can-cost-half-million-dollars-emergency-room | 2024-12-09T04:55:12Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.969437 | 363 | 2.78125 | 3 |
Why are some individuals more prone to gamble than others? Animals often show preferences between 2 foraging options with the same mean reward but different degrees of variability in the reward, and such risk preferences vary between individuals. Previous attempts to explain variation in risk preference have focused on energy budgets, but with limited empirical support. Here, we consider whether biological ageing, which affects mortality and residual reproductive value, predicts risk preference. We studied a cohort of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in which we had previously measured developmental erythrocyte telomere attrition, an established integrative biomarker of biological ageing. We measured the adult birds’ preferences when choosing between a fixed amount of food and a variable amount with an equal mean. After controlling for change in body weight during the experiment (a proxy for energy budget), we found that birds that had undergone greater developmental telomere attrition were more risk averse as adults than were those whose telomeres had shortened less as nestlings. Developmental telomere attrition was a better predictor of adult risk preference than either juvenile telomere length or early-life food supply and begging effort. Our longitudinal study thus demonstrates that biological ageing, as measured via developmental telomere attrition, is an important source of lasting differences in adult risk preferences. | <urn:uuid:d4fd6aa0-0ff9-4ad1-b6fb-61fcceacbc4c> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.sensusimpact.com/article/doi/10.1093/beheco/ary009 | 2024-12-09T04:01:24Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.953249 | 261 | 2.59375 | 3 |
Keeping your data and information secure is essential. DNS monitoring is a powerful tool that enables organizations to monitor their own DNS server to quickly detect potential threats and vulnerabilities, proactively respond to malicious activities, and optimize their website or network performance. Do you want to learn more about it? Great! You are in the right place. But let’s first explain briefly what DNS is.
Explain Briefly What DNS Is
When a hostname, such as squadrainformatica.com, is typed into a web browser’s address bar, a process known as resolution occurs to convert the hostname into an IP address (e.g., 188.8.131.52). This process happens so quickly that it is usually invisible to the user, but it involves four different types of DNS servers working in unison to achieve the correct resolution. | <urn:uuid:9177dcba-3cc0-419b-a24c-e30369881e9b> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.squadrainformatica.com/tag/ip-address/ | 2024-12-09T04:41:56Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.93179 | 173 | 2.90625 | 3 |
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The world is facing different sorts of health-related problems, leading many of the countries to develop improvements in their healthcare services. There are four major issues that the government should be able to address:
The government should be able to come up with a system that will enable them to weigh both the clinical and financial risks so that they can provide a much-improved service.
Policies should be created to provide incentives for innovation in medical diagnosis, delivery, and results.
There is a need for transparency when it comes to the cost of medication and procedures, and a centralized market may be beneficial for all.
Implementation of certain laws should allow employees to benefit from the healthcare service provided by the government.
Technology and Healthcare
Despite the advances in technology, some countries are still in need of receiving proper medical treatment. As a result, a lot of people are still suffering from not being able to receive the proper treatment that they need.
Several factors contribute to these problems, which include medical errors, and the escalating cost of healthcare. Surprisingly, medical errors account as the third cause of death in the United States.
Unfortunately, the amount spent on health care grows much faster than the economy, which can pose a great threat to the economic future of the government and businesses. It is astonishing enough to know that there are about 40 million individuals who do not have any health insurance. In 2003 alone, the government has spent $26 billion on health care.
Health Care Innovation
There are three key factors to make health care better and more affordable.
There is a need to provide health care in a more convenient, effective, and affordable treatment. Accordingly, apart from being given a low-cost and high-deductible insurance, the health plan should also be user-friendly. People do not just need a good product; they also deserve quality health care at a fairly good price.
Ordinarily, it takes effort for a consumer or patient to set up an appointment with the doctor. The difficulty also includes having to travel from one facility to another just to receive the right medical care for specialized cases.
Development of new drugs, improved delivery system, advanced diagnostic methods, and upgraded medical devices can offer cheap, reliable, less distressing. One rising trend is the insertion sensors to monitor symptoms of diseases.
Another example involves a system that can keep records of patients, which can be used as the basis for other future treatments in order to reduce errors.
Meanwhile, some technological developments are now able to help visually impaired students learn in the classroom.
Innovative Business Model
There is a need for the integration of healthcare organizations and all treatment options for chronic diseases under one roof. This process should be able to improve care and service, increase efficiency, and save the patient’s time.
Consequently, providing a one-stop-shop can free consumers from the burden of having to coordinate with a myriad of healthcare providers. This is also where medical animation via 3D comes into play, which enables the doctor to easily perform their jobs.
Latest Innovations To Ease Healthcare Problems
Technology has made things easier for many of us, like the work of these top tech gadgets recommended by tech bloggers. In the case of the medical profession, the discovery of medical innovations with the help of genre-defining devices should somehow unburden patients with their existing medical needs.
Here are some of the trending gadgets and devices that will change the way the healthcare system works:
This wireless solution enables efficient monitoring of cardiovascular diseases from a distance. Data may be transferred via Bluetooth or a mobile network.
Solar Ear is the first manufactured solar-powered hearing aid unit in the world. It reduces the number of visits that the patients are required to do going to care centers.
Ebola Test Strips
Years ago, confirming the existence of Ebola virus requires the patient to wait for 48 hours to see results. However, with this recent development by MIT researchers, determining the presence of Ebola virus can be diagnosed in a matter of minutes.
Water Purification System
Some third world countries have problems with the quality of their water supply. This is to the point that a large number of people get sick drinking contaminated water. With the help of the water purification system from Cleveland Clinic, millions of people can now use the self-sustainable processor to turn solid waste and sewer remnants into safe drinking water.
This instrument helps patients who need intensive phototherapy that will effectively treat jaundice on babies. Moreover, Brilliance can withstand power fluctuations – in other words, sudden power outages or surges will not affect the device’s performance in any way.
Home Stomach Pump
Due to the increasing number of people who have become obese, FDA recently approved a home device that can pump out the contents of an individual’s stomach to prevent obesity. According to the FDA, it is an inexpensive alternative to lap band surgeries.
Gone are the days when inhalers take up space in your bag or pockets, and they sometimes end up getting crushed. Bloom Inhalers is as thin as a credit card and can hold 6 puffs of aerosol asthma medication.
This stick-on device allows monitoring of the heart as well as other important information. Data captured by this stick-on device may be transferred to a computer so that any existing health conditions of a patient can be analyzed.
These are just some of the latest and most innovative devices that are bound to revolutionize the healthcare industry. As scientists are discovering new diseases on a daily basis, it’s comforting to note that technology is able to catch up with the need for better treatment and detection options.
In the end, these newly created medical and health-related devices will become the new norms of tomorrow, and bring hope to many people who are in need of accessible and affordable treatment.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silver-iphone-6-near-blue-and-silver-stethoscope-48603/ | <urn:uuid:26960808-68e3-429d-a441-27aaf6a88ecd> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.techisignals.com/health-gadgets-that-will-revamp-healthcare/ | 2024-12-09T05:11:56Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.952765 | 1,254 | 2.921875 | 3 |
What Does Chroma Key Mean?
Chroma key is also known as color keying and color separation overlay; it is also commonly called blue screen or green screen.
Techopedia Explains Chroma Key
Chroma keying is used in movies to replace a blue or green background with computer-generated or separately-shot scenes during the post-production stage. The selection of blue or green back ground mainly depends on the effect required and what colors the actors are wearing. This makes it easier to separate the actor from the background. The final result is that the film is made to look like the actor is somewhere other than a studio.
The chroma key process is widely used because it is cheaper to do this than to shoot in expensive or inaccessible locations. It can also be done in real time, making it ideal for weather report or entertainment shows. | <urn:uuid:e2291b07-4cba-4170-88c9-fe6322996e0f> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.techopedia.com/definition/476/chroma-key | 2024-12-09T04:50:06Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.951944 | 174 | 2.796875 | 3 |
Earth's rising temperature is not just causing ice glaciers to melt. It is also affecting entire land masses that typically have ground that remains completely frozen called permafrost. In Siberia, this permafrost is now melting at extremely alarming rates, causing concern for the environment and public health.
Nikita Zimov, a scientist at the Pleistocene Park, has been observing the thawing of Siberia's permafrost. The permafrost, which covers about two-thirds of Russia, is thawing at a rate approximately two times as fast as the global average.
As the ice melts, it reveals ancient wildlife and vegetation and releases harmful gasses and diseases. In a recent discovery, scientists were able to revive a 46,000-year-old worm that had been trapped in the permafrost.
Why is melting permafrost concerning?
The thawing of Siberia's permafrost has far-reaching implications for both the environment and human communities. Permafrost acts like a giant freezer for a lot of organic matter, which includes dead plants and animals.
When it thaws, this organic matter can decompose and release potent gasses that contribute to the planet's overheating. This process not only accelerates the effects of this overheating but also poses immediate threats to the infrastructure and livelihoods in the region.
Additionally, researchers have discovered that Arctic permafrost contains high levels of mercury, a toxic heavy metal.
When permafrost melts, this mercury can be released and converted into methylmercury by certain microbes. Methylmercury is very harmful and can work its way up the food chain, potentially impacting wildlife and human health, especially in regions where people rely on fish as a staple part of their diet.
In addition to toxic polluting gasses and mercury, there's also the worry about ancient viruses, which have been dormant in the permafrost, potentially being released. Although the likelihood of these viruses causing pandemics is considered low, it's a risk that scientists are taking seriously.
What's being done about melting permafrost?
Despite the daunting challenges posed by melting permafrost, efforts are underway to mitigate its impacts and address the underlying causes. Scientists like Zimov are leading initiatives, such as Pleistocene Park, aimed at rewilding the Arctic tundra to restore ecological balance and promote natural processes that help stabilize the permafrost.
"The goal of our work is to create a self-sustaining system," Zimov said. He hopes that the park will be able to sustain itself with no human interference in the next 25 years. "Maybe yes, it is too hard of a task. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't be trying."
Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. | <urn:uuid:e78c6a6f-33f8-43e1-9958-8c9ec862bb7b> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/siberia-permafrost-melting-rates/ | 2024-12-09T03:06:30Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.958033 | 583 | 4.25 | 4 |
How music can soothe hyperactivity
Music has been found to have a profoundly soothing effect on children with hyperactivity or ADHD. While many adults use music to support relaxation techniques such as meditation and Yoga, this soothing effect can also work for children who find it difficult to control their behaviour.
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Individuals with ADHD, ADD, hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and other similar concentration difficulties, have a tendency to become more easily distracted by different sights and sounds within their immediate environment. They find it difficult to manage their behaviour and can become frustrated, anxious, and unable to focus on any one activity at a time.
By introducing soothing music into a child's everyday routine, it is thought to alleviate and reduce the number of hyperactive episodes a child may have. The soothing music may mask out any distracting noises and demands a child concentrates on the one sound. Through concentration on the music a child may regulate their breathing pattern, calm the rush of thoughts in their minds and purely focus on the task of listening.
Many child psychologists, teachers, and parents are beginning to see the merits of helping children relax, and become calmer in their behaviour through introducing music sessions into everyday routines.
Want to give it a go? Create a comfortable space for your child to relax in - use cushions, soft materials, and avoid anything which may distract your child. Develop a set routine for your child where there are times for them to unwind and relax. Make sure that the television and computer are turned off and the house is quiet. Then try playing your child a special soothing music CD to help calm their behaviour. | <urn:uuid:ba63abb7-6270-4c80-9a6c-f5784d29b54e> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.theschoolrun.com/how-music-can-soothe-hyperactivity | 2024-12-09T04:34:12Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.961057 | 365 | 3.546875 | 4 |
Geologic hazards exist in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by a variety of factors, including human modification of land. Geologic hazards can occur quickly, often with little notice. The best way to prepare is to stay informed about changes in-and-around your home, workplace, or other location that could signal a geologic issue.
o Karst topography forms in regions where rainfall is plentiful and where bedrock consists of carbonate-rich rock, such as limestone, gypsum, or dolomite. Karst landscape is characterized by caves, sinkholes, fissures and underground streams.
o The hazards most associated with karst topography is sinkholes, which occur when the roof of a cave becomes too thin to support weight of the bedrock over it, or a fracture in limestone bedrock is enlarged by water dissolving the limestone.
o The only way to avoid karst hazards is to avoid building structures or living on karst, which is unrealistic.
o Avoid building or buying a built structure on a sinkhole that has been filled. Do your research on the property, ask questions of the seller, observe geologic conditions around the area of the property, such as shallow depressions and arch-shaped cracks in the soil, and check for damage to structures around or adjacent to the property.
o If a sinkhole develops under a structure, the foundation should be shored up as quickly as possible.
o Do not continue to stay in a structure if a sinkhole forms under it or near it.
o Consult a professional geologist with experience in identifying karst topography and an engineer experienced in sinkhole remediation.
o Landslide problems can be caused by land mismanagement, particularly in mountain, canyon, and coastal regions. Land-use zoning, professional inspections, and proper design can minimize many landslide problems.
o Prevent landslides by following proper land-use procedures – avoid building near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways, or along nature erosion valleys.
o Be familiar with the land around you. Research the area for any previous landslides.
o Get a ground assessment of your property and consult a professional for advice on appropriate preventive measures for your home or business.
o If you are at risk for a landslide, consult your insurance agent.
o Move away from the path of a landslide as quickly as possible. List for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
o If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy.
o Curl into a tight ball and protect your head if escape from a landslide is not possible. | <urn:uuid:dc3f264b-d749-4558-b5b1-2ef0b16fc163> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.tn.gov/tema/prepare/tennessee-threats/geologic.html | 2024-12-09T05:07:13Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.944621 | 570 | 3.234375 | 3 |
In a world where technology is moving at a pace, and both scientific and medical developments are making global headlines, we’re starting to notice the names and identities behind the innovations more than ever. But how many of them are women, and what do we know about the educational or economic hurdles they overcame to attain success and recognition? In this blog, as well as recognizing the issues, the focus is on solutions and how we can direct more women into STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) learning and careers. We’ll look at:
1) What STEM studies look like for early learners.
2) How to encourage and engage young women to pursue any interest and talent in these subjects, thus laying a pathway to a STEM career.
3) Why monetary and mental barriers have been an entry issue to post-secondary study or apprenticeships, and how these can be removed.
4) What programs, scholarships and internships are being created for underrepresented groups.
Understanding STEM Courses and Choices – an Introduction
The four STEM disciplines comprise science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But rather than being studied separately, in a post-secondary educational environment, these are often taught using an integrated style, giving students a more real-world grounding – which is more useful when applying these skills to a job. Taking this more pragmatic approach to scientific education is useful for dispelling any stereotypes about “geeks in lab coats” who rarely see daylight. The outcome of a course is now about delivering technological innovation and smart thinking instead of just theorizing. As demonstrated by the rush to bring a Covid-19 vaccine to market, for example, rather than simply going unrecognized in a lab, biochemists are being applauded for their part in creating a lifesaving product.
But let’s rewind that life journey for a moment. Despite the general buzz of STEM college courses and what they can lead to, there is an endemic problem that not nearly enough women are either studying STEM or entering a related career. So we’re taking the narrative back to primary education and look at what is being done to ignite that interest from an early age.
Dispelling Stereotypes and the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy in the Classroom
If a young girl begins education without gaining recognition for an aptitude in maths and science it quickly grows into a lack of self-believe that is likely to grow. By the time she is considering her long-term future, any STEM-related studies may well be off the table. This early erosion of subject matter confidence is sometimes down to the teacher. Studies have shown in the past that when batches of sixth-grade math papers were marked anonymously, the results between boys and girls were even. When those same papers were marked with gender identities known, the girls were marked down. This formative example of negative “parity of esteem” can do irrevocable damage and put girls off a subject for life. You’ll be glad to know that’s the worst of the bad news covered, so what solutions are in place to turn the tide?
Role Models and Mentoring
Primary and secondary school educators are not just aware of this problem but are actively trying to dispel the myths around scientists and rebalance classroom learning. Textbook examples and images of those that work in STEM disciplines are increasingly diverse, with not just women in the images and illustrations, but those from underrepresented communities. To make this approach even more tangible, schools are being encouraged to invite women from STEM sectors into schools to talk about their successful careers and achievements.
By giving young women the chance to hear from real women who have carved careers in STEM disciplines, you’re beginning to bust the old stereotypes and demonstrate what is possible. And the more diverse and successful these respected figures are, the better. Bringing these figures into the classroom or lecture hall adds another relatable dimension, as does onboarding a decent ratio of qualified females in teaching roles. And when an actual mentoring program can be rolled out, the connection between STEM career women and interested young girls is strengthened even further.
Changing the STEM Learning Experience
Alongside role models, the key element to growing STEM interest from an early age in girls is how they learn. Language and teaching methods are two further ways to remove (or at least reduce) the “I’m so bad at math/science/computer coding” thinking pattern and stigma. The more inclusive and encouraging textbook and classroom language are, the more accessible it becomes, which in turn could make the “idea” of a STEM study path and career a more solid reality.
Rather than posing complex math problems, computing queries, or science experiments that lack context or real-life consequences, those setting the curriculum need to make tasks more project-based and hands-on. Girls and boys do learn and process information in different ways. Boys tend to be more black and white, while girls look for nuance and explanation - hence the tendency to excel more with projects.
There’s also plenty of research to support segregated gender lessons for some elementary and high school level subjects. By separating boys and girls, it has been proven to remove certain pressures and teaching bias, allowing all students the opportunity to thrive and achieve in the best way to suit their strengths.
Overall, a STEM-based study program does not simply push the topics. With an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and logic, it also helps to develop resilience, patience, and tenacity. But as young women progress from elementary to high school education, despite being encouraged to use these mind-set skills, the issues preventing them from furthering their STEM ambitions and interests become more complex.
Overcoming Monetary and Mental Attitude Barriers
A big problem that we can’t ignore is economic limitations. In addition to gender barriers, there are economic barriers for higher education and the prospects and opportunities for higher education can be much narrower than in other social groups. There are also certain expectations among some groups that higher education should remain the domain of the male, and that anything under the STEM umbrella is not considered a suitable choice for a woman and those career considerations should remain within the caring and nurturing job sector.
As women students approach the last chapter of compulsory education, the involvement of mentors, role models, and encouraging teachers is more critical than ever. While making sure every student has the academic and practical tools to fulfill their STEM high school education, access to information about scholarships, college funding, and financial assistance to help those that want to, aim for higher learning is more broadly shared.
STEM Course Support Via College Scholarships
To summarize the story so far, until more young women can actively engage in STEM courses and apprenticeships, there simply won’t be the correct representation of women across these related career sectors.
The positive news is that it’s the very companies that these women need to be working for that are helping these “bright sparks” into post-secondary education.
One of the most helpful and ultimately rewarding ways to get more women into STEM courses and careers is through a scholarship program, such as EDGE provided by Varicent. Throughout 2021, we’ll be supporting twenty-five scholarships equal to USD 5,000 per candidate to assist women and people from other underrepresented groups onto courses such as Computer Science, Information Technology, and Engineering.
While our scholarship program (and similar programs offered by other companies) is an important step toward furthering STEM-related education and launching careers, we still need to be mindful of making changes much earlier in the school system. With the right tools, language, and positive affirmation all the way through education, we will have a much more level workforce and some truly inspiring women blazing a trail for the generations of young girls to come. | <urn:uuid:632684f2-0f34-4894-9ee5-31b1740b22c0> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.varicent.com/blog/creating-stem-college-opportunities-for-young-women | 2024-12-09T03:41:22Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.954132 | 1,605 | 3.28125 | 3 |
Obesity is a crisis in America, and if you’re obese, you know that it can get in the way of your daily activities. Being overweight can cause fatigue, and can make your joints ache because carrying around extra weight puts a strain on your body. But did you know that obesity can cause life-threatening health issues like heart disease?
Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States, claiming about 600,000 lives every year. People who are obese are at a higher risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack than those who maintain a healthy weight. In fact, the American Heart Association qualifies obesity as a major risk factor for heart disease.
What does carrying excess weight have to do with your heart? For one thing, obesity increases your risk of developing other conditions that put you at risk for heart disease. When you’re overweight, you’re at a higher risk for hypertension, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, and type 2 diabetes. All of these conditions can increase your risk of heart trouble. What’s more, obesity causes inflammation in your body, and that inflammation can cause plaque to develop in your arteries. Another factor is that your heart has to work harder to pump blood through your body when you’re carrying excess weight. Putting your heart under that kind of increased stress can cause heart failure symptoms.
The good news is that losing weight can reduce your risk of heart disease. In fact, even losing just a few pounds can sometimes make a difference in your heart disease risk, because it improves factors like blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and inflammation. By filling your diet with nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, fatty fish, lean meats, nuts and legumes, and healthy fats, you can make a big difference in your weight. Exercising regularly, too, can help you make a change.
If these measures fail, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery can help you lose weight quickly, which reduces your risk of obesity-related ailments, including heart disease. Once you’ve had bariatric surgery, you’ll need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise habits, and your doctor will monitor you to make sure you’re staying on track.
If it’s time for you to make a lifelong lifestyle shift, Garden State Bariatrics can help. We are an MBSAQIP accredited bariatric practice, providing surgical and ongoing medical care to help patients reach their nutritional and lifelong goals. We are passionate about our work and committed to our patients’ success.
Are You a Candidate for Weight Loss Surgery?
Take our 60 second assessment and find out if you are a candidate for weight loss surgery | <urn:uuid:76920390-f349-4bf4-bfd8-9f158b7bc263> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.weightlosssurgerynewjersey.com/blog/obesity-and-increased-risk-for-heart-disease/ | 2024-12-09T03:39:53Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.944354 | 573 | 3.046875 | 3 |
We need bees and other useful insects and pollinators to produce colourful garden displays and tasty fruit! Fruit tree blossom produces a light fragrant honey too!
If you already have fruit trees in your garden, you’ve probably noticed lots of bee activity which is great. If you’re thinking of planting fruit trees, they’ll not only give you homegrown food but also provide a natural habitat and food source for wildlife. Pollinators, particularly honeybees, love fruit trees so why not think about adding some new fruit trees to your garden to help its ecosystem!
The best fruit trees to attract bees are peach, plum and nectarine.
To keep bees busy all year round, planting fruit trees that bloom and fruit at different times help to provide a more sustainable source of food. You’re also more likely to receive visits from a variety of bees as they can eat and be active at different times. Plum trees tend to bloom in late winter to early spring with fruit ripening from early May all the way through to September. Nectarine and peach trees tend to flower early in the year with fruit being ready in July for early varieties. Later varieties will see fruit produced through August and early September.
During the warm, summer months apple and cherry trees are a fantastic choice for attracting bees. The majority of varieties perform well during the hotter weather and will keep bees interested during the earlier part of the growing season. Cherry trees, in particular, make for a brilliant addition as they are usually quite large with lots of flower buds, attracting a large number of bees.
Below are other examples of how we can help our friendly pollinators.
1. Grow more flowers, shrubs and trees
2. Let your garden grow wild
3. Don’t cut your grass regularly
4. Don’t disturb insect nest and hibernation spots
5. Think carefully about whether to use pesticides | <urn:uuid:72a57e88-f81f-4da0-8217-f4941669bd83> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.wesleycottagebees.co.uk/post/which-trees-attract-bees | 2024-12-09T04:39:30Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.952864 | 391 | 3.296875 | 3 |
Liquid crystal displays require back-lighting. This is because liquid crystal displays do not generate any light, and their visibility depends on light passing through the display. Opaque sections in the display become visible when they block light from behind the display. To make the display readable, manufacturers resort to providing them with light from behind the display.
The back-lighting in liquid crystal display panels may come from sources like incandescent, fluorescence, electroluminescence, woven fiber optics, or LEDs. Appearance, cost, and features consideration decide the ultimate choice for the selection of source for the back-lighting. The most popular is solid-state lighting using LEDs, as these devices offer better luminance and power efficiency, as compared to all other sources. Another advantage of LED back-lighting for LCD panels is the long life of LEDs.
Earlier, LED back-lighting typically used direct lighting, with large numbers of LEDs mounted behind the display. This arrangement provided excellent image quality along with the ability of local dimming. However, the high cost of this method did not allow it to gain market share. Rather, back-lighting technology changed over to edge-mounted LED back-lighting. An added advantage of edge-mounted LED back-lighting was that the edge-lit LCD panels could be made in extremely thin designs.
By using edge-lit LED back-lighting, manufacturers could reduce the number of LEDs necessary, by concentrating them along the edges. Initially, manufacturers used LEDs on all four edges. Very soon, they placed the LEDs along two shorter edges only, and eventually, they were placing the LEDs on only a single short edge of the LCD panel.
LEDs are a good choice for back-lighting. They are compact, operate in a wide temperature range, offer a good color selection, have a low operating voltage, and have a long operating life of at least 50 thousand hours. Over a specified range of drive current levels, LEDs offer a predominantly fixed voltage drop. However, LED back-lighting also offers some challenges. For instance, the light provided by the LEDs is uneven, which improves with a suitable light pipe or diffuser. Another challenge is the current through the LEDs depends on the ambient temperature, and requires close monitoring to allow safe operation over a wide range of temperatures.
The driver for such constant-current devices requires building up the drive voltage until it is supplying the desired current level. It reaches a stabilization point when the drive voltage equals the sum of the forward drops of all the LEDs in series. The maximum voltage of the driver limits the number of LEDs in series that it can drive at a time. However, even the simplest of drivers requires holding some voltage in reserve, for dropping across a current limiting resistor. This means a driver will never be able to apply the entire power supply voltage across a chain of LEDs.
The number of LEDs required depends on the size of the LCD panel, and its brightness. High-brightness and ultra-high-brightness LCD panels require a larger number of LEDs. Driving large numbers of LEDs requires sophisticated constant current drivers and high-efficiency power supplies. | <urn:uuid:cb67034a-87a9-4377-96aa-cd6a792be1c7> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.westfloridacomponents.com/blog/back-lighting-with-leds/ | 2024-12-09T05:08:04Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.940987 | 631 | 2.984375 | 3 |
The History of Wigs: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Times
Wigs have been a fashionable accessory for centuries, evolving from ancient times to become a staple in the world of fashion and beauty. From their humble beginnings in ancient Egypt to the extravagant wigs of the 18th century, let's take a journey through the fascinating history of wigs.
Ancient Egypt: The Birth of Wigs
Our wig journey begins in ancient Egypt, where wigs were more than just a fashion statement; they were a symbol of status and power. Egyptians used wigs to protect their heads from the scorching desert sun and to prevent lice infestations. Wigs were typically made from human hair, wool, or plant fibers and were adorned with beads, precious stones, and even gold thread to showcase wealth.
Wigs in ancient Egypt were not only worn by women but also by men. They were an integral part of daily grooming, and Egyptians often shaved their heads to wear wigs instead. These wigs were carefully styled and maintained, with some even being passed down through generations.
The Renaissance: A Wig Renaissance
Fast forward to the Renaissance era, and wigs took on a whole new level of extravagance. Both men and women wore wigs as a fashion statement, with elaborate designs becoming the norm. Wigs were made from a variety of materials, including human hair, horsehair, and even goat hair.
During this time, wigs became a symbol of social status and were worn by nobles and the upper class. The more elaborate and intricate the wig, the higher the status of the wearer. Wigs were often powdered with scented powders to mask unpleasant odors and to maintain a fresh fragrance.
The 18th Century: Wig-mania
The 18th century marked a period of wig-mania. Wigs reached their peak popularity during this time, especially in Europe. Both men and women wore wigs of various sizes and styles, ranging from the towering and extravagant "powdered wigs" to more natural-looking styles.
Wigs in the 18th century were often made from horsehair or human hair, and they were powdered with white or gray powder to achieve the fashionable look of the time. These wigs required meticulous care and styling, with intricate curls and braids being the height of fashion.
The Victorian Era: The Decline of Wigs
As the Victorian era dawned, wigs started to lose their popularity. The focus shifted towards more natural hairstyles, and wigs became less common. However, wigs continued to be worn by actors and actresses on stage, allowing them to transform into different characters with ease.
During this era, wigs were often made with human hair, as the use of horsehair had diminished. Wigs were carefully crafted to mimic natural hair, with different shades and styles available to suit the wearer's preferences.
The Modern Era: Wigs for Fashion and Fun
In the modern era, wigs have made a comeback both as a fashion statement and as a fun accessory. Wigs are now made from a variety of materials, including human hair, synthetic fibers, and even a blend of both. They come in a multitude of styles and colors, allowing individuals to change their look without committing to a permanent hairstyle.
Wigs are no longer limited to the rich and famous; they have become accessible to people from all walks of life. Whether it's for a special occasion or just for fun, wigs offer endless possibilities for self-expression and style experimentation.
From ancient Egypt to modern times, the history of wigs is a testament to the ever-changing world of fashion and beauty. Wigs have evolved from being a symbol of power and status to becoming a versatile accessory for anyone to enjoy.
So, whether you're looking to channel the elegance of the Renaissance or embrace your inner 18th-century fashionista, wigs are a fantastic way to transform your look and express your unique style. Embrace the wig-tastic journey through time and discover the joy of experimenting with different hairstyles without the commitment. | <urn:uuid:ab8b387a-b267-43a7-9fb1-6597725e5222> | CC-MAIN-2024-51 | https://www.wigstorehairandbeautycanada.ca/blogs/wigs-canada/the-history-of-wigs-from-ancient-egypt-to-modern-times | 2024-12-09T03:06:21Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-51/segments/1733066460657.93/warc/CC-MAIN-20241209024434-20241209054434-00645.warc.gz | en | 0.977361 | 838 | 3.140625 | 3 |