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Organizational Change as a Potential Risk Factor for Employee Health - A prospective study of organizational change, empowering leadership, work predictability and employee health
MetadataShow full item record
- Institutt for psykologi
The objective of this study was to examine whether organizational changes predicted employee health, and whether empowering leadership moderated and work predictability mediated this potential relationship. Eight types of organizational changes were investigated, and the assessed health outcomes were self-estimated general health and neck pain. It was found that more extensive organizational changes were associated With impaired employee health in the cross-sectional analyses. However, no significant results were found in the prospective analyses. Although some of the organizational changes were related to adverse health outcomes, it was not found a basis of assuming that organizational changes had a substantial influence on employee health. Nevertheless, extensice changes could be seen as a potential risk factor for employee health. Work predictability was found to partially mediate the relationship between organizational changes and employee health in cross-sectional analyses. It was not found sufficient support for indicating that the relationship between organizational changes and employee health was dependent upon the level of empowering leadership, even though empowering leadership was associated With better employee health. | 0.7829 | FineWeb | 1. Organizational Change
2. Employee Health
3. Leadership |
Functionality and features:
- Fast creation of a personal account with the option to log in with one click using social networks.
- Users can subscribe to specific authors, whose publications will be displayed in the feed.
- The floating button option allows for quickly collapsing long posts.
- Convenient user filter for searching by community name, tags, author, topics, and publication date.
- One-click comment rating, as well as the ability to communicate directly with other participants in the comments.
- Automatic collapsing of comment threads based on a certain level of nesting.
- Viewing of author profiles, as well as communities.
- Viewed posts can be hidden in the future.
- Users can save selected content for later viewing.
- After registration, any application client can become a full-fledged author and publish their own content.
- A large number of new posts on various topics appear daily.
- When receiving an offensive comment, the author can send a complaint to the moderator for further action.
- Undesirable users can be blocked by adding them to the "blacklist".
- Convenient viewing mode can be set in vertical or horizontal format.
- To save internet traffic, temporary blocking of video and image loading is implemented.
- A dark theme option reduces visual strain when viewing content at night or in dim lighting.
- Responsive customer support service.
The Pikabu information and entertainment platform, installed on a mobile device, allows users to participate in the community at any time of day, communicate with other users, leave comments on posts, and save favorite content. | 0.6674 | FineWeb | - Functionality and Features
- User Interaction
- Platform Settings |
Women’s Handbag Brands: A Showcase of Style, Craftsmanship, and Luxury
Introduction (200 words)
Women’s handbags have evolved from simple functional accessories to iconic fashion statements. From luxurious high-end brands to affordable yet stylish options, the market is filled with an array of women’s handbag brands that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. In this article, we will explore some of the top women’s handbag brands, highlighting their unique features, craftsmanship, and the allure they bring to the world of fashion. Whether you seek timeless elegance, modern sophistication, or sustainable choices, these handbag brands have carved their place in the industry, captivating women with their impeccable designs, quality materials, and attention to detail.
I. Louis Vuitton (500 words)
A. Legacy and Prestige:
Louis Vuitton, a French luxury fashion house established in 1854, is renowned for its exquisite handbags that represent the epitome of luxury and timeless elegance. The brand’s iconic monogram pattern and innovative designs have made it a symbol of status and sophistication.
B. Craftsmanship and Materials:
Louis Vuitton handbags are meticulously crafted using the finest materials, such as high-quality leathers and durable canvases. The brand’s attention to detail, impeccable stitching, and expert craftsmanship ensure that each handbag is a work of art.
II. Chanel (500 words)
A. Classic and Iconic:
Chanel, founded by Coco Chanel in 1909, is synonymous with timeless style and sophistication. The brand’s handbags, including the legendary Chanel 2.55, are celebrated for their elegant designs, impeccable craftsmanship, and the iconic interlocking CC logo.
B. Quality and Craftsmanship:
Chanel handbags are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using premium materials, such as lambskin or caviar leather. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in the attention given to every detail, from the signature quilting to the iconic chain straps.
III. Gucci (500 words)
A. Italian Glamour:
Gucci, an Italian luxury fashion brand established in 1921, is renowned for its bold and innovative designs that combine luxury, glamour, and a touch of eccentricity. Gucci handbags captivate women worldwide with their unique styles, vibrant colors, and distinctive features.
B. Versatility and Iconic Signatures:
Gucci handbags come in a variety of styles, from the iconic GG canvas to the elegant Gucci Dionysus and the modern Gucci Marmont. The brand’s handbags often feature signature elements like the double G logo, horsebit hardware, and bamboo handles, adding a touch of sophistication and recognition.
IV. Prada (500 words)
A. Minimalist Chic:
Prada, an Italian luxury fashion brand founded in 1913, is synonymous with minimalist aesthetics, clean lines, and understated luxury. Prada handbags are beloved for their sleek designs, attention to detail, and high-quality materials.
B. Innovative Materials and Designs:
Prada is known for its innovative approach to materials, incorporating nylon, Saffiano leather, and other unique fabrics into its handbag collections. The brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating fashion-forward designs has made Prada a favorite among fashion enthusiasts.
V. Hermès (500 words)
A. Timeless Elegance and Craftsmanship:
Hermès, a French luxury brand founded in 1837, is renowned for its unrivaled craftsmanship, exquisite materials, and timeless designs. Hermès handbags, including the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, are highly coveted for their exclusivity and meticulous attention to detail.
B. Quality and Handmade Excellence:
Hermès handbags are meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using premium materials like high-quality leathers and precious hardware. The brand’s dedication to perfection and artisanal craftsmanship ensures that each handbag is a true masterpiece.
Conclusion (200 words)
Women’s handbag brands have transformed the way women accessorize, adding a touch of style, elegance, and functionality to their outfits. The top handbag brands mentioned in this article, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Hermès, have established themselves as leaders in the industry, setting trends, and capturing the hearts of women worldwide. With their commitment to quality materials, impeccable craftsmanship, and innovative designs, these brands continue to elevate the art of handbag-making. Whether you seek a classic and timeless piece or a bold and contemporary statement, these women’s handbag brands offer a wide range of options to suit every style preference. Indulge in the allure of luxury and craftsmanship, and discover the perfect handbag that reflects your personality and enhances your fashion ensemble. | 0.9681 | FineWeb | 1. Luxury Handbag Brands
2. Women's Fashion Accessories
3. High-End Fashion Designers |
Shoulder Bursitis Treatment
The bursa is a fluid-filled sac in the shoulder that offers a cushion between the bones and soft tissues during movement. The bursa and tendons in the rotator cuff are enclosed by bone. The bursa allows the shoulder movement without bone rubbing against the tendons. When the bursa becomes inflamed (shoulder bursitis), it can push against the bones and tendons, causing shoulder stiffness and pain. Jonathan Glashow, MD, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine offers shoulder bursitis treatment at our medical facility in UES New York City.
Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis
Bursitis in the shoulder is most commonly caused by an injury. A dislocation, rotator cuff tear or other type of injury can impact the bursa, causing swelling. Other factors that can cause shoulder bursitis include infection, arthritis, bone spurs, gout, thyroid disease, tendonitis and diabetes. When shoulder bursitis occurs, it can cause the following symptoms:
- Swelling and redness on the affected shoulder
- Shoulder is tender to the touch
- Pain on the outside of the shoulder
- Pain when reaching up
- Limited range of arm/shoulder motion
Shoulder bursitis can progressively become worse. An initial injury can cause bursa inflammation, resulting in more irritation due to the impingement of the bursa and tendons. The bursa can continue to swell, becoming more and more painful. When rest and NSAIDs are not effective in relieving the inflammation, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to relieve inflammation. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove bone spurs or create space in the shoulder to relieve pressure on the bursa.
If you have been diagnosed with shoulder bursitis or have symptoms, our orthopedic specialists can offer treatment for relief. Contact us at our clinic in NYC’s Upper East Side to schedule an exam, consultation and treatment for shoulder bursitis. | 0.8224 | FineWeb | 1. Shoulder Bursitis Treatment
2. Causes and Symptoms of Shoulder Bursitis
3. Diagnosis and Relief |
Term papers are among the most challenging projects to handle especially if you’re not really utilized to composing one. Most of us are used to write research papers and special reports for our courses. But writing term papers is not the same story. You’ll be asked to write a term paper based on a subject and you’ll have to answer a lot of unique questions.
For this reason, many students find it challenging to produce the academic documents they require. Term papers are among the toughest academic assignments since they need you to extensively research on the subject you have chosen. Additionally, it requires extensive editing and proofreading. To succeed with this, you’ll certainly need the best term paper writing services to get the job done right. It is possible to greatly benefit from the term paper writing services let alone successfully complete and deliver your academic job with a decent ending.
Writing term papers is definitely not an easy job particularly if you’ve not written one before. But there are many pupils who managed to attain success in their academic newspaper despite the daunting endeavor. With the support of specialist term paper writing services, writing term papers becomes much easier. Students will no more be concerned about grammatical mistakes and confusing topics as their solutions have experts in the business to handle all their grammatical concerns.
Besides that, term paper writing services can corrector de textos castellano help you stay away from any plagiarism charges. They ensure that your documents are unique, engaging, intriguing, and well-written. Students can also submit their term papers on the internet for a fee. With this, you do not need to worry about any plagiarism issues since you can ask to get a custom term paper. This customized document is personalized dependent on the subject and requirements of your corrector ortografico catala mission.
There are many reasons why folks prefer hiring word paper authors. Aside from the fact that these writers are knowledgeable in writing academic papers, they have enough expertise to write term papers. The authors with years of expertise in writing will probably create a high quality term paper with no error. If you employ an inexperienced writer, he could write a low-quality term paper because he has not written many academic functions. It’s ideal to hire a seasoned author with skills abilities.
You can establish the writers with the very best skills by taking a look at their sample term papers. Experienced writers can create term papers quickly and provide a high degree of quality. The writers may also proofread your term papers to you. Additionally, there are writers who will write term papers just for you. If you don’t have the time to write term papers on your own, you might employ such writers. | 0.7564 | FineWeb | * Term Paper Writing
* Academic Assignments
* Writing Services |
The USS Cochrane (DDG-21) was a Charles F. Adams-class guided-missile destroyer laid down on July 31, 1961, and launched on July 18, the following year. It was commissioned on March 21, 1964, with the hull number DDG-21 and served in the US Navy for 27 years until it was decommissioned on December 26, 1990. During its activity, the ship carried a complement of 354 people on board and had its main missions in Saigon. After the decommissioning, the ship was struck from the Navy List on November 20, 1992, and sold for scrapping to International Shipbreaking in 2000.
Asbestos-embedded products deteriorate over time and the fibers end up filling the air. Asbestos is a threat to one’s health when it is released in the air producing hazardous airborne particles. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause inflammation, scarring and eventually genetic damage to the body’s cells. Navy veterans involved in active duty who developed life-threatening illnesses such as mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure are eligible for compensation from asbestos trust funds and VA claims. | 0.6561 | FineWeb | 1. USS Cochrane (DDG-21)
2. Asbestos exposure
3. US Navy veterans compensation |
Online Associates in Video Game Design Degrees
Associates in Video Game Design Degrees Online can provide you with the fundamentals of game design, as well as the many steps it takes to create a game from scratch. Through hands-on learning, group projects, and the use of technology, earning your associates in video game design degree may provide you with the knowledge you need to make dynamic worlds, memorable characters, and story lines that rival those of movies.
Through coursework focused on developing strong technical skills, learning the basics of each of the many steps of video game development, leveraging the benefits of online learning, and preparing you for the next steps, pursuing your video game design degree online may provide you with the foundation in this exciting and innovative field.
Steve Wozniak submitted so many high scores in Tetris to Nintendo Power that he had to submit them as “Evets Kainzow” so they’d print them.
Earning Your Online Associates in Video Game Design Degree
Revenue generated from video games continues to grow. And, it’s expected to continue rising over the next couple years. Plus, video games rely on innovative technology to continue impressing players with more realistic graphics and intricate storylines. This makes Associates in Video Game Design Degrees one of the most exciting degree options available.
By combining theoretical and hands-on, technology-based laboratory experiences, most associates in video game design degrees online emphasize the application of knowledge to video game development and design. This can include both the artistic side, such as character development, game concepts, and storyline creation, and the technical side, such as programming and programming languages, coding, game mechanics, and user testing.
Earning your Associates in Video Game Design Degrees online may provide you with a foundation of knowledge in the behind-the-scenes areas it takes to develop video games. To cover the basics, most associates degree programs provide a wide-variety of courses. These courses may include:
- Digital Graphics for Gaming: How many times have you or your friends said, “Wow, look at those video game graphics?”
- Introduction to Game Development: During this introductory course, students may learn the basics of the each step it takes to create and design video games.
- 3D Modeling: In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts of real-time rendering specs, polygons, vertices, UV mapping, simple texture techniques, digital photography and paint, and unwrapping.
- Game Prototyping: Through Adobe Flash, students may learn interactive game processing using Action Scripting, game animation techniques, and third-party gaming tools.
- Intermediate Game Programming: Through C++, students are taught intermediate processing, and introduced to creating, editing, and updating data files.
- Storyboard and Design: This course focuses on teaching students the concepts and techniques of visual storytelling through storyboard rendering.
- Game Engines: Students are given an understanding of how different game engines function and they may produce simple games with three different game engines.
- Mobile UI and UX: To learn the fundamentals of UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience), students are taught digital imaging, file structures, and layer organization for changing on demand and within size limitations.
- History of Gaming: This course covers the development of games from ancient board games to modern consoles and how humans interact through games.
These courses are designed to teach you the fundamentals of video game design. Most online Associates in Video Game Design Degree programs focus on preparing you for the challenges of innovative game design and 3D technology.
Understanding and having experience with operating technology is especially important because designing a video game is reliant on technical skills. That’s why most programs also focus on developing that proficiency in technology and providing students the hands-on experience that may help them as they pursue a role as a video game designer.
Fundamentals of an Associates in Video Game Design Degrees Online Program
Most Associates in Video Game Design Degrees Online Programs focus on providing you with a basic understanding of the building blocks. Hence you might get an opportunity to develop such skills and knowledge as:i
- Team Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Analysis
Most programs focus on providing you with these skills through the different courses listed above, plus many others. Through group projects, hands-on learning, and the use of technology, students are taught the technical skills and the importance of teamwork in video game design.
Process of Developing a Video Game
Revenue generated from video games continues to rise, especially on mobile devices. As the complexity of game design continues to increase, and as the technology used to play and develop the games continues to advance, most video game developers and studios have put more emphasis on planning and preproduction. This is also true because of all the costs associated with video game development. But there are many other steps involved besides preproduction. The steps to create a video game are:
- Pre-Production: This can include a wide variety of aspects, but is focused on presenting the overall storyline, concept, and pitch to a video game design studio.
- Creating the Characters: This includes creating characters, putting them in motion, and animating the world.
- Coding: This aspect of game design is one most players never see, but it controls the whole world.
- Post-Production: This step includes testing alpha and beta versions of the game to find mistakes and room for improvement.
- Release and Marketing: Finally, the game is complete, but that doesn’t mean the job is over. Now there are demos and trailers, plus other marketing events.
Benefits of Earning Associates in Video Game Design Degrees Online
Knowing and understanding how a video game is developed is the emphasis of online video game design associates degrees. Most associates degree programs provide students with a basic understanding of each of the different steps listed above.
Because video game design is so reliant on technology and effective online communication, the opportunity to develop those skills while earning your associates degree may benefit you. Choosing to earn a video game design degree online can help develop some skills that are common to video game designers.
These skills include:i
- The Use of Technology
- Online Communication
Next Steps After Earning Your Associates in Video Game Design Degree Online
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 6% increase in the number of jobs for Multimedia Artists and Animators from 2014 to 2024.ii That’s because of the continued rise in revenue generated from video games. For instance, the research firm Newzoo expects total video game revenue to reach $113 billion in the year 2018.
While most employers seek a bachelors degree, they are more focused on technical skills and a strong portfolio.iii Some students choose to pursue a bachelors degree after earning their associates degree in video game design, but it isn’t always necessary. In fact, according to O*NET, 19% of video game designers have an associates degree.i
Popeye was supposed to be the star of Donkey Kong, but Nintendo couldn't get the rights to the character.
Learn More About Associates in Video Game Design Degrees
There are many options available to you when it comes to earning your Associates in Video Game Design Degree Online. Click on any of our sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual schools and their programs.
[i] onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1199.11?redir=15-1099.13 [ii] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-6 [iii] bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-4 | 0.6401 | FineWeb | 1. Online Associates in Video Game Design Degrees
2. Fundamentals of Video Game Design
3. Benefits of Earning Associates in Video Game Design Degrees Online |
The Crimson-crested Woodpecker (Campephilus melanoleucos) is the most widespread species of Campephilus, occurring regularly from Panama south to northern Argentina, including across the Guianan Shield and throughout Amazonia. It is a very large, robust woodpecker with a large red crest. The Crimson-crested Woodpecker is found in a variety of habitats, from forest to forest edge and light woodland. It usually occurs in pairs or family groups and can be quite noisy. This woodpecker is very similar in appearance to the Lineated Woodpecker. The main difference is broad white band across the face and the converging, "V" white stripes on the back of the Crimson-crested Woodpecker as the stripes on the back of the Lineated do not converge. | 0.6413 | FineWeb | 1. Habitat and Distribution
2. Characteristics and Appearance
3. Behavior and Similar Species |
The persuasive essay is that the text says a specific point and provides evidence to prove that point. Although it’s quite similar to arguments, the logic of a persuasive essay is more emotional than evidence, nor is it necessary to argue. Even if you write a thesis for the class, or send a message to the editor, a solid argument with the physical evidence will help your essay convince and more effective. This post includes experiences that I get when I write my essay for me, hope that it will help you too.
1. Identify and narrow the subject.
The topic of the essay should be predefined if you write a thesis to submit to the teacher. However, if writing a letter to the press editor is more complex. Trying to narrow down the scope and write about something specific. When I write my essay for me, I try to find out a topic that is concrete and most relates to the subject of my essay.
- For example, if you write about the U.S prison system, you’ll realize this is a very broad topic. Narrow the topic and focus on a side, such as the treatment for the elderly, or the literacy rate of the prisoner.
2. Determine the views
After you narrow the topic, you should start thinking about what you’re going to write. Why do you feel powerful in this topic? What is the solution to the problem? This is the beginning of the essay thesis, or maybe a general argument. The compelling essay has to attract readers, so consider the most emotional angles of the subject. When I write my essay for me, it’s very important to answer these guides because it’ll help me have the outline. The emotion also plays an great role in a persuasive
- It’s a good idea for someone to come up with ideas because they can contribute ideas that you haven’t thought about or expand the idea you have. When I write my essay for me, sometimes I get excellent ideas from others’suggestions.
- For example, when you write about the behavior of the pig farm, by the perspective of yourself, you think it should be closed for inhumane.
3. On the idea of proving evidence.
List the reasons why others support your thesis. Some of the reasons seem silly, but write them all down. They may be the nucleus of truth and can be used later. When I write my essay for me, it’s very important to get the strong evidence, it will make my essay more persuasive.
- These reasons can derive from emotions and call for sense of responsibility and ethnicity. The argument for a compelling essay does not necessarily have to originate in concrete evidence. Sometimes I write down my opinions as emotionally supportive materials for the subject when I write my essay for me.
4. Select 3-5 examples.
You can’t write all the examples you find, instead choose the most compelling evidence. When I write my essay for me, I often choose the evidence that most supportive to my subject, and there’s at least one includes numerical data.
5. To compose a thesis.
The argument or general argument you want to suggest in your essay comes from your perspective. List the answers to questions “What”and “How”about your argument. The question “What”is about the subject itself, and the question “How”is about the angle. When I write my essay for me, answering these questions help me know exactly what should be in my essay.
- For example, your thesis is about animal cruelty: “the pig farm should be banned from operation because it tortures the animal, which is a living condition that can spread the epidemic and human food infection.”
- The argument can change in writing. This is why you just need to edit them in this step. It helps me a lot when I write my essay for me.
6. Write draft.
Drafting helps organize thoughts and essays. You can numbered the roman code (I, II, III, IV, etc.). Use phrases and sentences to list ideas out of paper. When I write my essay for me, it helps me very lot to control the ideas in the essay.
- Use a five-paragraph structure: 1 opening, 3 quotes, and a conclusion. The paper is actually longer than that, especially when you write a paper that convinces a lot of information to make the theme for the subject. | 0.9936 | FineWeb | * Writing a Persuasive Essay
* Identifying and Narrowing a Topic
* Composing a Thesis Statement |
Feeling anxious can be overwhelming and disrupt our daily lives, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. However, it’s important to remember that there are strategies and techniques available to help manage anxiety when it arises.
Here are ten effective and evidence-based ways to cope with anxiety when it hits.
1-Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing exercises and relaxation techniques are powerful tools for managing anxiety in the moment. Take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of inhaling and exhaling. Incorporate relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery to help calm your mind and body. Try these 8 breathing exercises.
2-Challenge Negative Thoughts
Anxiety often stems from negative and irrational thoughts. Challenge and reframe these thoughts by examining the evidence supporting them. Ask yourself if there are alternative explanations or more balanced perspectives. By challenging negative thoughts, you can reduce anxiety’s grip on your mind and regain a sense of control.
3-Engage in Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques can help anchor your focus and attention to the present moment, reducing anxiety. Try grounding exercises such as the 5-4-3-2-1 method: identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This technique helps shift your attention away from anxious thoughts and into the present reality.
4-Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are effective practices for managing anxiety. Engage in mindfulness exercises that encourage non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, sensations, and emotions. Incorporate meditation into your routine to cultivate a sense of calm and centeredness. Regular practice can improve your ability to handle anxiety-inducing situations. Learn more about the benefits of mindfulness in our blog post here.
5-Engage in Physical Activity
Physical activity is a natural stress reliever and mood booster. Engaging in exercise, whether it’s going for a walk, doing yoga, or participating in a workout, can help release tension and reduce anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day to experience its positive effects on your mental well-being.
6-Connect with Supportive People
Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist who can provide support when you’re feeling anxious. Sharing your feelings with someone who understands and validates your experience can help alleviate anxiety. Consider joining a support group or seeking professional help for additional guidance and support.
Taking care of yourself is crucial for managing anxiety. Prioritise self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Try some fun activities that you love, such as going for a walk, listening to music, reading, making time for a hobby or making your favourite meal. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and establish a routine that promotes overall well-being.
8-Limit Exposure to Stressors
Identify and limit exposure to stressors that trigger or worsen your anxiety. This might involve setting boundaries with certain people or situations, reducing time spent on social media, or creating a calm and organised environment. Recognise what triggers your anxiety and take steps to minimize its impact on your daily life.
9-Use Relaxation Techniques and Tools
Explore relaxation techniques and tools that can help calm your anxious mind. These may include using essential oils, listening to soothing music, or using stress-relief gadgets like stress balls or fidget spinners. Experiment with different relaxation methods to find what works best for you.
10-Seek Professional Help
If your anxiety persists or significantly impacts your daily functioning, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide specialised support and offer evidence-based interventions tailored to your specific needs. They can help you develop effective coping strategies.
Feeling anxious can be distressing, but it’s essential to remember that you are not alone, and there are strategies to help you cope. By incorporating these ten techniques into your daily life, you can effectively manage anxiety when it arises. Remember, it’s a process, and different strategies may work better for you than others. Experiment with these techniques and find what resonates with you. If your anxiety persists or becomes unmanageable, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With time and effort, you can develop the skills to navigate through anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.
If feeling anxious is interfering with your daily life and routine, it may be time to seek the help of a mental health professional. We have an experienced team of psychologists ready to help – all from the comfort of your own home. To book, click here or call our friendly reception team on 1800 327 477 (AU) / 0800 327 477 (NZ). | 0.9071 | FineWeb | * Anxiety Management
* Relaxation Techniques
* Mental Health Support |
Business strategy is fundamentally about allocating scarce resources to create the greatest impact on organisational performance. As a strategist, you will often be confronted with two broad innovation strategies: “making” and “milking”.
The making strategy involves enhancing value creation through an organisation’s products and services by better meeting customers’ needs. This value to customers, as measured by their willingness-to-pay minus the costs incurred by the firm to serve them, is critical for profitability as it enables the firm’s offering to better compete with that of rivals. The milking strategy involves positioning an organisation to better capture the value it is already creating for customers by bargaining more effectively with them. In doing so, the organisation is able to more easily overcome competitive pressures from its customers.
The strategies of making and milking can be illustrated with the case of an online distribution platform for a media company, for which an important and scarce resource would be its team of software engineers and data scientists. In this context, the making strategy would have the team prioritise tasks such as developing new user experience features and algorithms to remove abusive or disturbing posts. By enhancing its value proposition through improved user experience, the platform could deepen engagement with existing customers to deter switching and potentially attract new customers from competing platforms.
In contrast, the milking strategy would see the technical team focusing on projects to drive monetisation such as pricing algorithms, which could bring each customer’s subscription fee closer to their willingness-to-pay. Similarly, the tech team could also develop an automated call centre support tool to help upsell existing customers to capture more of their wallet.
The question then boils down to: Which innovation strategy do you choose? And under which circumstances?
How the strategies work
Our study on value-based strategies, published in Strategic Management Journal, explores the dynamics behind these choices. To identify key drivers for choosing the milking and making strategies, we analysed a setting where two rival firms compete across two customer segments. For example, these could be B2B firms selling IT or professional services to customers from distinct industry segments like finance and healthcare.
A firm’s ability to capture value, in the form of profits, is impacted by two dimensions of competitive pressures. First, the firm faces competition, and with it the need to meet and beat the value created by its rival in a specific segment by creating more value. Second, the firm then faces buyer power (one of Michael Porter’s five forces) as customers look to further reduce prices through aggressive counteroffers, threats to cancel services and other negotiation tactics. Direct competition with a rival limits the firm’s potential value capture to its added value relative to the rival’s offering, from which customers will try to shift more value from the firm to themselves.
By increasing a firm’s value creation capabilities, the making strategy neutralises competition in two ways. First, for an existing customer segment, the firm has more added value relative to its rival and hence there is more value to negotiate over with its customers. Second, a sufficient increase in value creation enables the firm to neutralise an initial value creation disadvantage in a new segment, allowing it to win over customers from its rival and thereby opening new possibilities for value capture. On the other hand, by increasing a firm’s bargaining capabilities, the milking strategy allows the firm to capture more of its existing added value for customers.
Interestingly, our findings show that the innovation strategy that you choose not only has direct impact on your organisation’s performance, but also has wider implications for the competitive dynamics in your market.
Addressing your weaknesses may be your best bet
One of the oldest rules of thumb in strategy is to “build on your strengths”. For example, in diversification strategy, firms often look for market opportunities that allow them to leverage core competencies (i.e. strengths). Does this intuitive approach also apply to the choice between milking and making? For instance, should a firm with a greater value creation capability double down on creating more value?
Our analysis shows that when choosing between these innovation strategies, there are clear benefits to addressing your weaknesses rather than just building on your strengths. The stronger a firm is in value creation, the more it can benefit from increasing its milking capabilities in order to capture more of its existing added value.
Conversely, the stronger a firm is in bargaining, the greater its returns from enhancing its value creation through a making strategy as the firm will capture a larger share of the value created. An important implication is that without sufficient bargaining capabilities to capture value, firms may experience a dearth of value-creating innovations, since those innovations will not generate sufficient returns to make a strong business case for investing in them.
For instance, a pharmaceutical firm with a strong portfolio of patented drugs might prioritise its pricing, lobbying and sales capabilities to enhance its ability to capture more of the value created by that portfolio. In contrast, a pharmaceutical firm with a weaker drug portfolio – perhaps hit by the expiry of patent protections – might focus more on building up its drug pipeline to ensure future value creation.
Follow your competitors?
Our analysis shows that firms tend to imitate each other’s strategy choices. Why? This arises from the different impact of the two strategies on competitive dynamics.
When your rival focuses on making, it increases the threat of competition, as your added value to your existing customers is at risk of being eroded. This reduction in your added value reduces the returns from the milking strategy, pushing you to focus on value creation through making as well. Conversely, when your rival focuses on milking, your market position is more secure, which increases the attractiveness of enhancing your bargaining power by focusing on milking as well.
This mutually reinforcing nature of firms’ strategy choices can lead to two very different competitive outcomes in a market. One possibility is a making-making outcome where the two rivals get locked into a value creation race where they seek to drive growth at the other’s expense. Equally possible would be a milking-milking outcome where both firms focus on capturing value from their own segments (a classic coordination game for those familiar with game theory). What are the implications of these competitive dynamics for firm performance?
When the two rival firms coordinate on the milking strategy, their profits are higher due to the reduction in the competitive pressures they impose on each other. Since firms are not mutually eroding each other’s value created, there is both less rivalry and more scope to reduce the buyer power of customers. This is a form of tacit industry collusion. In contrast, customers are better off when firms focus on making. This happens not only because more value is being created, but also because the increased competition pushes a higher share of that created value to the customers when firms are not enhancing their bargaining power.
While there is a tendency for firms to align their strategy choices, other forces can lead to divergence. For example, if firms have wildly different customer segment sizes, the firm with the larger segment will choose to focus on milking its customer base, while the firm with a smaller segment will be drawn to making to grow its customer base. Similarly, if firms start with very different levels of value creation or bargaining capabilities, the pressure for each to address its weaknesses can also lead to diverging strategy choices.
Disrupting the market with radical innovations
In this golden age of entrepreneurship, where advancements in digital technologies have enabled ground-breaking innovations, what can our model tell us?
For making strategies, there is a crisp distinction between radical and incremental innovations. Incremental innovations correspond to enhancements to a firm’s value creation – such as small improvements in user interface or delivery times – that increase willingness-to-pay for its home-segment buyers but are not large enough to allow the firm to break into new market segments.
In contrast, successful radical innovations deliver a significant leap in value creation that allows a firm to displace its rivals and break into new market segments. Prominent examples of such market disruptions include Apple’s extension of the iOS from the iPhone to the iPad to win over the tablet computer segment, and Salesforce enhancing its CRM platform to include marketing automation and e-commerce capabilities. How does the increased importance of radical innovations influence risk-taking among rivals?
In our model, we allow firms to choose the risk profile of their value-creating innovations based on the classic risk-return trade-off principle – a lower probability of innovation success is compensated with a greater increase in value created. We see more risk-seeking behaviour when firms have access to radical innovations, due to the fixed cost of entering new market segments. A firm is better off going for a risky strategy that has a bigger upside when successful but incurs a fixed cost of entry less often, which translates to lower expected entry costs.
Interestingly, the pull towards riskier strategies can be good not just for an individual firm’s performance but also for overall industry profitability. We have seen that the making strategy, when successful, results in a negative externality on the rival by eroding its added value. The riskier the making strategy, the less likely this negative externality is to occur. Hence, as long as one firm focuses on making, a shift to riskier value-creating innovations raises the profitability of both. Our results reinforce the importance of culture change in organisations to increase their risk tolerance.
An updated approach to generic strategies
In his classic strategy texts from the 1980s, Michael Porter promoted the idea of generic strategies that apply across industry settings. He highlighted a choice between a “differentiation” strategy, whereby firms focus primarily on enhancing the willingness-to-pay of customers, and a “cost leadership” strategy, whereby firms focus primarily on reducing costs. However, this once popular approach to generic strategies is arguably losing some of its appeal. Today, with the advent of modern value-based analysis, the focus of competitive strategy is on increasing the gap between willingness-to-pay and costs of a firm’s offering, which contrasts with the Porterian emphasis on either dimension.
Our research highlights a novel and robust approach to generic strategies. Strategy choices should be shaped by an assessment of the competitive pressures that pose the greatest threat to firm performance. If the answer is rivalry, the making strategy of enhanced value creation takes centre stage. Once a firm has sufficient value creation to secure its customer base, then buyer power looms large as the key threat to a firm’s value capture, and hence the milking strategy comes to the fore.
In the domain of innovation strategy, there is a tendency for strategists to focus almost exclusively on value creation. Such a narrow focus may be detrimental to firm returns, as it may lock rival firms into a needless lose-lose race for value creation. Our research suggests that a greater consideration of the potential of milking strategies – both in terms of their direct impact on value capture and of their implications for competitive dynamics between rivals – can pave the way for enhanced firm performance and overall industry profitability.
Edited by:Geraldine Ee
About the research
Leave a Comment | 0.5095 | FineWeb | * Business Strategy
* Innovation Strategies
* Competitive Dynamics |
In Education edit
Evaluation in education is the word used to discuss how the effectiveness of the learning environment is assessed.
Shared resources for evaluating wikiversity resources or courses run on wikiversity are being developed (see, e.g., Valuation).
In Research edit
Evaluation in research is a formal procedure to quantify the level of actual or anticipated parameter under investigation. This evaluation may be theoretical, experimental or hybrid (see, e.g., Seismic performance evaluation). | 0.9998 | FineWeb | 1. Evaluation in education
2. Evaluation in research
3. Shared resources for evaluating Wikiversity resources |
Mobile app analytics is an essential tool for understanding how users interact with your app, what features they use most, and where they struggle. By collecting and analyzing this data, you can identify opportunities for improving the user experience, increasing engagement, and ultimately driving more revenue.
Here are some best practices for implementing mobile app analytics:
- Define your goals and metrics: Before you start collecting data, it’s important to know what you want to achieve and how you’ll measure your progress. Define your goals and key performance indicators (KPIs) up front, and choose the right metrics to track your progress. Some common metrics for mobile apps include active users, retention rate, average session length, and conversion rate.
- Choose the right analytics tool: There are many mobile app analytics tools available, ranging from free options like Google Analytics to more advanced paid platforms like Mixpanel. Choose the tool that best meets your needs and budget, and be sure to integrate it into your app early on to start collecting data as soon as possible.
- Track the right events: To get the most value out of your mobile app analytics, you’ll need to track the right events and actions within your app. This might include things like button clicks, form submissions, in-app purchases, or other actions that indicate user engagement or progress. Be sure to track events that are relevant to your business goals and KPIs.
- Use segmentation to understand your users: Segmentation allows you to break down your data into smaller groups based on common characteristics, such as location, device type, or demographic information. This can help you understand how different groups of users are interacting with your app and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Use A/B testing to optimize your app: A/B testing is a powerful tool for optimizing your app by comparing the performance of two or more variations of a feature or design element. By running A/B tests, you can see which version performs better and make data-driven decisions about which features or designs to prioritize.
- Monitor and analyze your data regularly: Mobile app analytics is not a one-time activity; it’s an ongoing process. Monitor your data regularly, and use it to make informed decisions about how to improve your app and drive more value for your business.
By following these best practices, you can effectively use mobile app analytics to understand your users, optimize your app, and drive more success for your business. | 0.9059 | FineWeb | 1. Implementing Mobile App Analytics
2. Tracking and Analyzing User Data
3. Optimizing App Performance |
In today’s digital age, marketing materials play a crucial role in promoting businesses, including restaurants. When it comes to promoting a restaurant, one popular tool is the flyer. However, designing a flyer that effectively communicates your restaurant’s message and entices customers requires careful consideration, especially when creating flyers for different formats. This article explores the key aspects of designing for print and digital restaurant flyers, providing valuable insights for restaurant owners and marketers.
Restaurant flyer design is a powerful tool to showcase your culinary delights and attract hungry customers. Learn the art of creating visually appealing and persuasive restaurant flyers in our informative blog on how to create a flyer.
In today’s highly competitive restaurant industry, effective marketing is crucial for success. Flyers serve as an excellent promotional tool, whether in print or digital format. Designing a flyer that captures attention and persuades potential customers to visit your restaurant is a delicate art that requires a deep understanding of the medium and its intended audience. In this article, we will explore the nuances of designing for print and digital restaurant flyers and provide valuable tips to ensure your promotional efforts yield the best possible results.
Understanding Print Flyers
The Importance of Print Flyers
Print flyers have been a staple of marketing campaigns for decades. Despite the rise of digital media, print flyers continue to hold their own due to their tangible nature and ability to target local communities effectively. When designing a print flyer, it is essential to consider factors such as paper quality, colors, fonts, and layout to create an eye-catching and memorable piece. Additionally, understanding the print production process and using high-resolution images are crucial for achieving optimal results.
Design Considerations for Print Flyers
When designing a print flyer for your restaurant, several key considerations should be kept in mind. Firstly, ensure that the design reflects your restaurant’s brand identity, utilizing consistent colors, fonts, and imagery. Secondly, focus on creating an attractive visual hierarchy that guides the reader’s eye and highlights essential information such as the restaurant name, location, and contact details. Lastly, make effective use of whitespace and ensure that the flyer’s layout is clean and uncluttered.
Embracing Digital Flyers
The Advantages of Digital Flyers
With the increasing prevalence of digital media, digital flyers have become an essential tool for restaurant marketing. Digital flyers offer unique advantages such as the ability to reach a broader audience through social media platforms, email campaigns, and websites. Moreover, they provide opportunities for interactive elements such as animations, videos, and clickable links, enhancing engagement and allowing potential customers to explore your restaurant’s offerings more deeply.
Design Considerations for Digital Flyers
Designing digital flyers requires a different approach compared to print flyers. To maximize their impact, it is crucial to optimize them for various devices and screen sizes. Ensure that the flyer is mobile-friendly, as many users access information through smartphones and tablets. Utilize captivating visuals, concise and compelling copy, and strategic placement of call-to-action buttons to drive conversions. Additionally, pay attention to loading times, as slow-loading flyers can lead to user frustration and abandonment.
Striking the Right Balance
Cohesive Branding Across Formats
Maintaining consistent branding across print and digital formats is vital for establishing a strong brand identity. While the specific design elements may vary slightly between print and digital flyers, it is crucial to retain key elements such as logos, colors, and fonts to create a cohesive and recognizable brand presence. This consistency helps build trust and familiarity with potential customers, increasing the likelihood of them choosing your restaurant.
Tailoring the Message for Each Format
While consistency is essential, it is equally important to tailor the message for each format. Print flyers may allow for more detailed information due to their physical nature, while digital flyers may benefit from concise and impactful messaging that prompts further exploration. Consider the strengths and limitations of each format and adapt your content accordingly, ensuring that your message is effectively conveyed to the target audience. Also, read our blog on understanding the benefits of salesforce for businesses.
Designing effective restaurant flyers requires careful consideration of the medium and audience. Whether opting for print or digital formats, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics and design considerations of each. By leveraging the advantages of both print and digital flyers and striking the right balance between consistency and tailored messaging, restaurant owners and marketers can create compelling promotional materials that captivate their target audience and drive foot traffic to their establishments.
Q1: How should I choose between print and digital flyers for my restaurant?
When deciding between print and digital flyers, consider your target audience, budget, and marketing objectives. Print flyers are great for targeting local communities, while digital flyers offer broader reach and interactive possibilities.
Q2: Can I use the same design for both print and digital flyers?
While it’s essential to maintain consistent branding, it’s advisable to adapt the design to suit each format’s specific requirements and limitations.
Q3: How can I make my digital flyer mobile-friendly?
To ensure your digital flyer is mobile-friendly, use responsive design principles, optimize image sizes, and test it on various devices and screen sizes.
Q4: Are there any design tools that can assist in creating restaurant flyers?
Yes, several design tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator offer user-friendly interfaces and templates specifically designed for creating restaurant flyers.
Q5: How often should I update my restaurant flyer designs?
It’s a good practice to update your restaurant flyer designs periodically to keep them fresh and aligned with your evolving branding and promotional strategies.
In conclusion, designing effective restaurant flyers requires an understanding of the nuances of print and digital formats. By considering the unique design elements and considerations of each format, maintaining consistent branding, and tailoring the message, restaurant owners and marketers can create compelling promotional materials that resonate with their target audience. Embracing both print and digital flyers allows for broader reach and engagement, ultimately driving foot traffic and boosting the success of your restaurant.
Also, read our blog on discover the keys to digital marketing success in 2024. | 0.9936 | FineWeb | 1. Designing Print Flyers
2. Designing Digital Flyers
3. Creating Effective Restaurant Flyers |
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Maybe you heard about it, maybe you didn’t, but huge grocery corporations across America (like Walmart, Food Lion, and other chains) have been recalling over 206 million eggs in response to The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Salmonella-contamination concerns. There have been 23 reports of illnesses (diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps—symptoms not unlike those of food poisoning) have caused this nation-wide alarm, startling American’s and posing untold amounts of questions: Will eating eggs make me sick? Do all eggs have Salmonella in them? How does Salmonella get in eggs? Will we ever have good eggs again, and how will we be able to trust that they’re good?
With eggs being one of America’s most nutritious and economical foods, it’s no wonder this occurrence has caused such an upset. The crazy thing about it, however, is that it possible to avoid Salmonella outbreaks!
When handling any sort of raw food (meats, fish, and even, fruits and vegetables) a certain amount of carefulness and knowledge is not only ideal but necessary in order to prevent foodborne illnesses. Eggs are no exception. That doesn’t make purchasing them at the grocery store dangerous (any more than purchasing a raw chicken is dangerous), as long as you understand that eating it raw, undercooked, or expired presents you with some risks.
For eggs, that risk is Salmonella.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Poultry may carry bacteria such as Salmonella that can contaminate the inside of the eggs before the shells are formed. Eggs can also become contaminated from the droppings of poultry through the laying process or the environment (e.g., contaminated poultry feed or bedding)”. Therefore, Salmonella is a bacterium that grows sometime during the laying process, usually while the egg is still inside the chicken because of a Salmonella colonization in the ovaries, or sometimes after a while in the nest, contaminated with chicken droppings or food. Consequently, the bacteria can be on either the inside or the outside of the egg, making it sound altogether scary and gross. Yes! Even the shell can be contaminated. The USDA confirms, “[c]ontamination of eggs may be due to bacteria within the hen’s reproductive tract before the shell forms around the yolk and white. [These bacteria do not] make the hen sick.”
Now, it’s important to understand that the germ isn’t in every egg, and even if the egg is contaminated with Salmonella, it is possible to eat it without getting sick—as long as you don’t handle your eggs carelessly. That isn’t to say that you should eat Salmonella contaminated eggs, but rather that if you handle eggs properly, it’s possible to eliminate your risk of getting poisoned by the bad ones that just so happen to make it home to your kitchen.
So, what are some ways to be careful? For one, purchasing pasteurized eggs significantly decreases the likelihood of buying germy eggs. In addition, keeping your eggs refrigerated at all times, washing them before using them, and discarding cracked or dirty eggs helps eliminate Salmonella contamination.
But what’s the thing that kills Salmonella altogether?
That’s right. Salmonella is bacteria and that bacteria can’t survive through a satisfactory amount of cooking.
Think about it. Do you eat your chicken raw? No. If you see that it’s raw, you throw it back on the heat because that raw will make you sick. And if you order a burger at a restaurant, isn’t there a warning on the menu saying that consuming undercooked meats could make you sick? That’s because of bacteria, and eggs are similar in that way. That’s why you’re not supposed to eat raw cookie dough, or brownie batter, or scrambled eggs that are still ooey and gooey.
According to the CDC, you should “cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm. Egg dishes should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or hotter”. In addition, when making foods that contain raw eggs, or even lightly cooked eggs (hollandaise sauce, some salad dressings, certain desserts, etc.), you should be sure to use only pasteurized eggs. Washing things with soap and water that have come into contact with raw eggs (things such as your hands, counter tops, utensils, dishes, cutting boards, clothes, and whatever else) is also important to preventing Salmonella contamination.
It’s really that simple. Raw eggs have the potential to contain bacteria, but if you properly cook them, then you’ll eliminate that bacteria. The good news is, some egg products are pasteurized! FoodSafety.gov notes:
“Egg products, such as liquid or frozen egg substitute, are pasteurized, so it’s safe to use them in recipes that will be not be cooked. However, it’s best to use egg products in a recipe that will be cooked, especially if you are serving pregnant women, babies, young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.”
Now, it’s important to note that Salmonella poisoning isn’t an inconsequential issue. It can be life-threatening to older adults, infants, and people with weaker immune systems, and has been known as the cause of death before. But Salmonella poisoning can also absolutely be avoided with a proper handling of eggs. You should definitely avoid eating an egg that you know for sure is contaminated, and you can find more information about what eggs have been recalled here and return any of yours that fit that bill. Otherwise, you should feel free to replenish your egg supply, scramble up a fully-cooked breakfast, and enjoy a nutritious meal.
Let’s handle our food properly and avoid another Salmonellaoutbreak, shall we?
We at MakeFoodSafe are continuing our coverage on the Salmonella Outbreak linked to Shell Eggs and recall as more and more details are released. Please check back soon for more updates.
By: Abigail Ryan, Contributing Writer (Non-Lawyer) | 0.7068 | FineWeb | 1. Salmonella contamination in eggs
2. Preventing Salmonella outbreaks
3. Safe handling of eggs |
Knitting needles are hand-held tools used to produce fabrics in knitting form. These needles are long in size with a tapering end and its tips help to secure the stitches of the fabric. The sizes are usually determined by the diameter and its length. Large needles would be required to make large stitches and fine needles to make fine ones. Also, the length of the knitting needle decides the number of stitches that could be held on the needle. Thus, there are too many varying needle sizes expended for different uses.
Types and Sizes of Knitting Needles
Straight Single-point Needles: This is a basic type of needle. They are straight and long, usually capped on one of its end and have a knob at the other end.
Double-pointed Needles: These needles are short, rigid and straight with a bit of tapering at both of its ends. They are practically used to knit in sets of 4 or 5.
Circular Needles: Circular needles have two tapered rigid ends convoluted by a flexible cord. These flexible cords help to secure the ongoing stitches.
Double-pointed Cable Needles: These needles are very short in its appearance. They help develop cable knitted patterns on a fabric.
Knitting as a field is a very relaxing, interesting and a creative activity for all those who have an inclination towards it. It is one thing that is portable and easy to learn once you master the basic knitting techniques. Then you can create a variety of fabrics like scarves, sweaters, shawls, socks, tablecloths and so on. Having a host of needle sizes for knitting gets frustrating sometimes. Therefore, if one knows which needle shapes and sizes would be applicable to which knitting project, the work goes faster. So how do you choose the right sizes with the right needle fabrication? Here, I have discussed some important aspects to be noted.
Important Points to Consider
- Basically, selecting knitting needles depends on the type of knitting work or task you have undertaken. Agreed that all the needles render the same performance, yet with different needle sizes, you can create different styles and kinds.
- Generally, these needles have a tapering point at one end and a knob or cap at its other end. They are called straight knitting needles. Using these, you can knit flat pieces of fabrics like squares or rectangles.
- If circular needles are considered for knitting, let me tell you that the cords that come with it are obtainable at different lengths (12” to 60” needle tip to needle tip). Also, these kinds of needles are used for both purposes, i.e., flat and circular, something like two-in-one!
- When it comes to the needle size, as mentioned before, the diameter and length of the needles are issues to consider. A needle’s thickness determines the thickness of the stitch. The thicker the needle, larger is the stitch.
- Similarly, the length of the needle plays an equally important role in the project. If the needles need to be passed from each other, the length mustn’t be a barrier in the process. If a fabric is wide enough in appearance, it is because of the length of the needles.
Moreover, besides all these tips, the most important part is its material. Needles are usually made from several materials like bamboo, plastic, wood, metal and so on. Thus, along with the size, the fabrication of the needles builds up a bucketful of varieties and patterns in the field of knitting. If you are a budding knitter, starting off your project with the right needle size for beginners would help you to achieve a great deal of work. Exploring different varieties with different needle sizes would help you understand your passion and interest towards knitting. Eventually, you would knit more and create more fabric stuff to employ and wear.
subscribe for updates
Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting updates, and offers. | 0.7477 | FineWeb | * Knitting Needles
* Types of Knitting Needles
* Choosing the Right Knitting Needles |
For Mac OS users, there is a system setting that may not allow you to tab onto several types of elements in a web page. To change this setting:
Open System Preferences and go to Keyboard:
Select the Shortcuts tab. Make sure the box for "Use keyboard navigation to move focus between controls" is checked.
Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Open Safari Preferences:
Select the Advanced tab. Make sure the box for "Press Tab to highlight each item on a webpage" is checked. | 0.9278 | FineWeb | 1. System Preferences
2. Keyboard Settings
3. Safari Browser Settings |
The tiny GTPase RhoC is overexpressed in lots of invasive tumors and is vital for metastasis. was neutralized by trypsin inhibitor and 3 × 104 cells had been placed in VCH-916 the very best chamber in serum-free press supplemented with 0.1% fatty acid-free BSA. LPA (50 μm) in serum-free press including BSA was put into underneath chamber. After 24 h of incubation at 37 °C cells at the top surface area from the filtration system had been wiped off having a Q-tip as well as the filtration system was set in 4% formaldehyde/PBS. After staining with Crystal Violet all the cells on underneath from the chamber had been counted using an IX70 Olympus inverted microscope. Immunofluorescence 40 0 cells had been plated onto coverslips and 24 h later on they were set with VCH-916 4% formaldehyde and prepared for immunofluorescence with vinculin antibodies as previously referred to (44). Phalloidin was utilized to stain the actin cytoskeleton. Pictures had been gathered using an IX70 Olympus inverted microscope built with a X60 (1.4 numerical aperture) objective an Orca II cooled charge coupled gadget (CCD) camera (Hamatsu) and ESee (Inovision) picture analysis software. Outcomes Lysophosphatidic Acidity Activates MRK To recognize extracellular indicators that activate MRK we examined several growth elements that included epidermal development factor (EGF) changing growth element β (TGFβ) and lysophosphatidic acidity (LPA). We established MRK activity by discovering its autophosphorylation which we’ve shown previously to become needed for its activity (38 41 Due to the reduced affinity of the MRK phospho-specific antibody whenever we have examined MRK activity in this study we have used a derivative of the osteosarcoma cells U2-OS (termed UMDI) or a similar derivative of the ovarian cancer cell line ES-2 (EMDI). These cells are stably transfected with a fusion protein of MRK and the drug-binding domain name of a FKBP12 derivative (45) which enables forced dimerization in the presence of the homodimerizing drug AP20187. In the absence of the drug however the fusion MRK protein is not active although it can be activated by stimuli like osmotic shock (data not shown). Thus for this experiment we used the UMDI cells in the absence of the dimerizing drug. We observed that MRK was readily activated by LPA but not by TGF-β or EGF (Fig. 1shows that expression of either RhoA-L63 or Gα13-QL induced MRK phosphorylation. Interestingly activation of MRK was accompanied by an ARVD increase in MRK protein levels suggesting the presence of a positive feedback loop that controls MRK protein VCH-916 levels. We obtained similar results in UMDI cells where we observed that in addition to active Gα13 both active RhoA and RhoC can activate MRK (Fig. 1with purified RhoC or RhoA proteins loaded with GDP or GTP-γS. ROCKII protein was used … Both RhoA and RhoC Contribute to Gα13-QL as Well as to LPA-stimulated Activation of VCH-916 MRK To examine whether MRK functions downstream of RhoA or RhoC we used siRNA-mediated depletion of the Rho proteins in M28 cells transfected with Gα13-QL. Fig. 3 shows that RhoC depletion strongly inhibits MRK VCH-916 activation stimulated by active Gα13 while RhoA depletion partially reduces it. To confirm this result in a more physiological context we assessed MRK activation amounts in response to LPA in UMDI cells transfected with RhoA- or RhoC-specific siRNAs. 3 FIGURE. Rho proteins are essential for Gα13-QL-induced excitement of MRK activation. M28 cells had been co-transfected with vector control or Gα13-QL plasmids and either RhoA RhoC or luciferase (implies that RhoC is considerably turned on by LPA within a time-dependent style albeit to a smaller level than RhoA. RhoC activation by LPA was also seen in EMDI cells a derivative from the Ha sido-2 cells that also exhibit the homodimerizing MRK fusion proteins (Fig. 4shows that depletion of MRK inhibits cell migration by about 40%. Depletion of MRK also highly inhibited LPA-stimulated invasion through Matrigel for an level that was equivalent to that attained by depleting RhoC (Fig. 5and and and present the fact that ERK and p38 MAP kinase pathways are both needed for Ha sido-2 cell invasion. These outcomes support the idea that MRK handles cell invasion downstream of RhoC at least partly by stimulating both ERK and p38 MAP kinase pathways. MRK and RhoC ARE ESSENTIAL for Down-regulation of Myosin Activity A significant signaling event downstream of Rho protein is certainly myosin light string phosphorylation which handles actomyosin contractility (56). We therefore investigated the also. | 0.7376 | FineWeb | 1. RhoC and Metastasis
2. MRK Activation
3. Cell Invasion and Signaling Pathways |
Discordant phylogeographical patterns among species with similar distributions may not only denote specific biogeographical histories of different species, but also could represent stochastic variance of genealogies in applied genetic markers. A multilocus investigation representing different genomes can be used to address the latter concern, allowing robust inference to biogeographical history. In the present study, we conducted a multilocus phylogeographical analysis to re-examine the genetic structuring of Phyllodoce nipponica, in which chloroplast (cp)DNA markers exhibited a discordant pattern compared to those of other alpine plants. The geographical structure of sequence variation at five nuclear loci was not consistent with that of cpDNA and showed differentiation between the northern and southern parts of the range of this species. Its demographic history inferred from the isolation-with-migration model suggests that the north-south divergence originated from Pleistocene vicariance. In addition, the demographic parameters showed a lack of chloroplast-specific gene flow, suggesting that stochastic variance in genealogy resulted in the discordant geographical structure. Thus, P.nipponica probably experienced Pleistocene vicariance between its southern and northern range parts in concordance with other alpine plants in the Japanese archipelago. The findings of the present study demonstrates the importance of using a multilocus approach for inferring population dynamics, as well as for reconciling discordant phylogeographical patterns among species.
- Alpine plants
- IM model
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics | 0.9951 | FineWeb | 1. Alpine plants
2. Phylogeographical patterns
3. Population dynamics |
This blog post excerpts an article by Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, chief nurse for Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott, in the Spring 2015 issue of HealthStream's PX Advisor, our quarterly magazine designed to bring you thought leadership and best practices for improving the patient experience.
A New Paradigm in Healthcare
Gone are the days of the fee-for-service model. Enter the Value-based Purchasing (VBP) model, where the care you deliver and the patient outcomes you achieve determine the amount of reimbursement the institution or healthcare professional receives. Patient outcomes and safety are the top priorities in healthcare. The challenge every healthcare institution and healthcare professional faces each day is how to provide cost-effective, evidence-based patient care that improves patient outcomes. This country did not move to this model overnight.
The 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), “To Err is Human,” reported up to 98,000 patients die each year in the U.S. due to medical errors that could have been prevented. A study by Gray, et al. (2002), showed that only 20% of the care healthcare professionals provide is based on evidence. In 2001, the IOM released a study that showed patients received the recommended evidence-based course of treatment only 55% of the time.
The strain on the current healthcare system increased in 2010, when the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was passed, giving access to healthcare to more than 30 million Americans. Using evidence to inform practice and assist healthcare professionals with clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes is paramount to having a successful healthcare system. According to the IOM, billions of dollars have been wasted, and one million people have lost their lives due to safety issues and poor practice .
Transforming Into an Evidence-Based Organization
How do healthcare institutions and clinicians provide the best patient care, and yet do it cost-effectively and with improved outcomes? The answer is by implementing evidence-based practice (EBP) throughout their organizations. Evidence-based practice is an approach to clinical decision-making that integrates the best available evidence with a clinician’s expertise, while taking into consideration the patient’s preferences and values. Evidence can come from well-developed primary research studies, such as randomized controlled trials, or secondary research, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses or meta-syntheses. Clinical intelligence and expertise from practice can also inform practice changes, for example, from quality improvement projects and from electronic healthcare record (EHR) data. Evidence can come from continuing education articles and activities, which are developed to educate healthcare professionals on new concepts, principles, and interventions that will change how clinicians practice. In essence, it is knowledge transferred from experts to clinicians who will use the information to inform and improve their practice. How do healthcare organizations implement evidence into practice? There are many models available, but they predominantly follow a similar format:
- Develop the clinical question
- Generate or search for the evidence
- Appraise or synthesize the evidence
- Implement the evidence
- Evaluate outcomes
Before an organization gets started on its EBP journey, it needs to be sure the culture of the organization is ready for it. Too often, organizations and clinicians find themselves stuck doing things the way they have always been done. Recognizing that the old way is not always the best way is the first step to moving an organization toward being one that embraces evidence in practice.
This article also discusses the Steps for Implementing Evidence Into Practice:
- Step 1: Develop the clinical question.
- Step 2: Search for the best available evidence.
- Step 3: Appraise the evidence.
- Step 4: Implement the evidence into practice.
- Step 5: Evaluate the outcome.
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About the Author
Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, is a chief nurse for Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott and Ovid Technologies, a market-leading information services and publishing company—in Philadelphia, PA. She is also a nurse practitioner at Penn Medicine, Chester County Hospital in West Chester, PA, and an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University, also in Philadelphia. | 0.9438 | FineWeb | * Value-based Purchasing (VBP) model
* Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
* Improving Patient Outcomes |
There's nothing quite like it. The feeling of nausea you get after you eat something that doesn't agree with you. Now imagine dealing with that sickly feeling 24/7. Unfortunately, that's reality for diabetics who have what's called gastroparesis. Their stomachs don't empty normally and treatments often don't work. But thanks to doctors at Mayo Clinic, a new clinical trial offers hope. We'll take you to the lab to see how research there reaches the people who need it. | 0.8415 | FineWeb | * Gastroparesis
* Diabetes
* Clinical trials |
Soccer – the beautiful game – does not need any introduction. But thinking of a soccer ball description, regardless of its source, is likely to introduce you to a bunch of questions.
At the outset, the thought of a soccer ball can give rise to the following questions on your mind:
- What are soccer balls made of?
- What is the actual process of manufacturing these balls?
- How did the soccer ball get its current shape and form?
There is a long list of questions that you can relate to the ball that is used to play the beautiful and popular game of soccer.
This post will answer the aforementioned questions alongside shedding some light on some of the other questions that you can think about.
How Was the First Soccer Ball Made?
Since its inception, the soccer ball has been a popular sports item throughout the history of mankind.
It has a rich and vivid history, spanning through various civilizations. On its journey, it has stood the test of times by going through variations to emerge in its correct form.
In the past, soccer balls had a distinctive look in comparison to what they look like at present.
The ancient version of the ball dates back to Chinese Civilization. In those days, soccer balls made of animal skin and hair were in use.
Back then, animal skin formed the external covering, whereas animal hair featured in its interiors.
How Did the Soccer Ball Attain Its Current Form?
In the pre-medieval period, the animal skull was used as a soccer ball. Subsequently, it got replaced by the aerated bladder of a pig.
Thereafter, people started covering the external portion of the inflated pig bladder with leather to give it a definite shape.
The soccer with these attributes had one fundamental problem, though. Due to its composition, it lacked a uniform shape.
Vulcanized rubber soccer ball and inflated rubber bladder were introduced to address this problem. But it could not meet the expectations of the players.
The current form of the soccer ball came into being with the introduction of new football rules by the English Football Association in 1882. It stated that the shape of a soccer ball should be spherical and its perimeter should range between 27” and 28”.
Despite the use of a variety of materials, including hard rubber, for the manufacturing of soccer balls, its shape and the measurement of its perimeter remains the same as stated by the English Football Association.
What Does a Soccer Ball Involve?
Leather has been one of the important soccer ball materials since the beginning. This trend has remained intact till date.
Its version has undergone some changes, though. Most manufacturers prefer using synthetic leather instead of the standard version.
Though soccer balls are made of leather, its architecture can be broken down into two categories: the inner bladder, and the external covering.
Further, these two fundamental parts of a soccer ball can be broken down into four parts of a soccer ball. These include the following:
- The exterior
- The stitching
- The lining
- The bladder
The architecture of a modern-day soccer ball revolves around these core aspects. Almost all soccer ball manufacturing units attach importance to building the exterior layer of the item.
They make it by filling several layers of foam and pasting them with one another.
Here I Found an Interesting Video on What’s Inside Soccer Ball
How Is Soccer Ball Made?
Typically, the process of soccer ball production comprises the following steps:
- Placing the exterior in the form of a line: The external part of a soccer ball consists of a combination of synthetic leather sheets and multiple layers of cloth. A latex adhesive keeps the layers of both the materials attached. Two layers and four layers of clothes are used for cheaper and expensive units respectively.
- Cutting the panels: In the next step, workers cut the leather sheet and cloth combo by using a die-cutting machine. The machine cuts the combo into hexagons with stitched holes.
- Putting the manufacturer’s logo on the panel: Following the individual silk-screening of the hexagonal panels, workers use a quick-drying paint to imprint the logo of its manufacturer on their surfaces.
- Building the bladder: Synthetic or natural soccer ball fabrics are generally used to build the bladder. Workers turn the raw material into a mold by introducing it to heat. By doing so, they turn their shape into that of mold. Next, they allow it to cool for some time so that it develops wrinkles. Thereafter, they take out the bladders and inflate them slightly so they form a smooth surface.
- Stitching and assembling various parts: Lastly, a stitchery stitches as many as 32 panels together to give the football its actual form. For best results, they use their hand instead of a machine. They conclude the process by stitching the final seams after the insertion of the bladder.
Must Watch Video on How to Make Soccer Ball from Scratch
How Many Leather Panels Does a Soccer Ball Have?
On average, a soccer ball consists of 32 leather panels. Out of these 32 panels, twenty panels take the shape of a hexagon, and the rest of the panels are pentagons.
This arrangement for soccer ball stitching is based on a valid reason. When players play the game of soccer, the soccer ball needs to roll freely to keep them engaged and provide entertainment to the crowd.
Final Thoughts on Manufacturing of Soccer Balls
As much fascinating as it looks on the surface, a soccer ball goes through several steps as mentioned above.
If you are a soccer enthusiast with interest in details, the story of the evolution of soccer ball to its current form and the method of its manufacturing will interest you a lot.
Though the implementation of certain FIFA requirements has not left much room for maneuvering, manufacturers have not stopped experimenting with different materials keeping the measurements the same.
You can expect more changes in the coming years.
Now that you have detailed information about soccer balls, do not be surprised at soccer ball description anymore. | 0.8053 | FineWeb | 1. History of Soccer Ball
2. Manufacturing Process of Soccer Ball
3. Architecture of a Soccer Ball |
assalaamu `alaykum, raHmat Allah wa-barakaatuhu
In the Hebrew calendrical reckoning, there is a concept know as `ibbur (lit., "impregnation") whereby a month is added every so often in order to keep the Spring festivals in the Spring and the Winter festivals in the Winter, etc.
Why does the Hijri calendar continue indefinitely with Ramadan falling in all secular months eventually as it moves across the solar calendar year out of sync? Is there a reason for this? If so, what is it? | 0.9777 | FineWeb | 1. Hijri Calendar
2. Hebrew Calendrical Reckoning
3. Ramadan and Solar Calendar Alignment |
Assigned Tarot at Birth
Most folks know their astrological or zodiac sign, meaning their sun sign. Many might also know their moon and rising signs. Some people are aware of their life path number in numerology as well, but did you know you also have a Tarot birth card? You do! You have at least two, sometimes three, Tarot birth cards, and you can use your date of birth to find them.
Major Arcana Tarot cards, the ones we are focused on here, are numbered from 0 to 21, and for birth cards, usually only those numbered from 1 to 21 are used. But just to make things more interesting, some belief systems make the 0 card into 22, then reduce the 22 to 4 (2+2=4).
Some schools of numerology simply pick the day of birth as one birth number. Then they take the month, day, and year numbers of the date of birth, and add these numbers up together for an additional birth number. Some practitioners add these numbers up in different ways. It’s all easy-peasy to figure out, but it can reveal worlds of knowledge about what is certainly one of the most fascinating topics on earth: Yourself, of course! (And anyone else you care about, naturally.) So, to learn about how to find your birth cards in Tarot, jump right into this pool of wonderful You!
Calculating Your Tarot Birth Cards
There are two ways to calculate your Tarot birth cards. To calculate one birth card, you add all of the numbers in your birthdate together (month, day, year.) For example, if your birthday is December 20, 1987, you will add 1 + 2 + 2 + 0 + 1 + 9 + 8 + 7 = 30. Any number higher than 21 should be reduced further by adding the two digits together (e.g. 3 + 0 = 3). So, for this example, the Birth Card is card number 3 – the Empress.
The second method assumes that you have two birth cards. To find them, add the numbers in your birth date – i.e. DD + MM + 19 + YY. (For those born in the year 2000 and beyond, use 20 instead of 19.) For example, if your birthday is February 20, 1954, you will add 2 + 20 + 19 + 54 = 77
Then add those 2 digits together. In this case, 7 + 7 = 14. This gives us the first Birth Card – Temperance (card number 14). Next, reduce this down to one number for the second Birth Card (e.g. 1 + 4 = 5) – the Hierophant.
If your birthday adds up to a three-digit number (e.g. 12 + 20 + 19 + 87 = 138), the first two digits will become one number (e.g. 13) and are added to the third digit (e.g. 13 + 8 = 21).
The first Birth Card would be the World. The second Birth Card is the Empress (2 + 1 = 3).
The Master Number Question
To dive a little deeper into this, if any of your numbers add up to 11, 22, or 33, these are master numbers and have an even more powerful influence in your life. Many say we are not to break master numbers down, as in 11: 1+1=2, but it can be helpful to read the reduced results to add even more insight into yourself. So, in this case, you would read 11 as both Justice (11) and the High Priestess (2). Since the Major Arcana only has the master numbers of 11 (Justice) and potentially 22 (the Fool) represented, think of 33 when reduced as being a more power-packed 6 and read the Lovers card for more enlightenment.
Questions to Ask About Your Birthdays
Now, in addition to the brief meanings described below, you get to do your own spiritual sleuthing by simply studying each card with the eye of a Soul Detective and asking yourself some questions, such as:
- What is your card telling you? If you but gaze upon it with a sincere heart and a listening inner ear, it will speak to you.
- What does it want to teach you?
- You might be drawn to the colors, the symbols, or the figures in a card. How do they resonate with you?
Learn Your Card Through Dreams
You might even try to read your card using a method from Edgar Cayce. He did this to absorb information inside books. (It worked. He’d wake up the next morning knowing what the book said, and he did this without reading any of it before he went to sleep.) Put the card under your pillow, then set your subconscious mind to work and ask for dreams to give you guidance from your birth card.
Meaning of Each Tarot Birth Card
Here is the promised list of essential meanings for each card and how they can work together for you. (If you hunger for more soul knowledge, be sure to check with one of our Numerology Psychics for deeper guidance.)
1/10 Magician/Wheel of Fortune
You are a natural manifester of good luck and fortune, and you can ride the ups and downs of life using the magical force of the Universe like a pro.
2/11 High Priestess/Justice
You have a balanced way of looking at life and you see the truth of things with your intuitive gift of clear, detached insight.
3/12 Empress/Hanged Man
You create from your soul, and you nurture who and what you love from a gentle, deeply spiritual place of peace.
You are a powerful conduit of life’s energy, for you have the faith and trust to create needed change, upon which you build a new life with clear sight.
You are a healing Earth angel who brings balance, freedom, and light to structure, convention, and tradition through teaching, mentoring, and guidance.
6/15 Lovers/the Devil
You are the essence of love in all its forms, and you strive to always choose higher love over the basest passions, as Universal Love flows through you with every breath you take.
7/16 Chariot/the Tower
You are courageous in your determination to remove barriers and shake off obstacles as you gallop across the stars creating positive change.
You shine with the power of the sun, moon, and stars, and you are blessed with the strength of love in your being as you inspire others to feel greater hope and optimism.
9/18 Hermit/the Moon
Meditation is a natural state for you, for you are enchanted by the hidden mysteries of things, and intuitively sense that which cannot be physically seen.
1/10/19 Magician/Wheel of Fortune/the Sun
You are a fireball of love and light, filled with optimism that every turn of events will work together for your good, because you know you are a master of manifestation.
2/20 High Priestess/Judgement
You are awake, aware, perceptive, and very sensitive to the calling of Spirit as you rise up from the mundane and see all things from the perspective of the Mystic.
3/21 Empress/the World
You joyfully give birth to wondrous creations, inspiring others to fulfill their heart’s desires and see them blossom as they unite with their deep inner power.
Looking for a deeper connection to Spirit? A tarot card reading is your answer. Tarot cards give you a direct connection to Spirit so you receive profound insights into your past, present, and future. Our tarot card psychics interpret Spirit’s messages for you so you know what you’re getting is the unadulterated truth.
Find a tarot card psychic or learn more about tarot card readings.
About California Psychics
California Psychics is the most trusted source of psychic readings. We have delivered over 6 million discreet and confidential psychic readings by phone since 1995. More than a prediction, we are your guide for life’s journey. Serenity, happiness, and success are just a phone call away. With over 400 psychics online to choose from, you’re sure to find the best psychics for you. Call one of our trusted and accurate psychics today! Confidential and secure, real psychics, accurate predictions, 100% guaranteed. | 0.6071 | FineWeb | 1. Tarot Birth Cards
2. Calculating Tarot Birth Cards
3. Meaning of Each Tarot Birth Card |
Feng’s research concerns building science and techniques, specifically urban heat islands and cool materials. She is being supervised by Professor Mattheos Santamouris and Dr Lan Ding.
One of the most promising and powerful techniques to mitigating the heat island phenomenon is believed to be the use of materials that present high reflectivity to the solar radiation and high spectural emissivity.
These ‘cool materials’ contribute to increasing the urban albedo and are the subject of Feng’s studies. The full title of her proposed thesis is ‘Development, testing and application of advanced cool materials for facade, roof and pavement to mitigate heat islands in the urban environment’. | 0.515 | FineWeb | 1. Urban heat islands
2. Cool materials
3. Mitigating heat island phenomenon |
- Lie on the floor with your back flat on the ground, knees bent, and heels pressed firmly onto the ground. Feet should remain hip-width apart.
- Take one leg and straighten it completely out in front of you.
- Using your glutes and abs, drive your hips upwards off of the ground and towards the ceiling, all while keeping that one leg straight.
- Pause briefly at the top of the exercise and squeeze glutes.
- Return to starting position. | 0.9551 | FineWeb | - Exercise technique
- Glute workout
- Hip movement |
If you have a tooth that is decaying, cracked or damaged, our team at the Orangeville Dental Centre may recommend a filling to repair your tooth and prevent further decay or damage.
Why might I need fillings?
If a tooth is decaying, damaged or cracked, it could cause pain or issues in the future. Fillings protect your teeth by removing the damaged areas and helping to prevent future decay. A new filling might be required if the existing filling is damaged or unsightly.
What types of fillings do we use?
We use composite resin bonded fillings that are similar in colour to your tooth. The colour of this material blends in naturally with your smile.
How does the fillings procedure work?
First your dentist will identify and remove the decay in your teeth. A bonding solution will be applied to the area to ensure the filling is secure. The filling composite is placed on the damaged area and a high-intensity blue light is used to harden the filling quickly. Your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the filling fits your bite. | 0.862 | FineWeb | 1. Why fillings are needed
2. Types of fillings
3. The fillings procedure |
In Teradata there can be tens and thousands of user accounts and they appear as empty schemas. During the scans each classifier rule throws an error stating the result set contains zero rows. Each of these errors cost half a second or more delay/performance. If you have a large Teradata system with thousands of user accounts and a large number of rules in the policy, this can causes the classifier process to run for days.
java.sql.SQLException: [Teradata JDBC Driver] [TeraJDBC 16.20.00.12] [Error 1323] [SQLState HY000] Cannot get data value for column 1 because the result set contains zero rows.
InitializationException: Could not access column(s) for table: 'XYZABC10XYZ10001.' on 'jdbc:teradata://xyxz.abccompany.com/DBS_PORT=1025' in 0.44 second
SQLException: [Teradata JDBC Driver] [TeraJDBC 16.20.00.12] [Error 1323] [SQLState HY000] Cannot get data value for column 1 because the result set contains zero rows. SqlState: HY000 Error Code: 1323
At the beginning of the scan the classifier process can take an inventory of all the schemas and their size. Any schema with zero or few bytes would be an indication of empty schema. The classifier process can exclude all those schemas from being scan by any of the rules.
Do not place IBM confidential, company confidential, or personal information into any field. | 0.5546 | FineWeb | 1. Teradata System Performance
2. Classifier Process Errors
3. Empty Schema Detection |
File Not Found
The file you were looking for could not be found, sorry for any inconvenience.
Possible causes of this error could be:
- The file expired.
- The file was deleted by its owner. | 0.9992 | FineWeb | 1. File Error
2. Possible Causes
3. Error Message |
How Fast Does Prostate Cancer Spread To The Bones
Early detection can catch prostate cancer even before there are any symptoms. Some types of prostate cancer grow very slowly.
There are four main stages of prostate cancer. Within each stage, the cancer is graded based on factors like the size of tumor, prostate-specific antigen level, and other clinical signs.
If the cancer has spread to the bones, its considered to be the most advanced, or stage 4.
Newer lab tests look at the genes inside cancer cells. This can provide more information on how quickly the prostate cancer may progress.
Theres also a grading system known as the Gleason system, which assigns the cancer into a grade group based on how closely it resembles normal tissue.
During the biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer, the cells are closely examined. The more abnormal cells that are in the biopsy sample, the higher the Gleason score and grade group.
When more abnormal cells are present, the cancer is more likely to spread quickly.
Uk Guidelines For Keyhole Surgery
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has guidelines for keyhole surgery. These state that surgeons can use it to remove cancer of the prostate but they must:
- tell people having the surgery about the risks and benefits
- monitor people closely
- collect information about any problems people have and report on them
Researchers are looking into whether keyhole surgery is as good as open surgery.
External Beam Radiation Therapy
After completing external beam radiation therapy , urinary and bowel side effects may persist for two to six weeks, but they will improve over time. You may need to continue some medications.
Some patients report continued, though lessening fatigue for several weeks after treatment. Other minor problems may include dry itchy skin, a sensation of heaviness in the perineum, anal and rectal irritation, and flare-up of hemorrhoids. However, patients are usually well enough to continue with normal daily activities.
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis .
When this happens, you may notice things like:
- an increased need to pee
- straining while you pee
- a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
These symptoms should not be ignored, but they do not mean you have prostate cancer.
It’s more likely they’re caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement.
Surprising Prostate Cancer Research
Klotzs research includes a ground-breaking study that followed 993 men with low-grade prostate cancer over 13 years. Under active surveillance with selected delayed intervention , 95% of patients survived, which is about the same rate as conventional treatment. Two-thirds of the studys patients avoided treatment entirely.
Klotzs process is simple. He gives his patients a PSA test every three months, and conducts a biopsy every couple of years. If he detects a sudden change, he will intervene surgically. Interestingly, my young age is of no advantage to me here. Many doctors dont like active surveillance for guys who have long lives ahead of them, as it gives the cancer more years to grow.
What Happens To The Prostate After Radiation
The entire prostate gland is radiated when we treat the cancer. The prostate normally produces some of the fluid in the ejaculation. Radiation therapy has the side effect of damaging the glands in the prostate, so a lot less fluid is produced. The ejaculation may be dry or nearly dry. In addition, you will probably be sterile after radiation, but this is not 100% guaranteed and should not be relied upon as a form of birth control. You can still usually have erections because the nerves and blood vessels that go to the penis are not as damaged as the prostate gland.
The prostate gland will end up having a lot of scar tissue. It will shrink in size to about half its original weight within a couple years after finishing radiation. The urethra passes through the canter of the prostate gland like the hole of a doughnut. Sometimes this passage can widen, other times it can shrink after radiation. In summary, the prostate gland is heavily damaged from radiation and does not work normally afterwards.
Surgery To Remove Your Prostate Gland
You might have surgery to remove your prostate gland if:
- your cancer hasn’t spread outside the prostate gland
- you are younger and have a fast growing tumour
- as part of treatment for locally advanced or high risk localised prostate cancer
The aim of a radical prostatectomy operation is to cure prostate cancer. It is major surgery with some possible side effects. If you’re an older man with a slow growing prostate cancer, this type of surgery may not be necessary for you. This is because your cancer might grow so slowly that you’re more likely to die of old age or other causes than from prostate cancer.
How Is Bph Diagnosed
Diagnosing BPH in its earlier stages can lower the risk of developing complications. Delay can cause permanent bladder damage for which BPH treatment may be ineffective. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for BPH may include the following:
Digital rectal exam. A procedure in which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the rectum and the prostate gland for signs of cancer.
Intravenous pyelogram. A series of X-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder with the injection of a contrast dye into the vein to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.
Cystoscopy . An examination in which a scopeâa flexible tube and viewing deviceâis inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.
Urine flow study. A test in which the patient urinates into a special device that measures how quickly the urine is flowing. A reduced flow may suggest BPH.
My Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
I was diagnosed two years ago, at the relatively young age of 51, after a routine PSA test. I had no symptoms, no urinary issues and no troubles in the bedroom, as the health magazines carefully refer to it. But I found doctors curiously unwilling to advise me on what to do.
They load you up with documents about the possible side effects of each treatment option. They direct you to online decision-making tools that ask you questions about how afraid of death you are and how important your sex life is. They make a lot of hand gestures that signal that youre weighing equally heavy things.
They tell you: yes, I can make pretty sure your cancer doesnt spread. But your quality of life will be diminished forever. Then they ask: you sure you want me to go ahead?
An Increased Psa Level
A biochemical relapse is when your PSA level rises after having treatment that aims to cure your cancer.
You might not need to start treatment straight away. Your doctor will continue to monitor your PSA levels regularly to see if your PSA rises quickly or stabilises. You might have a scan if your PSA rises quickly.
The choice about whether to have treatment and what treatment to have will depend on:
- the treatment you have already had
- your general health
Sexuality And Feeling Good About Your Body
Prostate cancer treatment can often affect sexual function. Learning to be comfortable with your body during and after prostate cancer treatment is a personal journey, one that is different for everyone. Information and support can help you cope with these changes over time. Learn more in Sex and the Man With Cancer.
Treatment Options After Recurrence
After surgery to remove your prostate
PSA levels are usually extremely low about a month after surgery. You may hear your doctor saying that your PSA level is undetectable . If your PSA level starts to rise, this might mean the cancer has come back.
Your doctor might recommend:
- hormone treatment
After external beam radiotherapy
PSA levels usually get lower slowly over months or years. Defining the limit for cure is complicated and you should ask your cancer specialist. Usually a level of 2 ng/ml above the lowest point after treatment is taken as a sign of recurrence, or 3 increases in a row .
Your treatment options may be:
- surgery to remove your prostate
- hormone treatment
- high frequency ultrasound
After internal beam radiotherapy
PSA can rise temporarily after brachytherapy. This is called PSA bounce. The level then lowers slowly. Usually a level of 2 ng/ml above the lowest point after treatment is taken as a sign of recurrence.
After hormone treatment
If you are given hormone treatment alone, the PSA can rise after you finish hormone treatment. It may then become stable or static. If it rises this may suggest the cancer is becoming resistant to the hormone treatment.
If hormone treatment is no longer controlling your cancer, your doctor may suggest:
How The Prostate Changes As You Age
Because the prostate gland tends to grow larger with age, it may squeeze the urethra and cause problems in passing urine. Sometimes men in their 30s and 40s may begin to have these urinary symptoms and need medical attention. For others, symptoms aren’t noticed until much later in life. An infection or a tumor can also make the prostate larger. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the urinary symptoms listed below.
Tell your doctor if you have these urinary symptoms:
- Are passing urine more during the day
- Have an urgent need to pass urine
- Have less urine flow
- Feel burning when you pass urine
- Need to get up many times during the night to pass urine
Growing older raises your risk of prostate problems. The three most common prostate problems are inflammation , enlarged prostate , and prostate cancer.
One change does not lead to another. For example, having prostatitis or an enlarged prostate does not increase your risk of prostate cancer. It is also possible for you to have more than one condition at the same time.
What Happens At A Follow
Discussion with your doctor or nurse
At each appointment, your doctor or nurse will ask how youve been since your last appointment.
Tell them about any symptoms or treatment side effects youve had, as well as any other problems or concerns. You can tell them how you are feeling emotionally as well as physically. You can also discuss any practical problems you might have, such as problems at work or with day-to-day activities. You may be given a questionnaire about your physical, social, emotional and practical needs. You might hear this called a holistic needs assessment form.
Your GP or hospital doctor or nurse can help you deal with side effects, or refer you to someone else who can. For example, if you have problems with leaking urine , they might refer you to a continence service. Or if you have problems getting or keeping erections , they can refer you to an erectile dysfunction service. They can also help you get support for emotional problems, such as feeling anxious or depressed, and practical problems, such as managing your finances.
You might feel embarrassed talking about some of the side effects of treatments, such as erection problems. But remember doctors and nurses see people with these problems every day, so be as open as you can. They are there to help.
You may be asked to avoid any vigorous exercise or ejaculating in the 48 hours before a PSA test, as this could cause a temporary rise in your PSA level.
Dry Orgasm And Infertility
Both the prostate and the glands responsible for semen production are removed during surgery, which is a common prostate cancer treatment. If you received this treatment, youd still be able to have an orgasm but youd no longer ejaculate.
This means that youll no longer be fertile. If you plan to have children in the future, you may consider banking your sperm before your surgery.
Why A Psa Test Is Done
A PSA test may be done to:
- help find prostate cancer early in men who dont have any signs or symptoms of the disease
- check for cancer in men who have signs or symptoms of prostate cancer
- confirm a diagnosis when other tests suggest prostate cancer
- predict a prognosis for prostate cancer
- predict if cancer has spread outside the prostate
- plan treatment for prostate cancer
- monitor men with prostate cancer who are being treated with active surveillance
- find out if cancer treatments are working
- find out if cancer has come back after treatment
A PSA test is often used together with a digital rectal exam to increase the chance of finding prostate cancer early when it is easier to treat. Using these tests together is better than using either test alone.
When To See A Doctor
Consult with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms discussed on this page particularly if they have been going on for a while. You will need a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause, which may or may not be prostate cancer.
Its important to understand that other diseases or disorders can share these same symptoms. Benign prostatic hyperplasia , also called enlargement of the prostate, and are quite common. Men with these benign conditions can experience symptoms more often and more severely than men with prostate cancer.
Erectile dysfunction is relatively common, especially as one ages, and can also have causes unrelated to prostate cancer, such as smoking or cardiovascular disease. Experiencing a lower amount of fluid during ejaculation can be related to something as simple as diet or dehydration.
Its important to keep track of your symptoms, determining whats normal or abnormal for your own body. If you are worried about a particular symptom, or if its interfering with a relationship, you should discuss your concerns with your primary care physician.
Prostate Cancer | Bills Story
Factors That Increase Risk Of Recurrence
There are many different factors that can help you determine what your risk of recurrence is. Your doctor will go over these during the initial course of treatment, therefore stressing the importance of follow up appointments.
One factor is the involvement of your lymph nodes. If your cancer has metastasized to your lymph nodes, recurrence is more likely. Similarly, the larger the tumor, the more likely that you are to experience complications and rates of recurrence. If the tumor is intertwined or growing into other areas of your body, this also increases risk. The Gleason score is a system of grading your prostate cancer based on severity and localization. The higher the grade, the more likely youll experience recurrence. Finally, the stage of prostate cancer affects recurrence rates. When caught early, recurrence is not as likely as cancers that are in stage three or four.
Cancer can be extremely aggressive and will change your life forever. Make sure that youre doing everything you can to avoid potential problems. Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Strengthening your immune system is a great way to reduce your risk of recurrence.
Testing Options For Prostate Cancer
There is no one age for prostate cancer testing, but the American Cancer Society makes recommendations about screenings. According to the ACS, patients in any of these groups should consider asking their doctor about testing:
- Men age 50 or older who have an average risk of prostate cancer and a life expectancy of at least 10 more years
- Men age 45 or older with a high risk, including African-American men and those with a first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before age 65
- Men age 40 or older who have a higher risk, such as more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed
Screenings are the most effective way to catch prostate cancer early. If you are at average cancer risk, youll probably have your first prostate screening at age 55. Your healthcare provider may start testing earlier if you have a family history of the disease or are Black. Screening is generally stopped after age 70, but may be continued in certain circumstances.
Screening tests for prostate cancer include:
- Digital rectal exam: Your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland, which sits in front of the rectum. Bumps or hard areas could indicate cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen blood test: The prostate gland makes a protein called protein-specific antigen . Elevated PSA levels may indicate cancer. Levels also rise if you have BPH or prostatitis.
- Biopsy: A needle biopsy to sample tissue for cancer cells is the only sure way to diagnose prostate cancer. During an MRI-guided prostate biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging technology provides detailed images of the prostate.
Living With Prostate Cancer
As prostate cancer usually progresses very slowly, you can live for decades without symptoms or needing treatment.
You may find it beneficial to talk about the condition with your family, friends, a family doctor and other men with prostate cancer.
Financial support is also available if prostate cancer reduces your ability to work.
If Your Prostate Cancer Has Spread
If cancer has spread to other parts of your body it cant be cured. This is advanced prostate cancer. Treatment can help to control the cancer and your symptoms. This might be:
- hormone treatment to lower your testosterone levels
- bisphosphonates to help with bone pain
- radiotherapy to particular parts of the skeleton
- radioactive liquid treatment radiotherapy , such as radium-223
If hormone therapy is no longer working for you, you might have:
For Starters Lets Talk About What The Prostate Is And What It Does
What is the prostate? The prostate is an important organ in the male reproductive system. The prostate is positioned just below the bladder.
What does the prostate do? The prostate plays a role in the production and emission of semen. In young men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. As men age, the prostate usually grows larger.
The Criteria For Active Surveillance
My own cancer met the three Cancer Care Ontario criteria for active surveillance:
- It is not detectable by a digital exam .
- My PSA score is under 10 and steady.
- My Gleason score is under seven.
For me, active surveillance is by no means an easy decision. I feel fear every time I await the results of my PSA test. I know there is a significant chance that the next one will require life-changing action, and that this delay incurs a risk that the cancer has spread without my team of doctors knowing it. I have a small child, and the thought plagues me that for his sake I should take less risks. But life itself is risk. I will live with risk and an active sex life for now. I will be a guinea pig for this experimental science.
The chances are that something else will kill me anyway. Why does that make me happy now?
Is Prostate Cancer Curable
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men, second only to skin cancer. Learning that one has any type of cancer isnt easy, but the first question on most patients minds after diagnosis is, is prostate cancer curable?
The short answer is yes, prostate cancer can be cured, when detected and treated early. The vast majority of prostate cancer cases are discovered in the early stages, making the tumors more likely to respond to treatment. Treatment doesnt always have to mean surgery or chemotherapy, either. Non-invasive radiation therapy can effectively treat prostate cancer; in the case of Pasadena CyberKnife, radiosurgery treatment generally takes less than a week, and you can typically resume your normal activities the same day you receive treatment.
Managing Bone Pain And Weakness
Symptoms like nausea, hot flashes, and pain can usually be relieved with medication. Some people find that complimentary treatments like acupuncture or massage help manage side effects.
Your doctor may also recommend orthopedic surgery to stabilize your bones, relieve pain, and help prevent bone fractures.
How Might An Enlarged Prostate Affect My Life
Having an enlarged prostate affects men in different ways. Some men can manage mild symptoms and dont need treatment. Other men find they need to stay near a toilet. This can make it difficult to work, drive, be outdoors and attend social events. If you need the toilet a lot during the night, this can affect your sleep and make you feel more tired during the day.
Some men with an enlarged prostate find their symptoms improve over time without treatment. But for most, the symptoms will stay the same or slowly start to cause more problems over time unless they have .
What Are The Treatments For Prostate Cancer
If you need treatment, your doctor will decide the type. Decisions about how to treat this cancer are complex, and you may want a second opinion before making a treatment decision. Treatment may include watchful waiting, a single therapy, or some combination of radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, and less commonly chemotherapy. The choice depends on many things. Prostate cancer that hasnât spread usually can be cured with surgery or radiation.
Since prostate cancer can grow slowly and may not be fatal in many men, some patients — after discussing the options with their doctors — opt for “watchful waiting.” This means not treating it. Instead, the doctor regularly checks the prostate cancer for signs that it is becoming more aggressive. Watchful waiting is typically recommended for men who are older or have other life-threatening conditions. In these cases, a less aggressive cancer may be growing so slowly that it’s not likely to be fatal.
Laparoscopic robotic prostatectomy is a surgery using a laparoscope aided by robotic arms. This operation is now the most popular form of radical prostatectomy in the United States.
After surgery, most men have temporary incontinence, but they usually regain complete urinary control over time. If it is severe or lasts a long time, incontinence can be managed with special disposable underwear, exercises, condom catheters, biofeedback, penile clamps, implants around the urethra, or a urethral sling.
How A Psa Test Is Done
A PSA test is a blood test that is done in a lab or hospital. Ejaculation can affect PSA levels in the body, so you may be told not to ejaculate for a few days before the test.
Tell your doctor if you are taking drugs to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, urinary problems or baldness. These drugs can lower PSA levels.
Symptoms Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
The symptoms of advanced prostate cancer depend on where the cancer has spread to. Find out about the possible symptoms and when to see your doctor.
Advanced prostate cancer means that a cancer that began in the prostate gland has spread to another part of the body. If your cancer has spread you might:
- have bone pain
- have weight loss for no known reason
What Have I Learned By Reading This
You learned about:
- Why prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction
- What can be done about erectile dysfunction
- How erectile dysfunction may affect your sex life
- What your partner can expect
If you have any questions, please talk to your doctor or health care team. It is important that you understand what is going on with your prostate cancer treatment. This knowledge will help you take better care of yourself and feel more in control. It will also help you manage any side effects you may have from your treatment. | 0.7988 | FineWeb | 1. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
2. Prostate Cancer Treatment
3. Prostate Cancer Symptoms |
Nursing medication errors are not as uncommon as we would like to admit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 1.5 million cases reported every year and that over 60% of the errors are made by a nurse.
Medication errors can be life threatening to a patient and in a perfect world would never happen. These are defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) as being any form type of preventable incident that could lead to or cause harm to a patient. The most common result of these types of mistakes are extended hospital stays, disability, and fatality.
This could be terrifying to a new nurse, who in addition to having to learn the ins and outs of practical nursing, must now be schooled in dozens of different drugs that may be prescribed to a patient. The long hours, stress and new environment don’t help a new nurse when it comes to avoiding medication mistakes.
Despite electronic dispensation methods and other preventive practices, the element of human error is always a possibility with medications. As a nurse, you should always be aware of this, and take extra steps to avoid a mistake that could hinder a patient’s recovery or even be fatal.
Identify the Patient – You should always ask the patient’s name and one other identifying question, such as their date of birth, before administering medication. If they are unable to speak, refer to their wrist band and chart to verify two identifiers before proceeding. Never dispense medication based on room and bed number alone.
Ask About Allergies – Before administering medications ask the patient about any known allergies, not just allergies to medications. This information should be recorded in the chart, but it never hurts to verify that one more time before giving a patient, medication.
Do Not Use Abbreviations in Your Notes – When making notes or adding information to a chart regarding medication, always write each word in its entirety. Abbreviations can easily be misinterpreted and may be the cause of a medication error later on. | 0.6982 | FineWeb | 1. Medication Errors
2. Preventing Medication Mistakes
3. Patient Safety Protocols |
Glycogen storage disease type 2 or Pompe Disease 1 & 2
Pompe disease or glycogenosis type 2 is a hereditary metabolic illness that consists of a congenital deficiency of the enzyme alpha 1, 4-glucosidase. The enzyme degrades alpha -1,4 and alpha -1,6 linkages in glycogen, maltose, and isomaltose. Deficiency of the enzyme results in accumulation of glycogen within lysosomes and in cytoplasm eventually leading to tissue destruction if treatment is not applied early.
Glycogen storage disease due to acid maltase deficiency (AMD) is an autosomal recessive trait leading to metabolic myopathy that affects cardiac and respiratory muscles in addition to skeletal muscle and other tissues. AMD represents a wide spectrum of clinical presentations caused by an accumulation of glycogen in lysosomes: Glycogen storage disease due to acid maltase deficiency, infantile onset, non-classic infantile onset and adult onset. Early onset forms are more severe and often fatal.
Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive condition—meaning that each parent of an affected individual must pass on a copy of the mutated gene. This is part of the reason that the disease is relatively rare, affecting 1 in 40,000 people.
Pompe disease represents a wide spectrum of clinical presentations caused by an accumulation of glycogen in lysosomes: Glycogen storage disease due to acid maltase deficiency, infantile onset, non-classic infantile onset and adult onset. Early onset forms are more severe and often fatal.
- Infantile onset: begins within a few months of birth. In the absence of enzymatic substitution treatment, infants with this form of Pompe disease die from heart failure in the first year of life.
Although each patient can present individual peculiarities, the most characteristic symptoms are muscle weakness (myopathy), poor muscle tone (hypotonia), an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and heart defects. Affected infants may also fail to gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive) and have breathing problems.
- Non-classic form of infantile-onset Pompe disease usually appears by age 1. It is characterized by delayed motor skills (such as rolling over and sitting) and progressive muscle weakness. The heart may be abnormally large (cardiomegaly), but affected individuals usually do not experience heart failure. The muscle weakness in this disorder leads to serious breathing problems, and most children with non-classic infantile-onset Pompe disease live only into early childhood.
The late-onset type of Pompe disease may not become apparent until later in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Late-onset Pompe disease is usually milder than the infantile-onset forms of this disorder and is less likely to involve the heart. Most individuals with late-onset Pompe disease experience progressive muscle weakness, especially in the legs and the trunk, including the muscles that control breathing. As the disorder progresses, breathing problems can lead to respiratory failure.
Because it is a hereditary disorder, there are no effective preventive measures. Persons with a family history of this illness should seek genetic counseling.
Gene or region studied | 0.8211 | FineWeb | 1. Pompe Disease
2. Glycogen Storage Disease
3. Clinical Presentations of Pompe Disease |
Paper is one product that also comes from natural fibers. Even though it is not a handicraft, paper is a very useful product. How to produce paper from wood fiber material?
Natural fiber is a type of material derived from plants and even animals that are often used to be the raw material for various products. Some of them are water hyacinth stems, bamboo, banana midrib, coconut shell and other natural fibers. There are a variety of products produced from this material such as handicraft baskets made from water hyacinth.
In addition to handicrafts, there are also products that we use everyday that come from natural fibers, namely paper. Many say that paper comes from trees. This statement is not wrong, but rather paper is made from raw materials of wood fiber derived from trees. How to produce paper?
Before we get into how to produce paper, it is interesting to learn the history. The existence of paper is a new revolution in the world of writing, which contributes a great meaning in world civilization. Before paper was discovered, the nations used to use stone, metal, animal skin and tablets from burned clay. This can be found from the Sumerian civilization, inscriptions from stone, wood, bamboo, animal skin or bones, silk, and even palm leaves arranged as found in the manuscripts of the archipelago several centuries ago.
Recorded in history is the Chinese civilization that donated paper for the World. It was Tsai Lun who discovered paper made from bamboo which was easily available throughout China in 101 AD. This discovery eventually spread to Japan and Korea as the spread of the Chinese nations to the east and the development of civilization in the region although at first the way of making paper was a very secret matter.
In the end, the technique of making paper fell into the hands of the Arabs during the Abbasids. Especially after the defeat of the Tang Dynasty troops in the Battle of Talas in 751 AD. Prisoners of war taught Arabs how to make paper so that in the Abbasid era came the centers of the paper industry in both Baghdad and Samarkand and other industrial cities. Then spread to Italy and India, then Europe, especially after the Crusades and the fall of Grenada from the Moors into the hands of the Spaniards and throughout the world.
In Indonesia, the first paper was made in Ponorogo since the 7th century made from local tree bark. The paper that was made in Ponorogo was used as writing for Buddhist monks who studied Buddhism in the Srivijaya kingdom because it was suitable for the tropics. But despite being able to make paper, Ponorogo did not write events on paper, but instead on a copper plate on the findings of the 9th century in Taji Village about Buddhist religious events.
In addition, paper made by Ponorogo is used as a medium for painting wayang beber, which is the forerunner of wayang kulit. When Islam was in Indonesia, paper made by Ponorogo was used as writing the Holy Qur’an in the Tegalsari Islamic Boarding School which was taken care of by Kyai Ageng Hasan Besari.
Paper making material
Based on its history, the paper making materials consist of several. The following are:
- Paper is generally made from wood raw materials. The wood used is wood that has a lot of fiber content and some has little water content
- Bamboo, Asian nations especially China, Korea and Japan make paper from bamboo tree trunks. Bamboo is a raw material that is easily obtained by them because the climate and the area is a good supporter for bamboo species. Bamboo is the material of choice because besides being easily obtained it is also cheaper than the price
- Papyrus, Papyrus trees are trees that grow and can be used by the Egyptians as raw material for making paper
- Skin, leather are also used in some circles for raw materials in making paper. Commonly used is the type of sheepskin because the material is also easy to obtain, although not as much as from raw wood or bamboo.
How to produce paper
Paper is used as a media for writing because of wood fiber material. Wood fiber material easily absorbs ink and makes ink not erased. So, anything written using ink will not be easily erased. This is what makes people write on paper. What is the process of turning wood fiber into paper?
1. Pulp making
Timber taken from production forests then cut into pieces is known as logs. The log is stored in a shelter several months before it is processed with the aim to soften it. After that the bark is peeled off with a peeling bark machine.
Wood is cut into small pieces (chips) by a chipping machine. In this process the appropriate chip size is taken and the inappropriate one is reprocessed. The chips are cooked in a digester to separate wood fibers (the material used to make paper) with lignin.
There are two kinds of cooking processes, namely Chemical Pulping Process and Mechanical Pulping Process. The product of this digester is called pulp. This pulp is processed into paper on a paper machine (paper machine).
2. Paper Making Process
Pulp is processed in the Stock Preparation section. This section serves to formulate raw materials such as: adding coloring to paper (dye), adding retention substances, adding fillers (to fill the pores between wood fibers), etc. The material that comes out of this part is called stock (a mixture of pulp, chemicals, and water)
Stock preparation goes into cleaning with a tool called Cleaner. From the cleaner stock into the Headbox (heater) which functions to form a sheet of paper (forming a formation) above the Fourdrinier Table.
Its function is to dispose of water that is in stock (dewatering). The results that come out are called the web (wet paper). The density is around 20%.
Then enter the Press Part serves to remove water from the web so that the solid content reaches 50%. The workings of this press part machine are paper entering between two rotating rolls. One roll of the top is pressured so that the water comes out of the web. Finally, the Dryer functions to dry the web so that the water content reaches 6%.
3. Finishing Stage
Finally, dry paper is wrapped around a large roll (paper roll), which will be further processed depending on the final use. The paper is flattened and compacted further by passing through metal rollers called calendars.
Here it is, some interesting reviews about how to produce paper, starting from its history, the making of the material to the manufacturing process. Hopefully it can be an interesting insight for you. Stay tuned for information on crafts, natural fibers and tips on the harmoni kreasi website. | 0.974 | FineWeb | 1. History of Paper
2. Paper Making Materials
3. Paper Production Process |
Printable social studies worksheets. This pack includes a set of printable booklets th.
Free i spy simple machines flip book this is a fun way to learn check and explore level pulley free i spy simple machines printable pack you can use these free printable simple machines mini book to teach kids about simple machines.
Simple machines printable worksheets. Simple machines match the type of simple machine to its description. Familiarize kids of grade 3 with the six types of simple machines such as the inclined plane lever pulley wheel and axle screw and wedge with this vividly laid out printable simple machines chart. The six types of simple machines chart.
Inclined plane wedge wheel and axle screw lever and pulley. Spot the machines and gadgets worksheet free spot the machines and gadgets simple machines activity worksheets â tagn. Simple machines printable worksheets.
Some of the worksheets for this concept are simple machines abc compound words work a l simple machines have only one or two the 6 simple machines name simple machines work section 83 simple machines introduction to simple machines simple machines terri wakild south haven public schools simple matchings work. Displaying top 8 worksheets found for simple machines. Printable worksheets and activities to teach students about the six types of simple machines. | 0.9667 | FineWeb | 1. Simple Machines Introduction
2. Types of Simple Machines
3. Simple Machines Worksheets |
本文旨在对博文《语音解剖学 Speech Anatomy》中呼吸章节的内容，进行更多补充说明。
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathing ， Passage of air
Usually air is breathed in and out through the nose. The nasal cavities (between the nostrils and the pharynx) are quite narrow, firstly by being divided in two by the nasal septum, and secondly by lateral walls that have several longitudinal folds, or shelves, called nasal conchae, thus exposing a large area of nasal mucous membrane to the air as it is inhaled (and exhaled). This causes the inhaled air to take up moisture from the wet mucus, and warmth from the underlying blood vessels, so that the air is very nearly saturated with water vapor and is at almost body temperature by the time it reaches the larynx. Part of this moisture and heat is recaptured as the exhaled air moves out over the partially dried-out, hygroscopic, cooled mucus in the nasal passages, during breathing out. The sticky mucus also traps much of the particulate matter that is breathed in, preventing it from reaching the lungs.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breathing ，Gas exchange | 0.5912 | FineWeb | 1. Breathing
2. Nasal Cavities
3. Gas Exchange |
Color By Number 5Th Grade Worksheets. Grab your favorite crayons, markers or water colors and use the guides with each image to choose the right colors and make a nice picture. Color by numbers worksheets for preschool and kindergarten.
Here are the available worksheets about colours! Spring showers color by numbers | all kids network #color #worksheet #kidsresources #freeworksheet #freepreschool #preschool #kindergarten #learningcolors. Free lego color by number.
K5 learning offers reading and math worksheets, workbooks and an online reading and math program for kids in kindergarten to grade 5.
Students will enjoy learning single digit numbers with this creative coloring activity! Color by number worksheets help children in kindergarten practice recognizing numbers understand a legend and develop their fine motor skills. We help your children build good. Follow the instructions and color the helicopter. | 0.9977 | FineWeb | 1. Color by Number Worksheets
2. Learning Colors for Kids
3. Educational Activities for Kindergarten |
In today’s ever more inter-connected world, it appears like technology has something to add to absolutely every industry. The same is true of transportation, with self-driving cars fast becoming a hot topic. The concept of self-driving cars has been around for years, but only recently have increasing advances in networking, satellites, and laser equipment made this dream a reality. Several companies have made major investments in the self-driving car market, but Google, Audi, BMW, and Hyundai are so far doing the most testing. On Google models for example, a complex overhead laser guidance system combines with real time satellite data to expertly guide the car under any condition. These advances mean that we may soon be able to sit back and relax the next time we leave the house, letting our car do all the work. While self-driving cars present many incredible advances for consumers, the safety requirements are particularly complicated and may present significant challenges to these cars being made available to the public.
1. Nearly No Error
The incredibly complicated technology behind self-driving cars lets the on board computer make hundreds of calculations a second. These include how far you are from objects, current speed, behaviour of other cars, and location on the globe. These super accurate readings have virtually eliminated driving errors for test cars on the road, as the only accidents so far are while human drivers have been in control.
2. Eases Congestion
Because self-driving cars are rarely involved in accidents, their potential to ease congestion is high. Not only that, because self-driving cars can communicate with each other, they would eliminate the need for traffic signals. By driving at a slower rate but with less stops, better coordinated traffic would lead to less congestion.
3. Eases Parking Woes
Because self-driving cars don’t require a driver, they could alleviate parking concerns in highly populated areas. For example, a passenger could get out at their destination, and if no parking was available the car could circle the block until the passenger was ready to leave. Because the cars can coordinate traffic flow, this is expected to have little impact on traffic congestion. This may be a hugely useful aspect for drivers in large urban centres.
4. Potential For New Design
Because a vehicle may eventually function as a sort of self guided train car, the potential for new car designs is huge. With no need for complicated driving tools, self-driving cars could include new ways to relax or to stay entertained. The new design opportunities are not limited to the interior however, and self-driving cars may soon look unrecognizable to cars today. Ultimately, some people think cars could become like a high tech living room you kick back in until you reach a destination.
5. Potential For More Powerful Vehicles
Because self-driving cars don’t require a driver, technicians could potentially rearrange where on the car the various mechanical parts are stored. This may also lead to cars with more capable and powerful engines. With less driver errors, cars could eventually be capable of going much higher speeds.
Self-driving cars are so exciting because they are stuffed to the brim with space age technology, but all this technology is currently astronomically expensive. In general, technology grows cheaper the longer it is available to the public, so self-driving cars may eventually be something anyone can afford. For now however, most companies have not released a price for their driverless cars.
7. Potential For Technology To Go Wrong
Though successful programming lets us do incredible things, there is always the potential for some unexpected glitch to emerge. Even if a self-driving car performs flawlessly at first, it is possible for the programming that runs the cars to be updated by the car company with a fault string of code. Errors like this cause annoyance on our computers and mobile devices, but could potentially cause car accidents with self-driving cars.
8. Licensing Infrastructure Not Yet In Place
Self-driving cars also present a challenge for state and federal licensing infrastructure. The companies claim these cars are safe, yet it is up to public institutions to keep drivers safe. Not only do our local car licensing offices need to make sure these cars perform as advertised, they need to come up with a way to quickly and efficiently license and control them. Should our technology and hunger for these cars outpace our ability to investigate and approve them, public safety may be at risk.
9. Potential For Greater Pollution
While many companies are looking at self-driving cars that use fuel-efficient or hybrid models, should our access to self-driving cars outpace our commitment to clean energy, we may be looking at much more pollution. Getting out of your car at the front of the movie theater without needing to park sounds good in theory, but if the car you’re driving isn’t electric, emissions would be worse than leaving your car idling while you watch the movie.
10. Potential Loss Of Privacy
Finally, though the companies testing self-driving cars claim all pros and no cons, using a self-driving car means a third party would have the opportunity to track your movements. While many companies will likely avoid this due to consumer backlash, a massive loss of privacy still exists. Because your car would be receiving or communicating with data centers, your location would be potentially accessible to people or organizations who could hack into the network.
All in all, self-driving cars have the potential to be an incredible new wave in the future of humanity. Increased productivity, rest time, and possibly eliminating risk while driving, have the potential to greatly improve all of our lives. Should self-driving cars be available to the public before certain safety and privacy considerations are solved however, they may also present serious new complications for consumers. Regardless, self driving cars present a wide range of uses, and a mammoth new technological world.
Whether you love them or hate them, self-driving cars are a mind blowing emerging innovation that all of us should be watching carefully. | 0.5804 | FineWeb | 1. Self-driving cars technology
2. Benefits of self-driving cars
3. Challenges of self-driving cars |
How to care for bedsheets
Wash sheets separately from towels or other clothing. This gives the sheets more room to circulate in the water, which means they'll get cleaner. Washing sheets alone also prevents damage caused by zippers and other fasteners, and it reduces the amount of pilling that can happen over time.
Always pretreat stains before laundering sheets. Avoid using bleach on bed linens as it can damage the fabric. If you need to brighten white sheets, add 1/4 cup of lemon juice to the wash water instead of bleach. Use a mild detergent for cotton and cotton-polyester-blend sheets. Special fabrics such as linen and silk may require a specialized detergent.
If your washing machine features a center agitator, loosely form each sheet into a ball before dropping it into the tub. This strategy will reduce the damage that can be caused by sheets coming into contact with the agitator.
Use a gentle wash cycle and cool or lukewarm water. Remove the sheets as soon as the cycle is over to reduce wrinkles. Shaking the sheets out before placing them in the dryer can also reduce wrinkles.
When possible, dry sheets on an outside clothesline but out of direct sun. If drying in the clothes dryer, use a low heat setting to minimize damage from high temperatures.
Remove the sheets from the dryer as soon as the cycle is over, and fold them, smoothing wrinkles with your hands. If wrinkles have set, dry the sheets for an additional five minutes with a damp towel tossed into the mix to add moisture. Avoid ironing the sheets if possible because that kind of heat can damage the fibers. | 0.7021 | FineWeb | 1. Washing bedsheets
2. Drying bedsheets
3. Removing wrinkles from bedsheets |
Analysing homa Rituals - Chinese Researcher visits BuddhistRoad Team
The BuddhistRoad team invited the Chinese researcher Hou Haoran from Leipzig University to present his research on the religious aspects of the Tangut Empire in a guest lecture. As visiting researcher he introduced the team and further researchers from CERES to the Buddhist fire offerings (homa), which were widely practiced in Tangut Empire during the 12th to 13th century. This aspect of Tantric practices is described widely in manuscripts in Chinese and Tangut from Karakhoto and Shanzuigou. Several scriptures can be understood as manuals for the homa ritual, while other sources from that era and Buddhist prayers specify the homa offerings that were performed at the Tangut court.
In his overview Hou Haoran also took into account visual materials related to the ritual: Both the Thangka collections from Karakhoto as well as the mural paintings of the caves in Yulin depict homa elements. Another example for the visual expression is a Tangut blockprint, i.e., the Saṃpuṭatantra, that includes a section homavidhi introducing various formulas of homa ritual. Hou Haoran emphasised that the rare text was written in the three languages of Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Tangut. Using an approach from the comparative study, he demonstrated on the basis of this trilingual source how Tangut people interpreted and used Buddhist texts, images, and rituals. | 0.9426 | FineWeb | 1. Homa Rituals
2. Tangut Empire
3. Buddhist Fire Offerings |
unity game developer: Want to develop your own game but not sure where to start. If you are interested in launching your own video game in the gaming world, Unity is perfect for you. Unity is a game development software designed and developed by Unity technologies. It was announced in 2005 in Apple Inc. Unity is the most popular platform for building mobile and IOS game applications.
Furthermore, many users use it to develop 2D or indie games for pc. Unity is the best game engine for beginners and professionals as well. Unity is written in C++.
So why everyone recommends Unity for game development Because it saves developer’s time. It is responsible for doing various tasks like 3D rendering, creating game physics, and collision error detection. Furthermore, the Unity community is based on thousands of developers who love sharing content with other fallow developers. So different developers can download assets and implement them in their games.
Purpose of Unity game development
- Making Games: Unity is a popular games engine used to create 2D, and 3D games like temple run for android and Escape from Tarkov for PC.
- 3D rendering: The primary purpose of the unit is to render 3D objects and prototype the game. It is considered the most suitable platform for developers for generating 3D games.
Unity is written in C++. However, if you are willing to learn Unity game developments, then you should understand the basics of C#. In Unity, C3# is used to make games. If you are new to C#, you don’t have to worry because Unity gives a complete overview to C#, so a beginner developer doesn’t get confused.
There are many game engines in the market, so why choose Unity? Unity is the most stable, lightweight game engine that only requires 4GB of ram to run and has the most basic features that anyone can easily understand. However, Unity is not for core game development because its graphics are not top-level like the unreal engine from Epic Games.
Where to Learn Unity Game Development?
There are many channels on YouTube where you can start learning Unity. However, if you want premium coaching, then Udemy is the best platform, to begin with. | 0.5239 | FineWeb | null |
The selective hydroxylation of an unactivated C-H bond is a crucial step in the synthesis of fine chemicals such as hydroxylated terpenoids. In the present study, the ability of 40 cytochrome P450 BM3 mutants to perform the regio- and stereoselective hydroxylation of α-ionone has been investigated. Based on their activity and selectivity to produce 3-hydroxy-α-ionone from racemic α-ionone, 6 BM3 mutants were selected. Out of these, 3 mutants (M01 A82W, M11 A82W and M11 V87I) showed high selectivity for trans-3-hydroxy-α- ionone formation while 3 other mutants (M11 L437N, M11 L437S and M11 L437T) formed almost equal amounts of both cis-3-hydroxy- and trans-3-hydroxy-α- ionone. Incubation with individual enantiomers showed that M11 L437N, M11 L437S and M11 L437T exhibited opposite stereoselectivity producing (3S,6S)-hydroxy-α-ionone with the (6S)-enantiomer and (3S,6R)-hydroxy- α-ionone with the (6R)-enantiomer. Thus for the first time, BM3 mutants that can selectively produce diastereomers of 3-hydroxy-α-ionone (>90% de), with high turnover numbers and minimal secondary metabolism, have been identified. Docking studies have been performed to rationalize the basis of the experimentally observed selectivity. In conclusion, engineered P450 BM3s are promising biocatalysts for regio- and stereoselective production of hydroxylated α-ionones for industrial applications. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim. | 0.9549 | FineWeb | 1. Cytochrome P450 BM3 mutants
2. Regio- and stereoselective hydroxylation
3. Biocatalysts for hydroxylated α-ionones |
Estimation of pollutant fluxes through river systems calls for accurate and precise load estimation. However, considerable uncertainty is associated with these estimates due to diffuse loading, which sets high requirements not only on sampling frequencies but also on calculation methods. The aim was to examine the variation in load calculations and the reliability of the load estimates of total phosphorus, total nitrogen and suspended solids in 24 Baltic rivers varying in size and land-use characteristics. Reliability of the load estimates was tested by simulation experiments in the river Paimionjoki using a Monte Carlo procedure.
The estimates calculated by the most reliable method were compared to the loads estimated by five other methods. The general reliability (RMSE) for P and SS was best by the correlation method and for N by the periodic method. Load calculations varied greatly depending both on the characteristics of the rivers and the calculation method. The flow-stratified method overestimated the P and SS loads by about 20% in large low-lake rivers. In small low-lake rivers, the overestimation was 10% and over 14% for P and SS, respectively. By contrast, the averaging method underestimated P and SS loads by 10% and 21% in small agricultural low-lake rivers. All the methods produced rather similar results for N in each of the river types. | 0.885 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Pollutant Flux Estimation",
"Load Calculation Methods",
"River System Variability"
]
``` |
With the increasing lifestyle changes, incidents of heart disease reports are also on the rise. Heart diseases can be life threatening if not detected on time. Timely detection and treatment can play a crucial role in the cure of heart disease. When it comes to timely detection, PET scans can be the ideal choice.
Leading PET CTScan Centre Explains A Cardiac Scan
The workings of a PET scan are a mystery to everyday people. To help understand the procedure and internal operation of the machine, a top centre for pet ct scan in Chennai has explained it. A cardiac PET scan is an investigation of the heart and how it is functioning. The gadget uses a radioactive substance which is injected into the body and then utilises it to recognise the modifications that happen to a tissue when there is a disease or ailment.
For the PET scan to take place, the patient is given a substance known as a tracer. This substance, generally, is made of a chemical found naturally in the body such as fluorine, glucose, oxygen or nitrogen. The chemical is tagged (or attached) with a radioactive atom. For a body PET scan, the tracer is most often an equivalent of sugar. For a cardiac PET scan, the tracer comes in the category of ammonia. In both cases, radioactive material is also used.
What Comes Next In A PET CT Scan In Chennai?
Once inside the body, the tracer breaks downs and releases waves which are detected by the scanner. The waves are converted into electrical signals so that a computer can read and analyse them. Using a program on a computer, the signals are transformed into images. These pictures are of the targeted tissue, in this case, the heart. The functioning of the heart is in colour codes. Different shades of colour and the brightness of them tell at what level the organ is functioning.
For example, in the case of cancerous cells, the colours are brighter in the PET scan when compared to healthy heart tissue. It happens because cancer cells take up more of the tracer than healthy tissue which means there is more of the substance.
What Do The Machines In A CT Scan Center Look Like?
When you enter a pet ct scan centre, you see a big apparatus that appears like a donut. This machine is the scanner. It has a movable table attached to it which enters the scanning ring. Commonly, initial scans of the patient are taken first. Then the tracer is administered to the body intravenously. After the injection, the person has to lie still for thirty to 90 minutes. This time allows the tracer to travel to all organs.
After the tracer has accumulated in the body, new scans are taken. This part of the scan can be as long as two hours. For the entire 120 minutes, the patient has to lie motionless. Any movement results in hazy and unclear pictures. Once the imaging is done, there are no special precautions that should be taken. The only recommendation is to drink lots of fluid to promote the flushing of the tracer out of the body. | 0.7825 | FineWeb | ["Heart Disease", "PET Scan", "Cardiac Scan"] |
Texture is a term typically used to describe the overall size of the leaves of any plant. Fine texture describes a more hair-like or needle-like foliage with a softer appearance. Generally fine-textured plants have a more natural, somewhat unkept/ relaxed appearance. They may recede visually and can draw attention to the form and color of other surrounding plants. In mass, small areas of fine textured plants may appear a bit larger.
Heavy or Coarse texture would categorize plants with larger, broader leaves that tend to dominate a planting bed and grab attention when used singularly. Many tropical type planting schemes will highlight plants with heavier textures.
An easy way to create dramatic visual interest in planting beds is to mass plants in layers with a mixture of textures. Since most plants tend to fall into the ‘medium’ texture range, here are some ideas for both fine and heavy textured plants including some trees/shrubs/perennials that work well in Northern California.
|Achillea ‘Moonshine’||Agave parryi|
|Coleonema ‘Sunset Gold’||Fatsia japonica|
|Erigeron karvinskianus||Heuchera ‘Stormy Seas’|
|Leptospermum ‘Ruby Glow’||Hydrangea quercifolia|
|Pennisetum alopercuroides ‘Hamelin’||Magnolia soulangiana|
|Thuja occidentalis ‘Smarag’d’||Stachys byzantina ‘Helen von Stein’| | 0.7652 | FineWeb | ["Plant Texture", "Fine Texture Plants", "Coarse Texture Plants"] |
- Fixed a bug where Blackshift would leak memory until crashing.
- Fixed a crash when loading from a save state saved when bombs were exploding.
- Fixed crash when too many guns fired at once.
- Fixed crash when using several save points in quick succession.
- One new level & some minor level changes.
- One new object.
- New graphics
- New levels
- Level Editor changes:
- You can no longer put items on top of landmines
- You can now right-click on the player and some of the enemies to change their facing direction. You can right-click on some other stuff, too.
- You can now place things on conveyor belts.
- Mac users can now use touchpad gestures to scroll in the editor.
- Level Pit changes:
- Rearranged the Level Pit interface.
- Wins where you survived now count as better than wins where you died, regardless of time. Leaderboards will change accordingly. (Sorry, Bibbythedark.)
- Some leaderboards may look odd for a few hours until they all update.
- Main screen now shows a selection of levels, not just the newest.
- Level Pit levels that aren't totally surrounded by walls now do not get any background terrain shown during gameplay. This prevents issues where you could fire bullets outside the level and they would clip through the terrain and look glitchy.
- Bugs fixed:
- Fixed graphical weirdness if you removed the last item in a level or pressed Clear.
- Fixed wins sometimes not registering when you used a save tile. Happened most often on levels with random enemies but could also happen on other levels. | 0.9835 | FineWeb | ["Game Updates", "Level Editor Changes", "Bug Fixes"] |
Thermal Niti- DM Broad Form Upper.020 - PK/10
- An extremely light continuous force that effectively moves teeth with minimal patient discomfort.
- Dead soft when chilled bellow 5°C and the thermal properties achieve optimum activation at 37°C.
- Early rectangular wire engagement for early torque control.
- Dimpled Midline, Acts as a stop to prevent wire drift
- Flat V shape for upper wire, V shape for lower.
- Perfect to use with the NiTi chilling Tool 18-881. | 0.9723 | FineWeb | ["Properties", "Design", "Usage"] |
This paper presents a Fault-Tolerant Object Group (FTOG) model that provides the group management service and the fault-tolerance service for consistency maintenance and state transparency. Through Intelligent Home Network Simulator, we verify that FTOG model supports both of reliability and the stability of the distributed system.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Hardware and Architecture
- Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence | 0.9989 | FineWeb | ["Fault-Tolerant Object Group (FTOG) model", "Intelligent Home Network Simulator", "Distributed System"] |
Contents of this guide:
- Accessing the app
- Adding a website
- Advanced settings
- Suggested website integration
- Additional information
Accessing the App
Add the Web Page app to your dynamic app playlist
- Select "Apps" > "All Apps"
- Select "Web Page"
Adding a Website
To show an existing website on your display, follow the steps below.
1. Click "Add Web Page"
2. Enter the full URL and a name for the webpage you'd like to add
Click "Save" when you're finished
3. You will be prompted to assign the webpage to a Display Group. Check the button(s) to choose the Display Group
4. You can also schedule the web page content from this pop-up window. Click on the "Schedule" tab. Here you can set the duration the site will be shown on screen, days, times, and Priority Play options. In the example below, all of the scheduling features are turned on:
Select "Save Changes"
5. You will be redirected to your Web Page Library. This will show all your web pages in all locations, and how many display groups they are currently showing on. Click the TV icon under "Displays" to change which display groups your web page is displayed on.
Click "Show Advanced Settings" to customize the webpage app even further:
- Page Loading:
- Cache the page to force the display to automatically reload at a specific interval
- Set delay on loading time to ensure pages that take a longer time to load or devices on a slower internet connection to have time to load the content
- Enable React to touch to interact with a touch-screen-enabled display or use your mouse/keyboard on the web page
Suggested Website Integration
Here is a list of websites customers have successfully used in the Webpage app. Follow any available links for more information:
- Google Slides
- Google Sheets
- Office 365 Excel
- Office 365 PowerPoint
- Power BI
- Microsoft Online
- In order for a Webpage to work in conjunction with the Zoning app, it must be allowed to be embedded on other pages | 0.6791 | FineWeb | ["Accessing the App", "Adding a Website", "Advanced Settings"] |
The ABC has word that Canberra’s Nobel Laureate has put his nobel prize on display at Questacon:
Professor Schmidt and his team won the 2011 Nobel Physics Prize for their groundbreaking discovery that the expansion of the universe is speeding up over time, not slowing down as widely assumed.
They also found that the universe is being pushed apart by a mysterious unexplained force called “dark energy.”
The Australian National University Professor says the medal will be on display at Questacon in Canberra for the foreseeable future.
“You know a Nobel Prize is really something symbolic of what an entire nation is working on in science,” he said. | 0.7565 | FineWeb | ["Nobel Prize Display", "Dark Energy Discovery", "Professor Schmidt's Achievement"] |
This script provides “choice options” that provide finer control over your choices.
You can now hide choices that should not be shown using a few simple conditions rather than duplicating a choice list several times using conditional branches.
You can disable choices from being selected, which is simply impossible under normal circumstances.
Additional options may be added in the future
A list of tutorials that show how choice options can be used.
- Using Choice Options – by Sinweaver
In your event, before the show choices commands, use script calls to set each choice option
The general format of the script call is
method_name(choice_number, arguments, ... )
You can look up the available methods in the reference section of the script.
The choice_number is 1 for the first choice, 2 for the second choice, and so on.
The arguments are specified in in the reference.
Any option that uses a formula can use formula variables. The following formula variables are available
p = $game_party t = $game_troop s = $game_switches v = $game_variables
All formulas are evaluated within the context of the game interpreter, so any game interpreter methods can be called directly.
When the condition is true, the specified choice will not be shown on the list. Use a script call
condition is a string representing your conditional statement.
When the condition is true, the specified choice will not be selectable, though it will be shown on the list. Use a script call
The text of the specified choice will be drawn with the selected color. The color is currently a number from 0 to 32, which is not very useful.
Disabled Choice Color
The colored choice ignores whether the choice is enabled or not. You can use the “disable colored” option to set the color of the text if the choice is disabled.
The text of the specified choice will be replaced by the text for this option. This allows you to exceed the 50-char limit imposed by the editor.
You can also specify a condition along with the text. When the condition is satisfied, the text will be displayed.
text_choice(choice_num, text, condition)
For example, to make it so that the first choice’s text will be changed to “???” if Switch 3 is OFF, you would write
text_choice(1, "???", "$game_switches == false")
This is a common issue. When you are trying to condition on a switch or variable, you may be tempted to write things like
Because that’s how the editor displays it. This is wrong. Leading zeroes are treated as octal numbers, which is completely different.
The correct way to write numbers is to remove all leading zeroes like this | 0.6474 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Choice Options Script",
"Script Calls and Methods",
"Conditional Choice Control"
]
``` |
Zinc: take daily supplements to reduce DNA damage
If you’re wondering about the benefits of zinc or how effective it is, a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
in 2016 provides an update.
Objective: to assess the benefits of zinc supplementation
The overall objective of this study was to assess the benefits of food fortification in modern societies. Changes in lifestyle and eating habits have had a significant impact on populations’ nutritional status. One such effect has been the development of deficiencies in some essential minerals and trace elements, deficiencies which are responsible for certain health problems. As a consequence, a number of methods have been developed to improve or restore a population’s nutritional status. However, they do not all offer the same efficacy and need to be evaluated. This study has demonstrated positive results for zinc supplementation.
Method: evaluation of several functional indicators
Until now, few studies had looked at functional markers following supplementation with zinc. In this six-week investigation of 18, zinc-supplemented males, researchers therefore analysed a number of indicators including total absorbed zinc, the exchangeable zinc pool, plasma and cellular zinc concentrations and zinc transporter gene expression. Other metabolic indicators were also taken into account such as DNA damage, inflammation and oxidative stress. Subjects had been given 6mg of zinc for the first two weeks, and 10mg for the remaining four weeks.
Results: positive effects following zinc supplementation
Following supplementation, researchers observed an increase in the total zinc absorbed, though there were no significant changes in the other functional indicators. Nevertheless, the increase in zinc intake produced a decrease in DNA strand breaks. In addition, it not only restored levels of the proteins involved in DNA repair, but also re-established immune and antioxidant function. Confirming the importance of this essential mineral to good health and the benefits of zinc supplementation, these results demonstrate why a number of dietary supplements have been developed from zinc salts, such as zinc orotate
, or patented forms such as the formulation L-OptiZinc®
both of which are available from www.supersmart.com
> Source :
Zyba SJ, Shenvi SV, Killilea DW, Holland TC, Kim E, Moy A, Sutherland B, Gildengorin V, Shigenaga MK, King JC, A moderate increase in dietary zinc reduces DNA strand breaks in leukocytes and alters plasma proteins without changing plasma zinc concentrations,
Am J Clin Nutr, 2016 Dec 21, pii: ajcn135327.
Order the nutrients mentioned in this article
Magnesium has until now been mainly known as an essential mineral for nervous system balance, cardiovascular regulation, muscle function and bone health. Now it seems... Read more
A study published in Hypertension , the journal of the American Heart Association, has provided new evidence of this dietary supplement’s effectiveness for reducing the... Read more
Astaxanthin is part of the large family of carotenoids endowed with powerful antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin is produced by several types of algae and plankton; it... Read more | 0.6428 | FineWeb | ["Zinc", "Magnesium", "Astaxanthin"] |
Synthetic antibodies constructed using bacterial superglue can neutralize potentially lethal viruses, according to a study published on April 21 in eLife.
The findings provide a new approach to preventing and treating infections of emerging viruses and could also potentially be used in therapeutics for other diseases.
Bunyaviruses are mainly carried by insects, such as mosquitoes, and can have devastating effects on animal and human health. The World Health Organization has included several of these viruses on the Blueprint list of pathogens likely to cause epidemics in humans in the face of absent or insufficient countermeasures.
"After vaccines, antiviral and antibody therapies are considered the most effective tools to fight emerging life-threatening virus infections," explains author Paul Wichgers Schreur, a senior scientist of Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, The Netherlands. "Specific antibodies called VHHs have shown great promise in neutralizing a respiratory virus of infants. We investigated if the same antibodies could be effective against emerging bunyaviruses."
Antibodies naturally found in humans and most other animals are composed of four 'chains' - two heavy and two light. VHHs are the antigen-binding domains of heavy chain-only antibodies found in camelids and are fully functional as a single domain. This makes VHHs smaller and able to bind to pathogens in ways that human antibodies cannot. Furthermore, the single-chain nature makes them perfect building blocks for the construction of multifunctional complexes.
In this study, the team immunized llamas with two prototypes of bunyaviruses, the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and the Schmallenberg virus (SBV), to generate VHHs that target an important part of the virus' infective machinery, the glycoprotein head. They found that RVFV and SBV VHHs recognized different regions within the glycoprotein structure.
When they tested whether the VHHs could neutralize the virus in a test tube, they found that single VHHs could not do the job. Combining two different VHHs had a slightly better neutralizing effect against SBV, but this was not effective for RVFV. To address this, they used 'superglue' derived from bacteria to stick multiple VHHs together as a single antibody complex. The resulting VHH antibody complexes efficiently neutralized both viruses, but only if the VHHs in the complex targeted more than one region of the virus glycoprotein head.
Studies in mice with the best performing VHH antibody complexes showed that these complexes were able to prevent death. The number of viruses in the blood of the treated mice was also substantially reduced compared with the untreated animals.
To work in humans optimally, antibodies need to have all the effector functions of natural human antibodies. To this end, the team constructed llama-human chimeric antibodies. Administering a promising chimeric antibody to mice before infection prevented lethal disease in 80% of the animals, and treating them with the antibody after infection prevented mortality in 60%.
"We've harnessed the beneficial characteristics of VHHs in combination with bacterial superglues to develop highly potent virus-neutralizing complexes," concludes senior author Jeroen Kortekaas, Senior Scientist at Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, and Professor of the Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. "Our approach could aid the development of therapeutics for bunyaviruses and other viral infections, as well as diseases including cancer."
Matt Birnholz, MDPeer
You need to be logged in to save this episode to a playlist. | 0.6021 | FineWeb | ["Virus Neutralization", "Antibody Therapies", "Emerging Viruses"] |
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition that causes chronic pain and mental distress. Certain forms of exercise may help relieve fibromyalgia symptoms.
In this article, we explain which types of exercise a person with fibromyalgia may find beneficial. We also list some complementary treatment options.
People with fibromyalgia can try experimenting with different exercise routines to find what works best for them.
The types of exercise that may be helpful include:
Aerobic exercise, such as running or walking, can help with many symptoms of fibromyalgia. A 2017 review analyzed previous studies of aerobic exercise to treat fibromyalgia. The authors concluded that aerobic exercise could improve health-related quality of life and physical function while reducing stiffness and pain.
However, they classified the quality of evidence as low to moderate, as many of the included studies only included a small number of participants.
People concerned that aerobic exercise might place strain on their muscles or joints can opt for low impact aerobics, such as swimming.
Exercise classes can boost motivation among people with fibromyalgia, helping them stick to an exercise regimen. A person new to exercise could consider starting with a lower intensity activity, such as yoga, tai chi, or aerobics.
Some gyms and recreation centers may offer exercise classes specifically for people with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, or reduced mobility.
Tai chi is an ancient martial art that originated in China and incorporates stretching and slow movements. As it encourages mind-body awareness, it may help with both the physical and psychological symptoms of fibromyalgia.
The participants in the study got the most relief when they attended tai chi classes frequently and regularly. People who attended two classes a week for 24 weeks had the most significant improvements in their revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQR) scores.
Among those individuals, there was an average 16.2 point reduction in symptoms, with an 8.1 point symptom reduction being clinically significant. Overall, the tai chi participants saw an average symptom improvement of 5.5 points.
Resistance and strength training
Resistance training strengthens muscles and can improve symptoms of fibromyalgia. A
A wide range of strength training routines, from group strength classes to lifting weights at home, may help.
Yoga offers gentle stretching, mind-body awareness, and a slow and steady approach to physical fitness. A 2017 study found that yoga might reduce self-perceived disability and help with many fibromyalgia symptoms, including depression and fear or avoidance of movement.
The study included eight participants with fibromyalgia, all of whom were women.
Yoga can often be a very accessible exercise option. Some gyms and community centers offer yoga classes, and many yoga videos are also available online. Some practitioners design workouts specifically for those with chronic pain.
The video below shows how to perform a gentle workout to improve strength and energy levels.
People with fibromyalgia typically experience widespread chronic pain. Exercise may help prevent chronic pain by strengthening the muscles, preventing muscle wasting, and reducing muscle damage.
Exercise may also help with other fibromyalgia symptoms, including depression, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. However, more research is necessary to confirm these benefits.
Some people with fibromyalgia may experience mental health conditions, such as depression. Research on depression has found that exercise can be effective in alleviating some symptoms. The authors of a 2016 study argued that previous research might have underestimated the effectiveness of exercise in relieving depression.
The CDC also says that adults should perform strength-training exercises that target all major muscle groups on at least 2 days of the week.
People with fibromyalgia should also aim to do the recommended amount of exercise. However, this condition can make exercise difficult, particularly for people experiencing depression or fatigue.
A person with fibromyalgia may wish to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time they spend exercising once they have identified a type of exercise that they find helpful and enjoyable.
People with fibromyalgia may get the best results when they combine several treatments. It is essential to talk with a doctor about whether symptoms are improving or worsening and to make them aware if any new symptoms have developed.
Some treatment options that may offer relief include:
- Medication: Fibromyalgia drugs such as pregabalin (Lyrica) can help reduce nerve sensitivity. Some people also get relief from antidepressants, which can help with both mental health symptoms and physical pain. Doctors may also prescribe pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Therapy: Therapy can help people with fibromyalgia cope with chronic pain. A therapist can also suggest ways to reduce or manage stress.
- Stress management: For many people, stress and trauma are triggers for fibromyalgia. Stress management strategies, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing, may help.
- Managing triggers: Some people with fibromyalgia find that specific factors, such as certain foods or seasonal changes, trigger their symptoms. Identifying these triggers and then avoiding or preparing for them can help reduce symptoms.
- Alternative and complementary remedies: Some people find relief from acupuncture, massage, special diets, and other alternative therapies. However, it is important to talk with a doctor before trying any alternative treatments. They may recommend only using complementary remedies alongside more traditional medicine.
Exercise may not cure fibromyalgia, but it can offer significant symptom relief. Some people with fibromyalgia avoid movement because of their pain. However, avoiding movement can lead to muscle damage, tension, weight gain, and other health problems.
A healthy amount of movement may prevent fibromyalgia symptoms from getting worse, and it can reduce the risk of complications related to a sedentary lifestyle.
No one type of exercise is suitable for everyone. The goal should be to find a challenging exercise that offers a good workout but is comfortable enough to do most days of the week.
People with fibromyalgia can try different forms of exercise until they find what works best for them. Those with movement limitations may find it helpful to talk with a doctor before starting a new exercise regimen. | 0.7117 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Fibromyalgia Symptoms and Exercise",
"Types of Exercise for Fibromyalgia",
"Complementary Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia"
]
``` |
Fires are still burning out of control across much of the Australian High Country. Yet we are already well into the blame game, where some people and groups are blaming environmental activists and/ or The Greens party for ‘stopping’ fuel reduction burning and hence making the fires worse. While this is not true, this resonates with certain anti green and conservative demographics (check here for an alternative view of the conversation).
There is no doubt that fuel reduction burning has a role to play in how we manage forests and other landscapes. The problem is that it is often seen as a ‘one size fits all’ tool that will reduce fire intensity in all environments. But in reality, it works well in some ecosystems and is counter productive in others. This is a subtlety that is lost on the ‘fuel reduction is the answer’ boosters.
The argument that we need to increase fuel reduction burns in snow gum and true alpine environments is already caught up in the broader land management debate, and will continue in the coming months. So it’s worth taking a good look at what science says about the value of fuel reduction in our high mountain areas.
Snow gums are the quintessential alpine tree of the mainland, generally growing at elevations between 1,300 and 1,800 metres asl. Wildfire has devastated large swathes of snow gum habitat in the last few decades, with significant fires in the Victorian High Country in 1998, 2002/3, 2006/7 and 2013. Over 90% of the Victorian distribution of snow gums has been burned at least once since 2003. Each of the large fires of the last 15 years has overlapped to some extent, leaving thousands of hectares of snow gums burned by wildfire twice, and sometimes three times.
Much of Kosciuszko National Park was burnt in 2003.
‘Fire has always followed fire’
Early European occupation of the mountains was based on the widespread use of fire to clear land. This broad acre approach to burning was at odds with First Nations careful, localised use of fire. As noted by Philip Zylstra (Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong):
‘British graziers … cleared country using fire. The Snowgums tell the story: a seven-fold increase in fire scars when the invasion came’.
This use of fire has continued today, but does it reduce the flammability of the mountains? Philip points out that fuel reduction only brings a short reprieve:
‘Recently, I looked at every fire mapped across these mountains for nearly 60 years, and I found one thing in common from the foothills to the peaks: fire has always followed fire. For a couple of years, it brought quiet, then the undergrowth made the forests up to eight times more likely to re-burn for the next couple of decades until it self-thinned. So why did anyone burn it if this was the result?’
Keeping fire out may be the solution in snow gum forests
One significant piece of research that should inform our understanding about fire on snow gum forests looked at the impacts of fires on Lake Mountain and the Buffalo Plateau. The report How snow gum forests and sub-alpine peatlands recover after fire was written by Fiona Coates, Philip Cullen, Heidi Zimmer, James Shannon. They used the long unburnt Baw Baw Plateau as an example of what these systems could be like in the absence of fire events.
They found that:
- Even areas that have been subjected to hot and very destructive wildfire, such as on the Lake Mountain plateau during the 2009 Black Saturday fires, can be expected to recover – provided we can keep fires out of these systems. However, this will take time. For instance they suggest it will take the forests at Lake Mountain at least 70 years to return to pre-fire structure. No specific management needs to be undertaken to aid this process beyond excluding fires
- The researchers repeatedly note that there are serious doubts about the value of fuel reduction burning in these forests. They note that low intensity fires negatively impact on tree resprouting ability
- Repeated fires change the character of snow gum forests, creating a multi stemmed forest of shorter trees. That is, forests get denser, with more of a ‘Mallee’ aspect to how the trees grow. They call this ‘potentially irreversible degradation of stand structure’, which has already happened to the extent that old growth snow gum forests are now rare. They note that the traditional open forest structure of snow gum forests will not be able to develop if there are repeated fires, as the result over time will be that forests will become dominated by lots of small stemmed trees rather than a ‘traditional’, open snow gum forest
- Repeated fires can also inhibit the ability of trees to store carbon above the ground.
- They say that ‘fire exclusion is imperative to preserve landscape quality and representation of long unburnt snow gums’
- They recommend that current ‘fire and cattle exclusion policies’ at places like Mt Buffalo and Lake Mountain be continued. They note that cattle grazing can drive the creation of multi stemmed trees, in the same way that fire tends to, again driving the forest towards a multi stemmed and immature form. Exclusion of cattle is also very important for recovery of burnt areas of peat land
- Older, more open snow gum forests are better at collecting water and ensuring regular run off, retaining soil moisture and snow accumulation.
Impact of fires on the upward spread of snow gums
Fires impact on mature trees and the resulting growth of seedlings may mean that snow gums start to colonise adjacent alpine vegetation.
David Turner, in his research carried out for his Masters of Environment thesis (School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne) titled Treeline physiognomy following wildfire in the Victorian Alps, Australia investigated snow gum seedling establishment above the treeline after fire.
He found that new seedling growth was greater after fire compared to locations long absent of fire. ‘Model probabilities estimate a 22% chance of seedling establishment four metres above treelines that are burnt, compared to only a 1% chance in unburnt locations’. (He does note that the number of seedlings, which was modelled to increase after fire, is controlled by the amount of litter and competition found at the site. Low levels of litter and competition facilitate maximum seedling growth).
One significant outcome regarding frequent burning showed that optimal tree ages that influence seedling establishment were found to be between 24 and 42 years of age. If climate change subsequently reduces fire frequencies to less than (for example) every 20 years, then seedling numbers may actually fall.
Repeat burn times that outpace snow gums (Eucalyptus pauciflora) reaching their optimal reproductive maturity age may subsequently have dramatic effects on the Victorian treeline.
His research suggests that the Victorian treeline physiognomy has slightly changed due to the 2003 alpine fires.
Sadly, the fact is that climate change is making fire seasons worse. As noted by the Victorian government’s report ‘Climate Science Report 2019’,
‘There has been an increase in dangerous fire weather and the length of the fire season across southern Australia since the 1950s. Fire weather in Victoria is largely measured using the Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI). This index estimates the fire danger on a given day based on observations of temperature, humidity, wind speed and fuel (based on factors including recent temperature and rainfall). Although considerable year-to-year variability also occurs, there is a trend in more recent decades towards a greater number of very high fire danger days in spring’.
So, regardless of how we manage forests with regards to fuel reduction treatment, we will be facing worse and longer fire seasons. It would appear that one key strategy will be to keep fire out of snow gum woodlands wherever possible, so these systems can age and become less fire prone.
Regular and repeated fires kill snowgums. So if we want to see snow gum forests continue we need less fire, not more, even low intensity fuel reduction burns. According to research by Tom Fairman, Associate Professor Lauren Bennett and Dr Craig Nitschke, of the University of Melbourne:
‘We found that the lignotuber continued to re-sprout very well after one fire, but after two and three fires, the number of new sprouts significantly declined. The level of whole-tree death (that is, the stems and lignotuber dying) was fairly low following one and even two, fires; however, after three successive fires, on average half of all trees in our plots were dead. In some plots, this figure was as high as 80 per cent of all trees’. (source).
A study in the journal Austral Ecology provides the most comprehensive analysis ever performed of the fire history of forests in the Australian Alps. This is a significant piece of work because it says that unburnt forests are less fire prone than those that have been recently burnt.
This has implications for how we manage these forests and woodlands. The current widely held assumption is that by reducing fuel loads, fire reduces the flammability of most eucalypt-based forests.
The study, by Dr. Philip Zylstra of the University of Wollongong (and available here) says:
‘The study provides an evidence base for fire management in the Alps that is based on observed reality rather than theoretical concepts.
‘Throughout the period for which fires have been consistently mapped across the Australian Alps National Parks, they have been smaller and less severe in long unburnt forests’. This is consistent across the five broad forest formations that cover the Alps’ (these forest types are Tall Wet Forest, Open Forest, Subalpine Forest and Woodland, Dry Open Forest and Low, Dry Open Forest).
The study looked at fires in five key forest types in the Alps and assessed how fire frequency changed over time. To take the example of snow gum woodlands, after a fire passes through, they are unlikely to burn for 6 years after fire, then more flammable until 25 years old. However, ‘forests older than this are 2.3 times less likely to burn than younger forest’. A similar pattern can be observed in the other forest and woodland types.
Ben Keaney, in his PhD research titled Bogong Moth Aestivation Sites as an Archive for Understanding the Floral, Faunal and Indigenous History of the Northern Australian Alps noted that climate change is already impacting on the mountains, and could drive forests into a more scrubby, flammable form, and that this has implications for land management practises like fuel reduction burning:
‘Structural change of the vegetation due to human induced climate change is a real threat to sub-alpine ecology. Pryor (1939) described the possible extent of high country degradation from burning as two extremes, that is a slightly damaged forest that is more or less undisturbed, to a barren waste of eroded mountains with a sparse cover of plants. This is poignant as a prediction for the natural land managers under the effects of anthropogenic climate change, where the flammability of the forest can drive ecological change of vegetation away from a forest form into a scrub form, a point that should be taken to account in the prescription of fuel reduction burns. Predictions of the effect of climate change on the ACT include fires with higher intensities, with reduced inter- fire intervals and that are more prone to spread (Cary, 2002)’.
The take home message seems to be that if we can reduce the frequency of fire at a landscape level in these ecosystems through the juvenile ‘danger’ period when there is a lot of vigorous re-growth, they become less fire prone after a period of 14 to 28 years (depending on the forest type). This means that older forests should be left alone rather than burnt to reduce fuel load, and younger forests should be encouraged to mature rather than being treated with fire to keep them permanently in a juvenile/ more flammable stage in their growth.
Implications for fire management
What are the implications for fire fighting in the alpine country? The key message is that we need to keep fire out wherever possible. Locking in more intense fuel reduction regimes are unlikely to make snow gum forests less fire prone, for the reasons outlined above.
1/ More fire fighting resources. Most fires in the Alps start as a result of lightning strikes – that is they start small at a specific point. The aim must be to hit these fires while they are small.
This requires additional fire fighting resources at the state level to tackle these fires as soon as possible, before they grow and become difficult to contain. DELWP and Parks Victoria firefighters are well trained and equiped to fight these fires and do a great job of tackling them. But we clearly need more firefighters.
As one example of how the system gets overwhelmed: on New Years Eve 2019/20 a lightning storm passed over the Victorian Alps, starting many fires. DELWP and PV crews quickly mobilised to put these fires out before they grew, but some more remote fires were not able to be contained and subsequently grew into large blazes (such as the fire at Mt Tabletop near Mt Hotham, which eventually joined with other fires started by lightning and is now more than 42,000 hectares in size).
Stay governments should consider increasing the number of remote area fire fighters for the next fire season.
2/ Minimise burning for asset protection. There are various human settlements in alpine areas, which need to be protected from fire, especially the ski resorts. Doing fuel reduction burning is sometimes used as a last resort before fire fronts hit. The longer term implications of this need to be considered. Fire breaks are widely used in the Alps to limit the movement of fire. Research should be carried out to determine the relative value of fuel reduction, use of fire breaks, and other asset protection work around human settlements.
3/ Consider the development of a volunteer remote area fire fighting force. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Rural Fire Service (RFS) do a remarkable job of protecting land and community from fire. While they are primarily responsible for fires on private land, they are often active in fighting fires on public land. But their equipment (trucks) is often too heavy for deployment to remote areas with rough tracks and they are not directly trained or resourced to work in remote areas.
Is it time to develop a new fire fighting force that is specialised in remote area fire fighting? It could be part of RFS/ CFA or be a new stand alone entity, and would work closely with public land firefighters who are already doing this work. They could be trained in the same way that PV and DELWP prepare their rappel and hover exit crews (specialist firefighting roles performed in remote locations).
There has previously been a similar group in Tasmania, called the Smoke Walkers. The Smoke Walkers were volunteers, mostly bushwalkers, who were deployed to remote areas in Tasmania’s World Heritage Areas in instances where lightning had started fires that had not yet turned into major blazes.
In light of the scale of this summer’s fires, this is an idea that needs consideration in NSW and Victoria. A proposal can be found here. | 0.9151 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Australian Bushfires",
"Fire Management in Alpine Regions",
"Snow Gum Forest Ecology"
]
``` |
What the process of digital twinning means
What are its best practices
What are its applications in business
In simple terms, Digital Twinning is a process in which a physical object, system or a being is recreated on a virtual interface. During this stage, a fully developed digital replica is constructed in order for it to be used for future testing, development, and experimentation. Simply put, it is a digital replica or a clone that provides its manufacturers with the ability to interact with it on a digital platform instead of executing tests on the real physical “twin” in reality.
The method that is used to replicate a physical object is still in its early stages and it does involve having specific technology equipment in order for Digital Twinning to be successful. At the current moment, the most efficient way to replicate a product, piece of machinery or any other physical object is to attach structural sensors that act as boundaries, helping the digital platform accurately replicate the shape and form of the object. Digital Twin sensors accurately detect and represent the product’s electricity circuits (if it is a product that has a functional purpose that is executed by electricity e.g. a computer) on the digital platform the object is recreated in. This procedure has a huge amount of benefits and future implications that businesses will be able to take full advantage. Before getting into the article, if you are someone who is truly interested in virtual counterpart technology, you should check out our digital twinning seminar – see events. Ok, back to the topic – let’s discuss the benefits of this technology.
What are the main benefits of digital twinning?
As the new generation of technology is entering the markets, companies that will be open-minded to start adopting new methods for testing, development, and fulfillment will be innovative enough to survive, and most importantly increase their product or service manufacturing efficiency. Therefore, let’s get into why a business should heavily consider incorporating Digital Twinning.
Effortless testing and product development
When it comes to product testing and development, these two processes are considered to be true “capital drainers” for every product-based company out there. Why is that? Working on improving a physical product in real life requires resources (e.g. new parts, equipment, software etc.) and most importantly it requires a lot of time to implement new ideas and concept into the product itself. What if companies could develop a method that would help them incorporate any potentially useful changes, promising tests and necessary development procedures without wasting capital on failures, resources and time? That is more than possible with Digital Twinning. By working on the digital replica of an object, the tests are conducted digitally in real-time. This ensures that no future resources will be wasted for development purposes if Digital Twinning is successfully implemented.
By Carlos Miskinis
Digital twin research expert | 0.8193 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"What is Digital Twinning",
"Best Practices for Digital Twinning",
"Applications of Digital Twinning in Business"
]
``` |
Toothbrushing And Dietary Behavior of Children Aged 3–6 Years with Early Childhood Caries in Impoverished Community of Semampir District, Surabaya
Keywords:toothbrushing, diet, caries, impoverished community
Objective: This research aimed to observe tooth brushing and dietary behavior of children aged 3–6
years with early childhood caries (ECC) in impoverished communities, Semampir District, Surabaya City.
Materials and Methods: This was descriptive observational with cross-sectional design study in 50 samples
of mother whom their children diagnosed with ECC. Research instrument using questionnaires based on
caries risk assessment (CRA) which modified. Results: Most samples showed good tooth brushing behavior,
which includes brushing frequency and duration, routines using toothpaste, had tooth brushing initiative and
independently brushing teeth. The majority of samples had poor dietary behavior which includes snacking
habit frequency, time management, fruit and milk consumption. Conclusion: Most children aged 3–6 years
in impoverished communities, Semampir District of Surabaya already had good brushing teeth behavior, but
they had poor diet which explain high prevalence of caries.
How to Cite
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Re use and mixing of content policy- We follow Creative Commons Licence Policy. We follow CC BY. Please refer below for all details
This license lets others distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon our work, even commercially, as long as they credit us for the original creation.
- The journal allows readers to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of its articles and allow readers to use them for any other lawful purpose.
- The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions.
- The journal allows the author(s) to retain publishing rights without restrictions | 0.9735 | FineWeb | ["Toothbrushing Behavior", "Dietary Behavior", "Early Childhood Caries"] |
My 30th birthday is just around the riverbend*, so this Gallowolf would like to cry the wisdom she’s learned to the blue corn moon. Please commit all of these to memory and send me a $30 cashier’s check every time my lil nuggets of wisdom save you from a pickle.** Thank you in advance.
- You don’t have to date everyone who’s a good person
- Be okay with uncertainty in relationships
- Don’t try to engineer and control any relationship, especially romantic
- People don’t owe you affection or attention when you do something nice for them
- Talk to your Grandma like a peer and be ridiculous with your nieces and nephews
- Allow yourself to feel your feels
- Don’t let your feels control you
- You’re responsible for your own feelings, but be aware of how you are prone to feel after spending time with any person
- Spend time with people who make you feel good
- You can forgive people but still protect yourself from bad characters
- Most people are schmucky schmuckersons
- Celebrate and hold onto the people that aren’t schmucky schmuckersons
- People who bring exciting drama into your life are also likely to bring a bunch of hurt into your life.
- Go to the arts for your dramatic fix
- Finding things to laugh at is serious business
- The expensive car is *not* worth it
- Eating more expensive healthy food *is* worth it
- Neglecting your health is not financial prudence– it’s a great strategy to make all your borderline acute health issues full blown chronic health issues
- Try to find joy in challenges instead of focusing on the stress
- Stop feeling sorry for yourself
- You can be mature and intelligent and still wildly silly
- It’s not necessary or wise to trust everyone in a Christian community
- Allow yourself to dwell on and obsess about how beautiful something is
- Weighted blankets are heavenly
- It’s worth the AC cost to turn down the temp enough to not sweat at night
- Allow yourself to consider you are wrong about everything
- Don’t let uncertainty paralyze you
- You don’t have to listen to everyone’s advice, even if they’re great people
- God is bigger and more confusing than you ever imagined
— EDITORIAL NOTES —
*By “just around” I mean in like 2 months. But that’s none of your business!
**Although if a Trader Joe’s kosher dill pickle was after me, I would say “take me now” and swoon at its delicious foot. | 0.8567 | FineWeb | ["Relationship Advice", "Personal Growth", "Life Choices"] |
Household projections are key components of analyses of several issues of social concern, including the welfare of the elderly, housing, and environmentally significant consumption patterns. Researchers or policy makers that use such projections need appropriate representations of uncertainty in order to inform their analyses. However, the weaknesses of the traditional approach of providing alternative variants to single ''best guess'' projection are magnified in household projections, which have many output variables of interest, and many input variables beyond fertility, mortality, and migration. We review current methods of household projections and the potential for using them to produce probabilistic projections, which would address many of these weaknesses. We then propose a new framework for a household projection method of intermediate complexity that we believe is a good candidate for providing a basis for further development of probabilistic household projections. An extension of the traditional headship rate approach, this method is based on modelling changes in headship rates decomposed by household size as a function of variables describing demographic events such as parity specific fertility, union formation and dissolution, and leaving home. It has moderate data requirements, manageable complexity, allows for direct specification of demographic events, and produces output that includes the most important household characteristics for many applications. An illustration of how such a model might be constructed, using data on the U.S. and China over the past several decades, demonstrates the viability of the approach.
"Toward a New Model for Probabilistic Household Forecasts." Internat. Statist. Rev. 72 (1) 51 - 64, April 2004. | 0.9527 | FineWeb | ["Household Projections", "Probabilistic Projections", "Demographic Events"] |
Currently , you can find on the market several “fast” tests for HIV, even pudiéndolas purchase online. Considering significance of test is to be performed with this type of tests, we believe it is essential to know the safety of their results.
There are several rapid tests approved by the FDA, the regulatory body in the U.S. of all diagnostic methods and drugs, and representing quality standard worldwide reference (www.fda.gov). These authorized tests are based generally on the same basis that the ELISA technique (detection of antibodies against the virus) is based.
With this type of testing our body ‘s response to infection (antibody production) is detected, which, you need at least 3 months after possible infection occurred. This period is known as the “window period.” So, if the practice of risk took place less than three months ago, result of these tests is invalid.
Only technique that shortens window period of 7 DAYS, is PCR. This technique detects the presence of the virus , rather than the response of our body, and then a week after the contact of risk, it can detect the virus.
With respect to the “fast” tests if read carefully and in detail the prospects of all of them, either printed or on- line, you can always read: “It is imperative that a positive result is confirmed by a more sensitive as a method the Western Blot, ELISA or PCR, performed by a specialist. ” Also, this type of testing is never indicated for the detection of HIV in blood donations, always in these cases using PCR. So these are tests that provide “provisional”, which if positive, results should always be validated.
Furthermore, it is noted that all these tests must be performed by specialized and non-medical technicians. Importantly, the diagnostic tests are performed in specialized laboratories, not medical advice.
Risk in this type of evidence is existence of a large number of them sold out of control and they are NOT authorized. You may know the tests that are approved by FDA through a complete list provided by this agency.
So you have to take special care rapid tests for HIV, as it is very likely that their results are not backed by studies and quality standards required. | 0.7357 | FineWeb | ["HIV Testing", "Rapid Test Safety", "FDA Approved Tests"] |
When the coaxial cable is in the near field of a center fed, 1/2 wavelength dipole and it does not run perpendicular to the antenna, it is subjected to imbalanced near field currents. The coupling effect will be cos $\theta$. The result is that the exterior braid of the coax may carry common mode current. OCF and end fed antennas also promote common mode current due to their inherent imbalance. Running the coax parallel to the dipole should be avoided.
The significance of the common mode current is dependent upon factors such as coax length, the grounding of the coax, common mode chokes, the frequency of operation, imbalance of the antenna, etc. Antenna modeling programs can be used to estimate the subseptibility of a particular configuration.
The effects of common mode currents can include RF shocks in the shack, interference with home electronics, coupling of nearby RFI into the antenna, alteration of antenna resonance/SWR and an alteration of the antenna pattern and gain.
A common mode choke at the feed point of the dipole and another one at the shack entrance or at least out of the near field of the antenna can be deployed to mitigate the effects. Ferrite based common mode chokes or 1:1 current baluns tend to be the best multiband performers. Some report success by burying the coax.
It is also helpful to avoid odd multiples of 1/4 wavelength coax as this promotes the formation of common mode currents. Note that the coax velocity factor does not come into play since this current is on the exterior of the braid. Instead, use a 0.95 to 0.97 velocity factor to account for the outer coaxial jacket. | 0.6528 | FineWeb | ["Topics",{"topics":["Antenna Interference","Common Mode Currents","Coaxial Cable Management"]}] |
Well, I'm trying to find the Thevenin equivalent of this circuit:
As you can see, the only current source is a dependent source. However, the control variable is in a wire where, if nothing is connected between A and B, is \$i_\Delta = 0\$ A, and that makes the source 0 A. However, if I connect an impedance \$Z\$ to the circuit, I will have current, and a Thevenin equivalent. I don't know how to solve this problem. I've bee searching here for a while, and I found this: Thévenin equivalent with a dependent source . I can see how is solved that case. However, I still don't know how to apply that method to my circuit.
Any help about finding the Thevenin equivalent is appreciated n.n | 0.9805 | FineWeb | ["Thevenin Equivalent", "Dependent Source", "Circuit Analysis"] |
The PHOTON Projects
In 1994, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded the first Advanced Technology Education (ATE) grants with the goal of improving technician education at two-year colleges and forming partnerships between academic institutions and industry. In 1995, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) in Boston, Massachusetts received its first ATE grant, a project to prepare teachers to introduce fiber optic technology to secondary and postsecondary students in the six New England states. The work of the first grant was adapted and expanded by three subsequent ATE grants. The impact of these projects has grown in technical breadth and geographical extent to include all of photonics technology and teachers and faculty from Maine to Hawaii. Through our work with the optics/photonics societies OSA and SPIE, our impact has spread throughout the globe.
Fiber Optic Technology Education Project (FOTEP) 1995 – 1998
The first of the NEBHE photonics-related ATE projects increased the number of secondary schools and colleges (primarily two-year community colleges) prepared to introduce fiber optics technology to their students. Over a period of 30 months, FOTEP worked with teachers and faculty from more than 40 schools in a series of workshops, providing curriculum, materials, technical assistance and a unique opportunity to network with other educators and fiber optic industry personnel.
Key FOTEP Outcomes:
- Modules, courses and programs in fiber optic technology were developed at New England high schools and colleges
- Over 60% of FOTEP faculty participants built contacts and partnerships with local fiber optics businesses.
- Strong collaboration between high school and college level instructors promoted.
- A lab kit was developed for fiber optic laboratory experiments and a set of fiber optics instructional materials was developed.
PHOTON 2000 – 2003
PHOTON addressed photonics education on a number of fronts. Of primary importance was increasing the number of teachers who had the knowledge and skills to teach photonics technology. Although ATE programs are focused on two-year colleges, PHOTON recognized that the pipeline of college students starts well before college admission, perhaps even before secondary school. For this reason, project PHOTON included middle and high school teachers as well as college faculty. This cross-grades collaboration resulted in the development of educational pathways in science education to help students achieve as they progressed through the educational system. Project PHOTON also included guidance counselors in the professional development workshops. Counselors gained new knowledge on available career options and provided outreach to students interested in math, science and technology careers.
Key PHOTON Outcomes:
- 39 New England schools participated, with teachers from middle schools, high schools and community colleges.
- A mentored email Listserv was established that is still active today with more than 100 education and industry members.
- The FOTEP lab kit was expanded to include components for experiments with lasers and 25 laboratory experiments in basic & applied optics were developed and field-tested.
- A series of 13 optics-focused “Explorations” suitable for middle school science labs were developed.
- High schools, community colleges and local industry created stronger bonds leading to joint activities such as field trips, job
PHOTON2 Project (2003-2006)
PHOTON2 gave educators the necessary skills and resources to implement and teach photonics courses by producing an introductory textbook and other materials and a distance-learning program for educators. Like PHOTON, PHOTON2 established Alliances between local high schools and colleges to provide seamless integration between their STEM curricula. Educators from eight geographic locations were brought together to facilitate photonics technology education in their local institutions to develop educational pathways for students.
Key PHOTON2 Outcomes:
- Web-based professional development course, “Introduction to Photonics.“
- Instructional materials, including a 15 chapter textbook, Light – Introduction to Optics and Photonics. https://store.photonics.com/books/light-introduction-to-optics-photonics
- A field-tested, industry-quality laboratory equipment kit, with 25 exercises and lab demo videos.
- Support by local industry for instructors and students.
Local,paid summer internships in the photonics industry during 2005 and 2006 for teachers and counselors.
- A capstone “Showcase” workshop in 2006 held in collaboration with SPIE.
This project developed materials for teaching optics/photonics through Problem-Based Learning, a student-centered pedagogy that teaches structured problem-solving at the same time as content.
Find out more about PHOTON PBL and Problem Based Learning here PHOTON PBL | 0.9425 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Fiber Optic Technology Education Project (FOTEP)",
"PHOTON Project",
"PHOTON2 Project"
]
``` |
Optimization of Corrosion Resistance and Machinability of PM 316L Stainless Steel
Austenitic stainless steels offer significantly superior corrosion resistance, when compared to ferritic and martensitic stainless steels. Austenitic stainless steels are however difficult to machine. Austenitic alloy 303L is formulated with a small sulfur addition, which leads to the formation of MnS precipitates in the matrix. Presence of MnS in the alloy does lead to improved machinability. Alternately, it is possible to add a machinability enhancing additive, such as MnS or MoS2 to a standard grade of stainless steel in the powder form in order to improve its machinability. Unfortunately, the presence of a sulfide in an austenitic stainless steel significantly lowers its corrosion resistance. Hence, neither of these options makes it possible to combine good corrosion resistance with good machinability. This study evaluates a sulfur free additive for enhancing machinability of PM 316L, along with its effect on the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Two currently popular additives, namely MnSE and MoS2, are also included in the study for comparison. The new additive is found to offer enhanced machinability without any adverse effect on the alloy’s corrosion resistance. All sintering was carried out under conditions that maximize corrosion resistance. Machinability was determined by drilling. | 0.7723 | FineWeb | ```
[
"Corrosion Resistance",
"Machinability of Stainless Steel",
"Additives for Enhancing Machinability"
]
``` |
If you want to be informed with the statement believed by the individual to be false, check Facts about Lies. The term liar is used to call the person who lies. Lying is used to call the act of communicating lies. In most cases, lies are spread to deceive others. When people hear the word lie, it means negatively. When a person lies, he or she may serve sanction socially or even legally. Here are other facts about lies to notice:
Facts about Lies 1: the consequences
The serious consequences are waiting for those who deliver the false information.
Facts about Lies 2: true and false statements
The lies can be differentiated from the true statements by using the reliable methods, which have been developed scientists.
Check Also: 10 Facts about Leaders
Facts about Lies 3: the alternative consequences
There are two alternative consequences of telling lies. The others may discover or not discover the truth upon the lies.
Facts about Lies 4: unpredictable behavior
The unpredictable behavior or state of mind of the liar or lie teller will be spotted when the lie is found out.
Facts about Lies 5: how to detect lies
The methods to detect lies have been developed. You can look at the movement, cadence of speech, facial expression and consistency to differentiate lies and truth.
Facts about Lies 6: the right questions
When you want to find out the truth, avoid using the vague questions. Asking the right question will lead into true answer of the speakers.
Facts about Lies 7: the polygraph lie detector machine
A machine to detect truth or lie is called the polygraph lie detector. When she or he lies, the spikes of stress are higher. Whether this machine is accurate or not is still a subject of dispute.
Facts about Lies 8: the study about lying
The study about lying states that it takes longer for a person to tell lies than that of the truth. A prepared lie may be conducted by a person if he or she has instant answer.
See Also: 10 Facts about leadership
Facts about Lies 9: the facial expression
The facial expression is used as the medium to find out lie in the ForensicPsy and the Psy7Faces developed by Dr. Freitas-Magalhaes.
Facts about Lies 10: the ability to notice deception
Based on the study of Dr. Paul Ekman and Dr. Maureen O’Sullivan, 50 of 20,000 people could notice deception with high level of accuracy.
Do you have any comment on facts about lies? | 0.874 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Consequences of Lying",
"Detecting Lies",
"Understanding Lies"
]
``` |
Why is Vaping Bad For Your Health?
Why is vaporizing bad for your wellbeing? It’s all a matter of perspective. Vaporizers enable you to inhale vaporized nicotine, but smokers are exposed to the same chemicals and toxins through passive smoking. By detatching the irritant (the liquid nicotine), we are eliminating a lot of the harmful health effects associated with smoking.
The FDA is likely to soon start regulating electric cigarettes, but the agency up to now has shied away from taking any strong action. This leaves many in doubt as to the reasons vaporizing is better than smoking cessation products. If the agency does regulate, the new regulations could possibly be much tighter, which could force manufacturers to limit nicotine levels or include another thing to counteract the new regulations.
What’s more, what is definitely harmful to the health is the fact that younger adults are turning to this new type of smoking cessation. Many adolescents and young adults are choosing to vaporize rather than using hypnosis or NLP. They’re quitting cigarettes at a younger age without having considered the long term health consequences. How come laboring harmful to your lungs?
Vaping can release huge amounts of acidic chemicals in to the air. Carbon monoxide and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are released with every puff. These chemicals can irritate the lungs, increase coughing and wheezing, cause shortness of breath, and could even cause serious problems with the nervous system, such as for example depression, dementia, and severe headaches. All these chemicals can be extremely dangerous to the young and older people.
Even if the FDA cracks down on vapor products, it will not make a big difference. Teenagers and young adults have already turned from cigarettes for a number of other reasons. Teenagers have several methods to cheat cigarettes: using flavored gum, drinking soda, eating podsmall.com chocolates, eating red apples, therefore a great many other things. Since teenagers and adults are turning away from cigarettes, why is it that they ought to be Vaporizing instead?
The second reason why is Vaporizing bad for your lungs is basically because vapor cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is really a highly addictive drug. Not only is nicotine in the cigarettes addictive, but you can find hundreds of different kinds of nicotine based toxins in cigarettes which are potentially bad for your lungs. Nicotine is probably the most addictive poisons known and by using vapor cigarettes you are receiving nicotine in a more concentrated form, increasing your threat of addiction exponentially.
The final reason why is smoking tobacco harmful to your lungs and why is quitting smoking harmful to your lungs is because smoking tobacco is the most widely used method of getting nicotine in to the body. When you smoke cigarettes, you are taking in not merely nicotine but you are also taking in other toxic chemicals, such as for example tar and synthetic nicotine. Tar deposits in your mouth, causing terrible damage to the tissue in the mouth area and throat. When you have the tar in your mouth, it will be very hard that you can ever quit because the body will always crave the taste of cigarettes.
You can find no excuses in the form of why vaporizing is a bad thing for your body. You can find only benefits, such as for example healthier lungs, a not as likely chance of developing cancer, and a safer solution to ingest your daily dosage of nicotine. By switching over to e-cigarette style cigarettes, you aren’t only making the body healthier, however your life healthier.
There are lots of reasons why is smoking bad for your lungs and why is vaping bad for the body. E-cigarette technology has gotten so far better over the past few years that you can actually like a much more enjoyable experience when you are puffing away. Not only do e-colons supply you with a healthier nicotine alternative, however they are also generally more comfortable than regular cigarettes. Additionally, there are many more flavors from which to choose when it comes to e-cigarette products. In comparison with regular cigarettes, the difference is astounding.
As well as the reasons as to why is vaporizing bad for your body and health, addititionally there is the reason as to why is e-juicing bad for your wellbeing effects. E-juices are produced from natural and organic fruit extracts and plant extracts. While not every product is made to be 100% organic, the very best ones are and only use natural ingredients, grown without the use of pesticides. Also, the e-juices are made with real fruit extracts, unlike cigarettes which are basically nicotine and flavoring. In case you are trying to stop smoking and buying healthier alternative, then you owe it to you to ultimately try some e-cigs.
Much like anything else, you can find good e-juice flavors and bad e-juice flavors. The nice e-juice flavors tend to be more popular because they are easier on your body. They don’t burn as hot as traditional cigarettes and they taste much better. However, if you’re after a long-lasting high nicotine hit, then you’ll probably want to stick with the traditional nicotine cigarettes and never touch the new electronic smoking products. | 0.7521 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Vaping Health Risks",
"Nicotine Addiction",
"E-Cigarette Safety"
]
``` |
Access and Functional Needs
Access and functional needs covers a wide range of situations - from needing mobility assistance, to having medical, mental, or developmental conditions that require assistance with daily living tasks, to being visually or hearing impaired. Even people who simply take medicine every day count in this population.
Medical needs must be planned for well in advance of emergencies. Disasters can happen with little or no warning, and you can't count on having enough time to pick up extra medicine or medical supplies. Keep a 3 day supply of all current medicines as well as any medical supplies necessary. You also need to have an up-to-date list of which medications you take, what the dosages are, how often you take each one, and who prescribed each medication. Following a disaster, your doctor's office may not reopen for several months or at all. Keep copies of your insurance card and important medical records with you in your emergency kit, along with a list of your medical conditions, allergies, and medications.
Please note - if you have special food needs of any kind, please plan for these ahead of time. Shelters may not be able to provide the right food for special diets, and nutrition information may not be available on the food that is served.
For those with visual, hearing, or communication impairments, it is key to ensure that you have methods to be alerted to emergencies, and plans in place for both sheltering in place and evacuation. Notify officials if you go to a shelter so they can make accommodations. Keep a communications device, if you use one, in your kit with extra batteries or or other spare parts to make it easier to communicate. Also, have a backup plan of how to communicate if your device is lost, destroyed, or out of power. This might be something as simple as a pad of paper and some pencils, asking a friend or family member to help communicate, or designing pre-made cue cards. For those who are non-verbal, consider getting a medical ID necklace or bracelet to help emergency responders identify the individual.
Service animals are allowed inside of shelters, but there may not be items like bedding and food available for them. Make sure to build an animal emergency preparedness kit for your service animals and pets. Some shelters may not allow emotional support animals inside and many do not allow regular pets. Remember - leaving your animals behind is not an option. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Make plans for your animals before a disaster hits.
If you use a wheelchair, walker, cane, or other assistive device, make sure your name is clearly written on it, along with a phone number or email address that someone can use to reach you if you and your device get separated. If you use a battery or electric powered wheelchair, or other battery powered assistive device, try to have a non-electric backup available and a spare battery charged at all times.
Behavior/ Mental Health
Disasters can be very stressful situations, and they can lead to disruptions in daily routines, access to support systems and medication, and being removed from familiar environments. Plan ahead when creating your emergency kit, and be sure to include current medications, as well as copies of insurance cards, medical records including those from mental health or other service providers, a list of medications with dosages, times to take each medication, and the name of the prescribing doctor.
Also include items that may make dealing with high-stress, high noise situations easier, such as head phones, ear plugs, and comfort items, such as snacks or toys that meet needs for simulation or engagement. | 0.5594 | FineWeb | ```
{
"topics": [
"Access and Functional Needs",
"Behavior/Mental Health",
"Emergency Preparedness"
]
}
``` |
You want to know when a satellite will pass in order to receive an image transmission or to work an amateur satellite. However, you cannot access internet for whatever reason, and therefore can't simply look up a pass prediction chart or live tracker.
Can you/how would you calculate approximately where a satellite would be at any given time, or calculate when the next pass would be? Do satellites always follow a scheduled path to repeat and cycle through? What basic orbit information should I collect about each satellite I need beforehand?
Is the satellite always actively kept in this exact timing, or does it slowly "drift" from its scheduled path? I ask this because if it does drift, this would eventually make any planning useless without direct connection to the satellite, if that makes any sense.
A simple path/time map (like below) would be best, but (offline) software also works.
Edit - Do the satellites transmit data about their position that I would be able to receive and decode? | 0.5659 | FineWeb | ["Calculating Satellite Position", "Understanding Satellite Orbits", "Receiving Satellite Transmission Data"] |
- Email: [email protected]
- Thesis title: Low Carbon Energy Service Demands
I am a first year PhD student at the University of Leeds researching Low Carbon Energy Service Demands. My project supervisor is Professor John Barrett and my co-supervisors are Dr Anne Owen and Dr Paul Brockway. I am also working with other University of Leeds academics and students as part of the Leeds branch of the Centre for Research into Energy Demands Solutions (CREDS).
Numerous scenarios that outline a pathway to a low carbon future include ambitious improvements in energy efficiency. These studies identify the multiple benefits of energy efficiency including reducing energy demand, employment, economic growth and addressing fuel poverty. It is often assumed that all, or most, of the technical potential on energy efficiency measures will be realized. It is also assumed that energy efficiency is interchangeable with the energy demand reduction. However, this fails to address many of the complexities associated with delivering the technical potential of energy efficiency. It fails to recognize that improvements in energy productivity is an important driver of growth. While rebound effects within households can be relatively small, in industry, energy efficiency can increase growth and result in even higher energy demand. It fails to address the complex societal and infrastructural system that these efficiency improvements are being conducted. Finally, it fails to address that multiple actors are involved adding to the complexity of the problem.
This project will apply a broader framing of energy efficiency by considering how to deliver “Low Carbon Energy Service Demands”. These are defined as the service provided by energy, for example mobility, shelter and warmth, nutrition and leisure. This allows a more detailed assessment of how energy demand reduction can be delivered going beyond the traditional framing of energy efficiency.
The project will understand the energy demand required to deliver UK energy service demands. Using a range of modelling techniques, you will consider how the change or reduction in demand for energy services can contribute to energy demand reduction. Finally, you will consider the wider socio-economic implications of radical changes in delivering energy service demand.
- Consider the embodied and operational energy and emissions associated with energy service demand in the UK for the past 20 years. This analysis will use Multi-regional Input-Output models to undertake this task and apply a range of techniques such as structural path analysis to understand the energy demand through the whole supply chain.
- Assess the mitigation options in reducing the energy demand on energy service demands. This will involve outlining all the options available and devising assessment criteria on the feasibility of these options to reduce energy demand.
- Consider the macro-economic effects of the mitigation. Applying a newly developed macro-economic model, you will consider the effects of your policy options on a range of socio-economic factors.
- 2013, BSc, Geography, University of Sheffield, UK, 2:1
- 2017, MSc, Climate Change and Environmental Policy, University of Leeds, UK, Distinction
Research groups and institutes
- Energy and Climate Change Mitigation | 0.6474 | FineWeb | ["Low Carbon Energy", "Energy Efficiency", "Energy Demand Reduction"] |
Exploiting the Sacred: Natural Resource Extraction on Native American Tribal Lands
MetadataShow full metadata
Native American cultures possess a strong, spiritual relationship to the natural world around them. They view Mother Earth as the giver of all life and strive to achieve harmony with the environment in which they live. The land itself holds spiritual significance for Native American tribes and is considered to be sacred. However, many Native American tribes have engaged in large scale natural resource extraction, with in and beyond the boundaries of their own tribal lands. While this source of economic gain has had a positive transformative impact on multiple impoverished Indian nations, there are many issues that make the process very difficult. Firstly, the process of large-scale resource extraction is often detrimental to the earth’s ecological systems. This makes resource extraction inherently contradictory to traditional Native American religion, creating a divide between Native traditionalists and those who wish to promote economic growth. Secondly, federal trusteeship of Native American tribal lands has created a federal bureaucracy that makes tribal resource development a very complicated process. As a result, lands and leases are often mismanaged by the federal government to the great disadvantage of tribes. Lastly, a sudden oil boom can bring about dramatic demographic changes to an Indian reservation which is often times met with a lack of infrastructure and preparedness. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the social and legal implications of the barriers listed above, as well as explore Native conceptions of and attitudes towards energy resource extraction. | 0.9949 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Native American Tribal Lands",
"Natural Resource Extraction",
"Environmental and Cultural Implications"
]
``` |
Deep Value Investing: The Capital Cycle Approach
Course Fee: $350* / *Early bird price valid until 31 August 2019 (U.P. $400)
Everyone needs an investment philosophy. In this workshop, we will discuss on these 2 major strategies and how you can use this knowledge to begin constructing a market beating share portfolio.
Key Learning Outcomes:
1) Understand the key concepts and investment mindset required with long-term investing
2) Understand the theory of the capital cycle approach, looking at cycles using demand and supply forces
3) Understand the history of the property and banking industry in Singapore
4) Use the concepts of the theory of capital cycle to explain the cycles seen in the property and banking industry
5) Learn how to construct a portfolio
6) Uncover some common mistakes made by investors when starting out their own portfolios
Section A – What is Value Investing
1. Understanding the philosophy behind value investing
2. How value investing works
3. Key concepts when it comes to value investing
Section B – Market Psychology
1. To beat the market, we have to first understand ourselves; hence, the study of psychology
2. Understand the intricacies between the market and volatility
Section C – Focusing on Deep Value Investing
1. What is deep value investing
2. Deep value investing strategy
3. Case studies of stocks matching the deep value investing strategy that worked
4. Case studies of stocks matching the deep value investing strategy that did not worked and why it did not work
Section D – The Capital Cycle Approach
1. What does the theory of the capital cycle mean
2. Understanding the history of the Singapore property industry
3. How do we apply the capital cycle approach to the Singapore property industry
4. Case study on how we analysed a Singapore property developer
5. Understanding the history of the Singapore banking industry
6. How do we apply the capital cycle approach to the Singapore banking industry
7. Case study on how we analysed Singapore banks
8. How do we apply the capital cycle approach to the retail industry
9. Case study on how we analysed the retail industry
Section E – Portfolio Construction
1. What is portfolio construction
2. Importance of having an investment checklist
3. What are some good checks to have in terms of your own investment checklist
4. Commonly asked questions when investors are first starting out a portfolio
Goh Tee Leng
Goh Tee Leng is the Portfolio Manager of Heritage Global Capital Fund, having over five years of experience in the financial markets and author of InvestingNook.com. He is also the Director at Tat Hwa Group, a privately-held, family-owned investment holding and management company, serving as the foundation of the Group’s umbrella of companies and subsidiaries. Additionally, he is a frequent speaker at investment conferences held by SGX, RHB and CIMB, and his investment-related articles have been published internationally. Tee Leng graduated with a BSc (Hons.) Economics degree from University College London (UCL).
For further enquiries, please email [email protected] or call 6327-5438.
(Operating Hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm)
Terms and Conditions
Singapore Exchange reserves the right to make changes to the time, date, syllabus, speakers, venue or cancel the course if warranted by circumstances beyond its control.
Cancellation and Transfer Policy
Cancellation for a registration must be made in writing at least 10 business days before the event and a refund (less a 10% administrative fee of total course fee) will be made. No refunds will be given for cancellations received less than 10 business days prior to the event. All requests for replacement must be made in writing at least 3 business days prior to the event.
Register online and make payment via credit card by clicking on the “Register” button.
Alternatively, you may wish to make payment by cheque, made payable to “SGX Academy Secretariat“. Please mail your cheque to the following address:
SGX Academy Secretariat
160 Robinson Road
Please provide your name, email, contact number, event title and date on the reverse side of the cheque. Enrolment is contingent upon receipt by Singapore Exchange of full payment and availability of space in the event. A confirmation note will be sent via email 10 business days before the seminar/course commences. | 0.81 | FineWeb | ["Value Investing", "Market Psychology", "Portfolio Construction"] |
Genotyping vs. Sequencing: What’s the Difference?
Here at Orig3n we’re focused on advancing the future of personal care. Our DNA tests are empowering people to use their genetic information to make more informed decisions in their daily lives. Join us as we explain how science and technology come together to create a revolution in self-care.
We’re all inherently interested in what our DNA may be able to tell us about ourselves, but do you really know how your DNA is analyzed after your swab arrives at Orig3n’s lab? Read on to learn the difference between genotyping and sequencing, and discover how we decode your DNA here at Orig3n.
What is DNA?
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material found in each of your cells, and is made up of molecules called nucleotides that provide the instructions an organism needs to develop, live, and reproduce. The sequence of your nucleotides (also known as base pairs) creates a “code” that in turn forms the blueprint of you.
DNA tests help crack that code, offering you personalized insights into your genetic blueprint that can empower you to make choices that may improve your lifestyle. There are two main ways to analyze DNA: genotyping and sequencing. As a comparison, imagine reading a book. Genotyping highlights specific chapters while sequencing is comparable to reading the entire book.
What is genotyping?
Genotyping is used to determine which specific genetic variants an individual possesses. To do this, scientists in the lab look for information at a specific place in your DNA (known as genotyping chips or SNPs) where they know important data will be. By targeting these hyper-focused sections of your DNA, scientists can efficiently and effectively gain insight into an array of different gene variants that an individual possesses.
What is sequencing?
Sequencing is used to determine the exact order of your DNA base pairs. Using sequencing, scientists can either look at a specific portion of DNA (known as your “exome”) or at the entire sequence (known as your “genome”). Unlike genotyping, sequencing does not require prior identification of SNPs or genotyping chips. As a result, sequencing can be used to identify your known genetic variants, as well as new variants that may be unique to a specific individual.
While sequencing offers fascinating insights, the relative newness of the technique has limited its use in market, as it is still relatively costly and time-consuming. For context, it took the Human Genome Project nearly 10 years to successfully map the entire human genome for only a few individuals! While the process is getting faster each and every day, it is still more time consuming than genotyping.
Behind the Science: How Orig3n Decodes Your DNA
Here at Orig3n, we use genotyping to analyze your DNA. By using this technique we’re able to keep our tests affordable, enabling everyone to gain access to their genetic information and make more empowered decisions — which is what we’re focused on each and every day.
Learn more about our DNA testing process …
Whether you’ve already purchased a DNA test or you’re thinking about exploring your options, learn what happens to your DNA test sample once you send your swab back to our Orig3n lab with our article, In the Lab: Where Does My DNA Test Sample Go?
Already have your results?
Learn how to put your DNA results into action! Check out our article, 4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Orig3n DNA Test.
Keep in touch!
Stay in the know on everything Orig3n — including both our DNA tests and regenerative medicine research — by subscribing to our email list. Simply scroll to the bottom of our homepage and enter your email. | 0.6231 | FineWeb | ["Genotyping", "Sequencing", "DNA Testing"] |
Sweet Beets: Making Sugar Out of Thin Air
Department of Biomedical Sciences
UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences
This directed case study introduces students to photosynthesis and illustrates how biology plays a vital role in the carbon cycle and the conversion of energy. Set in North Dakota along the Red River of the North, the case uses the sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) as a model organism for learning about the process of photosynthesis. The case begins by introducing the sugar beet growing season and the plant's anatomy. Students are provided information specific to photosynthesis in sugar beets and are then asked to explore the process in general. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are provided, and after comparing levels between sugar beet growing seasons, students should come to realize that sugars are made from the carbon found in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The case is designed for use in a "flipped" classroom, where students prepare in advance by viewing a number of videos, including one created by the author of the case. Quiz sheets for the recommended videos are included in the teaching notes.
- Describe the functions of the leaves and roots of the sugar beet plant.
- Illustrate the basic process of photosynthesis.
- Construct and interpret graphs of carbon dioxide concentrations and relate them to growing seasons.
- Conclude that sucrose is made from carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis.
KeywordsPhotosynthesis; carbon fixation; Calvin cycle; carbon cycle; chloroplast; sugar beet; agriculture; Beta vulgaris; Red River
Educational LevelHigh school, Undergraduate lower division
Type / MethodsAnalysis (Issues), Directed, Flipped
Subject HeadingsAgriculture | Biology (General) | Environmental Science |
Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
The following video(s) are recommended for use in association with this case study.
- Sweet Beets
This video provides footage from an actual sugar beet field and the beet stockpiles that will make the case more relatable. There is also a basic introduction to photosynthesis in the video that will help prepare students for Part IV of the case study. Created by Sarah R. Sletten for the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, 2015. Running time: 4:01 min.
- Photosynthesis: Fun in the Sun
Got oxygen? Got food? Well, then you've got to have photosynthesis! This video breaks down photosynthesis into the “photo” part (capturing light energy and storing it) and the “synthesis” part (fixing carbon into carbohydrates). Created by The Penguin Prof, 2012. Running time: 14:36 min.
This video explains the process of photosynthesis by which plants and algae can convert carbon dioxide into useable sugar. It begins with a brief description of the chloroplast. It describes the major pigments in a plant (like chlorophyll a and b). It then describes both the light reaction and the Calvin cycle. It finishes with a discussion of photorespiration and strategies for avoiding this problem evolved in CAM and C4 plants. Created by Paul Andersen/Bozeman Science, 2012. Running time: 12:26 min.
- Photosynthesis: Crash Course Biology #8
This video explains the extremely complex series of reactions whereby plants feed themselves on sunlight, carbon dioxide and water, and also create some byproducts we’re pretty fond of as well. Created by Crash Course, 2012. Running time: 13:14 min. | 0.9109 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Photosynthesis",
"Carbon Cycle",
"Sugar Beet Plant Anatomy"
]
``` |
Policy Tasks to Guarantee Family Diversity: Non-marriage and Unrelated Families’ Experiences and Demands of Policy Reform
Kim Young Jeong
Research Fellow, Seoul Foundation of Women & Family
Nowadays, many families are non-traditional or alternative. The non-traditional family units can be same-sex couples/parents, co-habiting couples/parents, and unrelated housemates, and the number of such families has been increasing. This study aims to explore the various forms of family, focusing on the discrimination that non-married and non-kin households experience. Second, it proposes policy changes to guarantee the of Seoul citizens’ rights to family life. The research conducted surveys and focus group interviews of people living in unmarried couples or unmarried housemates and literature analysis of legal data and overseas cases.
The legal system does not recognise them as partners in life and the current family and marriage norms typically deny their relationship. Even though they live together and conduct “family practice,” their rights are not protected. Disapproval of such relations and institutional discrimination resulting from this does not end at an abstract level but is experienced in everyday lives and practical livelihoods. Specific cases include the recognition of common property, exclusion from housing support policies, and the inability to play a guardian's role (hospital, police station, etc.) in emergencies.
To improve these families' lives, the study suggests launching the Seoul Civil Partnership Registration System. Although the regional approach, like the partnership registration system of Japanese local governments, is not guaranteed to be legally binding, it can be expected to improve social awareness and have ripple effects through social approval of actual family relations. In addition, even before full institutional acceptance, it can help resolve discrimination of such families. City hospitals, city-affiliated institutions, and partner companies can use the proposed partnership system to guarantee their rights and make efforts to improve the right to care, economic rights, and social awareness.
*Key words: family, intimacy, family diversity, civil partnership, living together | 0.8015 | FineWeb | ["Family Diversity", "Non-Traditional Family Units", "Policy Reform"] |
A campaign is a collection of marketing activities that includes emails, email workflows, web plugins, print media, online ad campaigns, or any combination of these. You can use supplier-provided or create your own. By creating campaigns, you will be able to gather data in one place for all the marketing activity around a specific product or service.
Each activity in a campaign has its own dashboard. The dashboard is a snapshot of the activity details at any given time. The dashboard display varies based on the activity's status, which can be Draft or Sent. This article covers both the draft and sent statuses.
To navigate to the dashboard, select Campaigns > My Campaigns > select a campaign > select an email.
Activity Dashboard for an Email in Draft Status
For an activity still in Draft status, you can edit details, personalize the content inside the blue dotted lines, add contacts, and schedule deployment. Note that not all suppliers allow for content to be personalized.
In this view, you will see the following:
- Alerts notifying you that tasks need to be completed before the activity can be deployed.
- Buttons to Share on Social Media, Delete the activity, and Edit the activity. Selecting Edit take you to the wizard where you can edit activity details, personalize activities, add or delete recipients, and schedule or unschedule the activity.
- View Email is a preview of the email and is available for email activities that have not been sent.
- Details gives the activity status, email for both the sender and replies, create dates and notifications when the activity is sent.
- Recipients will show the number of recipients or that no recipients are added to the activity.
- Notifications are sent when mailing recipients complete and submit a related form. Additionally, each person set to receive email notification will also receive an email summary report 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after the mailing is sent. For workflow tactics, the Gear icon indicates if the workflow is active and running or paused.
Activity Dashboard for an Email in Sent Status
After the activity is deployed and building statistics, the dashboard will display statistics for the activity. For email mailings, the statistics are Opens, Clicks, Bounces, and Unsubscribes. After deployment the activity can no longer be changed.
In this view, you will see the following:
- Left navigation menu for Activity Dashboard, Leads, Recent Activity, Analysis, and View Activity (email, web plugin).
- Buttons to request Agency Assistance and Share on Social Media.
- The Analysis Bar shows data for Email Opens, Email Clicks, Web Views, Web Clicks, and Leads. The Analysis Bar will display for emails, web plugins, and social media activities. Note that the Emails Sent total does not include emails sent to less than five recipients. The Zift platform assumes that less than 6 recipients indicates a test mailing.
- Details give the activity's status, which is Sent, and the date.
- In Sent status, the activity cannot be edited or personalized.
- For email activities the detail shows the sender's email, the reply-to email, subject, create date, and notifications when the activity is sent. For workflow activities, you will also see entry conditions.
- For workflow tactics, the Gear icon indicates if the workflow is active and running or paused.
- Notifications are sent when mailing recipients complete and submit a related form. Notifications can be edited. Additionally, each person set to receive email notification will also receive an email summary report 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days after the mailing is sent. For workflow tactics, the Gear icon indicates if the workflow is active and running or paused.
- Statistics for the activity. The icons will show as red, green, or yellow based on percentages. Statistics are shown for the following:
- Opens: the number of times the email was opened.
- Clicks: the number of times something in the email was clicked.
- Bounces: indicates the number of hard bounces (either the email address or domain no longer exists).
- Unsubscribes: the number of times recipients clicked the unsubscribe option in the activity.
- Recipients: The total number of activity recipients as well as a breakdown of the number of recipients in each workflow step. | 0.9863 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Campaigns",
"Activity Dashboard",
"Marketing Activities"
]
``` |
"Computer games as media art": In this year, we invited Stephan Schwingeler, a pioneer in the field of game studies and himself alumni of media studies in Trier, to give a keynote at the day of media studies. Taking a media studies perspective, he talked about an area which we consider not often enough. How are computer games used in media art?
Stephan Schwingeler: "Computer games as media art"
Stephan Schwingeler explained that there are three approaches of academic study of computer games:
- In the beginning, computer games were approached from the perspective of film and literature studies, considering them as texts.
- In a reaction to this view, the critical game studies developed later, which focused on the playful aspects of games.
- In the tradition of visual culture, games are explored as images, inviting us to immerse into new worlds. In this regard, Stephan Schwingeler talked about a "spatial turn" in game studies, considering games as navigable spaces.
Art history of computer games
After these introductory remarks, Stephan Schwingeler drew a short media history of computer games as art. "ArsDoom" (1995) is considered the first game to be shown in the context of the art festival Ars Electronica. Peter Weibel, today working at the ZKM in Karlsruhe, instructed the artist Orhan Kipcak with a concept in the form of a game – this resulted in a modification based on the shooting classic "Doom II". Players navigate through a virtual model of the Bruckner building in Linz, and are confronted with giant heads of several artists. The weapons of the original turned into artistic artefacts like the well-known Cross of Joseph Beuys, allowing to defeat the monster heads. Stephan Schwingeler considered "ArsDoom" a "satire", which acts like the "revenge of the medium computer games against the cultural activities".
After "ArsDoom", computer games became established as a medium of art. Stephan Schwingeler sees a new generation of artists, having grown up with computer games, as the reason for this move. Furthermore, it was important that artists had access to computer games as material.
Little history of computer games
The history of the computer game is itself closely related to the history of computers: "Humans started playing with computers as soon as they had access to them." As early as 1958, William Higinbitham developed "Tennis for Two", arguably the first video game of all times. It was based on an oscilloscope, originally meant to show voltage – a classical hack, using technology for new means. "Spacewar!" on the early computer PDP-1 followed in 1962, developed by Steve Russell. The game has been groundbreaking, not only for their character as a pioneer, but also in another respect: The source code was freely available, so that it was possible to copy or change it at any time.
The formerly oppositional computer games became an institution themselves in the 1970s. Since the late 90s only, artists are using methods of appropriation and rededidaction against them.
Claus Pias, Zukünfte der Computer (translation by myself)
In the 1970s, the computer game grew into a veritable mass market – source code became a secret, locked into automats and modules. This restrictive approach to source code made the work of media art harder. However, a little bit later, communities developed which modified games, often in terms of fan projects. The closed character of computer games was picked up by artists like Cory Arcangel and his "Super Mario Clouds", when he disassembled and modified the game modules. This only leaves the characteristic clouds of the game classic "Super Mario" in "Super Mario Clouds" – however, this is not a film, but still rendered live by the game.
Artistic strategies while working with computer games
How do artists use computer games as material of media art? Stephan Schwingeler identified four strategies to answer this question:
- New ornamentation: Games are modified in an artistic way. The aforementioned "ArsDoom" is an example of this approach, or Hunter Jonakin´s "Jeff Koons Must Die!", for which the artists constructed his own arcade automat. The task of the player is destroying the pieces of art by Jeff Koons.
- Reduction and abstraction: Games are reduced to their basic parts. Examples for this approach are the aforementioned "Super Mario Clouds" or "Mario Battle No. 1" by Myfanwy Ashmore. This games uses the game mechanics of "Super Mario Bros.", but in a new context: All enemies, items, and traps have been removed, rendering the game experience completely different.
- Action and performance: This strategy builds on games as actions. The focus of the artist is the idea that players act in games. These actions are used in order to create pieces of art. In "dead-in-iraq", a performance by Joseph DeLappe, the artist uses "America's Army". The game was developed by the US military in order to recruit soldiers. However, DeLappe uses it for his art, throwing his weapon away in the virtual battles and posting the names of soldiers killed in action in the chat.
- Destruction: The final strategy creates unplayable games. In "SOD" by JODI, the game mechanics of "Wolfenstein 3D" are changed so drastically that only fractions of the game are left. The screen is white, apart from geometric black objects, but the player can still navigate through this three-dimensional space. Fragments of the game rest available, like sounds or the weapon in the form of a single point. However, the player cannot really interact with the world in any reasonable way. The artists thus remind of other art works like Robert Rauschenberg's "White Paintings" or Nam June Paik's "Zen for Film".
Media theory: art with computer games between transparency and opacity
Finally, Stephan Schwingeler talked about some media theoretical ideas concerning computer games. Normally, the function of the medium is being invisible, as the players should immerse themselves into the game world, concentrating entirely on the content. Stephan Schwingeler referred to this approach as transparency: The medium itself becomes invisible. However, there are always moments where the game meets the limits, becoming visible again (opacity).
Art often plays with these differences. In the 256th level of Pacman, the characters of the game can get entangled in the source code. The software is based on 8 bits, meaning there are 256 possible levels. It is important to know that counting in bits always begins with 0, so there are values from 0 to 255. Normally, the game was supposed to be infinite in the way that as long as the player still has a life left, there should always be a new level provided. In case a player managed to beat the final level, the game should use the first level again. But a bug in the source code caused the level counter to jump to 256, causing a buffer overflow and executing code which does not make sense. The right half of the screen ist filled with letters, while in the left half, there are not enough points to be gained to beat the level. Players who got that far realize that Pacman is a game without a solution.
Media scholars talk about their jobs
Besides this inspiring brain juice on computer games as media art, there was also applicable advice for entering into a job. We had Lisa Keimburg of the Media Authorities and Julian Ermert of the agency zebralog (Bonn) on the stage, both alumni of media studies in Trier.
Protection of minors and civic participation
Lisa Keimburg is working as consultant for the protection of minors and public relations. She drew a picture of her daily business on the job, where she is not only writing texts or maintaining the web site, but also in charge of a huge part of project management. This is about concluding contracts and checking the results, organizing events, and planning fairs.
Julian Ermert explained what the work is like in a research oriented agency. Zebralog is concentrating on crossmedial projects of civic participation. His activities are the concept, editing and communication of all topics related to civic participation. Project management also plays a vital role in this work.
Most wanted: project management
Thus, project management is one of the topics not covered enough in studies, as both speakers agree. "There was a lot which I had to learn from the ground up", Julian Ermert explained. But project management is difficult to teach outside of practical work, due to the lack of context. However, both speakers said they acquired a lot of relevant abilities during studies. Lisa Keimburg stressed that she learned to work on her own at university. Additionally, the basic knowledge about the German media system, the relationship of media and politics, and media theories proved their value. She also mentioned her experiences in the reception lab, because it is good to know how humans understand content. Julian Ermert endorsed this, explaining that it is important to do research in unknown topics. "A while ago I had to investigate in a very short time which types of disposals exist. This means wading through giant documents", he explained. He stressed structural thinking like the question how stakeholders interact. His task is making complicated things easy to understand.
How to transition into a job
A striking similarity of both speakers was the fluent transition into working life. Lisa Keimburg finished her magister thesis when she already had her trainee position. Julian Ermert told that he started working for zebralog during his master thesis. However, Lisa Keimberg also stressed that it is not unusual to need a bit of time to find the right job after studies. She encouraged alumni: "I observed that with a lot of my friends, but all of them managed to find good job." It is also important to consider the long time periods that candidatures can take, making it reasonable to start applying during the phase of examination.
Naturally, the job life is a noticeable change. "During studies, there is a lot of flexibility, but structures of offices are more rigid", Lisa Keimburg told. "I created a structure with fixed working hours for myself during the process of my magister thesis – but I can image this to be harder for people liking to work at nights."
Julian Ermert said that for him, the biggest change was to be more precise. "Often, you only have a couple of days for a concept, before a colleague needs to take over. This means you have to get to the point." Effective work and a selective view of the essential is important.
Is the master degree worth it?
Should one stay with a bachelor, or continue doing a master? Julian Ermert observed that the master is the rule, but not a necessity. The second studies typically loom more in the work life and offer the opportunity to specialize. In general, it is important to listen to the inner voices and take the opportunities as they emerge. "To a certain degree, it is always a bit of destiny involved, determining where you land – but you can always influence it in the right direction by focusing on a particular topic", Julian Ermert explained. It is thus important to grow an expertise in a topic for which there is a market demand. "This does not mean being blinkered – you should try each area, but always return to your market."
Tribute to the alumni
The yearly tribute to the alumni of Bachelor, Master, or Magister degrees has grown into a nice tradition. It would certainly be too much to give each of the thesis topics the place it deserves – but I was impressed by the range of topics covered.
You can find some impressions from the tribute here: | 0.5532 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Computer Games as Media Art",
"Artistic Strategies in Computer Games",
"Media Theory and Computer Games"
]
``` |
User Interaction Design Through Dance
Her two graceful fingers point towards the sky. The rolling sounds of thunder envelope the lightening-dazzled valleys of Pune. Swaying in her balcony overlooking a verandah with a mango tree, Shravani suddenly widens her eyes, lifts her hands, and her wrists begin to tremble. With two fingers from each hand still pointing to the sky, she traces the path of rains descending on the hills in the distance.
As if on cue, the rain falls heavily on the thousands of thirsty leaves of the mango tree. The young and beautiful Shravani’s dance is expressing her joy at her gaining admission into the prestigious National Institute of Design (NID), a train-journey away in Ahmedabad. The daughter of a dear family friend, Shravani is at the threshold of her new life, sharing for the first time with me her love for design and for Kathak, which is a classical dance-form from India.
When the rain starts to abate her movements slow down, focussing all her energy to the forefinger of each hand tenderly tapping its thumb. Aha! The gentle pitter-patter of a drizzle. In simple, evocative dance moves, she wordlessly expresses the different moods of India’s majestic monsoons. From downpours to light drizzles, lushly lazy to dramatic, thunderous ones.
Her hands and gestures, known as mudras in Kathak, soon melt into evoking the stately poise of a proud peacock, the sudden alertness of a grazing deer, the determined hunt of a ferocious lion, the prowl of a fierce tiger. And finally of course, the dancing form of Shiva, the playfulness of Krishna, the longing of Sita, and the desperate search by a lovelorn Ram.
Design Is Non-Verbal
Like the first exhilarating chirp of a Koyal, or a nightingale, that bursts into song when the rain finishes, a fresh thought dawns into my mind. Through centuries in India, the essence of stories and myths have been expressed using the non-verbal. Elegantly, they cut across the barriers of different languages and our rich and intricate cultures. Generation-after-generation, the eternal truths encoded in our legends are literally danced through gestures and expressions.
We need to trace our steps back to thousands of years, when ancient tribes in India first discovered the art of storytelling through non-verbal communication. Indeed the word ‘Kathak’ is from Sanskrit that literally means ‘story’ and this art relies solely on the dancer’s expressions, gestures, mudras, stance and especially delicate eye movements to evoke emotions while unfolding the story.
When I then turn my gaze to the years just ahead of us, I see the same game at play. Today, the world is a multicultural, plural society. The internet embraces all, the literate and the non-literate. In the present moment, how do we design apps for smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, smart TV, Internet of Things (IoT) and even more that we have not imagined yet for this rich, diverse and global cauldron that bubbles on this planet.
The Womb of Verbs
Design philosophers of the twentieth century from the Bauhaus movement and its minimalism boldly proclaim: ‘Form Follows Function’. Yet I strongly feel that design is not made of just nouns and its associated forms. Design to me is forged from the womb of verbs, actions and interactions. The role of a designer therefore is to design interactions that emotionally touch and delight your customers while fulfilling specific, precise tasks. Exactly like a dance.
To me: ‘Verb Follows Function’ is the new design language of the century. From the flirtatious swipes of the Tinder app, the harmless pokes on Facebook, the pinch and zoom in photos, the flicking of cash in an e-wallet, the exploding and popping of sweets in Candy Crush Saga, all design has become verb follows function. We are transiting from pure user-interface design to user-interaction design.
In Interaction design, there is indeed a form of Kathak at play in your hands. The Natya Shastra, an ancient Indian text on classical arts, has this famous quotation:
“Where the hand is, the eyes follow
Where the eyes go, the mind follows
Where the mind is, there is the feeling
Where there is feeling, there is mood, flavour, sweetness.”
Shravani’s dancing points to a deeper truth: The most fundamental approach today is to design as if the world has turned non-literate.
The objective of design is to use playfulness to enhance usefulness.
Take a look at these stunning and inspiring examples of six second transitions and interactions here for web and smartphones: sixux.com
In the ‘Dive Into Interaction Design’ workshops, I cover a great deal more about every aspect of making the world more meaningful through interactions. Here, for example, are easing functions which choose not just the speed but also the mood of moving elements in a design: http://easings.net/ Each one conveys a mood and emotion in the interaction design. I call this ‘Motion with Emotion’.
Lots more is covered in the workshop, including for instance, finding inspiration from some great film-sequences and opening title sequences in movies. From these we gain insights in interaction design for apps and UI. Am also curating a special board on my Pinterest account, dedicated to great examples and inspirations of interactivity. I may currently be conducting other workshops on Design, so if you do wish me to conduct one on Interaction Design, just write to me, and will inform you of upcoming dates.
Meanwhile, the next time you have to hire a designer or developer, ask them what they understand about dance. Every button, every icon, and every relationship between elements jumps to life with interaction design, because dance is a celebration of life. Need some quick inspiration to dance? Here’s some trippy, groovy music I composed a few months ago for a colleague, ‘Think With Your Feet.’
So go ahead, dance like its raining. It might just help you understand design as definitely being more alive. | 0.5412 | FineWeb | ["User Interaction Design", "Kathak and Non-Verbal Storytelling", "Design Philosophy and Interaction Design"] |
My kids seem to have accumulated a bounty of those tiny candy canes this holiday season (most of which arrived in pieces and shards). Between holiday parades, preschool activities, and treats from the library, we have more peppermint candy than I ever dare to let them eat… so I decided to put them to use the in name of SCIENCE!
These 2 easy preschool activities allow for sensory exploration and discovery while practicing early scientific method skills! Perfect holiday fun at home or in the early learning classroom.
Disappearing Candy Canes
- Candy canes and/or peppermint candies
- Large bins
- Kitchen tools, spoons, cups, sieves, etc.
Use the Scientific Method:
Set Up: I put water in the bin (only about 1/2 inch deep to reduce the amount I would inevitably have to clean off the floor later) and added assorted scooping and stirring tools from the kitchen.
Hypothesize: Kids love to have an opinion! We wondered what would happen if you put candy canes into water, and made some hypotheses about how the candy canes and the water might change.
Collect the Data: We dropped the candy canes into the water and then made observations (this is our DATA – any information we collect during the experiment). It is a great opportunity for kids to practice using their 5 Senses (as long as your bins and hands are clean, they can taste their experiment!).
My kids immediately wanted to start playing and exploring using the tools in the bin. (If your kids can stand to wait before they stir, they will observe a pretty neat effect as the red dye separates from the candy canes.) As they played in the bins, we observed the continuing changes to the candy and the water.
Critical Thinking: Sensory exploration and discovery is a great skill to cultivate, especially for toddlers. But older preschoolers can stretch their brains a bit further and think about the “Why” behind the activity. They can also connect what they have observed happening to the candy cane to similar dissolving substances they may have experienced, such as making Kool-Aid or chocolate milk. (FYI – the simple science is that water is a “solvent” and sugar is a “solute” that breaks down and becomes evenly mixed with the water, forming a “solution”. This is a physical reaction, meaning that it could be reversed by boiling off the water. The sugar would be left in the pan in solid form.)
Change up the Variables: Test what will happen if you drop different shapes of peppermint candies into the water. Perhaps even try other types of candy, such as Starburst, Jolly Ranchers or Gummy Bears… so many tasty hypotheses to test!
Make a Conclusion: This is a great opportunity to practice cause and effect and sentence formation. Have your preschooler form a conclusion about the experiment using the framework – “When we did this, then this happened!”
Keep Asking Questions: Many great experiments begin when kids have follow-up questions they want to explore! (For example: We saw candy canes dissolving in water…but would the same thing happen if we put them in milk or vegetable oil?)
Bubbly Candy Canes
(Because my kids love the baking soda and vinegar reaction so much, I feel like we have to work it in at least once a month or so! This came after the Disappearing Candy Cane experiment because my son wanted to see if we could make the candy canes disappear with vinegar as well.)
- Candy canes and/or peppermint candies
- Large container or pan
- Small container or cup
- Baking soda
- Red Food Coloring
- Pipettes (or the plastic syringes that come with infant Tylenol)
- Optional: Peppermint oil or extract
Use the Scientific Method
Set Up The Experiment: Put a hearty amount of baking soda in the bottom of your pan and sprinkle in your candy canes or peppermints. Add red food coloring to a cup of white vinegar (and peppermint oil if you want to mask the vinegar scent and boost the festive-ness).
Hypothesize: We guessed whether the vinegar and baking soda reaction would dissolve our candy canes quicker than the water did.
Collect The Data: This is again a great opportunity to practice using the 5 Senses to collect data (baking soda and vinegar are also taste-safe, yet not super pleasant!). Kids can observe what happens to the baking soda versus the candy canes when they add the red vinegar (the candy cane will not react with the vinegar, and in fact they do not dissolve as quickly as they do in the water).
Critical Thinking: The “Why” behind the baking soda and vinegar reaction is a bit more scientific than the dissolving candy cane. Vinegar and baking soda produce a chemical reaction (meaning that it cannot be reversed back to the original products) that releases carbon dioxide bubbles. However, when done together, these 2 experiments offer a good opportunity for younger children to explore Similarities and Differences. Aspects to compare and contrast could be Time to Dissolve, Color Change, Sound, Texture, and Smell.
Make a conclusion: A conclusion statement can be a comparison as well as a cause-effect. For example, “When we put the candy canes in water, they dissolved (disappeared) faster than they did in the vinegar and baking soda.”
Ask More Questions: A few examples might be: I wonder what would happen if red water is added instead of red vinegar? or I wonder what other things make fizzy bubbles like those we saw in the experiment? | 0.9817 | FineWeb | ["Science Experiments", "Holidays", "Education"] |
Practical operation skills of ultrasonic cell crusher homogenizers
Ultrasonic cell crusher is also named ultrasonic homogenizer, ultrasonic sonicator, ultrasonic disperser, ultrasonic
emulsifier, it is widely used for Emulsification, Separate, Dispersion, Homogenize, Extract, Dega, Cleaning, Speed
up chemical reaction. Below is some practical operation skills of ultrasonic cell crusher homogenizers.
1. Please be careful not to turn on the ultrasonic work when the ultrasonic probe is not inserted into the sample,
otherwise the noise will increase in the subsequent use. If the ultrasonic start to work without inserting the sample,
the longer the time, the greater damage of ultrasonic emulsification.
2. The water inlet depth of the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic emulsifier is about 1.4cm, and the height of the
liquid level is preferably above 30mm. The ultrasonic probe should be centered without being attached to the wall.
Because the ultrasonic wave is a vertical longitudinal wave, it is not easy to generate heat convection if it is inserted
output power and selection of reaction vessels. The ultrasonic time should not be too long each time, preferably no
more than 5 seconds, and the gap time should be greater than or equal to the ultrasonic time, which is good for the
release of heat. The output power is not suitable for large, otherwise the sample will splash or foam. Of course,
suitable reaction vessels are also beneficial to the thermal convection of the sample in ultrasound, and improve the
high efficiency of crushing.
4. In daily maintenance, clean the ultrasonic probe with ethanol or turn on the ultrasonic with cold water after use.
Various type ultrasonic homogenizer customization, OEM & ODM, factory directly sale to help you save big, in stock
fast delivery, contact [email protected] to enquiry now. | 0.7693 | FineWeb | ["Ultrasonic Cell Crusher Operation", "Maintenance and Care", "Applications and Customization"] |
Good Day Everyone. How is everyone doing? Fine I hope!! In this discussion, I am going to explain the inheritance pattern of the X-Chromosome in DNA Genealogy. Many people are wondering if the X-chromosome can be used in genealogical studies to predict and confirm deep and distant relationships. The answer to that is a current no. The X-chromosome behaves differently from the other chromosomes. Researchers are hard at work trying incorporate it into genealogical studies. Let's take a quick look and see what's going on with the X-chromosome. X-Chromosome Basics As you may know, humans have 46 chromosomes. The first 44 chromosomes are called the autosome chromosomes. The last two chromosomes are the sex chromosomes. The sex chromosomes are the 45th and 46th chromosome respectively. A woman has two X-chromosomes like this -> XX. A man has a single X-chromosome and a single Y-chromosome like this -> XY. One of mysterious things about the X-chromosome is that it is 3 times the size of the Y-chromosome like this -> Xy. (I used the small letter "y" to illustrate this.) In fact, according to some scientists, the Y-chromosome appears to be getting smaller over time and may eventually vanish. Watch out ladies, there may be no more men soon LOL!!!!!!!!! The X-chromosome currently should not be used in any type of deep calculations to predict or suggest distant relationships. FTDNA currently is not using it for predictions. We will see why shortly. However the X-chromosome is still analyzed. It is included in a downloadable file from both Family Tree DNA and 23andME. The X-chromosome has 18,091 SNPs and is 196cMs. For all the newbies out there, let me explain both what a SNP (snip) and cM is. SNP is pronounced "snip". DNA is composed of four bases called A, T, C, and G. A basic DNA segment would be something like this -> CATG. Now suppose a DNA sequence changes from CATG -> CATA. In this case, "G" changed to an "A". This can happen if DNA tries to copy itself and a mistake occurs. The A base is what is referred to as a SNP. The SNP is simply a base that has changed from its original value due to a copying error. Because a woman has two XX chromosomes, a woman actually has 18,091 x 2 -> 36,182 SNPs. A male has only one X-chromosome -> XY. Thus, a male has only 18,091 SNPs. cM stands for centiMorgan. A centiMorgan is a unit of measurement that's looks at the various DNA properties (DNA segments, SNPs, etc) as one. The actual defintion of a centiMorgan is a little different from what is being defined here. I purposely did that to make things easy for everyone to understand. When comparing the DNA between two or more people, the centiMorgan unit is what you want to focus on. X-Chromosome Concepts There are two basic concepts to understand when looking at the X-chromosome. Let's take a look. 1) %Inherited vs %Match - This concept can be confusing but its actually easy. There is a difference between the amount of DNA inherited versus the amount of DNA matched (shared). Suppose a mother has a total of 8 SNPs (4 T's and 4 C's) on both of her chromosome 1-> TTTT and chromosome 2-> CCCC. Remember that each of us get 50% of our parents DNA (SNPs). If the child inherits its chromosome 1 from mom, the child will get -> TTTT, which is four SNPs from mom. (The child could of inherited CCCC as well). If we compare the childs four SNPs (TTTT) to the mother's four SNPs (TTTT), there will be a 100% match!!! This makes sense, because if the mother passed all four T's to the child, then the child should match all four T's. This is what the term "50% Inherited and 100% Match" means. A father (XY) passes his entire single X-chromosome to his daugther. This means that the daugther inherits 100% of the father's 18,091 SNPs. This also means that his daugthers X-DNA is the same as his -> X(daugther)==X(father), which is a 100% match. In addition, because a father received his single X-chromosome from his mother, his daugther will automatically 100% match his mother's (paternal grandmother) X-chromosome as well. On the other hand, the father doesn't pass an X-chromosome to his son. He passes his Y-chromosome to his son. This means the son inherited 0% SNPs and is a 0% percent match. Therefore, a son will not match his father's X-chromosome. A mother with two X-chromosomes (XX) has 36,182 SNPs. Since she passes a single X-chromosome of 18,091 SNPs to her children, both a son and daugther will inherit 50% percent SNPs. This also means that either a son or daugther will match the same 18,091 SNPs, when a child compares their X-chromosome to their mother. That means a 100% match or 196cM matching. Here's a basic chart Parent Child Inherited SNPs Matched SNPs Father Daughter 100% 100% Father Son 0% 0% Mother Daughter 50% 100% Mother Son 50% 100% 2) Recombination - This term refers to a natural process that occurs when a child is being conceived. Basically what happens is that two chromosomes physically "touch" each other and exchange genetic material. Let's take an easier look. Start Touch Recombination X(Blue)--><--X(Red) X(Blue)X(Red) X(Blue/Red)<--->X(Red/Blue) Shown above is an example of recombination in a female. We start off with a blue and red X-chromosome. After the two touch each other and separate, we get two new recombined chromosomes X(Blue/Red) and X(Red/Blue). This is what happens to nearly all of our chromosomes when we are conceived. This is why we all look different. The exception of course is identical twins. Another exception is in a male between his X and Y chromosome. Remember earlier, it was stated that the X-chromosome is larger than the smaller y-chromosome. Because of this size mismatch, there is NO recombination. Start Touch No Recombination X(Blue)--><--y(Red) X(Blue)y(Red) X(Blue)<---->y(Red) This is actually why a Y-DNA test is very powerful and can extend back very far. The Y-chromosome doesn't undergo recombination. The same cannot be said for the mother. Before a mother passes one of her X-chromosomes to her children, the process of recombination occurs. Each child gets a newly recombined X-chromosome with a mixture of SNPs from the mother's parents. Here's a diagram that shows recombination in the mother. Start Recombination X(maternal)--><--X(paternal) X(maternal/paternal)<--->X(paternal/maternal) The recombination that occurs when a mother passes her X-chromosome along is why the X-chromosome can't be used for genealogical studies at this point. Let's see why!!!!!!!! Problems with X-chromosome Inheritance We now have arrived at the meat and potatoes of this discussion. Let's take a look at the reason for the current issues with the X-chromosome. The X-chromosome that's received from your mother is essentially a new X-chromosome. In fact, a brother and sister each will have a different X-chromosome that received from their mother. No matter the amount of recombination, a person still gets 18,091 SNPs from their mother. Here is the issue. Of those 18,091 SNPs you inherited from your mother's X-chromosome, there's currently no way to know how many of those SNPs are from your mother's father (maternal grandfather) or your mother's mother (maternal grandmother). There are at least two minimum scenarios.
- Of the 18,091 maternal SNPs, 100% of those SNPs could have come from one maternal grandparent.
- Of the 18,091 maternal SNPs, 50% of those SNPs could have come from each maternal grandparent.
During the recombination event between Lizzie Kate's maternal and paternal X-chromosomes (X[M]--><--X[P]), there may have been an exchange of DNA. If Lewis Lamar inherited a recombined X-chromosome from Lizzie Kate such as this -> X[Lizzie's mother->12cM/Lizzie's father->12cM], then part of that 24cM that he shares with his 2nd cousin, Juliette Turner, may have come from Lizzie's mother.
In other words, Lizzie Kate's mother may have supplied SNPs to the X-chromosome that Lewis received, that are identical to what Savannah originally had. This would be a coincidental matching of DNA between Savannah Lewis and Lizzie Kate's mother, who are two unrelated people - but it's certainly possible.
On the other hand, all 24cM could have come from Lizzie Kate's father (Lewis Lamar's maternal grandfather). In the end, we have a possible range of 24cM to 196cM for Lewis Lamar. The situation is worse for my grandmother's line.
Savannah Lewis-> Valada Johnson-> Addie Ruth Hardeman-> Juliette Turner Shown above is the line of descent for my grandmother. From Savannah to Valada, that's clearly a 100% match or 196cM. Valada's X-DNA would match 100% to the X-DNA of her mother Savannah. The problem immediately comes in when Valada passes a possible recombined X-chromosome to her daugther Addie Ruth. Some of Savannah's original 196cM could of gotten lowered to at least to 196cM-xcM or more. The problem is we don't how much of the 196cM-xcM at Addie Ruth's level's is Savannah's. Addie Ruth's maternal grandfather, Albert Johnson Sr, may have contributed SNPs to the 196cM-xcM that may coincidentally match SNPs that were originally present in Savannah Lewis. If we proceed on down to my paternal grandmother, Addie Ruth passes a recombined X-DNA to Juliette Turner. We again don't know how much of Savannah's is present in the final 24cM that was detected in Juliette. Juliette's maternal grandfather, Vines Hardeman, may have removed and supplied X-DNA SNPs that were identical to what Savannah Lewis originally contributed. Therefore Savannah's original contribution may have been further lowered!!!! So to answer the question - Is the 24cM from Savannah Lewis? The answer is that at this time it's unknown. All 24cMs could be from Savannah Lewis. At this point, there is no tool that exists that can reliably trace back to verify. As one can see, a maternal grandparent can contribute unknown cMs (percentages) that coincidentally may match what another maternal grandparent originally had. If that's the case, then one cannot say that the entire 24cMs is from the ancestor in question (Savannah Lewis). We would have to show that none of Lewis Lamar or Juliette Turner's maternal grandparents, who are outside the line of descent from Savannah Lewis, made any contribution to the shared 24cMs of X-DNA. No one as of yet has been able to design an algorithm that can make consistent predictions based on the X-chromosome's haphazard mode of inheritance. The autosome chromosomes don't exhibit this mode of inheritance. Off the bat, it's known that a person receives 50% from each parent, 25% from grandparents, 12.5% from great-grandparents, etc. Essentially, the autosomal DNA amounts are "summed up" before hand, and an algorithm can be based on that. Let's take a look a 2nd example from my family with a larger shared X-DNA amount. Family Example 2: Possible X-Chromosome Inheritance My mother is Muriel J. Mitchell. My mother's first cousin is Lonette Fay Lanier. Muriel and Lonette are first half cousins. Both Muriel and Lonette shared the same grandmother - Annie Elizabeth Mitchell (1884-1938). It turns out that Lonette and Muriel share 58.8cMs of X-DNA. The question we want to ask is this: Is the 58.8cM of shared X-DNA from Annie Elizabeth Mitchell? To answer this question, we want to look at both Muriel and Lonette's line of descent from their grandmother - Annie Mitchell. To begin, we start off with 196cM of X-DNA in Annie Mitchell. Annie Elizabeth Mitchell -> Ulysses C. Mitchell -> Muriel J. Mitchell From Annie Mitchell to her son Ulysses, we have a passing of a single X-chromosome of 196cM. Ulysses Mitchell is a 100% match to his mother Annie Mitchell. Ulysses Mitchell then passes his only non-recombined X-chromosome of 196cM to his daugther - Muriel J Mitchell. Muriel is a 100% match to Ulysses AND to her paternal grandmother - Annie Elizabeth Mitchell as well. This is because there was no recombination (no exchange of X-DNA) that occurred between X and Y chromosome within Ulysses Mitchell. Therefore all of Muriel's X-chromosomal DNA is from her paternal grandmother. However 58.8cMs of that 196cM matches Lonette. Let's take at Lonette's line of descent to answer our question. Annie Elizabeth Mitchell -> Nancy Lula Proctor -> Lonette Fay Lanier Annie Elizabeth Mitchell passes a single X-chromosome of 196cMs of DNA to her daugther - Nancy Lula Proctor. This is a 100% match if Nancy compared her X-chromosome to her mother - Annie Mitchell. Nancy then passes a recombined X-chromosome of 196cM to her daugther - Lonette Lanier. Of that shared 196cMs of X-DNA, 58.8cM matches Muriel Mitchell. The problem is that Lonette's maternal grandfather - Charles A. Proctor - may have removed and then supplied SNPs to the shared 58.8cMs of X-DNA. By coincedence, Lonette's maternal grandfather - Charles Proctor - may have supplied SNPs that may match what originally was present on Annie Mitchell's X-chromosome. If that's true, then all of the shared 54cMs of X-DNA is NOT from Annie Mitchell. We would have to show that Lonette Lanier is a 100% match to her maternal grandmother to prove that the shared 58.8cM of X-DNA is from their grandmother - Annie Mitchell. In the end, Muriel and Lonette share 58.8cMs of X-DNA that all could be from Annie Mitchell. To makes things interesting - let's throw my line of descent into the mix as Lonette and myself share 58.3cMs of X-DNA. (Lonette Lanier-> X-58.3cM <-Steve Handy Jr.) Annie Elizabeth Mitchell -> Ulysses C. Mitchell -> Muriel J. Mitchell -> Steve Handy Jr Continuing from above - Muriel passes a recombined X-chromosome of 196cM to myself. Of that 196cM - I share 58.3cM of X-DNA with Lonette Lanier. The problem is that my maternal grandmother - Odessa Ridgeway - may have replaced and supplied SNPs to my maternally inherited X-chromosome. Odessa Ridgeway may have supplied SNPs on my X-chromosome that were identical to what Annie Mitchell orignally contributed. If that's true, then all of the shared 58.3cM of X-DNA is NOT from Annie Mitchell. In my line of desent - there are two potential maternal grandparents of mine that could of contributed to the shared 58.3cM of DNA between me and my cousin Lonette. We would have to show that none of those maternal grandparents made any contribution to the 58.3cM of X-DNA. Given the X-chromosome's unpredictable mode of inheritance, that's currently not possible to do. It's easy to assume that a large amount of X-DNA is from a shared ancestor - but with the X-chromosome - it's not always as simple as that. There's one more concept that needs to be touched on before ending the discussion - coincidental matchings. IBS and Noise Someone once said the truth is stranger than fiction. Indeed this is the case in this final discussion. It's logical to think that two or more people who share DNA are automatically related. In reality, this is partially true. Living things may share DNA due to simple chance and coincidence. For example, a bird and bat both have wings. However they both evolved those structures in two separate and independant lines. IBS stands for Identical By State. It's a term that essentially means a matching of DNA via chance or coincedence. Noise is simply IBS that's created by the DNA test itself. Noise is simply a reflection of the imperfection inherent in any man made tool or test. Noise and IBS appear frequently in X-chromosomal matchings. For example, remember that a father never passes an X-chromosome to his son. Thus, there would be a 0% matching between the X-chromosomes between a father and son. However, due to noise, it can be shown an X-chromosome matching between a father and son, say at 3cM, can occur. Clearly that would be noise and should be ignored accordingly. Well that's it for basic X-chromosome inheritance. Basically if you want to use the X-chromosome, then the most it can be used for is 1st or 2nd generation predictions and matchings. An example of where the X-chromosome can be used in genealogical studies is between two female cousins whose fathers are siblings. (Each father must have the same mother) Each female cousin's paternal X-chromosome is a 100% match to their shared paternal grandmother. This is because there is zero recombination between the X and Y chromosomes of the father. The father simply passes a non-recombined X-chromosome to his daughter. That non-recombined X-chromosome has the entire 196cMs of X-DNA which is passed down intact from the cousin's paternal grandmother. If both female cousins share, say 100cMs of X-DNA, then clearly that shared amount of X-DNA is from their shared paternal grandmother. Beyond the grandparents, the X-chromosome simply is not a reliable genetic structure that can be used at this time. This is due to the X-chromosome's unpredictable mode of inheritance. Hopefully in time, our understanding of the X-chromosome's mode of inheritance will improve. This may lead to an algorithm that can based on it and thus the X-chromosome can be used in deep genealogical studies. As always, it been a pleasure to serve and help you Thanks Steve Handy | 0.7269 | FineWeb | ["X-Chromosome Basics", "X-Chromosome Concepts", "Problems with X-chromosome Inheritance"] |
In a recent stream, I talked to philosopher Djalma Beorne about a philosopher named Charles Sanders Peirce. We talked about how you can have a betting game where 50% of people will win and 50% of people will lose in each round, but you will have a probability of 100% that you can play it to become richer.
So we spend a bit of time trying to sort out this paradox. In the stream we unravel this problem. I will work out the solution here, but if you want to watch the whole stream, the link can be found here.
You can see the statement of the problem in Pierce’s lecture on The Maxim Pragmatism found in Chapter 10 of his collected works.
There are many problems connected with probabilities which are subject to doubt. One of them, for example, is this: Suppose an infinitely large company of infinitely rich men sit down to play against an infinitely rich bank at a game of chance, at which neither side has any advantage, each one betting a franc against a franc at each bet. Suppose that each player continues to play until he has netted a gain of one franc and then retires, surrendering his place to a new player.
In order to solve this problem you want to figure out the probability you will eventually reach a gain of one franc. He sets up a basic principle in probability, independent events. The point here is simple, let us say that you have a chance of ⅙ of rolling a 1 on a 6 sided dice. What is the probability of it happening twice or in other words getting two 1s. Here it is 1/6 * 1/6 = 1/36. If the events don’t affect each other they are independent and thus if you want to see the probability of them both happening you simply multiply them.
So Peirce points out this nugget of wisdom. Each player has an infinite quantity of money. This means no matter how much money you win or lose it will not affect your probability of being able to win or lose; In other words you can’t go broke. This means that the probability of winning on net 2 francs is just the probability of winning on net 1 franc twice. Each event is independent.
He then wants to try to calculate the probability of being able to win 1 franc and thus walk away a winner. The probability of gaining 1 franc is the probability of winning plus the probability of losing and then gaining on net 2 francs from the position of losing one. You either win 50% of the time and get to walk away instantly; If you lose the other 50% of the time, then you will need to win twice to come back.
We need to remember that since we have an infinite quantity of francs, that being up or down any quantity of francs does not change the probability of being able to go up or down any quantity of francs. This means that we can substitute the probability of gaining 2 francs for gaining 1 franc squared.
Now that we have only 1 variable to solve for we can turn this into a quadratic equation. This is something you learn how to solve in algebra.
Here the result of these equations tells us that there is only one solution, the probability you will walk away 1 franc richer is 1 or in order words 100%. This is assuming you are infinitely rich and playing against an infinitely rich bank in the way Peirce described. However under this scheme you have a 50% chance of winning or losing each bet. There is always someone who will in theory lose all the games they play, especially if they are among an infinite quantity of rich men. So how does this make sense that the probability you will win is 100%.
Let us imagine here that you have an apples orchard that is full of trees. Now say that so far you have yielded 1000 apples. Now before the next season you plant your last tree that will yield 10 apples per year, this brings the total yield to 100 apples per year. What is the probability that out of all the apples you have gained from the orchard they came from the final tree. Here it would depend on the year.
After 10 years the probability will be 5%. But the question I put to you is this, what would the probability be after an infinite amount of time has passed. Understanding the logic of limits, we observe that this probability will tend towards 10% as the years progress. What is significant about this relationship is that both the final tree and the whole orchard will have produced an infinite quantity of trees, but we can see that just because you are comparing infinities does not mean they are equal.
Now let us think about a bank. You have an account in the bank that starts with 100 dollars and it grows at 10% per year. Now the whole bank starts with 1000 dollars and grows as a whole at 21% per year. What is the probability at a given time a dollar in the bank is yours?
We can simplify this equation.
So here about 10 years in, the probability is about 3.8%. What about an infinite number of years? Well we can observe the size of the bank grows exponentially faster compared to your bank account. This means that the ratio of your bank account to the size of the bank will forever shrink and approach zero. Just because the probability of selecting one of your dollars in the bank is zero doesn’t mean you don’t have any money in the bank. Here in fact, it doesn’t mean you don’t have an infinite quantity of money in the bank. The relationship as we have determined can still be zero.
Pierce shows that we think about probability as the relationship of occurrences in an infinite quantity of instances. What we observe is that over time an infinite quantity of infinitely rich men who sit down to play against the infinitely large bank are down money. But in comparison to the total lot of the infinite gamblers this tends towards zero as more games are played. This explains how an infinite quantity of people can lose, but still the probability of losing is zero. | 0.8863 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Probability Theory",
"Charles Sanders Peirce",
"Paradox of Infinite Richness"
]
``` |
Talin, an adaptor between integrin and the actin cytoskeleton at sites of cell adhesion, was recently found to be present at neuronal synapses, where its function remains unknown. Talin interacts with phosphatidylinositol-(4)-phosphate 5-kinase type Iγ, the major phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]–synthesizing enzyme in brain. To gain insight into the synaptic role of talin, we microinjected into the large lamprey axons reagents that compete the talin–PIP kinase interaction and then examined their effects on synaptic structure. A dramatic decrease of synaptic actin and an impairment of clathrin-mediated synaptic vesicle endocytosis were observed. The endocytic defect included an accumulation of clathrin-coated pits with wide necks, as previously observed after perturbing actin at these synapses. Thus, the interaction of PIP kinase with talin in presynaptic compartments provides a mechanism to coordinate PI(4,5)P2 synthesis, actin dynamics, and endocytosis, and further supports a functional link between actin and clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
In order for neurotransmitter release to continue reliably, neurotransmitter-containing synaptic vesicles must be rapidly and locally recycled. One predominant mechanism for their recycling involves clathrin-mediated endocytosis, a process that occurs at the periphery of active zones of secretion within an actin-rich region called the “periactive,” or endocytic, zone (Roos and Kelly, 1999; Teng and Wilkinson, 2000). Clathrin-mediated synaptic vesicle recycling requires intrinsic coat proteins and accessory factors, including actin regulatory proteins, as well as the interactions of these proteins with phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2], a phosphoinositide concentrated in the plasma membrane (Slepnev and De Camilli, 2000; Morgan et al., 2002).
Because PI(4,5)P2 participates in both clathrin coat and actin nucleation, it is important to identify how the presynaptic pool of PI(4,5)P2 is generated and maintained (Wenk and De Camilli, 2004). Two enzymes concentrated at synapses, phosphatidylinositol-(4)-phosphate 5-kinase type Iγ (PIPKIγ) and the polyphosphoinositide phosphatase synaptojanin, synthesize and degrade, respectively, a large fraction of the presynaptic pool of PI(4,5)P2 (McPherson et al., 1996; Cremona et al., 1999; Gad et al., 2000; Harris et al., 2000; Wenk et al., 2001; Verstreken et al., 2003; Di Paolo et al., 2004). Membrane recruitment and enzymatic activity of PIPKIγ are regulated by interactions with its membrane-localized binding partners, Rho family and Arf6 GTPases (Honda et al., 1999; Krauss et al., 2003). In addition, the predominant splice variants of PIPKIγ expressed in brain contain a unique 28-aa COOH-terminal extension that interacts with the focal adhesion protein talin (Di Paolo et al., 2002; Ling et al., 2002; Giudici et al., 2004). Although talin is present together with PIPKIγ at synapses, its function either pre- or post-synaptically is unknown. The interaction of talin with PIPKIγ is likely to be very important because it greatly up-regulates the catalytic activity of PIPKIγ in vitro (Di Paolo et al., 2002).
Talin is an adaptor between integrins and actin that mediates bi-directional integrin signaling at cell adhesion sites (Calderwood et al., 1999; Critchley et al., 1999; Calderwood and Ginsberg, 2003). The two highly homologous talin isoforms (talin 1 and 2) comprise a 47-kD NH2-terminal globular head and a 190-kD COOH-terminal rodlike tail. The tail has multiple binding sites for actin and vinculin, and the head contains a band 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin-like (FERM) domain that binds β-integrins, actin, and PI(4,5)P2 (Calderwood et al., 1999; Di Paolo et al., 2002; Ling et al., 2002). The FERM domain also contains the PIPKIγ binding site, which overlaps with the integrin binding site. These two interactions are mutually exclusive and competitive (Barsukov et al., 2003; Calderwood et al., 2004). Thus, a dynamic cycle has been proposed in which talin first recruits PIPKIγ to the membrane to generate PI(4,5)P2, and then upon binding PI(4,5)P2, shifts to integrin (Barsukov et al., 2003; Ling et al., 2003; Calderwood et al., 2004). Because talin exists as an antiparallel homodimer, another possibility is that the dimer simultaneously binds both PIPKIγ and integrin. Perturbation of these interactions in fibroblasts disrupts actin and causes cell detachment (Di Paolo et al., 2002; Ling et al., 2002).
At synapses, talin may participate in the recruitment of PIPKIγ to the membrane in order to generate the PI(4,5)P2 pool involved in clathrin coat and actin dynamics during vesicle recycling (Di Paolo et al., 2004). The lamprey reticulospinal synapses provide a tractable model to examine this question because of the prominence of the actin surrounding the large vesicle clusters (Gad et al., 2000; Shupliakov et al., 2002; Bloom et al., 2003). Here, we capitalize on the unique features of these synapses to demonstrate that perturbing talin function and, more specifically, perturbing its interactions at the PIP kinase binding site, drastically affects both actin dynamics and synaptic vesicle endocytosis. These results demonstrate that talin functions presynaptically within a protein network that links phosphoinositide metabolism to actin and clathrin coat dynamics.
Results And Discussion
The talin interaction with a PIP kinase is conserved in lamprey
In Western blots of rat brain protein extracts, talin immunoreactivity migrates as a 230-kD band (Fig. 1 A) and a 190-kD proteolytic fragment lacking the head domain (Bolton et al., 1997; Fig. 1 A). Affinity chromatography using a GST fusion protein of the 28-aa COOH-terminal tail of human PIPKIγ (GST-PIPKIγ tail) resulted in the purification of the upper talin band, as expected (Fig. 1 A; Di Paolo et al., 2002). The proteolytic fragment, which lacks the PIPKIγ binding site, remained in the supernatant. Talin was the only major band retained by GST-PIPKIγ tail, as shown by Coomassie blue staining of the affinity-purified material (Fig. 1 B). Similarly, anti-talin antibodies recognized two proteins in lamprey spinal cord extracts of the appropriate size for talin and its proteolytic fragment (Fig. 1 C), and the larger protein, which corresponded to a major band visible by Coomassie blue (Fig. 1 D), was pulled down by GST-PIPKIγ tail. Western blots of lamprey extracts with an anti-PIPKIγ antibody raised against the 28-aa COOH-terminal tail revealed a 90-kD protein doublet that was affinity purified by a GST fusion protein of human talin head (GST-talin head; Fig. 1 E). Immunoprecipitates generated by this PIPKIγ antibody from lamprey extracts contained a much higher PIP2-synthesizing activity than did the control, as demonstrated by TLC separation of 32P-labeled phosphoinositides generated by in vitro incubation with brain lipids and γ-[32P] ATP (Fig. 1 F). Further, using anti-talin antibodies, PIPKIγ was coimmunoprecipitated from both rat brain (Fig. 1 G, middle lane) and lamprey extracts (Fig. 1 H, left lane) (Di Paolo et al., 2002). Thus, lamprey contains a PIP kinase that interacts with talin. Immunostaining of lamprey spinal cord cross sections demonstrated that talin is concentrated at synapses, including those of the large reticulospinal axons, as shown by its colocalization with the synaptic protein synapsin (Fig. 1 I) (De Camilli et al., 1983; Pieribone et al., 1995).
A PIPKIγ peptide inhibits the interaction of a PIP kinase with talin in lamprey
Next, we characterized a 14-mer PIPK peptide (PIPK pep) centered around the minimal talin-binding site in human PIPKIγ, WVYSPL (Fig. 2 A; Di Paolo et al., 2002). Pre-incubation of rat brain extracts with PIPK pep nearly completely abolished the ability of anti-talin antibodies to coprecipitate PIP kinase both from rat brain (Fig. 1 G, fourth lane) and lamprey spinal cord extracts (Fig. 1 H; right lane). In contrast, a mutant PIPK peptide (Mut PIPK pep; Fig. 2 A) in which the critical tryptophan was replaced by an alanine had negligible effects (Fig. 1 G, fifth lane). Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed that PIPK pep binds to the head of talin in a saturable manner (Fig. 2, B and C) with a KD of 0.65 μM, as determined by fitting to a nonlinear least squares function. This value is roughly in agreement with previous measurements made by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using a slightly longer PIPKIγ peptide (Barsukov et al., 2003). Mut PIPK pep demonstrated only negligible binding to talin head (Fig. 2, D and E).
PIPK peptide inhibits the accumulation of actin at periactive zones
Lamprey reticulospinal axons form en passant synapses with motor neurons. The large vesicle clusters at these synapses are surrounded by a ring of actin at periactive zones that can be visualized by the microinjection of fluorescently labeled phalloidin (Fig. 3 A) (Shupliakov et al., 2002). To determine whether the talin–PIPK interaction regulates this pool of synaptic actin, individual lamprey axons were first microinjected with rhodamine-conjugated Mut PIPK pep or PIPK pep (red), and immediately after with Alexa 488–phalloidin (green). Although the Mut PIPK peptide did not affect the accumulation of phalloidin fluorescence at synapses, PIPK peptide strongly inhibited this accumulation (Fig. 3, B and C). The PIPK peptide caused an average 64% reduction in the synaptic phalloidin fluorescence at intra-axonal concentrations >10 μM, which is within the range expected to compete the talin–PIPK interaction (Fig. 3 D). This effect is likely an underestimation because the intensity of synaptic phalloidin fluorescence at sites of highest PIPK peptide concentration was often at the limit of detectability, and therefore was not measured. Even at concentrations as high as 200–700 μM, Mut PIPK peptide had no effect on synaptic phalloidin fluorescence (Fig. 3 D).
The decreased accumulation of synaptic actin observed upon PIPK peptide injection may result from reduced PI(4,5)P2 levels as a consequence of impairing talin-mediated PIP kinase recruitment to the membrane. Additional effects of PIPK peptide on actin may be produced by a perturbation of the talin–integrin interaction, although this remains to be explored. Consistent with the results reported here, microinjection of antibodies directed against the PI(4,5)P2 phosphatase synaptojanin (e.g., a treatment that is expected to increase PI(4,5)P2) produced the opposite effect, which was a hypertrophy of perisynaptic actin at lamprey synapses (Gad et al., 2000).
PIPK peptide perturbs clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Next, we examined the effect of PIPK peptide on synaptic vesicle trafficking using EM. Axons were microinjected with either PIPK or mutant peptide, stimulated (20 Hz for 5 min) to induce exocytosis and compensatory synaptic vesicle recycling, and then fixed (Pieribone et al., 1995). Electron micrographs of synapses within mutant PIPK peptide–injected axons revealed the typical large synaptic vesicle clusters and very few clathrin-coated pits (Fig. 4 A). Under these stimulation conditions, synaptic vesicle recycling is very efficient in control synapses. In contrast, images of synapses from PIPK peptide–injected axons revealed numerous clathrin-coated pits and large folds of the plasma membrane at periactive zones that often extended toward the postsynaptic cell (Fig. 4, B and C). In addition, the average number of synaptic vesicles per synapse in PIPK peptide–injected axons was 33% smaller than in mutant PIPK peptide–injected control axons, indicating that synaptic vesicle recycling was perturbed (Fig. 4 D; P < 0.05; t test). A measurement of the plasma membrane cross-sectional profile within a 1-μm radial distance from the outer edge of the active zone revealed a twofold increase in length relative to mutant PIPK pep, denoting a striking expansion of the plasma membrane (Fig. 4 E; P < 0.05 × 10−6; t test). Further, the total number of clathrin-coated profiles per synapse dramatically increased 10-fold in the presence of PIPK pep (Fig. 4 F; P < 0.05 × 10−8; t test). When the coated profiles were staged according to state of maturation, the greatest increase was observed in unconstricted coated pits (Fig. 4 G).
To further assess the specificity of the effects on synaptic vesicle recycling, we injected GST-talin head. This reagent is expected to compete the interactions of the FERM domain of endogenous talin with its binding partners. Electron micrographs of stimulated synapses within axons injected with GST-talin head revealed a perturbation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis at synapses similar to that observed with PIPK pep (Fig. 5). Compared with GST controls, GST-talin head caused an increase in the length of the plasma membrane cross-sectional profile around synapses (Fig. 5, A, B, and E; P < 0.05 t test), and a twofold increase in the number of clathrin-coated profiles (Fig. 5 F). Like the PIPK peptide, GST-talin head specifically increased the number of unconstricted coated pits (Fig. 5, B, C, and G; P < 0.05 t test), further supporting a presynaptic role for talin in coated vesicle maturation. Only a modest, nonstatistically significant decrease in the number of synaptic vesicles was observed in the presence of GST-talin head (Fig. 5 D). The less dramatic phenotype observed with GST-talin head, rather than with the PIPK peptide, likely reflects the lower axonal concentration that was achieved by microinjection of this fusion protein, which was estimated to be in the range of 0.5–2.5 μM (i.e., in the same range of the KD of the talin–PIPK interaction). However, the similarity to the PIPK peptide phenotype indicates that GST-talin head targeted the same process.
The ultrastructural changes produced by the microinjection of both the PIPK peptide and the GST-talin head indicate a kinetic delay or an arrest of the clathrin-mediated endocytic reaction. The increased number of coated pits may seem at odds with the role of PI(4,5)P2 in nucleating clathrin coat formation (Wenk and De Camilli, 2004). However, partial recruitment of PIPKIγ to the plasma membrane may occur by alternate mechanisms even when the interaction with talin is prevented. For example, PIPKIγ recruitment may occur via interactions with Rho family or Arf6 GTPases (Chong et al., 1994; Honda et al., 1999; Krauss et al., 2003). Given that the PIP kinase interactions with Arf6 and Rho occur outside the talin-binding region (because the interactions are conserved amongst all type I PIP kinase isoforms), it is unlikely that our reagents altered recruitment by these GTPases (Doughman et al., 2003). Thus, the recruitment of PIPKIγ by small GTPases may produce sufficient amounts of PI(4,5)P2 for clathrin coat nucleation by the clathrin adaptors. Other PI(4) 5-kinases may also come into play. Furthermore, accumulation of clathrin-coated pits could occur in the presence of lower PI(4,5)P2 levels if coat maturation was delayed.
Strikingly, the majority of clathrin-coated pits observed at PIPK peptide–treated synapses have a wide neck, reflecting a defect at an early stage of endocytosis. A similar accumulation of unconstricted clathrin-coated pits was observed at these synapses after treatment with actin-disrupting toxins (Shupliakov et al., 2002). Thus, our experiments seem to have perturbed regulatory mechanisms at the interface between endocytosis and actin (Qualmann and Kessels, 2002; Engqvist-Goldstein and Drubin, 2003). We note that dynamin, a GTPase critically implicated in the fission of endocytic vesicles, is thought to function as an actin regulatory protein (Lee and De Camilli, 2002; Schafer, 2004). Dynamin's recruitment to endocytic intermediates and its activity are regulated in part by its interaction with PI(4,5)P2 (Schmid et al., 1998). Talin may affect a PI(4,5)P2 pool specifically involved in an actin-dependent maturation of endocytic intermediates.
A conclusion of our work is that talin participates in the biology of periactive zones of synapses by regulating actin and clathrin coat dynamics. Although it cannot be completely excluded that some of the PIPK peptide effects may result from perturbing interactors other than talin, in vitro binding experiments have shown that talin is by far the major binding partner of PIPKIγ (Fig. 1 C; Di Paolo et al., 2002). Furthermore, the fact that talin head produces a phenotype on vesicle trafficking similar to that of the PIPK peptide supports the hypothesis that PIPKIγ acts primarily by disrupting talin function. The prominent effects of the PIPK peptide on both actin and clathrin-mediated endocytosis in our work provides further evidence for a close functional link between these processes (Merrifield et al., 2002; Shupliakov et al., 2002; Kaksonen et al., 2003). Accordingly, a number of possible molecular links between actin and clathrin-mediated endocytosis, which include Hip/Hip1R, dynamin, intersectin, PACSIN/syndapin, tuba, and cortactin, have been described previously (Qualmann and Kessels, 2002; Engqvist-Goldstein and Drubin, 2003).
These results extend our knowledge of the importance of phosphoinositide metabolism and actin polymerization during vesicle trafficking at the synapse and establish a role for talin in coordinating these processes. Further, our results suggest that synapses share mechanisms to coordinate membrane–cytoskeletal dynamics in common with other sites of cell adhesion.
Materials And Methods
Protein and lipid biochemistry
Human PIPKIγ tail (aa 635–662) and human talin 2 head (aa 1–438) were expressed as GST fusion proteins and purified using a standard protocol. Affinity chromatography, immunoprecipitation, and TLC experiments were performed as described previously (Wenk et al., 2001; Di Paolo et al., 2002).
Rhodamine-conjugated PIPK peptide and mutant PIPK peptide were synthesized at the W.M. Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory (Yale University, New Haven, CT). The anti-talin antibody (TD77) used for detecting talin from GST pulldowns and with immunofluorescence was purchased from CHEMICON International, Inc. Anti-synapsin antibody was provided by Dr. Ona Bloom (Yale University, New Haven, CT). Anti–human talin 2 used for IPs and anti-PIPKIγ antibodies were generated in the De Camilli laboratory.
Peptides (300 μM) were repeatedly delivered (6 μl/injection; 23°C) into an ITC chamber containing 11 μM GST-talin head. The heat generated by each injection was measured and then analyzed with an ITC version of Microcal Origin 5.0 using embedded nonlinear least squares fitting routines. ITC experiments were performed at the Biophysics Resource of the W.M. Keck Foundation Biotechnology Resource Laboratory.
Adult lampreys (Ichthyomyzon unicuspis) were anaesthetized with tricaine methanesulfonate (0.1 g/l tank water). A spinal cord segment was removed and transferred ventral side up to a chamber containing ice-cold, oxygenated ringer (mM): 91 NaCl, 2.1 KCl, 2.6 CaCl2, 1.8 MgCl2, 4.0 glucose, and 2.0 Hepes-KOH, pH 7.4. Ventral orientation permits easy access to the large diameter (20–100 μm) reticulospinal axons.
Fluorescent reagents were diluted with lamprey internal solution (180 mM KCl and 10 mM Hepes-KOH, pH 7.4), loaded into glass microelectrodes, and then injected into several reticulospinal axons maintained at 10–15°C using N2 pulses delivered by a General Valve Picospritzer (10–100 psi; 10–200 ms; 0.3–1.0 Hz). Fluorescence was visualized with a microscope (Axioskop 2FS; Carl Zeiss MicroImaging, Inc.) using 10 and 40× water-immersion objectives. Images were acquired with a CCD camera (Photometrics Cascade 650; Roper Scientific) and analyzed with Metamorph software (Universal Imaging Corp.).
To quantify the PIPK peptide effect on actin, images of Alexa 488–phalloidin (Molecular Probes, Inc.) rings were taken at 40×. The axonal background fluorescence was subtracted and then divided from the synaptic fluorescence value in order to normalize for differences in amounts of injected phalloidin. All synapses within a 60-μm segment centered at the injection site were analyzed and then an averaged for each axon. Peptide concentration was measured by comparing the average rhodamine intensity within the 60-μm segment to a calibration curve.
Reagents were injected into single axons nearest the spinal cord central canal. Bright field and fluorescence images were made for later identification of the injected axon. The axon was then stimulated intracellularly by action potentials using depolarizing pulses (1 ms; 30–100 nA; 20 Hz, 5 min), which were delivered via an Axoclamp 2B amplifier (Axon Instruments). Preparations were fixed overnight (3% glutaraldehyde, 1% formaldehyde, and 0.1% phosphate buffer; pH 7.4), processed for EM as described in Pieribone et al. (1995), and imaged (28,500×) using a microscope (model CM10; Philips).
To measure the cross-sectional profile of the plasma membrane, a straight line was drawn between the outer edge of the active zone and a point on the plasma membrane located 1 μm away. The curved profile of the plasma membrane between these two points was measured and then divided by the straight distance.
The authors would like to thank Chrissie Horensavitz for EM assistance, Sergey Voronov for ITC data analysis, and Henry Tan for help with digital reproduction.
This work was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants (NS36251 and CA46128) to P. De Camilli, NIH NRSA (F32 MH067385) and Grass Foundation Fellowship to J.R. Morgan, a DFG fellowship to H. Werner, and a NIH grant (NS037823) to V.A. Pieribone.
Abbreviations used in this paper: FERM, band 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin-like; ITC, isothermal titration calorimetry; PI(4,5)P2, phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate; PIPKIγ, phosphatidylinositol-(4)-phosphate 5-kinase type Iγ. | 0.8169 | FineWeb | ["Cell Adhesion", "Synaptic Vesicle Endocytosis", "Actin Dynamics"] |
Wandering Jew Plant or Tradescantia Zebrina is an extremely beautiful but low-maintenance indoor houseplant. Considered invasive in nature in a lot of areas around the world, this quality of the plant makes it an increasingly popular indoor vining houseplant. Their characteristic heart-shaped leaves with a deep purple hue, stands them out from an army of indoor varieties, making them ideal decor plants.
About Tradescantia Zebrina - Wandering Jew in Hanging Basket
- They have deep purple-hued leaves with a shiny silvery sheen on them.
- The plant requires a bright lighted location to grow best, or else the purple sheen gets bleached out.
- The plant requires moderate watering and can even tolerate some spells of drought. Overwatering might lead to yellowing of leaves and root rot.
- It is another low maintenance plant that can survive well in air-conditioned rooms.
- It is one of the resounding pet-friendly varieties.
- Healthy and bushy Wandering Jew of height of 8-10 inches in Hanging Basket of 9 inches. Mentioned height is including the pot height.
- FREE Delivery
- PlantCare planner prepared by botanist (shared over WhatsApp)
How to care for Wandering Jew Plant?
Light and Temperature tips for Wandering Jew Plant
- The plant requires indirect sunlight.
- The temperature should vary between 18 - 30 degree celsius
- Make sure if you are placing the plant indoors it receives some amount of bright indirect light. The absence of bright light will fade the distinctive leaf markings and the silvery sheen.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- The plant cannot grow in low light levels.
Water Tips for Healthy Growth of Wandering Jew Plant
- Always examine the moistness of the soil and water accordingly.
- Make sure before watering that the top of the soil has been dry out.
- The soil should not be completely dry.
- Never water the crown of the plant, always water the soil from the side.
Soil Tips for Wandering Jew Plant
- Fertilize the plant once a month with diluted liquid fertilizer.
- During monsoon fertilize once in 2 months.
- You can use any organic fertilizer. | 0.9975 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Introduction to Tradescantia Zebrina",
"Light and Temperature Care",
"Water and Soil Care"
]
``` |
An observation by Finnish researchers shows that the central nervous system plays an important role in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Aalto University neuroscientists, in collaboration with researchers at Helsinki University Hospital and Harvard Medical School, have found a novel connection between the size of the choroid plexus in the brain and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). The findings were recently published in the Scientific Reports online journal.
„When studying magnetic resonance images of the brains of patients suffering from CRPS, we noticed that the choroid plexus was nearly one-fifth larger in patients than in healthy control subjects,” says Postdoctoral Researcher Guangyu Zhou from Aalto University Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering (NBE), who analysed the images.
Located in the walls of the brain ventricles, the choroid plexus is best known for producing cerebrospinal fluid, which forms a protective mechanical cushion and immunological buffer for the brain. It also controls the passage of many substances from the blood into the cerebrospinal fluid, brain, and spinal cord.
„However, in clinical neuroscience, the functions of choroid plexus beyond cerebrospinal fluid generation have been largely neglected; for example, the size of the choroid plexus is not quantified in routine brain scans,” explains Prof. Riitta Hari, who was in charge of the research.
„As the choroid plexus is known to mediate the interaction between inflammation in the periphery of the body and in the brain, it is an interesting and important target for future research of chronic pain and CRPS in particular,” continues Hari.
Regional pain syndrome is a chronic and highly debilitating condition that typically develops after a minor trauma, to the hand for example, and then spreads to other areas, such as the whole upper limb and sometimes even to the other side of the body. Thus, it has been suggested earlier that the central nervous system might play an important role in the disease.
The scientists measured the volume of the choroid plexus from 3-tesla structural magnetic resonance images. The study involved 32 subjects, half of whom suffered from the syndrome and half of whom were healthy. | 0.741 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)",
"Choroid Plexus",
"Central Nervous System"
]
``` |
The Adult Education Teacher Competencies are designed to identify the knowledge and skills adult education teachers need to improve student learning and performance. Participants will explore using the competencies to strengthen instruction. The half-day (3-hour) session is geared to beginning through experienced teachers, administrators, and professional developers.
This presentation addresses how Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, or English as a second language teachers can understand and use their own research to inform classroom practice. We highlight reflective methods of professional development; the free, online LINCS resource collections; and reflective methods currently used in the field and discuss a relevant professional development plan.
This self-paced online course provides an overview of the Adult Education Teacher Competencies, an introduction to teacher induction, and a summary of the Adult Education Teacher Induction Tool Kit and its resources. For those in an induction program, it should be taken during the Planning step of the Teacher Induction Pathway.
Mentoring is a well-researched, effective strategy for developing the capacity and confidence of teachers. This session will introduce resources from the Adult Education Teacher Induction Tool Kit, particularly the Mentoring and Instructional Leader Guides, and explore ways programs might implement the tools. These resources help instructional leaders provide guidance and support; experienced teachers perform effectively as mentors, and beginning teachers plan, practice, and reflect on evidence-based instruction.
LINCS provides a variety of resources and services through its Resource Collection, Community of Practice, Learning Portal, and Professional Development Center. Learn about each of these components and explore the website. Discover new online courses, resources, and tools and hear the latest information on upcoming opportunities. Learn about current initiatives such as digital strategies, the Adult Numeracy Instruction, and Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy. | 0.981 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Adult Education Teacher Competencies",
"Teacher Induction and Mentoring",
"LINCS Resources and Professional Development"
]
``` |
The lure of a landscape
Ten miles west of Albany, rugged limestone cliffs rise more than 1,100 feet over the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys. This escarpment provides a spectacular panorama of nearby mountain ranges, the Adirondacks, Taconics, Berkshires and Greens, surrounding the cities and communities of New York’s Capital Region.
Known as the Helderbergs, the escarpment’s exposed limestone cliffs are rich in fossils, chronicling a half-billion years of geological history that have intrigued paleontologists and geologists from around the world for decades.
Steeped in history
The conservation centerpiece of the Helderberg Escarpment is John Boyd Thacher State Park, named for a former mayor of Albany who in 1903 began buying land in the Helderbergs to protect it from development.
Recognizing the importance of this singular landscape, we began identifying and acquiring key parcels along the escarpment in 1996 and conveying them to New York State as additions to Thacher Park. Through this work, over a period of 10 years, we have more than doubled the size of the park.
Regionally, our work includes:
- Acquiring a conservation easement on the 320-acre Indian Ladder Farms, a favorite fall destination for apple picking, cider donuts, cider and now, craft beer and hard cider
- Acquiring a conservation easement on the 318-acre Ketcham Farm, protecting a key link between Thacher and Thompson Lake State Parks
- Extending the Long Path, a 357-mile path that extends from the George Washington Bridge to the Capital District, for world-class recreation | 0.7966 | FineWeb | ["Geology of the Helderbergs", "History of the Helderberg Escarpment", "Conservation Efforts"] |
At a biological level, there are two major ways light impacts plants:
- light is an energy source required to power any plant’s metabolism, and consequently any organisms that depend on plants as a food source (herbivores);
- light acts as a “maestro” to give plants cues about their surroundings and crucial information that helps them anticipate transitions between day and night, or transitions between seasons.
This translates into important changes at the level of plant size and shape (phenotypical), or physiological changes in terms of light-produced chemicals inside plants (phytocompounds) that are of interest for agricultural and agronomic purposes.
What is Photobiology?
Human beings have always been fascinated by sunlight.
Our days and clocks have been built around sunlight for centuries, and its pivotal influence has resulted in an ever-present yearning to study, understand and use its properties.
Egyptians used mirrors during the construction of pyramids and inadvertently discovered sunburning of the eye by ultraviolet exposure. Some of the oldest written records detail the dates of solar eclipses, such was the importance of sunlight from a very early stage in human history.
As a technology tool, light has had a significant impact in our society, far beyond even the societally-transformative invention of the light bulb.
For example, the discovery of luminescence (as in fluorescence and phosphorescence) caused a revolution in biotechnology by providing new, powerful tools for the visualization of molecular processes (as occurs in spectroscopy) and organisms as a whole (as in the bioimaging of, for example, luciferin, Aequorea victoria green-fluorescent protein, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) …).
Light has also played a fundamental role in environmental biology and ecology through the relationship with UV and ozone, as well as in medicine through observation of DNA damage by UV light. Of course, light is also fundamental to optics that are in everything from eyeglasses, grow lights and smartphones.
We’ve touched on the photo (light) aspect of photobiology, but what about biology? And where do the two intersect? After reading this article, you’ll have answers to these questions, and much more.
Photobiology is the study of interactions between light and living organisms.
Normally the light that is of specific interest for study is that of solar radiation reaching Earth in the ultraviolet, visible and infrared wavelengths. Photobiology is a large area of research that encompasses investigations into the nature of how organisms see (vision), how light can be harmful (as in plant phototoxicity), and how light produces energy (photosynthesis).
Photobiology has been pivotal in describing these vital biological processes, some of which we could not live without.
In plant biology, photobiology has explained how plants are able to discriminate between types of light as a function of spectrum, intensity or duration. The study of light interactions with molecules from living organisms (biomolecules) helps us understand how we can use light to improve plant cultivation.
At a nanoscopic level, molecules react with light when they absorb particles of light energy (known as photons) and go into an excited energy state. In order to regain energetic stability, molecules either react with particles around them, or they undergo conformational changes.
These two possible reactions lead us into the first and arguably most important application of photobiology, in the harvesting of energy by plants.
All living organisms need energy to keep themselves functioning. They can get energy from a wide variety of sources. Animals eat plants or other animals to absorb sugar, nutrients, protein, and fat. Fungi use decomposing matter to get their food.
Plants, on the other hand, get their energy from sunlight, CO2 absorbed in the atmosphere, and nutrients and water in the soil.
Light is the primary energy source for most plants and subsequently for most living organisms. It is essential to understand how the light-plant relationship is established and how plants convert light into usable/available and efficient energy. The light-plant relationship is crucial because the sustainability of the whole food chain depends on this initial energy production, the sequence of reactions called photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process in which plants capture light and use this energy to produce sugar by consuming CO2 (carbon fixation) and releasing oxygen.
The light can come from the sun or artificial light, as long as it has the correct wavelength. The sugar produced is in the energy form most usable by a plant’s metabolism.
Plants capture most of the light in their leaves as well as in any chlorophyll-containing tissues. The light is received in the cells by a specialized cellular structure or organelle called a chloroplast. Chloroplasts are plant-specific structures and hold a high concentration of pigments, such as chlorophyll and carotenoid, that capture light. Once the incident light has been captured by the plant, a light-dependent reaction is carried out by a chain of complex enzymes embedded in membrane-bound compartments of the chloroplast called thylakoids.
These light-dependent reactions are strongly influenced by large complexes of proteins and pigments, known as photosystems (PS) and light harvesting complexes (LHC). We’ve already mentioned chlorophyll and carotenoids, which are pigments inside the photosystems, and there are others (such as xanthophylls) that are also included in the photosystem complexes. To be more specific, the photosynthetic pigments are arranged in what’s called a light harvesting complexes surrounding photosystems I and II. These two photosystems are what allow electrons to be collected from the LHC, then passed through the different complexes to produce energy.
The pigments inside a chloroplast each have a different spectrum of light that they will absorb; in other words, each pigment has a different peak and range of wavelengths of light it will respond to. There are two types of chlorophyll, chlorophyll a and b, that have spectral absorptions shifted 20 nm from one another, which combine to allow a wider light absorption bandwidth by the plants. They complement each other.
Chlorophyll a, b and carotene are inserted in the thylakoid membrane. They have different absorption spectra in the red and blue and are directly responsible for the absorption of sunlight in plant leaves.
Looking at their chemical structure, these pigments have a hydrophobic (water-hating) phytol tail that allows them to be anchored in the membranes while the porphyrin ring (head) absorbs the light. Chlorophyll b has an aldehyde functional group, whereas chlorophyll has a methyl group. These key differences determine their different absorption spectra.
Because chlorophylls are abundant in plants and absorb mainly red and blue wavelengths, they reflect green light and make leaves appear green to human eyes.
Image source: courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/the-light-dependent-reactions-of-photosynthesis
The process of photosynthesis happens in the following manner. The light incident on a plant excites electrons in chlorophyll. In order to regain energetic stability and replace its lost electrons, chlorophyll then pulls electrons from water in the reaction center. When water loses an electron, it splits apart into hydrogen and the oxygen that we breathe.
The electrons excited in chlorophyll by the absorption of light are passed along into different enzymatic complexes, also located in the chloroplast (in the thylakoid membrane) to produce NADPH and ATP (the primary energy “bricks”). NADPH and ATP are directly used in enzymatic reactions throughout all plant cells, but most importantly to perform the next phase of photosynthesis.
This phase involves CO2 assimilation into glucose (known as the Calvin Cycle) that is used directly to form cellulose, lipids, or proteins; or stored as the starch in leaves, in tubers such as potatoes, in roots such as carrots, or in the seeds. Glucose is a more stable form of energy than ATP and NADH and can be stored in long polymeric carbohydrate structures such as starch.
Image data source: khanacademy.org/science/biology/photosynthesis-in-plants/the-light-dependent-reactions-of-photosynthesis/a/light-dependent-reactions
It is well known that red light (625 nm – 675 nm) and blue light (450 nm – 485 nm) drive the photosynthesis process by causing excitation of chlorophyll within plant leaves.
In some species (i.e. radishes, cucumbers, peppers and lettuce), increasing certain flux levels of blue light can improve photosynthetic efficiency by 10 to 25%.
Light Stress in Plants
Different pigments are optimally arranged in light-harvesting complexes surrounding photosystems I and II (PSI and PSII). While chlorophyll is responsible for the primary absorption, the other pigments contribute in different ways. The carotenoids and xanthophylls support the chlorophyll by absorbing any excess light that could cause the system to be inhibited through a phenomenon called photoinhibition.
Photoinhibition is a broad term describing the decrease in the efficiency of photosynthesis when plants are exposed to an excess of light. It usually happens when PSII is saturated with photons. Carotenoids and xanthophylls help prevent this damage from occurring.
This protection system of carotenoid and xanthophylls mentioned above has limitations, however, so photoinhibition can and does still occur when the intensity of light is high enough.
When photoinhibition occurs, it can lead to a decrease in CO2 assimilation and plant growth. Any excess of light absorbed by the plant must be regulated by being re-emitted as fluorescence or heat (non-photochemical quenching). This regulation comes at a cost, specifically, an increase in water absorption by the plant. You can already see the different balancing needs of a plant that can change very rapidly.
Thus, to maximize plant growth and minimize plant stress, it is important to not only deeply understand a plant’s requirements, but be able to quickly make adjustments to the light applied.
The carotenoids and xanthophylls can only protect so far, and the plant grower needs to know when their light intensity is too high. When the light intensity is too high, the fluorescence or thermal dissipation of energy is insufficient, resulting in pigment degradation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are molecules and free radicals that can degrade cell structures (for example mutations in a DNA sequence) when they are in abundance.
Image data source: currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/114/06/1333.pdf
Chlorophyll fluorescence can be used as an indicator of plant stress because environmental stresses (temperature or light intensity) can reduce the ability of a plant to metabolize normally.
This can mean an imbalance between the absorption of light energy by chlorophyll and the use of energy in photosynthesis (not all the light absorbed will be used in photosynthesis and so we are losing energy, which happens if we are not using the correct lighting system).
Energy absorbed by chlorophyll can be dissipated via photochemistry (photosynthesis), by heat or carotenoids activation (non-photochemical quenching), or as fluorescence. The competition between these processes allows us to determine the efficiency of PSII.
We can easily measure fluorescence with a chlorophyll fluorometer. We don’t need a laboratory or complex experiments. It can be done in the field with a portable fluorometer and it’s instantaneous. It’s a non-invasive measurement and we don’t need to sacrifice leaves or plants to get a measurement. That is why it is such a powerful variable.
To do so we can measure the Fv / Fm ratio (known as the quantum efficiency of PSII, or photochemistry efficiency). After dark adaptation (which takes anywhere from a few minutes to overnight), and under a very low light intensity (for example, the light at dawn), the minimum fluorescence is measured.
Fluorescence by chlorophyll happens when excited electrons regain stability. In other words, fluorescence happens when chlorophyll absorbs light and does not pass those excited electrons onto the light-harvesting complex. Following exposure to low light, the leaf is then submitted to intense light that will saturate and close the light harvesting complex (containing chlorophyll). Under these conditions, the maximum fluorescence (Fm) can be measured. The difference between maximum and minimum fluorescence is Fv, the variable fluorescence.
When the light harvesting centers are closed it means they are saturated and cannot pass any more electrons until they regain stability. This causes a decrease in quantum efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm decrease).
The purpose of this behaviour (closing the light harvesting centers) is to avoid PSI photoinhibition (PSI lacks efficient repair mechanisms). It is easier for PSII to recover from photoinhibition so in order to prevent that, the flow of electrons to PSI is restricted by PSII.
The ratio of Fv/Fm represents the maximum conversion ratio (or maximum quantum efficiency) of light being usefully absorbed by the photosystems for photosynthesis. Another way to think of it is in this way: Fv indicates how much light can be absorbed by the photosystem before saturation. By dividing by Fm, we are normalizing the units to a fraction or percentage (i.e. quantum efficiency). The Fv/Fm ratio indicates how much light can be absorbed before it is lost through fluorescence (i.e. how much light is needed to saturate the light uptake of the photosystem).
The higher the Fv/Fm ratio, the greater the plant’s capacity for useful light absorption (plants are not easily saturated with light and fluorescing). When a plant is stressed, Fm decreases; that is, it can pass fewer electrons onto the light harvesting complex. A smaller Fm value results in a smaller Fv/Fm ratio (because the Fmin/Fmax value increases; see above equation).
A Fv/Fm ratio of 0.8 is considered an optimal value for most plants.
Chlorophyll molecules, when they have excited electrons that cannot be passed into the light-harvesting complex, re-emit light as fluorescence F or as heat Q.
Light damage and light stress in plants are serious issues, but thankfully plants have a few mechanisms in place for defending themselves:
- The presence of carotenoids and xanthophylls that catch excess photons (mentioned above).
- The process of self-shading. For example, when chloroplasts move into a low absorbing position, or the leaf itself moves to decrease its light exposure.
Image source: tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1343943X.2019.1673666
- The action of antioxidants (such as vitamin c and vitamin e) that capture free electrons and can thus mitigate the damage of ROS molecules and free radicals.
Whenever plants need to protect themselves from intense illumination, they are wasting energy that would otherwise go toward biomass and fruit production. Thus, light stress impacts the post‐harvest yields of crops.
Some producers will want to stress plants on purpose in order to have them produce compounds of interest that are generated under light stress conditions. For example, one might want to use UV-B to increase flavonoids quantities in fruit and berries, anthocyanin in apples and litchis or vitamin C in basil. These compounds, along with vitamin C, are major electrons scavengers and are produced by the plant to counteract the increased concentration of ROS under high light-intensity conditions.
We’ve talked about high light-intensities, but plants are stressed under low light conditions as well.
Low light intensity affects plant growth dramatically.
When photosynthesis is not fueled by an appropriate flux of photons, a plant’s ATP productivity (plant food production) is lowered. This lower energy production leads to shade avoidance symptoms (such as the elongation of stems and petioles, the stalks that attach stems to leaves), flower bud abortion, and inhibition of growth.
Finally, if low light conditions are prolonged enough, a program of leaf senescence is initiated, and the plant dies.
Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)
As we discussed earlier, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and xanthophyll don’t absorb just any kind of light: they are specialized pigments with specific wavelength absorption bands. Photobiology researchers have come up with a broader term to refer to these specific wavelengths of light useful for photosynthesis: photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
PAR is the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that is effective for photosynthesis, ranging from 400 nm to 700 nm.
It is a useful definition in photobiology because it refers specifically to the band of radiation crucial for energy production in plants. Measuring PAR will thus give a better indication of photosynthesis potential. The intensity/amount of PAR is measured by the Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) which is a quantification of the photons received by a surface for a given time (in units of µmol m-2 s-1). This quantity is important as photosynthesis is a quantum process where 8 to 12 photons are considered necessary for the incorporation of one CO2 molecule and the release of an O2 molecule.
Image data source: telec.co.za/forum/led-grow-lights-5/question/what-is-the-difference-between-ppf-and-ppfd-buyer-beware-10
PAR has a narrower range than the radiation of the sun that reaches the Earth’s ground and plants.
Image data source: sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0002157171900227
The amount of PAR received by a plant could be higher than necessary or not optimum depending on the weather. There is therefore some benefit to using artificial light sources that are more stable and reliable. While there are a wide variety of light sources available for horticulture, fully-programmable LEDs make for one of the better options because of their efficiency, stability and tunability that is suitable for designing a plant-specific PAR spectrum.
It is very important to remember that the PAR spectrum as defined by McCree represents an average of 22 different plants and thus the PAR for a specific plant can be optimized by increasing or decreasing specific wavelengths as a function of the plant cultivated and the desired traits.
Indeed, the definition of PAR by McCree needs to be extended as we know now that radiation outside PAR wavelengths can improve photosynthesis. The range of photosynthetically active radiation should also be redefined for each crop.
The original McCree study reported the photosynthetically active radiation spectrum based on the quantum yield (the rate of photosynthesis per unit rate of absorption of light quanta) measured in 22 plant species using unique wavelengths (bandwidths of 10 nm to 40 nm at a time) in the range from 350 nm to 750 nm.
Wait, Aren’t Red and Blue the Best Colours for Plant Growth?
Yes, scientists agree that plants use red and blue radiation due to their high chlorophyll content, which absorbs blue and red light. It is also agreed upon that the use of radiation of both colours will enhance plant growth by making photosynthesis more efficient.
But, other wavelength regions are of major importance for plants. In fact, a lot of research has now shown that there is a synergy effect of light spectra on plant growth.
We tend to think that because the vast majority of plants on the planet look green, they reflect green radiation and thus have no use for it. Some studies, however, have revealed that green and yellow light also increase the net assimilation rate in cherry tomatoes, red leaf lettuce and cucumbers.
The influence of green and yellow light is not isolated to these specific species. Studies have shown that the plant canopy can absorb up to 80% of the green radiation received.
Other recent findings demonstrate that green radiation penetrates deeper than blue and red radiation into the leaf mesophyll (the inner tissue of a leaf) where the number of chloroplasts is higher than the leaf surface (a 10:1 ratio mesophyll chloroplasts to epidermis chloroplasts).
This higher concentration of chloroplasts results in a more efficient carbon fixation than that achieved using only red and blue radiation. Green light brings energy to deeper layers of cells in leaves or will be transmitted and distributed to other leaves deeper in the canopy. Green radiation also plays a role in providing a positional signal in addition to the quantity of blue, red and far red light that trigger the shade avoidance process.
Understanding the dynamics of light in the atmosphere, inside a group of plants and within a plant itself helps us to grow plants that are surrounded by others, and to apply light optimized for a specific plant population.
There is far more complexity to the optimal light for a plant’s food production than simply illuminating them in red and blue.
Choosing a grow light by taking into account how much of the PAR it can deliver, and how flexible it can be in adjusting the type of radiation delivered is crucial if you want to provide the best quality light to your plants.
Plant Light Perception
We’ve seen how plants absorb and use light for food production in photosynthesis. There are additional ways plants interact with light which are important for any master grower to consider, the first of which is plant perception.
Photomorphogenesis: Photoperiodism and Phototropism
Light is perceived by plants by a network of photoreceptors (also called pigments), which trigger developmental and environmental plant responses. This phenomenon is called photomorphogenesis. There are many different types of photomorphogenic responses. One example is a phototropic response, where a plant’s stem bends towards or away from a light source.
Another example is a photoperiodic response, which is a response to the length of the day and/or season(s) by modifying plant physiological processes like seed and bud dormancy, flowering and leaf maintenance.
Plants can track the time of the day and even changes between seasons. They have a memory of the day and night length like many species on earth – this is known as circadian rhythm.
A plant’s circadian rhythm is driven by the cellular expression of factors (transcription factors) that are expressed as a function of the day. There are day elements (or genes) that are repressing the night elements to allow day functions such as photosynthesis or starch production to be carried on during light exposure. When light intensity decreases and night sets in, evening elements are repressing the day elements to stop day-time activities and to carry on night activities such as starch conversion into glucose.
The two complexes (day elements and night elements) act in a feedback loop system to regulate a plant’s specific day and night activities. With this system, plants can anticipate events to come, like the transition between day and night. This is essential so plants can prepare for environmental changes like cold weather or periods without light.
On the other hand, some photoreceptors can track the origin of light and induce plant movement and growth in relation to the direction of the light in order to maximize light reception (positive phototropism) or to minimize it (negative phototropism). This is called phototropism and is regulated by photoreceptors called phototropins. These receptors absorb blue light which has the effect of changing their protein conformation. This conformational change in turn drives an accumulation of the hormone auxin at the opposite side of the light origin, or the shady side of the plant.
The accumulation of auxin leads to an elongation of the cells in the plant’s shady side, with the ultimate result of bending the stem toward light. Sunflowers are a beautiful example of plants following sunlight.
The phototropic response allows plants to optimize their exposure and carbon gain, to protect themselves from too much light and to find a light source when seedlings are germinating.
In plants, photoreceptors can be divided into 4 families each containing several members, each of which will be discussed in more detail below:
- Phytochromes (PhyA to PhyE)
- Cryptochromes (CRY1, CRY2 and CRY3)
- The Light-oxygen-voltage (LOV)-domain photoreceptor family
- Phototropins (PHOT1 and PHOT2)
- ZTL/FKF1/LKP2 group proteins
- UV-B resistance 8 (UVR8)
These photoreceptors sense all different kinds of light cues (intensity, spectra, photoperiod).
They all contain a chromophore, which is a part of a molecule sensitive to light (for example, the porphyrin ring in chlorophyll). The chromophore can be excited by light and allows a circulation of electrons which can lead to modification of a molecule’s conformation (as in dimerization, joining two into one, for example). The excitation of a chromophore can also allow electrons to simply jump to another molecule. This generally triggers an intracellular signaling cascade.
The intracellular signaling cascade is a series of reactions between molecules inside a cell that induces a response to a given stimulus. When the sun’s radiation reaches a plant cell, photoreceptors located on the leaf surface or inside the cells are activated by excitation of their chromophore part. This activates or represses different types of molecules that can regulate gene expression. This regulation of gene expression eventually leads to the degradation or production of new molecules that induce a response to this light radiation.
Phytochromes are pigments that absorb light in the red and far-red region of the visible spectrum.
They regulate the synthesis of chlorophyll, the germination of seeds, the elongation of seedlings, the timing of flowering in adult plants, as well as the size, shape, number and movement of leaves.
Phytochromes are expressed across many tissues (flower, leaves, roots) and developmental stages (seed coat, cotyledons, inflorescence). Red light and far-red light can be applied to trigger phytochrome activity and regulate these physiological processes.
Phytochromes absorb red light at about 660 nm and far-red light at 730 nm, and they react to the ratio of red to far-red light intensity.
On a clear day around noon, the red to far-red ratio (R:FR) in natural daylight is close to 1. Essentially, this ratio signals if a plant is shaded by other plants in the vicinity. In this case where a plant is shaded by another, because far-red radiation is able to penetrate more deeply into the canopy (while red and blue radiation are absorbed), more far-red radiation will be detected by phytochromes (Pr to Pfr). This detection will trigger shade avoidance behavior such as stem elongation and the development of smaller leaves and branches. These responses are achieved through the redistribution of resources from the leaves to the stem.
Pfr conversion to Pr (R:FR low) increases apical dominance which decreases development of basal branching (apical dominance is when the terminal bud is inhibiting the growth of the secondary axillary bud by the controlled release of auxin hormone). Finally, the detection of far-red by the phytochrome affects leaf biomass and chlorophyll quantity. It also speeds up the transition to flowering which results in earlier seed production (this was originally observed in Arabidopsis thaliana). The red to far-red ratio (R:FR) could also play an important role in fruit quantity and morphology as studies have shown that in tomatoes FR increased (R:FR 0.88 to 0.7) can boost fruit biomass by up to 59%. However, there is still more work to be done as too few studies have investigated the dose effect of R:FR.
The red to far-red ratio is a good example of how plants glean detailed information from the spectrum with which they are illuminated.
The R:FR ratio is such an important signal that it can also affect a plant’s seed germination, where too much far-red radiation has been shown to inhibit germination in some species. Red and Far-Red radiation penetrate deeper into the soil than other radiation.
In an open space, red activates Phytochrome B (PhyB) and germination is initiated. If the far-red is high (under a dense canopy) some seeds can’t germinate. It’s therefore a very efficient way for plants to detect favorable conditions. However, in some species, Phytochrome A (PhyA) and PhyB are triggered under low fluence R light (PPFD < 10) to mediate germination. This is the case for Arabidopsis thaliana and tomatoes.
In addition to far-red radiation, the specific PhyA phytochrome is also activated by blue light in seedlings when uniteral blue light irradiation is low (observed in treatments as low as 0.5 PPFD).
It is important to note that phytochromes act as a dimer so we can find phytochromes in 3 different forms depending on which base molecules were joined into a pair. This gives plants several degrees of sensitivity to Red and Far-Red levels. This conformational change is a function of the light quantity (intensity), the ratio of R:FR as well as by temperature. For example, at low temperatures, Pfr reverses to Pr.
Image source: nature.com/articles/s41467-019-13045-0
Cryptochromes are pigments that are sensitive to blue light and UV-A.
They play a predominant function during de-etiolation (the transition to the greening stage after plant germination) (Cryptochrome-1 CRY1), in the photoperiodic control of flowering (Cryptochrome-2 CRY2), in the inhibition of the hypocotyl growth or in shade avoidance (CRY1 and CRY2).
Cryptochromes sense light with their chromophore which is a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Following light activation, they photodimerize (CRY1-CRY1) or oligomerize (CRY1-CRY2) and then bind to effectors (Cry-binding proteins) that will promote de-etiolation, transition to flowering (for CRY1) or senescence (for CRY2). It is important to note that CRY activation can lead to different plant responses depending on the plant species (CRY1 promotes flowering in soybean while CRY2 is responsible for flowering initiation in tomato and peas).
During the shade avoidance process in plants it has been established that under low blue light conditions, the interaction between CRY and PIFs is weakened, allowing PIFs (Phytochrome-Interacting Factors) to promote stem elongation.
Recently it has been demonstrated that cryptochromes are involved in different stress acclimation responses to events such as drought or hyperosmotic stress (where the plant’s surrounding liquid has a higher solute concentration) through modulation of CRY activity by a hormone-dependent signaling pathway. CRY activity could promote a protective effect during the above-mentioned abiotic stresses. Another protective effect CRY can promote is to induce hypocotyl growth through activation of the transcription factor PIF4 (PHYTOCHROME INTERACTOR FACTOR 4) under warm conditions, which would allow a better heat dissipation. Transcription factors are molecules which interact directly with genes to promote or inhibit their transcription. PIF4 here will directly interact with DNA coding for proteins involved in plant growth, and activate their production.
In other words, a plant’s light response is also modulated by its ‘’stress’’ state, emphasizing the importance of the environment on plant photobiology (see Phytochrome and temperature effects).
The LOV-domain photoreceptor family
The light, oxygen, or voltage (LOV) family of blue-light photoreceptors is a family of proteins present across all kingdoms of life (fungi, plants and bacteria) in which blue light photoexcitation of their LOV-domain lead to a biological signal (structural and dynamical changes and binding to other proteins).
Phototropins are the first type of LOV-domain photoreceptors we’ll discuss. They are blue-light receptors controlling a range of responses to optimize the photosynthetic efficiency of plants. These responses include phototropism, light-induced stomatal opening, and chloroplast movement in response to changes in light intensity. Stomatal opening is when stomata (pores located in the plant epidermis), open to allow gas exchange: the absorption of CO2 and the release of O2.
This gas exchange is extremely important for energy production, as it allows CO2 uptake and its transformation into glucose following photosynthesis.
One of the most impressive phenomena associated with phototropin photoreceptors is their role in phototropism. Phototropism occurs when plants bend toward or away from light. This response is possible because part of the plant stem in the shaded side has increased growth.
This growth is due to a gradient of activation of a specific phototropin, PHOT1. The blue light crossing the stem section is refracted and the shaded side receives less light. The PHOT1 phototropin is not active in the dark, and since it plays a role in the degradation of the auxin hormone, there is a corresponding gradient in the auxin hormone. The accumulation of auxin in the shaded parts of the stem directs growth that bends a plant toward light.
Zeitlupe (ZTL) Photoreceptors
The second type of LOV-domain photoreceptors are the Zeitlupe photoreceptors. ZEITLUPE, FLAVIN-BINDING KELCH REPEAT F-BOX 1, and LOV KELCH PROTEIN 2 (ZTL/FKF1/LKP2) group proteins are blue receptors involved in light-mediated protein degradation by ubiquitination (the attachment of a ubiquitin protein) during the circadian rhythm.
They are often described in terms of their domains, where domains are specific sequences of amino acids or DNA bases that have functional roles. All the Zeitlupe photoreceptors contain a light, oxygen, or voltage domain (LOV-domain) along with domains involved in protein stability (F-box and Kelch repeat domains). As a function of the time of the day, the Zeitlupe photoreceptors promote degradation or maintenance of circadian transcription factors and induce transitions in the day to dark cycle.
These photoreceptors act directly in response to light activation to regulate gene expression. Under blue light the Zeitlupe photoreceptors bind to transcription factors to stabilize them. In the dark this interaction is weakened, so the transcription factors are not protected and are therefore sent for degradation by the cell.
For example, ZTL late at night triggers the degradation of major components of the circadian rhythm (TOC1 and PRR5 proteins) that normally maintain the plant in an optimum physiological state in which to pass the night. With the late-night decrease of the concentration of these factors as a result of ZTL, the plant can then shift to day functions.
During each transition from day to night or night to day, the detection of light triggers or inhibits genes that control day (phototropism) or night events (cell wall biosynthesis, for example). All three LOV-containing F-box proteins (ZTL, FKF1, and LKP2) are involved in circadian clock events such as day/night transitions or day-length-dependent flowering.
There is still a huge gap in understanding how these proteins act at the level of the whole plant, and further research is needed to determine whether variations in blue light or other wavelengths influence the expression of these proteins.
Recently, more attention has been given to a receptor in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength region, UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8). UVR8 is a photoreceptor sensing UV-B radiation (with an absorption peak at 285 nm).
It is the most recent photoreceptor characterized. This is an interesting discovery because for a long-time plants were thought to only have receptors in the visible spectrum.
Around 7% of all solar radiation reaching earth is UV, and UV-B (280 nm to 315 nm) is the most harmful to plants, being capable of breaking a molecule’s chemical bonds resulting in the production of highly reactive molecules or ROS.
When UV-B reaches plant cells, UVR8 is activated and is involved in photomorphogenic response and defense mechanisms.
UVR8 is responsible for mitigating the effect of UV-B on plants. Upon activation, UVR8 triggers the production of compounds involved in oxidative stress protection such as phenols, terpenes or anthocyanins and can even enhance a plant’s defense against herbivores.
Image Data Source: doi.org/10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.03.007
Light Effect of Phytochemical Production
So far we’ve given an overview of the many different responses and pathways triggered and managed by plants interacting with light. While there is still much research that remains to be done, there are very practical outcomes that have already been gleaned through these insights into what’s happening inside each individual plant cell under illumination.
Researchers are now using these discoveries to better control and regulate the spectra under which they grow their plants, and looking at the specific effect it has on chemicals related to metabolic pathways (metabolites).
Studies have reported many interesting results regarding the increased production of secondary metabolites in response to the regulation of the light spectrum.
In Cannabis, for example, it was found that LED use could increase THC up to 38% compared to cannabis plants grown under high pressure sodium lamps (HPS). CBD was also increased by up to 35% under LED compared to HPS.
THC and CBD are phyto-compounds that have therapeutic values including anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and can also be used to suppress vomiting, nausea and appetite. An increase from 15 to 32% in the THC content of Cannabis leaf and flowers was recorded after their exposure to UV-B radiation.
In basil, a properly matched light spectrum increased antioxidant capacity, phenolics and flavonoids by up to 16.3%, 28.8% and 41%, respectively, while reducing concentration of harmful compounds like nitrate by up to 41.6% showing that volatile compounds can also be manipulated by light.
Plant Disease Prevention
One of the interesting findings from testing specific light recipes is the effect of light on protection against disease.
Promising results have been shown on strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers, all of which are especially affected by fungi in greenhouses.
Pathogens such as fungus (grey mold, powdery mildew) can cause great losses in crop production (10-15% yield loss in North America, according to the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture).
It has been reported that UV-B light suppresses powdery mildew infection in strawberries by stimulating genes associated with disease resistance. Grey mold development on tomato leaves was suppressed by 63% with violet light application.
Light application could become a regular practice in the future, allowing the control of pathogen infections without using chemical methods.
It is extremely important to remember that all of the photoreceptors discussed in this article act in synergy to transmit information to the plant about the ambient/environment light conditions.
Because of this array of photoreceptors, plants can detect light from UV to IR, not only determining their intensities, but also sending signals about the time of exposure. Some photoreceptors are also sensitive to temperature. Plants can then sense and adjust to light changes such as the day/night transition. These light-sensitive adaptations can range from physiological to morphological adjustments.
Plants can elongate when they need to compete with other plants to reach sunlight on top of the canopy, or they can move their chloroplasts and leaves to avoid light damage at the cost of biomass production. Ultimately, plants thrive under optimum conditions of spectra, intensity and photoperiod exposure.
Ideally, you will want to adjust the amount, spectrum and time exposure of light according to the cultivar used (depending specifically upon general plant morphology as well as the quantity and type of photoreceptors), the stage of development (seedling to flowering), and the environment of cultivation (CO2 content, temperature, humidity). All of these parameters are essential for light use optimization.
- An increase in red light for certain plants (tomatoes, lettuce) can boost germination (helping seeds with lower storage reserves to germinate faster or, if used in reverse, to reduce the germination rate).
- A change in the photoperiod to induce flowering (for example, a transition from long 16-hour light days to shorter 12-hour light days to induce flowering in cannabis or chrysanthemum) or encourage leaf growth (cannabis).
There is some level of redundancy and cross talk in the light sensing and signaling pathways that make LED fine tune programming necessary to maintain desired crop qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the value of variable spectra – what does it do for me?
Answer: Variable spectrum lighting can improve your plant growth considerably.
When you control the spectra of your light you can apply light best suited for your plant and save energy by not generating any light your plant doesn’t need.
By controlling the amount of each wavelength, an increase in yield up to 34% was reported in lettuce cultivation. In strawberries, maximum fruit production increased by 66% when the optimum level of red, blue and white light was attained. There is clearly a value in being able to adjust the light as a function of your crop species and also as a function of their growth stage.
As we explain in the article, seedlings have different needs (low intensity, more red) compared to mature or flowering plants.
Q: Can artificial lighting be better than the sunlight?
Answer: Since the start of agriculture, people have relied upon sunlight to grow their crops, and it still does a good job. The challenge is that sunlight is just not always available. Crops depend on seasons and weather, and during winter it’s simply not possible to grow outside.
Horticultural lighting is stable and reliable in intensity. With advanced lighting technology and research into photobiology, we can now design them with the perfect spectra and at the same time remove harmful radiation such as UV.
Q: What is the perfect spectrum for plant cultivation?
Answer: It is well known now that plants perform at their best under some ratio of blue and red.
Blue will encourage chlorophyll light absorption, photosynthesis, and growth while red radiation will also promote photosynthesis, growth and elongation.
However, UV-B, Green, yellow and IR can have various positive effects that can’t be neglected. Green penetrates deeper into the canopy while UV can trigger the production of specific metabolites that can have agronomic interest. Keep in mind that each plant has its preferred spectrums and that a full programmable lighting system will be the best at providing the best spectra throughout the life of your plants.
Q: How much light do plants need?
Answer: Usually, the light intensity required by a plant depends on the stage of growth and the plant species.
Sunlight intensity is between 900 and 1500 PPFD (micromoles per square meter per second).
Seedlings and small plants require between 100 and 200 PPFD. During vegetative growth, 400 and 600 PPFD is good for the development of the canopy. For flower and fruit development you can increase light intensity to 900 PPFD.
After 900 PPFD most plants will be limited by the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and they won’t be able to use all the light. Every light intensity change should be made gradually so you don’t stress your plants and you can see what is the maximum limit specific to your plants.
Q: Can we grow plants under continuous light?
Answer: It is possible to grow certain plants under 24-hour light. But most plants will require a dark period. In the dark, they can recover, allocate resources for tissue reparation and prepare for the following day. Also, most importantly, some plants require periods of darkness to initiate flowering.
Some growers will grow their plants under a 24-hour light regime to a certain stage of growth and then add a darkness hour to trigger flowering. Most of the plants are grown under 12 to 18-hour light which leaves between 12 and 6-hours of dark.
- Light is the energy source for photosynthetic organisms such as plants or algae.
- Photons from light drive the photosynthesis reaction that allows the storage and the conversion of light energy into the form of glucose made from CO2 assimilation
- Plants can detect several light parameters through their very sophisticated photoreceptors such as wavelength, exposure time or light intensity, which is why quality lighting is essential to grow plants
- Inappropriate amounts or types of radiation (UV) can stress plants and even kill them
- For every plant, every species, and at each stage of development there is an optimal light condition
- Plants have evolved to recognize, anticipate and adapt to light changes.
- Light variations are translated into morphological and physiological outcomes in plants that are essential for their survival:
- Metabolites (vitamins, terpenes, anthocyanin…)
- Fruit production | 0.9625 | FineWeb | ["Photobiology", "Photosynthesis", "Plant Growth"] |
Ek, Anek aur Ekta (One, Many and Oneness)
Project Presentation for Computer Animation (CS 527 - Project 2)
The idea for this piece was inspired by a clip on National Integration that used to be shown on National Television in India in the 1980's. That clip was called as Ek, Anek aur Ekta (hence the name). It can be seen here.
A Boid is an entity that (according to Craig W. Reynold) follows the three basic rules. More information here.
Using the three (and another) basic rules of Boids, I have tried to portray a story:
A bunch of letters want to eat apples in a tree. They try to get them independently, but fail miserably. Then, they get together and think for a plan. It flashes to them that unity among the group will help them get the apples. They join together and reach their goal.
This has been implemented by changing the amount of influence each rule has on the boids and modifying their goals from time to time.
Rules that I have implemented:
1. Move Towards Center of flock
2. Prevent Collisions between Boids
3. Tend to go Towards a Particular Point (with Velocity Matching)
4. Move Boid to a specific Point
Special thanks to my girl-friend Shruti for the idea and all the support during the course of this piece.
Download Boids.zip. Unzip to a folder and run Vishu dot exe.
How it works
1. Setup Scene: Paper, Apples, Text.
2. Start with Scene (Step) 0 - Stationery position.
3. While (Animating)
4. For Each Boid in the Scene
Based on its current position, and step,
update its next position and step.
End While (Animating)
Q: I guess you would have used weights for your boids to make them fly differently base on their weights. If that is the case, did you use weight as a factor in determining the collision with the apples making them to fall down. Will a few boids of greater weight have a greater effect than the same number of boids of lighter weight in making the apple fall down? - Vijay Krishnamoorthy
A: Yes, the boids move differently because of the weight factor. But to make the apples fall down, I only used the fact that there has to be 10 or more boids around it in "close-vicinity".
Q: I have a few basic questions about your boid states - do yo switch states (jumping, talking, etc) based on location? Also, in class, I noticed that you create a new boid or apple object every time you change state. Isn't this constructor business computational expensive? - Lindsay Grace
A: I switch state of a boid based on its current step. Sometimes (Example: when it is about to jump) I change its state when it reaches its goal (position) and other times (Example: when they get together) I change the state of all boids at the same time. Also, an apple boid is created on the click of the mouse; when this is done, an existing apple is cloned and positioned randomly on the tree - so there is theoritically no loading from files involved; and the number of apples is very minimal, so I don't think it is very heavy of computation. But yes, I could have re-used the apples that were eaten up (if there were any) for new apples. | 0.749 | FineWeb | ["Computer Animation", "Boids Simulation", "Project Presentation"] |
Have you ever found yourself falling asleep only to suddenly wake up because your body twitches? Maybe it feels like a jerking contraction you can’t control, as if your body convulses all at once. If you’ve ever encountered this strange sensation, then you’ve experienced what’s referred to as a hypnic jerk.
Also known as hypnagogic jerks or sleep twitches, a hypnic jerk is an involuntary twitch that occurs as your body transitions from being awake to falling asleep. And though they may seem foreign in nature, research suggests that 60-70% of people experience sporadic hypnic jerks from time to time.
What Is a Hypnic Jerk?
Let’s start with a few of the basics. By definition, hypnic jerks (a.k.a. sleep starts, hypnagogic jerks, or myoclonic jerks) are nothing more than your body twitching as it transitions into the first stages of sleep. Named for the transitional period between being fully awake and falling asleep, the hypnic jerk is a harmless condition experienced by many.
Believe it or not, a hypnic jerk is very similar in nature to a common hiccup. Both a hiccup and a hypnic jerk are considered an involuntary muscle twitch known as a myoclonus.
Hypnic Jerk Symptoms
Because a hypnic jerk isn’t a disorder, it’s important to note that any symptoms you may experience aren’t cause for concern. Instead these symptoms are simply things you might experience while transitioning into a state of sleep. They include:
- Falling sensations
- Rapid heartbeat
- Jerking or rapid limb movements
- Fast breathing
- Dreams or hallucinations that lead to a startle
What Causes a Hypnic Jerk?
Unfortunately researchers haven’t been able to uncover exactly why the hypnic jerk occurs because both healthy and unhealthy people experience it. Theories, however, do exist that offer plausible causes.
As is the case with so many sleep disorders, some believe the hypnic jerk occurs due to poor sleep habits or sleep disturbances. For this reason, it’s pertinent that you develop a healthy sleep routine by sticking to a consistent sleep-wake schedule. Consider utilizing a sleep tracker to monitor your sleep patterns and gain a better understanding of your sleep.
Exercising each day is important no matter your current state of health. However, some believe exercising before bed may cause your brain and muscles to remain active as you try to fall asleep. This may lead to side effects that include sweating, jerking, or frequent awakenings throughout the night.
Anxious thoughts and emotional stress can keep you tossing and turning at night when all you want to do is sleep. Because sleep is a healing period for both the mind and body, it’s quite possible that stress is causing your muscles to alert your body, even as it drifts off to sleep. Such alerts can occur in the form of twitches and jerks.
Nothing stops your body from falling asleep quite like stimulants do. Be it caffeine, nicotine, or any other stimulant, these substances can negatively impact your body’s ability to fall asleep and to reach deeper stages of sleep, like rapid eye movement (REM) sleep or slow-wave deep sleep.
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Some research suggests the hypnic jerk is simply an evolutionary trait passed on to us by our ancestors from thousands of years ago. This may be the case when you consider that primitive humans slept in trees and, therefore, needed to ensure they wouldn’t wake up only after falling to the ground. The hypnic jerk may have once served us as an alert to readjust our sleeping positions while dozing in branches high above.
Who Experiences Hypnic Jerks?
While hypnic jerks can affect everyone, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine notes that adults are far more likely than children to experience hypnic jerks. The reason for this pertains to specific factors that affect adults rather than children, such as stimulant intake, emotional stress, and intense bouts of exercise. Hypnic jerks may still occur in children, but they are far less common.
Hypnic Jerk Treatments
Because the hypnic jerk isn’t considered uncommon or unhealthy, prevention is more adequate to stop it from happening in the first place. Follow the steps below that aim to help you transition into sleep and sleep soundly throughout the night.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Sleep hygiene is nothing more than a fancy term for healthy sleeping habits. In order to sleep better, you first need to provide your body with a few basic essentials. These include exercising regularly, limiting exposure to digital screens a couple of hours before bed, avoiding bedtime snacks, and steering clear of stimulants that can keep you awake. Temperature also plays an important role, so make sure to check our our article on The Best Temperature for Sleep
Avoid Stimulants: Stimulants act as powerful shots of energy that flood your brain and body and keep you going. As enticing as that may sound at two o’clock in the afternoon when you grow drowsy, it does no good for your brain later in the night. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, or other stimulants beyond midday, as these are likely to keep your physiology from being able to wind down when it’s time to sleep. And remember that while alcohol or wine may make you drowsy before bed, chances are they’ll disrupt your sleep later in the night. If you track your sleep with a Biostrap’s wrist-worn device, you may notice changes in your sleep patterns as well as biometrics, such as heart and heart rate variability.
Exercise Timing: While some of us enjoy being productive at night rather than during the day, do your best to complete any intense workouts by mid-afternoon. And if this isn’t possible, focus on low-intensity exercise in the evening, such as a walk after dinner, that won’t keep your heart racing into the night.
Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are an effective way of slowing down your heart rate, activating your parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system, and getting a restful night’s sleep. Consider utilizing a breathing technique known as “box breathing” that’s taught to Navy Seals. This technique aims to slow your heart rate and reduce stress by performing a specific breathing cycle for a short period of time: inhale for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, exhale for a count of 4 and hold for a count of 4. Repeat this four times.
As unusual as the hypnic jerk may seem, following these simple tips will reduce the likelihood that hypnic jerks will disrupt your slumber. If your experience with hypnic jerks doesn’t improve after adopting these preventative options, consider talking with a licensed health clinician to discuss your options.
Living With Hypnic Jerks
While the hypnic jerk may come across as an unhealthy or unnatural occurrence, in truth, it’s a completely normal experience that many of us know well.
If your experience with hypnic jerks has you concerned or is keeping you awake, don’t be afraid to speak with your doctor or a licensed healthcare provider to discuss your treatment options.
If you find yourself experiencing hypnic jerks regularly, consider making an appointment with your doctor as this may be a symptom of poor sleep patterns or lingering stressors.
At the end of the day, remember that hypnagogic jerks aren’t uncommon, nor are they a disorder. Take some time to relax before bed, treat your body well, and you will reduce the likelihood that you’ll wake due to an unforeseen twitch. | 0.7906 | FineWeb | ["What Is a Hypnic Jerk", "Hypnic Jerk Symptoms", "Hypnic Jerk Treatments"] |
We're sorry, no products were found for your search:
Try your search again using these tips:
- Double check the spelling. Try varying the spelling.
- Limit the search to one or two words.
- Be less specific in your wording. Sometimes a more general term will lead you to the similar products. | 0.9995 | FineWeb | ["Search Tips", "Product Search", "Error Handling"] |
1302 Document 1.docx (16.481 KB)
1302 Document 2.docx (29.4 KB)
HIST 1302 Core Assessment Instructions:
Carefully read and analyze the following two documents and write an 800 word essay to answer the following question:
Based on the two documents, how has the racial history of the United States shaped racial relations in society today?
Having considered these questions, write an essay of at least 800 words that:
Makes a specific argument that can be supported with the specific historical evidence of these two primary documents, as well as lecture notes and the textbook assigned to your class;
Analyzes the historical significance of these two primary documents; and connect them with issues facing our country today;
Analyzes the nature of the race in the past and today;
Is written in standard English, with all sources and quotes properly cited using MLA format;
Is written in your own words, not copied and pasted from other sources or web sites;
Is submitted through eCampus, by clicking on the “REQUIRED HIST 1302 CORE OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT ESSAY” link above. | 0.9923 | FineWeb | ["Racial History of the United States", "Racial Relations in Society", "Historical Significance and Modern Connections"] |
Dhabangi A, et al. Effect of Transfusion of Red Blood Cells With Longer vs Shorter Storage Duration on Elevated Blood Lactate Levels in Children With Severe Anemia: The TOTAL Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2015 Dec 15;314(23):2514-23.
IMPORTANCE: Although millions of transfusions are given annually worldwide, the effect of red blood cell (RBC) unit storage duration on oxygen delivery is uncertain.
OBJECTIVE: To determine if longer-storage RBC units are not inferior to shorter-storage RBC units for tissue oxygenation as measured by reduction in blood lactate levels and improvement in cerebral tissue oxygen saturation among children with severe anemia.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized noninferiority trial of 290 children (aged 6-60 months), most with malaria or sickle cell disease, presenting February 2013 through May 2015 to a university-affiliated national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda, with a hemoglobin level of 5 g/dL or lower and a lactate level of 5 mmol/L or higher.
INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive RBC units stored 25 to 35 days (longer-storage group; n = 145) vs 1 to 10 days (shorter-storage group; n = 145). All units were leukoreduced prior to storage. All patients received 10 mL/kg of RBCs during hours 0 through 2 and, if indicated per protocol, an additional 10 mL/kg during hours 4 through 6.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with a lactate level of 3 mmol/L or lower at 8 hours using a margin of noninferiority equal to an absolute difference of 25%. Secondary measures included noninvasive cerebral tissue oxygen saturation during the first transfusion, clinical and laboratory changes up to 24 hours, and survival and health at 30 days after transfusion. Adverse events were monitored up to 24 hours.
RESULTS: In the total population of 290 children, the mean (SD) presenting hemoglobin level was 3.7 g/dL (1.3) and mean lactate level was 9.3 mmol/L (3.4). Median (interquartile range) RBC unit storage was 8 days (7-9) for shorter storage vs 32 days (30-34) for longer storage without overlap. The proportion achieving the primary end point was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.69) in the longer-storage group vs 0.58 (95% CI, 0.49 to 0.66) in the shorter-storage group (between-group difference, 0.03 [95% CI, -0.07 to ∞], P < .001), meeting the prespecified margin of noninferiority. Mean lactate levels were not statistically different between the 2 groups at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 24 hours. Kaplan-Meier analysis and global nonlinear regression revealed no statistical difference in lactate reduction between the 2 groups. Clinical assessment, cerebral oxygen saturation, electrolyte abnormalities, adverse events, survival, and 30-day recovery were also not significantly different between the groups.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among children with lactic acidosis due to severe anemia, transfusion of longer-storage compared with shorter-storage RBC units did not result in inferior reduction of elevated blood lactate levels. These findings have relevance regarding the efficacy of stored RBC transfusion for patients with critical tissue hypoxia and lactic acidosis due to anemia. | 0.7391 | FineWeb | ```json
[
"Red Blood Cell Storage Duration",
"Blood Transfusion",
"Severe Anemia Treatment"
]
``` |
Dandelion Readers Units 1-10 Set 3 - Sit, Sam
Dandelion Readers follow the same phonic progression as the Dandelion Launchers.
The key difference between the two book series is the amount of text on a page. Dandelion Readers have more text than the Dandelion Launchers.
In Set 3 'Sit, Sam':
- Units 1-7 introduce the initial sounds of the alphabet and adjacent consonants.
- Units 8-10 introduce consonant blends.
There are 3 parallel sets, each with 10 books including a reading game in each book.
Set 2 and Set 3 Units 1-10 is supported by a spiral-bound book of photocopiable, multisensory activities linked to Set 2 ‘A Mat’ and Set 3 ‘Sit, Sam’ (120 pages).
*Price includes GST and excludes postage.
View our Phonics Books Progression Chart. | 0.7108 | FineWeb | ["Dandelion Readers", "Phonics Progression", "Book Sets"] |
Pole Buildings / Post Frames
A pole buildings (also known as a “post frame”) uses wood beams buried in the ground as the primary support structure for the outer walls and roof trusses. Most pole buildings include all wood poles as the support beams and a metal shell for the outer walls. Sometimes a concrete foundation is added, but it is not necessary if you are content with a dirt floor. Materials and construction costs are typically lower for a pole buildings than for a steel or stick-built structure.
Benefits of Pole Buildings
- Low-cost way to manage simple storage, workshop and agricultural needs
- Adaptable to different uses, can be modified over time
- Easy to create higher-pitched roofs, attractive rooflines, overhangs, dormers, offsets, etc.
- Fast construction | 0.9307 | FineWeb | ["Pole Buildings", "Benefits of Pole Buildings", "Construction and Materials"] |
Principles of nursing practice
Eight principles that apply to all nursing staff and nursing students in any care setting
The principles describe what constitutes safe and effective nursing care, and cover the aspects of behaviour, attitude and approach that underpin good care.
Each of the principles was developed by the Royal College of Nursing in partnership with the Department of Health and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Patients, the public and health care staff were also involved in developing them.
Learn more about how the principles are put into practice with this series of short films exploring each one.
How you can use the principles
As a nursing professional or nursing student you can use the principles to:
- understand what patients, colleagues, families and carers can expect from nursing
- help you reflect on your practice and develop as a professional
- generate discussions with your colleagues or if you are student with your mentor, tutor or fellow students on the aspects of behaviour, attitude and approach that underpin good nursing care
- identify where the principles are being practised within your organisation, and to identify instances where you think they are not being practised
- see how they relate to a trust’s own set of nursing values.
- evaluate the care they have received by using them as a checklist.
Together, we can build a better future for nursing | 0.7825 | FineWeb | ["Principles of Nursing Practice", "Nursing Care", "Nursing Professional Development"] |
SchoolForge is a "foundry" for forging out educational solutions using free and open source software in classrooms and other learning environments. Historically the organization has remained a coalition of organizations that are committed to the overal goals:
- From SchoolForge.net: "SchoolForge's mission is to unify independent organizations that advocate, use, and develop open resources for education. SchoolForge is intended to empower member organizations to make open educational resources more effective, efficient, and ubiquitous by enhancing communication, sharing resources, and increasing the transparency of development. SchoolForge members advocate the use of open source and free software, open texts and lessons, and open curricula for the advancement of education and the betterment of humankind.
SchoolForge, the foundryEdit
Inspired by the name, SourceForge, SchoolForge was established to foster a new way of providing schools and other educational organizations with the tools they need. The paradigm of open source and free software with public licenses makes sense for public schools, even though many schools shell out enormous sums for proprietary software resources. Linux, FreeBSD, Apache, MySQL, Perl and a host of other software products are available usually at no cost whatsoever. The phenomenal success of open content such as Wikipedia and the Creative Commons has also created money-saving resources for education and the trend is escalating. This page is to explore the prospect of adding Wikiversity to the SchoolForge coalition, and is open to SchoolForge and its member groups for the purpose of providing a wiki-enabled central resource at Wikiversity. See Wikiversity:Wikiversity outreach
SchoolForge is a foundry which has developed a number of resources through the projects history, with its roots coming from a Simple End User Linux (SEUL) controlled project called SEUL/edu. The SEUL/edu was the beginning effort towards "creating and fostering a viable, vibrant Open Source/Free software in the education community," which developed tools which are still in use today including a case studies system and an educational applications index. The SEUL/edu project was ended and the tools were then passed on to SchoolForge, which took on the role 'to unify independent organizations that advocate, use, and develop open resources for primary and secondary education.' The success of these efforts has led to what we are finding today, a constant stream of reports and articles in which schools are moving to FLOSS solutions.
Justin Riddiough is currently leading web development efforts at SchoolForge, with a primary focus of increasing awareness of open resources in education. This is accomplished largely through participation in the discussion list, and working to translate the efforts of successful projects into web pages and systems that are accessible to people of varying technical understandings.
Groups that may qualify as potential coalition members: | 0.8234 | FineWeb | ```
{
"topics": [
"SchoolForge Mission and Goals",
"Open Source Software in Education",
"SchoolForge History and Development"
]
}
``` |
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File Not Found
The file you were looking for could not be found, sorry for any inconvenience.
Possible causes of this error could be:
- The file expired
- The file was deleted by its owner | 0.9966 | FineWeb | ["Error Messages", "File Management", "Technical Issues"] |
heart Imam Jafar al Sadiq (a.s) was discussing with Abu Shakir about existence of Allah; During the discuss Imam (a.s) told him about formation of stone.mam (a.s) Said ‘’You do not know what a stone is and how it came into being. Today you can handle it as you like and cut it into any shape or form, but there was a time when it was in liquid state. Gradually it cooled down and Allah solidified it.’’Reference: The Great Muslim Scientist and Philosopher Imam Jafar Ibn Mohammed As-Sadiq (as) P.13
Now let’s compare above saying of Imam (a.s) with Modern Science of Rocks. Geology is primarily a study of the Earth’s rocks. As with any science, a first step in achieving understanding is the development of a classification.
There are three basic types of rocks:
The interesting part of knowing these names is that any one of the three types of rock can be changed into one of the other types.
Now up to This Point Lets Focus on First Type of Rock; Igneous rocks get their name from the Latin word for fire “igneus”. The name is appropriate because these rocks are born of fire. These represent not only the most abundant of all rock types but also the original type of rock found on Earth. Given that the Earth cooled from a melted (Liquefied) state after the formation of the Moon, all rocks on Earth owe their origin to igneous processes.
Here interesting point to note is that all rocks begin as igneous rocks. Before rocks can be transformed by sedimentation and weathering or metamorphosed by the heat and pressure of plate tectonics to another type, they must first be cooled from the intense heat of the mantle.
heart emoticon From above discussion we can now conclude that heart emoticon
Igneous Rocks are fundamental of all types. Due to very high temperature these were in liquid state and when they cooled they become Igneous rocks now this type of rock can be transformed to other types.
Now if you read conclusion again you will realize that it is nothing but translation of above saying of Imam (a.s).
Syeda Sadia Khatoon
Lab. # 212,
H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry,
International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences,
University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan. | 0.894 | FineWeb | ["Formation of Stones", "Types of Rocks", "Igneous Rocks"] |
Search Within Results
Common Core: Standard
Common Core: ELA
Common Core: Math
- Students revisit the fundamental theorem of algebra as they explore complex roots of polynomial functions. They use polynomial identities, the binomial theorem, and Pascal’s Triangle to find roots...
- This module revisits trigonometry that was introduced in Geometry and Algebra II, uniting and further expanding the ideas of right triangle trigonometry and the unit circle. New tools are introduced... | 0.9999 | FineWeb | ["Common Core: Math", "Polynomial Functions", "Trigonometry"] |
Here’s how the PBS NewsHour describes this video:
Literature can be daunting for some young people, so how can we create a culture of avid readers? Poetry can be a non-threatening alternative introduction for fledgling bibliophiles, giving them more “white space” on a page without losing narrative elements. Author Jason Reynolds shares his humble opinion on how poetry can entice young readers.
You might also be interested in The Best World Poetry Day Resources – Help Me Find More. | 0.7686 | FineWeb | ["Introduction to Reading", "Poetry for Young Readers", "Literacy Culture"] |
Domestic violence is the wilful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behaviour as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, financial and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other.
Domestic violence is an epidemic affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. It is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behaviour that is only a fraction of a systematic pattern of dominance and control. Domestic violence can result in physical injury, psychological trauma, and in severe cases, even death. The devastating physical, emotional, and psychological consequences of domestic violence can cross generations and last a lifetime.
Some examples of abusive tendencies include but are not limited to:
- Telling the victim that they can never do anything right
- Showing jealousy of the victim’s family and friends and time spent away
- Accusing the victim of cheating
- Keeping or discouraging the victim from seeing friends or family members
- Embarrassing or shaming the victim with put-downs
- Controlling every penny spent in the household
- Taking the victim’s money or refusing to give them money for expenses
- Looking at or acting in ways that scare the person they are abusing
- Controlling who the victim sees, where they go, or what they do
- Dictating how the victim dresses, wears their hair, etc.
- Stalking the victim or monitoring their victim’s every move (in person or also via the internet and/or other devices such as GPS tracking or the victim’s phone)
- Preventing the victim from making their own decisions
- Telling the victim that they are a bad parent or threatening to hurt, kill, or take away their children
- Threatening to hurt or kill the victim’s friends, loved ones, or pets
- Intimidating the victim with guns, knives, or other weapons
- Pressuring the victim to have sex when they don’t want to or to do things sexually they are not comfortable with
- Refusing to use protection when having sex or sabotaging birth control
- Pressuring or forcing the victim to use drugs or alcohol
- Preventing the victim from working or attending school, harassing the victim at either, keeping their victim up all night so they perform badly at their job or in school
- Destroying the victim’s property
- It is important to note that domestic violence does not always manifest as physical abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse can often be just as extreme as physical violence. Lack of physical violence does not mean the abuser is any less dangerous to the victim, nor does it mean the victim is any less trapped by the abuse.
Additionally, domestic violence often intensifies because the abuser feels a loss of control over the victim. Abusers frequently continue to stalk, harass, threaten, and try to control the victim after the victim escapes. In fact, the victim is often in the most danger directly following the escape of the relationship or when they seek help: 1/5 of homicide victims with restraining orders are murdered within two days of obtaining the order; 1/3 are murdered within the first month.2
Unfair blame is frequently put upon the victim of abuse because of assumptions that victims choose to stay in abusive relationships. The truth is, bringing an end to abuse is not a matter of the victim choosing to leave; it is a matter of the victim being able to safely escape their abuser, the abuser choosing to stop the abuse, or others (e.g., law enforcement, courts) holding the abuser accountable for the abuse they inflict.
Victims of domestic violence may:
- Want the abuse to end, but not the relationship
- Feel isolated
- Feel depressed
- Feel helpless
- Be unaware of what services are available to help them
- Be embarrassed of their situation
- Fear judgement or stigmatization if their reveal the abuse
- Deny or minimize the abuse or make excuses for the abuser
- Still love their abuser
- Withdraw emotionally
- Distance themselves from family or friends
- Be impulsive or aggressive
- Feel financially dependent on their abuser
- Feel guilt related to the relationship
- Feel shame
- Have anxiety
- Have suicidal thoughts
- Abuse alcohol or drugs
- Be hopeful that their abuser will change and/or stop the abuse
- Have religious, cultural, or other beliefs that reinforce staying in the relationship
- Have no support from friends of family
- Fear cultural, community, or societal backlash that may hinder escape or support
- Feel like they have nowhere to go or no ability to get away
- Fear they will not be able to support themselves after they escape the abuser
- Have children in common with their abuser and fear for their safety if the victim leaves
- Have pets or other animals they don’t want to leave
- Be distrustful of local law enforcement, courts, or other systems if the abuse is revealed
- Have had unsupportive experiences with friends, family, employers, law enforcement, courts, child protective services, etc. and believe they won’t get help if they leave or fear retribution if they do (e.g. they fear losing custody of their children to the abuser)
- These are among the many reasons victims of domestic violence either choose to stay in abusive relationships or feel they are unable to leave.
Abusers come from all groups, all cultures, all religions, all economic levels, and all backgrounds. They can be your neighbour, your pastor, your friend, your child’s teacher, a relative, a co-worker — anyone. It is important to note that the majority of abusers are only violent with their current or past intimate partners. One study found 90% of abusers do not have criminal records and abusers are generally law-abiding outside the home.
There is no one typical, detectable personality of an abuser. However, they do often display common characteristics.
An abuser often denies the existence or minimizes the seriousness of the violence and its effect on the victim and other family members.
An abuser objectifies the victim and often sees them as their property or sexual objects.
An abuser has low self-esteem and feels powerless and ineffective in the world. He or she may appear successful, but internally, they feel inadequate.
An abuser externalizes the causes of their behaviour. They blame their violence on circumstances such as stress, their partner’s behaviour, a “bad day,” on alcohol, drugs, or other factors.
An abuser may be pleasant and charming between periods of violence and is often seen as a “nice person” to others outside the relationship.
Red flags and warning signs of an abuser include but are not limited to:
- Extreme jealousy
- A bad temper
- Cruelty to animals
- Verbal abuse
- Extremely controlling behaviour
- Antiquated beliefs about roles of women and men in relationships
- Forced sex or disregard of their partner’s unwillingness to have sex
- Sabotage of birth control methods or refusal to honour agreed upon methods
- Blaming the victim for anything bad that happens
- Sabotage or obstruction of the victim’s ability to work or attend school
- Controls all the finances
- Abuse of other family members, children or pets
- Accusations of the victim flirting with others or having an affair
- Control of what the victim wears and how they act
- Demeaning the victim either privately or publicly
- Embarrassment or humiliation of the victim in front of others
- Harassment of the victim at work
Please tune into Musina FM 104 FM | 0.9062 | FineWeb | ["Domestic Violence", "Abuse Characteristics", "Warning Signs of an Abuser"] |
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