text
stringlengths 275
247k
| link
stringlengths 20
607
| token_count
int64 53
55.5k
| section
stringclasses 19
values | int_score
int64 3
5
| language
stringclasses 2
values | language_probability
float64 0.44
1
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
In 1958, archaeologists were digging through the ruins of a burned Iron Age citadel called Hasanlu in northwestern Iran when they pulled a spectacular, albeit crushed, golden bowl from the layers of destruction.
The 3,000-year-old bowl became an object of fascination once word got to the press. The next year, it graced the pages of Life magazine in a full-color spread alongside an article about the discoveries at Hasanlu.
But the story behind the prized find is less glossy. The bowl was uncovered just beyond the fingertips of a dead soldier and two of his comrades, who were crushed under bricks and burned building material around 800 B.C. Scholars have debated whether these three men were defenders of the citadel or enemy invaders running off with looted treasures. A new interpretation suggests the soldiers were no heroes.
Hasanlu is sometimes described as the Pompeii of the ancient Near East, because of its so-called "burn layer," which contains more than 200 bodies preserved in ash and rubble, explained Michael Danti, an archaeologist at Boston University. The archaeological evidence provides a rather disturbing snapshot of the closing hours of the siege of the citadel. [Preserved Pompeii: See Images of a City in Ash]
Located on the shores of Lake Urmia, Hasanlu seems to have been first occupied about 8,000 years ago. But by the ninth or 10th century B.C., there was a bustling, fortified town at the site.
Within the town's walls were houses, treasuries, horse stables, military arsenals and temples, many of which had towers or multiple stories. The mudbrick architecture likely resembled the adobe buildings of the American Southwest, but many roofs, floors and structural supports at Hasanlu consisted of timber and reed matting — all of which would have been tinder in a blaze, Danti said.
Other central details about life at Hasanlu are less clear. Archaeologists don't know the ethnicity of the people who lived there or what language they spoke.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
"Despite the really rich material record, they didn't really find any indigenous writing at all," Danti said.
The burn layer at Hasanlu suggests a surprise attack destroyed the citadel. Archaeologists who excavated the site in the 1950s, '60s and '70s found corpses that were beheaded and others that were missing hands. Danti said he has seen a fairly clear example of a person who was cut in half. [8 Other Grisly Archaeological Discoveries]
"The students that were working there would have nightmares at night, because they were spending hours and hours out there excavating murder victims," Danti told Live Science. Many of the victims were women and children. And in mass graves on top of the burned layer, excavators found the remains of people who tended to be very young or old and seemed to have suffered fatal, blunt-force trauma head wounds. These victims likely survived the initial attack only to be killed when their captors realized they would be of little use as slaves, Danti said.
"This was warfare that was designed to wipe out people's identity and terrify people into submission," Danti said.
Danti, who has been piecing together a history of the site from excavation archives as part of a larger, more daunting project, published a study on Hasanlu in the September 2014 issue of the journal Antiquity. The site was primarily excavated between 1956 and 1977 under the direction of Robert H. Dyson, who led a team from the University of Pennsylvania, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Archaeological Service of Iran. Because of security pressures and the overwhelming amount of material found at the site, the pace of their work was often hurried, and their record-keeping methods were not always meticulous. Some artifacts were pulled from the ground before they were documented or photographed in situ. There are no photographs of the gold bowl before it was taken out of the ground, for example.
In revisiting Hasanlu, Danti has taken a closer look at the three warriors. He said it seems likely they were climbing up a wooden staircase inside of a home when the building collapsed. The men fell through what was probably a waste-disposal chute and were buried by debris. Besides the gold bowl, there are other treasures scattered around their bodies, including textiles, fancy armored belts, metal vessels and delicately carved cylinder seals.
The outfits and weapons of the warriors look like standardized military equipment, Danti said. The men wore crested helmets with earflaps, and they carried spiked maces. They appear to have been well-prepared for battle.
"I doubt these men were rescuing a valued bowl and many other fine objects with little hope of egress as the citadel burned and its remaining occupants were slaughtered or taken captive," Danti wrote in his conclusion.
Danti's interpretation supports a hypothesis that the warriors hailed from the Urartu kingdom that grew out of an area in modern-day Turkey. Historical texts indicate the ancient Urartu kingdom was expanding into the region around Hasanlu during the Iron Age through a brutal military campaign. Sometime after the citadel was abandoned, an Urartian fortification wall was built on top of the ruins of Hasanlu.
Still, Danti said he hopes other researchers will test his hypothesis and perform bioarchaeological analyses on the skeletons of both the warriors and the slain people who lived at Hasanlu. Diet and drinking water leave telltale biomarkers in a person's skeleton, and a bone analysis could help confirm where the warriors came from, and whether they died trying to protect or steal the town's riches.
Follow Megan Gannon on Twitter and Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. | http://www.livescience.com/47713-golden-bowl-hasanlu-archaeology.html | 1,216 | Culture | 3 | en | 0.999922 |
Note from BW of Brazil: Studying the history of samba is a key element to understanding the struggle of Afro-Brazilians. From its beginnings, the musical genre that would later become Brazil’s most popular exponent of culture was persecuted and scorned upon by government officials, police and elites of the society. Samba was, as many saw it, “uma coisa do negro”, or a ‘black thing’. In the 1920s and 1930s, musicians of the style were considered low life vagabonds and violently oppressed by police. As Reneé Critcher Lyons (2012) confirms that this music that was first produced and consumed in the favelas (slums on the hills) but in public gatherings these musicians were chased and driven off the streets by police. They would often have their homes raided and guitars confiscated by the police. But this repression was met with strong resistance by Afro-Brazilians who didn’t let themselves be intimidated, battered but unrelenting, as they ignored “the scorn of the bourgeoisie.” (Swanson 2003) This resistance was not only on the part of black men, as black women, referred to as “tias”, or aunts, played significant roles in keeping the genre alive and allowing it grow by permitting these musicians to play extended jam sessions in their homes.
Later in the 1930s, the government saw in the samba a way of promoting the nation’s culture and helped to transform from a ‘black thing’ into a ‘Brazilian thing’. In this way, samba is very representative of the way in which Brazil has always treated its black population. Every year during Carnaval, samba is used to promote Brazil nationally and internationally and is generally the only time of year in which Afro-Brazilians are allowed to shine in the spotlight as after the five day celebration is over, they are basically sent back to the favela and forgotten about for the other 360 days. Afro-Brazilian persecution can also be seen in the 21st century as Brazilian police continue to brutalize Afro-Brazilians, murdering five times more people than police in the United States, with the vast majority being black. We also see memories of samba in the ongoing debate about the cultural appropriation that many see going on today. In many ways, it’s as if facets of black culture have become fashionable but apparently only when its presented in white skin; a discussion we will continue here on the blog as more evidence continues to present itself .
Below, in a continuation of past articles about the samba (see here and here), we take a look at the importance of black women within the world of the most Brazilian rhythm of all.
The Roots of Samba: What was the historical significance of black women in samba?
By Ana Júlia Gennari
Samba is the enduring symbol of resistance of black culture. And black women were essential for it to continue existing in post-slavery period. If not for them, the samba would not exist today.
The origin of Samba in Brazil is uncertain. But all the possible explanations suggest that the roots of the genre are in Africa and were brought by black slaves in the Brazilian colonial period.
However, shortly after its inception, the rhythm was threatened with extinction. Not long after the abolition of slavery the Lei da Vadiagem (Vagrancy Act) (1941), was sanctioned, which considered idleness to be a crime and allowed the arrest of people who walked the streets without documents.
This directly affected the black men who were unemployed, often homeless and without any possibility of getting hired due to the strong racial prejudice of the time.
“The post-abolitionist period marked the strong persecution of any Afro-Brazilian sounds, accents, dance and religiosity aimed at maintaining traditions that Brazilian society wanted so badly to erase. In this context, the importance of black women was essential, because in addition to economically maintaining their families – as they continued to work as maids in casas grandes (big houses/homes of slave masters) – they were essential for the resistance of the samba. In Rio de Janeiro, Tia (Aunt) Ciata, who today would be what is commonly known as a mãe de santo (holy mother), stands out as a collective memory. In her home the samba that was forbidden would happen, where names like Pixinguinha, Sinhô and many others met and could compose.”
Kelly Adriano de Oliveira, a Ph.D in social sciences from Unicamp, states that the women as well as Afro-Brazilian religion played a major role for the samba to be able to resist, because it was within terreiros of the houses of Bahian aunts – whose symbol was marked in Tia Ciata – in the private and hidden space, that samba could happen.
No wonder the appreciation of the wing of the Bahian samba schools is a way to honor not only Tia Ciata, but the memory of all Bahian aunts of the samba.
Pioneering women in the history of samba
The anthropologist says that only after the 1930s did the samba come to be accepted as popular culture, reinforced by President Getúlio Vargas “with the movement for the appreciation of what was Brazilian, what makes Brazil Brazil, and the attempt to incorporate a false racial democracy, of a country that supposedly accepts its blackness and its roots.”
“In this way it left the private where it maintained itself as resistance and went to the public sphere as a national symbol, women went on to have less participation in this process, because of all sexist trappings of time, where the street was no place for women among other questions … Thus begins a male predominance in samba spaces.”
A female framework within the history of the samba, amid all this immense difficulty is the Madrinha Eunice (Godmother Eunice), a woman whose memory of struggle is immeasurable. “She was the first woman to chair a samba school, Lavapés of São Paulo, which emerged in fact more like a Carnival cord,” contextualizes Kelly.
However, it was really only after the 60’s that women could have some visibility within the musical spectrum of samba and then carioca (native of Rio) names such as names like Clementina de Jesus and Dona Ivone Lara began to emerge – the second which is, in Kelly’s view, the main symbol of this context.
“She was the first woman to participate in the wing of composers of a samba school, Império Serrano, in Rio de Janeiro at the end of 1960. Her importance goes beyond the ‘locals of samba’, and she attains respect as a composer and instrumentalist in the so-called MPB (Brazilian Popular Music).”
The role of interpreters for the dissemination and popularization of the samba, especially Clara Nunes – light-skinned, but of black ancestry – Alcione, Leci Brandão and Beth Carvalho, who sponsored many sambistas (samba musicians), was also essential for Brazilian musical culture.
Current scenario of samba for women
Samba remains today a musical genre in which there is a predominance of men, as much within the industry, as in areas where it is popularly played.
“The opening of the samba to the participation of women, especially black women, remains difficult and, although there are always prominent names like Mariene de Castro, Fabiana Cozza and Teresa Cristina, we still have very few,” laments Kelly.
As a way of continuing resistance – and existing – in this scenario, some independent sambistas have organized themselves into groups and rodas de samba (samba circles) for women only. The São Paulo group Sambadas Sao Paulo is one example.
“It’s not necessary to know everything about samba to know that the shadow of its friendliness hides many conflicts. Prejudice of gender is one of them. Even starring in the history of this popular event, many singers, songwriters, samba school leaders etc. were, and are silent,” said Carolina Nascimento, songwriter and guitarist of the group.
Carol, who lives in Jardim Icaraí in São Paulo, in the Grajaú region, is 25 years old and says that the Sambadas began to organize themselves in March 2015 and since then the eight women who make up the group meet weekly to talk, rehearse and play samba. “We still have no fixed place of presentation, the events and related information are posted on our Facebook page,” she says.
Sambadas group meets every week
When asked about the importance of samba for black women and their representation within the genre, Carolina Nascimento reinforces that sexism and racism is still very much alive in our society.
She affirms having played in several rodas (de samba – samba circles) where the presence of men was the majority, and therefore could witness the contempt with which the woman is treated in these spaces – be it in the lyrics, in the absence of women playing or the treatment given to those who dare to play, sing or compose.
“Raising the issue of race makes this discussion all the more necessary. The same media initiative that sought to put into oblivion black sambistas of São Paulo – Geraldo Filme, Madrinha Eunice, Zeca da Casa Verde, Talismã, Toniquinho Batuqueiro, among others – evidencing figures that matched the São Paulo profile “good”, today sells an idea of woman of samba that doesn’t represent me, my friends and family. Our luck, and also their bad luck, is that when it comes to resistance there is no example of greater strength than the struggle of black people, especially women.”
Another member of the group, Kelly Buarque de Hollanda, 38, a resident of Osasco, who plays cavaquinho (ukulele) and sings in the Sambadas, also said that one of the greatest difficulties as a woman of samba is the sexist prejudice in playing in male samba circles:
“When I would go to samba circles with men, I felt a lot of hostility on their part. They didn’t like my presence and I was not well received, gave me ugly looks and refused to accept my gift. It took a long time for me to be respected in the environment. And only then I realized that this nuisance was the result of pure machismo because I played better than them and because a woman’s place within the samba is not playing, but sambando (dancing samba), right?!”
Throughout our conversation, it was noticeable how the historic resistance of samba for black culture survives strongly in the power of these women sambistas and blacks.
“Blacks did the samba in a way to tell their stories, question reality, alleviate the pains and celebrate the joys, and did contrary to the interests of a powerful elite. The real samba, that that values tradition and not money, was always resistance,” says Carol.
What is missing – a lot – in the view of both, however, is the representation of black women in the music industry and in the media. To finalize Carol laments: “While our visibility is not a means of enriching the rich, we will continue to encountering Globelezas and other standards which are certainly not ours.”
Hilária Batista de Almeida, better known as Tia (Aunt) Ciata, was born in 1854. She was a cook, mãe de santo and one of the most important Bahian aunts for the samba to exist today.
At the time of persecution against blacks and their culture, she and other Bahian aunts gave space in their backyards and terreiros for the samba to happen.
Clementina de Jesus
Born in Rio de Janeiro in 1901, she moved to the neighborhood of Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de Janeiro for eight years and, because of this, closely followed the development of the Portela samba school.
She worked as a maid until the 1920s and in 1963 participated in the show “Rosa de Ouro,” which ran throughout Brazil and later became an album.
She had an unmistakable tone of voice and is considered the queen of partido alto – a specific type of samba that is closest to the source of the Angolan drumming.
Euzébia Silva do Nascimento was born in 1913 in Rio de Janeiro and was a sambista of the velha guarda (old guard) of the Mangueira samba school.
She became a major symbol of Carnival and had a biography written by Odacy Brito Silva.
Dona Zica was also the last wife of samba legend Cartola. They lived together for 26 years until the singer’s death.
Dona Ivone Lara
Yvonne Lara da Costa was born in 1921 in Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro. She earned the nickname “Dona” (meaning lady) because of the admiration and respect that MPB musicians had for her.
She was the first woman to join the wing of composers in a samba school – in 1947, in Império Serrano. She was a composer and instrumentalist.
Jilçária Cruz Costa, known as Tia Doca da Portela, was born in 1932 in Rio de Janeiro and was a pastor of the velha guarda of the Portela Samba School.
She was a domestic and fabric weaver and joined Portela in 1970.
In 2008 she participated in the Mistério do Samba documentary, produced by Marisa Monte
Iranette Ferreira Barcello was born in 1940 in Rio de Janeiro and has been, since 1980, one of the most important members of the velha guarda (old guard) of Portela.
She was the puxadora (lead singer of Carnaval progression) of the samba-enredo “Memórias de um Sargento de Milícias” in 1966. And she has an album, Fina Flor, which brings together some famous composers of Portela.
Jovelina Pérola Negra
Also from Botafogo, she was born in 1944 and died still young, at only 54 years old.
She worked as a maid until obtaining success in the artistic world – which ended up being late, only in 1985, on the historical album Raça Negra (meaning black race) shortly before her death.
Leci was born the same year as Jovelina in 1944 in Rio de Janeiro and became one of the most important composers and interpreters of samba in Brazil.
In 1970 she was the first woman to join the wing of the composers of the Mangueira samba schol.
Currently, besides her musical career, she is Member of the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) and is part of the National Council for the Promotion of Racial Equality and the National Council of Women’s Rights.
Source: Brasil Post, Lyons, Reneé Critcher. The Revival of Banned Dances: A Worldwide Study. McFarland, 2012. Swanson, Paul. Domination and Resistance In Afro-Brazilian Music. Honors Thesis. Oberlin College, 2003.
Leave a Reply | https://blackwomenofbrazil.co/2016/03/05/samba-roots-what-was-the-historical-significance-of-black-women-in-samba/ | 3,313 | Culture | 3 | en | 0.999675 |
What is Absurdism?
Absurdism refers to the internal conflict between a person's inability to find any intrinsic value or meaning in life and his tendency to do so. Next Stay, or, to put it another way, "absurdism" refers to the human struggle to locate the area in his life and his inability to locate it due to constraints that are humanly limited.
Therefore, "absurdism" refers to something that is not logical but rather humanly impossible. In this sense, it is impossible to find intrinsic values and meaning in life, so anyone who tries will eventually fail.
The "absurdism" movement emerged during the two world wars. The entire world had been shaken by these wars. The writers of the time were led to believe that the world is meaningless as a result of the mass killings of millions of people.
Everyone has his own specific manner of tracking down implications. Assuming we utilize the idea of Absurdism as far as War it tends to be deciphered that countries enjoyed the conflicts to accomplish something for themselves through the conflict implies, however, the fierceness is against humankind.
The two significant scholars Kierkegaard and Camus have attempted to give arrangements in their works with The Affliction unto Passing and The Legend of Sisyphus separately. Camus says that there are three ways to deal with absurdism:
Adopting or creating a meaning framework like religion is considered philosophical suicide because it means giving in to an idea or being that is thought to be beyond the bounds of freedom.
According to Camus, death is not observed, but an attempt to kill oneself is. It is a solution in which a person believes that life is meaningless, boring, or painful and that this person dies.
Acceptance of the Unexpected:
It is the solution in which a person accepts the absurdity of life, submits to any religious or moral constants that he considers to be his life, and lives in the most freedom possible.
As detailed below, absurdism differs from existentialism and nihilism:
According to nihilism, there is no meaning to life, and trying to find one is pointless. The idea behind existentialism is that once one observes the world, he or she can assign meaning to it. On the other hand, absurdism holds that the world is meaningless and that one should either accept it or rebel against it.
1. Absurd dramas are lyrical, similar to music: They depict the atmosphere and experience of typical human circumstances.
2. Life is basically negligible, consequently troubled.
3. There is no hope because man's efforts will always be in vain.
4. Illusions and fantasies provide relief from reality.
5. Conventional speech, slogans, technical jargon, and clichés are used in the absurd play to illustrate the possibility of transcending conventional speech conventions and communicating more authentically.
6. The language is less important than the objects.
7. Death, which permanently takes the place of dreams and illusions, fascinates man.
8. There is no plot or action. Since nothing significant can occur, very little happens.
9. The final circumstance is comical or absurd.
10. Because it doesn't solve a problem, absurd drama lacks specificity and purpose. It's like an abstract painting that doesn't say anything specific.
11. Because it believes that rational thought, like language, only addresses the superficial aspects of things, it rejects rationalism.
12. It thinks that language can't convey the essence of human experience because it can't go beyond its surface.
13. The absurd plays lack dramatic conflict.
Post a Comment | https://www.literaturemini.com/2023/04/absurdism-in-literature.html | 751 | Literature | 3 | en | 0.999992 |
Table of Contents (click to expand)
There are a few reasons, including the lack of parachute training for passengers, the high speed of the airplane, cold temperatures at that altitude, the non-conducive design of commercial planes, and the cost spike, which make putting parachutes onboard commercial airplanes unviable.
Fighter jets and military aircraft have multiple parachutes on board that passengers can use in the case of extreme emergencies – cases where jumping out of the plane is basically the only way to survive.
Given that commercial jets ferry significantly more passengers daily worldwide, wouldn’t it make sense to have parachutes for all the passengers onboard these planes, too?
Recommended Video for you:
Airline Passengers Have No Parachute Training
If you’ve watched enough action movies, you might believe that parachuting doesn’t require practice; even a first-timer would nail it without assistance.
How hard could it really be since all you have to do is strap it on, pull the plug, and jump, right?
Parachuting may appear simple in movies, but it requires training and practice. Even for tandem skydiving, where an individual is attached to an expert, a minimum of half an hour of basic training and instructions is necessary.
The riskiest form of skydiving, where the person jumps out of an airplane from an altitude of over 10,000 feet, requires several hours of proper training and practice.
Skydives Are Preplanned
It’s important to note that skydiving is a planned activity that takes place under normal conditions. Skydivers know in advance that they will jump out of a moving airplane.
However, passengers onboard commercial flights are not prepared for such an event.
They have no experience in using a parachute and must quickly put on the gear and prepare for the jump, all while wearing emergency oxygen masks. This task becomes even more difficult in the chaotic and confusing environment of an emergency on a plane.
As a result, this exercise is less effective than it may initially seem.
Commercial Aircraft Fly Very High
Even the riskiest planned skydives occur at no more than 15,000-16,000 feet above the ground. The planes from which these skydivers jump are usually small and do not move very fast.
In contrast, most commercial airplanes cruise at around 35,000 feet, where breathable air is non-existent, and fly much faster. If passengers had to parachute out of a downed airplane, they would need oxygen cylinders to avoid passing out due to hypoxia.
However, clearing the plane safely is another important concern because…
Commercial Airplanes Are Not Designed To Be Conducive For People Jumping Out Of It
Planes that host regular, individual skydives are typically small, so skydivers clear it pretty much immediately after the jump. Large military aircraft, on the other hand, have a nice ramp at the back where parachutists can jump and steer clear of the fuselage.
Commercial aircraft, however, have neither a small body nor a ramp. Jumping out of a conventional airplane would include the serious risk of smashing into the fuselage of the aircraft (its wings or tail) and sustaining grievous if not fatal, injuries.
Speed Of The Airplane
Then there’s the airplane’s speed. Commercial airplanes not only cruise at a very high altitude, they also go really fast. If one were to try jumping out of the airplane at that speed, one might likely suffer grievous or even injuries on their neck.
Most Accidents Occur During Landing And Takeoff
Now, this is a purely statistical reason. The most practical time for parachuting out of an airplane is when it’s cruising. However, it’s generally observed that most fatal plane crashes occur either during landings or takeoffs – times when parachutes would be pretty useless anyway.
Parachuting Kits Are Bulky And Expensive
A typical economy-class seat is not spacious enough to accommodate a bulky parachute, adding significant weight to the plane. This would increase the overall weight of the aircraft by around 6,000-8,000 pounds, something airlines try to avoid due to the associated costs.
Additionally, parachuting gear like helmets, altimeters, and goggles can be expensive, which would significantly increase airfare if parachutes were made mandatory for all commercial flights.
All in all, parachuting on commercial airplanes isn’t viable, both practically and economically. Even if they did start, the chances that they would save every soul during a real emergency are virtually non-existent.
Last Updated By: Ashish Tiwari | https://www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners/why-dont-commercial-airplanes-have-parachutes-for-all-their-passengers.html | 964 | Travel | 3 | en | 0.999992 |
How To Comfort The Uncomfortable Menstrual Cramps
Menstruation is a monthly occurrence for women in which the body sheds the lining of the uterus (womb), which is then passed through a small opening in the cervix and out through the vaginal canal.
Some pain, cramping, and discomfort during menstrual periods is normal. However, excessive pain that causes you to regularly miss work , school or feel very uncomfortable is not normal.
The medical term for painful menstruation is dysmenorrhea.
There are two types of dysmenorrhea :
- Primary dysmenorrhea occurs in women who experience pain just before and during menstruation, but who are otherwise healthy. Women who have had normal periods that later become painful may have secondary dysmenorrhea. This condition is usually accompanied by a problem affecting the uterus or other pelvic organs.
- Secondary dysmenorrhea is characterized by cramping pains that are due to an identifiable medical problem such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
I would talk about primary dysmenorrhea mainly in this article because that’s the common one our girls experience.
Causes of Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are caused by contractions in the uterus, which is a muscle. The uterus, the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows, contracts throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle. If the uterus contracts too strongly, it can press against nearby blood vessels, cutting off the supply of oxygen to the muscle tissue of the uterus. Pain results when part of a muscle briefly loses its supply of oxygen.
The following circumstances may make a woman more likely to experience menstrual cramps:
- If she started her first period at an early age (younger than 11 years).
- Her menstrual periods last 5 days or longer.
- She smokes cigarettes
- She has never been pregnant.
- She has female relatives who have menstrual cramps. It can be hereditary.
- Having heavy bleeding with periods
- Having irregular periods
The symptoms of menstrual cramps
Symptoms of menstrual cramps include:
- Dull, throbbing, cramping pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain in the lower back and thighs
- Loose stools
- Bloating in the belly area
- Lightheadedness – feeling faint.
Quick Treatment of Menstrual Cramps
- Using a heating pad on your pelvic area or back
- Massaging the abdomen
- Taking a warm bath
- Regular physical exercise
- Eating light and nutritious meals
- Practicing relaxation techniques or yoga
- Taking an anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen several days before your expected period
- Raising your legs or lying with your knees bent
If home treatment is not successful in relieving your menstrual pain, there are a number of medical treatment options. Treatment will depend on the severity and underlying cause of your cramps. If your pain is caused by PID or STIs, these need to be treated. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help with the pain.
Prevention of menstrual cramps
You may be able to prevent menstrual cramps. My recommended preventive measures include:
- Eating fruits and vegetables and limiting intake of fat, alcohol, caffeine, salt, and sweets
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Yoga or relaxation therapy
- Acupuncture or acupressure.
Thanks Max, for visiting Sound Health Doctor. I hope you learnt alot from my blog. We hope to see more of your comments on our other posts and hope they are beneficial to you. Also, help to share with your friends and family as you might be saving a life by doing that. | http://www.soundhealthdoctor.com/2016/03/how-to-comfort-uncomfortable-pain.html | 786 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999931 |
Baby born from three people's DNA in UK first
A baby has been born using three people's DNA for the first time in the UK, the fertility regulator has confirmed.
Most of their DNA comes from their two parents and around 0.1% from a third, donor woman.
The pioneering technique is an attempt to prevent children being born with devastating mitochondrial diseases.
Fewer than five such babies have been born, but no further details have been released.
Mitochondrial diseases are incurable and can be fatal within days or even hours of birth. Some families have lost multiple children and this technique is seen as the only option for them to have a healthy child of their own.
Mitochondria are the tiny compartments inside nearly every cell of the body that convert food into useable energy.
Defective mitochondria fail to fuel the body and lead to brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness.
They are passed down only by the mother. So mitochondrial donation treatment is a modified form of IVF that uses mitochondria from a healthy donor egg.
There are two techniques for performing mitochondrial donation. One takes places after the mother's egg has been fertilised by the father's sperm and the other takes place before fertilisation.
However, mitochondria have their own genetic information or DNA which means that technically the resulting children inherit DNA from their parents and a smidge from the donor as well. This is a permanent change that would be passed down through the generations.
This donor DNA is only relevant for making effective mitochondria, does not affect other traits such as appearance and does not constitute a "third parent".
The technique was pioneered in Newcastle and laws were introduced to allow the creation of such babies in the UK in 2015.
However, the UK did not immediately press ahead. The first baby born via this technique was to a Jordanian family having treatment in the US in 2016.
The Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (the HFEA) is saying "less than five" babies have been born as of 20 April 2023. It is not giving precise numbers to prevent the families being identified.
These limited details have emerged after a Freedom of Information request by the Guardian newspaper.
"News that a small number of babies with donated mitochondria have now been born in the UK is the next step, in what will probably remain a slow and cautious process of assessing and refining mitochondrial donation," said Sarah Norcross, the director of the Progress Educational Trust.
There has been no word from the teams in Newcastle so it is still uncertain whether the technique was successful.
Prof Robin Lovell-Badge, from the Francis Crick Research Institute, said: "It will be interesting to know how well the mitochondrial replacement therapy technique worked at a practical level, whether the babies are free of mitochondrial disease, and whether there is any risk of them developing problems later in life."
There is technically a risk of "reversion" where any defective mitochondria that are carried over could gain in number and still result in disease.
It had once been estimated that up to 150 such babies could eventually be born each year in the UK. | https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-65538866 | 645 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999979 |
Scientists have long marveled over the dance of the bee. A little jitterbug seems to reveal to coworkers the location of a distant meal. But how and whether the dance really works has remained controversial.
A new study confirms the dancing is a form of communication.
Bees outfitted with tracking devices responded to the wiggling of one of their fellow foragers, who had just returned to the hive from some newfound bee vittles.? The dance, which is performed on one of the honeycomb walls, is not an exact language, but it gets the job done.
The central element of the choreography is a shimmy, or waggle, along a straight line. For emphasis, the bee repeats this move several times by circling around in a figure-8 pattern. The angle that the shimmy makes in relation to an imaginary vertical line is the direction to the food source with respect to the sun.
For example, a waggle dance pointing towards 3 o'clock is bee talk for: "Hey, there's food 90 degrees to the right of the Sun."
A solar compass
This solar compass in honeybees was originally observed in the 1960s by the Nobel Prize winner Karl von Frisch. Later, it was noticed that the number of waggles in one figure-8 corresponds to the distance to the meal.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
These remarkable relations have been supported by other experiments, including one in which a mechanical bee danced for the hive and the real bees responded. But there have remained doubts as to whether the other bees could actually decipher the dancer's message.
"The dance isn't a trivial demonstration, but an abstract code," says J. R. Riley of Rothamsted Research, UK.
One complication is that hives are dark and cramped, so other bees - called "recruits" - do not see the full pattern as human observers do. Furthermore, recruits tend to take longer to find the food than would be expected.
"Flying directly, it should only take them a minute or so, but they often don't find the feeder for 5 or 10 minutes," Riley told LiveScience.
And sometimes they never find it. For this reason, some scientists have speculated that the waggle dance merely excites other bees, which then fly out of the hive searching for a scent trail left by the returning bee.
Making a beeline
To solve the controversy, Riley and colleagues strapped radar transponders to 19 dance spectators. The flight paths show that the bees make a beeline to the vicinity of the food source, but then fly around in a looping search pattern. Only two of the radar-tracked recruits actually found the food.
Apparently, the dance gives incomplete instructions, and the bees rely on odors, colors, and other clues to hone in on the final location. Still, the dance gets them pretty close. On average, the recruits came within 18 feet of the food before switching to search mode.
"This was in spite of considerable wind drift which would have pushed them off course if they had not compensated," Riley said.
To further investigate bee-havior, the team moved some recruits several hundred yards away from the hive and then released them. The displaced bees flew the prescribed direction and distance - where they found nothing because their starting point was off.
This is the most definitive proof that recruited bees read the waggle dance, since the transplanted bees chose the foretold trajectory without any of the possible other cues - odors (bees have a strong sense of smell), landscape, other bees - that might exist along the true hive-to-feeder route.
The work was described earlier this month in the journal Nature.
Russian cosmonaut returns to Earth after completing record-breaking 1,111th day in space
'We have changed the view of our galaxy forever': Astronomers capture most detailed ever infrared map of the Milky Way
Watch extremely rare footage of a bigfin squid 'walking' on long, spindly arms deep in the South Pacific | http://www.livescience.com/3812-dancing-bees-speak-code.html | 856 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999996 |
1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Recently in Nigeria, the CBN and the Finance Minister have told Nigerians that the nation is in an economic recession, it is very important that the impact of this recession on the Nigerian populace is well understood. The causes can be well understood if the definition of an economic recession is revisited. An Economic Recession is defined as a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months, normally visible in real Gross Domestic Products, real income, employment, industrial production, and wholesale-retail sales.(US National Bureau of Economic Research).
Generally in economics, a recession is a negative economic growth for two consecutive quarters. It is also a business cycle contraction which results in a general slowdown in economic activity (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2008). Macroeconomic indicators such as GDP (gross domestic product), investment spending, capacity utilization, household income, business profits, and inflation fall, while bankruptcies and the unemployment rate rise.
Recessions generally occur when there is a widespread drop in spending (an adverse demand shock). This may be triggered by various events, such as a financial crisis, an external trade shock, an adverse supply shock or the bursting of an economic bubble. Governments usually respond to recessions by adopting expansionary macroeconomic policies, such as increasing money supply, increasing government spending and decreasing taxation.
A recession has many attributes that can occur simultaneously and includes declines in component measures of economic activity (GDP) such as consumption, investment, government spending, and net export activity. These summary measures reflect underlying drivers such as employment levels and skills, household savings rates, corporate investment decisions, interest rates, demographics, and government policies.
A researcher, Koo (2009) wrote that under ideal conditions, a country's economy should have the household sector as net savers and the corporate sector as net borrowers, with the government budget nearly balanced and net exports near zero. When these relationships become imbalanced, recession can develop within the country or create pressure for recession in another country (Koo, 2012). Policy responses are often designed to drive the economy back towards this ideal state of balance.
A severe (GDP down by 10%) or prolonged (three or four years) recession is referred to as an economic depression, although some argue that their causes and cures can be different (Shiskin, 2004). As an informal shorthand, economists sometimes refer to different recession shapes, such as V-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped and W-shaped recessions
Unemployment is particularly high during a recession. Many economists working within the neoclassical paradigm argue that there is a natural rate of unemployment which, when subtracted from the actual rate of unemployment, can be used to calculate the negative GDP gap during a recession. In other words, unemployment never reaches 0 percent, and thus is not a negative indicator of the health of an economy unless above the "natural rate," in which case it corresponds directly to a loss in gross domestic product, or GDP.
The full impact of a recession on employment may not be felt for several quarters. Research in Britain shows that low-skilled, low-educated workers and the young are most vulnerable to unemployment in a downturn. After recessions in Britain in the 1980s and 1990s, it took five years for unemployment to fall back to its original levels (Vaitilingam, 2009). Many companies often expect employment discrimination claims to rise during a recession (Rampell, 2011).
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
This study is examining the impact of economic recession on the Nigerian populace. Productivity tends to fall in the early stages of a recession, then rises again as weaker firms close. The variation in profitability between firms rises sharply. Recessions have also provided opportunities for anti-competitive mergers, with a negative impact on the wider economy.
The living standards of people dependent on wages and salaries are not more affected by recessions than those who rely on fixed incomes or welfare benefits. The loss of a job is known to have a negative impact on the stability of families, and individuals' health and well-being. Fixed income benefits receive small cuts which make it tougher to survive.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the objectives of this study:
- To examine the impact of economic recession on the Nigerian populace.
- To examine the relationship between economic recession and unemployment in Nigeria.
- To examine the relationship between economic recession and standard of living in Nigeria.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
- What is the impact of economic recession on the Nigerian populace?
- What is the relationship between economic recession and unemployment in Nigeria?
- What is the relationship between economic recession and standard of living in Nigeria?
HO: The economic recession does not have significant impact on Nigerian populace
HA: The economic recession does have significant impact on Nigerian populace
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the significance of this study:
- This study will educate the government of Nigeria and the general public on the impact of this ongoing economic recession of the Nigerian populace.
- This research will be a contribution to the body of literature in the area of the impact of economic recession on the Nigerian populace, thereby constituting the empirical literature for future research in the subject area.
1.7 SCOPE/LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This study is limited to the impact of economic recession on the residents of Edo State of Nigeria.
LIMITATION OF STUDY
Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.
Koo, Richard (2009). The Holy Grail of Macroeconomics-Lessons from Japan's Great Recession. John Wiley & Sons (Asia) Pte. Ltd.
Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved 19 November 2008.
Rampell, Catherine (11 January 2011). "More Workers Complain of Bias on the Job, a Trend Linked to Widespread Layoffs". The New York Times
Shiskin, Julius (1 December 2004). "The Changing Business Cycle". New York Times. p. 222.
Vaitilingam, Romesh (2009). "Recession Britain: New ESRC report on the impact of recession on people's jobs, businesses and daily lives". Economic and Social Research Council. Retrieved 22 January 2010. | https://nairaproject.com/projects/2648.html | 1,366 | Career | 4 | en | 0.999962 |
Know how to spot the signs and find out exactly what causes dampness in a house with this article.
Anyone that has been to a tropical or humid place will know that stickiness and condensation are associated with moisture-filled air. This can also happen in the home after too many showers, using a clothing dryer without good ventilation, or having water leaks in the structural foundations. Condensation can start to form on windows and other surfaces and you may start to notice a musty smell.
This excess moisture may show as damp spots on the walls or ceilings or as visible mold, which may have a range of health effects. Research cited in the International Journal of Indoor Environment and Health found that indoor visible mold is strongly associated with wheezing in children aged one to seven years old.
What Causes Dampness In A House?
In an article in the Internal Medicine Review Journal, researchers conducted a literature review of 114 studies that looked at the health problems associated with indoor dampness and mold. They found that 98.2% of studies reported that negative health effects were linked with water-damaged buildings. People reported asthma symptoms, allergic reactions, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and impacts to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract.
Some people may also be more at risk of health impacts from damp homes, including people with conditions like immunosuppression or cystic fibrosis, the elderly, and children.
Why Does Damp Occur?
Having a long, hot shower or cooking a stew for hours can cause all of your windows to steam up. Condensation happens when warm air hits a cold surface, like a window or wall. Even normal cleaning activities, like mopping floors or shampooing a carpet, can create moisture which leads to dampness in a home.
Indoor mold is most likely to happen in humid and tropical areas of the world but shows up anywhere. It’s estimated that 10 to 15% of indoor spaces in North America struggle with indoor dampness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Humid environments also create ideal conditions for unwanted pests like cockroaches and dust mites.
Mold needs water and food to grow. These microorganisms can get sufficient nutrients from the dirt and dust in our homes, which contain human and pet skin cells, hair, and other particles. The EPA states that mold can grow on any surface made of organic materials, including wood, paper, carpet, and insulation. They can then gradually destroy the surfaces that they’ve spread to.
Water can get into a home from the elements outdoors, such as after a thunderstorm or heavy rain. You may notice paint or wallpaper peeling from water damage. Drying washing inside your home without adequate ventilation can also cause issues. The WHO states that homes that are overcrowded or lack appropriate heating, ventilation, and insulation are more likely to be damp. A house’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system should be in working order to properly control the level of moisture.
How To Get Rid Of Dampness In A House
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that indoor spaces maintain humidity levels between 30 and 60%. Dampness can grow into mold, which can damage many parts of your home, including the furnishings, walls, and flooring.
Some areas of the house, such as crawl spaces, the basement, laundry room and washrooms, are particularly prone to dampness. Getting rid of dampness in your house will prevent structural damage, which can result in costly repairs, and help you avoid the health issues that can arise from mold.
There are ways to get rid of mild dampness in your home, as recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These include:
- Let out that hot, moist air from a bath or shower by opening a window or turning on a fan.
- Dry clothing outdoors or use a tumble dryer indoors with proper ventilation to the outdoors.
- Eliminate steam when cooking. Use a lid on your pot to reduce escaping moisture or an overhead exhaust fan.
- Use a dehumidifier to improve moisture levels in your home
- Check the pipes in your home for any signs of leaks and water damage. The windowsills may also show signs of extra moisture. Make sure to repair water-damaged parts of the house before it gets too serious.
Long Term Solutions To Eliminate Damp In A House
The Journal of Applied Microbiology states that there are advanced technologies for preventing dampness in homes, including surface-coating materials that inhibit mold growth. The EPA added another way of staying on top of dampness which is incorporating vapor barriers in the walls and floors which prevent the absorption of extra moisture in the air.
Keeping your home at a consistent temperature will also keep dampness in check. In the winter, cold spots can form around your home, such as in crawl spaces. When heated air comes in contact with these cooler surfaces, condensation forms. Insulation can be installed to ensure all areas of your home maintain a consistent temperature.
Dehumidifiers can be set to optimal humidity levels, between 30 and 50% of what is called relative humidity. Make sure to empty the water tray when it is close to full. Position your dehumidifier in an area of the home with clear airflow around and through it. Close all the windows and doors when it’s running to make sure the humidity is efficiently being pulled out of the air.
Remodeling and repairing a home can help to remedy problems with dampness.
If a home’s HVAC system is not working properly, it can increase dampness and potentially spread mold throughout the home, according to the EPA. Make sure to consult a professional if you suspect problems with your HVAC system.
By Lindsay Lafreniere | https://brandspurng.com/2021/10/05/what-causes-dampness-in-a-house/ | 1,204 | Family | 3 | en | 0.999983 |
It was launched on December 16, the same day as the Afrikaners defeated the Zulus at the Battle of the Blood River 100 years earlier, not long after the massacre in Sharpeville of 69 unarmed protesters by the security police.
Mr Mandela was adamant that MK, as the armed unit was called, would not kill people but its tactics would be aimed at sabotage. In his own words, the aim was to "hit back by all means within our power in defence of our people, our future and our freedom".
On his return to South Africa, Mr Mandela and his colleagues set up regional command units and set about training their army in bomb making and clandestine operations.
MK carried out numerous bombings during the next 20 years and the pledge not to kill became redundant – in the whole campaign, at least 63 people died and 483 people were injured.
It was subsequently classified as a terrorist organisation by the South African government and the United States, and banned.
The armed struggle would also have a very personal consequence for Mr Mandela: he was arrested for sabotage a year after MK's formation, and would spend the next 27 years in prison.
Operations continued in his absence and among MK commanders was Jacob Zuma, now the South African president, but were suspended in August 1990 in preparation for the dismantling of apartheid and the birth of the Rainbow Nation. | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/southafrica/8304153/Nelson-Mandelas-Spear-of-the-Nation-the-ANCs-armed-resistance.html | 277 | Politics | 3 | en | 0.99999 |
The Yorùbá numeral system is quite elaborate. Majority of the numerals within the system are derived. In actuality, with the exception of one to ten and isolated numbers such as
all others are derived. These exceptions in fact serve as the ‘building blocks’ for the formation of the other numerals in Yorùbá.
This is most obvious in the formation of numerals within the range of eleven to one hundred and ninety-nine. Numbers one to ten: ọ̀kan , èjì , ẹ̀ta , ẹ̀rin , àrún , ẹ̀fà , èje , ẹ̀jọ , ẹ̀sán , and ẹ̀wá serve as the core counting forms in the system. There are various types of reckoning for these numbers, they are done in slightly different tongues such as ookan, eeji, eeta, eerin, aarun-un, eefa, eeje, eejo, eesan-an, and eewa.
Beyond counting, Yorùbá numbers serve as numeral qualifiers and they come in the forms of ordinals and cardinals which are adjective forms in the language. There are also numbers that serve a larger than numeral role in Yorùbá mythology, religion and world view. Numbers such as seven, fifteen (also used in its reduced form ẹ́ẹdógún ), twenty ( ogún also known as okoo), forty( ogójì ) and two hundred ( igba also known as ogowa) are significant in various renditions about Yorùbá beliefs and lifestyle.
Yorubanumeral.com.ng is a modern and innovative translation system designed to help users learn and translate Yoruba numerals (Òǹkà Yorùbá) . This website provides a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their understanding of the Yoruba language, as numerals play a crucial role in everyday conversation and published materials.
The system is capable of providing accurate translations for numbers up to 25 Billion
As a work in progress, Yoruba Numeral Translation System requires support from the community to continue growing and improving. Your donation, no matter how small, can help to fund the development of new features and improvements to the existing system, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for future generations of Yoruba language learners.
If you appreciate the value of accurate and reliable tools for learning and translating the Yoruba language, consider supporting the growth of Yoruba Numeral Translation System by making a donation. Your contribution will help to preserve and promote the Yoruba language and culture, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and relevant part of our world for generations to come. | https://yorubanumeral.com.ng | 605 | Culture | 3 | en | 0.999979 |
In John 10 Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd and, in a debate with the Jewish leaders, makes the claim, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). It was a bold statement—one His audience found quite audacious—and it reveals much about who Jesus is.
Five key observations can be made concerning this passage. First, Jesus claimed to be one with God in the sense of being equal to Him. Jesus did not claim to be merely a messenger or prophet of God, but of equal power with God.
Second, His audience understood that Jesus was claiming equality with God the Father. In verse 31, “The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.” Why? Blasphemy was a crime punishable by death according to the Jewish Law. When Jesus asked why they were planning to kill Him, they answered, “For blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God” (John 10:33). If Jesus had been lying or deceived, His statement would have been blasphemous. In fact, the only way His words were not blasphemy is if Jesus was telling the truth about His equality with God.
Third, Jesus referred to Himself as God’s Son and to God as His Father (John 10:36–37). He used Psalm 82:6 to show that the Messiah has the right to claim the title “Son of God.”
Fourth, Jesus claimed that that Father sent Him: “the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world” (John 10:36). In this statement, Jesus claimed preexistence in the Father’s presence. No biblical prophet had ever made such a claim before; yet Jesus claimed to exist before Abraham (John 8:58).
Fifth, Jesus only stated that the Jews did not believe Him; He never said they misunderstood His claim to be God. John 10:38 notes, “Even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” Jesus was not correcting a misunderstanding. They understood what He said perfectly. He was correcting their willful rejection of Him.
Colossians 1:16–17 affirms Jesus’ same teaching: “In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” John 1:1 explicitly notes that Jesus was both with God in the beginning and was God.
In summary, Jesus claimed to be one with the Father as part of a larger argument to note that He had existed from eternity past, lived in perfect oneness with the Father, held the same power as God, and was sent by God the Father’s authority. Unfortunately, He was rejected as divine by the Jewish leaders. Jesus’ claim to have equal power as the Father was not blasphemy. It was the plain truth. | http://www.gotquestions.org/I-and-the-Father-are-one.html#ixzz3J29QPLru | 646 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999981 |
The Roman Catholic Church contends that its origin is the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ in approximately AD 30. The Catholic Church proclaims itself to be the church that Jesus Christ died for, the church that was established and built by the apostles. Is that the true origin of the Catholic Church?
On the contrary. Even a cursory reading of the New Testament will reveal that the Catholic Church does not have its origin in the teachings of Jesus or His apostles. In the New Testament, there is no mention of the papacy, worship/adoration of Mary (or the immaculate conception of Mary, the perpetual virginity of Mary, the assumption of Mary, or Mary as co-redemptrix and mediatrix), petitioning saints in heaven for their prayers, apostolic succession, the ordinances of the church functioning as sacraments, infant baptism, confession of sin to a priest, purgatory, indulgences, or the equal authority of church tradition and Scripture. So, if the origin of the Catholic Church is not in the teachings of Jesus and His apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, what is the true origin of the Catholic Church?
For the first 280 years of Christian history, Christianity was banned by the Roman Empire, and Christians were terribly persecuted. This changed after the “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Constantine provided religious toleration with the Edict of Milan in AD 313, effectively lifting the ban on Christianity. Later, in AD 325, Constantine called the Council of Nicea in an attempt to unify Christianity. Constantine envisioned Christianity as a religion that could unite the Roman Empire, which at that time was beginning to fragment and divide. While this may have seemed to be a positive development for the Christian church, the results were anything but positive. Just as Constantine refused to fully embrace the Christian faith but continued many of his pagan beliefs and practices, so the Christian church that Constantine and his successors promoted progressively became a mixture of true Christianity and Roman paganism.
Following are a few examples:
Most Roman Catholic beliefs and practices regarding Mary are completely absent from the Bible. Where did those beliefs come from? The Roman Catholic view of Mary has far more in common with the Isis mother-goddess religion of Egypt than it does with anything taught in the New Testament. Interestingly, the first hints of Catholic Mariology occur in the writings of Origen, who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, which happened to be the focal point of Isis worship.
The Lord’s Supper being a consumption of the literal body and blood of Jesus is not taught in the Bible. The idea that bread and wine are miraculously transformed into the literal body and blood of Jesus (transubstantiation) is not biblical. However, several ancient pagan religions, including Mithraism, which was very popular in the Roman Empire, had some form of “theophagy” (the eating of one’s god) as a ritualistic practice.
Roman Catholicism has “saints” one can pray to in order to gain a particular blessing. For example, Saint Gianna Beretta Molla is the patron saint of fertility. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals. There are multiple patron saints of healing and comfort. Nowhere is even a hint of this taught in Scripture. Just as the Roman pantheon of gods had a god of love, a god of peace, a god of war, a god of strength, a god of wisdom, etc., so the Catholic Church has a saint who is “in charge” over each of these and many other categories. Many Roman cities had a god specific to the city, and the Catholic Church provided “patron saints” for cities as well.
The idea that the Roman bishop is the vicar of Christ, the supreme leader of the Christian Church, is utterly foreign to the Word of God. The supremacy of the Roman bishop (the papacy) was created with the support of the Roman emperors. While most other bishops (and Christians) resisted the idea of the Roman bishop being supreme, the Roman bishop eventually rose to supremacy, again, due to the power and influence of the Roman emperors. After the western half of the Roman Empire collapsed, the popes took on the title that had previously belonged to the Roman emperors—Pontifex Maximus.
Many more examples could be given. These four should suffice in demonstrating the origin of the Catholic Church. Of course, the Roman Catholic Church denies the pagan origin of its beliefs and practices. The Catholic Church disguises its pagan beliefs under layers of complicated theology and church tradition. Recognizing that many of its beliefs and practices are utterly foreign to Scripture, the Catholic Church is forced to deny the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.
The origin of the Catholic Church is the tragic compromise of Christianity with the pagan religions that surrounded it. Instead of proclaiming the gospel and converting the pagans, the Catholic Church “Christianized” the pagan religions and “paganized” Christianity. By blurring the differences and erasing the distinctions, the Catholic Church made itself attractive to the idolatrous people of the Roman Empire. One result was the Catholic Church becoming the supreme religion in the Roman world for centuries. However, another result was the most dominant form of Christianity apostatizing from the true gospel of Jesus Christ and the true proclamation of God’s Word.
Second Timothy 4:3–4 declares, “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” | http://www.gotquestions.org/origin-Catholic-church.html#ixzz3QRqGJa6G- | 1,184 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999975 |
Join us for a summary walk through the life of Jesus. Journey toward Resurrection Day with a renewed vision and appreciation for the life of Jesus Christ. Each day you will find a link to the Bible passage for that day and helpful resources for your study.
March 23. Read Mark 15:1-20. Jesus is Crucified.
After being unfairly judged, Jesus will now be unfairly sentenced and cruelly murdered. It's reasonable to say this chapter provides context for everything else contained in the Bible. From Adam and Eve until the last baby born in the millennial kingdom, every person other than Christ is stained with sin. Conscience, law, Jesus' direct leadership, even the indwelling of the Holy Spirit cannot keep us from sinning. Sinless Jesus had to die on the cross, sacrificing Himself in our place, so our sins could be forgiven and we could be reconciled to God. Beneath the violence, darkness, dishonor, and death is the love of God for all mankind (John 3:16). Jesus' crucifixion is also found in Matthew 27, Luke 23, and John 19.
Reflect: Which elements of Christ’s gruesome death do you need to remember as you praise Him for what He’s done? How does the unjustness of Christ's crucifixion show us about His character, mission and purpose?
Keep reading this commentary. Click “next verse” to continue.
FAQ from our network of sites:
- What was crucifixion like?
- Why did Jesus have to die?
- For kids: Why did people want to kill Jesus and why did God let them?
- For teens: What is Good Friday?
- What does Mark 15 mean? Start reading our commentary here. Click "Next verse" to continue through the passage.
Today's Verse of the Day (Encourage your friends by sharing this image on Social Media):
Proceed to the Next Day
View the Entire Easter Reading Plan
Questions about Easter and the Resurrection | https://www.gotquestions.org/Journey-to-the-cross-34.html#GotQuestions | 415 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999987 |
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This can cause infection in your lungs or other tissues. It commonly affects your lungs, but it can also affect other organs like your spine, brain or kidneys. The word “tuberculosis” comes from a Latin word for “nodule” or something that sticks out.
When the bacterium that causes TB, does not experience symptoms. This condition is known as latent TB. TB can stay dormant for years before developing into active TB disease.
Active TB typically causes many symptoms. While symptoms usually relate to the respiratory system, they could affect other parts of the body, depending on where the TB bacteria grow.
Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes or sings. This can put tiny droplets with the germs into the air. Another person can then breathe in the droplets, and the germs enter the lungs.
Tuberculosis spreads easily where people gather in crowds or where people live in crowded conditions. People with HIV/AIDS and other people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of catching tuberculosis than people with typical immune systems.
Antibiotics can treat tuberculosis. But some forms of the bacteria no longer respond well to treatments.
Table of Contents
When tuberculosis (TB) germs survive and multiply in the lungs, it is called a TB infection. A TB infection may be in one of three stages. Symptoms are different in each stage.
Primary TB infection
The first stage is called the primary infection. Immune system cells find and capture the germs. The immune system may completely destroy the germs. But some captured germs may still survive and multiply.
Most people don’t have symptoms during a primary infection. Some people may get flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Low fever.
Latent TB infection
Primary infection is usually followed by the stage called latent TB infection. Immune system cells build a wall around lung tissue with TB germs. The germs can’t do any more harm if the immune system keeps them under control. But the germs survive. There are no symptoms during latent TB infection.
Active TB disease
Active TB disease happens when the immune system can’t control an infection. Germs cause disease throughout the lungs or other parts of the body. Active TB disease may happen right after primary infection. But it usually happens after months or years of latent TB infection.
Symptoms of active TB disease in the lungs usually begin gradually and worsen over a few weeks. They may include:
- Coughing up blood or mucus.
- Chest pain.
- Pain with breathing or coughing.
- Night sweats.
- Weight loss.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Not feeling well in general.
Active TB disease outside the lungs
TB infection can spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. This is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Symptoms vary depending on what part of the body is infected. Common symptoms may include:
- Night sweats.
- Weight loss.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Not feeling well in general.
- Pain near the site of infection.
Active TB disease in the voice box is outside the lungs, but it has symptoms more like disease in the lungs.
Common sites of active TB disease outside the lungs include:
- Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
- Heart muscles.
- Lymph nodes.
- Bones and joints.
- Walls of blood vessels.
- Voice box, also called larynx.
Active TB disease in children
Symptoms of active TB disease in children vary. Typically, symptoms by age may include the following:
- Teenagers. Symptoms are similar to adult symptoms.
- 1- to 12-year-olds. Younger children may have a fever that won’t go away and weight loss.
- Infants.The baby doesn’t grow or gain weight as expected. Also, a baby may have symptoms from swelling in the fluid around the brain or spinal cord, including, Being sluggish or not active, Unusually fussy, Vomiting, Poor feeding, Bulging soft spot on the head, and poor reflexes.
A bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB. A variety of TB strains exist, and some of these have become resistant to medication.
TB bacteria are transmitted through infected droplets in the air. Once these droplets enter the air, anyone nearby can inhale them. Someone with TB can transmit bacteria by:
People with well-functioning immune systems may not experience TB symptoms, even if they’ve contracted the bacteria. This is known as latent or inactive TB infection. Latent TB is not contagious, but it can become active disease over time. Active TB disease can make you sick, and you can also spread it to others.
A person with a latent TB infection cannot pass the disease to other people. A person taking drugs to treat active TB disease usually can’t pass the disease after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment.
In addition to active or inactive, you might hear about different kinds of TB, including the most common, pulmonary (lung) tuberculosis. But the bacterium can also affect other parts of your body besides the lungs, causing extrapulmonary tuberculosis (or TB outside of the lung). You might also hear about systemic miliary tuberculosis, which can spread throughout your body and cause:
- Meningitis, an inflammation of your brain.
- Sterile pyuria, or high levels of white blood cells in your urine.
- Pott’s disease, also called spinal tuberculosis or tuberculosis spondylitis.
- Addison’s disease, an adrenal gland condition.
- Hepatitis, a liver infection.
- Lymphadenitis in your neck, also called scrofula or TB lymphadenitis.
Anyone can get tuberculosis, but certain factors increase the risk of getting an infection. Risk factors that increase your chance of contracting the bacteria that causes TB disease include:
- having diabetes, end stage kidney disease, or certain cancers
- using tobacco or alcohol for long periods of time
- a diagnosis of HIV or having another immune-system-compromising situation
Medications that suppress the immune system can also put people at risk of developing active TB disease. These include medications that help prevent organ transplant rejection.
Other medications that increase your risk of active TB include those taken to treat:
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Crohn’s disease
Traveling to regions with high TB rates can also increase your risk of contracting the bacterial infection. These regions include:
- sub-Saharan Africa
- Mexico and other Latin American countries
- China and many other Asian countries
- parts of Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union
- islands of Southeast Asia
Age and active TB disease
The risk of a TB infection becoming active TB disease changes with age.
- Under 5 years of age. Until children reach age 5, they have high risk of a TB infection becoming active TBdisease. The risk is greater for children under age 2. Tuberculosis in this age group often leads to serious disease in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal column, called meningitis.
- Age 15 to 25. People in this age group have an increased risk of developing more-severe active TB disease in the lungs.
- Age 65 and older. The immune system weakens during older age. Older adults have a greater risk of active TB disease. Also, the disease may be more difficult to treat.
If tuberculosis is left untreated, the complications may include:
- Coughing up blood in sputum
- Pleurisy – which causes pain during breathing
- Pleural effusion – accumulation of fluid in lungs
- Lung function damage
- Cardiac tamponade
Even if the risk of TB is low where you live, it never hurts to be familiar with the things you can do to prevent contracting the TB bacteria or transferring the infection to others. A few important steps you can take include:
- connecting with a healthcare professional for testing if you believe you’ve been exposed to TB
- getting tested for TB if you have HIV or any condition that increases your risk for infection
- visiting a travel clinic or check with your doctor about testing before and after traveling to a country with a high TB rate
- asking about your workplace infection prevention and control program and follow the precautions provided if your job carries a risk of exposure to TB
- avoiding close or prolonged contact with someone who has active TB
Preventing the spread of tuberculosis
If you have active TB disease, you’ll need to take steps to prevent other people from getting an infection. You will take drugs for four, six or nine months. Take all of the drugs as directed during the entire time.
During the first 2 to 3 weeks, you will be able to pass TB bacteria to others. Protect others with these steps:
- Stay home. Don’t go to work or school.
- Isolate at home. Spend as little time as possible among members of your household. Sleep in a separate room.
- Ventilate the room. Tuberculosis germs spread more easily in small, closed spaces. If it’s not too cold outdoors, open the windows. Use a fan to blow air out. If you have more than one window, use one fan to blow air out and another to blow air in.
- Wear face masks. Wear a mask when you have to be around other people. Ask other members of the household to wear masks to protect themselves.
- Cover your mouth. Use a tissue to cover your mouth anytime you sneeze or cough. Put the dirty tissue in a bag, seal it and throw it away.
- Get vaccinated. In countries where tuberculosis is common, infants often are vaccinated with the bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. This protects infants and toddlers who are more likely to have active TBdisease in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
To diagnosis a tuberculosis (TB) infection, your health care provider will do an exam that includes:
- Listening to you breathe with a stethoscope.
- Checking for swollen lymph nodes.
- Asking you questions about your symptoms.
Your health care provider will order tests if:
- Tuberculosis is suspected.
- You were likely exposed to a person with active tuberculosis (TB) disease.
- You have health risks for active TB disease.
Tests to diagnose TB include a skin test, a blood test, or both. You may need both if:
- a skin test is positive
- there’s a chance you’ve received a false negative result from the skin test.
A false negative result can happen if your immune system isn’t working properly or if it’s been less than 8 weeks since exposure to TB.
Your provider will determine whether a skin test or blood test is the best option.
Your doctor can use a purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test to determine if you’ve acquired TB bacteria.
For this test, your doctor will inject 0.1 milliliter (mL) of PPD (a small amount of protein) under the top layer of your skin. Between 2 and 3 days later, you’ll return to your doctor’s office to have the results read.
A welt on your skin over 5 millimeters (mm) in size where the PPD was injected may be considered a positive result. Reactions between 5 and 15 mm in size can be considered positive depending on risk factors, health, and medical history. All reactions over 15 mm are considered positive, regardless of risk factors.
The test is not perfect, though. It can only tell you whether you have a TB infection, not whether you have active TB disease. Plus, some people do not respond to the test even if they have TB. Others respond to the test and do not have TB. People who’ve recently received the TB vaccine may test positive but not have a TB infection.
Your doctor can use a blood test to follow up on TB skin results. They may also recommend a blood test first, particularly if you have an existing health condition that may affect your response to the skin test.
Blood tests results can be positive, negative, or indeterminate. Like the skin test, the blood test can’t indicate whether or not you have active TB disease.
If you get a positive result from the skin or blood test, your doctor will likely order a chest X-ray to look for certain small spots in your lungs. These spots, a sign of a TB infection, indicate that your body is trying to isolate the TB bacteria.
A negative chest X-ray can suggest latent TB, but it’s also possible your test results were incorrect. Your doctor may recommend other testing.
If the test indicates you have active TB disease, you will begin treatment for active TB. Otherwise, your doctor may recommend getting treated for latent TB. This can prevent the bacteria from reactivating and making you sick in the future.
Your health care provider may take a sample of the mucus that comes up when you cough, also called sputum. If you have active TB disease in your lungs or voice box, lab tests can detect the bacteria.
A relatively quick laboratory test can tell if the sputum likely has the TB bacteria. But it may be showing bacteria with similar features.
Another lab test can confirm the presence of TB bacteria. The results often take several weeks. A lab test also can tell if it’s a drug-resistant form of the bacteria. This information helps your health care provider choose the best treatment.
Other lab tests
Other lab tests that may be ordered include:
- Breath test.
- Procedure to remove sputum from your lungs with a special tube.
- Urine test.
- Test of the fluid around the spine and brain, called cerebrospinal fluid.
If you have a latent TB infection, your health care provider may begin drug treatments. This is especially true for people with HIV/AIDS or other factors that increase the risk of active TB disease. Most latent TB infections are treated for three or four months.
Active TB disease may be treated for four, six or nine months. Specialists in TBtreatment will determine which drugs are best for you.
Most common TB drugs
If you have a latent TB infection, you might need to take only one or two types of drugs. Active TB disease requires taking several drugs. Common medications used to treat tuberculosis include:
- Rifampin (Rimactane).
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin).
- Rifapentine (Priftin).
- Ethambutol (Myambutol).
You may be prescribed other drugs if you have drug-resistant tuberculosis or other complications from your illness.
Side effects of medications
Most people can take TB drugs without serious side effects. If you have serious side effects, your care provider may ask you to stop taking a drug. You may have to change the dose of a drug.
Talk to your health care provider if you experience any of the following:
- Upset stomach.
- Loss of appetite.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Light-colored stool.
- Dark urine.
- Yellowish skin or eye color.
- Changes in vision.
- Dizziness or trouble with balance.
- Tingling in hands or feet.
- Easy bruising or bleeding.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Unexplained tiredness.
- Sadness or depression.
- Joint pain.
It is important for you to list all drugs, dietary supplements or herbal remedies you take. You may need to stop taking some of these during your treatment.
Some forms of the TB bacteria have become drug resistant. This means that drugs that once cured the disease no longer work.
This happens, in part, because of naturally occurring genetic changes in bacteria. A random genetic change in a bacterium might give it some quality that makes it more likely to survive the attack of an antibiotic. If it does survive, then it can multiply.
When antibiotic drugs aren’t used correctly or drugs fail to kill all the bacteria for another reason the conditions are ideal for more-resistant versions of the bacteria to get established and multiply. If these bacteria are passed on to other people, a new drug-resistant strain can grow over time.
Problems that can lead to such drug-resistant strains of bacteria include the following:
- People didn’t follow directions for taking the drugs or stopped taking the drugs.
- They weren’t prescribed the right treatment plan.
- Drugs were not available.
- The drugs were of poor quality.
- The body didn’t absorb the drugs as expected.
A TB vaccine, called the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, is mostly used in countries with a high prevalence of TB. This vaccine works better for children than for adults.
- Medmichihealthcare New posts
- Download Free Medical PDFs Notes
- Read All causes of disease short notes
- Read All diagnosis of disease short notes
- Read All treatment of disease short notes
- Subscribe Medmichihealthcare YouTube channel | https://medmichihealthcare.com/what-is-tuberculosis/ | 3,655 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999964 |
- Texts and versions
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
, four bodies of written works: the Old Testament writings according to the Hebrew canon; intertestamental works, including the Old Testament Apocrypha; the New Testament writings; and the New Testament Apocrypha.
The Old Testament is a collection of writings that was first compiled and preserved as the sacred books of the ancient Hebrew people. As the Bible of the Hebrews and their Jewish descendants down to the present, these books have been perhaps the most decisive single factor in the preservation of the Jews as a cultural entity and Judaism as a religion. The Old Testament and the New Testament—a body of writings that chronicle the origin and early dissemination of Christianity—constitute the Bible of the Christians.
The literature of the Bible, encompassing the Old and New Testaments and various noncanonical works, has played a special role in the history and culture of the Western world and has itself become the subject of intensive critical study. This field of scholarship, including exegesis (critical interpretation) and hermeneutics (the science of interpretive principles), has assumed an important place in the theologies of Judaism and Christianity. The methods and purposes of exegesis and hermeneutics are treated below. For the cultural and historical contexts in which this literature developed, see Judaism and Christianity.
Influence and significance
Historical and cultural importance
After the kingdoms of Israel and Judah had fallen, in 722 bce (before the Common Era, equivalent to bc) and 587/586 bce, respectively, the Hebrew people outlived defeat, captivity, and the loss of their national independence, largely because they possessed writings that preserved their history and traditions. Many of them did not return to Palestine after their exile. Those who did return did so to rebuild a temple and reconstruct a society that was more nearly a religious community than an independent nation. The religion found expression in the books of the Old Testament: books of the Law (Torah), history, prophecy, and poetry. The survival of the Jewish religion and its subsequent incalculable influence in the history of Western culture are difficult to explain without acknowledgment of the importance of the biblical writings.
When the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 ce (Common Era, equivalent to ad), the historical, priestly sacrificial worship centred in it came to an end and was never resumed. But the religion of the Jewish people had by then gone with them into many lands, where it retained its character and vitality because it still drew its nurture from biblical literature. The Bible was with them in their synagogues, where it was read, prayed, and taught. It preserved their identity as a people, inspired their worship, arranged their calendar, permeated their family lives; it shaped their ideals, sustained them in persecution, and touched their intellects. Whatever Jewish talent and genius have contributed to Western civilization is due in no small degree to the influence of the Bible.
The Hebrew Bible is as basic to Christianity as it is to Judaism. Without the Old Testament, the New Testament could not have been written and there could have been no man like Jesus; Christianity could not have been what it became. This has to do with cultural values, basic human values, as much as with religious beliefs. The Genesis stories of prehistoric events and people are a conspicuous example. The Hebrew myths of creation have superseded the racial mythologies of Latin, Germanic, Slavonic, and all other Western peoples. This is not because they contain historically factual information or scientifically adequate accounts of the universe, the beginning of life, or any other subject of knowledge, but because they furnish a profoundly theological interpretation of the universe and human existence, an intellectual framework of reality large enough to make room for developing philosophies and sciences.
This biblical structure of ideas is shared by Jews and Christians. It centres in the one and only God, the Creator of all that exists. All things have their place in this structure of ideas. All mankind is viewed as a unity, with no race existing for itself alone. The Covenant people (i.e., the Hebrews in the Old Testament and Christians in the New Testament) are chosen not to enjoy special privileges but to serve God’s will toward all nations. The individual’s sacred rights condemn his abuse, exploitation, or neglect by the rich and powerful or by society itself. Widows, orphans, the stranger, the friendless, and the helpless have a special claim. God’s will and purpose are viewed as just, loving, and ultimately prevailing. The future is God’s, when his rule will be fully established.
The Bible went with the Christian Church into every land in Europe, bearing its witness to God. The church, driven in part by the power of biblical themes, called men to ethical and social responsibility, to a life answerable to God, to love for all men, to sonship in the family of God, and to citizenship in a kingdom yet to be revealed. The Bible thus points to a way of life never yet perfectly embodied in any society in history. Weighing every existing kingdom, government, church, party, and organization, it finds them wanting in that justice, mercy, and love for which they were intended. | https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-literature/Versions-after-the-4th-centuryPerhaps | 1,088 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999958 |
Starting next year, children in the U.K. may be born with the DNA of three different people, after a Parliamentary vote earlier today approved a controversial fertility procedure.
The lower chamber of British Parliament, the House of Commons, voted 382-128 today to pass a bill authorizing an in-vitro fertilization technique that would combine two parents’ genetic material with that of a third female donor. The upper chamber, the House of Lords, is expected to take up the issue next month; if they also vote in favor, three-person IVF could become legal by October, making the U.K. the first country in the world to permit it.
The procedure would allow women who carry the genes for mitochondrial disease—a collection of inherited and incurable conditions—to have their own biological children without passing down the risk. Mitochondria, often described as the “power center” of the cell, are the organelles that provide it with energy. They also have 37 genes within them—and when those genes have certain mutations, they can trigger a host of debilitating and sometimes fatal problems, including muscular dystrophy, heart and liver issues, seizures, and diabetes. Worldwide, an estimated one out of every 6,500 children is thought to have some form of mitochondrial disease, which can only be passed down from mother to child (sperm doesn’t play a role).
Recommended: Is Ending Segregation the Key to Ending Poverty?
The procedure, pioneered by a team of researchers at the U.K.’s Newcastle University, can be done a couple different ways. In the first, maternal spindle transfer, the nucleus is taken from a mother’s egg and inserted into the donor egg, which has been cleared of everything but its mitochondria. The resulting egg—which contains nuclear DNA from one woman, mitochondrial DNA from another—is then fertilized with the father’s sperm. In the second method, called pro-nuclear transfer, both the mother’s egg and the donor’s egg are fertilized; the mother’s nuclear DNA is then taken out of her egg and inserted into the donor’s, which has had its own nucleus removed.
"It is not part of what makes us genetically who we are. It doesn’t affect height, eye color, intelligence."
Last week, a group of 40 researchers, bioethicists, and government advisors from around the world penned an open letter to Parliament in support of the procedure, calling it “an international demonstration of how good regulation helps medical science to advance in step with wider society.”
Recommended: All the Single Ladies
And on Sunday, an international collection of advocacy groups—including the U.S.-based United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation—co-authored a similar letter to British lawmakers, describing mitochondrial disease as “unimaginably cruel.” Three-person IVF, they said, “offers families the first glimmer of hope that they might be able to have a baby that will live without pain and suffering.”
On the other side of the issue are those who view three-person IVF as the first step in a slippery slope of genetic engineering. As Olga Khazan pointed out in July,
Many find the mitochondrial procedure morally questionable because of how close it seems to playing God, or Nature, or Whoever you think is in charge of making kids. Penetrating the inside of a cell and tampering with its contents is, at best, controversial, and at worst, "walking in Hitler’s footsteps," as one angry letter to the FDA put it. Some worry it's in the same sci-fi realm as "designer babies."
“There is a very clear boundary that babies cannot be genetically altered, and that once you’ve decided that you can, even for a small number of genes, you have done something very profound and then it's merely a matter of degree as to what you do next,” conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, who opposed the bill, told the BBC after today’s vote.
But scientists argue that the “designer baby” worries are unfounded, as mitochondrial DNA can’t really design much of anything. “It is not part of what makes us genetically who we are,” reproductive ethicist Gillian Lockwood told the BBC. “It doesn’t affect height, eye color, intelligence, musicality.”
Recommended: The 'Supplement' Illusion
Lockwood added that the term “three-parent baby” is a misnomer; around one-tenth of one percent of a child’s DNA would come from the donor, with the mother and father supplying the rest. "The biggest problem is that this has been described as three-parent IVF. In fact, it is 2.001-parent IVF,” she said.
Others have pointed out that three-person IVF is not the only medical procedure to involve the genetic material of another person. “Let’s say unfortunately you have leukemia and you have your bone marrow radiated for the cancer to be killed, and then it is replaced by bone marrow from someone else—say, me,” Peter Braude, an emeritus professor of gynecology at Kings College London, told the BBC last year. “You won’t be related to me … but you will have DNA from a third person circulating in your body.”
In the U.S., where around 1,000-4,000 children are born with mitochondrial disease each year, a similar debate over three-person IVF is beginning to take shape. The Food and Drug Administration convened a committee last February to discuss whether or not to permit clinical trials for three-person IVF, though no decision was reached. At the FDA’s request, the Institute of Medicine has begun work on a “consensus report regarding the ethical and social-policy issues” of the procedure, with the first of five meetings taking place last month.
Recommended: The Rise of the Teenage Breast Reduction
Even if the U.K. law takes effect, the babies it helps bring into being won’t be the first generation to carry the genes of three separate people. In the 1990s, a team of researchers at the St. Barnabus Institute in New Jersey developed an infertility treatment called cytoplasmic transfer, which involved inserting donor cytoplasm, the substance within a cell that contains the mitochondria and other organelles, into a woman’s egg. The FDA banned the procedure in 2002—but not before several other clinics had mimicked the New Jersey team’s methods, helping to produce an estimated 30-50 children whose genetic material includes traces of mitochondrial donor DNA.
The St. Barnabus Institute began a follow-up study last year to investigate the long-term effects of cytoplasmic transfer, according to the BBC.
But leading up to today’s debate, Lisa Jardine, the former chair of the U.K.’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, called safety concerns about three-person IVF “a red herring.”
Recommended: Should Anti-Vaxers Be Shamed or Persuaded?
"All of those issues have been investigated," she said. "The scientific committees have said there is no evidence this procedure is unsafe, but like all good scientists, they say it will require careful progress."
This article was originally published at http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/02/how-three-people-can-make-a-baby/385126/?UTM_SOURCE=yahoo | http://news.yahoo.com/three-people-baby-185550160--politics.html | 1,621 | Family | 3 | en | 0.999992 |
Large classes are unlikely to disappear given the financial pressures that most institutions face in the USA (Maringe & Sing, 2014). However, large classes are associated with challenges in delivering high-quality and equitable learning opportunities (Bligh, 2002). For example, students in large classes do not have the same opportunities to interact with the teacher compared to students in small classes (Maringe & Sing, 2014). To offer large classes without sacrificing quality of education, educators must understand how and why class sizes influence student engagement behaviors and educational outcomes.
For all class sizes, this study found student involvement as the most influential academic engagement behavior and teacher interaction as the most influential social engagement behavior for positive educational outcomes. In addition, students only perceived teacher supportiveness more positively in small classes with no differences for other engagement behaviors. In terms of educational outcomes, this research found negative effects on student satisfaction in large classes, but no differences on course grade, knowledge and communication learning outcomes in large and small classes. Despite of the mixed effects of class sizes, the study reveals that in the large classes, students may perceive a lower level of teacher interactions and satisfaction. It raises critical concerns as teacher interaction was found as the most influential driver for all subjective educational outcomes. Given that student satisfaction is a key component of student and institutional success (Santini et al., 2017), educators must develop strategies to enhance teacher interactions and satisfaction in large classes to maintain and enhance the quality of education and student success.
Because teacher interaction is the most influential factor for student satisfaction, business schools may consider allocating technology resources to support a more interactive learning environment in large classes. For example, the use of a student response systems (SRS), such as clickers or Poll Everywhere, has become more popular. Heaslip et al. (2014) found that students in large classes became more engaged and involved when clickers were in use. In addition, SRS enable students to have more equal opportunities to interact with the teacher easily and efficiently.
Choosing educational outcomes that accurately measures learning objectives is critical to monitor and improve education quality. Educational outcomes should reflect what the program wants the students to know and be able to do. For example, this study included a communication student learning outcome because it was assessed as part of AACSB AOL process. The results found that the communication learning outcome is associated with student participation and peer interaction. Thus, when a course focuses on communication goals, faculty should create more opportunities for student participation and peer interaction in course design. For example, in large classes, SRS allow students to participate in class discussion and also to see other students’ responses. Additionally, as peer interaction in a small class is stronger on communication outcome than that in a large class, a small class is a better choice for a course focusing on communication skills.
Different educational outcomes may involve different student learning and social behaviors in the classroom, whereas class size may not influence all these behaviors. What educational outcomes do schools expect for students? If, for example, student satisfaction is the key educational outcome, then our study suggests that large class sizes should not be used. On the other hand, if course grade is the key educational outcome, both large and small classes will work as grade differences are not related to class size.
RESEARCH IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH
While the extant literature focuses on academic performance as the primary learning outcome, this study shifted to a “student-centered” perspective and added three measures of subjective educational outcomes – student satisfaction and the perceived SLOs for knowledge and communication skills – to transcend the usual academic performance outcomes. As schools use AOL results for continuous improvement, educators should consider a broader set of educational outcomes.
There have been tremendous changes in the modality of course delivery in higher education since the covid pandemic. Drea (2021) notes that higher education is unlikely to fully return to pre-COVID-19 course delivery models, as students have now experienced the intensive integration of technology into their courses, and this has likely reset their expectations for the future. There are a variety of course delivery formats emerging since the pandemic. Educators must understand whether a change of modality of content delivery has an impact on quality. The current study recognized the importance of both academic and social engagements in student learning. It may offer a groundwork to investigate how student engagements influent their learning outcomes in different delivery formats, such as online, hybrid, synchronous online or asynchronous online.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
Because this study was conducted in a face-to-face classroom setting, the results cannot be generalized to different learning environments, such as online or hybrid. Similarly, the results are not generalizable across all types of higher education institutions because it was conducted at one university. In addition, the results are limited to introductory business courses and do not include advanced courses that require higher-order thinking and analytical skills. Finally, the sample included only undergraduate students and does not consider age as a salient factor when considering effects on classroom processes (Blatchford et al., 2009).
Many schools use large classes to respond to shrinking resources. This study contributes to the existing literature by showing how and why class sizes influence student engagement behaviors and educational outcomes other than academic performance. Student involvement and teacher interaction are found as influential factors on student learning outcomes and satisfaction regardless of class sizes. However, the study results indicate students perceive lower levels of teacher interaction and satisfaction in larger classes. In conclusion, to offer large classes without sacrificing quality of education, we suggest faculty creating more opportunities to encourage more student–teacher interactions, such as using SRS technologies. | https://meziesblog.com/managing-large-class-size-and-the-effects-on-students-performance/ | 1,142 | Family | 3 | en | 0.999975 |
The argument that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to more severe cases of Covid is gaining ground. It is now reaching the point where it is surprising that we are not hearing from leading medical officials and politicians that people should consider taking supplements to ensure they have sufficient vitamin D.
This is not the same as arguing that vitamin D is a magic bullet that will cure the disease. Vitamins are not medication, the taking of which will have positive effects on everybody. They are top-ups: things that hurt you when you don’t have enough of them in your system but do no extra good when you have enough. Indeed, with many vitamins, including D, taking too much can be toxic.
However, it is true that many people are deficient in vitamin D, especially at the end of winter. That is because, uniquely, vitamin D is a substance manufactured by ultraviolet light falling on your skin. You can get some from fish and other foods, but not usually enough. So most people’s vitamin D levels fall to a low point in February or March when the sun has been weak and its UV output especially so. Public health bodies have long advised people to supplement vitamin D in winter anyway.
The level falls especially low in people who stay indoors a lot, including the elderly, and in those who have darker skin. Whereas the safe level of vitamin D is generally agreed to be above 10 nanograms per millilitre, one recent study of South Asians living in Manchester found average levels of 5.8 in winter and 9 in summer: too low at all times of the year. Darker skin reduces the impact of sunlight; so does the cultural habit of veiling; and so does a reluctance among some Muslims to take supplements that might have pork-derived gelatin in them.
Vitamin D deficiency has long been known to coincide with a greater frequency or severity of upper-respiratory tract infections, or colds. That this is a causal effect is supported by some studies showing that vitamin D supplements do reduce the risk of such infections. These studies are not without their statistical flaws, so cannot yet be regarded as certain, but they are not quackery like a lot of the stuff coming out of the supplements industry: they come from reputable medical scientists.
What about vitamin D and Covid in particular? Results are coming in from various settings and the main message seems to be that vitamin D deficiency may or may not help to prevent you catching the virus, but it does affect whether you get very ill from it. One recent study in Chicago concluded that its result ‘argues strongly for a role of vitamin D deficiency in COVID-19 risk and for expanded population-level vitamin D treatment and testing and assessment of the effects of those interventions.’
The bottom line is that an elderly, overweight, dark-skinned person living in the north of England, in March, and sheltering indoors most of the time is almost certain to be significantly vitamin D deficient. If not taking supplements, he or she should be anyway, regardless of the protective effect against the Covid virus. Given that it might be helpful against the virus, should not this advice now be shouted from the rooftops?
A new article by a long list of medical experts in the BMJ cautiously agrees, confirming that many people in northern latitudes have poor vitamin D status, especially in winter or if confined indoors, and that low vitamin D status ‘may be exacerbated during this COVID-19 crisis by indoor living and reduced sun exposure’.
It adds that very high intakes or ‘mega supplements’ will not help and may cause harm, and it is this that probably explains the reluctance of the authorities to spread the message. Another factor may be the lack of lobbying. Vitamin supplements are cheap and unpatented, so there is no great incentive for big companies to push them. All the more reason for government to do so.
It should be possible, and wise, to tell people to take modest doses of vitamin D supplements for their health. The evidence is easily strong enough to justify it.
Join the debate for just £1 a month
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for £3.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just £1 a monthAlready a subscriber? Log in | https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/the-growing-evidence-on-vitamin-d-and-covid# | 879 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999994 |
It’s common to see in certain urban areas, especially on the roads, sales people carrying merchandises about, selling to pedestrians and motorists. Sometimes they go by various local names, but commonly they are defined as hawkers and peddlers. Most times these sales people are confused as the same but in actual sense they are not. So what is the difference between these two groups and how do we identify them?
According to Law Dictionary, a Hawker is someone who sells goods by carrying them down the street, addressing the public by utilizing placards, labels, signs, or garnering attention through other means. On the hand, a peddler is a retail dealer who moves items from one location to another with the aid of a cart or a vehicle and sometimes uses public addressing systems to attract potential customers.
Both groups are retailers but the peddlers deal on a much larger scale than the hawkers. In many urban areas, operation of these two groups are considered illegal by the local authorities. The reason is because they cause obstruction of motor traffic and pedestrian traffic.
In some urban areas, a permit is issued to them to operate within a given vicinity but such permits are commonly given only to Peddlers. Hawkers are often neglected or ignored because they carry their merchandises on themselves.
Poverty and lack of amenities force sales people to come out on the streets to sell their merchandises, but such reasons are widely disregarded because it is a means for them to sell more effectively to the public. This will always remain a challenge to local authorities to curtailing or control and may last indefinitely in many urban areas around the world. | https://www.spotdem.com/2021/10/15/differentiating-between-a-hawker-and-a-peddler/ | 336 | Car Talk | 3 | en | 0.999996 |
ALTERNATE NAMES: Ibo
LOCATION: Southern Nigeria (Igboland)
POPULATION: 5.5 million
LANGUAGE: Igbo (Kwa subfamily of the Niger-Congo language family)
RELIGION: Tribal religion
The Igbo are the second largest group of people living in southern Nigeria. They are socially and culturally diverse, consisting of many subgroups. Although they live in scattered groups of villages, they all speak one language.
The Igbo have no common traditional story of their origins. Historians have proposed two major theories of Igbo origins. One claims the existence of a core area, or "nuclear Igboland." The other claims that the Igbo are descended from waves of immigrants from the north and the west who arrived in the fourteenth or fifteenth century. Three of these are the Nri, Nzam, and Anam.
European contact with the Igbo began with the arrival of the Portuguese in the mid-fifteenth century. At first the Europeans confined themselves to slave trade on the Niger Coast. At this point, the main item of commerce provided by the Igbo was slaves, many of whom were sent to the New World. After the abolition of the slave trade in 1807, British companies pushed beyond the coastal areas and aggressively pursued control of the interior. The Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, created in 1900, included Igboland. Until 1960, Nigeria remained a British colony, and the Igbo were British subjects. On October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation structured as a federation of states.
Igboland is located in southeastern Nigeria, with a total land area of about 15,800 square miles (about 41,000 square kilometers). The Igbo country has four distinct areas. The low-lying deltas and riberbank areas are heavily inundated during the rainy season, and are very fertile. The central belt is a rather high plain. The Udi highlands are the only coal-mining area in West Africa.
It is difficult to obtain accurate census figures for either the Igbo or for Nigeria as a whole. The Igbo population is estimated to be between 5 and 6 million.
The Igbo language belongs to the Niger-Congo language family. It is part of the Kwa subfamily. A complicated system of high and low tones indicates differences in meaning and grammatical relationships. There are a wide range of dialects.
English | Igbo |
Hello, how are you? | Keku ka imelo? |
What is your name? | Kedu ahagi? |
Thank you | Ndewo |
The Igbo have a system of folk beliefs that explains how everything in the world came into being. It explains what functions the heavenly and earthly bodies have and offers guidance on how to behave toward gods, spirits, and one's ancestors.
The Igbo believe the world is peopled by invisible and visible forces: by the living, the dead, and those yet to be born. Reincarnation is seen as a bridge between the living and the dead.
The major beliefs of the Igbo religion are shared by all Igbo-speaking people. However, many of its practices are locally organized, with the most effective unit of religious worship being the extended family. Periodic rituals and ceremonies may activate the lineage (larger kinship unit) or the village, which is the widest political community.
The Igbo believe in a supreme god who keeps watch over his creatures from a distance. He seldom interferes in the affairs of human beings. No sacrifices are made directly to him. However, he is seen as the ultimate receiver of sacrifices made to the minor gods. To distinguish him from the minor gods he is called Chukwu—the great or the high god. As the creator of everything, he is called Chukwu Abiama.
There are also minor gods, who are generally subject to human passions and weaknesses. They may be kind, hospitable, and industrious; at other times they are treacherous, unmerciful, and envious. These minor gods include Ala, the earth goddess. She is associated with fertility, both of human beings and of the land. Anyanwu is the sun god who makes crops and trees grow. Igwe is the sky god, the source of rain.
In addition to their gods, the Igbo believe in a variety of spirits whose good will depends on treating them well. Forests and rivers at the edge of cultivated land are said to be occupied by these spirits. Mbataku and Agwo are spirits of wealth. Others include Aha njoku (the yam spirit) and Ikoro (the drum spirit).
The Igbo attitude toward their deities and spirits is not one of fear but one of friendship.
The Igbo celebrate the major national holidays of Nigeria, including New Year's Day (January 1), Easter (March or April), Nigerian Independence Day (October 1), and Christmas (December 24 to 26).
In addition, each town has its own local festivals. Those in the spring or summer are held to welcome the new agricultural cycle. In the fall, harvest festivals are held to mark the end of the cycle.
Circumcision takes place about eight days after the birth of a boy. At this time the umbilical cord is buried at the foot of a tree selected by the child's mother.
The name-giving ceremony is a formal occasion celebrated by feasting and drinking. A wide variety of names may be chosen. The name may be based on anything from the child's birthmarks to the opinion of the diviner, or seer. The name Nwanyimeole —"What can a woman do?"—means that a father desires a male child. Onwubiko —"May death forgive"—expresses the fact that parents have lost many of their children and pray that this child may survive.
The process of marrying a young Igbo woman is a long, elaborate one. It is rarely accomplished in less than a year and often takes several years. The process falls into four stages: asking the young woman's consent, negotiating through a middleman, testing the bride's character, and paying the bride wealth, a kind of dowry.
Death in old age is accepted as a blessing. After death, the body is clothed in the person's finest garments. The corpse is placed on a stool in a sitting posture. Old friends and relatives visit and pay their last respects. Young men wrap the corpse in grass mats, carry it out to the burial ground, and bury it. When the head of a family dies, he is buried beneath the floor of his house. Burial generally follows within twenty-four hours of death.
Two criteria shape interpersonal relations: age and gender. Respect is given to males, and to older persons. Children are always required to offer the first greeting to their elders.
Social status is based on wealth, regardless of occupation. The Igbo distinguish between obgenye or mbi (the poor), dinkpa (the moderately prosperous), and nnukwu madu or ogaranya (the rich).
Village life has changed considerably since the discovery of oil in Nigeria. Houses, which used to have mud walls and thatched roofs, are now constructed of cement blocks with corrugated iron roofs. Electricity has been introduced; television sets and radios are now commonplace. Villages have running water, although it is not connected to every house.
Under the practice of polygyny, many Igbo men have more than one wife. A successful man marries as many wives as he can support. This involves providing farm plots to help the women and their dependents make a living. The polygynous family is made up of a man and his wives and all their children. Beyond that unit is the extended family, consisting of all the sons in a family and their parents, wives, and unmarried daughters. The extended family may have anywhere from five to thirty members. Ideally, all of the members of the extended family live in one large compound.
The Igbo family has changed in recent years. Christian marriage and civil marriage are important innovations. Among Igbo professional people, the trend is toward the nuclear family with its own residence.
The everyday clothing in urban areas is not different from that of Westerners. Traditional clothing is still worn on important occasions in the cities and every day in rural areas. For everyday wear men wear a cotton wrap (robe), a shirt, and sandals. For formal occasions they wear a long shirt, often decorated with tucks and embroidery, over a dressy wrap, shoes, and a hat. Women wear wraps for both informal and formal occasions. The everyday wrapper is made from inexpensive cotton, dyed locally. For formal wear, the wrapper is either woven or batikdyed, and often imported.
The blouse for formal wear is made of lace or embroidered. Women also wear a head tie, a rectangular piece of cloth that can be worn a number of different ways. The Igbo traditional dress is a danshiki , a long, loose-fitting top. Formerly Igbo women added pieces of cloth to show their marital status and number of children.
The yam is the staple food of the Igbo. Traditionally, the yam was the food of choice for ceremonial occasions. Nowadays it has been replaced by rice. Other starchy foods include cassava, taro root, maize and plantains.
A typical meal includes a starch and a soup or stew, prepared with a vegetable to which pieces of fish, chicken, beef, or goat meat are added. Jollof rice of various types is popular throughout Nigeria. Among the Igbo who live near waterways it is often prepared with shrimp. The following recipe is very popular.
Since gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria has set a priority on education. Universal primary education is the norm in southern Nigeria, where the Igbo live. Secondary education has also developed rapidly.
The Igbo have number of wind and stringed musical instruments. The ugene is a whistle made of baked clay, round in form, and about the size of a billiard ball. Probably the most interesting of the Igbo instruments is the ubaw-akwala, a sort of guitar. It has a triangular body formed by three pieces of soft wood sewn together. It is played by strolling singers in the evenings. Igbo singers improvise as the song proceeds and show great skill in fitting words to the song's rhythm and tune.
The flavors improve if this dish is made several hours in advance and allowed to rest in the oven with the door ajar.
Dancing is a great Igbo pastime, practiced by everybody. There are special dances for boys, girls, men, women, and mixed groups. Group dancing is associated with religious observances and festivals.
The traditional Igbo economy depends on root-crop farming. Yams, cassava and taro are the chief root crops. There is a division of labor according to gender. Men clear the bush and plant the yams with the help of the women and the children. Following the planting of yams, plots are allocated to the women individually. Each woman plants other crops in the spaces between the yams and also on the slopes of hills.
Trading is an old occupation among the Igbo. The marketplace has become an important source of livelihood. An increasing number of Igbo are now engaged in wage labor. Growing cities, expanding road construction, new industries, and oil exploration are creating many job opportunities.
Wrestling is the most popular sport among boys and young men, with great annual contests in every part of Igbo country.
The other popular sport is soccer. Traditionally played only by boys, it has been introduced to girls through the school system.
Traditional entertainment includes storytelling, rituals, dancing, and music making. Modern forms of entertainment include watching television and going to movies and discos. Most households own radios, and there are several television sets in each village. The Igbo enjoy games, including card games and checkers. Among the younger people American youth culture is popular. Most enjoy listening to rap and rock music.
The Igbo practice a number of crafts, some performed by men only and some by women. Carving is a skilled occupation practiced only by men. They produce doors and panels for houses, as well as stools, dancing masks, and boxes. Another valued craft is that of the blacksmith.
Women's crafts include pottery making, spinning, weaving, basketry, and grass plaiting.
The Igbo have been seriously affected by national problems ranging from civil war to military coups.
The crime rate in Nigeria is high. The problem is worst in larger urban centers, but rural areas are also affected. The crime wave was aggravated by the worsening economic conditions of the 1980s. Drug-related crime emerged as a major problem. Igboland has so far escaped the worst of this, although marijuana use among young people has been reported.
Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. New York: Knopf, 1995.
Njoku, John E. Eberegbulam. The Igbos of Nigeria: Ancient Rites, Changes, and Survival. Lewiston, N.Y.: E. Mellen Press, 1990.
Ogbaa, Kalu. Igbo . Heritage Library of African Peoples. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, 1995.
Igbo Homepage. [Online] Available http://www.lioness.cm.utexas.edu/igbo , 1998.
PrimaNet Communications. TheVirtual Igbo Homesites. [Online] Available http://www.igbo.com , 1998.
World Travel Guide. [Online] Available http://www.wtgonline.com/country/ng/gen.html , 1998.
Today the ijaw back by FG are erroneously claiming Ndoki,opobo, ikwerre and etche etc...The igbos must stop ijaw madness.
I think it had many information and it helped me in doing my h.w because we are tocking in class about IBO/IGBO
This is a great and very informative site ! I am wondering, do you know where I can find a good Igbo online Dictionary? I have done some searches, but there does not seem to be anything good out there.
Hello how are you? 'kedu ka imelu' or 'kedu ka imere'
What is your name? 'kedu aha gi' or 'ke aha gi'
these depend on the dialect
It is not an easy job, but I'm on it. I will soon publish it and make corrections and updates as we go by.
There's an international body that encompasses every Igbo organisation in the world...
To join this group, go to:
facebook and join (Ohanaeze Ndigbo) group
i will appreciate this the more if it explores and show hoe the explorative activities and the continuous intuitive nature of the igbo have contributed in making the world a better place.
if those activities of the igbo that specifies them as hard working people can be added to this write, it will also be a nice thing
Will definitely come back again.
It is only Igbos and their brothers Jews or Israel had ever in life got the place where they are without making or advantage of any body to their development, unlike Britain, USA, Arabs, Russia, France,etc; if they should allow everyman to develop himself they all shall sure appologise to us. check Nigeria here whether any nation except the Igbos had produced a millionaire, general in army when Nigeria was a country with due process and merritocity. We know how other made their wealth, education, promotions in civil service and both in millitary, paramillitary and police, even upon that closed to a century the west had been introduced to western education but Prof. Dike is the first Idigenious vice chancelor while igbos produced 60% of the PhD holders in 1960 when Brutish or brutal peoples granted independence to Nigeria to be a sovereign nation, though west had more number of professors according to true history of Nigeria but education standard in the east had no standard with any other place in africa and equal with the highest standard in the world then which the igbos age to be only the African nation that developed sciences and technology, when even Korea and Asian besides Japan.The igbo peoples will always live.
Long live Igbos, Long live Igbo nation.
CAN u guys produce deir festivaland its locations.IGBO/IBO is d second best tribe.
am writing an essay on 'the essence of documenting the igbo folk songs'. pls i need an info. on the igbo folk songs(it's origin,usage,significance, e.t.c. tanx
Hello how are you? Means 'kedu ka i di' or 'kedu ka i mere'
What is your name? 'Gini bu aha gi'
MAY I USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO INFORM YOU OF OUR NEW IGBOL2 BOOKS. IT WILL HELP YOU, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A-NON-IGBO SPEAKER. "UNDERSTANDING IGBO L2: BOOKS 1,2 AND 3. THANK YOU.
Please note this point of correction, danshiki is not the igbo dress rather it is Hausa.
thanks to u guys for the great jobs you have been doing more grease to your elbow
Plz more posts will b appriciated on Igbo Values.
That really explains some misery that I cldnt understand about ndi igbo. I really loved and enjoyed this article. To who every posted this, Godbless you. Thanks for the enlightenment. Chukwu Abiama gozie gi.
We have four market days, Eke, Orie, Afor and Nkwo
Igbos has also five states in Nigeria, Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi
In most countries, bridges, like other structures, are designed according to Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) principles. In simple terms, this means that the load is factored up by a factor greater than unity, while the resistance or capacity of the structure is factored down, by a factor less than unity. The effect of the factored load (stress, bending moment, etc.) should be less than the factored resistance to that effect. Both of these factors allow for uncertainty and are greater when the uncertainty is greater | http://www.everyculture.com/wc/Mauritania-to-Nigeria/Igbo.html#ixzz4kLcMemQithat | 3,900 | Politics | 3 | en | 0.999958 |
Scientists have produced the first human corneas to be 3D-printed in a lab, showing how we could potentially generate this vital bit of anatomy ourselves – and save millions of people from blindness related to corneal damage along the way.
The cornea, the membrane at the front of the eye, is essential in helping us focus properly, while also protecting our eyes from the outside world. When diseases like trachoma take hold, they can be devastating to our vision.
As a result, human corneas are in demand, with around 10 million people worldwide waiting for a transplant to help fix vision problems. Another 5 million people have gone completely blind due to scarring of the cornea.
If we can produce usable corneas in the laboratory, then many of these people might be helped, something that the researchers from Newcastle University in the UK explain has been the aim for many scientists for a long time.
"Many teams across the world have been chasing the ideal bio-ink to make this process feasible," says senior researcher Che Connon.
"Now we have a ready to use bio-ink containing stem cells allowing users to start printing tissues without having to worry about growing the cells separately."
The special bio-ink mixes alginate and collagen proteins and has been developed to hit a very specific set of criteria: being stiff enough to hold its shape, and being soft enough to fit through the nozzle of a 3D printer.
The structure also needs to be able to allow the growth of human corneal stromal (connective tissue) cells, taken from a donor.
This proof-of-concept ticked all the boxes: the scientists were able to print out a cornea, as a series of concentric circles, in less than 10 minutes.
Previously, the same team had used a similar hydrogel to keep stem cells alive for weeks at room temperature. Now they've been able to transfer this to a usable cornea, with cells remaining viable at 83 percent after a whole week.
The researchers point out it's likely to be years before this can be perfected and scaled up: as with other attempts to grow human corneas in the lab we've seen in recent years, progress has to be steady and cautious.
That said, it's an amazing first step towards a solution, and could eventually give us an unlimited supply of corneas for transplant, anywhere in the world.
Even better, they can be custom-made to fit each patient, thanks to the 3D printing technology that has also been tested with artificial hearts and other tissue. With a scan of someone's eye, the implant can be designed to the right size and shape.
"Our 3D printed corneas will now have to undergo further testing and it will be several years before we could be in the position where we are using them for transplants," says Connon.
"However, what we have shown is that it is feasible to print corneas using coordinates taken from a patient eye and that this approach has potential to combat the world-wide shortage."
The research has been published in Experimental Eye Research. | https://www.sciencealert.com/first-3d-printed-human-corneas-could-fix-the-sight-of-millions?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencealert-latestnews+%28ScienceAlert-Latest%29 | 645 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999996 |
It is difficult to overestimate the influence of the apostle Paul. He is known worldwide as one of the greatest Christian missionaries. His inspired writings cover a large portion of the New Testament, and it is safe to say that he remains one of the most read authors in human history. His abrupt turnaround from zealous persecutor of Christians to one of Christianity’s greatest proponents surely shaped the history of the early Christian church. But who was Saul of Tarsus before he became the apostle Paul? What do we know about his life prior to meeting Christ on the Damascus Road?
Saul of Tarsus was born in approximately AD 5 in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia (in modern-day Turkey). He was born to Jewish parents who possessed Roman citizenship, a coveted privilege that their son would also possess. In about AD 10, Saul’s family moved to Jerusalem. Sometime between AD 15—20 Saul began his studies of the Hebrew Scriptures in the city of Jerusalem under Rabbi Gamaliel. It was under Gamaliel that Saul would begin an in-depth study of the Law with the famous rabbi.
There has been some debate over whether Saul was raised in Jerusalem or in his birthplace of Tarsus, but a straightforward reading of his own comments indicates that Jerusalem was his boyhood home (Acts 22:3). We know that Paul’s sister’s son was in Jerusalem after Paul’s conversion (Acts 23:16), which lends weight to the idea that Paul’s entire family had moved to Jerusalem when he was young.
It is quite possible that Saul was present for the trial of Stephen—a trial that resulted in Stephen becoming the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:54–60). The historian Luke tells us that Stephen’s executioners laid their garments at the feet of Saul (Acts 7:58), who was in full approval of the mob’s murderous actions (Acts 8:1). Saul later ravaged the church, entering the homes of believers and committing them to prison. Saul’s anti-Christian zeal motivated him not only to arrest and imprison male Christians (the “ringleaders”) but to lock up female believers as well (Acts 8:3).
Paul’s post-conversion correspondence to various churches reveals even more about his background. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul describes himself as a Hebrew, an Israelite, and a descendant of Abraham (2 Corinthians 11:22). In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul says he was a Pharisee of the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5).
While on his way to Damascus to arrest and extradite Christians back to Jerusalem, Saul was confronted by the very One whom he was persecuting (Acts 9:3–9; 22:6–11; 26:12–18). What followed was one of the most dramatic conversions in church history. Saul of Tarsus became the apostle Paul, an ardent missionary to an unbelieving world and a fine example of faithful service in the face of fierce persecution (Acts 14:19; 16:22–24; 2 Corinthians 11:25–26). Saul’s education, his background as a Pharisee, his Roman citizenship, and his unflagging zeal all contributed to his success as a missionary, once those credentials and traits had been subjugated to the lordship of Christ. | http://www.gotquestions.org/Saul-of-Tarsus.html#ixzz3IPN0gdEh | 712 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999977 |
What happens when Newton's third law is broken?
Even if you don't know it by name, everyone is familiar with Newton's third law, which states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This idea can be seen in many everyday situations, such as when walking, where a person's foot pushes against the ground, and the ground pushes back with an equal and opposite force. Newton's third law is also essential for understanding and developing automobiles, airplanes, rockets, boats, and many other technologies.
Even though it is one of the fundamental laws of physics, Newton's third law can be violated in certain nonequilibrium (out-of-balance) situations. When two objects or particles violate the third law, they are said to have nonreciprocal interactions. Violations can occur when the environment becomes involved in the interaction between the two particles in some way, such as when an environment moves with respect to the two particles. (Of course, Newton's law still holds for the complete "particles-plus-environment" system.)
Although there have been numerous experiments on particles with nonreciprocal interactions, not as much is known about what's happening on the microscopic level—the statistical mechanics—of these systems.
In a new paper published in Physical Review X, Alexei Ivlev, et al., have investigated the statistical mechanics of different types of nonreciprocal interactions and discovered some surprising results—such as that extreme temperature gradients can be generated on the particle scale.
"I think the greatest significance of our work is that we rigorously showed that certain classes of essentially nonequilibrium systems can be exactly described in terms of the equilibrium's statistical mechanics (i.e., one can derive a pseudo-Hamiltonian which describes such systems)," Ivlev, at the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Garching, Germany, told Phys.org. "One of the most amazing implications is that, for example, one can observe a mixture of two liquids in detailed equilibrium, yet each liquid has its own temperature."
One example of a system with nonreciprocal interactions that the researchers experimentally demonstrated in their study involves charged microparticles levitating above an electrode in a plasma chamber. The violation of Newton's third law arises from the fact that the system involves two types of microparticles that levitate at different heights due to their different sizes and densities. The electric field in the chamber drives a vertical plasma flow, like a current in a river, and each charged microparticle focuses the flowing plasma ions downstream, creating a vertical plasma wake behind it.
Although the repulsive forces that occur due to the direct interactions between the two layers of particles are reciprocal, the attractive particle-wake forces between the two layers are not. This is because the wake forces decrease with distance from the electrode, and the layers are levitating at different heights. As a result, the lower layer exerts a larger total force on the upper layer of particles than the upper layer exerts on the lower layer of particles. Consequently, the upper layer has a higher average kinetic energy (and thus a higher temperature) than the lower layer. By tuning the electric field, the researchers could also increase the height difference between the two layers, which further increases the temperature difference.
"Usually, I'm rather conservative when thinking on what sort of 'immediate' potential application a particular discovery (at least, in physics) might have," Ivlev said. "However, what I am quite confident of is that our results provide an important step towards better understanding of certain kinds of nonequilibrium systems. There are numerous examples of very different nonequilibrium systems where the action-reaction symmetry is broken for interparticle interactions, but we show that one can nevertheless find an underlying symmetry which allows us to describe such systems in terms of the textbook (equilibrium) statistical mechanics."
While the plasma experiment is an example of action-reaction symmetry breaking in a 2D system, the same symmetry breaking can occur in 3D systems, as well. The scientists expect that both types of systems exhibit unusual and remarkable behavior, and they hope to further investigate these systems more in the future.
"Our current research is focused on several topics in this direction," Ivlev said. "One is the effect of the action-reaction symmetry breaking in the overdamped colloidal suspensions, where the nonreciprocal interactions lead to a remarkably rich variety of self-organization phenomena (dynamical clustering, pattern formation, phase separation, etc.). Results of this research may lead to several interesting applications. Another topic is purely fundamental: how one can describe a much broader class of 'nearly Hamiltonian' nonreciprocal systems, whose interactions almost match with those described by a pseudo-Hamiltonian? Hopefully, we can report on these results very soon."
More information: A. V. Ivlev, et al. "Statistical Mechanics where Newton's Third Law is Broken." Physical Review X. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevX.5.011035
© 2015 Phys.org | http://lofi.phys.org/news/2015-05-newton-law-broken.html | 1,045 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999989 |
When I was a young boy, I looked forward to Christmas every Dec. 25. Shortly before one particular Christmas, while still in grade school, one of my schoolmates laughed me to scorn for believing that Santa Claus existed. I was mortified.
When I returned home that evening, I asked my mom whether Santa was real. She said he wasn't. Privately I thought, "Well, if Santa Claus isn't real, what is?"
Years later I learned that Christmas actually predated Christianity by about 2,000 years. Many ancient nations created their own midwinter festivals and celebrations—which later morphed into Christmas—to honor the sun and other gods around the time of the winter solstice. I also learned that the origins of Christmas contradict true Christianity.
Christmas contradicts the biblical facts
It's commonly assumed that Christmas is celebrated because it's the birthday of Jesus Christ. But biblical scholars overwhelmingly admit that Jesus was born nowhere near Dec. 25. There are sound reasons for this conclusion. Luke's Gospel tells us that Joseph and Mary were traveling to Bethlehem to register during a Roman census when Jesus was born, and also that shepherds still had their flocks out in the open fields at that time (Luke 2:1-8).
Jesus neither observed Christmas nor taught others to observe it. It did not originate with Him.
But the Holy Land in December is cold, rainy and sometimes snowy. No sound-minded shepherd would have been so foolhardy as to leave his flock in the fields at night at that time of year. And no intelligent ruler would compel people to travel many miles to register for a census when the likelihood of bad weather would have made such an effort self-defeating.
Why should we believe that Jesus was born on Dec. 25 when the Bible itself plainly contradicts this notion?
The birth of Christmas
So if Christmas didn't originate with Christ's birth being on Dec. 25, when and how did it originate?
Christmas began long before the birth of Jesus Christ. Alexander Hislop's book The Two Babylons explores many historical sources showing that the holiday precedes Christ by at least 2,000 years, as earlier mentioned (1957, pp. 97-98).
A nativity celebration for pagan gods was observed near the winter solstice in both Syria and Egypt. Later, some 400 years before Christ, the Mithraic religion, centering on the Persian sun god Mithras, provided the foundation for the Christmas celebration. Mithraism became very popular in the Roman Empire, and many elements of its worship survive today in Roman Catholicism.
For example, the noted British anthropologist, historian and scholar Sir James Frazer, knighted for his contributions to our understanding of ancient religions, wrote in his book The Golden Bough:
"There can be no doubt that the Mithraic religion proved a formidable rival to Christianity, combining as it did a solemn ritual with aspirations after moral purity and a hope of immortality. Indeed the issue of the conflict between the two faiths appears for a time to have hung in the balance. An instructive relic of the long struggle is preserved in our festival of Christmas, which the Church seems to have borrowed directly from its heathen rival.
"In the Julian calendar the twenty-fifth of December was reckoned the winter solstice, and it was regarded as the Nativity [birthday] of the Sun, because the day begins to lengthen and the power of the sun to increase from that turning-point of the year. The ritual of the nativity, as it appears to have been celebrated in Syria and Egypt, was remarkable. The celebrants retired into certain inner shrines, from which at midnight they issued with a loud cry, 'The Virgin has brought forth! The light is waxing [stronger]!'
"The Egyptians even represented the new-born sun by the image of an infant which on his birthday, the winter solstice, they brought forth and exhibited to his worshippers. No doubt the Virgin who thus conceived and bore a son on the twenty-fifth of December was the great Oriental [i.e., Middle Eastern] goddess whom the Semites called the Heavenly Virgin or simply the Heavenly Goddess; in Semitic lands she was a form of Astarte [Easter]" (The Golden Bough, 1993, p. 358, emphasis added throughout).
If people insist on defending Christmas, at least they should know how it originated.
Tertullian on Christmas
The early Catholic theologian and writer Tertullian (A.D. 155-230) was a convert from paganism. He wrote numerous works defending Christianity as he understood it, combatting contrary teachers and giving exhortation to fellow believers. In one he described how the Christian converts of his day were already ignoring the biblical Sabbath day and festivals and flocking to the pagan Roman winter festivals, such as the Saturnalia, which honored the god Saturn:
"By us who are strangers to Sabbaths, and new moons, and festivals, once acceptable to God, the Saturnalia, the feasts of January, the Brumalia and Matronalia, are now frequented; gifts are carried to and fro, new year's day presents are made with din, and sports and banquets are celebrated with uproar" (Tertullian, On Idolatry, chap. 14, quoted by Hislop, p. 93).
Tertullian rebuked Christians for joining in such pagan celebrations, noting that no self-respecting pagan would join in "Christian" celebrations: "Oh, how much more faithful are the heathen to their religion, who take special care to adopt no solemnity from the Christians" (ibid).
He further stated of the pagans: "For, even if they had known them, they would not have shared the Lord's Day or Pentecost with us. For they would fear lest they would appear to be Christians. Yet, we are not apprehensive that we might appear to be pagans!" (quoted by David Bercot, editor, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, 1998, p. 342). This is an incredible admission.
A zealous Tertullian could see the difference between heathen and Christian festivals. Can we?
A deeper look at Christmas origins
Man, Myth & Magic is a useful encyclopedia on mythology and religion. This multi-volume work uncovers the origins of major Western religious holidays, exploring the history of each. It offers further details on the origins of Christmas:
"Christmas has its origin in two ancient pagan festivals, the great Yule-feast of the Norsemen and the Roman Saturnalia...It was close enough to the winter solstice to acquire many of the associations of the Norse ceremony: the Yule-log, the evergreen decorations in houses and churches, even the Christmas feast itself. These elements were combined with the Saturnalia of the Romans to provide the basis for the early Christian festival.
"During the Saturnalia, gifts were made by the wealthy to the poor in honour of the golden age of liberty when Saturn ruled the known world, and slaves were allowed to change places and clothing with their masters. They even elected their own mock king who, for the period of the festival, ruled as a despot. The Saturnalia involved the wildest debauchery, and was a festival worthy of [the god] Pan himself.
"Naturally it came under heavy censure from the early Church and despite the fact that Jesus Christ and the saints gradually replaced the pagan deities it was long considered completely out of character with the Christian ideal. However, the festival was far too strongly entrenched in popular favour to be abolished, and the [Catholic] Church finally granted the necessary recognition, believing that if Christmas could not be suppressed it should be preserved in honour of the Christian God" (Man, Myth & Magic, Richard Cavendish, ed., 1995, Vol. 3, p. 418).
Christmas gains acceptance
The strange story of Christmas continued after the ancient celebrations were adopted by the Catholic Church. The church does not deny it.
The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: "Christmas originated at a time when the cult of the sun was particularly strong at Rome. This theory finds support in some of the Church Fathers contrasting the birth of Christ and the winter solstice. Though the substitution of Christmas for the pagan festival cannot be proved with certainty, it remains the most plausible explanation for the dating of Christmas" (1967, Vol. 3, p. 656).
Man, Myth & Magic explains when Christmas gained official recognition and when the name was substituted for the ancient heathen midwinter festival. "Once given a Christian basis the festival became fully established in Europe with many of its pagan elements undisturbed. It was only in the 4th century that 25 December was officially decreed to be the birthday of Christ, and it was another 500 years [the ninth century] before the term Midwinter Feast was abandoned in favour of the word Christmas"
(Cavendish, p. 480).
James Hastings, Bible scholar, writer and editor of The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, confirms that the church absorbed and tolerated heathen customs: "Most of the Christmas customs now prevailing in Europe, or recorded from former times, are not genuine Christian customs, but heathen customs which have been absorbed or tolerated by the Church" (1910, Vol. 3, p. 608).
Elements of the observance of Christmas were criticized and even forbidden in later centuries. "The undisguised pagan element in Christmas had often provoked criticism from extreme Protestants but the festival was not really affected by their beliefs until the Puritans came to power in the 17th century.
"[At that time] Christmas was attacked as 'the old heathens' feasting day to Saturn their God' and carols were forbidden. Finally, 25 December was proclaimed a fast day [a time of abstaining from food and festivity to focus on religious devotion] in 1644. The new rule was enforced by the army, which spent much of its time pulling down the greenery that festive 'pagans' had attached to their doors.
"In Scotland the prohibition was enforced with great rigour. This anti-Christmas attitude spread to Puritan territories in America. The Church established special services for Christmas in Boston during the 1690s, but many civil authorities strongly opposed this move. And it was not until some 150 years later that Christmas first became a legal holiday in the United States, in Alabama in 1836" (Man, Myth & Magic, Cavendish, pp. 480-481).
Why Dec. 25 as the date for Christmas?
Sir James Frazer wrote at length on the roots of modern Christian holidays. And here's what he had to say about why Christmas began as it did:
"What considerations led the ecclesiastical authorities to institute the festival of Christmas? It was a custom of the heathen to celebrate on the same twenty-fifth of December the birthday of the Sun, at which they kindled lights in token of festivity.
"In these solemnities and festivities the Christians also took part. Accordingly when the doctors [theologians] of the Church perceived that the Christians had a leaning to this festival, they took counsel and resolved that the true Nativity should be solemnised on that day and the festival of the Epiphany on the sixth of January . . .
"The heathen origin of Christmas is plainly hinted at, if not tacitly admitted, by Augustine [the fifth-century Catholic theologian] when he exhorts his Christian brethren not to celebrate that solemn day like the heathen on account of the sun, but on account of him who made the sun. In like manner [Pope] Leo the Great rebuked the pestilent belief that Christmas was solemnized because of the birth of the new sun, as it was called, and not because of the nativity of Christ.
"Thus it appears that the Christian Church chose to celebrate the birthday of its Founder on the twenty-fifth of December in order to transfer the devotion of the heathen from the Sun to him who was called the Sun of Righteousness" (pp. 358-359).
This was despite God's direct warning against adopting pagan worship customs to honor Him (Deuteronomy 12:29-32).
Does Christ approve of Christmas?
Having considered mainstream church teaching and practice on this subject, we also need to ask: What did Christ Himself teach about Christmas?
The fact is, Jesus neither observed Christmas nor taught others to observe it. It did not originate with Him. But He did speak out strongly against the traditions of men: "And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Mark 7:7).
Indeed, Jesus taught that Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35), and it explicitly warned against adopting pagan worship customs to honor the true God (Deuteronomy 12:29-32).
Furthermore, God inspired Daniel to prophesy several centuries before Christ that religious men would attempt to change "times and law," including God's festival seasons (see Daniel 7:25; compare Leviticus 23 with Matthew 5:17-19).
After Jesus Christ returns to earth, during His reign over the nations He will see to it that all of God's annual festivals are observed by all peoples. The book of Zechariah reveals that it will take a few years before at least a few nations learn to accept Christ's teachings. The autumn Feast of Tabernacles is a case in point.
Zechariah 14 addresses the second coming of Christ, concluding with one particularly revealing insight into what will come next: "And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King [Jesus Christ], the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles" (Zechariah 14:16).
Then the account continues by describing appropriate corrective punishments for those nations that do not comply (Zechariah 14:17-19).
Christ's true disciples today observe His Holy Days
The big question is, are you ready to begin following the real Christ? In times past God overlooked the ignorance of men, but today He commands all men and women to repent of ungodly activities, including observing manmade religious holidays (Acts 17:30).
If you are coming to understand that Christmas does not represent Christ, then you should take a stand and avoid its observance (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46). Why stumble between the truth and error? Why not start following the true Christ and His biblical teachings? (John 8:32; John 17:17).
The Bible clearly reveals our Creator's requirement to observe His annual festivals and Holy Days—the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, the Feast of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day. They disclose God's wondrous plan and purpose for humankind.
The Bible shows that the true followers of God observed these festivals in both the Old and New Testaments. True Christians still observe them today. God has not changed | http://www.ucg.org/the-good-news/christmas-before-christ-the-surprising-truth | 3,129 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999952 |
With the right information on Medicaid programs, you will know the type of program to choose. To guide you on that, this post will list some types of Medicaid and their eligibility criteria.
What is Medicaid?
Medicaid, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, is a health insurance program designed to provide coverage for low-income individuals and families. It serves as a crucial safety net, ensuring access to essential healthcare services for the most vulnerable populations.
There are different Medicaid programs available, so the cost differs. To qualify for any of these programs, their certain requirements that must be met. Below are some of the different types of Medicaid and eligibility spread across the United States.
Types Of Medicaid And Their Eligibility
- Medicaid for Children (CHIP)
- Medicaid for Pregnant Women
- Medicaid for Parents or Caregivers
- Medicaid for People with Disabilities
- Medicaid for Seniors (Medicaid Waivers)
- Medicaid Expansion
1. Medicaid for Children (CHIP)
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is one of the types of Medicaid and their eligibility criteria is clearly stated. CHIP is specifically designed to provide healthcare coverage for children from low-income families who do not qualify for regular Medicaid.
Eligibility usually depends on family income and size, and coverage may include comprehensive benefits like doctor visits, immunizations, and dental care.
2. Medicaid for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women who lack insurance coverage have access to Medicaid to ensure quality prenatal care. Income is the primary eligibility factor.
However, some states may extend coverage regardless of income. This program covers pregnancy-related services such as doctor visits, screenings, ultrasounds, and delivery costs.
3. Medicaid for Parents or Caregivers
This category of Medicaid assists low-income parents or caregivers who are responsible for children. Eligibility is based on household income and the number of dependents.
Depending on the state, recipients may have access to comprehensive benefits, including doctor visits, prescription drugs, and hospitalization.
4. Medicaid for People with Disabilities
For individuals with disabilities, Medicaid offers a lifeline of support services to enhance their quality of life. Eligibility may vary by state, but typically, individuals must meet specific disability criteria, income thresholds, and asset limits. Coverage includes doctor visits, medications, mental health services, and long-term care.
5. Medicaid for Seniors (Medicaid Waivers)
Medicaid waivers are state-specific programs designed to offer support and financial assistance to elderly individuals who require long-term care. Eligibility factors include income, assets, age (often 65+), and care needs.
These programs, sometimes referred to as home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers, allow seniors to receive care in their own homes rather than in nursing homes.
6. Medicaid Expansion
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), states have the option to expand Medicaid to provide eligibility to individuals with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. The expansion extends eligibility to low-income adults without dependents and provides more comprehensive coverage across the board.
Things To Know About Eligibility For Medicaid
I. Income Limitations
Medicaid eligibility relies heavily on income limits, which vary from state to state. Understanding these thresholds is crucial, as they determine whether an individual or family qualifies for coverage.
Make sure to research your state’s income guidelines and keep yourself informed about any updates or changes in the future.
11. Expansion Programs
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many states have expanded their Medicaid programs. This extended coverage has broadened the eligibility criteria, often allowing individuals with slightly higher incomes to qualify.
111. Non-Income-Based Eligibility
Contrary to popular belief, Medicaid eligibility is not solely determined by income. Several non-income factors also play a crucial role in determining eligibility, such as household size, age, disability status, and pregnancy.
Understanding these factors can help you ascertain whether you might qualify for Medicaid, even if your income exceeds the threshold.
IV. Asset and Resource Limits
While Medicaid primarily focuses on income limitations, it also takes into account an individual’s or family’s assets and resources. These limits aim to ensure that only those who genuinely require assistance receive Medicaid benefits.
V. The Medicaid Gap
The infamous “Medicaid Gap” refers to a coverage gap that occurs in states that have chosen not to expand Medicaid programs.
These states often leave a significant portion of the population with limited access to affordable healthcare, resulting in an unfortunate gap in coverage. It is crucial to understand if your state falls into this category to explore alternative options if necessary.
VI. Application Process
Once you have a good grasp of Medicaid eligibility, it’s time to dive into the application process. Each state operates its own Medicaid program, so make sure you understand your state’s specific procedures.
Typically, applications can be submitted online, in person, or by mail. It’s always wise to gather the necessary documents and seek assistance from local agencies if needed.
Question 1: Are there asset limits for Medicaid eligibility?
Yes, there are asset limits when it comes to Medicaid eligibility. However, these limits vary from state to state. In general, Medicaid is designed to assist individuals with limited income and resources.
So, to be eligible, you will need to meet certain asset guidelines set by your state. It’s important to consult with your local Medicaid office or a qualified professional to accurately determine the asset limits in your specific situation.
Question 2: What happens if my spouse has income that exceeds the Medicaid limit?
Medicaid takes into consideration both the income and assets of an applicant and their spouse. If your spouse has income that exceeds the Medicaid limit, it may affect your eligibility.
However, there are options available to help address this situation, such as spend-down provisions or establishing a Miller Trust, also known as a qualified income trust. These mechanisms can help you meet Medicaid’s income requirements by redirecting excess income into a trust for specific needs.
Question 3: Will I face penalties if I give away assets before applying for Medicaid?
The Medicaid program has strict regulations regarding asset transfers or gifts made within a certain timeframe before applying for benefits. These rules are in place to prevent individuals from artificially reducing their assets to qualify for Medicaid.
Transfers made within the five years preceding your Medicaid application may be subject to a penalty period during which you will not be eligible for benefits.
Moreover, not all transfers will result in penalties. It’s crucial to understand the specific rules and exceptions in your state before making any asset transfers.
Question 4: Can I own a home and still qualify for Medicaid?
Answer: Yes, you can own a home and still be eligible for Medicaid. The value of your primary residence is generally excluded as an asset when determining Medicaid eligibility.
However, certain guidelines vary by state. For example, if you’re a single individual, your home may be subject to a cap on exempted equity. It’s important to consult with Medicaid experts or estate planning professionals to ensure you understand how your home ownership will impact your eligibility.
Understanding the different types of Medicaid and their eligibility criteria helps in navigating the complex healthcare landscape.
Whether you’re a parent, senior, pregnant woman, or an individual with disabilities, Medicaid offers a range of programs to cater to various needs. | https://berrytips.org/different-types-of-medicaid-and-eligibility-in-the-united-states/ | 1,547 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999981 |
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park is one of the popular tourist attractions in Ghana. The park was established in honour of the first president of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah. It is the final resting of Ghana’s first president.
About Kwame Nkrumah
Kwame Nkrumah is a name that rings a bell in Ghana. It is not just popular in Ghana, the name also leaves a mark in African politics. He was the first Ghanaian indigenous leader. He became the first prime minister of Ghana and also the first president of Ghana. Kwame was also one of the founding fathers of Ghana. He was born on 21st September 1909, Kwame died on 27th April 1972. Kwame Nkrumah was an activist, a politician, a revolutionary leader and a democrat. He led the call for Ghana independence from Britain. He was among the heroes who fought for independence.
After 12 years of studying abroad and mastering the act of politics, he went back to Ghana. On arrival, he founded the Convention Peoples Party. He later became the prime minister, in 1952 when Ghana gained independence, he retained his position as the first president of Ghana.
Nkrumah also designed the Ghana Flag. He got inspiration from the Ethiopian flag. Red stands for bloodshed, green for beauty, nature and agriculture, yellow represents mineral wealth, the black star symbolizes African freedom.
In 1966, he was overthrown through a coup. He then went into exile in Guinea and never came back. He died in Guinea they buried him there. After so many years, his body was brought back to Ghana. He was a Pan African leader and was well respected because he led the team that made Ghana the first country in Africa to gain independence.
About Kwame Nkrumah Park
The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial park was commissioned in 1992. It became the final resting place of the former Ghanaian president. The park was formerly the location of the British colonial Polo ground In Accra. The same place where Kwame Nkrumah declared Ghana independence.
It is built on 5.3 acres of green land about 32 plots of land. The park also boasts of a museum, mausoleum and sculptures. It is surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
During the colonial era, Ghanaians were prohibited from entering. This is the reason Kwame chose the location as a venue where he announce Ghanaian independence. He did this to send a strong message of freedom and to despise the British.
The park has two parts the museum and the mausoleum.
The Mausoleum is surrounded by 14 flute bearers, a drummer and a local guitar player.
It is a very popular landmark in Ghana that serves as a reminder of the injustice, struggles, pains and freedom.
Also Read: Why You Should Travel
Video of Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park Accra
Here is the Video of Kwame Nkrumah Park in Accra Ghana. Please kindly subscribe to the channel on Youtube. TRAVELWAKA CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/c/Travelwaka
Ghana’s foremost sculpture Don Arthur designed The Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. It was made of fine Italian marble. With a black star at its top that symbolizes unity. The Mausoleum a fountain of water and sculptures surrounding it. Fourteen flute bearers, seven on each side.
The symbol of the mausoleum symbolizes an upside-down sword. In the Akan culture, it represents peace. The Kwame Nkrumah mausoleum serves as the final resting place of Kwame Nkrumah and his wife Fathia Nkrumah.
The Kwame Nkrumah Statue
Standing majestically in front of the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum is the bronze statue of Kwame Nkrumah. The statue is on the same spot where he stood to declare Ghana’s independence.
Attractions At Kwame Nkrumah’s Park
Museum: This museum boast of furniture, clothes and personal effects and cars of the former Ghanaian leader. The museum has pictures of several world leaders that Kwame Nkrumah worked with during his lifetime. The Museum also serves as an archive for some of the events of his lifetime.
Fountain: There is a beautiful fountain that surrounds the Mausoleum. As of the time of visit, the fountain is currently not in use.
Statues: This place has different statues, it is boasts of a bronze statue of Kwame Nkrumah and other 12 drummers.
Sitting Area: It also has a sitting area where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the park.
Garden: It has a well-manicured garden with beautiful trees and flowers.
Things to Do in Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Park
Visit the Museum: The museum covers everything you need to know about this Kwame Nkrumah. It also features some personal effects from this great ruler and his wife. You can also read information about his life, education, career and family. You also get to see the car of the former President.
Enjoy the Beautiful Views of the Garden: The park has beautiful greens, flowers and trees. You can take a stroll along the 5.3 acres of land as you enjoy the beautiful views. You also get to see the fountains, artwork and statues.
Learn the History Of Ghana: If you want to learn about the history of Ghana, this is one of the many places to learn about Ghana’s history.
Plan A Picnic: This is also a great place for family hangouts, picnics etc
The cost of Visiting the Park / Entry Fee
You can get tickets at the entrance of the park. The ticket varies in cost.
Teenagers 5.00 GHC
Children 2.00 GHC
Adult 3.00 GHC
Teenagers 2.00 GHC
Children 1.00 GHC
Use of Camera /Video
Videos 40 GHC
Camera (photos) 50 GHC
Video 90 GHC
Car Park 3.00 GHC
Musical Video 1,000 GHC
Product Advertisement 2,000 GHC
Significance of September 21st
September 21st is Kwame Nkrumah Memorial day, It is a public holiday to celebrate this democrat. It is the birthday of Kwame Nkrumah.
Opening Time at Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
Kwame Nkrumah Park opens daily from 10am to 5pm. It opens Monday to Sunday including public holidays.
Location of Kwame Nkrumah Park
Kwame Nkruma park is located in downtown Accra. It is located on High Street, Accra. It is opposite the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal in Accra, Ghana.
How to Get to Kwame Nkruma Park in Ghana
If you are in Ghana, you can either board a bus, taxi or uber.
If you are outside Ghana, firstly you need to take a flight to Ghana, Kindly click here to book a cheap flight
Pictures of Kwame Nkrumah Park, Accra Ghana
Other Attractions Close to the Kwame Nkrumah Park
- The Art Centre
- The Independence Square (Black Star Square)
- Jamestown Lighthouse
- Ussher Fort Museum
- Brazil House Museum
- James Fort
- National Museum of Ghana
- Ga Mashie
- Accra’s Sports Stadium
- Labadi Beach
Lastly, your visit to Ghana will not be complete if you do not visit this place.
PLAN A TRIP TO GHANA
If you are visiting Ghana and looking for a travel company in Africa to help you visit some of the attractions in Ghana. Kindly contact Travel
Twitter – www.twitter.com/travelwakatours
Facebook – www.facebook.com/travelwakatours | https://www.travelwaka.com/the-kwame-nkrumah-mausoleum-and-memorial-park-ghana/ | 1,699 | Travel | 3 | en | 0.999975 |
Words convey various meanings to various people; but this does not fundamentally change the meaning of a word in terms of Semantics, which has to do with meaning from the perspective of connotation. However, at the level of Pragmatics, which deals with meaning in context, words can mean anything from the perspective of the user. The post Surpass vs Supersede: Correct Usage with examples focuses on the appropriate use of these two words which most people misuse.
Let me give you an example: Charles Dickens, a British novelist, in The Pickwick Papers, said, ‘It’s my opinion, sir, that this meeting is drunk.’ The way this surprises you is also the way someone gets surprised when you use ‘surpass’ when you should use ‘supersede’. So let us examine these words closely…
Table of Contents
Surpass vs Supersede: Correct Usage
There is nothing categorically wrong with these two words but the way we tend to use them is what brings the error. Many use the word ‘supersede’ to mean ‘surpass’ in their expressions. Harry S. Truman, a former US President said in one of his quotes, ‘It is ignorance that causes most mistakes…’ But ignorance is not an excuse! Have you heard some people say?
- The strength of an elephant supersedes that of a cow.
- The speed of a Bugatti supersedes that of a Ferrari.
- A doctor supersedes a teacher in terms of social prestige.
Now, what these people actually meant to say would become clearer when you the word ‘surpass’ supersedes ‘supersede’. (I intentionally used the word ‘supersede’ in the correct sense). Let us examine the meanings of these two words severally…
Supersede: A Definition
The word ‘supersede’ is a transitive verb which means to ‘replace or take the place of something that is less efficient, less modern, or less appropriate, or cause something to do this’. It also means, in the formal sense, to ‘succeed somebody or something in a role, office, or function’. A good synonym for the word is ‘supplant’, which also means ‘to take the place of something, especially something much used, inferior, outmoded, or irrelevant’.
What Does Surpass Mean?
On its own part, the word ‘surpass’ means to ‘exceed expectations, that is, go beyond what was expected or hoped for, usually by being bigger, better, or greater. In another sense, it means to ‘do better than somebody or something’. In a formal sense, it means to ‘be beyond somebody’s ability to deal with or understand’.
When you put into account these two words, as we explain above, you will certainly agree that people misuse them, taking supersede to mean surpass. To put both words in proper perspectives, let us use them appropriately for clearer understanding in the following sentences:
- Cars are superseding buses on the highways.
- Mobile cellular phones have superseded land phones.
- Flat screen televisions have superseded cathode ray televisions.
- He was selected to supersede her as the new director.
- The new creed will supersede all existing forms of belief.
- To supersede all the unauthorised editions, he submitted his own version.
- Some believe robots should supersede in modern restaurants.
- There have been attempts to supersede Euclid as a textbook on Geometry.
- In the Northern Alps, the pine forests rarely surpass the limit of 6000ft.
- The eagles comprise many species, but none to surpass the golden eagle of Europe.
- For a couple of centuries his reputation equalled, if it did not surpass, that of his master.
- The Roman remains of Verona surpass those of any other city of northern Italy.
- He set a new school record in swimming and hoped that nobody would surpass his accomplishment.
- Their love could surpass any distance that was between them.
- My sister’s piano skills continued to surpass mine, even though we practised the same amount.
- The health ministry predicted the epidemic to surpass the country’s medical capability soon because it is spreading so rapidly.
Do not forget the statement of Charles Dickens. Ensure you avoid all instances of misuse when it comes to the words ‘surpass’ and ‘supersede’. Above all, avoid every form of misuse of words. Check some other posts on this site that addresses some words commonly confused and commonly used wrong words | https://akademia.com.ng/surpass-vs-supersede-correct-usage-with-examples/ | 1,003 | Education | 4 | en | 0.999985 |
WHEN scientists first discovered chemical antibiotics in the mid-20th century, doctors hoped that these new medications would eliminate certain diseases. At first, the new medicines seemed to live up to their promise. Yet, their widespread use since then has resulted in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
To find new weapons against infection, some scientists are taking a second look at disease-control methods of the past. One of these involves harnessing the health benefits of sunshine and fresh air.
A Lesson From the Past
England had several early advocates of the curative value of sun and fresh air. Physician John Lettsom (1744-1815) prescribed sea air and sunshine for children who were suffering from tuberculosis (TB). In 1840, surgeon George Bodington noted that those who worked in the open air
Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) became famous for her innovations in nursing while caring for British soldiers injured during the Crimean War. She asked: “Do you ever go into the bed-rooms of any persons . . . at night, or before the windows are opened in the morning, and ever find the air anything but unwholesomely close and foul?” She recommended that the air in a patient’s room be kept as fresh as the outside air, but without chilling the patient. She added: “It is the unqualified result of all my experience with the sick, that second only to their need of fresh air is their need of light . . . And that it is not only light but direct sun-light they want.” Many at that time also believed that exposing bed linens and clothing to the sun promoted health.
Science has progressed since the 1800’s, yet modern studies have reached similar conclusions. For instance, a 2011 study in China found that crowded college dormitories with a low rate of ventilation are “associated with more respiratory infections.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that natural ventilation, which includes outside air flowing through a building, is important for infection control. Indeed, WHO guidelines published in 2009 encourage use of such natural ventilation as an effective measure in reducing the risk of infection at health-care facilities. *
‘That is all very good,’ you might say. ‘But what is the science behind this? How do sunshine and air prevent infection?’
Studies conducted at a United Kingdom Ministry of Defence site provide some answers. Scientists there were trying to establish how long the air would remain dangerous if a biological weapon armed with harmful bacteria were exploded over London. To determine the viability of airborne pathogens, the researchers anchored E. coli microorganisms to threads of spider silk and exposed them to the open air. The experiment was performed at night, since it was known that sunlight kills these bacteria. What were the results?
Some two hours later, nearly all the bacteria were dead. Yet, when the bacteria were kept in a closed box in the same location and at the same temperature and humidity, most of them were still alive past the two-hour mark. Why? Evidently, something about being in the open air kills germs. This so-called open-air factor has not been clearly identified. However, researchers point to a compound that occurs naturally in open air and that “acts as a natural disinfectant against pathogens or germs that lurk in the atmosphere.”
Sunlight also has natural disinfecting properties. The Journal of Hospital Infection explains that “the majority of microbes that cause airborne infections cannot tolerate sunlight.”
How can you take advantage of this? You might want to go outdoors, where you can spend a moderate amount of time in the sunshine and breathe some fresh air. It will likely do you good. | https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201503/natural-antibiotics-alternatives/ | 775 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999989 |
The invention of the mobile phone is one of the biggest blessings to our world, but always having to charge our phone’s battery is also one of the biggest challenges we all face. If you are living in a developed country, the challenge isn’t a big deal as there is always constant power supply; however, if you are living in a developing country, with erratic power supply, the challenge is a real big deal.
But there is a good news if you are living in a country with erratic power supply: you may not need to charge your future phones. Some brilliant guys are already developing a battery-less phone. A phone that doesn’t require the use of a battery to work.
Instead, the battery-less phone (actually called battery-free phone by the maker) would generate its own power by extracting microwatts of power from ambient radio signals and/or light.
Speaking to Digital Trends about the phone, Vamsi Talla (a former UW electrical engineering doctoral student and Allen School research associate leading the development of the phone) said the reason they chose to build a battery-free phone was to solve the problem whereby people experience having a dead phone at the wrong time when they need to make important calls.
The battery-less phone uses photodiodes to generate power
While explaining how the battery-less phone works, Talla said the phone uses analog voice encoding, which consumes less energy, as opposed to the widely used digital voice encoding, which consumes more energy. And to make the phone able to extract energy from ambient radio signals and light, it has a tiny solar panel called photodiodes inside.
At present, the phone is still at the prototype, printed circuit board stage, but Talla said he and his team are thinking about two directions to take the prototype to.
They would either turn the prototype into a sort of bare-bone phones, which people that live in areas without good power supply can buy and use. Or they would sell the technology to big smartphone makers (like iPhone and Samsung), who can then integrate the technology in their phones.
He concluded that they are also planning to build on the prototype of the battery-less phone, and their goal, in the end, is to make a full functional battery-less smartphone, which would use low-power display technology used in Kindle e-readers and low-power cameras.
Leave a Reply | https://www.techrabytes.com/world-first-battery-free-phone-battery-less-phone/ | 495 | Phones | 3 | en | 0.999964 |
Scientists used an iPhone 4S to diagnose intestinal worm infections in schoolchildren in rural Tanzania.
They attached an $8 (£5) ball lens to the handset camera lens, and used a cheap torch and double-sided tape to create an improvised microscope.
Pictures were then taken of stool samples placed on lab slides, wrapped in cellophane and taped to the phone.
They were studied for the presence of eggs, the main sign of the presence of the parasites.
When the results were double-checked with a laboratory light microscope, the device had managed to pick up 70% of the samples with infections present - and 90% of the heavier infections.
The study has been published this week in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, external.
Researcher Dr Isaac Bogoch, who specialises in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Toronto General Hospital, told the BBC he had read about smartphone microscopes being trialled in a laboratory and decided to "recreate it in a real world setting".
"Ultimately we'd like something like this to be a useful diagnostic test. We want to put it in the hands of someone who might be able to use it," he said.
"70% (accuracy) isn't really good enough, we want to be above 80% and we're not quite there yet," he added.
"The technology is out there. We want to use materials that are affordable and easy to procure."
Dr Bogoch and his team, which included experts from Massachusetts General Hospital and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, said the only reason he used an Apple iPhone was because it was his own handset.
"You need the ball lens to help with the magnification - but any mobile phone with a decent camera and a zoom function will be sufficient," he explained.
The smallest eggs visible using the smartphone were 40-60 micrometres in diameter.
"From an egg standpoint that is not tiny but it's not enormous either," said Dr Bogoch.
"The microscope was very good at diagnosing children with heavier infection intensities as there are more eggs, so they are easier to see."
Intestinal worms are estimated to affect up to two billion people around the world, mainly in poor areas.
"These parasitic infections cause malnutrition, stunted growth, and stunted mental development," added Dr Bogoch.
"It's a big deal, a big problem." | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21769537 | 496 | Phones | 3 | en | 0.999989 |
Earth Is Hurtling Towards a Catastrophe Worse Than the Dinosaur Extinction
The current rate of CO2 emissions is a major event in the recorded history of Earth. EPA
At several points in the history of our planet, increasing amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have caused extreme global warming, prompting the majority of species on Earth to die out.
In the past, these events were triggered by a huge volcanic eruption or asteroid impact. Now, Earth is heading for another mass extinction — and human activity is to blame.
I am an Earth and Paleo-climate scientist and have researched the relationships between asteroid impacts, volcanism, climate changes and mass extinctions of species.
My research suggests the current growth rate of carbon dioxide emissions is faster than those which triggered two previous mass extinctions, including the event that wiped out the dinosaurs.
The world’s gaze may be focused on COVID-19 right now. But the risks to nature from human-made global warming — and the imperative to act — remain clear.
Past Mass Extinctions
Many species can adapt to slow, or even moderate, environmental changes. But Earth’s history shows that extreme shifts in the climate can cause many species to become extinct.
For example, about 66 million years ago an asteroid hit Earth. The subsequent smashed rocks and widespread fires released massive amounts of carbon dioxide over about 10,000 years. Global temperatures soared, sea levels rose and oceans became acidic. About 80% of species, including the dinosaurs, were wiped out.
And about 55 million years ago, global temperatures spiked again, over 100,000 years or so. The cause of this event, known as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, is not entirely clear. One theory, known as the “methane burp” hypothesis, posits that a massive volcanic eruption triggered the sudden release of methane from ocean sediments, making oceans more acidic and killing off many species.
So is life on Earth now headed for the same fate?
Comparing Greenhouse Gas Levels
Before industrial times began at the end of the 18th century, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere sat at around 300 parts per million. This means that for every one million molecules of gas in the atmosphere, 300 were carbon dioxide.
In February this year, atmospheric carbon dioxide reached 414.1 parts per million. Total greenhouse gas level — carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide combined — reached almost 500 parts per million of carbon dioxide-equivalent
Carbon dioxide is now pouring into the atmosphere at a rate of two to three parts per million each year.
Using carbon records stored in fossils and organic matter, I have determined that current carbon emissions constitute an extreme event in the recorded history of Earth.
My research has demonstrated that annual carbon dioxide emissions are now faster than after both the asteroid impact that eradicated the dinosaurs (about 0.18 parts per million CO2 per year), and the thermal maximum 55 million years ago (about 0.11 parts per million CO2 per year).
An asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Shutterstock
The Next Mass Extinction Has Begun
Current atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide are not yet at the levels seen 55 million and 65 million years ago. But the massive influx of carbon dioxide means the climate is changing faster than many plant and animal species can adapt.
A major United Nations report released last year warned around one million animal and plant species were threatened with extinction. Climate change was listed as one of five key drivers.
The report said the distributions of 47% of land-based flightless mammals, and almost 25% of threatened birds, may already have been negatively affected by climate change.
Many researchers fear the climate system is approaching a tipping point – a threshold beyond which rapid and irreversible changes will occur. This will create a cascade of devastating effects.
There are already signs tipping points have been reached. For example, rising Arctic temperatures have led to major ice melt, and weakened the Arctic jet stream — a powerful band of westerly winds.
A diagram showing the weakening Arctic jet stream, and subsequent movements of warm and cold air. NASA
This allows north-moving warm air to cross the polar boundary, and cold fronts emanating from the poles to intrude south into Siberia, Europe and Canada.
A shift in climate zones is also causing the tropics to expand and migrate toward the poles, at a rate of about 56 to 111 kilometres per decade. The tracks of tropical and extra-tropical cyclones are likewise shifting toward the poles. Australia is highly vulnerable to this shift.
Uncharted Future Climate Territory
Research released in 2016 showed just what a massive impact humans are having on the planet. It said while the Earth might naturally have entered the next ice age in about 20,000 years’ time, the heating produced by carbon dioxide would result in a period of super-tropical conditions, delaying the next ice age to about 50,000 years from now.
During this period, chaotic high-energy stormy conditions would prevail over much of the Earth. My research suggests humans are likely to survive best in sub-polar regions and sheltered mountain valleys, where cooler conditions would allow flora and fauna to persist.
Earth’s next mass extinction is avoidable — if carbon dioxide emissions are dramatically curbed and we develop and deploy technologies to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But on the current trajectory, human activity threatens to make large parts of the Earth uninhabitable – a planetary tragedy of our own making.
Reposted with permission from The Conversation.
- Humans Are Wiping Out Species So Fast That Evolution Can't Keep ...
- UN Biodiversity Chief: Humans Risk Living in an 'Empty World' With ...
- Earth's Sixth Mass Extinction Already Underway - EcoWatch
- Modern Medical Techniques Reveal Malignant Cancer in 77-Million Year-Old Dinosaur Bone - EcoWatch
- Warming Tropical Soil Emits Unexpectedly Large Amounts of CO2, New Study Finds - EcoWatch
- Asteroid Could Strike Earth Before Election Day, But Won’t Cause Major Damage, NASA Says - EcoWatch
- Climate Change Likely Drove Our Ancestors to Extinction, Study Finds - EcoWatch
- CO2 Emissions Caused Earth’s Largest Mass Extinction, Study Confirms - EcoWatch
- New Research on Earth's Worst Extinction Event Provides Insight Into Today’s Climate Crisis | https://www.ecowatch.com/mass-extinction-human-activity-2645629680.html | 1,327 | Romance | 4 | en | 0.999966 |
The benefits of oat milk and other plant-based foods may be the reason these alternative foods have become increasingly popular as nutritionists have advised it is one way to improve health and wellness and also suitable for vegans.
Oat milk is an alternative to dairy milk, proven to be more nutritious, contains fiber, is gluten-free, lacks soy, nuts, and lactose contains less fat and protein as compared to dairy milk. It is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or have gastroenterological diseases and anyone with certain allergies associated with consuming dairy milk and its products. Oat milk is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin B12. It promotes a healthy digestive system due to the presence of high dietary fiber and plant-based protein. It has a different nutritional value than traditional dairy milk which has a wider range of vitamins and a lot of animal protein.
Oat milk may be prepared at home to suit your taste or can be bought off the shelves in most stores or ordered online. Oat milk prepared industrially is usually fortified with more vitamin B12 and other minerals. Oat milk is prepared from straining oats and therefore offers all the health benefits of oats.
Oat milk contains a lot of nutrients and is healthier than dairy milk. It contains a lot of health benefits ranging from lowering cholesterol levels and serves as a better alternative for type 2 diabetes patients. Oat milk is a good source of various nutrients, minerals, and vitamins like Vitamin A and D which boost immunity. Other nutrients and vitamins found in oat milk include:
- Fiber: Fibre promotes healthy guts, helps with constipation, and manages low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often referred to as “bad cholesterol” which is a catalyst to heart attack
- Protein: Protein is a bodybuilding nutrient that promotes healthy vision, immune response, tissue regeneration, fluid balance and plays an important role in blood clotting. Metabolism in the body is aided by enzymes which are specialized proteins that catalyze various biological reactions.
- Calcium: Calcium deficiency leads to soft bones (scurvy) and weak muscles. It is an essential nutrient with a daily recommended intake of about 1,000 to 1,300mg for adults. Calcium is utilized in the body for strong bones, teeth, muscles and serves as shuttles or messengers for specific signals. Calcium also plays an important role in the release of hormones and enzymes.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Essential vitamins required for cell development and functioning
- Vitamin B12: B12 plays a role in the synthesis of DNA and nerve function. It also prevents megaloblastic anemia
While most of these nutrients, vitamins, and minerals occur naturally in oat milk, it is also fortified with others depending on the manufacturers.
Here are the benefits of oat milk
Oat milk is a great alternative for vegans and lactose-intolerant people. It contains healthy plant fat, is dairy-free, and provides a sweet taste. Oat milk is nutritious and can be customized by manufacturers to have a characteristic taste through edible flavoring. Oat milk is gluten-free but may not be suitable for people with gluten intolerance as it is industrially processed on the same equipment used for other grains which may contain gluten. If contaminated, it may cause a reaction. It is always advisable to check the label for specific information on processing techniques before buying an oat milk product. Make sure to buy products labeled as gluten-free. Oat milk can also be prepared at home and customized to fit your tastes
Oat milk is simply made from oats and water making it an alternative and healthy option for people with certain dietary restrictions as it is free of nuts, soy, and lactose
Oats are the primary ingredient in oat milk and contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that promotes healthy gut and digestive functions. Regular consumption of beta-glucan in diet strengthens the immune system, can prevent infection, offer heart benefits, and improves the body’s ability to naturally heal itself. Oat milk contains twice as much fiber contained in cow milk and more dietary fiber than any other plant-based beverage.
Fiber-rich foods improve digestion and nutrient absorption, introducing oat milk to your diet is one way to increase your fiber intake.
Plant fats are healthier than animal fats which are saturated. Dairy milk contains about 8g of fat and 5g of saturated fat in each serving as opposed to oat milk which contains zero saturated fats and a total of 2.5g of fat per serving. It is a suitable choice for people on a diet because minimal fat leads to a very low-calorie intake.
Essential vitamins like riboflavin, thiamine, and folate are contained in oat milk. The function in supporting the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy production and maintaining normal function of red blood cells and builds immunity due to the presence of Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
Manufacturers fortify oat milk products with other essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients including iron which prevents anemia and proteins that encourage rapid cell repair and reduce cell damage.
It is an excellent source of B vitamins that helps in optimizing several body functions, alleviating stress, curbing oxidative damage, and if you have a deficiency of these vitamins, introducing oat milk to your diet will promote healthy hair, nails, and skin. In older women, a deficiency of Vitamin B12 may lead to premature hair greying and hair loss issues as well after menopause. Oat milk should be included in their diets to prevent this.
There is no cholesterol found in oat milk and studies have shown that regular consumption can lead to lower may low cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body. Excessive cholesterol promotes the build-up of LDL that blocks the arteries leading to various cardiovascular diseases.
Oat milk is high in beta-glucan, a kind of soluble fiber with heart health benefits. It forms gel-like substances in the gut and binds to cholesterol and reduces its absorption into the blood. Studies have shown that consumption of oat milk daily for 5 weeks reduced total and LDL cholesterol by 3% and 5%, respectively.
Oat milk is a suitable and healthier alternative for type 2 diabetes patients because it contains beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that reduces the absorption of carbohydrates and insulin in the gut, this ensures the supply of sugar into the bloodstream is slower and steadier.
Weight loss experts have encouraged people seeking to lose weight to incorporate oat and its products like oat milk into their diets. The presence of fiber causes a feeling of fullness that can discourage overeating. This feeling also reduces the chances of unnecessary cravings and helps lead to weight loss as you reduce the caloric intake with energy output.
Dietary soluble fiber, beta-glucan, contained in oat milk is good for gut health as it forms a gel-like substance in the gut that aids digestion and eases the passage of stool through the intestines.
Oat milk is added to various skincare products and incorporated into natural body care therapies. Oat milk has been proven to be very much beneficial for skin health. Consistent intake of oat milk in your diet leads to visibly healthier and better skin due to the presence of high amounts of Vitamin B such as B12 and riboflavin.
Oat milk can be used on the hair, face, and skin to reduce skin damage. “Oats are used in skincare mainly for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties,” explains Dr. Shaaira Nasir, a dermatologist at skin clinics. People with dry skin, inflammatory skin conditions, or allergic reactions can use oat milk products as a treatment due to their anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
Commercially made oat milk is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, which are great nutrients for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is the essential mineral used in the formation of bones; it, therefore, plays an important role in the formation of strong and healthy. Deficiency in calcium leads to weak, soft bones and a health condition called Scurvy. A person is also more likely to fracture or break the bone if calcium is deficient.
The intake of adequate vitamin D aids the absorption of calcium from your digestive tract. Commercial Oat milk is fortified with vitamin B12 which studies have shown its link to promoting healthy bones and lowering the chances of developing osteoporosis (porous bones), particularly in postmenopausal women.
Also, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and zinc are used to further fortify oat milk and are important micronutrients for strengthening and healthy bone formation.
While oat milk has several possible health benefits, it also comes up with some downsides.
- Extra sugar in diet due to extra flavoring or sweeteners
- Commercial products may be contaminated with gluten products which may cause digestive problems for people with gluten-related disorders.
- Off the shelves, oat milk may also contain several additives and preservatives.
- Contains less protein than its dairy milk
- It is not an alternative for breast milk or growing children.
- More expensive than dairy milk
- May cause stomach upset and diarrhea for people not used to consuming fiber
Oat milk is quite easy and cheaper to make at home than commercial options. It is a great homemade option as you can customize it to suit your tastes, preventing the use of other artificial additives found in store-bought products.
If you are gluten intolerant, you can also make sure the oats used are gluten-free.
Oat Milk Base Recipe
- Rolled oats
For Sweetened Oat milk
- Whole dates, pitted
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
For Chocolate Milk
- Cocoa powder
To make oat milk at home,
- Add desired quantity of rolled or steel-cut oats into a high-speed blender. Add water (any flavored oat milk add-ins) and blend for 30 seconds. Do not over-blend as it can make the oat milk slimy in texture, so it doesn’t have to be 100% pulverized.
- Use a large bowl or pitcher. Place a clean cheesecloth, a thin kitchen towel, or tee-shirt over it. Pour the mixture over the filter to separate the milk from other residues. Filter twice to remove excess oat pulp and obtain an extra smooth and creamy product.
- Carefully lift the ends of the cloth to form a sac, and gently squeeze any remaining liquid into the bowl.
- Transfer the milk into suitable containers and refrigerate. It can stay fresh for 5 days if refrigerated properly. Shake well and serve cold
- Do not heat the milk to avoid getting gravy consistency
- Use cold water, do not soak oats beforehand, or blend for more than 30 seconds, and do not squeeze the filter too hard to avoid a slimy milk
- Customize as preferred to enhance the flavor, add the optional ingredients before blending.
Oat milk provides a lot of health benefits and is one of the best non-dairy alternatives to cow’s milk. Plant-based foods contain fewer fats and it is suitable for people who are allergic to or intolerant of dairy and people who follow a plant-based or vegan diet.
It is a good source of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals including protein, fiber, calcium, and riboflavin. Although it has minimal risk factors, oat milk is one of the most advocated, beneficial, and well-liked dairy-free beverages and has seen a significant surge in popularity.
To reduce excess sugar intake, choose unsweetened products or make your own at home to enjoy their flavor and health advantages. | https://earthlydiets.com/benefits-of-oat-milk/ | 2,444 | Food | 3 | en | 0.999958 |
By James Bishop| The following is a historical comparison between Jesus and Buddha to see which of these two is better attested and has better evidence for their historical existence.
1. The view of contemporary scholarship.
All historians hold to the position that Jesus lived and taught in 1st century Palestine, likewise most scholars agree that Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, lived, taught and founded a monastic order during the Mahajanapada era in India, and that he died during the early years of the reign of Ajatshatru.
Some of the details recorded in the biographies on Buddha are debated. On other details most scholars do not accept their historicity even though the biographies still provide us with some valuable historical information (1).
Some uncertain facets of Gautama’s life would include his birth and death, and of recently his death has been dated to between 411 and 400 BC, although some scholars in the past have dated it to 20 years either side of that date. Either way his time of death, and birth, is somewhat uncertain.
Nevertheless, our textual evidence suggests that he was born into the Shakya clan. This was a community that was on the sideline, both geographically and culturally, of the northeastern Indian subcontinent in the 5th century BC (2).
We are certain of Jesus time of birth and time of death, we are not certain of Buddhas.
2. Time Gap Between Their Life and Earliest Manuscripts.
For Buddha we have no written records on him from his lifetime, nor in the centuries following his death. The oldest surviving Buddhist manuscripts are the Gandhāran Buddhist texts reported to have been found in eastern Afghanistan. They are in the form of 27 scrolls dating from 100 BC to 200 AD, and that would put them at over 400 years after the life of Buddha (3).
On the other hand, for the historical Jesus, our earliest extant manuscript is a small section of the Gospel of John (P52). P52 is dates to around 130 AD. Maybe even earlier. The first complete copies of single New Testament books comes in at around 200 AD, and the earliest complete copy of the New Testament, the Codex Sinaiticus dates to the 4th century. Many fragments (P1, P19, P21, P25, P37, P45, P53, P64, P67, P70, P77, P101, P103, P104) of Matthew’s Gospel come in around 150–250 AD. The earliest for Mark’s Gospel is dated to 250 AD (P45). Fragments from John’s Gospel also date from 125-250 AD (P5, P6, P22, P28, P39, P45, P52, P66, P75, P80, P90, P95, P106).
The time gap for our earliest extant manuscripts favours the historical Jesus over that of the historical Buddha. Our first entire copy of a New Testament book comes in at 200 AD (+-170 years after Jesus’ life), and our first copied book for Buddha comes in at between 100 BC – 200 AD (300 – 600 years after Buddha’s life).
3. Biographies and Textual Evidence.
Our textual sources for Buddha are various and originate from a variety of written sources that include biographies; this is similar to the gospel accounts written on Jesus.
Other than the gospel biographies there is also other New Testament literature that is taken into account, the same applies to textual evidence on Buddha.
Whereas Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John provide information on Jesus, the Buddhacharita, Lalitavistara Sūtra, Mahāvastu, and the Nidānakathā tell us about the historical Buddha (4). The earliest of these biographies is that of the Buddhacarita (5) which is an epic poem written by Aśvaghoṣa. The dating of this text is placed around +100 AD, and that would amount to a time-gap of a substantial 500 years after Buddha’s death.
Following that the Mahāyāna/Sarvāstivāda comes in around +200 AD, the Mahāvastu at +300 AD, and the Nidānakathā around 400 AD. Other sources would include the Jātakas, the Mahapadana Sutta, and the Achariyabhuta Sutta; these house accounts that may be older than the biographies yet are not exhaustive.
With the above noted the smaller time gap is certainly in favour of the historical Jesus. Our entire New Testament, which constitutes our primary sources for the life of Jesus, was completed by 60-65 years after his existence.
Our earliest gospel was penned 40 years after his life, and the Pauline epistles ranging from 20 years upwards. Some New Testament literature holds very early creeds that get us even closer to the life of the historical Jesus, this most notably being the creed found in 1 Corinthians 15 that is dated within five years of his life. Other hypothetical sources in the form Q, L, M, pre-Markan source, pre-Johannine source likewise get us close to Jesus’ life.
Taking that into account the biographical gospel accounts on Jesus are more credible, historically, due to their much earlier dates in comparison to the various biographies and texts on Buddha. The larger the time gap between the life of a specific person and the time that events of that person were penned the much higher the chance that myth and intentional/unintentional embellishments could impugn the historical core.
In this short treatment I think it is safe to conclude that, historically, the life of Jesus is far better attested to in much earlier sources than that of Buddha. Our earliest extant manuscripts for the pair again favours that of Jesus due to their earliness by quite some margin.
All considered, the life of Jesus is far better documented and supported than that of Buddha. | http://reasonsforjesus.com/jesus-vs-buddha-historical-evidence-comparison/ | 1,257 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999918 |
The Babylonian captivity or exile refers to the time period in Israel’s history when Jews were taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylon. It is an important period of biblical history because both the captivity/exile and the return and restoration of the Jewish nation were fulfillments of Old Testament prophecies.
God used Babylon as His agent of judgment against Israel for their sins of idolatry and rebellion against Him. There were actually several different times during this period (607-586 B.C.) when the Jews were taken captive by Babylon. With each successive rebellion against Babylonian rule, Nebuchadnezzar would lead his armies against Judah until they laid siege to Jerusalem for over a year, killing many people and destroying the Jewish temple, taking captive many thousands of Jews, and leaving Jerusalem in ruins.
As prophesied in Scripture, the Jewish people would be allowed to return to Jerusalem after 70 years of exile. That prophecy was fulfilled in 537 B.C., and the Jews were allowed by King Cyrus of Persia to return to Israel and begin rebuilding the city and temple. The return under the direction of Ezra led to a revival among the Jewish people and the rebuilding of the temple.
Under the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian Empire spread throughout the Middle East, and around 607 B.C., King Jehoiakim of Judah was forced into submission, becoming a vassal to Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 24:1). It was during this time that Nebuchadnezzar took many of the finest and brightest young men from each city in Judah captive, including Daniel, Hananiah (Shadrach), Mishael (Meshach) and Azariah (Abednego). After three years of serving Nebuchadnezzar, Jehoiakim of Judah rebelled against Babylonian rule and once again turned to Egypt for support. After sending his army to deal with Judah’s revolt, Nebuchadnezzar himself left Babylon in 598 B.C. to deal with the problem. Arriving in Jerusalem around March of 597 B.C., Nebuchadnezzar laid siege to Jerusalem, taking control of the area, looting it, and taking captive with him Jehoiakim’s son, Jehoiachin, his family, and almost all of the population of Judah, leaving only the poorest people of the land (2 Kings 24:8-16).
At that time Nebuchadnezzar appointed King Zedekiah to rule as his representative over Judah, but after nine years and still not having learned their lesson, Zedekiah led Judah in rebellion against Babylon one final time (2 Kings 24–25). Influenced by false prophets and ignoring Jeremiah’s warnings, Zedekiah decided to join a coalition that was being formed by Edom, Moab, Ammon and Phoenicia in rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 27:1-3). This resulted in Nebuchadnezzar again laying siege to Jerusalem. Jerusalem fell in July 587 or 586 BC, and Zedekiah was taken captive to Babylon after seeing his sons killed before him and then having his eyes plucked out (2 Kings 25). At this time Jerusalem was laid to waste, the temple destroyed and all the houses burned. The majority of the Jewish people were taken captive, but, again, Nebuchadnezzar left a remnant of poor people to serve as farmers and vinedressers (2 Kings 25:12).
The books of 2 Chronicles and 2 Kings deal with much of the time leading up to the falls of both the Northern Kingdom and Judah. They also cover the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah was one of the prophets during the time leading up to the fall of Jerusalem and the exile, and Ezekiel and Daniel were written while the Jews were in exile. Ezra deals with the return of the Jews as promised over 70 years before by God through the prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah. The book of Nehemiah also covers the return and rebuilding of Jerusalem after the exile was over.
The Babylonian captivity had one very significant impact on the nation of Israel when it returned to the land—it would never again be corrupted by the idolatry and false gods of the surrounding nations. A revival among Jews took place after the return of the Jews to Israel and the rebuilding of the temple. We see those accounts in Ezra and Nehemiah as the nation would once again return to the God who had delivered them from their enemies.
Just as God had promised through the prophet Jeremiah, God judged the Babylonians for their sins, and the Babylonian Empire fell to the armies of Persia in 539 B.C., once again proving God’s promises to be true.
The seventy-year period of the Babylonian captivity is an important part of Israel’s history, and Christians should be familiar with it. Like many other Old Testament events, this historical account demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His people, His judgment of sin, and the surety of His promises. | http://www.gotquestions.org/Babylonian-captivity-exile.html | 1,072 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.9997 |
Virus in Italy's waters 2 months before 1st case: Study
Research found virus traces in sewage waters of northern cities in December, months before 1st confirmed case
An Italian study found that sewage water from two northern cities contained traces of the novel coronavirus last December, two months before the first confirmed case in the country.
The study, done by Italy’s Higher Health Institute (ISS), examined 40 sewage samples collected from water treatment plants in northern Italy between October and February.
The results found that the waters of two of the largest cities in the hard-hit northern regions – Milan and Turin – contained genetic traces of the virus on Dec. 18. The samples from October and November were negative.
Waters from the city of Bologna – in the northern Emilia Romagna region – started showing traces of the coronavirus in late January.
The first non-imported case of COVID-19 in Italy was diagnosed in the small town of Codogno, in the Lombardy region, in late February. The town became the first “red zone” in the country, followed by nine in both Lombardy and the neighboring Veneto region. A nationwide lockdown was imposed in early March in a desperate effort to contain the contagion.
The researchers stressed that the results of the study do not imply that the “main transmission chains that led to the epidemic’s spread in the country originated from these first cases.”
They added, however, that building a surveillance network of sewage waters across Italy could be a valuable resource to keep the pandemic check.
With that in mind, in July a pilot project will start to monitor tourist sites, in a possible first step toward a nationwide network this fall.
Italy has been one of the countries worst hit by the coronavirus pandemic, but since May has seen a slowdown in the contagions and death rates.
On Friday it reported 47 new deaths from the virus, which brought the national tally to 34,561. The number of active infections kept falling, by 1,558, to reach 21,543. | https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/virus-in-italys-waters-2-months-before-1st-case-study/1883423 | 435 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999975 |
World Diabetes Day takes place on the 14th November every year. It has grown from humble beginnings to become a globally-celebrated event which increases awareness about diabetes.
Comprising hundreds of campaigns, activities, screenings, lecture, meetings and more, World Diabetes Day is proving internationally effective in spreading the message about diabetes and raising awareness for the condition.
World Diabetes Day is internationally recognised and is an official United Nations Day.
World Diabetes Day
Each year, World Diabetes Day, which is co-ordinated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), carries a particular theme. To learn more about World Diabetes Day, visit worlddiabetesday.org
Countdown to World Diabetes Day 2022:
World Diabetes Day 2022
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2022 is once again: Diabetes Education.
The aim is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected, as well as promoting the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.
Who introduced World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day was jointly introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The global diabetes awareness campaign was introduced amidst concern over an escalating diabetes epidemic.
Why is November 14th World Diabetes Day?
November 14th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.
World Diabetes Day logo
The logo of World Diabetes Day is a blue circle, and this is recognised by hundreds of thousands of people with diabetes throughout the world.
World Diabetes Day (which is a separate from Diabetes Week, a UK-wide event) is a truly international event, and having a distinctive logo is an essential part of spreading the message about diabetes to as wide audience as possible.
Where is World Diabetes Day celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated throughout the world. A truly global event, World Diabetes Day occurs in over 200 diabetic member associations, in over 160 different countries. Further associations, medical professionals, and individuals all over the world join together to celebrate World Diabetes Day.
How do people celebrate World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated in a vast number of ways around the globe.
These include a range of activities and events, including:
- meetings and lectures to spread public information
- sporting events for adults and children
- television and radio programmes
- leaflet and poster campaigning
- exhibitions and conferences
- ..and much, much more!
World Diabetes Day blue buildings
Each World Diabetes Day famous buildings and monuments all over the world are lit up in blue. This powerful and striking image helps to spread the message about World Diabetes Day to diabetics and non-diabetics alike.
Famous buildings that have been lit up in the past on World Diabetes Day include the Sears Tower, the London Eye and Brisbane City Hall. | https://www.diabetes.co.uk/World-Diabetes-Day.html | 605 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999969 |
As a genetic material, DNA is responsible for all known life. But DNA is also a polymer. Tapping into the unique nature of the molecule, Cornell engineers have created simple machines constructed of biomaterials with properties of living things.
Using what they call DASH (DNA-based Assembly and Synthesis of Hierarchical) materials, Cornell engineers constructed a DNA material with capabilities of metabolism, in addition to self-assembly and organization – three key traits of life.
“We are introducing a brand-new, lifelike material concept powered by its very own artificial metabolism. We are not making something that’s alive, but we are creating materials that are much more lifelike than have ever been seen before,” said Dan Luo, professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
The paper, “Dynamic DNA Material With Emergent Locomotion Behavior Powered by Artificial Metabolism,” published April 10 in Science Robotics.
For any living organism to maintain itself, there must be a system to manage change. New cells must be generated; old cells and waste must be swept away. Biosynthesis and biodegradation are key elements of self-sustainability and require metabolism to maintain its form and functions.
Through this system, DNA molecules are synthesized and assembled into patterns in a hierarchical way, resulting in something that can perpetuate a dynamic, autonomous process of growth and decay.
Using DASH, the Cornell engineers created a biomaterial that can autonomously emerge from its nanoscale building blocks and arrange itself – first into polymers and eventually mesoscale shapes. Starting from a 55-nucleotide base seed sequence, the DNA molecules were multiplied hundreds of thousands times, creating chains of repeating DNA a few millimeters in size. The reaction solution was then injected in a microfluidic device that provided a liquid flow of energy and the necessary building blocks for biosynthesis.
As the flow washed over the material, the DNA synthesized its own new strands, with the front end of the material growing and the tail end degrading in optimized balance. In this way, it made its own locomotion, creeping forward, against the flow, in a way similar to how slime molds move.
The locomotive ability allowed the researchers to pit sets of the material against one another in competitive races. Due to randomness in the environment, one body would eventually gain an advantage over the other, allowing one to cross a finish line first.
“The designs are still primitive, but they showed a new route to create dynamic machines from biomolecules. We are at a first step of building lifelike robots by artificial metabolism,” said Shogo Hamada, lecturer and research associate in the Luo lab, and lead and co-corresponding author of the paper. “Even from a simple design, we were able to create sophisticated behaviors like racing. Artificial metabolism could open a new frontier in robotics.”
The engineers are currently exploring ways to have the material recognize stimuli and autonomously be able to seek it out in the case of light or food, or avoid it if it’s harmful.
The programmed metabolism embedded into DNA materials is the key innovation. The DNA contains the set of instructions for metabolism and autonomous regeneration. After that, it’s on its own.
“Everything from its ability to move and compete, all those processes are self-contained. There’s no external interference,” Luo said. “Life began billions of years from perhaps just a few kinds of molecules. This might be the same.”
The material the team created can last for two cycles of synthesis and degradation before it expires. Longevity can likely be extended, according to the researchers, opening the possibility for more “generations” of the material as it self-replicates. “Ultimately, the system may lead to lifelike self-reproducing machines,” Hamada said.
“More excitingly, the use of DNA gives the whole system a self-evolutionary possibility,” Luo said. “That is huge.”
Theoretically, it could be designed so that subsequent generations emerge within seconds. Reproduction at this hyper pace would take advantage of DNA’s natural mutational properties and speed the evolutionary process, according to Luo.
In the future, the system could be used as a biosensor to detect the presence of any DNA and RNA. The concept also could be used to create a dynamic template for making proteins without living cells.
The work was funded in part by the National Science Foundation and supported by the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility and Kavli Institute at Cornell for Nanoscale Science. Collaborators include Jenny Sabin, the Arthur L. and Isabel B. Wiesenberger Professor in Architecture, and researchers form Shanghai Jiaotong University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
There is a patent pending with the Center for Technology Licensing. | http://news.cornell.edu/stories/2019/04/engineers-create-lifelike-material-artificial-metabolism | 1,033 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999973 |
The leader of Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980, Robert Mugabe (1924-2019) was one of the longest-serving and, in the latter years of his reign, most infamous African rulers. Trained as a teacher, he spent 11 years as a political prisoner under Ian Smith’s Rhodesian government. He rose to lead the Zimbabwe African National Union movement and was one of the key negotiators in the 1979 Lancaster House Agreement, which led to the creation of a fully democratic Zimbabwe. Elected prime minister and later president, he embraced conciliation with the country’s white minority but sidelined his rivals through politics and force. Beginning in 2000, he encouraged the takeovers of white-owned commercial farms, leading to economic collapse and runaway inflation. After a disputed election in 2009 he reluctantly agreed to share some power with the rival Movement for Democratic Change. Before his ouster in 2017, he ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years.
Robert Mugabe: From Teacher to Freedom Fighter
Robert Gabriel Mugabe was born February 21, 1924, in Katuma, a Jesuit mission station 50 miles west of the Southern Rhodesian capital. His father, Gabriel Matibili, was a carpenter from Nyasaland (later Malawi). His mother, Bona, belonged to the prominent Shona ethnic group.
Mugabe graduated from Katuma’s St. Francis Xavier College in 1945. For the next 15 years he taught in Rhodesia and Ghana and pursued further education at Fort Hare University in South Africa. In Ghana he met and married his first wife, Sally Hayfron.
In 1960 Mugabe joined the pro-independence National Democratic Party, becoming its publicity secretary. In 1961 the NDP was banned and reformed as the Zimbabwe African Peoples Union (ZAPU). Two years later Mugabe left ZAPU for the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU, later ZANU-PF), his present political home.
Robert Mugabe: Prison and Exile
In 1964 ZANU was banned by Rhodesia’s colonial government and Mugabe was imprisoned. A year later, premier Ian Smith issued a Unilateral Declaration of Independence to create the white-ruled state of Rhodesia, short-circuiting Britain’s plans for majority rule and triggering international condemnation.
In prison Mugabe taught English to his fellow prisoners and earned multiple graduate degrees by correspondence from the University of London. Freed in 1974, Mugabe went into exile in Zambia and Mozambique, and in 1977 he gained full control of ZANU’s political and military fronts. He adopted Marxist and Maoist views and received arms and training from Asia and Eastern Europe, but he still maintained good relations with Western donors.
Robert Mugabe: The Creation of Zimbabwe
A 1978 accord between Smith’s government and moderate black leaders paved the way for the election of Bishop Abel Muzorewa as prime minister of the state known as Zimbabwe Rhodesia, but it lacked international recognition because ZANU and ZAPU had not participated. In 1979 the British-brokered Lancaster House Agreement brought the major parties together to agree to majority rule while protecting the rights and property of the white minority. After winning new elections on March 4, 1980, Mugabe worked to convince the new country’s 200,000 whites, including 4,500 commercial farmers, to stay.
In 1982 Mugabe sent his North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade to the ZAPU stronghold of Matabeleland to smash dissent. Over five years, 20,000 Ndebele civilians were killed as part of a campaign of alleged political genocide. In 1987 Mugabe switched tactics, inviting ZAPU to be merged with the ruling ZANU-PF and creating a de facto one-party authoritarian state with himself as the ruling president.
Robert Mugabe: The Road to Tyranny
During the 1990s Mugabe was reelected twice, became a widower and remarried. In 1998 he sent Zimbabwean troops to intervene in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s civil war—a move many viewed as a grab for the country’s diamonds and valuable minerals.
In 2000 Mugabe organized a referendum on a new Zimbabwean constitution that would expand the powers of the presidency and allow the government to seize white-owned land. Groups opposed to the constitution formed the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), which successfully campaigned for a “no” vote in the referendum.
That same year, groups of individuals calling themselves “war veterans”—though many were not old enough to have been part of Zimbabwe’s independence struggle—began invading white-owned farms. Violence caused many of Zimbabwe’s whites to flee the country. Zimbabwe’s commercial farming collapsed, triggering years of hyperinflation and food shortages that created a nation of impoverished billionaires.
Robert Mugabe: Later Years and Death
After a 2008 election marred by ZANU-PF-sponsored violence, Mugabe was pressured by his regional allies to form an inclusive government with MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai as vice president. Even while implementing the accord, Mugabe kept up the pressure, subjecting MDC parliamentarians to arrest, imprisonment and torture. In 2017, he resigned after lawmakers began impeachment proceedings against him. His successor was Emmerson Mnangagwa, a longtime ally.
On September 6, 2019, he died at the age of 95. | http://www.history.com/topics/robert-mugabe | 1,115 | Politics | 3 | en | 0.999543 |
The 7 Billion Day is a sobering reminder of our planet's predicament. We are increasing by 10,000 an hour. The median UN forecast is 9.3 billion by 2050, but the range varies by 2.5 billion – the total world population in 1950 – depending on how we work it out.
Every additional person needs food, water and energy, and produces more waste and pollution, so ratchets up our total impact on the planet, and ratchets down everyone else's share – the rich far more than the poor. By definition, total impact and consumption are worked out by measuring the average per person multiplied by the number of people. Thus all environmental (and many economic and social) problems are easier to solve with fewer people, and ultimately impossible with ever more.
Since we passed one billion in 1800, our rising numbers and consumption have already caused climate change, rising sea levels, expanding deserts and the "sixth extinction" of wildlife. Our growth has been largely funded by rapidly depleting natural capital (fossil fuels, minerals, groundwater, soil fertility, forests, fisheries and biodiversity) rather than sustainable natural income. Our global food supply is heavily dependent on cheap oil and water. Yet peak oil means rising prices, while irrigation is quarrying out vital aquifers in many countries.
Thus our population rises at the same time as the number of people Earth can sustain shrinks, while spreading industrialisation and western consumption patterns only accelerate this process.The poor should get richer; but high birth rates, compounded by resource depletion and environmental degradation actively hinder development.
The crunch point is that indefinite population growth is physically impossible on a finite planet – it will certainly stop at some point. Either sooner through fewer births by contraception and (non-coercive) population policy, the "humane" way – or later through more deaths by famine, disease, war, the "natural" way. As Maurice Strong, secretary general of the 1992 Earth Summit put it: "Either we reduce our numbers voluntarily, or nature will do it for us brutally."
Some people, notably George Monbiot, argue that western over-consumption is the sole culprit, so criticising expanding population means "blaming the victims". Of course he is right that our self-indulgent lifestyles are grossly inequitable, and must become much more modest – each additional Briton has the carbon footprint of 22 more Malawians, so the 10 million more UK people the ONS projects for 2033 would equate to 220 million more Malawians. But all poor people aspire to become richer; if they succeed, their numbers will matter immensely.
That is why Population Matters campaigns to stabilise the UK's as well as the global population, effecting a culture shift in favour of smaller families here, while massively increasing the priority and resources for family planning and women's empowerment programmes in developing countries, enabling the 215 million women with an unmet need for contraception to control their own fertility.
Perhaps we can feed 9.3 billion people in 39 years' time – I don't know. We're barely feeding seven billion now. But Norman Borlaug, accepting his Nobel peace prize in 1970 for his "green revolution", said: "I have only bought you a 40-year breathing space to stabilise your populations."
On a finite planet, the optimum population providing the best quality of life for all, is clearly much smaller than the maximum, permitting bare survival. The more we are, the less for each; fewer people mean better lives.
Roger Martin is chair of the charity Population Matters | http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/oct/23/why-population-growth-costs-the-earth-roger | 729 | Politics | 3 | en | 0.999945 |
How Do I Help My Child Stop Lying
As parents, we want to raise our children to be honest and trustworthy individuals. However, at times, we may find ourselves faced with the challenge of dealing with a child who has developed a habit of lying. It’s important to address this behavior early on, as allowing it to persist can have long-lasting negative consequences. In this article, we will explore 7 effective strategies to help your child stop lying, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating that deception is dangerous and destructive.
- Understand the Root Causes
Understanding the root causes of why children lie is essential in order to address the issue effectively. Lying can serve as a defense mechanism for children, allowing them to avoid punishment or negative consequences. When children perceive that telling the truth will result in punishment or disapproval, they may resort to lying as a means of self-preservation. It is important for parents to create an environment where honesty is encouraged and mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning rather than sources of shame.
Another reason children may lie is to seek attention. Children may feel neglected or overlooked, and lying can be a way for them to gain the attention they crave. By lying, they may hope to capture the interest and concern of their parents or caregivers. In such cases, it is crucial for parents to provide their children with regular and meaningful attention, ensuring that their emotional needs are met.
Additionally, children may lie to gain approval or to fit in with their peers. They may feel pressure to conform to certain expectations or standards, and lying could be a way for them to maintain a sense of belonging. Parents should encourage a supportive and accepting environment at home, where children feel comfortable being themselves and expressing their true thoughts and feelings.
Furthermore, children may lie to cover up a mistake or avoid facing the consequences of their actions. Fear of punishment or disappointment can lead them to fabricate stories or withhold the truth. It is important for parents to emphasize the importance of accountability and learning from mistakes. By creating an atmosphere of understanding and forgiveness, parents can reduce the likelihood of their children resorting to lies as a means of evasion.
- Cultivate an Environment of Honesty
Cultivating an environment of honesty is crucial in addressing lying behavior in children. By creating a safe and trusting space, parents can encourage their child to express their thoughts and feelings honestly. This can be achieved by actively listening to their child without judgment or anger. When children feel heard and understood, they are more likely to be honest about their experiences.
It is important for parents to emphasize that honesty is valued above all else. They should communicate to their child that telling the truth, even if it involves admitting mistakes or wrongdoing, is an important virtue. Parents can set an example by being honest themselves and demonstrating integrity in their own actions. Children learn from observing their parents’ behavior, so modeling honesty is essential.
Parents should also reassure their child that making mistakes is a natural part of life. By normalizing mistakes and framing them as opportunities for learning and growth, children will feel more comfortable admitting their errors. When children understand that they won’t be harshly punished or judged for their mistakes, they are more likely to be truthful about them.
In addition to creating a safe and non-judgmental environment, parents can establish clear consequences for lying. Children need to understand that lying is not acceptable and has consequences. However, it is important to focus on teaching lessons rather than punitive measures. Parents can use constructive discipline techniques, such as logical consequences or time-outs, to help their child understand the impact of their actions and encourage them to make better choices in the future.
Regular communication and check-ins with the child are also important. Parents should make an effort to have open conversations about honesty and its importance. By discussing real-life scenarios and asking the child how they would handle them truthfully, parents can help reinforce the value of honesty and provide guidance on how to navigate challenging situations.
- Lead by Example
Leading by example is a powerful way to cultivate honesty in children. As role models, parents and caregivers have a significant influence on their child’s behavior and values. By demonstrating honesty and integrity in their own words and actions, they can inspire their child to do the same.
One crucial aspect of leading by example is avoiding exaggerations or falsehoods in conversations, even if they may seem harmless. Children are perceptive and can pick up on inconsistencies or dishonesty. When parents consistently speak the truth, it establishes a foundation of trust and reinforces the importance of honesty. By being mindful of their own language and avoiding deceptive statements, parents demonstrate the value of integrity.
It is essential for parents to acknowledge their own mistakes and take responsibility for them. When parents admit their errors and apologize sincerely, they exemplify honesty and accountability. This teaches children that it is acceptable to make mistakes and that telling the truth about them is the right thing to do.
Consistency is key when leading by example. Parents should strive to be consistently honest, both in big and small matters. This includes being honest about their own emotions and experiences. By sharing their feelings authentically, parents can create an environment where their child feels comfortable expressing their own emotions honestly.
Moreover, parents can use real-life situations as teaching opportunities. When faced with ethical dilemmas or situations that test honesty, parents can discuss these scenarios with their child and explain the importance of truthfulness. By engaging in these conversations, parents can guide their child’s moral development and help them understand the consequences of dishonesty.
- Communicate the Consequences
Communicating the consequences of lying to your child is an important step in fostering honesty. By helping them understand the negative effects of dishonesty, you can emphasize the importance of truthfulness and integrity. Biblical verses can provide guidance and support in conveying these lessons.
Proverbs 12:22, which states, “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
This verse highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in the eyes of God. By discussing this verse with your child, you can explain that lying goes against God’s will and displeases Him. Emphasize that being trustworthy is a virtue that brings joy to God.
In addition to biblical teachings, it is crucial to explain the real-life consequences of lying. Discuss how dishonesty erodes trust in relationships. Share examples from the Bible, such as the story of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac to receive his brother Esau’s blessing (Genesis 27).
This story illustrates how Jacob’s deceit damaged his relationship with both his father and his brother. Help your child understand that lying breaks the trust others have in us and can lead to fractured relationships.
Furthermore, explain how lying can tarnish one’s reputation.
Proverbs 22:1 states, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
Share examples of individuals who suffered reputational damage due to dishonesty, both in biblical accounts and real-life stories. Help your child understand that a person’s integrity and credibility are valuable assets that should be protected. And highlight the importance of honesty in maintaining strong family dynamics.
Ephesians 4:25 states, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Explain to your child that lying can create tension and discord within the family unit. Encourage them to be truthful and open in their communication, fostering a harmonious and loving environment.
- Reinforce Positive Behavior
Encouraging honesty in children can be effectively achieved by reinforcing positive behavior. When your child tells the truth, it is essential to acknowledge and praise their honesty. Positive reinforcement not only reinforces the behavior but also boosts their self-esteem and motivates them to continue being truthful. Biblical verses can provide guidance and inspiration in reinforcing positive behavior.
Proverbs 12:19 says, “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.”
Share this verse with your child to emphasize the value of truthfulness. Explain that telling the truth builds a strong foundation and has lasting benefits, while lying brings temporary relief but ultimately leads to negative consequences.
When your child displays honesty, celebrate their courage to own up to their mistakes. Express your appreciation and let them know how proud you are of their honesty.
Use words of affirmation, such as “I admire your honesty” or “Thank you for telling the truth.”
By doing so, you reinforce the positive behavior and demonstrate that honesty is a virtue to be cherished. And discuss how honesty builds character and earns respect.
Proverbs 28:6 states, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.”
Explain to your child that honesty is a reflection of their character and integrity. Emphasize that being truthful not only earns the respect of others but also helps them develop a strong sense of self-worth.
In addition to verbal praise, consider rewarding your child for their honesty. This can be done through small gestures, such as a special treat, a privilege, or extra quality time together. These rewards serve as positive reinforcement and reinforce the importance of honesty in your child’s mind.
By consistently reinforcing positive behavior, you create a culture of honesty in your family. Your child will understand that telling the truth is not only valued but also rewarded. Through biblical verses and positive reinforcement, you can instill in your child the significance of honesty as a virtue that builds character, earns respect, and brings lasting benefits.
- Replace Lying with Truth-telling
Replacing lying with truth-telling is a vital step in fostering honesty in children. Encouraging your child to actively choose to speak the truth is crucial in developing their moral character.
As Ephesians 4:25 provides guidance in this regard. Using this verse as a reference, explain to your child that it is not enough to simply refrain from lying; they must actively choose to be honest in their words and actions. Help them understand that honesty is a fundamental aspect of their relationships and their identity as a member of the community.
Engage your child in exercises that involve verbalizing the truth out loud. Encourage them to practice speaking the truth in everyday situations, such as expressing their feelings or sharing their experiences. This can be done through role-playing exercises or open discussions where they are encouraged to express themselves honestly.
Reinforce the importance of honesty in their daily interactions. Discuss how telling the truth builds trust, strengthens relationships, and promotes a sense of integrity. Share examples from your own life or stories from the Bible that highlight the positive impact of truth-telling. And teach your child to consider the consequences of their words before speaking. Encourage them to pause and think before responding, ensuring that their words align with the truth. By developing this habit of thoughtful communication, they are more likely to choose honesty over deception.
It is important to provide continuous support and reinforcement throughout this process. Celebrate their efforts in choosing truth-telling and acknowledge their progress. Remind them that honesty is a lifelong virtue that they should strive to cultivate.
- Avoid Labeling Your Child
It’s important not to call your child a “liar” when talking about their struggle with lying. This can make them feel bad about themselves and make it harder for them to change. Instead, talk to them privately and try to find ways to solve the problem.
Labels can have a big effect on how a child sees themselves. If they’re always called a “liar,” they might start to believe that they’re always going to be dishonest. This can make it even harder for them to stop lying.
Instead of using labels, try to understand why your child is lying. Have honest conversations with them in a safe and comfortable environment. Focus on the behavior of lying itself, rather than labeling your child. Help them understand how lying can hurt themselves and others.
When talking about the issue, focus on finding solutions together. Help your child figure out why they’re lying and find better ways to handle difficult situations. Teach them how to communicate effectively, solve problems, and understand the importance of honesty in building trust and having good relationships.
It’s also important to support your child as they try to change. Encourage and praise them when they’re honest and making progress. Celebrate small successes and remind them that changing takes time and effort. By creating a positive and supportive environment, you can help your child develop better habits and move past being called a “liar.”
“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” – Colossians 3:9–10
Helping your child overcome the habit of lying requires patience, consistency, and understanding. By cultivating an environment of honesty, leading by example, communicating the consequences, and reinforcing positive behavior, you can guide your child towards a path of truthfulness. Remember, correcting your child when they are young will yield lasting benefits, setting them up for a future built on trust, integrity, and healthy relationships. As a Christian, remind your child of their identity as a child of God, who values truthfulness and is being renewed into the image of their Creator. | https://faithfulhome.com.ng/how-do-i-help-my-child-stop-lying/ | 2,799 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999992 |
Diabetes mellitus, popularly called Diabetes, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. This occurs because your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it makes for the body.
Insulin is a hormone that moves sugar from your blood to your cells for energy storage. If it malfunctions, you may have diabetes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria to be 4.3%, and the prevalence is largely attributed to the lifestyle changes caused by urbanisation and excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, lack of exercise, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol.
Every 14th of November is World Diabetes Day (WDD), created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat of diabetes. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225. It is marked on the same day as the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922
Here are 10 key facts you should know about Diabetes
- Sugar is not the primary cause of Diabetes: While eating too much sugar may increase your chances of obesity and Type 2 diabetes, it is not the primary cause of diabetes.
- Diabetes, if left untreated, can cause blindness, delay in wound healing, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
- Diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, is a leading cause of death in the world. According to WHO, in 2019, diabetes and kidney disease caused an estimated 2 million deaths globally.
- Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed: With diet, physical activity, medication, regular screening and treatment for complications, it is possible to live long and healthy with diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes occurs in older people, age 35 and above, while type 1 occurs in young people. - A diabetic patient will lose weight rapidly instead of being obese.
- There are four types of diabetes: Diabetes Type 1, Type 2, Type 1.5 and gestational. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body doesn’t produce insulin.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin. Type 1.5 diabetes, also known as latent autoimmune diabetes (LADA), occurs during adulthood and sets in gradually like type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs only in women during pregnancy and goes away after the baby is born.
Over 420 million people in the world have some form of diabetes, with type 2 being the most common. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2. - Women who have gestational diabetes are more at risk for Type 2 diabetes after they give birth.
- Type 1.5 diabetes, LADA, cannot be treated by diet or lifestyle: Because it is genetic, it may be impossible to prevent the development of this diabetes type. However, medications and insulin injections can make it manageable.
READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE | https://tribuneonlineng.com/10-key-facts-about-diabetes-you-should-know/?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1700041789 | 625 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999975 |
William Tyndale (l.c. 1494-1536) was a talented English linguist, scholar and priest who was the first to translate the Bible into English. Tyndale objected to the Catholic Church’s control of scripture in Latin and the prohibition against an English translation. His work formed the basis of all other English translations of the Bible up through the modern era.
The Latin Vulgate Bible, translated from the original by Saint Jerome (l. 347-420), assisted by Saint Paula (l. 347-404) was considered the only true version by the Church, and translation into the vernacular, in any country, was forbidden. Even before the Reformation began in 1517, however, European scholars had already translated the Bible into their own languages, the German translation by Martin Luther (l. 1483-1546) being only one among many. The proto-reformer John Wycliffe (l. 1330-1384) had translated the Bible from the Vulgate to Middle English in c. 1380 but volumes of this work had been burned after his death.
Tyndale requested permission from ecclesiastical authorities to translate the Bible from the original Hebrew and Greek but was denied. He then left for Germany where he translated and published his work on the New Testament and part of the Old Testament, along with other writings, and had them smuggled into England. Tyndale is recognized as the first to translate the Bible into English, rather than Wycliffe, because he worked from the original languages, not just the Latin translation, as Wycliffe had done.
Tyndale moved about to maintain safety after Henry VIII (r. 1509-1547) called for his arrest and was well-protected by wealthy merchants in Antwerp when he was betrayed by Henry Phillips, a man he thought was his friend, and imprisoned. He was executed by strangulation and his body burned at the stake in October 1536. Three years later, the English version of the Bible completed by his colleague Myles Coverdale (l. 1488-1569) was published in England with the king’s approval. Tyndale and Coverdale are both honored in the present day as the first to translate the Bible into English even though it is acknowledged that Coverdale largely developed Tyndale’s earlier work.
Early Life & Education
Little is known of Tyndale’s early life. He is said to have been born in the village of Stinchcombe, Gloucestershire sometime between 1491-1494 with most scholars favoring the later date. The family was of the upper class, descended from the Tyndales of Northumberland, and his brother, Edward, is recorded as holding a prominent position The family went by the name of Hychyns as well as Tyndale and William Tyndale used both alternately when young. He was educated from an early age, though the details are unknown, and was enrolled at Oxford University in 1506, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1512 and his master’s degree in 1515.
In 1512 he had also been ordained a priest and served as a subdeacon in religious services. By 1517, he was enrolled at Cambridge University and displayed a talent for learning languages, becoming fluent in French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. Although associated with the Catholic Church as subdeacon between c. 1512-1521, he seems to have left that position to become a tutor for the children of Sir John Walsh of Gloucestershire c. 1521.
By this time, the religious and social movement that came to be known as the Protestant Reformation was underway in Germany, led by Martin Luther, and in Switzerland through the efforts of Huldrych Zwingli (l. 1484-1531). England, however, remained a Catholic country under Henry VIII who received the honorary title of 'Defender of the Faith' from the Pope for his written work condemning Luther and his teachings. In the same year that Tyndale took the position at the Walsh household, Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal Archbishop of York (l.c. 1473-1530), presided over a public burning of Luther’s works in London at St. Paul’s Cross.
Turn Toward Reform
As with several Catholic clergy who would later become famous Reformers, it may have been this event that first turned Tyndale toward Luther’s teachings. He may have embraced the concept of reform earlier, however, as he is said to have been disgusted by Oxford’s theological program which emphasized learning Church liturgy while ignoring the Bible itself. He would later comment on how too many priests had no knowledge of scripture at all, knowing only the teachings of the Church they had been required to memorize.
He was significantly influenced by Luther, having read Luther’s German Bible, and probably his other works, by 1522 and was outspoken enough in his views that, in that same year, he was called to answer for examination of his beliefs by John Bell, Chancellor of the Diocese of Worcester. The polemicist/historian John Foxe (l. c. 1517-1587) in his Acts and Monuments (better known as Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, 1563) records Tyndale’s now-famous reply to a Catholic clergyman (not Bell) at around this time who tried to steer Tyndale back toward orthodoxy, claiming, “We had better be without God’s laws than the pope’s” to which Tyndale responded, “I defy the pope and all his laws and, if God spares my life, before many years, I will cause the boy that drives the plow to know more of Scripture than thou dost” (Foxe, XII). Perhaps fearing that his views would cause problems for the Walsh family, he left their employ for London in 1523 hoping to find a patron in the bishop Cuthbert Tunstall.
Tunstall had worked with the humanist scholar and theologian Desiderius Erasmus (l. 1466-1536) who had translated the New Testament into Latin from Greek in 1516 and updated Jerome’s Vulgate. Although Erasmus never abandoned Catholicism, he had advocated for reform and Tyndale had good reason to believe that Tunstall, as one of Erasmus’ associates in translation, would be open-minded enough to patronize his own efforts in creating an English Bible. Tunstall turned him down, however, warning him away from “heresy”, and Tyndale then relied on the support of a local merchant, tutoring and lecturing, before leaving for Cologne, Germany in 1524.
Europe & Biblical Translation
He is thought to have spent time in Wittenberg and conferred with Martin Luther as he began his translation of the New Testament which he would complete at Wartburg Castle. He relied on Luther’s German Bible, Erasmus’ Greek New Testament and Latin New Testament, Jerome’s Vulgate, and earlier works in Greek, finishing his English translation in 1525 and publishing it in 1526. Knowing Henry VIII’s condemnation of reformed works, he had his New Testament smuggled into England where it became a best-seller just as, over a hundred years before, Wycliffe’s translation had also.
Tyndale did not simply translate the New Testament, however, but beautified it. The oldest script used in writing biblical books is the Alexandrian text type, followed by the Western and Byzantine text types. Each of these has their own distinctive style with Alexandrian, generally, being more concise and Byzantine more lyrical and flowery. Tyndale seems to have worked from older text type manuscripts in addition to those referenced above and shaped the lines according to his own poetic sensibility.
Tyndale is responsible for some of the best-known biblical passages including “Judge not, lest ye be judged” (Matthew 7:1), “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and the door will be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9), and “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). He also translated some key words and concepts in a radically different way than they had been understood, and taught, by the Church.
Among these was the Greek word ekklesia which was understood to mean “church” as interpreted as the Catholic Church. When Jesus Christ says to Saint Peter, “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18) it was understood to mean that Christ was establishing his church – the Catholic Church – through Peter who was regarded as the first pope. Tyndale, however, recognized that a more accurate translation of ekklesia was “congregation”, an interpretation that aligned with the Lutheran concept of a “priesthood of all believers” which echoed Christ’s words, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20) and so undermined the authority of the Church.
One of the causes of the Bohemian Reformation (c. 1380 to c. 1436) was the Church’s denial of the practice of utraquism (“under both kinds”) meaning both bread and wine should be offered to all believers in good standing during the celebration of the Eucharist. The clergy only offered the congregation bread, keeping the wine for themselves, because it was understood that Christian clergy were above Christian laity because the clergy understood scripture. Tyndale’s translation encouraged the reformed concept that the Church was a false authority as any individual could have access to God through faith and their own reading of the Bible without an intermediary and, when that one gathered with others, they formed a “true” church.
The authorities in England were outraged by the work and it was condemned by Sir Thomas More (l. 1478-1535), Bishop Tunstall, and other clerics. The Tyndale New Testament was not only the first biblical work in English translated from the original languages but the first of its kind produced by the printing press. His New Testament was mass produced and smuggled into England where, at one point, over 16,000 copies were in circulation. As many of these as could be found were confiscated and burned in London at St. Paul’s Cross, just as Luther’s had been, and so were those caught smuggling and distributing them.
Henry VIII & More
Bishop Tunstall and other clerics wanted Tyndale extradited to England to answer charges for heresy and this was supported by Henry VIII, but he also had personal reasons. Henry VIII had wanted an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon (l. 1485-1536) so he could marry Anne Boleyn (l. c. 1501-1536) in the hope of having a male heir and Tyndale condemned this in his 1530 work The Practice of Prelates. Henry VIII had appealed to the Pope for the annulment citing a passage in Leviticus as justification, but Tyndale pointed out that the passage, Leviticus 20:21, did not support Henry VIII’s claims and what he was attempting was unbiblical. Henry VIII sent word to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (r. 1519-1556), pressing for Tyndale’s arrest and extradition but Charles V refused, claiming England had not provided the necessary evidence to support the request.
Tyndale, meanwhile, had been working on revisions to his published work, writing commentaries, and translating the Old Testament. He defended himself in writing against accusations of heresy from Sir Thomas More who was hunting down Tyndale’s associates in England and burning them at the stake along with his works. Where Tyndale was, or for how long, between c. 1526 and c. 1529 is unknown as he seems to have moved frequently to avoid causing problems for benefactors or being arrested. Although Charles V had refused extradition, that did not mean that Tyndale could not be arrested for heresy in the regions of the Holy Roman Empire.
Betrayal & Execution
In 1529 he was living in Antwerp, Belgium where he completed the first five books of the Old Testament and had them shipped to England. He completely revised his New Testament in 1534 at the home of the English merchant Thomas Poyntz who was sympathetic to the reformed cause. At about this time, it is thought, Myles Coverdale – who is known to have been in Antwerp – helped Tyndale with his translations. The Church officials tended to leave the English merchants alone – as well as their guests – because of the immense profit they generated for the city and so Tyndale seems to have been able to live and move about the English quarter freely. In addition to his writing, he ministered to the poor of the area and gave public readings of scripture twice a week.
In 1534, he met a young English student, Henry Phillips, who was enrolled at the University of Leuven and had been a guest at dinners Tyndale also attended. Phillips came from a prominent upper-class family and was educated at Oxford, endearing him to Tyndale as a fellow scholar. Tyndale invited Phillips to dinner several times at the Poyntz home and the two seem to have become close friends, Phillips even staying overnight at times when after-dinner discussions ran late. Poyntz later claimed he never trusted Phillips and, if so, he was right. In early 1535, Phillips invited Tyndale to lunch, drawing him away from the protective neighborhood of the English merchants, and then, after borrowing money from Tyndale, handed him over to the authorities. He was imprisoned in Vilvoorde Castle outside of Brussels and remained there until he was tried and condemned as a heretic in 1536.
As he had established a reputation as a distinguished scholar, he was afforded the courtesy of being strangled before he was burned at the stake. His last words are said to have been a prayer that the king of England would open his eyes, interpreted as the hope that the king would allow for an English translation of scripture available to all. Later writers are in more or less agreement that Henry Phillips was sent by the English clergy, even by Henry VIII himself, to find and betray Tyndale. Phillips would have needed little encouragement to accept payment for the betrayal as he had gambled away his trust fund and was in need of quick cash.
Thomas Cromwell (l. c. 1485-1540) had interceded on Tyndale’s behalf, but Henry VIII refused his request. It is also thought that Anne Boleyn, who was sympathetic to the Reformation, either influenced Cromwell’s intercession or attempted it herself but without success. Phillips was later condemned by Henry VIII for plotting with the Pope against him and became a fugitive, running from English agents shortly after his betrayal of Tyndale and disappearing from history in 1542 in Vienna.
The English Reformation was established in 1534 when Parliament passed the Treason Act, forbidding anyone to speak against the king, and the Act of Supremacy declaring Henry VIII the head of the Church of England and severing ties with the Catholic Church. In the same year Tyndale was executed, Henry VIII and Cromwell begam the dissolution of the monasteries in England and Cromwell issued his Ten Articles which, following Lutheran precepts, rejected four of the seven sacraments of the Church. In 1539, three years after Tyndale’s death, his dying prayer was answered when Henry VIII authorized an English translation of the Bible – the Great Bible – the creation and printing of which was overseen by Coverdale working from Tyndale’s translations. Scholar Diarmaid MacCulloch comments:
Tyndale’s Bible translation, together with the completions of it made by his assistants, formed the basis of all subsequent English Bibles up to the twentieth century: it has had a huge impact on the future of the English-speaking world. Surreptitiously read and discussed during the 1520’s and 1530’s, it worked on the imagination of those who had no access to public preaching because of official repression or lack of provision. It may be significant that there was a perceptible nationwide decline in ordinations in England during the 1520’s: perhaps the traditional Church was losing its grip on those thinking of a clerical career. Tyndale was the first biblical translator of the Reformation to die – arrested and strangled in his Low Countries exile by the Holy Roman Emperor’s officials with the connivance of the Bishop of London and Henry VIII. Yet even before the time of Tyndale’s martyrdom in 1536, perhaps 16,000 copies of his translation had passed into England. (203)
Henry VIII was succeeded by his son Edward VI of England (r. 1547-1553) who continued the Reformation, and he was succeeded by Mary I of England (r. 1553-1558), known as “Bloody Mary” for her execution of Protestants as part of her policy of making England a Catholic country again. Mary I was succeeded by Elizabeth I of England (r. 1558-1603) who reestablished Protestantism firmly before her death and succession by James I of England (r. 1603-1625). James I is well known as the patron responsible for the King James translation of the Bible in 1611 which drew largely from Tyndale’s work. Translations that followed, up to the present day, continue Tyndale’s legacy as a poetic translator, retaining 84% of his work for the New Testament, 76% for the Old Testament, many of the phrases he coined, and fulfilling the vow he once made that, someday, even the lowliest member of society would know scripture as well as those who claimed to be best educated in it. | https://www.worldhistory.org/William_Tyndale/Who | 3,806 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999977 |
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has been closely monitoring several endemic diseases including Mpox which has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International / Continental Concern (PHEIC / PHECC) by both the WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
So far, about 2,863 confirmed cases and 517 deaths across 13 African countries have been reported in 2024 alone. This alarming increase is linked to a new strain of the Mpox virus which emerged in eastern Congo and has since been detected in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.
In Nigeria, a total of 39 confirmed cases and zero deaths have been recorded across 19 States + FCT from the beginning of the year 2024. Noting the significant concern of the ease of cross-border transmission, this press conference is part of the effort to intensify our coordination and communication with stakeholders to manage the spread of the virus and prevent disease importation.
What you need to know about Mpox
Mpox is a rare viral zoonotic infectious disease (i.e., disease of animals transmitted from animals to humans) that is endemic in several African countries including the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. The exact reservoir of the virus is still unknown although rodents, squirrels and monkeys are suspected to play a part in transmission.
The Mpox virus can spread both from animal to human and from human to human. Animal-to-human transmission may occur by direct contact with the blood, body fluids, skin or mucosal lesions of infected animals (e.g., monkeys, squirrels, and rodents). This can happen through a bite, scratch, handling of, or eating inadequately cooked or other products of infected bushmeat. Human-to-human (person-to-person) transmission occurs when a person comes into contact with the virus from an infected human, or materials contaminated with the virus such as clothing and beddings.
Sign and Symptoms
Symptoms of the illness include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, swollen lymph nodes (glands) and a rash. After about 1 to 3 days of fever, the rash erupts, beginning on the face and then spreading to the body with the face and palms/soles being mostly affected. They can also occur in and around the genitals which is why contact during sex is another mode of transmission.
To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly urge members of the public to adhere to proven infection prevention and control measures. These practices are essential in limiting the transmission of the Mpox virus. This includes:
● Avoid contact with animals that could harbour the virus including sick or dead animals in areas where MPX has been confirmed
● Avoid contact with any material that has been in contact with a sick animal.
● Avoid unnecessary physical contact with persons infected with MPX
● Isolate potentially infected animals from other animals
● Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water especially after caring for or visiting sick people
● Ensuring all animal food products are properly cooked before eating
● Use of appropriate protective clothing and gloves while handling sick animals or their infected tissues and during slaughtering procedures
● Report all cases with the associated symptoms mentioned above to the nearest health facility for care, and/or call the NCDC toll-free line on 6232
● The Nigerian government is making an effort to make vaccines available to the public, especially hotspot areas. The vaccine has been shown to have a favourable safety profile,
Healthcare workers (both private & public) are further advised to:
● When caring for patients, always follow standard safety measures, including precautions against droplets, regardless of their diagnosis. These steps are crucial for protecting both patients and healthcare workers.
● Wash hands with soap and water after contact with patients and/or their environment
● Maintain a high index of suspicion for MPX, especially for patients presenting with fever and vesicular/pustular rash in all parts of the country at this time.
● During triage, use precautionary measures such as placing a surgical mask over the nose and mouth of suspected patients and covering any exposed skin lesions with a sheet or gown
● Isolate all patients suspected of having MPX as soon as possible
● Wear personal protective equipment (gloves, gown, and masks) before close contact with suspected cases and dispose of it properly
● Correctly disinfect all contaminated equipment (including bedding) using bleach unless otherwise indicated and dispose of all waste properly
● Report all cases to the State Epidemiologist/LGA Public Health Department immediately or call the NCDC toll-free line at 6232.
● Samples taken from humans for investigation of the mpox virus should be handled by trained staff and sent to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.
● RESPECT PATIENTS' PRIVACY always:
○ Seek informed consent from patients before their photographs are taken and state the intended use of such photographs if taken
○ Do not photograph a patient or any part of their body without their knowledge and if consent is not given to do so
○ When consent has been secured do not take a patient’s photograph with the patient’s face in it. If unavoidable, conceal the patient's face before using the image for any purpose.
○ It is advised to get closer to the patient taking a shot that fills the frame; avoid wide-frame pictures that may capture other identifiable items/structures in the frame
○ Do not share photographs taken on social media
The National Mpox Technical Working Group (TWG), a multi-sectoral body housed within the NCDC, continues to coordinate Mpox response activities. As part of the government's ongoing efforts, we have intensified surveillance across Nigeria to swiftly detect and respond to any new cases. This includes putting all port health services across all 5 international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land/foot crossing borders on high alert. Diagnostic protocols according to the IDSR are now distributed to these locations and port health officers are on high alert and screening for suspected cases. Some states have also been put on high alert including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross-River, Akwa-Ibom, Adamawa, and Taraba. We are also conducting contact tracing and monitoring for confirmed cases to prevent further spread. This will now also include declarations by travellers who have been to any of the countries where there is an ongoing outbreak of MPX in the last 90 days. Additionally, we continue to provide healthcare workers and the public with updated guidance on infection prevention and control measures and train SURGE staff as part of our preparedness and readiness for an MPX public health event. The NCDC is also notifying public and private hospitals about the MPX alert and sending a list of referral isolation/treatment centres across the 6 geopolitical zones and reference laboratory networks which include the National Reference Laboratory Abuja (NRL), Central Public Health Laboratory, Lagos (CPHL), Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Centre for Human and Zoonotic Virology, Lagos (CHAZVY), African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Osun (ACEGID), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (UNTH), University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
We are also considering vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, as Nigeria expects to receive 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.
We remain committed to sharing updates based on new findings and recommendations by the WHO, Africa CDC and the National Mpox TWG. We urge the public to avoid sharing unverified information and only share information shared by either the NCDC or other official health authorities. | https://ncdc.gov.ng/news/237/update-on-covid-19-in-nigeria | 1,587 | Health | 3 | en | 0.99999 |
The discovery of a 1.8-million-year-old skull of a human ancestor buried under a medieval Georgian village offers new evidence that early man was a single species with a vast array of different looks, researchers have said.
With a tiny brain about a third the size of a modern human’s, protruding brows and jutting jaws like an ape, the skull was found in the remains of a medieval hilltop city in Dmanisi, according to the study published in the journal Science.
This is important to understanding human evolution
It is one of five early human skulls – four of which have jaws – found so far at the site, about 100km from the capital, Tbilisi, along with stone tools that hint at butchery and the bones of big, saber-toothed cats.
Lead researcher David Lordkipanidze, director of the Georgian National Museum, described the group as “the richest and most complete collection of indisputable early Homo remains from any one site”.
“This is important to understanding human evolution,” he said.
The skulls vary so much in appearance that under other circumstances, they might have been considered different species, said co-author Christoph Zollikofer of the University of Zurich.
“Yet we know that these individuals came from the same location and the same geological time, so they could, in principle, represent a single population of a single species,” he said.
For years, some scientists have said humans evolved from only one or two species, much like a tree branches out from a trunk, while others say the process was more like a bush with several offshoots that went nowhere.
The researchers have compared the variation in characteristics of the skulls and found that while their jaw, brow and skull shapes were distinct, their traits were all within the range of what could be expected among members of the same species.
“The five Dmanisi individuals are conspicuously different from each other, but not more different than any five modern human individuals, or five chimpanzee individuals, from a given population,” said Zollikofer.
Under that hypothesis, the different lineages some experts have described in Africa – such as Homo habilis and Homo rudolfensis – were all just ancient people of the species Homo erectus who looked different from each other.
It also suggests that early members of the modern man’s genus Homo, first found in Africa, soon expanded into Asia despite their small brain size.
Before the site was found, the movement from Africa was put at about 1 million years ago.
“We are thrilled about the conclusion they came to. It backs up what we found as well,” said Milford Wolpoff, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Michigan.
Wolpoff published a study in the journal Evolution last year that also measured statistical variation in characteristics of early skull fossils in Georgia and East Africa, suggesting a single species and an active process of inter-breeding.
But not all experts agree.
“I think that the conclusions that they draw are misguided,” said Bernard Wood, director of the hominid paleobiology doctoral program at George Washington University.
“What they have is a creature that we have not seen evidence of before,” he said, noting its small head but human-sized body.
“It could be something new and I don’t understand why they are reluctant to think it might be something new.”
In fact, the researchers did give it a new name, Homo erectus ergaster georgicus, in a nod to the skull as an early but novel form of Homo erectus found in Georgia.
Its discovery, in such close quarters with four other individuals, offered researchers a unique opportunity to measure variations in a single population of early Homo, and “to draw new inferences on the evolutionary biology” of our ancestors, co-author Marcia Ponce de Leon of the University of Zurich said. | http://www.aljazeera.com/news/europe/2013/10/skull-fossil-challenges-evolution-theory-20131017202521209432.html | 839 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.99999 |
Korean, like Japanese, has an extensive system of honorifics, words usually appended to the ends of names or pronouns to indicate the relative ages and social positions of the speakers. Immigrants to the Koreas often find this idea difficult to grasp, but it is a very important feature of language. Using the wrong honorific can and will cause offense.
- Ssi (씨; pronounced shee): When appended to a full name or personal name, it indicates that the speaker considers the speakee to be of the same or a higher social level than themselves, and is most commonly used to refer to strangers or acquaintances. When appended to a surname, it indicates that the speaker considers themselves to be of a higher station than the speakee, and has a "distant" connotation that is considered rude if applied to elders.
- Gun (군): Similar to Japanese -kun. Used similarly to Ssi but applied to unmarried men/male minors only. Usually used by old people when addressing teenagers or young adults, such as when professors address their students, or when referring to the groom in weddings. Otherwise only used in formal writing, such as newspaper articles or in letters.
- Yang (양): Similar to Japanese -chan. Used similarly to Ssi but applied to unmarried women/female minors only. Usually used by old people when addressing teenagers or young adults, such as when professors address their students, or when referring to the bride in weddings. Otherwise only used in formal writing, such as newspaper articles or in letters.
- Seonsaeng (선생): Cognate with Japanese -sensei and with the same Chinese characters. Very respectful, commonly translated as master or teacher. On its own, it is applied to doctors, teachers, and some historical figures (e.g. Kim Ku seonsaeng) or artists.
- Gwiha (귀하): Reserved for letters and messages, when referring to the recipient. Dropped for informal situations. Roughly translates to Your honored self.
- Gakha (각하): Reserved for high-ranking government officials, including the president. Equivalent to His Excellency. This honorific is no longer used in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) nowadays as it is the equivalent of the Japanese honorific Kakka and was used to address the military dictators. This honorific is considered an unpleasant reminder of the Japanese rule and the military dictatorships.
- Seonbae (선배): Equivalent to Japanese -senpai. Used in a company for senior employees, or in schools for those in higher classes. May be used as both an honorific and a title.
- Hubae (후배): Equivalent to Japanese -kohai. Junior; may be used as an honorific or a title.
- Junha (전하): Archaic honorific from the Choson dynasty, used to refer to a King. Usually translated His Majesty. It is honorific for a king, but it is less dignified than Pyeha (폐하), which is an imperial honorific.
- Pyeha (폐하): His Imperial Majesty. Honorific specific for an emperor.
- Jeoha (저하): His Royal Highnesss. Specific honorific for the crown prince.
- Hapha (합하): His Highness, His Serene Highness, or His Grace. Honorific for very high ranking officials and high nobility, such as a prime minister or a close royal relative (say, an uncle of the king). Increasingly uncommon even on Korean historical dramas these days.
- Nari (나리 or 나으리): Archaic honorific from the Choson dynasty. Used by commoners to refer to nobles below the king. Equivalent of His Lordship or His Honor.
- Nim (님): Reserved for anyone of a higher station than the speaker, or those whom the speaker holds in high regard. For example, students may call their upperclassmen Seonbae-nim. It may be dropped if the parties involved are close enough that such formalities are unnecessary, such as with family and close friends. However, this honorific is mandatory for the formal use of the word Seonsaeng in the 2nd person: Seonseang-nim is respectful, but just Seonsaeng is considered (in some cases) very rude in the 2nd person. It is acceptable when referring to historical figures.
- Dongmu (동무; "Tongmu" according to the McCune-Reischauer transliteration used in North Korea): The Korean equivalent to the word "comrade". In North Korea, just like in the Soviet Union and many other Eastern Bloc countries, this word replaced most of the existing titles and honorifics as a standard form of address meaning "fellow revolutionary", whereas in the South it has mostly gone out of use due to its association with the Dirty Communists.
- Dongji or Tongji (동지): There are two separate terms used for "comrade" in North Korea. Dongji is used to address someone with a higher standing, while Dongmu is someone with equal or lower standing. So, Kim Il Sung would never be a Dongmu, but always a Dongji.
The following are honorifics that are used to address family members or individuals that the speaker is close with. They can be attached to the end of a person's name, or can be used as standalone titles. The usage of these pronouns depends on both the age and gender of the speaker and the addressee; males will never use female pronouns, an individual would never use a pronoun designated for older figures to address a younger person, and so on and so forth. However, they can still be used as titles by a third party. For example, a dad might ask his younger daughter, "Where is your Unni?" referring to his older daughter, using the term his younger daughter would use to refer to his older daughter (similar to English where the dad might ask his children "Where's Mom?" to find out where his wife is, even though he's not actually asking for his own mother, (ie the children's grandmother)). See also Korean Sibling Terminology.- Oppa (오빠): Used by a female to address an older male. It can be used for the female's actual older brother/male relative, or for other older men (but not that much older) that she trusts. Women often use it for their (older) significant others as well. Straight female k-pop fans use it a lot to refer to the object of their fanaticism.
- Hyung/Hyeong(형): Used by a male to address an older male. It can be used for the male's actual older brother/male relative, or for other older men (but not that much older) that he trusts. In the 80s, with the introduction of feminism, some females would address older males as hyung, but it did not catch on.
- Unnie/Eonni (언니): Used by a female to address an older female. It can be used for the female's actual older sister/female relative, or other older women (but not that much older) that she trusts. Until the early 20th century, it was a gender-neutral honorific.
- Nuna/Noona (누나): Used by a male to address an older female. It can be used for an actual older sister/female relative, or for other older women (but not that much older) that he trusts.
- Samchon (삼촌): Means uncle. Used to address men who are too old to be an oppa or hyung, but too young to be a grandpa. In the Jeju dialect, this is a gender-neutral honorific.
- Imo (이모): Uset to address women who are too old to be an unnie or nuna, but too young to be a grandma. Sometimes used to call waitresses and store clerks. | http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/KoreanHonorifics#ixzz3qFgfAMJy | 1,745 | Culture | 4 | en | 0.999989 |
In religious contexts, a ritual is a set form of worship. Rituals involve symbolic physical actions; some examples of rituals are genuflecting before entering a pew, making the sign of the cross, and lifting aloft the Host during the Catholic Mass.
Religion can be defined as “belief in a deity, expressed in conduct and ritual.” The two most common ingredients in religion thus defined are rules and rituals. To be a faithful adherent of Judaism or Islam, for example, a person must observe lists of do’s and don’ts. Ritual-based religion is most prominently displayed in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant, liturgical High Church services, but it is also a mainstay of Buddhism and Hinduism.
The Mosaic Law prescribed a set of rituals for Israel’s worship of God. There were many ceremonial laws for them to observe. Some of those laws were very specific and involved the sprinkling of water, the sprinkling of blood, the waving of grain, or the washing of clothes. The Mosaic Law was fulfilled in Christ (Matthew 5:17). The rituals of the Old Testament were never intended to be a permanent part of worship, as Scripture clearly teaches: “[The gifts and sacrifices] are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order” (Hebrews 9:10, emphasis added). The “external regulations” are not binding on us today.
There is no New Testament mandate to include recitations, ceremonial objects, or symbolic physical gestures in our worship today. Our devotion is to the Lord Jesus, not to various rituals or liturgies. True Christianity, as derived from accurate interpretation of the Bible, is not rules-based or ritual-based. Rather, it is relationship-based. The living God through Jesus has made those who believe in Christ His own children (John 1:12).
The only “rites” the New Testament church is commanded to observe are the ordinances: baptism by immersion (Matthew 28:19) and communion (1 Corinthians 11:25). But, even then, no details are given to regulate the exact methods to use. Baptism, of course, requires water, and communion requires bread and “the cup.” Churches are free to baptize people in baptismals, lakes, swimming pools, or horse troughs. For communion, the Bible does not specify the frequency of the meal, the type of bread to use, the alcohol content in “the cup,” or exactly who should administer the ordinance. Churches are allowed some freedom in these matters.
All churches have a format that they typically follow, and this can be thought of as a “ritual.” Of course, it is good for everything to be done “in a fitting and orderly way” (1 Corinthians 14:40), and having a procedure to follow is not wrong. But, if a church is so liturgical and its structure so rigid that the Holy Spirit is not able to freely operate, liturgy has gone too far.
Additionally, liturgies or rituals designed by people are fallible and are often unscriptural. It is even possible to “nullify the word of God” with the traditions people have created (Mark 7:13). Jesus warned against “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7), and many rituals held in churches today are just that. Repetitious prayers or creeds or songs can, over time, lead to dullness in worship rather than the free expression of one’s heart, mind, and soul before God (Matthew 22:34–40).
Are rituals wrong? No, not inherently. Empty ritual is wrong, as is any ritual that replaces, obscures, or detracts from a vibrant relationship with Christ. Are rituals commanded in the church? No, except for baptism and communion. God sees the heart, and He seeks those who worship Him “in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Rituals can be beneficial, but external rites should never be allowed to replace inner devotion. | https://www.gotquestions.org/rituals-in-Christianity.html | 864 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999985 |
What is an college assignment?
Those who have decided to make the study a significant part of their life could not omit the written assignments in the process of studying. Assignments are following the students whenever they go, and in order to become a successful student, you need to find out how to complete them perfectly. Written assignments are supposed to show how the learners understand the subject he is studying and help to give the overall mark of the studying success.
It does not matter whether you are given the task to make an assignment for college, university, or any other type of school. The rules for completing assignments are the same for all of them, and the requirements are generally recognized. All you need is to understand the structure and find out what is the better way to create your assignment paper. You are supposed to develop proper writing and organization skills if you want to become successful in completing the tasks. But after little practice, you will definitely see that it is not as complicated as it looks now.
“Prework” before creating a college assignment
If you want to do a college assignment paper, you need to keep in mind that the pen and piece of paper are not the only things that help you to start. Before you put your pen on the paper, you are supposed to some preparation work that will help you later and will make the process of writing easier and smoother.
- The first thing you are supposed to do is to brainstorm your ideas on the given topic. It is the best way to see how much you can say on the topic and create new ideas that never appeared in your mind before.
- Find the time to sit comfortably and note down all the ideas that you have concerning this topic. There is one crucial thing that you should remember while jotting the ideas do not take into account grammar mistakes or any other of them. This will distract you, and you should not be distracted to combine as many ideas as you can.
- The next step is about organizing your ideas that you have previously combined. You have already a long list of ideas, and now it is the time to look at them through and pick up the best to be discussed in the assignment. Try to think carefully about what ideas will mostly fit the requirements that your instructor gave to the task. Another point to consider is the possibility to discuss the ideas properly. Be sure that the ideas you have chosen are easy to be pictured and supported. Do you have enough information to explain and discuss your ideas?
- When you have decided what exactly you are going to write about, it is the time to choose the proper place. Remember that concentration is the most important thing, and in order to make the process of writing more effective, you need to avoid all the distractions. Focus only on the paper and what you are writing, forgetting about the existence of all surrounded world. Think carefully how much time you need for writing and try to control your time.
So, here are four main steps you need to do before start completing your assignment:
- Brainstorm and note down ideas
- Organize ideas
- Avoid all the distraction
- Control the time
Tips how to perfectly write a college assignment paper
If you are interested in how to write an assignment for college and receive the perfect mark, you will find useful the following tips.
- Do not procrastinate. The worst thing is to do nothing but thinking how complicated the task is and how badly you want to complete it. Just sit and start doing it for five minutes. The beginning is always the hardest part, and if you have found the strength to start, you can be sure that you will easily complete the whole paper.
- Divide the process into the time periods. You can’t be effective when you are intensively working for a long period of the time without any breaks. Your mind will be completely exhausted and stop properly generating the ideas. Decide when you will have the break for several minutes and enjoy your cup of coffee.
- Make sure you understand the assignment properly. You will be extremely disappointed when you find out that you were completing the wrong task. Think about your precious time and energy and examine the requirements properly. If you do not understand anything, you can always ask your instructor. You need to be completely sure that you know what to include in your assignment.
- Set the real goals that you can achieve. You need to have a plan, but you need to have a manageable plan. There is no use from the plan that is impossible to be completed. Think carefully about what steps your work will have and try to distinguish how much time each of them will take. Divide all the process into the smaller goals as they will be completed faster and the work will seem easier to you. Too big goals make the process more complicated and not clear enough. | https://anyassignment.com/articles/how-to-write-an-assignment-for-college-89799/ | 981 | Education | 3 | en | 1 |
The Four Temperaments personality system attempts to describe a person's overall attitude towards problems, other people, and life in general in a very broad way.
They aren't meant to describe every detail of a person, such as their favourite flavour of ice cream or their mother's maiden name; rather, they just describe a person's overall attitude.
Like how defining someone as a 'woman' communicates useful information without making the individual any less unique.
There are four temperaments, which are combined into twelve pairs called 'blends'. Each person has one of these blends that fits how they are most of the time; it is constant throughout life, not a shifting mood. Temperaments don't change according to circumstances; rather, they determine how we react to situations.
The Four Temperaments originated in ancient times, and were known as the 'four humours'.
It was believed that your personality was determined by the balance of black bile, phlegm, yellow bile, and blood in your body, which is how the temperaments get their archaic and rather gory-sounding names.
This is, as we know now, pure rubbish; our bodily juices don't determine who we are.
However, while they were wrong about the cause, the observations about personalities do still hold some value.
It's sort of like how the Ancient Egyptians believed that the sun rose because it was rolled into the sky by a giant invisible dung beetle. The fact that they were wrong about the beetle bit doesn't mean that the sun doesn't rise.
Their knowledge of the sun's journey was detailed and accurate enough that they could use sundails and make calendars. Just because they were dead wrong about the cause doesn't mean that their knowledge of the effect was wrong too.
The temperaments are a way of classifying peoples' emotional attitudes, the foundations of their personality. They apply in a very broad strokes way - that is, they are vague rather than specific and detailed - and make no attempt to identify every detail of a person's personality.
They are words like 'mammal' or 'reptile', not words like 'dog' or 'rattlesnake'.
'Personality' and 'temperament' are not synonymous. Temperaments are merely one of many facets of a person's overall personality.
Two people may have identical temperaments, but could be completely different in every other way.
Many works of fiction will in fact have a Hero and a Villain who have identical temperaments, but who could never be said to be similar people.
They are easily recognised, once you know the patterns; you needn't know a person for longer than five minutes in order to at least get an idea of their temperaments.
This is like how you can tell whether someone's male or female at a glance, usually. Knowing their gender will give you an idea about their personality, but it won't come close to showing you every detail about them.
Similarly, two women will technically share the same anatomy, which is why they can be classed together as 'women', but they will differ in every detail. The sizes and shapes of their parts set them apart as individuals, in the same way that two people of the same temperaments will be set apart as individuals by the intensity of their temperamental traits.
As humans, we all have access to a wide spectrum of different emotions. We all get angry, happy, sad, and so on. We all wish at times to be around others, or to be alone. The temperaments are determined by the balance of these emotions.
For example, the choleric temperament is more prone to anger than the other temperaments. However, we all get angry from time to time. Being angry and being choleric are NOT synonymous. If you are angry, it does not mean that you are 'being choleric right now'. If you are angered easily and frequently, however, then THAT is probably a sign that you are choleric.
There are only four temperaments, but that's a very limiting number, so it's more useful to describe people in terms of temperament blends.
These blends consist of a primary and secondary temperament, such as MelancholicPhlegmatic or CholericSanguine. The order is important; a MelancholicPhlegmatic blend is noticeably different to a PhlegmaticMelancholic one.
The primary temperament describes the most obvious part of a person's personality, while the secondary one just serves to flesh it out in more detail.
They're called 'blends' and not 'pairs' for a reason. A MelancholicCholeric person does not have a 'melancholic half' and a 'choleric half', as if inhabited by two different people.
This is like how purple light is made up of red and blue, but it can't be said to have a 'red side' or to be 'blue sometimes'. The blended colour is distinct from both blue and red and neither can be isolated, despite it being made from them both.
Temperaments are not passing moods, or phases in our attitudes. They are the foundation of our emotional natures, which stay constant throughout life (barring perhaps severe brain injury), from birth until death, even though every other aspect of our personality may change.
Remember, temperaments are only one of many facets of a person's personality!
This is like how - as a fully grown adult - you may build muscles, get a tan, wear different clothes, get a different hairstyle, and so on, but your skeleton will not change through any of this; you won't grow any taller. You won't change sex or eye colour either.
Our views, our beliefs, our tastes, our confidence levels... All these things DO change while staying bound to a fundamental temperament. The temperament affects how these things change.
For example, if subjected to abuse, a choleric person might become aggressive towards others in order to express their built-up anger and to have control and dominance that they cannot have around their abuser. A phlegmatic person put through the same abuse might become self-destructive or catatonic. The same stimulus affects people in different ways due to their temperaments.
Temperaments are determined by nature, not nurture.
While you could get a vague idea of a person's interests or behaviour from their temperaments, they cannot be used to predict such things with any kind of certainty.
However, they can be used to understand *why* a person did a specific thing, and they determine their approach to a specific situation.
For example, in response to teasing, a phlegmatic person might retreat within themselves and cry, because they are shy, sensitive and submissive, while a choleric person might start a fight, as they are bold, domineering, proud, and aggressive.
Temperaments should be seen as 'wholes', rather than lists of parts. They can be described using traits, but they are not determined by traits.
You must connect the dots to see the bigger picture when determining temperament. You'll probably find that you have traits from them all, but only the overall description of two of them will fit.
All snow is white, but not everything that's white is snow.
Melancholics are sensitive, but being sensitive does not make you 'part melancholic'.
There's not really such a thing as a 'choleric trait'; the choleric temperament can be described using a list of traits, but a person is not 'part choleric' just because they have one single trait from that list.
Let's say you describe an animal using the following list of traits: 'pointed ears, long, fast legs, a long face, short fur, and a mane on its neck'.
From combining those traits into one *whole*, you'd get something like a horse.
However, taking one in isolation - say, 'pointy ears' - doesn't work; cats have pointy ears, but are not horses. Nor are they 'part horse' (ignoring biological shared ancestry), since the word 'horse' is not used in that way.
Similiarly, losing a leg doesn't make a horse into a different animal. Lacking a common trait of a temperament does not mean that you aren't that temperament if you do fit the 'whole picture'.
A common objection to the very idea of temperaments follows this form:
"People are too complex to be described with simple labels like this."
"That dog has pointed ears, so it's part horse... Oh, but it has paws, so it's part cat! Its fur is long; it's part bear! It has teeth; it's part lizard! It's part every animal, so it can't be defined within the confines of a single label! It is far too complex!"
Some people oppose and reject personality systems because they feel that they cheapen individuality, that everyone's far too special to be categorised in this way.
However, having a vague understanding of personality types can be extremely useful in your interactions with others, not to mention that you'll learn more about yourself and how others may see you, or why you do the things that you do.
Different temperaments react to things in different ways, and understanding how to interact with others in a way that they are receptive to is the key to getting along with them and making them happy.
For example, choleric people expect to prove themselves by being challenged, and they challenge others rather confrontationally because of this.
Other cholerics will respond well, and friendships may form as the two cholerics come to respect eachothers' strength.
However, phlegmatics respond very poorly to being challenged as they've absolutely no desire to 'prove themselves'. They prefer nice, gentle friendliness, and get along best with people who do not threaten them.
If the choleric person was to approach a phlegmatic in they way he'd like to be approached - by challenging them - they'd just get upset and scared, and he'd end up frustrated because he didn't know what he did wrong.
If however he approached them with gentle kindness, approaching them on *their* terms, then they'd be much more likely to respond positively.
Most people will naturally assume that others work just like themselves, on a fundamental level, so that they do things for the same reason that they would, or that they SHOULD do the things that they themselves would enjoy. This can end to rivalries between people purely because of their innate differences.
A CholericSanguine might say to a MelancholicPhlegmatic:
"Take a chill pill, get a life. Get over yourself. Grow a thicker skin. Stop complaining so much."
Who may reply:
"I wish you wouldn't be so aggressive, that you'd care more about the feelings of those you interact with... D:"
They are simply seeing the world from completely different perspectives, each believing that their way is best and criticising those who do not follow it.
Being aware that we are all so different allows us to understand and tolerate the different attitudes of others more easily... hopefully!
All music is unique. It can't be sorted into genres. Genres do music an injustice.
Are all pieces of rock music identical?
No, obviously they're not.
But they have enough in common to be classified under a shared label, which serves as a convenience. It tells you a lot about the music so then you'll know what someone means when they say they like 'rock', but knowing that a song falls under the 'rock' genre will not mean that you know its every note before you hear it.
You'd never mistake a piece of Rock music for Classical, though (even if something like 'symphonic rock' has 'classical influences').
If you don't like the music genres analogy, consider animal classification. There are all kinds of animals, and it can be difficult to classify them on a species level. However, words like 'mammal', 'reptile', 'fish' and 'insect' allow us to convey a lot of information about their bodily structures without being specific.
Dogs and bears are both mammals, but this doesn't make them identical. Fred and Bob might both be melancholic/choleric, but this doesn't make them identical either.
It is possible for something to be classified under a label without it being any less unique.
We are all unique individuals, and the temperaments in no way attempt to undermine this abundantly clear fact.
Two people with identical temperaments probably won't be very similar people at all, as their upbringing and life experiences will have affected them in very different ways.
The temperaments attempt only to give convenient labels to a single *facet* of a person's personality. They make no attempt to define a person wholly.
Temperaments are labels that conveniently convey complex concepts concisely.
The words 'conservative' and 'liberal', for example, say a whole lot about the people they're used to label, but nobody would suggest that they define a person's entire personality. It allows you to say 'I am a liberal' or 'I don't like conservatives', and people will know what you mean, rather than having to list all the political views you like, dislike or hold in an exhaustive and tedious way.
It may interest you to know that while every snowflake is unique, they too can have their shapes classified into a handful of different general types.
Some models of the Temperaments concept add a fifth temperament - 'Supine' - to the mix.
I don't use this as I don't feel it's necessary. 'Supine' becomes the name for the Phlegmatic described on this site, and the name 'Phlegmatic' goes to a different 'middle of the road' temperament which is similar to the Phlegmatic/Choleric or Choleric/Phlegmatic blends.
With blends, it's unnecessary to have five temperaments, as the number is effectively brought to twelve instead. | http://temperaments.fighunter.com/?page=about | 2,943 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999994 |
Monday, July 3, was the hottest day ever recorded globally, according to data from the United States National Centers for Environmental Prediction.
The average global temperature reached 17.01 degrees Celsius (62.62 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the August 2016 record of 16.92C (62.46F) as summer heats up across the Northern Hemisphere.
Authorities have reported an uptick in heat-related deaths as temperatures exceed 40C (104F) in many places this summer.
Highest temperatures ever recorded
Currently, the highest officially registered temperature is 56.7C (134F), recorded in California’s Death Valley back in 1913. The hottest known temperature in Africa is 55C (131F), recorded in Kebili, Tunisia in 1931. Iran holds the record for Asia’s hottest official temperature of 54C (129F), which it recorded in 2017.
The highest temperature ever recorded in Europe was 48.8C (119.8F) on the Italian island of Sicily on August 11, 2021. On July 19, 2022, The United Kingdom recorded its highest-ever temperature, reaching 40.2C (104.4F), according to its Meteorological Office.
In 2020, Seymour Island in Antarctica recorded a maximum temperature of 20.7C (69.3F). According to the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula have risen by nearly 3C (5.4F) over the past 50 years.
The map below shows the hottest temperatures ever recorded in each country around the world. At least 22 countries have recorded maximum temperatures of 50C (122F) or above.
How temperature is measured
The temperature that you see on the news or the weather app on your phone relies on a network of weather stations positioned around the globe.
To ensure accurate readings, weather stations use specialist platinum resistance thermometers placed in shaded instruments known as a Stevenson screen at a height of 1.25-2 metres (4-6 feet) above the ground.
There are two well-known scales used to measure temperature: Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Only a few countries, including the United States, use Fahrenheit as their official scale. Most of the rest of the world uses the Celsius scale named after Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius who invented the 0-100 degree freezing and boiling point scale in 1742.
The world is getting hotter
Earth’s global average surface temperature in 2020 tied with 2016 as the warmest year on record. Collectively, the past eight years have been the warmest since modern record-keeping began in the 1880s, according to NASA.
This annual temperature data makes up the global temperature record, which tells scientists the planet is warming.
According to NASA’s temperature record, Earth’s average surface temperature in 2022 tied with 2015 as the fifth warmest on record. | https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/7/5/what-is-the-highest-temperature-ever-recorded-in-your-country-2 | 590 | Politics | 4 | en | 0.999943 |
What Is a Startup?
The term "startup" refers to a company in the early stages of its operations. Startups are founded by one or more entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service for which they believe there is demand.
These companies generally launch with high costs and limited revenue, which is why they look for capital from a variety of sources such as angel investors and venture capitalists.
Startups typically require several years to make a profit, so significant, high-risk investments typically are needed to get one off the ground.
- A startup is a company that's in the initial stages of business.
- Founders normally finance their startups and may attempt to attract outside investment before they get off the ground.
- Funding sources include family and friends, angel investors, venture capitalists, crowdfunding, and loans.
- Startups must also consider their legal structure and where they'll do business.
- Startups come with a high risk of failure, but they can also be unique places to work with good benefits, a focus on innovation, and great opportunities to learn.
Startups are companies or ventures that are focused on a single product or service that the founders want to bring to market.
These companies typically don't have a fully developed business model and, crucially, lack adequate capital to move on to the next phase of business. Most of these companies are initially funded by their founders.
Many startups turn to others for additional financing, including family and friends. Silicon Valley is known for its strong venture capitalist community and is a popular destination for startups. However, it is widely considered the most demanding arena, as well.
Startups can use seed capital to invest in research and to develop their business plans. Market research helps determine the demand for a product or service. A comprehensive business plan outlines the company's mission statement, vision, and goals, as well as management and marketing strategies.
The first few years are very important for startups. Entrepreneurs should use this time to concentrate on raising capital and developing a business model.
There are a number of different factors that entrepreneurs must think of as they try to get their new business off the ground and begin operations. We've listed some of the most common ones below.
Location can make or break any business. It's often one of the most important considerations for anyone starting up in the business world. Startups must decide whether their business will operate online, in a brick-and-mortar office or home office, or in a store. The location depends on the product or service being offered.
For example, a technology startup selling virtual reality hardware may need a physical storefront to give customers a face-to-face demonstration of the product's new and perhaps complex features. Working with people in person can also help develop the relationships that can drive the purchase of what may be expensive items.
Startups need to consider what legal structure best fits their entity. A sole proprietorship is suited for a founder who is also the key employee of a business.
Partnerships are a viable legal structure for businesses that consist of several people who have joint ownership, and they're also fairly straightforward to establish. Personal liability can be reduced by registering a startup as a limited liability company (LLC).
Startups often raise funds by turning to family and friends or by using venture capitalists. Venture capitalists are professional investors that specialize in funding startups.
Crowdfunding has become a viable way for many people to get access to the cash they need to move forward in the business process. The entrepreneur sets up a crowdfunding page online, allowing people who believe in the company to donate money.
Startups also may use credit to commence their operations. A perfect credit history may help you get a line of credit. Of course, as this is debt that needs to be repaid and often comes with a sizeable interest rate, this option carries the most risk, particularly if the startup is unsuccessful.
Other companies choose small business loans to help fuel growth. Banks typically have several specialized options available for small businesses. For instance, a microloan is a short-term, low-interest product tailored for startups. A detailed business plan is often required in order to qualify.
The percentage of new businesses that survive within five years of launch.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Startups
There are a variety of advantages to working for a startup:
- You may have more responsibility and greater opportunities to learn. As startups have fewer employees than large, established companies, employees tend to wear many hats, which leads to more work experience and chances to build knowledge.
- Startups tend to be more relaxed in nature, making the workplace more of a communal experience.
- Many offer flexible hours and increased employee interaction.
- Since startups tend to be cash-poor, they often provide a large amount of delayed compensation in the form of stock options, which can gain significant value if the company goes public.
- Work can be rewarding as innovation is welcomed and managers allow talented employees to run with ideas with little supervision.
One of the primary disadvantages of a startup is increased risk. This primarily applies to the success and longevity of a startup.
- New businesses need to prove themselves and raise capital before they can start turning a profit.
- Keeping investors happy with the startup's progress is critical. The risk of shutting down or not having enough capital to continue operations before turning a profit is ever-present.
- Long hours are characteristic as everyone is working toward the same goal—to see the startup succeed.
- Employees may experience high levels of stress and compensation that isn't commensurate with the hours worked.
- Competition between startups may be intense because more than one company may be working on the same ideas.
More opportunities to learn
Innovation is encouraged
Risk of failure
Having to raise capital
Competitive business environment
Examples of Startups
Dotcoms were a common startup in the 1990s. Venture capital was extremely easy to obtain during this time due to a frenzy among investors to speculate on the emergence of these new businesses.
Unfortunately, most of these internet startups eventually went bust due to major flaws in their business plans, such as lacking a path to sustainable revenue. However, a handful of companies survived when the dotcom bubble burst. Amazon (AMZN) and eBay (EBAY) are just two examples.
Many startups fail within the first few years. That's why this initial period is important. Entrepreneurs need to find money, create a business model and business plan, hire key personnel, work out intricate details such as equity stakes for partners and investors, and plan for the long run.
Many of today's most successful companies—Microsoft (MSFT), Apple (AAPL), and Meta (META), formerly Facebook, to name a few—began as startups and ended up becoming publicly traded companies.
How Do You Start a Startup Company?
The first step is to have a great idea. From there, market research is the next step to determine how feasible the idea is and how it may fit in the current marketplace. After the market research, you'll need to create a business plan that outlines your company structure, goals, mission, values, and objectives.
One of the most important steps is obtaining funding. This money can come from savings, friends, family, investors, or a loan. After raising funds, make sure you've handled all legal matters and paperwork. This means registering your business and obtaining any required licenses or permits. After this, establish a business location. From there, create an advertising plan to attract customers, establish a customer base, and adapt as your business grows.
How Do You Get a Startup Business Loan?
A startup can obtain a loan from a bank, certain organizations, or friends and family. One of the best and first options should be working with the U.S. Small Business Administration, which provides microloans to small businesses. These loans are usually from nonprofit community lenders and can be easier to obtain than traditional loans from banks.
What Are the Benefits of Working for a Startup?
The benefits of working at a startup include greater opportunities to learn about your specific business and business in general, increased responsibility, flexible work hours, a relaxed work environment, increased employee interaction, good workplace benefits, and innovation.
How Do You Value a Startup Company?
Valuing a startup can be difficult as startups don't usually have revenue to show or the marketplace longevity by which to measure success. They usually don't generate profits for a few years after starting. As such, using the traditional financial statement metrics for valuations doesn't apply. Some of the best ways to value a startup include the cost to duplicate, market multiples, discounted cash flow, and valuation by stage.
The Bottom Line
Starting a company can be a difficult but rewarding venture. Having a great idea and attempting to bring it to market comes with a host of challenges, such as attracting capital, employees, marketing, legal work, and managing finances. Keep in mind, though, that startups can lead to major job satisfaction and the possibility of leaving a legacy. | https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/startup.asp#:~:text=The%20term%20startup%20refers%20to | 1,867 | Business | 3 | en | 0.99999 |
Home remedies for asthma can play a vital role in keeping symptoms under check. Benefits range from simply identifying triggers to making lifestyle adjustments.
Asthma is a disease that causes inflammation in the airways in the lungs. The resulting swelling and narrowing of the airways make it harder to breathe, as do the increased levels of mucus and tightening muscles around the airways.
All of these effects can happen at once and continue to get more intense, leading to what people often call an asthma “attack.” During an asthma attack, the lungs do not get enough oxygen, so the person feels short of breath. They often cough, gasp, wheeze, and feel a tightness in their chest.
Read also: Denmark to Cull Millions of Minks to Prevent The Spread of COVID-19
People with asthma, of whom there are more than 24 million in the United States, may sometimes need to go to the hospital or stay home from work, and the condition can even be fatal.The importance of self-care
The importance of self-care
Asthma is a chronic disease, which means that there is no cure. However, people can often manage it with a combination of daily and rescue medications.
In addition, self-care is important for people with asthma. Individual responsibility and action are essential for the prevention of attacks. In combination with a medically sound asthma action plan, home remedies for asthma can be very helpful and play an important role in keeping it under control.
Identifying and eliminating triggers
One of the most effective home remedies for asthma is identifying and eliminating triggers for asthma attacks. These triggers vary from person to person, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that the following are common:
- smoke, especially from tobacco, but also from burning wood or grass
- household pets, including dogs and cats
- dust mites
- air pollution
- being sick with a respiratory infection, such as influenza
- emotional stress
- cold air
Once a person knows what their asthma triggers are, they can take action to avoid them by, for example:
- refraining from smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
- using allergy-proof bedding, and washing and drying it weekly
- vacuuming regularly
- using airtight food storage to keep pests away and cleaning storage and dining areas frequently
- tracking air quality forecasts and changing plans to accommodate low air quality
- having an air filter in the bedroom
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, these healthful habits can help people manage their asthma:
- quitting smoking, if a smoker
- reaching or maintaining a moderate weight
- being physically active
- getting enough sleep
- practicing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing
Research indicates that yoga can be an effective home remedy for asthma. Data showed that participants with asthma who practiced physical yoga poses called Asanas, yoga breathing practices called Pranayama, and meditation had:
- reduced frequency of asthma attacks
- fewer asthma symptoms
- enhanced lung capacity
- improved blood flow
- better response to medication
Herbal remedies and supplements
According to experts, in 2012, 21.2% of adults and 7.2% of children with asthma in the U.S. used herbs, nonvitamin dietary supplements, or both to manage their condition. Although there is no reliable scientific evidence of their efficacy, the most common choices were:
- fish oil
Researchers have identified other natural products that people commonly use as home remedies for asthma. Again, there is not much scientific evidence to support them, but they include:
- over-the-counter (OTC) chest rubs, especially for children, frequently comprising eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor
- herbal therapies, such as chamomile, mint, and echinacea
It is important to use home remedies for asthma with caution because even OTC and so-called natural products can be dangerous for some people or in specific situations or combinations. People who are not aware of these hazards can put themselves at risk.
Experts point out that popular herbs, such as echinacea and chamomile, are members of the ragweed family. If people who are sensitive to ragweed use these herbs to manage their asthma symptoms, they may find themselves getting worse instead.
Other known and yet often unexpected side effects associated with home remedies for asthma include ephedra having a synergistic cardiovascular effect with albuterol (Ventolin) and some kinds of black licorice prolonging the half-life of corticosteroids.
People should discuss all aspects of managing their asthma with their healthcare providers and use caution when considering home remedies for asthma. Just because a treatment is popular does not mean that it is safe or effective.
For example, the American Lung Association reported research showing that soy isoflavone supplements, while popular, do not provide any benefits for people with asthma. | https://naturenews.africa/6-home-remedies-for-combating-asthma/ | 1,022 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999985 |
1. ISAAC NEWTON'S LAW OF UNIVERSAL GRAVITATION
Newton's laws explains why the planet move the way they do, and how gravity works, both on Earth and throughout the universe. First published in the principia in July 1687, the law of Universal Gravitation was the defacto reference equation for nearly 200 years until Einstein's theory of General Relativity replaced it.
2. ALBERT EINSTEIN'S THEORY OF RELATIVITY
Einstein's most famous undertaking is the generally accepted theory on relationships between space and time. First proposed in 1905, the theory of Relativity has both radically altered the course of physics, and deepened our knowledge of universe's past, present and future.
3. THE PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM
The ancient theorem which was first recorded 570-495 B. C is a fundamental principle in Euclidean Geometry,and the basis for the definition of distance between two points. Pythagora's theorem also describes the relationship between the sides of a right triangle on a flat plane.
4. MAXWELL'S EQUATION
James Clerk Maxwell's set of equations describes how electric and magnetic fields are generated and altered, both by each other and by charges and currents . First published between 1861 & 1862 ,they are to classical electromagnetism what Newton's laws of motion and universal gravitation are to classical mechanics.
5. THE SECOND LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS
Rudolf Claudius' law states that the energy always flow s from higher concentrations to lower concentrations .it also states that whenever energy changes or moves, it becomes less useful. Formulated in 1865, it has led to the development of technologies like internal combustion engines, cryogenics and electricity generation.
Logarithms were introduced by John Napier in the early 17th century as a way to simplify calculations. They answer the questions "How many X number we multiply to get Y numbers? " Logarithms were adopted by early navigators, scientists and engineers. Today, scientific calculators and digital computers do the work for us.
The calculation shown is the definition of the derivatives in differential calculus, one of calculus'two major branches. The derivatives measures the rate at which a quantity is changing. If you are working 2km an hour, then you will change your position by 2km every hour. In the 1600s Newton used calculus to develop his laws of motion and gravitation.
8. SCHRODINGER'S EQUATION
This equation describes how the quantum state of a quantum system changes with time. Developed by an Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger in 1926, it governs the behaviour of atoms and subatomic particles in quantum mechanics. Schrodinger equation paved the way for nuclear power,microchip,electron microscope and quantum computing.
9. INFORMATION THEORY
This is a branch of mathematics that studies the coding of information in the form of sequences of symbols and the speed at which that information can be transmitted. Applications of topics within information theory include data compressing and channel coding. Research in the field was also instrumental in the development of the internet and mobile phones.
10. CHAOS THEORY
This is a branch of mathematics that studies complex system whose behavior is extremely sensitive to slight changes in conditions. In essence,it shows how small alterations can lead to consequences of much greater scale. Chaos theory has application just about everywhere e.g meteorology sociology, physics,computer science, engineering, economics, biology, philosophy.
Kindly Join our Telegram channel & active group chats to get quicker access to the latest tech news, mobile tips, free airtime codes and free browsing cheats
Telegram Channel: Subscribe Here
WhatsApp Channel: Follow Here
Whatsapp Group: Join Here
Telegram Group: Join Here
We are now on Mi Community for those that uses Xiaomi devices. Follow us now.
Mi Community: Click Here
Follow us on Instagram
Instagram: Join Here
Subscribe to Watch our Tech Tutorial Videos on YouTube.
YouTube: Subscribe Here
Make Sure you tick the "Notify me" box, so that you get notified when the admin responds to your comments or questions. | http://www.dominzyloaded.com/2017/09/10-equations-that-changed-world.html | 876 | Education | 3 | en | 0.999983 |
Motorists could be driving beer-powered cars within a few years after scientists found a way to turn ethanol into super-fuel.
Ethanol, the alcohol found in wine, gin, brandy and lager(beer), is one of the most widely used alternatives to petrol and diesel(petrol currently sold in America is typically 10 per cent ethanol)
But ethanol is a poor replacement because it has a low energy density, it mixes too easily with water, it has the potential to damage car engines and existing cars must be modified.
Now Chemists at the University of Bristol have developed a technique that turns this ethanol into butanol, which packs a bigger energy. Butanol is a far superior fuel alternative, but until now was tricky to make from sustainable sources.
One of the great benefits of using butanol as a fuel is that it can be used in existing petrol engines with no or little modification.Experts predicts it could be the main fuel source for transportation by 2022.
The researchers tested their process on a range of supermarket alcohol and found lager (beer) has most potential as a petrol replacement, because it can be brewed quickly and cheaply on a mass scale. It would take five cans of beer to make enough butanol to travel one mile and 2,500 cans to fill a typical 50 litres fuel tank.
The team will now build a large-scale version of their technology, which could take up to five years even if it runs smoothly.
Are you impressed with the breakthrough?
Let’s know in the comments box below. | https://autojosh.com/cars-run-fuel-made-beer-2022-scientific-breakthrough/ | 318 | Car Talk | 3 | en | 0.999973 |
Preparing for the Geography section of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam can be a difficult task, but with the right resources and practice, success is within reach. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a set of frequently repeated past questions to help you sharpen your skills and boost your confidence for the big day.
Here are some multiple choice questions on geography along with answers and explanations:
Which of the following best describes the process of erosion?
a) The movement of weathered material
b) The deposition of sediments
c) The formation of metamorphic rocks
d) The cooling of magma
Answer: a) The movement of weathered material
Explanation: Erosion refers to the process by which weathered material, such as soil and rock fragments, is transported from one place to another by natural agents like water, wind, or ice.
The Earth’s equator divides it into how many hemispheres?
Answer: a) Two
Explanation: The equator divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere.
Which of the following is not a type of plate boundary?
a) Convergent boundary
b) Divergent boundary
c) Parallel boundary
d) Transform boundary
Answer: c) Parallel boundary
Explanation: Plate boundaries are the edges where tectonic plates meet and interact. The three main types are convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.
What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming?
c) Carbon dioxide
Answer: c) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.
Which of the following is not a renewable source of energy?
a) Solar energy
b) Wind energy
d) Hydroelectric energy
Answer: c) Coal
Explanation: Coal is a non-renewable source of energy because it is formed from the remains of plants and animals over millions of years and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan.
What is the largest ocean on Earth?
a) Atlantic Ocean
b) Indian Ocean
c) Pacific Ocean
d) Arctic Ocean
Answer: c) Pacific Ocean
Explanation: The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest ocean on Earth, covering more area than all the continents combined.
Which of the following is a landform created by glacial erosion?
Answer: d) Fjord
Explanation: A fjord is a long, narrow inlet with steep cliffs or slopes created by glacial erosion during the Ice Age.
What is the term for the process by which water vapor changes into liquid water?
Answer: a) Condensation
Explanation: Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds or dew.
Which of the following is a major factor influencing climate?
d) Wind direction
Answer: a) Latitude
Explanation: Latitude, or the distance from the equator, is a major factor influencing climate because it determines the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, affecting temperature and weather patterns.
What is the term for the shifting of Earth’s tectonic plates resulting in earthquakes?
c) Plate tectonics
Answer: c) Plate tectonics
Explanation: Plate tectonics is the theory that Earth’s outer shell is divided into several large plates that move and interact with each other, resulting in phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain formation.
What is the primary cause of desertification?
c) Climate change
d) Soil erosion
Answer: d) Soil erosion
Explanation: Desertification is primarily caused by soil erosion, which can result from overgrazing, deforestation, and improper agricultural practices, leading to the degradation of land into desert-like conditions.
Which of the following rivers is the longest in the world?
a) Nile River
b) Amazon River
c) Yangtze River
d) Mississippi River
Answer: a) Nile River
Explanation: The Nile River is widely considered the longest river in the world, with a length of approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles).
What is the term for a large, bowl-shaped depression typically formed by the collapse of a volcano?
Answer: d) Caldera
Explanation: A caldera is a large, bowl-shaped depression that forms when the magma chamber of a volcano empties during an eruption, causing the summit to collapse inward.
Which of the following is not a type of rock?
Answer: d) Subterranean
Explanation: Subterranean refers to something existing, occurring, or done underground, while igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary are all types of rocks based on their formation processes.
What is the process by which water returns to the atmosphere from the Earth’s surface?
Answer: b) Evaporation
Explanation: Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor) and returns to the atmosphere from the Earth’s surface, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers.
Which of the following is not a type of map projection?
Answer: c) Cartesian
Explanation: Cartesian is not a type of map projection. Mercator, Robinson, and Peters are all examples of map projections used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map.
The term “El Niño” refers to:
a) A type of volcanic eruption
b) A warm ocean current in the Pacific Ocean
c) A periodic climate phenomenon characterized by warm ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific
d) A geological fault line in the Pacific Ring of Fire
Answer: c) A periodic climate phenomenon characterized by warm ocean temperatures in the eastern Pacific
Explanation: El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the periodic warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean.
Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
a) Natural gas
c) Solar energy
Answer: c) Solar energy
Explanation: Solar energy is a renewable resource derived from the sun’s radiation, which can be harnessed using solar panels to generate electricity.
The Amazon Rainforest is primarily located in which continent?
a) South America
Answer: a) South America
Explanation: The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is primarily located in South America, spanning across several countries including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and others.
The process of soil being carried away by wind or water is known as:
Answer: a) Erosion
Explanation: Erosion is the process by which soil and rock particles are loosened and carried away by natural agents such as wind, water, or ice.
The highest mountain peak in the world is:
a) Mount Everest
Answer: a) Mount Everest
Explanation: Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas on the border between Nepal and China, is the highest mountain peak in the world, standing at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level.
The study of the Earth’s physical features, climate, and natural resources is known as:
Answer: d) Geography
Explanation: Geography is the study of the Earth’s physical features, climate, and natural resources, as well as human populations, their cultures, and the interactions between them.
The process by which water vapor in the atmosphere cools and forms clouds is known as:
Answer: b) Condensation
Explanation: Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere cools and changes into liquid water, forming clouds, fog, or dew.
The term “tundra” refers to:
a) A type of tropical rainforest
b) A cold, treeless biome with low-growing vegetation
c) A desert characterized by sand dunes
d) A grassland with tall grasses and scattered trees
Answer: b) A cold, treeless biome with low-growing vegetation
Explanation: Tundra is a biome characterized by cold temperatures, permafrost, and low-growing vegetation such as mosses, lichens, and shrubs. It is found in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the:
a) Pacific Ocean
b) Indian Ocean
c) Atlantic Ocean
d) Southern Ocean
Answer: c) Atlantic Ocean
Explanation: The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the eastern coast of North America before crossing the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe.
1. Multiple Choice Questions:
a) Which of the following is not a type of plate boundary?
i) Convergent boundary
ii) Divergent boundary
iii) Transform boundary
iv) Continental boundary
b) The study of the Earth’s atmosphere and its phenomena is known as:
c) Which of the following is an example of a primary economic activity?
d) The highest mountain peak in Africa is:
i) Mount Everest
ii) Mount Kilimanjaro
iii) Mount McKinley
iv) Mount Fuji
2. Fill in the Blanks:
a) The capital city of Brazil is ____________.
b) The longest river in the world is the ____________.
c) The process of the Earth’s crust being forced upward to form mountains is called ____________.
d) The study of the distribution and interaction of physical and human features on the Earth’s surface is known as ____________.
3. True or False:
a) The Amazon Rainforest is located primarily in Africa. (False)
b) The Great Wall of China is the longest man-made structure on Earth. (True)
c) The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world. (True)
d) Antarctica is the hottest continent on Earth. (False)
These frequently repeated questions are just a glimpse of what you might encounter in the Geography section of the JAMB exam. Use them as a tool to assess your knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and refine your test-taking strategies. Remember to study diligently, stay focused, and approach the exam with confidence. Good luck!
Don’t forget to like share and subscribe for more you can share with your friends. | https://examsoup.com.ng/2024/03/23/jamb-most-frequently-repeated-past-questions-in-geography/ | 2,251 | Education | 4 | en | 0.999865 |
When Dr Clare Gerada, a 60-year-old general practitioner (GP) and former chair of the Royal College of GPs in the UK, recently caught coronavirus, she said it was “the worst I have ever felt” and “worse than childbirth”.
She tested positive for COVID-19 and wrote about her experience of the illness online.
Thankfully Dr Gerada is making a full recovery but hearing first-hand what it is like to have the illness got me thinking about how the virus attacks the body and why it makes us feel so bad.
Why do we get a fever and cough? Where does the sore throat come from and why do some people suffer from diarrhoea? To understand this, we need to understand how the virus takes control of our bodies.
COVID-19 is like all other viruses in that it needs a host – in this case the human body – to help it to reproduce and spread. A virus is basically a piece of genetic material that cannot do much on its own. It has to invade the body of a living creature in order to reproduce – without this it will die.
A virus is not the same as a bacteria, in that it does not need to eat, drink, excrete waste or rest. It has only one job and that is to reproduce by duplicating itself, but it can only do that once it has found a suitable host.
COVID-19 is not the only type of coronavirus there is. Other types of coronavirus include the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV).
All types of coronavirus can be transmitted from animals to people – a characteristic known as being zoonotic. COVID-19 is thought to have originated in a wildlife market in China.
The COVID-19 virus is spherical in shape with a crown or “corona” of club-shaped spikes on its surface, hence its name.
As with all viruses, the COVID-19 coronavirus’s main route of transmission is through droplets. Infected people cough or sneeze these droplets out; they are loaded with viruses and other people either breathe them in or touch a surface on which the droplet has landed, then touch their face and breathe it in and, voila, they have contracted it.
The journey of a coronavirus
Once you have breathed it in, the virus quickly travels to the back of your throat and nose.
The lining of the nose and throat is called the mucosa and this is what those club-shaped spikes attach themselves to before they start getting to work.
When it reaches the back of your nose, the COVID-19 virus will take over your nasal passageway cells. It will get inside them and re-programme them to stop doing whatever job they were doing and focus only on making more COVID-19 viruses.
Once that cell has produced more viruses than it can hold, the viruses will burst out and attach themselves to neighbouring cells, using them in turn as a platform on which to reproduce and the cycle repeats itself.
This destruction of cells in your nose and throat leads to the dry cough and sore throat. The pain you feel is a sign that your cells are in distress and are being destroyed.
Next comes the fever.
By this time, your immune system has realised there is a foreign body inside you. It has taken until now for this to happen because when a new foreign body enters the body, it takes time for your immune system to recognise it and start the immune response. However, when it does, memory cells are also produced which means if the virus tries again in future, your immune system will respond much quicker.
Chemicals called pyrogens are released by the immune system. These instruct your brain to raise your temperature – giving you a high fever of 37.8 Celcius or higher.
The fever helps the body trigger other parts of your immune system to start working and also creates an unfavourable or hostile environment for the virus. There is an argument that fevers actually help fight infection but because they tend to make us feel unwell, we try to bring them down.
The reason that people are reporting feeling so bad with this virus is the rate at which this particular one duplicates itself and its aggressive ability to invade the body.
Thankfully, the fever, cough and possible sore throat are where the symptoms will end for most people. Within five to seven days your immune system will have responded enough to now be able to destroy the virus and you will recover.
When complications occur
There are, however, some people whose immune systems will not be able to respond as quickly and the virus will continue to spread after this stage. These are people who are immunocompromised or have underlying health conditions.
As the virus duplicates and infects more cells in these people’s bodies, it works its way down the airways towards the lungs. Here it invades the cells in the lungs, making it hard for the lungs to do their job of taking in oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. Therefore, your lungs end up working harder and you will feel short of breath.
This is why coronavirus is associated with breathing difficulties – because the cells responsible for our breathing functions are impaired.
People feel their chest tightening; they are unable to get out of bed as the body needs to conserve energy and general aches and pains take hold as the body diverts all energy resources to fighting the infection.
As the COVID-19 virus attacks more and more parts of the lungs, they become inflamed and can start to fill with fluid and pus – you then have pneumonia.
If the lungs swell further and fill with more fluid, the patient may need a ventilator and, sadly, there is a risk of death if the lungs give up altogether.
Some people have reported diarrhoea as one of their symptoms and that is because the Covid-19 virus may be able to get from your nasal passageways and travel as far as your gut, causing problems there too. Even people with mild symptoms may experience diarrhoea.
This means there is a slight risk of passing the virus on through faeces, something that is being urgently investigated by medical professionals right now.
The situation is evolving all the time and we are learning new things about this virus every day. However, it is important to stress that most people will recover with mild to moderate symptoms and will build an immunity to COVID-19. | https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/doctor-note-coronavirus-feel-200323065512541.html | 1,364 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999998 |
To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”
In any organization, communication plays a vital role in its normal function. All tasks require communication of some sort at some level. Communication in an organization helps the managers to perform the basic functions of management which include Planning, Organizing, Motivating and Controlling. Communication skills whether written or oral form the basis of any business activity. Human beings communicate consciously, through our choice of words, and subconsciously, with facial expressions and body language. The words we choose can be affected by several different things, including fear of embarrassment and fear of offending others.
As a result, we often choose words designed more to address those concerns than to communicate our true feelings.
Organizational Communication refers to organizational-related communication skills for effective and participatory communication across business and organizational settings.
It is a subfield of the larger discipline of communication studies. Organizational communication, as a field, is the consideration, analysis, and criticism of the role of communication in organizational contexts.
It is a process by which activities of a society are collected and coordinated to reach the goals of both individuals and the collective group.
It is a subfield of general communications studies and is often a component to effective management in a workplace environment.
The Communication for Governance and Accountability Program (CommGAP) defines Organizational communication according to two approaches: i- The Container Approach - According to which organizational communication can be defined as the transmission of a message through a channel to a receiver.
ii- The Social Constructionist Approach–According to which organizational communication can be defined as the way language is used to create different kinds of social structures, such as relationships, teams, and networks The former definition emphasizes the constraints that are placed on communication given pre-existing organizational structures and the latter definition highlights the creative potential of communication to construct new possibilities for organizing.
Where Communication stands in an organization –
“Without credible communication, and a lot of it, employee hearts and minds are never captured.” (John Kotter) The very success of an organization is built upon effective communication. It establishes relationship between the superior and the subordinate, and the quality of relationship revolves around the nature of communication. As blood flows, it pumps oxygen through the body to sustain life. Likewise, communication is the lifeblood of projects and organizations. The project manager continuously circulates project information from the external stakeholders to the project plan documentation, to the internal stakeholders, to the project plan. This cycle of communication and information flow is iterative and continues throughout the life of the project.
Without it, stakeholders and the project team can be left wondering where things stand and what decisions have been made. A project team flowing with effective communication is empowered to make more contemplative and educated project decisions. Remember, just as blood doesn't flow by itself, neither does communication. Both require interaction on the part of the team and stakeholders. The business of an organization is run on interchange of information, plans, ideas, proposals, use of data and conducting discussions, meetings and research which are all different forms of communicate on.
“Communication skills are the tools we use to remove the barriers to effective communication. The communication process is composed of several stages, each of which offers potential barriers to successful communication.”
Effective verbal and nonverbal communication skills are valuable in the organization. Effective communication causes productivity to increase, errors to decrease and operations to run smoother, some companies spend a lot of money to train their employees on how to effectively communicate. Good communication skills go beyond conversations, but employees must know how to communicate well in written reports and emails. Understanding the benefits of effective communication helps companies place a focus on developing a workforce that is able to communicate within the firm and with customers, vendors and international business partners.
How is it life blood of an organization?
Communication serves as the foundation of every facet of a business. Therefore, it can be said that effective communication is the building block of an organization. It encompasses both "official" communications -- memos, guidelines, policies and procedures, etc. Poor communication within an organization can lead to disastrous effects. It’s true, but poor internal communication has plagued many grass-roots and community-based organizations, and has been the downfall of quite a few. It's tremendously important that your organization foster an atmosphere of openness and create systems that will lead to the freest flow possible of, not only information, but ideas, feelings, and a sense of shared purpose. Interaction between boss and employee:
A project team flowing with effective communication is empowered to make more contemplative and educated project decisions. Remember, just as blood doesn't flow by itself, neither does communication. Both require interaction on the part of the team and stakeholders. In an organization the manager has to read, speak, write, listen, observe and supervise that all are media of communication. He uses letters, reports, proposals and memos for written communication.
Importance of effective Communication in an Organization can be clarified with the following arguments:
Effective communication is vital inside the company because employees can be better motivated and more efficient by it. It helps the employer to know how a job is being performed and to improve performance if it is not up to the mark. Communication is one of the basic features of management. It is instrumental in raising the morale of the employees. It is through communication, Verbal or non-verbal
Advertising In an organization the manager has to read, speak, write, listen, observe and supervise that all are media of communication. He uses letters, reports, proposals and memos for written communication.
Source of information
Communication acts as a source of information and helps in the decision making process and helps in identifying the alternative course of action.
Communication also helps in building people’s attitude. A well informed person will always have better attitude than a less informed person. Different forms of communication like magazines, journals and meetings will help the employees to form different attitudes.
In the current business scenario, no business can survive in isolation. Socializing is very important and communication is the tool that helps in socializing.
Aid in control by the management
Apart from the other functions of management, it also helps in the controlling process of management. It allows the managers to know about the grievances of the subordinates and helps the subordinates to know about the policies of the organization.
Sharing of ideas
In your business career, effective business communication helps you convey your ideas, lead, guide, persuade and motivate your employees. By communication skills you can solve the conflicts between the persons. Success of the business depends on effective communication. Wars, divorces, disputes, losses and bankruptcies are the result of ineffective or miscommunication. All management problems stem from ineffective communication.
The existence of an organization depends upon a number of things like unity of command, delegation of authority and responsibility, teamwork and leadership, each one of which entails a strong support of interpersonal communication.
Interpersonal communication, therefore, becomes the lifeblood of an organization. Fundamentals of interpersonal communication are communicators, message, noise, response, background and channel. Decent interpersonal communication skills support intimate relationship, counseling, selling, management, conflict management.
Effective communication in the workplace helps employees and managers form highly efficient teams. Employees are able to trust each other and management. Effective communication reduces unnecessary competition within departments and helps employees work together harmoniously. The result of a team that works together is high productivity, integrity and responsibility. Employees know their roles on the team and know they are valued. Managers are able to correct employees' mistakes without creating a hostile work environment. A manager who openly communicates with his subordinates can foster positive relationships that benefit the company as a whole.
Feedback lets you gauge how successful you were at communicating. It also offers a chance to adjust your communication process for the future. In any case feedback is invaluable for helping you to improve your communication skills. You can learn what worked well and what didn’t so that you can be more efficient the next time you communicate with that person or the next time you need to communicate a similar message. Communication is one of the basic features of management. It is instrumental in raising the morale of the employees.
How to effectively communicate in an organization:
Our individual perceptions are the ‘filters’ through which we communicate with others. The example can be visual like the famous example of glass and water. What do you see when you look at it. Glass is half filled? Glass is half emptied? Both perspectives are possible, and both are valid. We have to recognize that there is more than one way to perceive the picture. Just like there is usually more than one way to see any situation we encounter.
Your commutation process will not look the same when you communicate with your boss as it is with your friend. The context helps determining the tone and style and style of your communication. Context involves things such as your relationship with your audience, the culture of you Organization and your general environment.
The same words can have very different meanings depending on how we interpret it.
Here is an example,
What is the meaning of the phrase?
A woman without her man is nothing
It sound pretty bad at first glance, doesn’t it? Look again if you add punctuation or change the word emphasis, how does the meaning change?
A Woman, without her, man is nothing.
The words were the same in both cases .But the meaning has now changed completely. So although we think our meaning may be clear when we use specific words in specific order, we can’t always be certain that the person will read or hear them in that way.
“The same words conceal and declare the thoughts of men” (Dionysius Cato 300)
Most conflicts are the result of misunderstood communication. When you become an effective communicator, you can resolve conflict and create harmony by bridging the communication gaps that create conflict. You can even use your skills to mediate conflict between other people.
The importance of communication can never be over-emphasised. Communication is the ‘lifeblood’ of all organizations. The success of a business enterprise is directly proportional to the level of communication maintained by it. Within an organization, effective inter-personal relationships are possible only if communication skills are cultivated. Good communication skills place an organization at the correct slot in the society. The image of an organization depends on its ability to communicate with, the society around it. Thus, communication skills help in establishing, running, producing and marketing of products by commercial establishments. A worker will not be able to turn out a good product and a customer will not buy a product however good it is, until each is convinced to do so through effective communication.
i. Communication for Governance and Accountability Program, (. (2012).Organizational Communication (1st ed., Vol. 1, p. 25). Washington DC: World Bank. ii. Harris, T. (2002). Applied organizational communication: Principles and pragmatics for future practice (2nd ed.). Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. iii. Johnson, R. (1976). Management, systems, and society: An introduction. Pacific Palisades, Calif.: Goodyear Pub. iv. Heath, R. (1994). Management of corporate communication: From interpersonal contacts to external affairs. Hillsdale, N.J.: Erlbaum. v. Effective Communication skills by MTD training
vi. The art of communicating by ERIC GARNER
vii. How to ask what you want at work by Anne Galloway
Why is communication life blood of organization?. (2016, Sep 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/why-is-communication-life-blood-of-organization-essay | https://studymoose.com/why-is-communication-life-blood-of-organization-essay | 2,429 | Education | 3 | en | 0.999979 |
Babalola, Joseph Ayodele (A)
Leader in the Aladura religious movement.
He was born into a Christian family in a small town in the Ilorin district of Nigeria. After attending school in Lagos he became a steam-roller driver for the highways department. One day in 1928 his roller stopped and he had a vision telling him to preach the Gospel. He returned home where he was thought to be mad and was imprisoned briefly. He eventually made his way back to Lagos, where he became associated with the Faith Tabernacle, an independent Yoroba church which had broken from the Anglican Church. During the 1930s he led a revival, which swept parts of Yorubaland, known as the Aladura movement. Although the movement involved no political protest, British officials feared its potential and put pressure on Nigerian chiefs to deny Babalola’s followers land grants. Babalola himself was jailed in 1932, charged with participating in a witch-eradication ordeal. He was released after six months, and remained prominent until his death.
Mark R. Lipschutz and R. Kent Rasmussen
Mitchell, Robert Cameron. “Religious Protest and Social Change: The Origins of the Aladura Movement in Western Nigeria.” In Protest and Power in Black Africa, eds. R. I. Rotberg and A. A. Mazrui, 458-96. New York: Oxford University Press, 1970.
Peel, John D. Y. Aladura: A Religious Movement Among the Yoruba. London: Oxford University Press, 1968.
This article is reproduced, with permission, from Dictionary of African Historical Biography, 2nd edition, copyright © 1986, by Mark R. Lipschutz and R. Kent Rasmussen, University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angeles, California. All rights reserved.
Encyclopaedia Britannica (complete article): Aladura | https://dacb.org/stories/nigeria/babalola-joseph/ | 401 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.99988 |
The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization has issued Interim recommendations for use of the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine against COVID-19 in people aged 18 years and older.
Here is what you need to know.
Who should be vaccinated first?
As with all COVID-19 vaccines, health workers at high risk of exposure and older people should be prioritized for vaccination.
As more vaccine becomes available, additional priority groups should be vaccinated, with attention to people disproportionately affected by COVID-19 or who face health inequities.
Who else can take the vaccine?
The vaccine is safe and effective in people with known medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.
Although further studies are required for immunocompromised persons, people in this category who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated after receiving information and counselling.
Persons living with HIV are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Known HIV-positive vaccine recipients should be provided with information and counselling.
Vaccination can be offered to people who have had COVID-19 in the past. But individuals may wish to defer their own COVID-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The vaccine can be offered to a breastfeeding woman who is part of a group recommended for vaccination (e.g. health workers); discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination is currently not recommended.
Who should not take the vaccine?
While pregnancy puts women at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, the use of this vaccine in pregnant women is currently not recommended, unless they are at risk of high exposure (e.g. health workers).
Individuals with a history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take this or any other mRNA vaccine.
While vaccination is recommended for older persons due to the high risk of severe COVID-19 and death, very frail older persons with an anticipated life expectancy of fewer than 3 months should be individually assessed.
The vaccine should not be administered to persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies.
What’s the recommended dosage?
SAGE recommends the use of the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine at a schedule of two doses (100 µg, 0.5 ml each) 28 days apart. If necessary, the interval between the doses may be extended to 42 days.
Compliance with the full schedule is recommended and the same product should be used for both doses.
Is it safe?
While this vaccine has yet to be approved by WHO for an Emergency Use Listing, it has undergone review by the European Medical Agency (EMA) and consequently meets WHO’s criteria for SAGE consideration.
The EMA has thoroughly assessed the data on the quality, safety and efficacy of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and authorized its use across the European Union.
SAGE recommends that all vaccinees be observed for at least 15 minutes after vaccination. Those who experience an immediate severe allergic reaction to the first dose should not receive additional doses.
Longer-term safety assessment involves continued to follow up of clinical trial participants, as well as specific studies and continued surveillance of secondary effects or adverse events of those being vaccinated in the rollout.
The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety, a group of experts that provides an independent and authoritative guide to the WHO on the topic of safe vaccine use, receives and assesses reports of suspected safety events of potentially international impact.
How efficacious is the vaccine?
The Moderna vaccine has been shown to have an efficacy of approximately 92 per cent in protecting against COVID-19, starting 14 days after the first dose.
Does it work against new variants?
Based on the evidence so far, the new variants of SARS-CoV-2, including the B.1.1.7 and the 501Y.V2, do not alter the effectiveness of the Moderna mRNA vaccine. The monitoring, collection and analysis of data on new variants and their impact on the effectiveness of COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments and vaccines continue.
Does it prevent infection and transmission?
We do not know whether the vaccine will prevent infection and protect against onward transmission. Immunity persists for several months, but the full duration is not yet known. These important questions are being studied.
In the meantime, we must maintain public health measures that work: masking, physical distancing, handwashing, respiratory and cough hygiene, avoiding crowds, and ensuring good ventilation. | https://brandspurng.com/2021/01/29/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-moderna-covid-19-vaccine/ | 967 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999992 |
There are certain difficulties when driving at night that call for additional caution and planning. Even with the advancements in headlight technology and safety measures, driving at night presents certain risks because of decreased visibility, heightened weariness, and the possibility of intoxicated drivers. Whether commuting or traveling long distances, it is imperative to be aware of these risks and to practice safe driving.
The Dangers of Nighttime Driving
According to statistics, driving at night is riskier than driving during the day. The chances of fatal accidents occurring at night is three times higher than during the day, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The following are the main causes of this:
Reduced Visibility: Visibility is only about 500 feet even with high-beam headlights, as opposed to 250 feet with regular headlights. It is more difficult to recognize and respond to possible traffic hazards when visibility is decreased.
Compromised Vision: A driver’s night vision can be affected by various factors, including diminished color recognition, depth perception, and glare from oncoming headlights.
Increased Fatigue: Since humans are inherently diurnal, the daytime hours are when we are most alert and active. Driving at night might make you drowsy and less focused, which raises the possibility of accidents.
Impaired Drivers: The FRSC reports that the rate of alcohol-related fatal accidents is about four times higher at night than it is during the day. Drunk or drugged drivers seriously endanger not just other drivers but also themselves when operating a vehicle.
Strategies for Safe Nighttime Driving
The strategies that follow must be used in order to reduce the dangers related to driving at night:
Maintain Vehicle Visibility: Make sure that your turn signals, taillights, and headlights are all correctly aimed and in good operating order. To reduce glare and enhance visibility, clean your windshield and mirrors.
Adjust Your Driving Behavior: To allow yourself more time to react to potential threats, slow down. To stay focused, steer away from distractions like fiddling with the radio or picking up your phone and keep your eyes moving.
Manage Fatigue: If you start to feel sleepy, stop at a secure area and have a rest. If you can, try switching drivers, opening the window to let some fresh air in, or consuming caffeine, you can get this in energy drinks, coffee or kolanut.
Avoid Risky Situations: Avoid nighttime driving on two-lane highways because of the extremely difficult headlight glare. Choose multi-lane, well-lit roads if at all possible.
Stay Sober: Never use drugs or alcohol while operating a vehicle. Driving while intoxicated greatly raises the chance of accidents and can have disastrous results.
It takes more awareness, prudence, and intelligent decision-making to drive at night. You may drive safely through the night and reach your destination by being aware of the special difficulties and using safe driving techniques. Never forget that your safety and the safety of other drivers should always come first. What are your thoughts on this? Leave a comment below. | https://www.spotdem.com/2024/06/26/how-to-drive-at-night/ | 625 | Car Talk | 3 | en | 0.999939 |
One of the cornerstones of fashion school is learning how to sketch fashion figures. However, as fashion school students learn, there’s a big difference between proper body proportions in art and in fashion.
In art, the body’s proportions are measured in heads. The average figure is about 7-7 1/2 heads, including the actual head, tall.
However, in fashion, the body proportions are elongated in order to better represent the models, who are above average in height. Because of this, the figures become 8-10 heads tall. Though the basic proportions of the fashion figure are about the same — give or take 1/4-1/2 of a head — every illustrator adds their own style to the formula.
If you want to embrace your inner fashion designer, or just want to learn more about what fashion school is like, read on!
Today, I’ll teach you how to sketch a proportionate female fashion figure and how to translate the measurements into a walking pose. Scroll down to learn more:
Table of Contents
Fashion illustration are a key part of a fashion designer’s process for communicating design elements like fit and length of clothing. Fashion sketches can also serve as a mood board for fashion shows, illustrating how designers would want their clothing to look and fit on the models. The use cases don’t stop there though; designers might find themselves using sketches for conveying their own personal flair through different poses or backgrounds. Also, fashion illustration can be a form of art in its own right; fashion illustrators often sell their work as prints these days.
- Ruler (if you want to be extremely precise)
- A sketchpad (duh!)
Draw a line. This is the balance line, a.k.a. the line which determines the body’s center of gravity. The balance line always extends from the base of the neck (where it meets the shoulders) straight to the ground.
Draw a head with the middle of it on the line. To draw a head, sketch a large circle on top with a smaller circle below it. Connect these two on the sides with slightly rounded diagonal lines, as shown in the sketch below.
Measure the head, either with your pencil or the ruler. Using this measurement, draw nine small dashes equal distance apart, then number them from the bottom of the chin (#1) down to the bottom of the feet (#10).
For the top half of the body, draw lines extending from 1 1/2 heads, 2 1/4, 3, 3 1/2, and 4 1/4 heads, as outlined below. These marks are where the shoulders, bust, waist, high hip, and crotch are located, respectively. The elbows are also located with the waist at the 3 heads mark.
Draw the features in, using straight lines: The shoulders on the woman fashion figure are 1 1/2 heads wide, the waist is a head’s width, while the hips should be about 1 1/4 heads wide. Therefore, the woman fashion figure should have an hourglass silhouette.
For the lower half of the body, mark 6 1/2 heads as well as 9 for the knees and ankles, respectively.
Draw the legs by making lines that curve and narrow as they go from the high hip to the knee for the thighs. For the calves, make a smaller cylindrical shape by curving the lines from the knees and then tapering them at the ankles, which jut out slightly on the inner half of each leg.
The thighs (from high hip to knee) and the calves (from knee to ankle) should be the same length.
The last head is for the feet, which begin at the ankle to flare out in diagonal lines for 3/4 of the length of the head before they meet at a point.
Draw the hands similarly. These begin with the wrist at the crotch. The fingers should end a little above the 5 heads mark.
Once you get the proportions down, now it’s time to give the figure movement! There are three crucial components which all fashion figures require: a balance line, a high shoulder, and an opposing high hip.
Start by sketching a new figure. However, this time (after drawing the balance line and putting down the 10 head marks) tilt the shoulder line so that one side is higher. Tilt the high hip, too, but with the opposite side higher.
For example below, I made the right shoulder higher so the left hip would be higher in order to keep the figure balanced. Try it yourself: If you tilt your shoulders, what happens to your hips?
Additionally, by tilting parts of the body, the rest of the body will follow suit. Anything above the high hip will follow the tilt of the shoulders, while everything below will follow the tilt of the hips, however all of these tilts will not be as severe as the shoulders and hips.
There’s one more rule that fashion figures must follow: the leg which comes from the high hip cannot be bent and that foot must touch the balance line. This keeps the figure balanced. Again, you can try this by shifting your weight to one foot . When this happens, the leg supporting all the weight cannot be bent.
Notice the tilts including the subtle differences between the two knees.
Now you can have fun and try drawing your own fashion figures!
To start, find poses to mimic by looking through magazines. To copy the pose, just remember to identify the balance line, the high shoulder, high hip, and the supporting leg (the one which touches the balance line).
Did you know about fashion proportions? Have you heard about measuring the body using heads? Did you find this tutorial helpful? Would you like to learn how to draw some basic poses? Tell me what you think by leaving a comment!
I found this so helpful! I have had many different methods in the past and they all worked wrong. Thank you! I also would like to know if this also applies to plus size designs? if not, could you maybe make one? 🙂
Fashion designing is my top hobby. From a very little age I always drew something which is related to fashion. I tried to take lessons from a professional but could not able to find one to guide me. This article has some amazing lessons. Making the head is so easy I never knew that. Following this steps can make anyone create an female image within a minute. Thanks for the amazing lessons.
Thank you so much I use the your drawing tips in mine https://www.sarvinstyle.com/fashion-figure/
l ask my boss to teach me this And he never did and now I know. God bless u very much.
but plesse, I want to know about the poses in dress. thank u.
its really gret i loved it a lot n it was very helpful..:-) | http://www.collegefashion.net/college-life/how-to-make-fashion-sketches/ | 1,433 | Fashion | 3 | en | 0.999989 |
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
White House Correspondent
Scientists have finally been able to read the oldest biblical text ever found.
The 2,000-year-old scroll has been in the hands of archaeologists for decades. But it hasn’t been possible to read it, since it was too dangerous to open the charred and brittle scroll.
Scientists have now been able to read it, using special imaging technology that can look into what’s inside. And it has found what was in there: the earliest evidence of a biblical text in its standardised form.
The passages, which come from the Book of Leviticus, show the first physical evidence of a long-held belief that the Hebrew Bible that’s in use today has is more than 2,000 years old.
The discovery was announced in an article in Science Advances written by researchers from Kentucky and Jerusalem. It described how the researchers used a tool called “virtual unwrapping”, which provides a 3D digital analysis of an X-ray scan.
By using that, it was the first time that researchers have been able to read an ancient scroll without actually opening it.
"You can't imagine the joy in the lab," said Pnina Shor of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who participated in the study.
The digital technology, funded by Google and the U.S. National Science Foundation, is slated to be released to the public as open source software by the end of next year.
Researchers hope to use the technology to peek inside other ancient documents too fragile to unwrap, like some of the Dead Sea Scrolls and papyrus scrolls carbonized in the Mt. Vesuvius volcano eruption in 79 CE. Researchers believe the technology could also be applied to the fields of forensics, intelligence, and antiquities conservation.
The biblical scroll examined in the study was first discovered by archaeologists in 1970 at Ein Gedi, the site of an ancient Jewish community near the Dead Sea. Inside the ancient synagogue's ark, archaeologists found lumps of scroll fragments.
The synagogue was destroyed in an ancient fire, charring the scrolls. The dry climate of the area kept them preserved, but when archaeologists touched them, the scrolls would begin to disintegrate. So the charred logs were shelved for nearly half a century, with no one knowing what was written inside.
Last year, Yosef Porath, the archaeologist who excavated at Ein Gedi in 1970, walked into the Israel Antiquities Authority's Dead Sea Scrolls preservation lab in Jerusalem with boxes of the charcoal chunks. The lab has been creating hi-resolution images of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the earliest copies of biblical texts ever discovered, and he asked researchers to scan the burned scrolls.
"I looked at him and said, 'you must be joking,"' said Shor, who heads the lab.
She agreed, and a number of burned scrolls were scanned using X-ray-based micro-computed tomography, a 3D version of the CT scans hospitals use to create images of internal body parts. The images were then sent to William Brent Seales, a researcher in the computer science department of the University of Kentucky. Only one of the scrolls could be deciphered.
Using the "virtual unwrapping" technology, he and his team painstakingly captured the three-dimensional shape of the scroll's layers, using a digital triangulated surface mesh to make a virtual rendering of the parts they suspected contained text. They then searched for pixels that could signify ink made with a dense material like iron or lead. The researchers then used computer modeling to virtually flatten the scroll, to be able to read a few columns of text inside.
"Not only were you seeing writing, but it was readable," said Seales. "At that point we were absolutely jubilant."
The researchers say it is the first time a biblical scroll has been discovered in an ancient synagogue's holy ark, where it would have been stored for prayers, and not in desert caves like the Dead Sea Scrolls.
The discovery holds great significance for scholars' understanding of the development of the Hebrew Bible, researchers say.
In ancient times, many versions of the Hebrew Bible circulated. The Dead Sea Scrolls, dating to as early as the 3rd century B.C., featured versions of the text that are radically different than today's Hebrew Bible.
Scholars have believed the Hebrew Bible in its standard form first came about some 2,000 years ago, but never had physical proof, until now, according to the study. Previously the oldest known fragments of the modern biblical text dated back to the 8th century.
The text discovered in the charred Ein Gedi scroll is "100 percent identical" to the version of the Book of Leviticus that has been in use for centuries, said Dead Sea Scroll scholar Emmanuel Tov from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who participated in the study.
"This is quite amazing for us," he said. "In 2,000 years, this text has not changed."
Noam Mizrahi, a Dead Sea Scrolls expert at Tel Aviv University who did not participate in the study, called it a "very, very nice find." He said the imaging technology holds great potential for more readings of unopened Dead Sea Scrolls.
"It's not only what was found, but the promise of what else it can uncover, which is what will turn this into an exciting discovery," Mizrahi said.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies | https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/scientists-finally-read-the-oldest-biblical-text-ever-found-a7323296.html | 1,255 | Education | 3 | en | 0.999958 |
, ethnic group inhabiting the westernmost part of the Niger River delta of extreme southern Nigeria. The Itsekiri make up an appreciable proportion of the modern towns of Sapele, Warri, Burutu, and Forcados. They speak a Yoruboid language of the Benue-Congo branch of Niger-Congo languages and share elements of culture with the Yoruba, Edo, Urhobo, and Ijo through a variety of contacts.
The Itsekiri live on the coast in an area of extensive mangrove swamps and freshwater wetlands. They are primarily fishermen and have employed traps, fences, and nets, as well as rod-and-line techniques. Women make mats and baskets from reeds and palm materials. Silversmithing has died out, and blacksmithing has declined.
Myths of origin establish that olu (king), was originally a prince of Benin, so that subsequent kings are descendants of the oba of Benin. Lesser chiefs once met as a council and advised the olu. Chieftaincy is being redefined in conformity with modern government, and some settlements do not participate in chieftaincy at all.
Within settlements adult males trace patrilineal descent from settlement founders. In broader context, the Itsekiri claim affiliation to groups of kin by descent in both male and female lines. Itsekiri men often take wives from neighbouring peoples, where girls unrelated to prospective husbands can more easily be found.
Living on the coast, the Itsekiri encountered Europeans before groups farther inland did. The Portuguese during the 15th century were the first to make contact, and as a result the Itsekiri established a reputation as great traders and middlemen by supplying European manufactured goods to inland peoples in exchange for slaves and palm oil from the interior. The British colonial administration eventually broke their trade monopoly in the 1890s, however, and the flourishing Itsekiri economy went into decline.
In traditional Itsekiri religion,
In the 1980s the Niger River delta area inhabited by the Itsekiri was noted as a major centre of petroleum production in Nigeria. At the turn of the 21st century, the region surrounding the town of Warri was the scene of ethnic strife among Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijo. | https://www.britannica.com/topic/Itsekiri | 485 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999918 |
Discrepancies between traditional Egyptian chronology and the Bible are used to attack the Bible’s historical accuracy.
Egyptology, originally expected to support the history recorded in the Old Testament, has produced a chronology that contradicts the Bible. This so-called traditional Egyptian chronology would have the pyramids predate the flood of Noah’s day; such cannot be the case, for pyramids could never withstand a worldwide flood. And when traditional Egyptian chronology is used to evaluate archaeological findings, landmark events such as the mass exodus of Hebrew people from Egypt appear to have left no evidence. Such discrepancies between traditional Egyptian chronology and the Bible are used to attack the Bible’s historical accuracy. Instead of simply assuming the accuracy of traditional Egyptian chronology and modifying the Bible, people should carefully examine traditional chronology to see if it is as reliable as some claim it to be.
Though traditional Egyptian chronology dominates modern understanding of ancient history, traditional chronology is inconsistent with the Bible. When there is a discrepancy between traditional chronology and the Bible’s chronology, scholars usually ignore the Bible. Though many claim that traditional chronology is indisputable, a close look at this chronology reveals its shaky foundation. Dr. Rene Grognard of the University of Sydney says, “It is important to show the weaknesses or errors in our understanding of a theory in order to leave our minds free to think of a more acceptable alternative.”1 Before exploring an acceptable alternative to traditional Egyptian chronology, this chapter will show some of the errors it is built on.
Traditional Egyptian chronology is built on Manetho’s history and the Sothic theory. In the third century B.C., Manetho compiled a list of pharaohs and the lengths of their reigns. The Sothic cycle theory assigns familiar calendar dates to those reigns. However, both Manetho’s history and the Sothic theory have flaws that make them an unreliable foundation for chronology.
Ptolomy II commissioned a priest named Manetho to compile a history of Egypt. Traditional Egyptian chronology bases its outlines of Egyptian dynasties on Manetho’s history (see chart). However, Manetho’s writings are unsuitable for establishing a reliable Egyptian chronology because Manetho’s history:
Traditional Egyptian Chronology (simplified overview)2
Old Kingdom | Dynasties 1–6 | 2920–2770 B.C. |
Great Pyramids of Giza | 4th Dynasty | 2600–2500 B.C. |
First Intermediate Period | Dynasties 7–11 | 2150–1986 B.C. |
Middle Kingdom | Dynasties 12–13 | 1986–1759 B.C. |
Second Intermediate Period | Dynasties 14–17 | 1759–1525 B.C. |
New Kingdom | Dynasties 18–20 | 1525–1069 B.C. |
Third Intermediate Period | Dynasties 21–25 | 1069–664 B.C. |
Late Period (Persian) | Dynasties 26–31 | 664–332 B.C. |
Alexander the Great | 332–323 B.C. | |
Ptolemaic Period | 323–30 B.C. | |
Roman Period | began 30 B.C. |
Manetho, whose writings only survive as a partially preserved “garbled abridgement,”3 did not intend for his history to be a chronological account of Egyptian history. Like everyone else in the ancient world, Manetho measured time in regnal years (“in the fifth year of King So-and-So”). Eusebius, the fourth-century historian who quoted Manetho extensively, did not believe that Manetho intended for his regnal years to be added up consecutively. Eusebius says, “Several Egyptian kings ruled at the same time. . . . It was not a succession of kings occupying the throne one after the other, but several kings reigning at the same time in different regions.”4 Because Manetho’s history lists the reigns of kings who ruled simultaneously, historians should not add the years of the kings’ reigns together as if the kings ruled one after another.
Manetho’s history is also inconsistent with contemporary Egyptian sources. Professor J. H. Breasted, author of History of Egypt, calls Manetho’s history “a late, careless and uncritical compilation, which can be proven wrong from the contemporary monuments in the vast majority of cases, where such documents have survived.”5 Manetho’s interpretation of each variation in spelling as a different king creates numerous nonexistent generations. Because Manetho’s history contradicts actual Egyptian records from the time of the pharaohs, historians should not consider Manetho’s history authoritative.
Eduard Meyer created the Sothic cycle in 1904 to give Egypt a unified calendar6 that aligns Egyptian regnal years with modern historians’ B.C. dates. Historians combine the Sothic cycle dates with Manetho’s history to get traditional Egyptian dates. Meyer proposed that the Egyptian calendar, having no leap year, fell steadily behind until it corrected itself during the year of the “rising of Sothis.” The theory says the Egyptians knew that 1,460 years were necessary for the calendar to correct itself because the annual sunrise appearance of the star Sirius corresponded to the first day of Egypt’s flood season only once every 1,460 years.7 Sothic theory claims that the Egyptian calendar was correct only once every 1,460 years (like a broken watch that is correct twice a day) and that the Egyptians dated important events from this Great Sothic Year. In reality, there is no evidence for this Sothic cycle in ancient Egypt.
The Sothic cycle is not reliable because it
Meyer had to depend on later non-Egyptian writers to establish a starting point for his calculations, and those sources are contradictory. Censorinius, a third-century Roman writer, and Theon, a fourth-century Alexandrian astronomer, give different starting points. According to Censorinius, the Great Sothic Year occurred in A.D. 140, but according to Theon, it occurred in 26 B.C. Meyer subtracted multiples of 1,460 years from A.D. 140 and proposed 4240 B.C. as a totally certain date for the establishment of Egypt’s civil calendar.8
The Sothic cycle finds little historical support. History gives no hint that the Egyptians regularly dated important events from the rising of Sothis. The second-century astronomer Claudius Ptolemy never mentions the rising of Sothis.9 Furthermore, whenever Egyptian writings mention the rising of Sothis in connection with a regnal year, the pharaoh is unnamed,10 or the reference is ambiguous.11 For these reasons, many Egyptologists have consistently rejected Sothic-cycle-based chronology.
Whenever two chronologies disagree, at least one must be wrong. Traditional Egyptian chronology disputes the Hebrew chronology recorded in the Bible as well as secular data from neighboring nations. As Damien Mackey summarized in his thesis:
The value of any one nation’s absolute chronology must ultimately depend on its ability to integrate with all known data from other regions as well. It would be useless to establish a complete system of chronology that can exist only in isolation, but that cannot stand up to scrutiny by comparison with other systems. For the Sothic scheme [of Egyptian chronology] to be valid—just as for Mesopotamian, Palestinian, Greek or Anatolian chronologies to be valid—it is necessary for each period of Egyptian history to be capable of perfect alignment with any relevant period of history of one or another ancient nation. This is most especially true in the case of Egyptian history because . . . the historians of other nations tend to look to Egyptian chronology as the rule according to which they estimate and adjust their own chronologies12 (emphasis added).
Traditional dates for Egyptian pyramids predate Noah’s flood (see chart). Since the pyramids could not have survived a global flood, some people question the reliability of the Bible’s chronology. Others use the traditional dates for the pyramids to support the idea that Noah’s flood was a local flood that did not affect Egypt.13 The pyramids do not come with labels declaring their dates, and the traditional dates used for them create an irreconcilable discrepancy with the Bible.
Bible Timeline (B.C.) | ||||||
4004 | 2348 | 1491 | 586 | 4 | ||
Creation | Noah’s flood | Exodus | Temple destroyed | Christ’s birth | ||
Traditional Egyptian Dates (B.C.) | ||||||
315014 to 2920 | 2600 to 2500 | 1290 | ||||
Zoser’s pyramid | Great Pyramid | Exodus |
Traditional dates for the Old Testament stories involving Egypt remain unconfirmed by archaeology and actually contradict Scripture. The characters of the Bible stories left no archaeological evidence of their existence in the times traditionally assigned to them. Bible-believing Egyptologists assigned these dates in error. The early Egyptologists, hoping to find the Bible confirmed in Egypt, contributed to the errors in traditional chronology by incorrectly applying the Bible in two instances. They incorrectly:
The first error assigned an Exodus date inconsistent with the rest of Scripture. The second error provided support for the excessive antiquity of traditional dating. Both errors caused scholars to assign inconsistent, unsupported dates to the Bible accounts.
Scholars routinely disregard the biblical date for the Exodus.15 As Gleason Archer says, “But notwithstanding . . . consistent testimony of Scripture to the 1445 date (or an approximation thereof), the preponderance of scholarly opinion today is in favor of a considerably later date, the most favored one at present being 1290 B.C., or about ten years after Ramses II began to reign.”16 The traditional date for Ramses II “the Great,” a 19th dynasty king, is nearly two centuries after the Exodus. Because Exodus 1:11 says that the Hebrew slaves built the city Ramses, early Egyptologists assumed that Ramses II was the pharaoh who oppressed the Israelites. On that basis, most scholars assign Ramses’ traditional date to the Exodus and ignore the Bible’s testimony.
The name Ramses should not restrict the oppression to the 19th dynasty because this name is not unique to the 19th dynasty. Ramses, which means “son of Ra—the sun god,” was a name commonly used to honor pharaohs. For instance, Ahmose, the founder of the 18th dynasty, was also called Ramses, as was a later 18th dynasty king, Amenhotep III.17 Archaeology of the 18th and 19th dynasties shows no evidence of enslaved Israelites because the Hebrews had left Egypt centuries before. Scholars should neither assume that Ramses II was the pharaoh of the oppression nor assign his date to the Exodus.
Jean Champollion,18 the father of Egyptology, unwittingly gave support to biblically inconsistent chronology when he erroneously identified pharaoh Shoshenq as the Shishak of the Bible. Champollion found an inscription about Shoshenq, founder of the 22nd dynasty, at the temple of Karnak. Because the names sound similar, Champollion assumed that Shoshenq was the Shishak who plundered Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam.19 Using the biblical date for Rehoboam as a starting point, chronologists used Manetho’s list to outline the next three centuries of Egyptian history.
The two problems with Shoshenq’s identification involve military strategy and phonics. According to the inscriptions, Shoshenq attacked the northern part of Israel, not Rehoboam’s Jerusalem or Judah. During Rehoboam’s time, Jeroboam ruled the northern kingdom. Jeroboam was Shishak’s ally.20 If Shoshenq were Shishak, then Shoshenq attacked his ally and ignored his enemy. Furthermore, the phonetics of these two pharaohs’ names only sound similar in their transliterated forms, not in the original languages.21 Because of this faulty identification of Shoshenq with Shishak, Egyptologists ignore the rest of the biblical facts relating to the geography and characters involved. Because the dates constructed from this biblical misinterpretation actually coincide with the traditional dating of the third intermediate period, many Bible scholars trust the traditional chronology even when it disputes the Old Testament.
Traditional Egyptian chronology disputes not only biblical chronology but also information from nonbiblical sources. Egypt’s traditional dates clash with secular data in at least two areas:
The Hittites built a powerful empire based in Asia Minor, but scholars have to depend on dates from other ancient nations to determine Hittite chronology. Synchronisms are events shared by two cultures, and Egypt shares many synchronisms with the Hittites. Therefore, Egypt’s erroneous dates have been assigned to the Hittites. For instance, the traditional date of 1353 B.C. for pharaoh Akhenaten’s accession22 to the throne is assigned to Hittite king Supiluliumas because Supiluliumas sent to a letter of congratulations to Akhenaten.23 The date 1275 B.C. for the battle of Kadesh,24 at which both Ramses II and Hittite king Muwatalli II claimed victory, comes from the traditional dates for Ramses the Great. (His dates derive from Sothic theory and Manetho’s history.) Finally, when Ramses III recorded his traditionally dated 1180 B.C.25 victory over sea people, he said that the sea people had already annihilated the Hittites. According to these Egyptian dates, the Hittites became extinct about 1200 B.C. (see chart).
Traditional Timeline (B.C.)
315026 | 2600 | 1290 | 1275 | 1200 |
Zoser’s Pyramid | Great Pyramid | Exodus | Kadesh | Hittites extinct |
The Egyptian version of Hittite chronology falls apart, however, when compared to more recent Assyrian archaeological discoveries. Assyrian inscriptions record wars with the Hittites during the eighth and ninth centuries B.C., centuries after the Hittites supposedly ceased to exist. These inscriptions describe wars during the reigns of Assyrian kings Shalmaneser III and Sennacherib and even name the same Hittite kings as the Egyptian records27 (see chart). The Assyrian timeline is consistent with well-established dates such as Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of Jerusalem. Traditional Egyptian dates must be wrong.
Problems Timeline (B.C.)
2600 | 2348 | 1275 | 1200 | 800s–700s |
(trad.) | (bib.) | (trad.) | (trad.) | (Assyr.) |
Great Pyramid | flood | Kadesh | Hittites extinct | Hittite/Assyrian wars |
Acceptance of the biblical account of Hittite history could have prevented the incorrect dating of the Hittites even before the discovery of the Assyrian monumental inscriptions. According to 2 Kings 7:6, during Elisha’s lifetime the Hittites were as formidable as Egypt. One explorer, Irish missionary William Wright, correctly evaluated the hieroglyphics he found in Asia Minor because he accepted the Bible’s history. In 1872, despite scholarship that insisted the Hittites and the Bible were unhistorical, Wright believed that the inscriptions he had found “would show that a great people, called Hittites in the Bible, but never referred to in classic history, had once formed a mighty empire in that region.”28
Carbon dating29 also disputes traditional chronology. According to the Cambridge Encyclopedia on Archaeology:
When the radiocarbon method was first tested, good agreement was found between radiocarbon dates and historical dates for samples of known age. . . . As measurements became more precise, however, it gradually became apparent that there were systematic discrepancies between the dates that were being obtained and those that could be expected from historical evidence [i.e., the traditional dates]. These differences were most marked in the period before about the midfirst millennium B.C., in which radiocarbon dates appear too recent, by up to several hundred years, by comparison with historical dates. Dates for the earliest comparative material available, reeds used as bonding between mud brick courses of tombs of Egyptians Dynasty I, about 3,100 B.C., appeared to be as much as 600 years, or about 12% too young30 (emphasis added).
Just as carbon dating is more consistent with a young earth than most people realize, carbon dating is consistent with a much younger Egyptian civilization than traditional chronology claims.
In Centuries of Darkness, Peter James calls traditional chronology a “gigantic academic blunder.”31 David Rohl writes, “The only real solution to the archaeological problems which have been created is to pull down the whole structure and start again, reconstructing from the foundations upward.”32 Revised chronology reflects the relationships between ancient nations more accurately and reveals “remarkable agreement between the histories of Egypt and Israel.”33 Revised chronology bolsters the Christian’s trust in the Bible and equips him with answers for a skeptical world.
Efforts to assign familiar dates to events of antiquity require a starting point, a known date. Four starting points provide secure anchors for the chronology of the Middle East. By counting both backward and forward from these four dates, the chronologist can assign familiar dates from creation to Christ34 and combine the annals of the ancient nations to build a consistent chronology. These four anchor points are summarized on the “Starting Points” chart.
664 B.C. | 621 B.C. | 605 B.C. | 586 B.C. | A.D. 26 |
Thebes sacked | Lunar eclipse | Battle of Carchemish | Temple destroyed | 15th year of Tiberias |
Taharka Dies | Nabopolassar’s 5th year | Nebuchadnezzar’s 1st year (sole rex) | Nebuchadnezzar’s 19th year | Christ’s 30th year |
Space does not permit analysis of all the revised chronologies. A number of scholars, including Peter James, David Rohl, D.A. Courville, and David Down, have produced fine work in this area. Some begin with the Bible, while others begin with starting points such as the battle of Thebes. The Christian should only accept revised chronology that is consistent with the Bible. New evidence may someday shed new light on the identity of a pharaoh, but nothing should ever rock the Christian’s faith in the trustworthiness of God’s Word.
David Down, in Unwrapping the Pharaohs, has synthesized the work of many experts into a cohesive narrative consistent with the Bible. He points out many synchronisms between the histories of Israel and Egypt, providing a highly plausible identification for many of the characters in the Old Testament. Furthermore, his work is consistent with the history of surrounding nations and allows the Hittites to slip into their proper niche in the context of their Assyrian and Egyptian neighbors.
Synchronisms between Old Testament characters and Egypt include the following:
Most histories begin with the unsubstantiated notion that primitive people slowly developed civilization from rudimentary beginnings. Archaeology around the world has instead revealed advanced ancient technology without discernible periods of evolution.35 This sudden appearance of cultures possessing advanced technology approximately 4,000 years ago is consistent with the Bible’s account of the Flood, the proliferation of intelligent people on the plains of Shinar, and their subsequent scattering from the Tower of Babel.36
Each group leaving Babel took with it whatever skills its members possessed.
Mizraim, Noah’s grandson, founded Egypt around 2188 B.C., a date consistent with both biblical and secular records.37 The Egyptians, the Sumerians, and the Mayans all retained the technology to build pyramids. Imhotep designed Egypt’s first pyramid for third dynasty pharaoh Zoser. The Great Pyramid of Giza, built for pharaoh Khufu of the fourth dynasty, is “the largest and most accurately constructed building in the world.”38 This pyramid required advanced optical, surveying, mathematical, and construction techniques, an impressive leap beyond the technology demonstrated in earlier pyramids.
Abram’s visit to Egypt may explain Egypt’s sudden advance. Abram grew up in the advanced but idolatrous culture of Ur about three centuries after the Flood. Josephus wrote that Abram “communicated to them arithmetic, and delivered to them the science of astronomy; for before Abram came into Egypt they were unacquainted with those parts of learning; for that science came from the Chaldeans into Egypt.”39 Based on Josephus’s statement, Abram’s visit to Egypt may well have occurred during the fourth dynasty.
In contrast to the lack of evidence for an Israelite population in Egypt during the New Kingdom of Ramses’ time, there is significant evidence of the Israelite presence during the Middle Kingdom. The 12th and 13th dynasties provide the backdrop for the stories of Joseph, the oppression of the Israelites, Moses, and the Exodus. The biblical dates for these events can provide dates for these dynasties (see chart).
Sesostris I of the 12th dynasty had a powerful vizier named Mentuhotep. Mentuhotep held the office of chief treasurer and wielded authority “like the declaration of the king’s power.”40 “Mentuhotep . . . appears as the alter ego of the king. When he arrived, the great personages bowed down before him at the outer door of the royal palace.”41
Compare Mentuhotep to Joseph in Genesis 41:40, 43. Furthermore, Ameni, a provincial governor under Sesostris I, had the following inscribed on his tomb: “No one was unhappy in my days, not even in the years of famine, for I had tilled all the fields of the Nome of Mah, up to its southern and northern frontiers. Thus I prolonged the life of its inhabitants and preserved the food which it produced.”42 Ameni sounds like a man with the inside track on the agricultural forecast! Ameni’s employer, vizier Mentuhotep, may have been Jacob’s son Joseph.
The late 12th dynasty reveals evidence for Israelite slavery. Sesostris III, the fifth king of the 12th dynasty, built cities in the delta including Bubastis, Qantir, and Ramses. The building material of choice in the Middle Kingdom was no longer stones but rather bricks composed of mud and straw.43 A large Semitic slave population lived in the villages of Kahun and Gurob during the latter half of the 12th dynasty. On one papyrus slave list, 48 of the 77 legible names are typical of a “Semitic group from the northwest,”44 many listed beside the Egyptian name assigned by the owner.45 The presence of Semitic slaves in Egypt during this time is consistent with the biblical account of the oppression of the Israelites.
Traditional chronology has tried to fit Moses into the 18th or 19th dynasty where there is no evidence of Semitic slavery on a large scale, but Moses’ unusual adoption does fit into the late 12th dynasty. Amenemhet III, the dynasty’s sixth king, had two daughters but no sons. Josephus describes a childless daughter of pharaoh finding a child in the river and telling her father, “As I have received him [Moses] from the bounty of the river, in a wonderful manner, I thought proper to adopt him for my son and the heir of thy kingdom.”46 Amenemhet III’s daughter Sobekneferu was childless and eventually ruled briefly as pharaoh herself, making Sobekneferu a likely candidate for Moses’ foster mother.47
Examinations of cemeteries at Tell ed-Daba and Kahun, areas with high Semitic slave populations, have been particularly supportive of the biblical narrative. Graves at ed-Daba reveal that 65 percent of the dead were infants.48 This extraordinarily high figure is consistent with the slaughter of Israelite infants ordered by Pharaoh. Also consistent with the prescribed slaughter are “wooden boxes . . . discovered underneath the floors of many houses at Kahun. They contained babies, sometimes buried two or three to a box, and aged only a few months at death.”49
Examination of graves in a more recent section, datable to the late 13th dynasty, reveals shallow mass graves without the customary grave goods. These disorganized, crowded burials suggest the need for rapid burial of large numbers of people.50 The death of the firstborn in the tenth plague would have created just such a situation.
In the 13th dynasty, during the reign of Neferhotep I, the Semitic slaves suddenly departed from Tel ed-Daba51 and Kahun.
Completion of the king’s pyramid was not the reason why Kahun’s inhabitants eventually deserted [Kahun], abandoning their tools and other possessions in the shops and houses. . . . The quantity, range, and type of articles of everyday use which were left behind suggest that the departure was sudden and unpremeditated.52
Furthermore, Neferhotep I’s mummy has never been found, and his son Wahneferhotep did not ever reign, Neferhotep being succeeded by his brother Sobkhotpe IV.53 The sudden departure of the Semitic slave population fits the biblical account of the Hebrew slaves’ sudden exodus from Egypt after the tenth plague. The pharaoh’s mummy is missing because he died in the Red Sea with his army when he pursued the slaves, and his son never ruled because he died in the tenth plague.
Just a few years after the Exodus, the 13th dynasty ended, and the Second Intermediate Period, the time of Hyksos rule, began. The Hyksos have puzzled scholars, and everyone has a pet theory as to the Hyksos’s identity. Manetho reported:
Men of ignoble birth out of the eastern parts . . . had boldness enough to make an expedition into our country and with ease subdue it by force, yet without our hazarding a battle with them. . . . This whole nation was styled Hycsos54 (emphasis added).
Manetho places this conquest at the end of the 13th dynasty.55
Since no evidence of chariots had been found in pre-Hyksos Egypt, tradition has held that the Hyksos were able to defeat Egypt because they possessed chariots. Therefore, since Exodus 14 describes Pharaoh’s pursuit with chariots, many have thought that the Exodus occurred after the Hyksos conquest. However, discoveries in recent years have confirmed the use of horses and chariots in the 12th and the 13th dynasties, prior to the Hyksos invasion. For example, an engraving from the 13th dynasty shows Khonsuemmwaset, a pharaoh’s son and army commander, with a pair of gloves, the symbol for charioteer, under his seat.56
The drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea explains the conquest of the powerful nation of Egypt without a battle. Some have hypothesized that the Hyksos were Amalekites.57 Whoever the Hyksos were, they ruled Egypt from Avaris in the delta as the 15th and 16th dynasties, while their puppets in the 17th dynasty ruled from Thebes nearly 500 miles to the south. The 17th dynasty overthrew the Hyksos58 and began the New Kingdom.
During David’s reign, a young Edomite named Hadad found refuge in Pharaoh’s house and married Queen Tahpenes’s sister.59 Hadad and the queen’s sister had a son named Genubath. Genubath eventually became king of Edom. Records of the 18th dynasty’s founder, Ahmose, refer to a name that resembles Tahpenes.60 Later in the 18th dynasty, Thutmosis III received tribute from the land of Genubatye.61
Thutmosis I of the 18th dynasty had two daughters, Hatshepsut and Nefrubity. Nefrubity dropped out of the Egyptian records and may have been the Egyptian princess that Solomon married to seal his 1 Kings 3:1 treaty with Egypt.62
Another mysterious Bible character emerges from the 18th dynasty. The female pharaoh Hatshepsut’s trip to the land of Punt is famous, but the identity of Punt has remained a mystery despite engravings commemorating the treasures she brought home. First Kings 10 says the queen of Sheba visited Solomon, giving and receiving great gifts. Josephus identified this queen of Sheba as “queen of Egypt and Ethiopia.”63 In Matthew 12:42 the Lord Jesus refers to the queen of Sheba as “the queen of the south.” “The south” is a biblical designation for Egypt.64 Thus, Hatshepsut was probably the queen of Sheba.
When Thutmosis III became pharaoh, he conquered much of Palestine, ultimately taking away the treasures in Rehoboam’s Jerusalem without a battle. He listed these treasures on the wall of the temple at Karnak. His list mirrors the Bible’s account from 1 Kings 6:32, 10:17, and 14:25–26, including the 300 gold shields and doors overlaid with gold.65 Thutmosis III was Shishak.
Asa, Rehoboam’s grandson, had an encounter with Egypt. Second Chronicles 14 describes God’s miraculous defense against an overwhelming attack by Zerah the Ethiopian. Ethiopia (Kush) refers to southern Egypt or Sudan. The 18th dynasty’s headquarters was in southern Egypt, so this reference likely refers to another 18th dynasty pharaoh, possibly Amenhotep II.66
Late in the 18th dynasty, one of Egypt’s most famous families set the stage for both biblical and Hittite synchronisms. Clay tablets found in Akhenaton’s archives at Tel el-Amarna in 1887 included 60 letters from the king of Sumur, likely the Egyptian name for Samaria. The city of Samaria, according to 1 Kings 22:26, had a governor named Amon (an Egyptian name). The Amarna letters call this governor Aman-appa and describe a severe famine that is consistent with the famine in the days of Ahab and Elijah.67
Akhenaton’s son, the famous King Tutankhamen, died young, leaving no heir and a widowed queen called Ankhesenamen. According to the Deeds of Suppiluliuma as told by his son Mursili II in the Hittite archives, Tut’s widow wrote to the powerful Hittite king Supililiumas, pleading, “Give me one son of yours . . . he would become my husband. . . . In Egypt he will be king”68 Had Supililiumas’s son Zannanza survived his trip to Egypt, the balance of power would have shifted against Assyria in favor of a Hittite-Egyptian coalition. Zannanza was assassinated, and Tut’s general, Harmheb, assumed power. Upon Harmheb’s death, his vizier, Ramses I the Great, took the throne as the first pharaoh of the 19th dynasty.
The dates for Ramses the Great’s reign69 and his battle of Kadesh with the Hittites are uncertain, because historians have no biblical parallels and no way to assess the preceding dynasty’s duration. The rest of the revised chronology shifts the 19th dynasty dates three to five centuries later than the traditional dates. Ramses III, of the 20th dynasty, reported the annihilation of the Hittites during his reign. Revised chronology allows the Hittites to still exist at the time the Assyrians claimed to be at war with them.
The real 19th dynasty was concerned with the power of Assyria, not the plagues of Moses. Merneptah, the son of Ramses the Great, recorded the change in the region’s power structure by listing many places Assyria had seized. His monument states, “Israel is laid waste, his seed is not.”70 This inscription not only places the latter part of the 19th dynasty in the 8th century B.C.; it also documents that Israel was an actual nation by the time of the 19th dynasty.
The Third Intermediate Period contains dynasties 21–25, but some of these dynasties were concurrent, not sequential as assumed in the traditional chronology. In fact, the Royal Cache at Luxor contained a labeled 21st dynasty mummy wrapped in 22nd dynasty linen!71 The linen label names Sheshonq, the same pharaoh earlier mistaken for Shishak.
The biblical synchronism in this period involves Hezekiah. The imminent arrival of Assyria’s enemy Taharka,72 the last pharaoh of the 25th dynasty, helped Hezekiah by putting Sennacherib to flight in 709 B.C. Taharka later rebelled against the Assyrian domination of Egypt, dying in 664 B.C. when Ashurbanipal sacked Thebes.73
After Ninevah’s destruction, Pharaoh Necho II of the 26th dynasty marched to Carchemish, where the Assyrian remnant was making its last stand. On the way, according to 2 Chronicles 35, Necho killed Judah’s king Josiah at Megiddo. Returning from his 605 B.C. defeat at Carchemish, Necho took Jehoahaz as a hostage and placed Jehoiakim on the throne of Judah.
One final biblical synchronism occurs in connection with the fate of 26th dynasty pharaoh, Hophra. Following a coup, Hophra fled to Babylon. There, he acquired an army and returned to reclaim his throne. Jeremiah predicted his defeat, and the prophecy recorded in Jeremiah 44:30 was fulfilled.
Table of Biblical and Egyptian Synchronisms74
Date B.C. | Bible | Egyptians | Dynasty |
4004 | Adam | ||
2348 | Noah’s flood | ||
post-Babel | Mizraim | ||
late 1900s | Abraham | Khufu | 4 |
1706 | Joseph; Jacob to Egypt | Sesostris I | 12 |
1635 | Joseph dies | ||
after 1635 | enslavement | Sesostris III | 12 |
1571 | Moses born | Amenemhet III | 12 |
1491 | Exodus | Neferhotep I | 13 |
Judges | Hyksos | 15-17 | |
late 1000s | David (1 Kings 11:19) | Ahmosis or Amenhotep I | 18 |
1012 | Solomon starts temple | Thutmosis I | 18 |
Queen of Sheba | Hatshepsut | 18 | |
971 | Rehoboam; Shishak invades | Thutmosis III | 18 |
late 900s | Asa; Zerah the Ethiopian | Amenhotep II | 18 |
late 900s | Ahab; Elijah | Akhenaton | 18 |
uncertain | Raamses II | 19 | |
722 | Assyria destroys Israel | Merneptah | 19 |
709 | Hezekiah; Assyrian invasion | Taharka | 25 |
664 | Manasseh | Taharka dies | 25 |
609 | Josiah dies | Necho | 26 |
605 | Necho; Carchemish | 26 | |
589 | Jeremiah | Hophra | 26 |
586 | Temple destroyed | ||
525 | Cambyses of Persia |
Viewing the evidence from a biblical framework makes the histories of Egypt and the Old Testament fit together like two sides of a zipper.
Isaiah warned against going down to Egypt for help (Isaiah 31:1). This phrase has come to symbolize a warning not to go to the world for truth. God determines truth. Historians examine fragmentary clues and fill in the gaps based on their presuppositions. Those presuppositions may be biblical or traditional. Accepting traditional Egyptian chronology necessitates rejection of biblical truth. Accepting biblical chronology allows a reconstruction of ancient chronology on a foundation of truth. Viewing the evidence from a biblical framework makes the histories of Egypt and the Old Testament fit together like two sides of a zipper.
Since the original publication of this chapter, Isaac Newton’s work on revised chronologies has become available in English. Newton’s Revised History of Ancient Kingdoms makes available much additional information and insight about the history of ancient Egypt as well as the history of other ancient kingdoms. For further studies of revised chronologies, because the Bible is the ultimate standard, I suggest consulting Dr. Floyd Jones’ book The Chronology of the Old Testament. | https://answersingenesis.org/archaeology/ancient-egypt/doesnt-egyptian-chronology-prove-bible-unreliable/ | 7,983 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999958 |
Jewish history is indelibly marked by Alexander the Great’s short rule over the Greek Empire. While none of the history of the Greek Empire is recorded in the Bible, we do have relevant prophecy. Another source of information concerning Greek influence on the history of the Jews is the Apocrypha, specifically 1 and 2 Maccabees.
In 336 B.C., a time when Greece consisted of city-states and their surrounding provinces, Alexander succeeded his father, Phillip, as king of Macedonia. Immortalized as Alexander the Great, he was second to none in the speed with which he conquered new lands. In only 13 years, Alexander defeated Syria and Egypt, brought down the Medo-Persian Empire, and went as far east as India.
The Greek kingdom was prophesied by Daniel in chapters 2, 8, and 11 of his book. Daniel 2 tells of the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar II’s dream, which foretold the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires. Daniel 11 refers specifically to the kingdom of Greece. Alexander, though not named, is called “a mighty king . . . who will rule with great power and do as he pleases” (Daniel 11:2-3).
Daniel 8 is even more specific. The prophet has a vision of a ram with two horns (signifying Medo-Persia) attacked by a swiftly moving goat with a single large horn. After the goat kills the ram, its horn is broken “at the height of his power,” and four other horns grow up in its place (Daniel 8:1-8).
The angel Gabriel explains the vision: the goat signifies Greece, and the prominent horn is “the first king” (Alexander). The breaking of the horn signifies the untimely death of the king, and the four smaller horns represent a divided kingdom. The prophecy, which Daniel recorded 200 years in advance, came true in every detail: Alexander died in Babylon in 323 B.C. at the age of 33. His kingdom was then divided among his four generals, Ptolemy, Seleucas, Lysimachus, and Cassander.
The Divided Greek Empire and the Hasmonean Period
For the history of the divided Greek Empire and how it impacted Jewish history, we turn to the Apocrypha. Alexander the Great’s generals “put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth” (1 Maccabees 1:9). The Selucid Empire ended up with control over Israel and Jerusalem. One of the Selucid kings was Antiochus IV, who called himself “Antiochus Epiphanes” (“Epiphanes” means “god manifest”).
In 167 B.C., Antiochus committed an “abomination of desolation”; specifically, he set up an altar to the Greek god Zeus inside the Jewish temple and sacrificed a pig on it. Antiochus proceeded to require pagan sacrifices in all Jewish villages. In the village of Modein, a Levite named Mattathias, who had five sons, was told to make the sacrifice. Mattathias refused and killed the troops and the villager who volunteered to do the deed. This sparked the Maccabean Revolt, led by Mattathias’s sons. Israel gained its freedom from the Selucids for a time and was later recognized as an independent state by the Roman Senate. The years that the Jews were led by Mattathias’s descendants are called the Maccabean or Hasmonean Period.
Perhaps as equally impressive as Alexander’s military success was his advancement of Greek culture, called Hellenism. In every city Alexander conquered, he instituted schools to teach Greek philosophy and Koine Greek, which became the lingua franca of the known world. Alexander also had a penchant for renaming cities after himself: at least 11 cities are still called “Alexandria” today. The most famous is Alexandria, Egypt, which, along with Syrian Antioch, was a center of Hellenic thought. These hubs of Hellenism precipitated a major cultural change and had enormous impact on world history, especially biblical history. The New Testament was written in Koine Greek. The widespread use of the Greek language aided the sharing of the gospel from India to Spain. Greek philosophy gave us the concept of the logos, which John used as a way to communicate the nature of Christ (John 1:1). Antioch became the launching point for Paul’s missionary journeys, and “the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). | http://www.gotquestions.org/Greek-empire.html#ixzz3FOse3j00 | 981 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999918 |
Inflammatory foods to avoid
Depending on the circumstance, inflammation might be helpful
On the one hand, whether you are ill or injured, it is your
body's natural defense mechanism.
It can aid in the body's ability to recover and protect
itself against disease.
However, persistent, chronic inflammation is associated with
a higher risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity
It's interesting to note that your body's inflammation
levels are strongly influenced by the meals you eat.
The following list of 5 foods may worsen inflammation.
Sugar with high-fructose corn syrup
The two primary types of added sugar in the Western diet are
table sugar (sucrose) and high fructose corn syrup.
High fructose corn syrup contains around 45% glucose and 55%
fructose, whereas sugar is 50% glucose and 50% fructose.
The fact that additional sugars can worsen inflammation,
which can result in disease, is one of the reasons they are bad for you.
In one study, mice on a high-sucrose diet developed breast
cancer that migrated to their lungs, in part because of the inflammatory
reaction to sugar.
In a different study from 2011, it was discovered that mice
on a high-sugar diet had diminished omega-3 fatty acid-induced
Additionally, only those who drank regular soda in a
scientific experiment where participants also had the option of drinking milk
or water, or diet soda had higher uric acid levels, which are linked to
inflammation and insulin resistance.
Due to the extra fructose that sugar contains, it may
potentially be dangerous.
While the tiny amounts of fructose found in fruits and
vegetables are OK, consuming high amounts of added sugars can have a negative
impact on health.
Fructose consumption has been associated with obesity,
insulin resistance, diabetes, fatty liver disease, cancer, and chronic kidney
Additionally, fructose has been linked to heart disease risk
due to its ability to trigger inflammation in the endothelial cells that line
your blood arteries.
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that both in mice and
humans, high fructose intake raises a number of inflammatory markers.
Candy, chocolate, soft drinks, sweet pastries, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, and some cereals are examples of foods high in added sugar.
A diet rich in sugar and high fructose corn syrup promotes
inflammation, which can result in illness. Additionally, it might negate the
anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids.
ALSO READ: How to reduce inflammation in the body fast
Fried foods, such as French fries, mozzarella sticks,
doughnuts, and egg rolls, can cause the body to become more inflammatory in
addition to being high in fat and calories.
This is because some high-heat cooking techniques, like
frying, can enhance the formation of dangerous substances like advanced
glycation end products (AGEs), which can fuel inflammation and aid in the
development of chronic disease.
The level of Tran’s fats in cooking oils may increase as a
result of frying, and Tran’s fats can also cause inflammation.
Fried meals may alter the gut microbiota, according to some
research, which could lead to an increase in inflammation.
Additionally, it has been discovered by previous studies
that eating fried foods may raise your risk of acquiring heart disease and
dying from it.
Foods that are fried can produce more AGEs and Trans fats,
which are dangerous substances that may cause inflammation. Fried meals may
have an effect on the gut flora and may increase the chance of developing
chronic diseases, according to studies.
Despite a poor reputation, many foods that are heavy in
carbohydrates are nevertheless quite healthy and can be included in a diet that
On the other hand, inflammation can be fueled by consuming
too many refined carbs.
Carbohydrates that have been refined have largely lost their
fiber. The good bacteria in your gut are fed by fiber, which also encourages
satiety and enhances blood sugar regulation.
Researchers hypothesize that the refined carbs in the modern
diet may promote the development of inflammatory gut bacteria that can raise
your risk of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
The glycemic index (GI) of refined versus unprocessed
carbohydrates is higher. Compared to low-GI foods, high-GI foods quickly
elevate blood sugar levels.
One study found that a low GI diet for three months
significantly reduced the indicators of inflammation in cystic fibrosis
children and adolescents compared to a control group.
Similar conclusions were reached by another review, which
found that individuals with diabetes who followed a low GI diet had lower
levels of interleukin-6, a sign of inflammation, than those who followed a high
All processed foods with added sugar or flour, including
candies, bread, pasta, pastries, some cereals, cookies, cakes, and sugary soft
drinks, contain refined carbs.
Unprocessed carbohydrates with a high fiber content are
nourishing, whereas refined carbohydrates increase blood sugar levels and
encourage inflammation, which may be a factor in the disease.
Excessive alcohol use
Alcohol drinking in moderation may have some positive
effects on health.
Higher levels, though, can cause serious issues.
A 2010 study found that alcohol consumption was associated
with higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a sign of inflammation. CRP
levels were highest in people who had more than two beers per day.
Heavy drinkers may experience issues when bacterial toxins
leave the intestines and enter the body. This disorder, often known as
"leaky gut," can cause widespread inflammation and organ damage.
A maximum of two standard drinks per day for men and one for
women should be consumed to prevent alcohol-related health issues.
A "leaky gut" that spreads inflammation throughout
your body can result from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, which can
Using high heat to fry the meat
Consuming processed meats like bacon, sausage, ham, and
smoked meat that has been cooked at high temperatures is linked to an
increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and several cancers.
In addition to these, there are other high-heat cooking
techniques including grilling, barbecuing, roasting, frying, toasting, and
AGEs, which are inflammatory substances, are formed when
meats are cooked at high temperatures.
AGEs are suspected of being a factor in the development of
chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart
disease in addition to increasing inflammation.
It's interesting to note that cutting the number of AGEs in
half can be achieved by marinating meats in acidic liquids like lemon juice or
vinegar before grilling or roasting.
Cooking meats for shorter lengths of time and choosing moist
heat cooking techniques, such as boiling, steaming, poaching, or stewing, are
additional ways to reduce the development of AGEs.
High levels of AGEs, which have been connected to
inflammation and chronic disease, can be found in meats cooked at high
temperatures, including processed meats.
Many variables, some of which are difficult to avoid, such
as pollution, injury, or illness, can cause inflammation.
But things like your diet are far more in your hands.
Reduce your intake of foods that cause inflammation and
consume anti-inflammatory foods to maintain your health as much as feasible.
reading while thinking about your well-being.
To become the healthiest and fittest version of you, please
read our advice. In order to improve your general health, we offer superior,
fact-based analysis. On numerous topics relating to health, a group of
subject-matter specialists is creating training materials. In order for you to
have the most fulfilling life possible, we have worked very hard to educate
you. There are more sources of information about sound sleeping practices than
the most recent news.
PLEASE SHARE ANY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES YOU MAY HAVE IN THE
SECTION BELOW FOR COMMENTS.
- Inflammatory foods
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease symptoms
- Chronic inflammatory response syndrome
- Inflammatory disease
Post a Comment | https://www.healthlifekit.com/2023/05/5-worst-foods-that-causes-inflammatory.html | 1,766 | Food | 3 | en | 0.999929 |
Xiong Qingzhen, a drone engineer in the central Chinese metropolis of Wuhan, spent more than two weeks in a makeshift hospital in February receiving treatment for Covid-19, the respiratory disease causing a global health crisis.
Every morning and evening, the 38-year-old was handed a bag of brown soup – a traditional Chinese remedy blended from over 20 herbs, including ephedra, cinnamon twigs and licorice root.
But unlike most patients around him, Xiong was skeptical of its efficacy and refused to drink it.
“In my opinion, it is a sheer placebo,”said, Xiong, who was discharged in late February from the makeshift hospital run by TCM doctors where no Western medicine was provided, apart from medication for underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure.
The “lung-clearing and detoxing soup,” as the herbal compound he was given is called, was part of the Chinese government’s push to use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the fight against the novel coronavirus outbreak.
As scientists race to find a cure and vaccine, China is increasingly turning to its traditional remedies. As of late last month, more than 85% of all coronavirus patients in China – about 60,000 people – had received herbal remedies alongside mainstream antiviral drugs, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.
“We are willing to share the ‘Chinese experience’ and ‘Chinese solution’ of treating Covid-19, and let more countries get to know Chinese medicine, understand Chinese medicine and use Chinese medicine,” Yu Yanhong, deputy head of China’s National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, said at a press conference last week.
But even in China, where TCM has a large number of adherents, the government has been unable to quell its skeptics – like Xiong. Abroad, the herbal remedies could face even more skepticism from Western medical experts, who have long questioned their safety and effectiveness.
Search for a cure
There is no known cure for the coronavirus which has killed more than 4,000 people, sickened over 115,000 and spread to 75 countries and regions worldwide.
Scientists are working to find ways to stamp out the deadly virus. But for now, the mainstream antiviral treatments focus on relieving the symptoms – and that’s where China believes its ancient remedies can help.
“By adjusting the whole body health and improving immunity, TCM can help stimulate the patients’ abilities to resist and recover from the disease, which is an effective way of therapy,” she said, adding thattraditional medicine had helped fight viruses in the past, such as the SARS pandemic in 2002 and 2003 that killed hundreds in China.
So far, more than 50,000 novel coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospital, and the majority of them used TCM, Yu said, citing it as evidence for the efficacy of using Chinese and Western medicine in tandem
In a clinical trial of 102 patients with mild symptoms in Wuhan, patients with combined treatments compared with the control group of patients receiving only Western medicine, Yu said. Their recovery rate was 33% higher, she added.
In another study of more serious cases, patients receiving combined treatments also left hospital sooner than the control group and had greater levels of oxygen in their blood and a higher lymphocyte count – an important indicators of the health of recovering patients, according to Yu.
But not everyone is convinced. Xiong, the recovered patient who refused to drink the TCM soups, questioned the rigorousness and fairness of the trials.
“We must conduct double blind tests with large enough samples – and they have to be chosen completely randomly,” he said.
TCM treatments are not just being carried out in Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak.
In eastern Zhejiang province, more than 95% of coronavirus patients had been given traditional medicines as of late February, according to the state run Global Times.
In Beijing, that ratio stood at 87%. Among those who had received TCM, 92% had shown improvement, said Gao Xiaojun, a spokesperson for the Beijing Health Commission.
“Traditional Chinese medicine has played an active role in improving the recovery rate and lowering the fatality rate among patients,” he told a press conference late last month.
However, Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow for global health at the Washington-based Council on Foreign Relations, said the claimed improvement rate of 92% should be taken with a pinch of salt.
“You have to be mindful that 80% (of the coronavirus patients) are mild cases. Even if they don’t do anything they might eventually recover,” he said.
The front and center role TCM has taken in fighting the coronavirus outbreak dovetails with the Chinese government’s recent efforts to promote TCM at home and abroad.
China’s State Council estimated last year that the TCM industry could exceed 3 trillion yuan ($430 billion) by 2020 – a 71% increase from 2017. Beijing has also sought to promote TCM alongside its “Belt and Road Initiative,” a massive global infrastructure and investment program.
Ancient remedies have been repeatedly hailed as a source of national pride by Chinese President Xi Jinping, himself a well-known TCM advocate.
“Traditional medicine is a treasure of Chinese civilization embodying the wisdom of the nation and its people,” Xi told a national conference on TCM in October last year.
In this outbreak, Xi has repeatedly exhorted doctors to treat patients with a mix of Chinese and Western medicines.
The Chinese leader made his first public call for the “combination of Chinese and Western medicine” in the diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19 in late January, at a meeting of the Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee, the country’s supreme ruling body.
Two days later, China’s National Health Commission issued a notice asking medical institutions to “actively promote the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) during treatment” of coronavirus.
Last month, the commission recommended a TCM prescription in an updated version of the guideline: the “lung-cleansing and detoxifying soup” – the remedy being handed out in the makeshift hospital Xiong was in.
The prescription is promoted by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the National Health Commission as a suitable remedy for patients with mild to serious symptoms, and has since been widely used in Wuhan and other provinces.
Feng Yibin, acting director of the School of Chinese Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, said the prescription was based on four herbal formulas from ancient China, with one dating back as far as 1,800 years ago.
“After being first adopted in four provinces, clinical observations show that the remedy has desirable results, so it was promoted nationwide,” he said.
In addition, Feng said research had shown that the 29 herbs used in the remedy will interact with ACE2 – a receptor used by the novel coronavirus to infect host cells, and are thus an effective method to treat Covid-19.
Is it safe?
Nevertheless, public health experts say it could be a long shot for China to convince other nations – especially Western countries – to adopt TCM treatments to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
“I think the effort to promote TCM worldwide is likely to make way in certain regions, like Africa. But unless the development and marketing of TCM (conform) to the modern standards, like what was done to artemisinin, it is unlikely to be so well-received in the Western world,” said professor Huang from the Council on Foreign Relations.
Artemisinin is a globally recognized remedy for malaria derived from sweet wormwood, a plant used in TCM. Tu Youyou, the Chinese scientist who turned to ancient Chinese medical texts to find artemisinin, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2015.
The safety and effectiveness of TCM is still debated in China, where it has both adherents and skeptics. Though many of the remedies in TCM have been in use for hundreds of years, critics argue that there is no verifiable scientific evidence to support their supposed benefits.
“Almost all TCM products in China do not go through the rigorous procedures Western modern medicine typically goes through. That’s partly why people don’t trust TCM in the Western world,” Huang said.
Skepticism over its safety and effectiveness persisted after the World Health Organization gave its first-ever endorsement of TCM in 2018 – by including the ancient practice in its influential book classifying thousands of diseases.
Some in the biomedical community say WHO overlooked the toxicity of some herbal medicine and the lack of evidence that it works, while animal rights advocates say it will further endanger animals such as the tiger, pangolin, bear and rhino, whose organs are used in some TCM cures.
For the coronavirus, the WHO originally advised against using TCM on its website, saying those with Covid-19 should avoid “taking traditional herbal remedies.”
But that line was later removed.
“On 4 March at an editorial meeting of the news and risk communications teams in Geneva, a decision was made to remove that line as it was too broad and did not take into account the fact that many people turn to traditional medicines to alleviate some of the milder symptoms of COVID-19,” the WHO said in a statement published on its official account on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media site.
‘A symbol of patriotism’
Earlier this month, students and teachers in Lincang city in southwestern Yunnan province were instructed to drink TCM soup as a prerequisite for returning to school. They were also told to post photos and videos as proof they were taking the medicine, which was meant to strengthen their immunity, the state run Global Times reported.
The move sparked criticism online, with many questioning why the medicine was forced upon healthy people indiscriminately.
“The problem is, a key concept in TCM is (patients should be treated) case by case. The same disease may have different symptoms on different people. It is surely problematic to force people to drink it without knowing (their conditions) first,” said Feng, the Chinese medicine expert at Hong Kong University.
Following the backlash, the Lincang education authority apologized andwithdrew the request, Global Times reported.
Amid the government’s heavy promotion of TCM, its critics have also faced strong backlash online.
Xiong, the recovered patient who refused to take the herbal soup, said he was subjected to online abuse after publicly questioning its effectiveness on Weibo, China’s Twitter-like platform. Another influential user on Weibo and prominent critic of TCM got his account deleted last week.
Xiong said the government is seizing upon rising nationalist sentiments in China to push for TCM.
“Many people are blinded by this kind of nationalism – an extreme and narrow-minded nationalism,” he said.
“So no matter what you try to tell or reason with them, they don’t care about facts.”
Huang said throughout modern China, there has always been an “interesting marriage between TCM and politics” in China. And under Xi’s government, it is now “evolving into a symbol of patriotism.”
“You won’t be considered patriotic if you don’t believe in traditional Chinese medicine,” he said.
CNN’s Katie Hunt contributed to reporting. | https://edition.cnn.com/2020/03/14/asia/coronavirus-traditional-chinese-medicine-intl-hnk/index.html | 2,458 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999973 |
Dr. Mara Lawniczak has spent much of her career trying to understand how the genomes of various mosquito species have changed in response to humans’ attempts to kill them.
In any crisis, leaders have two equally important responsibilities: solve the immediate problem and keep it from happening again. The COVID-19 pandemic is an excellent case in point. The world needs to save lives now while also improving the way we respond to outbreaks in general. The first point is more pressing, but the second has crucial long-term consequences.
The long-term challenge—improving our ability to respond to outbreaks—isn’t new. Global health experts have been saying for years that another pandemic rivalling the speed and severity of the 1918 influenza epidemic wasn’t a matter of if but when. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed significant resources in recent years to helping the world prepare for such a scenario.
Now, in addition to the perennial challenge, we face an immediate crisis. In the past week, COVID-19 has started to behave a lot like the once-in-a-century pathogen we’ve been worried about. I hope it’s not that bad, but we should assume that it will be until we know otherwise.
There are two reasons that COVID-19 is such a threat. First, it can kill healthy adults in addition to elderly people with existing health problems. The data so far suggests that the virus has a case fatality risk around 1%; this rate would make it several times more severe than typical seasonal influenza and would put it somewhere between the 1957 influenza pandemic (0.6%) and the 1918 influenza pandemic (2%).
Second, COVID-19 is transmitted quite efficiently. The average infected person spreads the disease to two or three others. That’s an exponential rate of increase. There is also strong evidence that it can be transmitted by people who are just mildly ill or not even showing symptoms yet. This means COVID-19 will be much harder to contain than Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which were only spread by those showing symptoms and were much less efficiently transmitted. In fact, COVID-19 has already caused 10 times as many cases as SARS in just a quarter of the time.
The good news is that national, state, and local governments and public health agencies can take steps over the next few weeks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
For example, in addition to helping their own citizens respond, donor governments should help low- and middle-income countries prepare for this pandemic. The health systems in many of these countries are already stretched thin, and a pathogen like coronavirus can quickly overwhelm them. And poorer countries have little political or economic leverage, given wealthier countries’ natural desire to put their own people first.
“By helping countries in Africa and South Asia get ready now, we can save lives and also slow the global circulation of the virus.”
By helping countries in Africa and South Asia get ready now, we can save lives and also slow the global circulation of the virus. (A significant portion of the commitment Melinda and I recently made to help kickstart the global response to COVID-19—which could total up to $100 million—is focused particularly on developing countries.)
The world also needs to accelerate work on treatments and vaccines for COVID-19. Scientists were able to sequence the genome of the virus and develop several promising vaccine candidates in a matter of days, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations is already preparing up to eight promising vaccine candidates for clinical trials. If one or more of these vaccines proves safe and effective in animal models, they could be ready for larger-scale trials as early as June. Drug discovery can also be accelerated by drawing on libraries of compounds that have already been tested for safety and by applying new screening techniques, including machine learning, to identify antivirals that could be ready for large-scale clinical trials within weeks.
All these steps would help address the current crisis. But we also need to make larger systemic changes so we can respond more efficiently and effectively when the next epidemic arrives.
It’s essential to help low- and middle-income countries strengthen their primary health care systems. When you build a health clinic, you’re also creating part of the infrastructure for fighting epidemics. Trained health care workers not only deliver vaccines; they can also monitor disease patterns, serving as part of the early warning systems that will alert the world to potential outbreaks.
The world also needs to invest in disease surveillance, including a case database that is instantly accessible to the relevant organizations and rules that require countries to share their information. Governments should have access to lists of trained personnel, from local leaders to global experts, who are prepared to deal with an epidemic immediately, as well as lists of supplies to be stockpiled or redirected in an emergency.
In addition, we need to build a system that can develop safe and effective vaccines and antivirals, get them approved, and deliver billions of doses within a few months of the discovery of a fast-moving pathogen. That’s a tough challenge that presents technical, diplomatic, and budgetary obstacles, as well as demanding partnership between the public and private sectors. But all these obstacles can be overcome.
One of the main technical challenges for vaccines is to improve on the old ways of manufacturing proteins, which are just too slow for responding to an epidemic. We need to develop platforms that are predictably safe, so regulatory reviews can happen quickly, and that make it easy for manufacturers to produce doses at a low cost and a massive scale. For antivirals, there will need to be an organized system to screen existing treatments and candidate molecules in a swift and standardized manner.
Another technical challenge involves constructs based on nucleic acids. These constructs can be produced within hours after a virus’s genome has been sequenced; now we need to find ways to produce them at scale.
In addition to these technical solutions, we’ll need diplomatic efforts to drive international collaboration and data sharing. Developing antivirals and vaccines involves massive clinical trials and licensing agreements that would cross national borders. We should make the most of global forums that can help achieve consensus on research priorities and trial protocols so that promising vaccine and antiviral candidates can move quickly through this process. These platforms include the World Health Organization R&D Blueprint, the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium trial network, and the Global Research Collaboration for Infectious Disease Preparedness. The goal of this work should be to get conclusive clinical trial results and regulatory approval in three months or less, without compromising patients’ safety.
“Budgets for these efforts need to be expanded several times over.”
Then there is the question of funding. Budgets for these efforts need to be expanded several times over. Billions more dollars are needed to complete Phase III trials and secure regulatory approval for coronavirus vaccines, and still more funding will be needed to improve disease surveillance and response.
Why does this require government funding—can’t the private sector solve this on its own? Pandemic products are extraordinarily high-risk investments, and pharmaceutical companies will need public funding to de-risk their work and get them to jump in with both feet. In addition, governments and other donors will need to fund—as a global public good—manufacturing facilities that can generate a vaccine supply in a matter of weeks. These facilities can make vaccines for routine immunization programs in normal times and be quickly refitted for production during a pandemic. Finally, governments will need to finance the procurement and distribution of vaccines to the populations that need them.
Obviously, billions of dollars for anti-pandemic efforts is a lot of money. But that’s the scale of investment required to solve the problem. And given the economic pain that an epidemic can impose—just look at the way COVID-19 is disrupting supply chains and stock markets, not to mention people’s lives—it will be a bargain.
Finally, governments and industry will need to come to an agreement: During a pandemic, vaccines and antivirals won’t simply be sold to the highest bidder. They’ll be available and affordable for people who are at the heart of the outbreak and in greatest need. Not only is this the right thing to do, it’s also the right strategy for short-circuiting transmission and preventing future pandemics.
These are the actions that leaders should be taking now. There is no time to waste.
This post originally appeared on the website of the New England Journal of Medicine. I wrote there about the need for a global pandemic response system in 2015, and about the threat posed by a novel respiratory virus in 2018. | https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/How-to-respond-to-COVID-19 | 1,836 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999998 |
Hellenic visitors going through Persia, Babylonia, and Egypt first selected the 7 wonders of the world ancient. Travel guides, artwork, and poetry were all filled with mentions of these constructions.
As early as the fifth century B.C.E., there were lists of marvels, but the most renowned example was established by the second-century Greek poet Antipater of Sidon.
There are numerous ancient civilizations in Africa, Europe and Asia, as well as the Americas, whose accomplishments were unknown to the Hellenic people but whose engineering prowess is as impressive.
Although the 7 wonders of the world ancient are still recognized today, they highlight the ephemeral nature of even the finest physical achievements—nature, human conduct, and the passage of time have destroyed all except one.
A List of the 7 Wonders of the world ancient
- Hanging Gardens Of Babylon
- Statue Of Zeus At Olympia
- Mausoleum At Halicarnassus
- Temple Of Artemis
- Lighthouse Of Alexandria
- Colossus Of Rhodes
- The Great Pyramid Of Giza
Hanging Gardens Of Babylon
In what is now Iraq, the Babylonians are said to have built the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the 7 wonders of the world ancient. which had 320-foot-high exterior walls and a length of 56 miles with an average thickness of 80 feet.
No archeological evidence has ever confirmed this claim. The irrigation system, which used a pump, waterwheel, and cisterns to lift river water into the air, would have required enormous maintenance just to keep it running.
Built around 600 BCE, it was likely destroyed by an earthquake in the first century BCE, which is when King Nebuchadnezzar II is said to have built it as a solution to alleviate his wife’s longing for her native Media (what is now northern Iran and southeast Turkey).
For centuries, historians have debated whether or not these enormous gardens ever existed.
The 7 Wonders of the World Ancient : Olympia’s Zeus Statue
One of the largest statues in Greece and the 7 wonders of the world ancient., the Statue of Zeus at Olympia stood at over 40 feet tall and took up the whole nave of Greece’s Olympian Temple.
This magnificent temple was erected just to accommodate it.
It stood nearly as tall as the temple and was adorned with gold and ivory. Founded in 435 BCE by Greek artist Phidias, the temple remained open for eight centuries until being shut down by Christian priests in the fourth century.
In the absence of any evidence, it is widely assumed that the statue was dismantled and transported to Constantinople, where it was destroyed by fire in the 5th and 6th century CE.
The Halicarnassus Mausoleum
To honor Mausolus, the Persian satrap (or governor) who ruled over what is now western Turkey, the Mausolus Mausoleum at Halicarnassus was constructed.
The tomb, which was constructed in 351 BCE by Persians and Greeks, was around 135 feet high.
Many people believe that the complex’s three-layered white marble building incorporates elements of Lycian, Greek, and Egyptian architecture.
At the summit of the pyramid was a statue of four horses and their chariots, which sat on a 60-foot foundation of stone stairs. As a result of this enormous tomb, the term “mausoleum” has come to be associated with it.
Over the years, the construction was subjected to several earthquakes, but it was finally destroyed by a huge quake in 1494 CE, although its ruins were eventually repurposed to buttress a neighboring castle.
Beginning in AD 1203, Croesus of Lydia began building on Ephesus’ Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the world ancient.
The temple was built at Ephesus, a Greek city located in modern-day Turkey, and was made up of a sequence of altars and temples.
There have been at least three different attempts to rebuild the temple after it was destroyed by water, arson, and invasion.
A crowd headed by Christian bishop St. John Chrysostom demolished the temple for the last time in 401 CE.
In 1869 CE, an expedition headed by John Turtle Wood uncovered the columns of the temple submerged on the bottom of the Cayster River.
Also Read: What is the 7 Wonders of the World
Alexandria’s Leper Colony Lighthouse
One of the world’s highest artificial buildings was the Lighthouse of Alexandria one of the 7 wonders of the world ancient (also known as Pharos of Alexandria), which stood at 390 to 450 feet tall.
As part of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Hellenistic Egypt and created by Greek architect Sostratos in the third century BCE, it was used to direct ships into and out of the Nile River port.
” Caesar talked on the significance of the lighthouse in Egypt’s harbor control during his invasion of the country.
By analyzing the coinage depicting the lighthouse, archeologists have concluded that it had three levels, each of which had a different shape, indicating that the lighthouse was likely three-tiered.
Above it stood a statue that was 16-feet tall and most likely was a portrayal of Ptolemy II or Alexander the Great.
Three earthquakes led to its collapse and the remnants were used to create the Citadel of Qaitbay in its stead in the 13th century.
French archaeologists discovered the lighthouse’s ruins at the bottom of Alexandria’s port in 1994, making it one of just a handful of the Seven Wonders of the World still accessible to divers today.
The 7 Wonders of the World Ancient: Known as Rhodes’ Colossus
The Colossus of Rhodes, a massive monument of the Greek titan-god Helios and one of the 7 wonders of the world ancient., was almost the same scale as New York’s Statue of Liberty, which rises 151 feet from the ground to its torch.
This 100-foot-tall figure, created by the artist Chares of Lindos, was the highest in its day.
In ancient times, they were thought to be depictions of the sun deity standing bare-chested, carrying a torch and a spear in his hands.
The catastrophic earthquake of 226 BC completely destroyed this building, which was constructed in Hellenistic Greece somewhere between 292 and 280 BCE.
After an Arab invasion of Rhodes, the remnants of the monument were taken and sold as scrap metal, destroying all traces of the statue’s real location.
Giza’s Great Pyramid
The Great Pyramid of Giza was erected by the Ancient Egyptians between 2650 and 2500 BCE as one of a sequence of royal tombs.
The Khufu, Khafra, and Menkaura pyramids are all located close to Giza, Egypt.
One of the most striking features of Khufu’s pyramid is that it has been dubbed the Great Pyramid and one of the 7 wonders of the world ancient.
An estimated 2 million stone blocks weighing between 2 and 30 tons each are spread across 13 acres of desert.
A layer of polished white stone and maybe a solid gold capstone on top, both of which have been robbed long ago, made it much more spectacular when it was first erected.
Researchers believe log rollers and a variety of other implements may have been employed to move stones into position.
Modern archaeologists assume that most of the hidden valuables were taken soon after construction, despite the presence of narrow passages and concealed rooms on the interior. | https://africafactszone.com/goya-menor-awiloh-ft-portable-a-fusion-of-talent-and-excellence/The | 1,586 | Music-Radio | 3 | en | 0.999966 |
NEW YORK – A nearly 3,000-year-old artifact currently on display in New York City confirms the historicity of King David and contradicts the secular belief that the biblical monarch never actually existed.
In recent years, some historians and archaeologists have claimed that King David of the Bible was an entirely fictional character. Others contend that the narratives of David’s kingdom found in 2 Samuel and 1 Chronicles are inaccurate embellishments of history.
“The most popular legends about David are the creation of generations who lived long after him,” wrote Jacob Wright of Emory University in an online article. “David’s slaying of Goliath, his exploits in the court of Saul, his relationship to Jonathan and Michal, his fate as a fugitive, his military triumphs abroad, his affair with Bathsheba, his civil war with Absalom, his succession by Solomon—all these colorfully depicted episodes were created by later generations of writers.”
However, an artifact currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York directly challenges these allegations. Known as the Tel Dan Stela, the artifact is a ninth-century B.C. stone slab that features carefully-incised Aramaic text. The artifact’s inscriptions commemorate an Aramean king’s military expeditions and reference both the “king of Israel” and the “king of the House of David.”
Experts say the relic, which was discovered in 1993, provides nearly incontrovertible proof of King David’s existence. Henry Smith, Jr., Director of Development for the Associates for Biblical Research, told Christian News Network that the inscription provides “powerful extra-biblical evidence that is in accord with the biblical presentation of David as the King of Israel.”
According to Smith, the Tel Dan Stela is “highly significant,” because it corroborates the Bible’s historical accounts. However, Smith said the artifact is not the only archaeological evidence that supports the scriptural narrative of David’s reign.
“In the 19th century, the Mesha Stela (also known as the Moabite Stone) was discovered in Jordan, and references ‘the house of David,’” he stated. “This important discovery is often ignored or dismissed by liberal scholars and skeptics across the board. Further, Egyptologist Kenneth Kitchen has identified an inscription in the Temple of Amun at Karnak that he believes reads ‘the heights of David.’”
All these discoveries point to one conclusion: King David actually existed.
“The Tel Dan Stela not only mentions the ‘house of David’ as well, but is a hostile witness to David’s historicity,” Smith added. “That is, it was inscribed by enemies of Israel from Aram. Further, it shows that kings who were enemies of Israel from later periods after David’s death recognized that the kings of Israel were of David’s lineage.”
Despite the historical evidence, many scholars and archaeologists still reject the Bible’s historical accounts. Smith suggested this rejection is due to several factors.
“First, they often ignore the actual chronology that the Bible provides for the events it reports,” he asserted. “Thus, they try to incorrectly correlate events in the Bible with archaeological evidence that is not from the actual period when the biblical events took place. We find this especially with respect to the book of Joshua and the conquest of Jericho, Ai and Hazor.”
“Second,” he continued, “their foundational presupposition is that the text of the Old Testament was redacted, amended and changed by editors and compilers with human-centered agendas, political and otherwise. These extensive redactions supposedly took place over many centuries.”
According to Smith, “there is not one shred of proof” for these elaborate, anti-biblical theories.
Smith further told Christian News Network that archaeological evidence is subject to a wide range of interpretations, which can often be biased or inaccurate.
“The problem is that archaeology yields much more material culture than it does actual written texts, and material culture is subject to wide arrays of interpretation,” he said. “Material culture does not ‘speak’ in the same way a written text can speak, and thus, it requires us to be cautious about the way we understand the material culture of antiquity.”
Smith encourages Christians to consider the reliability of the Bible and to realize that the gospel message is grounded in history.
“The God of Scripture is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign Lord of all history,” he stated. “The Bible is filled with references to real people, real events and real chronology. Christians must take Scripture seriously in this regard. After all, Jesus Christ was born into this fallen world to redeem His people and the entire cosmos, at a particular time and in a particular place. He is the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament revelation. We should be reminded of what Paul wrote to the Galatian church: ‘When the time had fully come, God sent His Son…’”
Editor’s Note: The Tel Dan Stela will be on display through January 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Assyria to Iberia at the Dawn of the Classical Age” exhibit. For more information about the artifact, please visit the website of the Associates for Biblical Research. | http://christiannews.net/2014/12/22/did-king-david-actually-exist-extraordinary-artifact-confirms-biblical-account/ | 1,149 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999914 |
1. The word "God" is Elohim, which is itself a plural form and, like most other words, has more than one definition. It is used in a plural sense of "gods" or "men with authority," and in a singular sense for "God," "god," or "a man with authority, such as a judge." The Hebrew lexicon by Brown, Driver and Briggs, considered to be one of the best available, has as its first usage for Elohim: "rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power, divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels, gods."
Elohim is translated "gods" in many verses. Genesis 35:2 reads, "Get rid of all the foreign gods you have with you," and Exodus 18:11 says, "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods." It is translated "judges" in Exodus 21:6; 22:8 and 9. It is translated "angels" (KJV) or "heavenly beings" (NIV) in Psalm 8:5. That is its plural use, and there is no evidence that anyone thought of these "gods" as having some kind of plurality of persons within themselves.
2. Elohim is also translated as the singular "god" or "judge," and there is no hint of any "compound nature" when it is translated that way. An example is Exodus 22:20, which reads, "Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the lord must be destroyed." Another example is Judges 6:31: "If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar." In Exodus 7:1, God says that He has made Moses a "god" (Elohim) to Pharaoh. Again, in Judges 11:24, the pagan god Chemosh is called Elohim, and in 1 Samuel 5:7, the pagan god Dagon is called Elohim, yet Christians do not conclude that those gods were somehow composite or "uniplural," or that the people who worshipped them thought they were.
Exactly how to translate Elohim in 1 Samuel 2:25 has been debated by scholars. The question is whether Elohim in the verse refers to a human judge or to God. The KJV says "judge." The versions are divided between them, some translating Elohim as a man, others as God Himself. The fact that the scholars and translators debate about whether the word Elohim refers to a man or God shows vividly that the word itself does not have any inherent idea of a plurality of persons. If it did, it could not be translated as "god" when referring to a pagan god, or as "judge" when referring to a man. The evidence in Scripture does not warrant the conclusion that the Hebrew word Elohim inherently contains the idea of a compound nature.
3. Some teach that the word Elohim implies a compound unity when it refers to the true God. That would mean that the word Elohim somehow changes meaning when it is applied to the true God so that the true God can be a compound being. There is just no evidence of this. The first place we should go for confirmation of this is to the Jews themselves. When we study the history and the language of the Jews, we discover that they never understood Elohim to imply a plurality in God in any way. In fact, the Jews were staunchly opposed to people and nations who tried to introduce any hint of more than one God into their culture. Jewish rabbis have debated the Law to the point of tedium, and have recorded volume after volume of notes on the Law, yet in all of their debates there is no mention of a plurality in God. This fact in and of itself ought to close the argument.
No higher authority on the Hebrew language can be found than the great Hebrew scholar, Gesenius. He wrote that the plural nature of Elohim was for intensification, and was related to the plural of majesty and used for amplification. Gesenius states, "That the language has entirely rejected the idea of numerical plurality in Elohim (whenever it denotes one God) is proved especially by its being almost invariably joined with a singular attribute."
The singular pronoun is always used with the word Elohim. A study of the word will show what Gesenius stated, that the singular attribute (such as "He," not "They," or "I," not "We") always follows Elohim. Furthermore, when the word Elohim is used to denote others beside the true God, it is understood as singular or plural, never as "uniplural." To us, the evidence is clear: God is not "compound" in any sense of the word. He is the "one God" of Israel.
4. Scripture contains no reproof for those who do not believe in a "Triune God." Those who do not believe in God are called "fools" (Ps. 14:1). Those who reject Christ are condemned (John 3:18). Scripture testifies that it is for "doctrine, reproof, and correction" (2 Tim. 3:16 - KJV), and there are many verses that reprove believers for all kinds of erroneous beliefs and practices. Conspicuous in its absence is any kind of reproof for not believing in the Trinity.
Buzzard, pp. 13-15,125 and 126
Morgridge, pp. 88-96
, pp. 359-367
1. Francis Brown, The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Hendrickson Pub., Massachusetts, 1906), p. 43.
2. E. Kautzsch, ed., Gesenius' Hebrew Grammar (Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1910), p. 399.
Did Somebody Find the Trinity in the First Chapter of the Bible? To Whom Was God Speaking to When He Said, "Let Us Make Man in Our Image"?
Out Reach Judaism
Dear Rabbi Singer,
A Messianic Jew is working overtime to try to convince me that I need JC. She recently showed me Genesis 1:26, "Let US make man in OUR image," stating that JC was part of creation with G-d, plural Us and Our being the proof. Can you explain the plural in this verse to me? I want to have an intelligent answer. I am trying very hard to learn more of my Jewish religion, as I was raised in a non-religious home. The only Bible I own is the one she gave me and it is a King James.
No area of Jewish literature could be more inhospitable to the Christian doctrine of the triune godhead than the Torah and the writings of its prophetic messengers. It is on the strength of these sacred texts that the Jew has preserved the concept of one, single, unique Creator God Who alone is worthy of worship. Understandably, missionaries undertake a formidable task when they seek to "prove" the doctrine of the Trinity from the Jewish scriptures. No prophet went silent on the uncompromising radical monotheism demanded by the God of Israel. The Jewish people, therefore, to whom these sublime declarations about the nature of the Almighty were given, knew nothing about a trinity of persons in the godhead.
Because the prophets relayed their divine message on the nature of God with such timeless clarity, few texts in Tanach could hold any promise for the church to raise up as a support for their teachings on the Trinity. Understandably, though, the defenders of Christendom flaunted the very few verses that they managed to somehow skew into a supposed support for this alien doctrine.
One of the most popular verses used by missionaries as a proof text for the Trinity is Genesis 1:26. This verse appears in missionary literature quite often in spite of the fact that this argument has been answered countless times throughout the centuries. Let's examine Genesis 1:26.
And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and they shall rule over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the sky, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth."
With limited knowledge of the Jewish scriptures, missionaries advance the above verse in as evidence that there was a plurality in the godhead, which was responsible for creation. What other explanation could adequately account for the Bible's use of the plural pronouns such as "us" and "our" in this verse?
This argument, however, is grievously flawed. In fact, a great number of Trinitarian Christian scholars have long abandoned the notion that Genesis 1:26 implies a plurality of persons in the godhead. Rather, Christian scholars overwhelmingly agree that the plural pronoun in this verse is a reference to God's ministering angels who were created previously, and the Almighty spoke majestically in the plural, consulting His heavenly court. Let's read the comments of a number of preeminent Trinitarian Bible scholars on this subject. For example, the evangelical Christian author Gordon J. Wenham, who is no foe of the Trinity and authored a widely respected two-volume commentary on the Book of Genesis, writes on this verse,
Christians have traditionally seen [Genesis 1:26] as adumbrating [foreshadowing] the Trinity. It is now universally admitted that this was not what the plural meant to the original author. (Gordon J. Wenham, Word Biblical Commentary on Genesis, Word Books, 1987, p. 27)
If you had attended any one of my lectures you would know that the New International Version is hardly a Bible that can be construed as being friendly to Judaism. Yet, the NIV Study Bible also writes in its commentary on Genesis 1:26,
Us . . . Our . . . Our. God speaks as the Creator-king, announcing His crowning work to the members of His heavenly court. (see 3:22; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8; I Kings 22:19-23; Job 15:8; Jeremiah 23:18) (NIV Study Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1985, p. 7)
Charles Caldwell Ryrie, a highly regarded dispensationalist professor of Biblical Studies at the Philadelphia College of Bible and author of the widely read Bible commentary, The Ryrie Study Bible, writes in his short and to-the-point annotation on Genesis 1:26,
Us . . . Our. Plurals of majesty. (Charles Caldwell Ryrie, The Ryrie Study Bible (Dallas Theological Seminary), Chicago: Moody Press, 1978, p. 9)
The Liberty Annotated Study Bible, a Bible commentary published by the Reverend Jerry Falwell's Liberty University, similarly remarks on this verse,
The plural pronoun "Us" is most likely a majestic plural from the standpoint of Hebrew grammar and syntax. (Jerry Falwell (Executive Editor), Liberty Annotated Study Bible, Lynchburg: Liberty University, 1988, p. 8)
The 10-volume commentary by Keil and Delitzsch is considered by many to be the most influential exposition on the "Old Testament" in evangelical circles. Yet in its commentary on Genesis 1:26, we find,
The plural "We" was regarded by the fathers and earlier theologians almost unanimously as indicative of the Trinity; modern commentators, on the contrary, regard it either as pluralis majestatis . . . No other explanation is left, therefore, than to regard it as pluralis majestatis . . . .(Keil & Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament, Peabody: Hendric., 1989, Vol. I, p. 2)
The question that immediately comes to mind is: What would compel these evangelical scholars -- all of whom are Trinitarian -- to determinedly conclude that Genesis 1:26 does not suggest the Trinity, but rather a majestic address to the angelic hosts of heaven? Why would the comments of the above conservative Christian writers so perfectly harmonize with the Jewish teaching on this verse?
The answer to this question is simple. If you search the Bible you will find that when the Almighty speaks of "us" or "our," He is addressing His ministering angels. In fact, only two chapters later, God continues to use the pronoun "us" as He speaks with His angels. At the end of the third chapter of Genesis the Almighty relates to His angels that Adam and his wife have eaten from the Tree of Knowledge and must therefore be prevented from eating from the Tree of Life as well; for if man would gain access to the Tree of Life he will "become like one of us." The Creator then instructs his angels known as Cherubim to stand at the gate of the Garden of Eden waving a flaming sword so that mankind is prevented from entering the Garden and eating from the Tree of Life. Let's examine Genesis 3:22-24.
Then the Lord God said, "Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever" -- therefore the Lord God sent him out of the Garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden, and a flaming sword, which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.
This use of the majestic plural in Genesis 3:22-24 is what is intended by the NIV Study Bible's annotation on Genesis 1:26 (above). At the end of its comment on this verse, the NIV Study Bible provides a number of Bible sources from the Jewish scriptures to support its position that "God speaks as the Creator-king, announcing His crowning work to the members of His heavenly court." The verses cited are: Genesis 3:22, 11:7, Isaiah 6:8, I Kings 22:19-23, Job 15:8, and Jeremiah 23:18. These verses convey to the attentive Bible reader that the heavenly abode of the Creator is filled with the ministering angels who attend the Almighty and to whom He repeatedly refers when using the plural pronoun "Us." 1
I will close this letter with one final note. Outsiders often wonder what binding force keeps the Jewish people united in faith. This is not so odd a question when we consider the inner conflict that has followed our people throughout our extraordinary history. Bear in mind that regardless of the turbulent quarrels that fester among us, the oneness of God remains the binding thread which unites the Jewish people in history and witness. The teachings of the Torah were designed to set forever in the national conscience of the Jewish people the idea that God is one alone and therefore the only object of our devotion and worship.
Rabbi Tovia Singer
1: A similar verse describing God as He converses with His ministering angels is found in the beginning of the sixth chapter of Isaiah, which reads,
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the Temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew . . . Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." (Isaiah 6:1, 8)
1. Elohim and Adonim, Hebrew words for God, occur in the plural. If this literally meant a plurality of persons, it would be translated "Gods." But the Jews, being truly monotheistic and thoroughly familiar with the idioms of their own language, have never understood the use of the plural to indicate a plurality of persons within the one God. This use of the plural is for amplification, and is called a "plural of majesty" or a "plural of emphasis," and is used for intensification (see note on Gen. 1:1). Many Hebrew scholars identify this use of "us" as the use of the plural of majesty or plural of emphasis, and we believe this also.
2. The plural of majesty is clearly attested to in writing from royalty through the ages. Hyndman writes:
The true explanation of this verse is to be found in the practice which has prevailed in all nations with which we are acquainted, of persons speaking of themselves in the plural number. "Given at our palace," "It is our pleasure," are common expressions of kings in their proclamations (p. 54).
It is common in all languages with which we are acquainted, and it appears to have always been so, for an individual, especially if he be a person of great dignity and power, in speaking of himself only, to say we, our, us, instead of I, my, me. Thus, the king of France says, "We, Charles the tenth." The king of Spain says, "We, Ferdinand the seventh." The Emperor of Russia says "We, Alexander," or "We, Nicholas" (p. 93).
The plural of majesty can be seen in Ezra 4:18. In Ezra 4:11, the men of the Trans-Euphrates wrote, "To King Artaxerxes, from your servants." The book of Ezra continues, "The king sent this reply: Greetings. The letter you sent us has been read and translated.." Thus, although the people wrote to the king himself, the king used the word "us." It is common in such correspondence that the plural is used when someone speaks of his intentions, and the use of the more literal singular is used when the person acts. Morgridge adds more insight when he says:
It is well known that Mohammed was a determined opposer of the doctrine of the Trinity: yet he often represents God as saying we, our, us, when speaking only of Himself. This shows that, in his opinion, the use of such terms was not indicative of a plurality of persons. If no one infers, from their frequent use in the Koran, that Mohammed was a Trinitarian, surely their occurrence in a few places in the Bible ought not to be made a proof of the doctrine of the Trinity (p. 94).
3. Some scholars believe that the reason for the "us" in Genesis 1:26 is that God could have been speaking with the angels when he created man in the beginning. Although that is possible, because there are many Scriptures that clearly attribute the creation of man to God alone, we believe that the plural of emphasis is the preferred explanation.
4. The name of God is not the only word that is pluralized for emphasis (although when the plural does not seem to be good grammar, the translators usually ignore the Hebrew plural and translate it as a singular, so it can be hard to spot in most English versions)
After Cain murdered Abel, God said to Cain, "the voice of your brother's bloods cries to me from the ground" (Gen. 4:10). The plural emphasizes the horror of the act. In Genesis 19:11, the men of Sodom who wanted to hurt Lot were smitten with "blindness." The Hebrew is in the plural, "blindnesses," and indicates that the blindness was total so Lot would be protected. Leviticus tells people not to eat fruit from a tree for three years, and in the fourth year the fruit is "an offering of praise to the Lord" (Lev. 19:24). The Hebrew word for "praise" is plural, emphasizing that there was to be great praise. Psalm 45:15 tells of people who are brought into the presence of the Messiah. It says, "They are led in with joy and gladness." The Hebrew actually reads "gladnesses," emphasizing the great gladness of the occasion. In Ezekiel 25, God is speaking of what has happened to Israel and what He will do about it. Concerning the Philistines, He said, "the Philistines acted in vengeance.I will carry out great vengeance on them" (Ezek 25:15 and 17). In the Hebrew text, the second vengeance, the vengeance of God, is in the plural, indicating the complete vengeance that the Lord will inflict. Although many more examples exist in the Hebrew text, these demonstrate that it is not uncommon to use a plural to emphasize something in Scripture.
Buzzard, p. 13
Farley, pp. 25-27
Hyndman, pp. 53 and 54
Morgridge, pp. 92-96
, pp. 359-367
Question: God said: "Let us make man in our image . . ." (Genesis 1:26) and "Come, let us go down, and there confound their language" (Genesis 11:7). To whom does the "us" refer?
Jews For Judaism
Answer: Trinitarian Christians maintain that Genesis 1:26 and Genesis 11:7 are proof texts of an alleged tri-unity god, but this claim is erroneous. The inference that "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26) refers to the plurality of God is refuted by the subsequent verse, which relates the creation of man to a singular God, "And God created man in His image" (Genesis 1:27). In this verse the Hebrew verb "created" appears in the singular form. If "let us make man" indicates a numerical plurality, it would be followed in the next verse by, "And they created man in their image." Obviously, the plural form is used in the same way as in the divine appellation 'Elohim, to indicate the all- inclusiveness of God's attributes of authority and power, the plurality of majesty. It is customary for one in authority to speak of himself as if he were a plurality. Hence, Absalom said to Ahithophel, "Give your counsel what we shall do" (2 Samuel 16:20). The context shows that he was seeking advice for himself' yet he refers to himself as "we" (see also Ezra 4:16-19).
There is another possible reason for the use of the plural on the part of God, and that is to manifest His humility. God addresses Himself to the angels and says to them, "Let us make man in our image." It is not that He invites their help, but as a matter of modesty and courtesy, God associates them with the creation of man. This teaches us that a great man should act humbly and consult with those lower than him. It is not unusual for God to refer to His heavenly court (angels) as "us," as we see in Isaiah 6:8, "And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?'" Although God often acts without assistance, He makes His intentions known to His servants. Thus, we find "Shall I conceal from Abraham that which I am doing" (Genesis 18:17); "He made known His ways to Moses, His doings to the children of Israel" (Psalms 103:7); "For the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His counsel to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7).
A misconception similar to that concerning Genesis 1:27 is held by Trinitarian Christians with reference to the verse, "Come, let us go down, and there confound their language" (Genesis 11:7). Here, too, the confounding of the language is related in verse 9 to God alone, ". . . because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth." In this verse the Hebrew verb "did" appears in the singular form. Also, the descent is credited in verse 5 to the Lord alone, "And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower." In this verse the Hebrew verb "came down" appears in the singular form. If a doctrine of plurality of persons is to be based on the grammatical form of words, the frequent interchanging of the singular and the plural should vitiate such an attempt as being without foundation or merit. We may safely conclude that the Bible refutes most emphatically every opinion, which deviates from the concept of an indivisible unity of God.
Chapter 45 of Isaiah, using the Tetragrammaton, unequivocally asserts that the Lord alone is the creator and ruler of all things in the universe. The six uses of 'Elohim in this chapter (verses 3, 5, 14, 15, 18, 21) show that the term 'Elohim is synonymous with the Tetragrammaton, and that both epithets refer to the absolute one-and-only God. The singularity of God, expressed in the first-person singular in verse 12, clearly shows who is meant by the phrase, "Let us create man in our image": "I, even I, have made the earth, and created man upon it; I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded."
As for the Messiah, of him God says, "And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even My servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and My servant David prince among them; I the Lord have spoken" (Ezekiel 34:23-24). The Lord alone will be worshipped as God, while the Messiah, as the servant of God, lives with the people. God and the Messiah are not and cannot be equals, for it is God alone who gives the Messiah power to rule in the capacity of His appointed servant.
Return to Refuting Trinity in the Old Testament
Return to Homepage | http://www.call-to-monotheism.com/genesis_1_1__by_biblical_unitarian__out_reach_judaism_and_jews_for_judaism | 5,426 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999943 |
New medications have been developed to assist with opiate and alcohol detox and MAT is becoming more prevalent in opioid addiction treatment models.
The unprecedented increase in the prevalence of substance abuse disorders in recent years has made it increasingly clear that much of what was known about addiction treatment was incomplete or wrong.
For example, “getting clean” by being in jail awaiting trial for drug offenses does not help people recover from substance abuse disorders, particularly if they return to the same environment from which they came after being released from incarceration.
New medications have been developed to assist with opiate and alcohol detox and rehabilitation, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is becoming more prevalent in opioid addiction treatment models. Another potential addiction treatment that has received attention recently is something originally developed to treat deep sea divers with the bends or burn victims: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT.
Effects of Addiction on the Brain
Exact effects of long-term addiction on the brain can be studied more directly now, with the use of advanced brain imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It appears that the injuries to the brain caused by addiction have similarities to the injuries to the brain caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients with TBI can be helped with HBOT, so perhaps people with substance abuse disorders could be too.
Both TBI and addiction cause damage to the brain on a cellular level. HBOT is designed to deliver pure oxygen to parts of the brain that may not receive sufficient oxygen to activate the brain’s ability to heal itself.
Animal and Human Studies on HBOT and Drug Withdrawal
A study involving HBOT in opiate-dependent mice found that symptoms of withdrawal, like jumping and shaking, could be significantly reduced when 30- or 60-minute HBOT sessions were provided prior to injection of naloxone.
Studies have been performed with human subjects as well. A Russian study from 20 years ago included 340 people with substance abuse disorders, including narcotics addiction, alcoholism, and other addictions. A control group was administered MAT alone while the treatment group received MAT plus HBOT. The group that received HBOT experienced more favorable recovery, both during treatment sessions and after the conclusion of treatments. Researchers calculated that the treatment group experienced an approximately twofold decrease in treatment duration and experienced fewer complications.
How HBOT Works
By helping cells in the brain receive the oxygen they need, these same cells will have better resources with which to self-heal. Furthermore, increased oxygen absorption reduces how long toxic substances remain in the brain, which further expedites the healing process.
Potential Advantages of HBOT in Addiction Treatment
HBOT not only helps the brain heal itself, but it is also noninvasive, simple, and does not cause side effects apart from potentially stopped up ears. Overall, it is considered extremely safe and can be used alongside other addiction treatment modalities. HBOT is sometimes covered by insurance for TBI, but may not be covered as an addiction treatment.
Nonetheless, if HBOT ends up reducing addiction treatment time considerably, the cost of HBOT may be considered a wise investment, allowing people with substance abuse disorders to resume their normal activities sooner than might otherwise be possible.
Addiction treatment is complex and must be individually tailored to achieve the most consistent positive results. HBOT is not a cure for addiction, but it may prove to be an important component of successful recovery, particularly if it reduces the time it takes to recover from withdrawal from substances.
Are you grappling with the life-altering effects of a substance abuse disorder? Addiction treatment is not “one size fits all,” and it is important that the people and programs you choose to help you with your recovery understand your unique needs. We invite you to contact us at any time if you have questions about addiction or addiction recovery.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. | https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/treatment-program/news/hbot-eyed-potential-addiction-treatment/#gref | 879 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999996 |
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Gonorrhea is a purulent infection of the mucous membrane surfaces caused by the bacterium Neisseriagonorrhoeae.
Gonorrhea was the most common STD worldwide for at least most of the 20th century, although since the mid-1970s, public health initiatives in the industrialized world have resulted in declining incidence of the disease, however, gonococcal infection is still the second most common notifiable disease in the United States, and Western European rates approximate those in the United States (Brian, 2018). It tends to infect warm, moist areas of the body, including the: urethra (the tube that drains urine from the urinary bladder), eyes, throat, vagina, anus and female reproductive tract (the fallopian tubes, cervix, and uterus).
Gonorrhea passes from person to person through unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal sex. People with numerous sexual partners or those who don’t use a condom are at greatest risk of infection. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all patients with gonorrheal infection also be treated for presumed co-infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.
Gonorrhea, an important public health problem and the second most common notifiable disease in the United States, is a purulent infection of mucous membrane surfaces caused by the gram-negative diplococcusNeisseria gonorrhoeae. Although gonorrhea (known colloquially as the clap and the drip) is most frequently spread during sexual contact, it can also be transmitted from the mother’s genital tract to the newborn during birth, causing ophthalmia neonatorum and systemic neonatal infection. In women, the cervix is the most common site of gonorrhea, resulting in endocervcitisand urethritis, which can be complicated by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). In men, gonorrhea causes anterior urethritis. Gonorrhea can also spread throughout the body to cause localized and disseminated disease. Complications also include ectopic pregnancy and increased susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Most commonly, the term gonorrhea refers to urethritis and or cervicitis in a sexually active person. Gonococcalinfections following sexual and perinatal transmission are a major source of morbidity worldwide. In the developed world, where prophylaxis for neonatal eye infection is standard, the vast majority of infections follow genitourinary mucosal exposure. In the pediatric population, the importance of gonorrhea is 3-fold, as follows:
- As a common and preventable sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the sexually active teenage population
- As a perinatal infection at childbirth
- As a forensic aid in investigating sexual abuse
Gonococcal infection usually follows mucosal inoculation during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact. It also may be caused by inoculation of mucosa by contaminated fingers or other objects. Transmission through penile-rectal contact is fairly efficient. The risk of transmission of N gonorrhoeae from an infected woman to the urethra of her male partner is approximately 20% per episode of vaginal intercourse and rises to 60-80% after 4 or more exposures. In contrast, the risk of male-to-female transmission approximates 50-70% per contact, with little evidence of increased risk with more sexual exposures. Persons who have unprotected intercourse with new partners frequently enough to sustain the infection in a community are defined as core transmitters.
Risk factors for gonorrhea include the following:a) Sexual exposure to an infected partner without barrier protection (eg, failure to use a condom or condom failure) b) Multiple sex partnersc) Male homosexualityd) Low socioeconomic statuse) History of concurrent or past STDsf) Exchange of sex for drugs or moneyg) Use of crack cocaineh) Early age of onset of sexual activityi) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Use of an intrauterine device (IUD)
Symptoms usually occur within two to 14 days after exposure. However, some people infected with gonorrhea never develop noticeable symptoms. It’s important to remember that a person with gonorrhea who doesn’t have symptoms, also called a nonsymptomatic carrier, is still contagious. A person is more likely to spread the infection to other partners when they don’t have noticeable symptoms (Dale and Justin, 2016).
Signs and symptoms of gonorrhea include:
- gonococcal cervicitis
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
- Mild lower abdominal pain
If the infection progresses to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), symptoms may include the following:
- Lower abdominal pain: Most consistent symptom of PID
- Increased vaginal discharge or mucopurulenturethral discharge
- Dysuria: Usually without urgency or frequency
- Cervical motion tenderness
- Adnexal tenderness (usually bilateral) or adnexalmass
- Intermenstrual bleeding
- Fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting (less common)
Traditionally, gonorrhea was diagnosed with Gram stain and culture; however, newer polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based testing methods are becoming more common. In those failing initial treatment, culture should be done to determine sensitivity to antibiotics. Culture is the most common diagnostic test for gonorrhea, followed by the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) probe and then the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and ligand chain reaction (LCR). The DNA probe is an antigen detection test that uses a probe to detect gonorrhea DNA in specimens. Tests that use polymerase chain reaction (PCR, aka nucleic acid amplification) to identify genes unique to N. gonorrhoeae are recommended for screening and diagnosis of gonorrhea infection. These PCR-based tests require a sample of urine, urethral swabs, or cervical/vaginal swabs. Culture (growing colonies of bacteria in order to isolate and identify them) and Gram-stain (staining of bacterial cell walls to reveal morphology) can also be used to detect the presence of N. gonorrhoeae in all specimen types except urine.
Specific culture of a swab from the site of infection is a criterion standard for diagnosis at all potential sites of gonococcal infection. Cultures are particularly useful when the clinical diagnosis is unclear, when a failure of treatment has occurred, when contact tracing is problematic, and when legal questions arise.
All people testing positive for gonorrhea should be tested for other sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus. Studies have found co-infection with chlamydiaranging from 46 to 54% in young people with gonorrhea. (Dicker et al., 2003) For this reason, gonorrhea and chlamydia testing are often combined (Ryan and Ray, 2004). People diagnosed with gonorrhea infection have a fivefold increase risk of HIV transmission (Meyers et al., 2008). Additionally, infected persons who are HIV positive are more likely to shed and transmit HIV to uninfected partners during an episode of gonorrhea.
Penicillin entered mass production in 1944 and revolutionized the treatment of several venereal diseases. Penicillin remains the treatment of choice for uncomplicated gonorrhea in the United States (1984) orAmoxicillin, 3.0 gm plua 1.0 gm Probenicid PO1 orAmpicillin, 3.5 gm plus 1.0 gm Probenicid PO1Spectinomycin, 2.0 gm or IPlus doxycycline 100 mg PO bid 2 or tetracycline 500 mg PO qid X 7 days. Spectinomycin is the drug of choice for patients infected with PPNG strains but the rapid increase in spectinomycin resistance is troublesome. Ampicillin3.5 gm or Amoxicillin 3.0 gm given orally with 1 gm of probenecid can be substituted for penicillin. Because at least 40% of patients have a concomitant chlamydiainfection, the addition of a tetracycline antibiotic is important, especially when the ability to verify thediagnosis of chlamydia is poor or lacking. Doxycycline100 mg bid or tetracylcine 0.5 gm for 7 days is usually adequate. Patients with DGI should be hospitalized to rule out endocarditis, meningitis, and optimally manage septic joints. Since patients with disseminated gonococcal infection are usually infected with strains that are quite sensitive to penicillin, hospitalization for 3 days of intravenous penicillin is usually adequate to cure the infection. Furthermore, surgical drainage of infected joints is not necessary. Patients with gonococcal oropharyngitis are more difficult to treat,and may require more than one course of treatment. Spectinomycin is not reliable as treatment for pharyngeal gonorrhea. Since pelvic inflammatory disease is so frequently a mixed infection and the possible consequence is so devastating, antimicrobial combinations to cover N. gonorrhoeae, anaerobic bacteria, enterobacteriaceae andnC. trachomatis are warranted. The length of treatment depends unonseverity of disease. Most often 10-14 days of treatment is sufficient. Toxic patients should be admitted to the hospital. 3Daily dose depends on drug chosen and renal status for 14 days of treatment. As of 2010, injectable ceftriaxone is one of the few effective antibiotics. This is typically given in combination with either azithromycin or doxycycline (Datta et al., 2007).As of 2015 and 2016 the CDC and WHO only recommends both ceftriaxone and azithromycin.Because of increasing rates of antibiotic resistance local susceptibility patterns must be taken into account when deciding on treatment (Deguchi et al., 2015). Adults may have eyes infected with gonorrhoea and require proper personal hygiene and medications. (Baarda et al., 2015) Among persons in the United States between 14 and 39 years of age, 46% of people with gonorrheal infection also have chlamydialinfection (Groopman, 2012). It is recommended that sexual partners be tested and potentially treated. One option for treating sexual partners of people infected is patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT), which involves providing prescriptions or medications to the person to take to his/her partner without the health care provider’s first examining him/her.
The United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommend that individuals who have been diagnosed and treated for gonorrhea avoid sexual contact with others until at least one week past the final day of treatment in order to prevent the spread of the bacterium.
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of gonorrhea is a growing challenge. These cases may require more extensive treatment, with a seven-day course of an oral antibiotic or dual therapy with two different antibiotics, usually for a total of seven days of therapy. The antibiotics used for extended therapy are usually given once or twice a day. Some common antibiotics used include azithromycin and doxycycline. Scientists are working to develop vaccines to prevent gonorrhea infection.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of the sexually transmitted infection gonorrhea which is the second most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Its formal identification was in 1879 by the German bacteriologist Albert Neisser. Gonorrhea grows mainly in the warm, moist areas of the reproductive tract for both men and women. It can also grow in the mouth, throat, eyes, and anus.Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections are acquired in humans by sexual contact. It is able to infect the lower genital tract, urethra in men and cervix in women. Infected women may be asymptomatic (show no symptoms), but up to 50% show nonspecific symptoms including odorless mucopurulent, vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding. Even infections without symptoms can also result in severe consequences. On the other hand, 90% of men with urethral infection have symptomatic mucopurulent penile discharge and dysuria. Gonococci can ascend to the upper genital tract, leading to serious diseases, such as epididymitisin men and cervicitis, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. The safest way to prevent gonorrhea or other STDs is through abstinence, practice of safe sex using condoms, it’s important to be open with one’s sexual partners, getting regular STD testing, and find out if they’ve been tested. Sexual contacts should be avoided with a partner that shows signs of infections. Risk of infection is higher in the case of one having multiple sexual partners or a new partner. In the course of treatment, it’s important to take the full course of pills to ensure that the infection is completely treated, as abusing the drugs can make the bacteria more likely to develop resistance to the antibiotic. Undergoing medical check-up one to two weeks later to make sure that your infection has clearedis paramount.
By Akubuo Chigaemezu Martin
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA | https://www.theafrigist.com/gonorrhea-clinical-manifestation-diagnosis-and-treatment/ | 2,804 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999689 |
Scientists say early experiments suggest it may one day be possible to make babies without using eggs.
They have succeeded in creating healthy baby mice by tricking sperm into believing they were fertilising normal eggs.
The findings in Nature Communications, external, could, in the distant future, mean women can be removed from the baby-making process, say the researchers.
For now, the work helps to explain some of the details of fertilisation.
End of mum and dad?
The University of Bath scientists started with an unfertilised egg in their experiments.
They used chemicals to trick it into becoming a pseudo-embryo.
These "fake" embryos share much in common with ordinary cells, such as skin cells, in the way they divide and control their DNA.
The researchers reasoned that if injecting sperm into mouse pseudo-embryos could produce healthy babies, then it might one day be possible to achieve a similar result in humans using cells that are not from eggs.
In the mouse experiments, the odds of achieving a successful pregnancy was one in four.
Dr Tony Perry, one of the researchers, told the BBC News website: "This is the first time that anyone has been able to show that anything other than an egg can combine with a sperm in this way to give rise to offspring.
"It overturns nearly 200 years of thinking."
Those baby mice were healthy, had a normal life expectancy and had healthy pups of their own.
The goal of the researchers is to understand the exact mechanisms of fertilisation because what happens when a sperm fuses with an egg is still a bit of a mystery.
For example, the egg completely strips the sperm's DNA of all its chemical clothing and re-dresses it.
That stops the sperm behaving like a sperm and makes it act like an embryo, but how the "costume change" takes place is not clear.
Removing the need for an egg could have a wider impact on society.
Dr Perry said: "One possibility, in the distant future, is that it might be possible that ordinary cells in the body can be combined with a sperm so that an embryo is formed."
In other words, two men could have a child, with one donating an ordinary cell and the other, sperm.
Or one man could have his own child using his own cells and sperm - with that child being more like a non-identical twin than a clone.
Dr Perry stressed that such scenarios were still "speculative and fanciful" at this stage.
Earlier this year in China, scientists were able to make sperm from stem cells and then fertilise an egg to produce healthy mice.
Dr Perry suggested that combining the two fields of research may eventually do without the need for sperm and eggs altogether.
Prof Robin Lovell-Badge, from the Francis Crick Institute, commented: "I'm not surprised that the authors are excited about this.
"I think it is a very interesting paper, and a technical tour de force and I am sure it will tell us something important about reprogramming at these early steps of development that are relevant to both fertilisation and single cell nuclear transfer [cloning].
"And, perhaps more broadly, about reprogramming of cell fate in other situations.
"It doesn't yet tell us how, but the paper gives a number of clear pointers."
Follow James on Twitter., external | http://www.bbc.com/news/health-37337215?ocid=socialflow_facebook | 701 | Health | 3 | en | 0.99999 |
An automotive battery is a component that supplies electrical current to a motor vehicle. On average, car batteries should last between 2 to 6 years, but like most car parts, it all depends on how you use it.
However, the best way to help prevent your battery from unexpectedly dying is to make sure it is always in good shape.
To sustain the lifespan of the battery requires that you do not overwork it needlessly. For instance, do not leave your car lights or other gadgets on overnight or when the car is idle.
Also, do not expose your battery to extreme weather/temperature conditions, and also avoid situations where your battery drains completely.
It is also important that you do not leave your car idle for days or weeks. Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal cable if the battery will not be in use for long in order to avoid discharge, etc.
Brake pads are the component of a car’s disc brakes that provide the friction to slow or stop your vehicle. They are steel backing plates with friction material bound to the surface that faces the disc brake rotor. The pressure and friction applied to the brake rotor is what slows and stops the wheel.
Generally, the more the vehicle owner drives, the more wear on the brake pads and therefore the shorter the lifespan of the brake pads.
The lifespan of the brake pad also depends on the type of vehicle, type of use and the driver’s driving style. On average, brake pads on the front last for anywhere from 30-60k miles.
A good way to ensure that the brake pad lasts, it is advised that drivers should learn not to apply the brakes abruptly.
During replacement, have both sides of the brake pads replaced together to ensure balance.
A head gasket is a gasket that sits between the engine block and cylinder head(s) in an internal combustion engine.
The function of the head gasket is to seal the cylinders to ensure maximum compression and avoid leakage of coolant or engine oil into the cylinders.
The head gasket is the most critical sealing application in any engine.
Though the gasket is not expensive, but its positioning in the engine and the complex process of replacing it can make a mechanic charge you a lot for the service.
A head gasket can be damaged due to several reasons. For instance, engine overheating is a popular cause of damage to the head gasket. The metal of the engine block and head expands beyond limits during overheating. This expansion can pinch the head gasket to the point where it will fail.
The next major causes of head gasket failure are engine pre-ignition or detonation.
The surest way to extend its lifespan is to prevent the gasket from overheating. Always resolve engine overheat.
The shock absorber is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb shock impulses when the car bounces or drives on rough road surfaces.
A car without a functional or damaged shock absorber can make riding in it quite uncomfortable.
Excessive bouncing, front “Nose-Diving”, instability of the car when it is on high speeds, uncomfortable rides, etc. are signs of a bad or worn out shock absorbers.
In order to extend the lifespan of your shock absorber, avoid overloading your vehicle, reckless driving on bad roads – especially on roads with a lot of potholes.
The fuel filter is a component of the car that prevents dirt and foreign from entering and clogging the fuel pump or entering your vehicle engine.
Over time, a severely dirty or clogged fuel filter can cause the vehicle to experience several engine problems such as Misfires or Hesitation.
One way to know if your fuel filter is bad when you struggle to start your car, increased fuel consumption, consistent ‘Check Engine’ light on your dashboard, etc.
To make your fuel filter last long, you can either clean it regularly or have it replaced. But it is best to follow the manufacturer’s replacement schedule.
If your filter is nylon or paper, you should just replace it with a new one. If it is made of metal and is not too grimy, you can clean and reuse it.
The clutch pedal is that third pedal you will find in manual transmission cars. It is the one on the far left a driver must press in order to change gear.
The function of the clutch is to engage and disengage power transmission especially from a driving shaft to a driven shaft.
The clutch normally can last for a fairly long time. However, the lifespan of your clutch depends on your driving style. Most clutches are designed to last approximately 60,000 miles before they need to be replaced. Some may need replacing at 30,000 and some others can keep going well over 100,000 miles, though this is not uncommon, especially in this country with terrible road condition.
However, to ensure an extended lifespan of your clutch, use it as little as possible. When on standstill, you can just use neutral and handbrake than depressing the clutch. Also, ensure you change gears smoothly and do not rest your foot on the clutch. | https://autojosh.com/6-key-components-of-your-car-and-how-to-extend-their-lifespan/ | 1,058 | Car Talk | 3 | en | 0.999987 |
White blood cells, antibodies, and other components, including organs and lymph nodes, make up the body’s immune system. Many disorders can weaken the immune system and cause a person to become immunocompromised. These immunodeficiency disorders, which range from mild to severe, can be present from birth or may occur as a result of environmental factors. They include:
- certain types of cancer
- viral hepatitis
- some medical treatments
Sometimes, an immunodeficiency disorder can be so mild that a person may not be aware of it for years. Other times, the disorder is more severe and causes a person to experience frequent infections throughout their life.
In this article, we look at the symptoms of a weak immune system and provide some steps that people can take to improve their chances of staying healthy. The primary symptom of a weak immune system is susceptibility to infection. A person with a weak immune system is likely to get infections more frequently than most other people, and these illnesses might be more severe or harder to treat.
These individuals may also find themselves dealing with an infection that a person with a stronger immune system would not get. People with a weak immune system often get include:
- skin infections
These infections may recur with a high frequency. The other symptoms of a weak immune system can include the following:
- autoimmune disorders
- inflammation of the internal organs
- blood disorders or abnormalities, such as anemia
- digestive issues, including loss of appetite, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
- growth and developmental delays in infants and children
People who have a weak immune system can take several steps to maximize their chances of staying healthy and avoiding infections. One of the easiest ways for a person with a weak immune system to stay healthy is by practicing good hygiene, which includes washing the hands frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)recommend washing the hands at the following times:
- before, during, and after preparing meals and snacks
- before eating
- after blowing the nose, sneezing, or coughing
- before and after treating a cut or another open skin wound
- after having contact with someone who is unwell
- after using or helping a child use the bathroom
- after changing a diaper
- after touching an animal or animal food or waste
- after touching garbage
Proper handwashing significantly reduces illnesses. According to the CDC, handwashing decreases infectious diarrhea cases by 58 percent in people with a weak immune system.
The CDC also state that hand-washing with soap and water can help protect children and minimize the number of deaths from pneumonia and diarrheal disease in those under the age of 5 years.
It is not always possible to avoid people who are ill. However, a person with a weak immune system should always avoid close contact, such as hugging or kissing, with the unwell person until the illness resolves. They should also avoid sharing food and beverages with the person.
Germs that have the potential to cause illnesses can live on some surfaces in the home, such as doorknobs and remote controls. A person can reduce the number of germs that inhabit these areas by disinfecting them regularly. Stress can weaken the immune system further and make a person more susceptible to illness. Some research shows that a person who is under excessive stress is more likely to get sick.
People with a weak immune system should take steps to manage their stress. Practices that may reduce and manage stress include:
- spending time pursuing hobbies
According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleep deprivation has a similar effect on the body’s immune system as stress. Lack of sleep disrupts the normal production of white blood cells, a crucial component of the body’s immune system.
According to the CDC, adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep per day, while infants and children need between 8 and 17 hours of sleep depending on their age. Eating a healthful, balanced diet can improve a person’s overall well-being. For people with a weak immune system, doctors generally recommend a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruit, which will provide plenty of nutrients. If a person is very immunocompromised, for example, because they are undergoing cancer treatment, a doctor may recommend that they take extra steps to avoid foodborne illnesses.
These may include:
- washing all fruits and vegetables before peeling them
- avoiding undercooked meats, fish, and eggs
- refrigerating food promptly
- choosing pasteurized juices and dairy products over unpasteurized products
Regular exercise keeps the body healthy. In addition to strengthening the body, exercise causes the body to release endorphins that reduce stress levels. However, those with weak immune systems should be careful not to push themselves too hard as this can weaken the immune system further.
Therefore, people with a weak immune system may wish to avoid exercising:
- at too high an intensity
- too frequently
- for extended periods without stopping to rest
Some vitamins and minerals affect the immune system. For example, a person who has a vitamin C deficiency can have weakened immunity.
Other vitamins and minerals that can affect immune function include:
- vitamin A
- vitamin D
- vitamin E
- folic acid
It is best to get these nutrients from dietary sources where possible, but if this proves challenging, supplements may help with immunity. A range
People who have a weak immune system tend to get frequent, severe infections. Techniques and lifestyle changes that may help a person stay healthy include managing stress, getting enough sleep, and practicing proper hygiene. Learn more about how to stay healthy with a weak immune system here. | http://haleplushearty.org/2019/04/11/medical-news-today-how-to-stay-healthy-with-a-weak-immune-system/ | 1,159 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999912 |
NEW YORK — It was all much ado about nothing as physicists and thinkers came together to debate the concept of nothing Wednesday (March 20) here at the American Museum of Natural History.
The simple idea of nothing, a concept that even toddlers can understand, proved surprisingly difficult for the scientists to pin down, with some of them questioning whether such a thing as nothing exists at all.
The first, most basic idea of nothing — empty space with nothing in it — was quickly agreed not to benothing. In our universe, even a dark, empty void of space, absent of all particles, is still something.
"It has a topology, it has a shape, it's a physical object," philosopher Jim Holt said during the museum's annual Isaac Asimov Memorial Debate, which this year was focused on the topic of "The Existence of Nothing."
As moderator Neil deGrasse Tyson, director of the museum's Hayden Planetarium, said, "If laws of physics still apply, the laws of physics are not nothing." [Endless Void or Big Crunch: How Will the Universe End?]
But there is a deeper kind of nothing, argued theoretical physicist Lawrence Krauss of Arizona State University, which consists of no space at all, and no time, no particles, no fields, no laws of nature. "That to me is as close to nothing as you can get," Krauss said.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.
"Is that really nothing?" he asked."There's no space and there's no time. But what about physical laws, what about mathematical entities? What about consciousness? All the things that are non-spatial and non-temporal."
Other speakers offered different ideas for nothing, such as a mathematical concept of nothing put forward by science journalist Charles Seife, author of "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" (Penguin Books, 2000). He proposed starting with a set of numbers that included only the number zero, and then removing zero, leaving what's called a null set. "It's almost a Platonic nothing," Seife said.
The theoretical physicist Eva Silverstein of Stanford University suggested a highly technical nothing based on quantum field theory that involved a quantum system lacking degrees of freedom (dimensions). "The ground state of a gapped quantum system is my best answer," she said.
Holt suggested another idea of nothing.
"The only even remotely persuasivedentition of nothing I've heard form a physicist came from Alex Vilenkin," a physicist at Tufts University, Holt said."Imagine the surface of a ball. It's a finite space but with no boundary. Then imagine it shrinking down to a point." That would create a closed space-timewith zero radius.
Absence of something
Still, Holt said he wasn't won over by that definition either, and wasn't convinced that nothing actually exists.
"Analytic philosophers say nothing is a noun, it seems like a name for an entity, but it's not — it just means not anything," he said."What's so special about nothing? It's not a fruitful philosophical notion."
But just because nothing may be prohibitively difficult to conceptualize, doesn't mean it's not a real thing, Krauss countered.
"There are lots of things in science that are impossible to get any intuitive handle on, but that doesn't mean they don't exist," Krauss said.
This difficulty in understanding nothing dates back a long time. The ancient Greeks had no concept of zero and hated the idea so much they refused to incorporate zero into their number system, even when their astronomical calculations called for it.
"We humans have a real revulsion for nothing, for a void," Seife said. "For us nothingness represents something that we're afraid of, disorder, a breaking of the rules."
Ultimately, the definition of nothing may just be an ever-moving target, shifting with every scientific revolution as new insights show us what we thought was nothing is really something.
"Maybe nothing will never be resolved," Tyson said.
Follow Clara Moskowitz on Twitterand Google+. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on LiveScience.com. | http://www.livescience.com/28132-what-is-nothing-physicists-debate.html | 886 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.99999 |
Why Understand Parts of Speech and Sentence Part of Speech Identifier?
The parts of speech are very crucial in understanding the meaning of different words in the sentences and constructing the correct sentence with perfect structure, order, and sequence of words in a sentence. Without a proper understanding of parts of speech, your text may end up in the:
- Full of grammatical errors due to misuse of parts of speeches
- Either vague in meaning or complete confusion to understand
- Failure to achieve the desired objectives of writings
- Very low grading and marks in your exams
- Incorrect sentence structures and improper placement of words
- Low audience engagement
- And much more
By using online parts of speech in a sentence finder can easily find and fix all writing issues pertaining to parts of speeches with a great level of accuracy. It can also help you understand parts of speeches through suggestions.
How to Find Parts of Speech through Parts of Speech Finder?
Like all other languages, sentence structure is very crucial in the English language. The English language has certain rules and components of sentences that govern the formation of a correct structure to express the desired meaning of that particular sentence. The most basic parts of a grammatically correct structure include:
- Direct/indirect object
- Dependent/independent clauses
In an English sentence structure, the correct order of the components is subject – predicate of the sentence – direct or indirect object. When all those components are placed in the given order with correct subject-verb agreement and other rules related to different parts of speech makes a perfect sentence structure. Parts of speech play a very important role in the correct formation of sentence structure to connect different building blocks of a sentence.
Either you can identify parts of speech in a sentence by keeping the definition and signs of parts of speech in mind while searching for them in a paragraph or sentence using professional-grade parts of speech in a sentence identifier online platform. Follow these tips to identify parts of speech:
- If there is a name of places, peoples, or things, it must be a noun.
- Any word used instead of nouns is called a pronoun.
- The subjects and objects of a sentence are mostly nouns and pronouns
- Any word showing direct or indirect action or being is commonly a verb
- The word that describes the characteristics of a noun and pronoun is adjective
- A word that modifies or expresses verbs, adjectives, or adverbs themselves should be identified as an adverb in the sentence
- The word, which establishes the relationship of noun and pronoun with other parts of speech in a sentence are mostly found as prepositions
- A phrase or word connecting two phrases, clauses, or words in a sentence is known as a conjunction
- A word or phrase that expresses emotions, feelings, sorrows, and others should be figured out as an interjection
Our online part of speech identifier can help you identify all parts of speech in your text instantly without any expertise in English grammar and writing perfectly.
What Are the Basic Parts of Speech Our
Part of Speech Finder Can Detect?
The parts of speech are words that show the functions in the meaning of a sentence and the grammatical structure of a sentence. There are eight (8) essential parts of speech in English grammar that our online parts of speech sentence checker can find and fix as mentioned below:
Any word that is used to connect two words, clauses, or phrases in a sentence is called a conjunction. The examples include: and, but, so, yet, thus, nor, and others.
Interjections are either phrases or words, which are used to express emotions in a sentence. Examples of interjections include hurry, alas, wow, bravo, and others.
You can identify parts of speech checker like ours online to find and fix all types of parts of speech-related mistakes and issues in your writing perfectly.
Parts of speech correction
Our part of speech checker is a specialized tool for finding and fixing all types of misuses related to parts of speech in your text with highly reliable results confidently.
Grammatical mistake correction
Along with specialized capability, our part of speech identifier online platform can detect a range of other grammatical mistakes like word choice, fragments, and sentence structure.
Punctuation & spelling issues
You can find and fix all types of punctuation and spelling mistakes with the help of our expert-level parts of speech online checker. Thus, you can save substantial editing and proofreading time.
Our parts of speech finder online application is available 24×7. You can access it through supported web browsers from anywhere in the world and at any time when you like without waiting in queues.
Continual learning options
You can continuously enhance your understanding of editing and proofreading English text through the corrective suggestions, which are provided by our parts of speech finder app with every mistake it finds.
Plagiarism and tone detection
Our parts of speech checker tool offers the additional feature of detecting plagiarized content and the tone of the entire text. Thus, you can make your paper free from plagiarism and effective for the target audience.
How to Use Our Parts of Speech Checker Online?
Using our online sentence part of speech finder is very so easy and intuitive to use in a few very simple steps such as:
- You paste the text – Either copy/paste or type into the widget of our online parts of speech checker and hit the return button.
- The tool makes an analysis – The sentence checker for parts of speech scans your text and analyzes it for parts of speech mistakes in the text
- You receive text ready with corrective suggestions – Online tool provides you with the ready correct text with the right suggestions to choose from. You are done!
Top 6 Benefits of Using Online
Part of Speech Identifier
Our part of speech finder online is a feature-rich platform that offers a range of benefits to writers of all types across industries such as:
All types of writers can save a substantial amount of money by using our freemium services with basic features. The cost of a premium subscription with advanced features and capabilities is very affordable. Thus, it is much cheaper than traditional as well as online editing services.
Our online parts of speech identifier tool provides instant results without wasting any time in long waiting queues. It is available round the clock. You can access our specialized parts of speech calculator at any time from anywhere across the world through the supported web browsers easily.
You get a comprehensive editing and proofreading service under one single roof. Our online tool is able to find and fix a range of writing issues such as grammatical mistakes, sentence fragments, run-on sentences, active and passive voice issues, prepositional phrases, and many others.
Our online parts of speech checker platform offers highly accurate results that you can rely on with full confidence. Our platform is powered by cutting-edge technologies such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning (ML), and artificial intelligence to produce greater precision.
You can improve the quality of your text significantly by using a wide range of features of our online parts of speech calculator such as fixing all types of grammatical errors, punctuation and spelling issues, tone and plagiarism-related issues, writing standards, and compliance issues simultaneously.
Our specialized parts of speech detector online platform allows you unlimited checks of your text. You can continually make changes and recheck your text for more accuracy and precision. You are not bound under any limits while checking your text in both freemium and premium versions.
Thus, our specialized parts of speech calculator online platform is one of the best options to choose for enhancing the quality and caliber of your writings of all types and sizes. | https://www.partofspeechcalculator.com/ | 1,584 | Education | 4 | en | 0.999987 |
Ask any adult the type of diseases that mosquitoes give, and malaria fever is likely to be the answer. While this is true, the awful fact is that mosquito bites transmit more than malaria, because the disease that a particular mosquito carries depends on the mosquito type.
So, what kinds of diseases are mosquitoes capable of inflicting on their victims? These ones…
- West Nile fever
West Nile fever is a mosquito-borne infection by the West Nile virus. As bad as this fever is, experts say, approximately 80 percent of the infections in humans have few or no symptoms.
Experts however warn that “serious problems can include infection of the brain (encephalitis), spinal cord, and tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), which can be fatal.” Most cases of WNV are not serious and many people have no symptoms or they may only manifest mild flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches and a high temperature (fever).
The best way to be sure of your ailment, therefore, is to see the doctor if you have some of these symptoms.
- Zika virus disease
Experts say this virus is a member of the virus family Flaviviridae and the genus Flavivirus. Zika virus disease is mainly spread by mosquitoes.
“For most people, it is a very mild infection and isn’t harmful. However, it may be more serious for pregnant women, as there’s evidence that it causes birth defects — particularly, abnormally small heads (microcephaly),” scientists warn.
It is spread by the Aedes mosquitoes, such as A. aegypti and A. albopictus.
As bad as this disease is, experts say, most people don’t have any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and last around two to seven days. But commonly reported symptoms include rash, itching all over the body, fever, headache, joint pain (with possible swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet), muscle pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), lower back pain and pain behind the eyes.
- St. Louis encephalitis virus
Like others, the SLEV is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.
Infected older adults could develop encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, and it could result in long-term disability or death if it is not carefully treated by doctor on time.
- Yellow fever virus
A General Practitioner, Dr. Tunde Owoseni, says, “The specie of mosquito that is known to transmit the virus that causes yellow fever is called Aedes aegypti.”
“Yellow fever is not to be taken lightly, as it could kill if urgent care is not sought,” he warns.
Owoseni notes that yellow fever has three stages of infection, and they are:
Stage 1 (infection): Headache, muscle and joint aches, fever, flushing, loss of appetite, vomiting, and jaundice.
Stage 2 (remission): Fever and other symptoms go away.
Stage 3 (intoxication): Problems with many organs may occur, including the heart, liver, and kidney.
- Dengue fever
Experts say, “Dengue fever is a painful, debilitating mosquito-borne disease caused by any one of four closely-related dengue viruses. These viruses are related to the viruses that cause West Nile infection and yellow fever.
“Dengue fever is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus.”
Like the other disease-transmitting mosquitoes, experts say, the Aedes mosquito becomes infected when it bites a person who has the dengue virus in his/her blood; and when such an infected mosquito bites an otherwise healthy person, s/he also becomes infected.
“Dengue fever is therefore a person-to-person infection,” researchers say.
Owoseni says that the symptoms of dengue usually begin to manifest four to six days after infection and could last for up to 10 days if treatment is not sought.
“The symptoms include sudden, high fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, which appears two to five days after the onset of fever, mild bleeding (such as nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising),” Owoseni explains.
- Malaria fever
The World Health Organisation says malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female mosquitoes such as the P. falciparum, which is said to be the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent in Africa.
“The first symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, chills and vomiting, and they usually appear between 10 and 15 days after the mosquito bite.
“Without prompt treatment, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death,” WHO warns.
The bottom line: Mosquitoes are killers. Rid your environment of mosquitoes by disposing of empty containers that could hold unwanted water for days. Use mosquito-treated nets, and also insecticide in well-ventilated rooms as necessary.
Kill mosquito before mosquito kills you!
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected] | http://punchng.com/diseases-didnt-know-mosquitoes-give/ | 1,184 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999994 |
What is AI?
“What is AI?” provides a clear and concise explanation of Artificial Intelligence, a field of computer science dedicated to creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence.
AI encompasses machine learning, where systems learn from data and improve over time, and deep learning, which mimics the human brain’s neural networks.
Understand the differences between Narrow AI, designed for specific tasks like voice assistants, and General AI, which aims for broader cognitive abilities.
This foundational knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to leverage AI for online income opportunities. | https://anthonyex.com/how-to-earn-money-with-voiceovers-a-comprehensive-guide/What | 120 | Business | 3 | en | 0.999941 |
The pharaohs of Egypt presided over a huge kingdom for thousands of years, taming vast stretches of wilderness, erecting monuments that have stood the test of time, and creating stories that have since become legends. But there are many, less famous, Egyptian inventions that have been passed down to us, many of which are still in use now. This article covers ten of these, exploring how they came about, what role they played in Egyptian society, and their legacy in today’s world.
A Background On Ancient Egyptian Inventions And Culture
Ancient Egypt boasts one of the largest collections of antiquities and monuments in the world. It also had an immense cultural impact on surrounding ancient and modern civilizations, spanning topics including language, mathematics, and architecture. However, ancient Egypt was also known for its wide variety of inventions that are still used today. Read on for 10 of the most important Ancient Egyptian inventions.
In the early nineteenth century, British archaeologist William Matthew Flinders Petrie led a number of important excavations throughout Egypt, digging up almost 3000 ancient graves filled with personal possessions and items to protect the spirit in the afterlife. Sadly, many of these belonged to children, and it was in one of these graves that Petrie uncovered one of his most surprising finds: a set of skittles. The tomb, dated to 5200 BC, contained a number of balls and nine stones shaped, according to Petrie, like vases. At first, the archaeologists took these to be ornaments, but they soon realized that they had discovered the earliest evidence of bowling, one of the most unexpected ancient Egyptan inventions.
It is believed that the ancient game was rather different than the regulated, and often extremely competitive, version played today; it simply involved rolling a ball at a set of stationary objects at some specified distance. It is unlikely that they had specific surfaces or ‘alleys’ in which to play, or that there was any way of guaranteeing the uniformity of the pins. The balls were often made of husks of corn, covered in leather and bound with string, but could also be made out of stone or even porcelain. The primitive form of bowling enjoyed by the Egyptians was later adopted by other ancient civilizations, including the Romans, and eventually developed into the game we still play today.
Get the latest articles delivered to your inbox
Sign up to our Free Weekly Newsletter
9. Paper And Ink
Although the invention of writing pre-dated the Egyptians, paper and ink, which we now consider inseparable from the written word, were ancient Egyptian inventions. It was not paper as we know it today, but a precursor called papyrus, named after the grassy reeds that grew along the Nile, from which the material was made.
For many years, historians have been trying to determine the exact methods used by the Egyptians for turning this plant into a writing surface, but the records are frustratingly obscure. It is thought, however, that the first step involved cutting the stem into strips, after which they were soaked to expand the fibers, and laid down in overlapping layers. They were then compressed, either hammered, rolled or pressed, until the layers fused to form a flat surface, although ancient papyrus was nowhere near as smooth as modern paper. The dry Egyptian climate meant that documents made out of papyrus were incredibly long-lasting.
There was little point to all that papyrus, however, unless there was some way of writing on it. The Mesopotamians had carved their letters into clay, stone and wax, but the Egyptians came up with the less strenuous method of using ink. They made this by grinding a number of different pigments and ores together with water to form a thick liquid that could be applied to papyrus with a brush or stylus. By combining different natural substances, such as copper, iron, quartz and malachite, the Egyptians were able to produce ink in a variety of colors, although black, red and blue are the most common.
8. Make-Up And Wigs
For the majority of human history before ancient Egyptian civilization, people’s time and effort had been taken up with the necessities of life, acquiring food and shelter for survival with little time for anything else. But as urbanization began to occur, first in the Middle East and then in Egypt, and organized systems were put in place to provide for their inhabitants’ daily lives, we see the ideas of leisure and recreation emerging. People, at last, had the time and energy to look beyond the bare necessities, as clearly shown by the set of skittles above.
Cosmetics and beauty regimes were also Egyptian inventions that manifested through this new trend. There is no doubt that appearing attractive to the opposite sex has always been a human priority, whether biological, subconscious or deliberate, but the ancient Egyptians took this a step further by inventing a number of rituals and products designed to emphasize a woman’s looks. From removing unwanted hair with a wax-like substance made of sugar to augmenting the facial features with make-up made from natural pigments including crushed beetles and toxic lead, beauty became a key concern for the wealthy women of ancient Egypt who did not have to work.
Wigs too were popular with Egyptian women. While the cheapest and most readily available wigs were made out of vegetable fibers, the royal family had theirs made exclusively of human hair, often from Nubian peoples, to simulate the Afro style popular during the 2nd millennium BC. Queen Nefertiti herself was known to wear such pieces beneath her crown.
It was not only Egyptian women who benefitted from the new beauty craze that erupted as the civilization expanded, and cosmetics were not the only Egyptian inventions to come from it. The first barbers were also found in ancient Egypt, with records from as far back as 5000 BC indicating that there were men employed to cut and groom the hair and beard using sharpened flints and shells. As today, trends were liable to change: sometimes it was fashionable to be clean-shaved, while at other times long hair and beards were back in vogue.
Some of the earliest barbering was performed by priests or doctors since it had a ritual or medical purpose, and even after it became professionalized, barbers were respected as skillful men. The Egyptian elite often had their own live-in barber to attend to their grooming needs, much like a butler, or at least had one make house calls, while for the masses, getting a haircut meant visiting one of the city’s street barbers, a tradition that persists in many cultures today!
6. The Calendar And Timekeeping
When it came to time, the Mesopotamians had paved the way by creating the sexagesimal system. However, today’s recognizable calendar and methods of timekeeping were Egyptian inventions. Based on the cycles of sun and moon, the Egyptian calendar was divided into twelve months of 30 days each, along with five additional days at the end of the year to bring the total up to 365. It is plain to see how this invention has stood the test of time. Unlike us, however, the Egyptians recognized only three seasons, which were used by farmers to determine when crops needed to be sown and reaped.
The Egyptians were not only the first to plot the days, months, and years still used today, but they were also responsible for the first timekeeping devices. Discovered in 2013, the earliest known sundial was excavated in the Valley of the Kings, dating from roughly 1500 BC. Yet this was not the first example of a timekeeping device. Huge obelisks, first constructed 2000 years earlier, were used to tell the time from the way that their shadows fell over its engravings, and around the same time as the first sundial, the Egyptians made the water clock. Being able to tell the time facilitated a far more organized and efficient society, meaning that the invention of these devices may perhaps have enabled many of the other innovations made by the ancient Egyptians.
5. Tables (And Other Furniture)
The humble chair and table might seem like a fairly mundane part of everyday life. However, before ancient Egyptian inventions such as tables and chairs, people simply sat on the floor or small stools, and used large blocks or primitive benches as surfaces. And then, around the mid-third millennium BC, came an explosion in the art of furniture, as intricately carved items began to be created in Egypt.
Mainly made out of wood and alabaster, Egyptian tables consisted of a smooth platform raised off the ground with either a pedestal or legs, which were sometimes separate or detachable elements. Their purpose was much the same as modern tables, with evidence of ancient tables used for dining, writing, and playing board games.
The Egyptian chair, however, was quite different. It was not a universal piece of household furniture found in any home or public place, but instead a status symbol, a luxury enjoyed only by the elite. While peasants and farmers might sit on stools, the wealthy or royal Egyptians had proper chairs with backs and armrests. Ancient chairs have been discovered fashioned out of precious materials, such as ivory and ebony, embellished with expensive metals, and meticulously decorated with the carved figures of animals, plants or deities.
4. Toothpaste And Breath Mints
If the loaves of bread miraculously preserved for thousands of years show us anything, it is that Egyptian granaries and bakeries would not have passed modern-day health inspections. The bread was so filled with pieces of grit and chips of stone that it wore down the enamel of the consumers’ teeth and caused widespread dental issues. Abscesses plagued the ancient Egyptians, and toothpaste became one of the most prominent Egyptian inventions to prevent them for those who could afford it.
Egyptian toothpaste was made by grinding and mixing up a variety of salt, dried flowers, pepper, ashes, and even eggshells. This abrasive paste was then rubbed in using either the finger or a primitive form of the toothbrush, made out of frayed twigs. Although this served surprisingly well in cleaning the teeth, the toothpaste may have done more harm than good, as its gritty texture resulted in bleeding gums.
For those who succumbed to the perils of dental decay, the Egyptians came up with another innovation: breath mints. To disguise the acrid smell of rotting teeth, ancient Egyptians sucked on drops made of boiled honey and flavored with fragrant herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, myrrh, or frankincense. They also added mint to their toothpaste to improve the breath, a practice which remains ubiquitous in dental products today.
3. The Police
With the expansion of urban living and centralized power came the emergence of organized law enforcement, as the first-ever police force was founded in ancient Egypt. It was initially introduced around 2500 BC to patrol and regulate the ships and boats traveling on the Nile, to protect them from thieves and ensure that trade and the economy continued to prosper. By roughly 1500 BC, the Egyptians had developed an elite paramilitary police force known as the Medjay. The term Medjay was originally used to refer to a nomadic people from Nubia, who were employed as the first policemen, but the name soon became synonymous with the force in general. The Medjay were charged with protecting the Pharaoh’s most valuable areas and possessions, including his capital city, the borderlands, and the palace.
Unlike the modern force, the Egyptian police were not responsible for any detective or investigative work (victims or prosecutors had to provide all their own evidence). Their job was purely to preserve the order and stability of the regime by punishing law-breakers and rebels, often cruelly. They went about this task in several ways, including using animals such as dogs, and even monkeys, to apprehend criminals.
2. The Lock
There was another solution for those who didn’t have a private police force to guard their residences: at first, homes and buildings were protected by a simple bolt placed across the door, but during the second millennium BC, the Egyptian inventions of lock and key became the new security systems.
Although undoubtedly less complex than modern keys, the ancient Egyptian tumbler lock represents a significant shift in the history of engineering. Inside, several pins formed a series of mini bolts, and when the matching key was inserted, its prongs lifted these up to allow the bolt to be pulled back and the door opened. Early examples of these were large, sometimes 2 feet long, and were made out of wood. As with the furniture and cosmetics invented during the Egyptian age, however, locks were not common; they were most often used to protect the rooms and possessions of the wealthy, and have even been found inside the great pyramids that served as the tombs of Egypt’s rulers.
Earlier civilizations, such as those that emerged in Mesopotamia, had largely treated physical and mental illnesses as the work of the gods and attempted to treat them using religious and magic remedies performed by priests or even exorcists. It was in ancient Egypt that medicine as we know it today developed. Although the supernatural still played a large role in their understanding of health, the Egyptians had a far more scientific approach to curing sickness, creating medicines from natural resources, such as minerals, herbs, and animal products, and also performed early forms of surgery. As early as 2200 BC, there were institutions known as Houses of Life, where medicine would be practiced by doctors and priests. Dedicated to the improvement and protection of human life, these centers could even be considered a forerunner of the hospital.
Not only did the Egyptians introduce a huge number of new medical concepts, but they were also responsible for the world’s first public health system. Around 1500 BC, the village of Deir el-Medina was established for the craftsmen and laborers working on the royal tombs in the nearby Valley of the Kings. As well as their monthly wages, food supply and servants, these workers were also given a shared physician to see to their health concerns and help heal any complaints. Even when they were sick, it is thought that the workers still received their rations: the first recorded evidence of sick-pay! As benevolent as this sounds, it is important to remember that this system was only put in place so that the pharaohs could ensure a stable supply of workers to complete their magnificent tombs.
Nonetheless, the progress made in hygiene, diagnosis, and cures shows that much of modern medicine is indebted to the innovations and understanding developed by the ancient Egyptians.
More On Ancient Egyptian Inventions
The ancient Egyptians left us far more than the pyramids and inspiration for Halloween costumes: their inventions and discoveries have shaped the world we live in today. From putting on make-up to sitting on a chair, our everyday lives are the result of innovations that occurred thousands of years ago. For more surprising historical inventions, read about those of the Romans, Greeks, and Mesopotamians. | https://www.thecollector.com/ancient-egyptian-inventions/ | 3,085 | Politics | 4 | en | 0.999981 |
When making the switch to the use of solar batteries, you would more likely than not come across new terms that would make little or no sense to you.
Below is a compilation of some key terms you should know when you set out to buy or research solar batteries.
Some key Terms in Solar Batteries and their Meanings
AGM battery type: This is the absorbent glass material battery type. It is a sealed lead acid battery made up of fiberglass in between the battery plates which keeps the electrolyte solution in place should the battery ever break.
Activated shelf life: This is the time frame and particular temperature in which a battery can be stored before its capacity drops to an unusable level.
Activation voltage: This is the voltage at which a charge controller will take action to protect its batteries.
Alternating current (AC) electricity: AC is an electric current that changes polarity or direction with respect to time. It has a U.S standard of 60 cycles per second.
Amperage: The amperage is referred to as the intensity of the flow of current. It is measured in ampere.
Amp-hour: This is the measure of how many amps a battery can supply in an hour
Anode: This is the negative electrode in the electrochemical cell.
Read- Power inverter in Nigeria and where to Buy them.
Battery capacity: The battery capacity is the highest total electric charge that a battery can give out to a load under a particular set of conditions. It is expressed in amp-hour.
Battery pack: This is the end pack of the battery. It contains all the battery cells and their protective case.
British thermal unit: This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is equal to 252 calories.
Read- Green steel making
Cell: A cell is a single unit of an electrochemical device. It is made up of the electrolyte, anode, cathode, and separator.
Charge controller: This is a part of the photo voltaic system that controls the voltage and current moving to the battery to avoid overcharging.
Charge factor: This shows the time in hours wherein a battery can be charged at a steady current without spoiling the battery.
Critical load panel: This is the additional panel joined to a solar battery that powers some important appliances during an outage.
Cycle: A cycle is the complete discharge and recharge of a battery.
Read- Direct air Capture
Deep cycle battery: The deep cycle battery is a type of battery with large plates designed to release about 80% or more of its capacity regularly.
Depth of Discharge ( DoD ): This is the quantity of electricity that has been removed from a fully charged battery.
Discharge: Discharge is the release of electricity from a battery.
Discharge rate: This is the rate at which electricity is released from the battery.
Dry cell: The dry cell is a primary battery that can not be recharged.
Electrode: An electrode is a conductor that makes contact with the battery’s electrolyte solution. This contact aids the passage of electrons through the battery.
Electrolyte: This is a conductor that carries current by ion movement from the cathode to the anode of the battery.
Energy density: This is the ratio of energy stored in relation to its weight.
Float charge: The float charge is the voltage needed to attack the self-discharge of the battery at a certain temperature.
Flooded lead acid battery: This flooded lead acid battery has a free-moving electrolyte solution. They often evaporate and as such need regular maintenance.
Gel type battery: The gel type battery is a form of lead acid battery that contains gel as the electrolytes.
Grid: The grid is a transmission system of electricity distribution. It helps in the delivery of electricity from the power station to the consumer.
Grid attached system: Also known as on-grid system. This is a solar panel system that is connected to the main utility power grid.
Hybrid inverters: A hybrid inverter is an inverter that is made up of both solar and battery inverters.
Inverter: An inverter is a device that converts direct current electricity into alternate current electricity.
Kilowatts ( kW ): kW is the measure of a battery’s power output. It is equivalent to 1000 watts.
Kilowatt-hour: represents the amount of power released over a certain period. It is the unit of measure of the battery’s capacity.
Lead acid battery: This battery is made of plates from pure lead and lead electrodes as well as sulfuric acids.
Lithium-ion battery: This is a rechargeable battery where lithium flows through its electrolyte.
Load: This is any energy-consuming electrical circuit.
Load circuit: These are load connections to the power source.
Maintenance-free battery: This is a battery in which water can not be added to control the electrolyte level.
Mechanical storage: Here the kinetic energy or gravity is converted to save energy. Eg compressed energy storage.
Modular battery: This refers to battery packs that can be installed together to increase voltage or capacity.
Net metering: This is a utility program that requires a utility company to credit you for each kilowatt hour of electricity produced by your solar panel at the full retail electricity rate.
Nickel-cadmium battery: This battery contains nickel-cadmium plates with an alkaline electrolyte.
Nickel manganese Cobalt battery: This is the most common type of solar battery. It contains a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide cathode.
Nominal capacity This is the total amount of energy a battery can store.
Off-grid solar system: This is a solar panel system that is not in any way connected to the utility grid.
They are typically paired with big amounts of solar storage and generators.
Overcharging: This is the continuous supply of current into a fully charged battery.
Peak demand: This is the extra charge added to the cost of electricity and other fixed bill charges during your peak hours.
Peak power output: This is the amount of electricity that flows from the battery for a brief time of about 10 seconds so that the battery can run appliances that require more electricity properly.
Power output: This is the amount of electricity that can flow from a battery at any time.
Read- Point source carbon capture
Rated battery capacity: This is the term used by battery manufacturers to represent the maximum amount of energy that can be gotten from a battery under a specified discharge rate and temperature.
Saltwater battery: This battery type contains a saline solution.
Sea-led acid battery: This battery doesn’t require regular maintenance as the electrolyte solutes do not evaporate.
Self-discharge: is the rate at which a battery loses its charge without a load connected.
Solar battery: This is a battery type that is connected and aided by a solar panel system.
Time of use rates ( ToU ): This is a utility rate structure in which electricity costs more during certain times of the day.
Usable capacity: This refers to the amount of stored energy in a battery that is available for use.
Voltage: This is simply the amount of electromotive force.
Watts: This is the energy rate of transfer of electricity that is equivalent to 1amp × 1volt.
These words above are some of the new terms you might come across whilst scouting for solar batteries. Although the words are not limited to these, I hope this would be able to act as a good enough guide. | https://solarshoot.com/solar-energy/Solar | 1,603 | Business | 3 | en | 0.999996 |
Find solar panels near you
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
PV Solar Panels
What is a solar panel?
The main component of a solar panel is a set of solar cells. A typical residential PV panel consists of 60 or 72 cells to produce about 320W. However, this isn’t the only layer of the ‘solar sandwich’.
The soldered cells should be encapsulated. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is typically used for this purpose. After that, a thin layer (6-7 mm) of glass is added on the front side, facing the sun. The backsheet is produced from a durable polymer-based material to prevent water, soil, and things like that from entering the panel from the back. There is also a junction box to enable connections inside the module.
It is all placed into an aluminum frame. The frame will provide protection against impact and weather. It will also allow the mounting of the panel in a variety of ways, for example with mounting clamps.
How solar panels turn sunlight into electricity
In a solar cell, crystalline silicon is sandwiched between conductive layers. Each silicon atom is connected to its neighbors by four strong bonds, which keep the electrons in place, so no current can flow. Here's the key: a silicon solar cell uses two different layers of silicon.
N-type silicon has extra electrons, and P-type silicon has extra spaces for electrons, called holes. Where the two types of silicon meet, electrons can wander across the P/N junction, leaving a positive charge on one side and creating negative charge on the other.
When one of these photons strikes the silicon cell with enough energy, it can knock an electron from its bond, leaving a hole. The negatively charged electron and location of the positively charged hole are now free to move around. However, they have only one way to go because of the electric field at the p/n junction. The electron is drawn to the N-side, while the hole is drawn to the P-side.
The mobile electrons are collected by thin metal fingers at the top of the cell. From there, they flow through an external circuit, doing electrical work, like powering a lightbulb, before returning through the conductive aluminum sheet on the back. Well, that’s it – the physics behind solar magic.
Choosing solar panels
We offer solar panels for sale by well-known brands such as Canadian Solar, Hanwha Q CELLS USA, MISSION SOLAR, Panasonic Eco Solutions, and Solaria. They come in different energy production capacity, weights, sizes, and prices. Please contact our specialists to help you buy solar panels.
How we work:
- Our warehouses are located on both east and west coasts of the USA: California, Washington, Colorado, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, and Missouri
- We process all orders within 24 hours and ship them within 48 hours
- Delivery normally takes between 4-7 business days
- All of our suppliers are trusted solar panel manufacturers
This is what makes A1SolarStore the best place to buy solar panels.
Advantages of our solar panels:
- Easy installation
- Reliability and durability
- Full energy independence
- Affordable solar panels prices
Please consult one of our specialists before buying a solar panel for your house or cottage.
After installing solar panels on the rooftop of your house or cottage, you will isolate yourself from energy price fluctuations and voltage drops. Once you have paid off your solar panels and their installation, you can forget about the traditional energy sources for at least 25 years.
Types of solar panels for your home
Due to their source material properties:
- Energy conversion efficiency is 16-18%
- High efficiency under low light conditions, which is important for power production during fall and winter
Monocrystalline silicon is created in specialized growth vacuum furnaces. Due to its purity of 99.99%, energy efficiency is much higher than of polycrystalline panels. This type of solar panels is most appropriate for marine vessels, RVs – or any places with limited installation space. Homeowners also buy solar panel of this type for their home installations.
The main advantage of polycrystalline solar panels is their affordable price. In cases when the maximum generation of energy from 1 Watt is not the main goal, installation of affordable solar panels is the best option. Polycrystalline panels are made of a large number of crystallites of different sizes and orientation. They are not as efficient as monocrystalline modules, but lately that difference in efficiency is quite small. Affordable solar panels work best for residential houses and large commercial buildings or factories.
Solar panels capacity
To understand the number and efficiency of solar panels you need to make your house completely energy independent, there are few factors that you need to consider:
- Amount of power necessary to ensure the work of all appliances in the building (refrigerator, iron, vacuum cleaner, etc.)
- The sun rays intensity
- Geographical location
- DC to AC losses and battery charge/discharge losses
- Losses in the conductors
Let us assume that the electricity consumption of a house is 300 kWh per month. By dividing this value by 30 days and 7 hours of active work of solar panels per day, we get 1.42 kWh. You will always need to add 40% loss on battery and an inverter to the resulting number. This way, to provide a small house with electrical energy in the summer, you will need an array of solar panels with a capacity of 2 kWh. In order to receive enough electricity in spring and autumn, it is better to increase the array by 50%, or by another 1 kWh.
The most popular solar panels among our customers are 300 W solar panels. We offer solar panels ranging from 290 Watt to 360 Watt at competitive prices.
Popular brands of solar panels
There are lots of brands that offer high quality PV solar panels for sale today. When choosing manufacturers and components for our products, we prefer the newest technological developments. That is why the solar panels and their components we offer are highly efficient. When buying solar panels, pay attention to the following solar panels for sale:
Panasonic PV modules have 27% higher power density compared to other brands. That allows generating 19.7% more energy from 1 m² (11 ft²). Panasonic solar panels cost slightly more than alternatives, but perform better, are more reliable, and have a much better warranty.
2. Canadian Solar
Canadian Solar produces highly mobile, compact and flexible self-sufficient solar power stations. They are 11% more efficient compared to other modules. They also have excellent efficiency under low light conditions – up to 97%.
3. Q Cells
Q CELLS solar panels may not offer industry-leading efficiency (around 18%) or performance, but their price-quality ratio makes them a good option for many homeowners who are planning to go solar.
4. JA Solar
JA Solar has made strong investments into PERC cell technology, ensuring higher performance warrantied for 83.1%. A very strong performance warranty and a relatively low solar panel price is a good reason to opt for JA Solar.
5. Trina Solar
Trina Solar has a solid reputation and large global distribution network across 30 countries. Trina offers a range of solar panels incorporating many of the latest cell technologies, including bifacial, half-cell, dual glass, PERC, and N-type mono-crystalline cells.
Free and usefull digest on solar energy. No spam | https://a1solarstore.com/solar-panels.html | 1,592 | Career | 4 | en | 0.999969 |
What Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against blood vessel walls. The heart pumps blood into blood vessels, which carry the blood throughout the body.
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, means your heart is working harder to pump blood out to the body. It's a dangerous condition and contributes to hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly half of adults in the U.S. Because it usually doesn’t make you feel sick, many people are surprised to hear that they have it.
However, high blood pressure can have a big impact on your health, so it is important to understand what it is, what causes it, and how you can lower it.
What Is “Normal” Blood Pressure?
A blood pressure reading is written like this: 120/80. It's read as “120 over 80.” It is measured in mmHg, which is a unit that doctors use to describe pressure. This is like how you use inches to describe length.
The top number of the reading is called the systolic pressure, and the bottom number is called the diastolic pressure. The systolic number measures your blood pressure at the exact moment your heart beats. Meanwhile, the diastolic number measures your blood pressure between each heartbeat.
The ranges are:
- Normal: Less than 120 mmHg/less than 80 mmHg
- Elevated: 120-129 mmHg/less than 80 mmHg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130-139 mmHg/80-89 mmHg
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 mmHg or higher/90 mmHg or higher
- Hypertensive crisis: 180 mmHg or higher/120 mmHg or higher -- See a doctor right away
If even one of the numbers is in the hypertension range, you have it. For example, someone with a blood pressure of 133/79 has stage 1 hypertension.
If your blood pressure is above the normal range, talk to your doctor about how to lower it. Call 911 if you're having a hypertensive crisis.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
Your blood pressure depends on how much blood your heart pumps and how difficult it is for your blood to flow through your arteries. Things that affect either of these factors, such as being dehydrated or having narrow arteries, can impact your blood pressure.
Several things may play a role in causing high blood pressure. Depending on what is causing your high blood pressure, your doctor will determine which type of hypertension you have: primary (or essential) or secondary. You can have one or both types.
When there isn’t an obvious cause of high blood pressure, it is called primary (or essential) hypertension. In the U.S., 19 out of 20 people with high blood pressure have this type of hypertension. It often takes many years to develop.
Essential hypertension has been linked to certain risk factors in your diet and lifestyle. For example, eating a lot of salt can cause your blood pressure to rise. Many people with this condition are sensitive to salt, so even eating a small amount can trigger a spike in blood pressure.
Other risk factors that can raise the risk of having essential hypertension include:
- Not getting enough exercise
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Having a family member with high blood pressure
- Getting older (especially after 65 years of age)
- Insufficient intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Lack of physical activity
- Chronic alcohol consumption
When a direct cause for high blood pressure can be identified, the condition is described as secondary hypertension. This type of high blood pressure is caused by a different health condition. It is usually more sudden and severe than essential hypertension. Some causes include:
- Kidney disease. This is the most common cause of secondary hypertension.
- Adrenal disorders. Hypertension can also be triggered by tumors or other abnormalities of adrenal glands (small structures that sit atop the kidneys). Adrenal tumors or disorders can cause them to release too much of the hormones that elevate blood pressure.
- Thyroid disorders. Too much or too little thyroid hormone can affect your blood pressure.
- Congenital heart defects. Some people are born with heart or blood vessel problems.
- Obstructive sleep apnea. This condition causes breathing problems and lack of oxygen. This can harm your arteries.
- Birth control pills. Pills used for birth control (specifically those containing estrogen) and pregnancy can boost blood pressure.
- Cough, cold, and pain-relieving medications. These can temporarily raise blood pressure.
- Certain medications. Some drugs can constrict blood vessels, making it harder for the heart to pump blood.
- Illegal drugs. Cocaine and amphetamines can raise blood pressure.
Sometimes, hypertension suddenly appears or gets worse during pregnancy. When hypertension develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it is called preeclampsia.
It is important to keep an eye on your blood pressure because it can have a big impact on you and your baby. Both high blood pressure and preeclampsia can cause problems such as:
- Slow growth
- Low birth weight
- Separation of the placenta before delivery
- Organ damage
Talk with your doctor about how to best monitor your blood pressure during pregnancy. Watch out for symptoms including headaches, vision problems, stomachache, nausea, and shortness of breath. These are signs of preeclampsia. Your doctor also can test for other signs of preeclampsia, such as having too much protein in your pee.
If you have high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy, it is very important to treat it. Your doctor can prescribe blood pressure medications that are safe for pregnant people. They also might recommend lifestyle changes such as regular activity and a healthy diet.
Causes of sudden high blood pressure
It is normal for your blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. Many things can temporarily raise blood pressure. For example, your blood pressure might rise after a stressful event, smoking, or drinking alcohol.
But when your blood pressure rises too much, it can be a medical emergency. This is called a hypertensive crisis. It happens when your blood pressure is higher than 180 mmHg/higher than 120 mmHg. It can cause symptoms such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Racing heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Trouble speaking
- Vision problems
If you think you are having a hypertensive crisis, call 911 right away.
Who Is More Likely to Develop High Blood Pressure?
There are several risk factors for high blood pressure, including:
- Smoking. When you smoke, vape, or chew tobacco, your blood pressure temporarily increases. Over time, regular smoking can damage and harden your blood vessels.
- Being overweight or obese. Extra weight impacts your heart and blood vessels. For example, it can cause high cholesterol.
- Lack of physical activity. People who don’t exercise tend to have higher heart rates.
- Eating too much salt. Salt causes your body to hold onto water. This increases the amount of blood being pushed through your arteries.
- Not eating enough potassium. Potassium helps balance the amount of salt and water in your body. Dehydration also can affect your potassium levels.
- Drinking too much alcohol. Having more than one to two drinks per day can increase your blood pressure, especially if you are a man.
- Stress. Feeling nervous or stressed can temporarily raise your blood pressure. When this happens at the doctor’s office, it is called white coat syndrome.
- Age. As you get older, you are more likely to get high blood pressure. High blood pressure usually affects adults, but it is becoming more common among kids.
- Sex. Among people under age 64, high blood pressure is more likely to affect men than women. But after age 65, women are at a higher risk.
- Family history. High blood pressure tends to run in families.
- Race. In the U.S., high blood pressure is more common among Black people than white people. It also usually starts at an earlier age. Blood pressure control, among those for whom blood pressure medication is recommended, is lower among Asian people and Black people compared to non-Hispanic white people.
- Pregnancy. Blood pressure can rise during pregnancy.
- Certain health conditions. People with chronic kidney disease, adrenal and thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea are at risk for secondary hypertension.
- Certain medications. Birth control pills, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medicines can cause your blood pressure to go up.
There are many different causes of high blood pressure. Some risk factors, such as your age and family history, are things that you cannot change. However, many healthy habits, including eating a low-salt diet and getting regular exercise, can help lower your blood pressure. Talk with your doctor about how to manage your blood pressure and whether medication might help.
High Blood Pressure FAQs
How do you feel when your blood pressure is high? High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause any obvious symptoms. Many people with high blood pressure feel fine, so they might not even realize they have it. However, if your blood pressure is very high (180 mmHg or above/120 mmHg or above), you might have heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, headaches, or other symptoms. These are signs of a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency. If you think you are having a hypertensive crisis, call 911 immediately.
How do I lower my high blood pressure?
There are many healthy habits that can help lower your blood pressure. You can try:
- Eating a healthy, low-salt diet
- Getting plenty of exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Avoiding alcoholic drinks
- Losing weight (if you are not at a healthy weight)
Some people might also need medication to control their blood pressure. Ask your doctor if medication might be right for you.
What is stroke-level blood pressure? High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for strokes. In general, to lower your risk for stroke, try to keep your blood pressure under control. A hypertensive crisis (blood pressure of 180/120 mmHg or higher) can cause an immediate stroke.
What is the normal blood pressure level by age? As you get older, your blood pressure tends to get higher. This is because arteries tend to become stiff and collect plaque over time. If you are over 50 years old, it is especially important to pay attention to your blood pressure. The ranges for healthy and unhealthy blood pressure are the same for all adult age groups. | https://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/guide/blood-pressure-causes | 2,243 | Romance | 4 | en | 0.999987 |
The Java Tutorials have been written for JDK 8. Examples and practices described in this page don't take advantage of improvements introduced in later releases and might use technology no longer available.
See Java Language Changes for a summary of updated language features in Java SE 9 and subsequent releases.
See JDK Release Notes for information about new features, enhancements, and removed or deprecated options for all JDK releases.
The Java Tutorials are practical guides for programmers who want to use the Java programming language to create applications. They include hundreds of complete, working examples, and dozens of lessons. Groups of related lessons are organized into "trails".
Trails Covering the Basics
These trails are available in book form as
The Java Tutorial, Sixth Edition. To buy this book, refer to the box to the right.
- Getting Started — An introduction to Java technology and lessons on installing Java development software and using it to create a simple program.
- Learning the Java Language — Lessons describing the essential concepts and features of the Java Programming Language.
- Essential Java Classes — Lessons on exceptions, basic input/output, concurrency, regular expressions, and the platform environment.
- Collections — Lessons on using and extending the Java Collections Framework.
- Date-Time APIs — How to use the java.time pages to write date and time code.
- Deployment — How to package applications and applets using JAR files, and deploy them using Java Web Start and Java Plug-in.
- Preparation for Java Programming Language Certification — List of available training and tutorial resources.
Creating Graphical User Interfaces
Specialized Trails and Lessons
These trails and lessons are only available as web pages.
- Custom Networking — An introduction to the Java platform's powerful networking features.
- The Extension Mechanism — How to make custom APIs available to all applications running on the Java platform.
- Full-Screen Exclusive Mode API — How to write applications that more fully utilize the user's graphics hardware.
- Generics — An enhancement to the type system that supports operations on objects of various types while providing compile-time type safety. Note that this lesson is for advanced users. The Java Language trail contains a Generics lesson that is suitable for beginners.
- Internationalization — An introduction to designing software so that it can be easily adapted (localized) to various languages and regions.
- JavaBeans — The Java platform's component technology.
- JAXB — Introduces the Java architecture for XML Binding (JAXB) technology.
- JAXP — Introduces the Java API for XML Processing (JAXP) technology.
- JDBC Database Access — Introduces an API for connectivity between the Java applications and a wide range of databases and data sources.
- JMX— Java Management Extensions provides a standard way of managing resources such as applications, devices, and services.
- JNDI— Java Naming and Directory Interface enables accessing the Naming and Directory Service such as DNS and LDAP.
- Reflection — An API that represents ("reflects") the classes, interfaces, and objects in the current Java Virtual Machine.
- RMI — The Remote Method Invocation API allows an object to invoke methods of an object running on another Java Virtual Machine.
- Security — Java platform features that help protect applications from malicious software.
- Sockets Direct Protocol — How to enable the Sockets Direct Protocol to take advantage of InfiniBand.
- Sound — An API for playing sound data from applications.
- 2D Graphics — How to display and print 2D graphics in applications. | http://java.sun.com/docs/books/tutorial/Notes: | 742 | Programming | 3 | en | 0.999907 |
The oldest fossilised bats ever discovered have given palaeontologists an unprecedented insight into the flying mammals' evolution. The find puts to rest a long-standing argument over which came first, flight or echolocation - the bats' exotic navigation system. The new species of bat could fly, but didn't use echolocation.
"When we first saw it, we knew it was special," said Dr Nancy Simmons at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was part of the team. "It's clearly a bat, but unlike any previously known. In many respects it is a missing link between bats and their non-flying ancestors."
Scientists have wrestled with three alternative theories for the evolution of bats: flight evolved before echolocation; echolocation came before flight; or both happened in parallel. The new pair of fossils - which date from around 52.5m years ago - resolve the issue.
"There has been much debate about how bats evolved, because there were no specimens to address this issue," said Dr Kevin Seymour at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. "Now the combination of features seen in this species finally gives us an answer: that flying evolved first and echolocation must have evolved later."
Fluttering and gliding
The wing bones clearly show that the animal was capable of a combination of fluttering and gliding flight. But its ear bones are not enlarged like those of modern bats, which use them as part of their echolocation system.
The first fossil was discovered in August 2003 in a quarry in Lincoln County, Wyoming, but the full scientific description appears for the first time in tomorrow's issue of Nature. The species (dubbed Onychonycteris finneryi) is so odd that it has been placed in a new taxonomic family. Its name means "clawed bat" with a nod to the fossil's discoverer Bonnie Finney.
O. finneryi - which is around 12 centimetres from nose to tail - has claws on all five of its fingers. Modern bats have claws on only one or two digits of each hand. Its limb proportions are also unusual, with longer hind legs and shorter forearms than other bats. The researchers believe it was well adapted for climbing in the canopy.
One unanswered question is how O. finneryi could have flown without being able to echolocate. Also writing in Nature, physiologist Prof John Speakman of the University of Aberdeen speculates that the earliest bats were day-fliers who used their eyes to navigate.
"[They] were perhaps forced to become nocturnal by the appearance of avian predators, shortly after the dinosaurs became extinct around 65m years ago. Some then evolved echolocation, whereas others became nocturnal vision specialists." | https://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/feb/13/bat.evolution | 580 | Religion | 4 | en | 0.999945 |
Self-directed learning is a process where an individual takes responsibility for and control of their learning. Self-directed learning is not a new trend in education. It can be traced to the early works of Aristotle and Socrates in their studies on cognitive development.
Scholarly studies have shown that by integrating both past and present experiences based on personal interpretations and subject matter, students will most effectively learn.
When we hear self-directed learning we often wonder if students can engage in it and if it is going to be supervised or not. You do not need to worry because Students Parents/guardians and Teachers/Instructors all have their roles to play in self-direct learning. One of our affiliate University has divided these roles into 2:
Source: University of Waterloo
Here are 5 steps to help students engage in self-directed learning:
Step 1. Discover areas which you need to cover; could be a new area of study or difficult subjects.
Step 2. Take away doubts and start trusting in yourself, be confident in your ability to learn.
Step 3. Find out your study style and devise means of motivation.
Step 4. Divide your study time, between theory and practical learning.
Step 5. Set goals and evaluate yourself.
During difficult situations, for example, school closure. We must encourage young adults to continue learning, and support students to keep studying without been distracted (Learn more). This will enable them to set ambitious career goals, achieve academic excellence and great success. | https://www.bridgehousecollege.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-self-directed-learning/ | 303 | Education | 4 | en | 0.99999 |
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Phone, keys, wallet…ultraviolet light device. Just in case you wanted yet another item to carry around all day, researchers say that portable, handheld ultraviolet light devices capable of killing COVID-19 may be a reality in the future. These gadgets would emit high-intensity ultraviolet light and quickly disinfect targeted areas.
There are two main ways to clean and remove bacteria and viruses from a given surface: chemicals and ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure. UV radiation between 200 and 300 nanometers can effectively kill a virus and stop it from replicating itself. Obviously, devices emitting UV rays would come in handy these days due to COVID-19, but as of now such devices require an expensive, bulky mercury-containing gas discharge lamp with a short battery life.
The study’s authors, however, believe that much more portable, longer lasting, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly UV light emitting diodes can be developed. The necessary LEDs already exist, but the process has been complicated by the fact that electrode materials must also be transparent.
“You have to ensure a sufficient UV light dose to kill all the viruses,” says Roman Engel-Herbert, Penn State associate professor of materials science, physics and chemistry, in a release. “This means you need a high-performance UV LED emitting a high intensity of UV light, which is currently limited by the transparent electrode material being used.”
Attaining transparent electrode materials has already proven difficult for smartphones and LED lighting, and researchers say it is even harder when it comes to ultraviolet light.
“There is currently no good solution for a UV-transparent electrode,” explains Joseph Roth, doctoral candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at Penn State. “Right now, the current material solution commonly employed for visible light application is used despite it being too absorbing in the UV range. There is simply no good material choice for a UV-transparent conductor material that has been identified.”
So, the team at Penn State, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Minnesota, decided to seek out a new material with a suitable composition. Right away they zeroed in on a newly discovered class of transparent conductors: a material called strontium niobate. After obtaining some samples of strontium niobate from Japan, the research team tested the material as a UV transparent conductor.
“We immediately tried to grow these films using the standard film-growth technique widely adopted in industry, called sputtering,” Roth notes. “We were successful.”
“While our first motivation in developing UV transparent conductors was to build an economic solution for water disinfection, we now realize that this breakthrough discovery potentially offers a solution to deactivate COVID-19 in aerosols that might be distributed in HVAC systems of buildings,” he concludes.
Besides just personal use, UV light devices can conceivably be used to disinfect large public areas like parks, theaters, buses, and subways.
The study is published in Physics Communications. | https://www.studyfinds.org/handheld-ultraviolet-light-devices-that-kill-covid-19-other-viruses-may-soon-be-commonplace/?amp | 633 | Health | 3 | en | 0.999968 |
The 5G mobile network has been switched on in some UK cities and has led to questions about whether the new technology poses health risks.
So what are the concerns, and is there any evidence to back them up?
What's different about 5G?
As with previous cellular technologies, 5G networks rely on signals carried by radio waves - part of the electromagnetic spectrum - transmitted between an antenna or mast and your phone.
We're surrounded by electromagnetic radiation all the time - from television and radio signals, as well as from a whole range of technologies, including mobile phones, and from natural sources such as sunlight.
5G uses higher frequency waves than earlier mobile networks, allowing more devices to have access to the internet at the same time and at faster speeds.
These waves travel shorter distances through urban spaces, so 5G networks require more transmitter masts than previous technologies, positioned closer to ground level.
What are the concerns?
The electromagnetic radiation used by all mobile phone technologies has led some people to worry about increased health risks, including developing certain types of cancer.
However, the WHO together with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified all radio frequency radiation (of which mobile signals are a part) as "possibly carcinogenic".
It has been put in this category because "there is evidence that falls short of being conclusive that exposure may cause cancer in humans, external".
Eating pickled vegetables and using talcum powder are classed in the same category.
Alcoholic drinks and processed meat are in a higher category because the evidence is stronger.
A toxicology report released in 2018 by the US Department of Health, external, and pointed to by those expressing safety concerns, found that male rats exposed to high doses of radio frequency radiation developed a type of cancerous tumour in the heart.
For this study, rats' whole bodies were exposed to radiation from mobile phones for nine hours a day every day for two years, starting before they were born.
No cancer link was found for the female rats or the mice studied, external. It was also found that rats exposed to the radiation lived longer than those in the control group.
A senior scientist on the study said "exposures used in the studies cannot be compared directly to the exposure that humans experience when using a cell phone", even for heavy users.
Dr Frank De Vocht, who helps advise the government on mobile phone safety says "although some of the research suggests a statistical possibility of increased cancer risks for heavy users, the evidence to date for a causal relation is not sufficiently convincing to suggest the need for precautionary action".
However, there is a group of scientists and doctors who have written to the EU calling for the rollout of 5G to be halted.
Radio waves are non-ionising
The radio wave band - used for mobile phone networks - is non-ionising, "which means it lacks sufficient energy to break apart DNA and cause cellular damage," says David Robert Grimes, physicist and cancer researcher.
Higher up the electromagnetic spectrum, well beyond those frequencies used by mobile phones, there are clear health risks from extended exposure.
The sun's ultra-violet rays fall within this harmful category, and can lead to skin cancers.
There are strict advisory limits for exposure to even higher energy radiation levels such as medical x-rays and gamma rays, which can both lead to damaging effects within the human body.
"People are understandably concerned over whether they might elevate their risk of cancer, but it's crucial to note that radio waves are far less energetic than even the visible light we experience every day," says Dr Grimes.
"There is no reputable evidence," he says "that mobile phones or wireless networks have caused us health problems."
Should we be worried about 5G transmitter masts?
5G technology requires a lot of new base stations - these are the masts that transmit and receive mobile phone signals.
But crucially, because there are more transmitters, each one can run at lower power levels than previous 4G technology, which means that the level of radiation exposure from 5G antennas will be lower.
The UK government guidelines on mobile phone base stations says radio frequency fields at places normally accessible to the public are many times below guideline levels, external.
What about heating dangers?
Part of the 5G spectrum permitted under international guidelines falls within the microwave band.
Microwaves generate heat in objects through which they pass.
However, at the levels used for 5G (and earlier mobile technologies) the heating effects are not harmful, says Prof Rodney Croft, an adviser to the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
"The maximum radio frequency level that someone in the community could be exposed to from 5G (or any other signals in general community areas) is so small that no temperature rise has been observed to date."
Limits to exposure
The UK government says "while a small increase in overall exposure to radio waves is possible when 5G is added to the existing network, the overall exposure is expected to remain low".
The frequency range of the 5G signals being introduced is within the non-ionising band of the electromagnetic spectrum and well below those considered harmful by the ICNIRP.
"The exposure that 5G will produce has been considered in great depth by ICNIRP, with the restrictions set well below the lowest level of 5G-related radio frequency that has been shown to cause harm," says Prof Croft.
The WHO says electromagnetic frequency exposures below the limits recommended in the ICNIRP guidelines do not appear to have any known consequence on health. | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-48616174 | 1,159 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999985 |
- Artificial Intelligence
- Car Accidents
- Class Action Lawsuit
- Comparative Negligence
- Crime Victim
- Defective Vehicles
- Kratom Death and Injury
- Legal Marketing
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Sexual Assault
- Truck Accidents
- Wrongful Death
The Evidence Is Clear: Tires Should Have An Expiration Date.
Older tires are substantially more likely to fail than newer ones. This is because tires are made mostly of rubber, and rubber degrades with age. Sunlight, heat, ice, and general wear and tear can accelerate the breakdown of a tire. Once a tire begins to break down, it becomes more likely to fail in the form of a tread separation–often at highway speeds, when the failure is most likely to cause catastrophic injuries or death.
For most tires, this expiration date should be six years from the date of manufacture. Tires age dangerously because of a chemical process commonly referred to as oxidation, which simply means that as the tire components are exposed to oxygen, the oxygen particles cause the flexible components of a tire to harden and become brittle. Over time, the tire will simply fall apart under normal stress, just like an old rubber band. Because this process occurs naturally, it does not matter if a tire is being used, stored as a spare, or simply waiting on a store shelf for an unsuspecting consumer.
In 1973, the average tread life of a passenger car tire was approximately 24,000 miles. Tire tread life has quadrupled over the last forty years and some currently sold tires promise 100,000 miles of tread life. As tread life becomes less of a factor in the service life of a tire, oxidation becomes a more serious concern— particularly in hotter climates, like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana which are routinely the hottest states in the United States.
A Large Body of Scientific Literature Supports a Six Year Tire Expiration Date
Numerous studies written by or for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration support a finding that tires expire in six years.
These studies conclusively conclude the following:
Tires begin to weaken and fall apart as they age.
The tire aging process happens regardless of whether a tire is on a vehicle or in a temperature-controlled room.
Most tires begin to significantly degrade around five years from the date of manufacture.
Six years from the date of manufacture, most tires are no longer safe for use on a vehicle.
Expired Tires are a Hidden Hazard
Tire aging is a “hidden hazard” because most consumers don’t know that tires expire in six years and it is difficult for most consumers to tell how old a tire is without deciphering an 11 digit code that is imprinted on the side of the tire. Federal rules mandate that the tire’s D.O.T. code be clearly branded or etched on the side of each tire. For most tires, the D.O.T. number is typically 11 digits. If the tire has only 10 digits, the tire was manufactured before the year 2000. A current D.O.T. number looks like this for a tire made in the fifteenth week of 2020:
As you can imagine, most consumers either do not know that this code exists or do not understand its significance. A 2006 survey showed that only 4% of consumers are aware that tires become more dangerous as they age. A large body of scientific evidence supports that most tires should be replaced six years from the date they are manufactured. This six-year expiration date begins from the day the tire was manufactured at the plant—not the date it was sold to a consumer or the date that it was installed on a vehicle.
Tire Manufacturers Warn that Tires Expire in Six Years
Many auto manufacturers have taken small steps to warn consumers by placing warnings within the owner’s manual of newer model vehicles. However, due to the cryptic code tire manufacturers use on tires, the warnings are of only limited use to consumers. Nonetheless, the following manufacturers have issued warnings on 2013 and newer vehicles about tire aging:
Sadly, these warnings are not retroactively provided to consumers who own older model vehicles that are more likely to have aged or expired tires. | http://www.tiresafetygroup.com/tires-expire-in-six-years/ | 874 | Car Talk | 3 | en | 0.999985 |
The kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of the rib cage on both sides of your spine. They perform several functions, including filtering waste products, excess water and other impurities from the blood. These waste products are then stored in the bladder and later expelled through urine.
In addition, the kidneys regulate the pH, salt and potassium levels in the body. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells.
The kidneys are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function.
Sadly, kidney disease is one of the world’s major public health problems and more than 100,000 new cases are recorded annually in Nigeria, according to data from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.
Also, statistics from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology showed that 25 million Nigerians are suffering from kidney failure, meaning a condition where the kidney can no longer work without dialysis or transplant.
Therefore, maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being. By keeping your kidneys healthy, the body will filter and expel waste properly and produce hormones to help your body function properly.
Here are some tips to keep your kidneys healthy.
Be active and fit
Regular exercise is good for more than just your waistline. It can lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are both important in preventing kidney damage.
You don’t have to run marathons to reap the reward of exercise. Walking, running, cycling and even dancing are great for your health. Find any activity that keeps you busy and have fun. It will be easier to stick to it and have great results.
READ ALSO: Ekiti varsity sacks lecturer in viral sex video
Control your blood sugar
People with diabetes or a condition that causes high blood sugar may develop kidney damage. When your body’s cells can’t use the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood. Over years of exertion, this can lead to life-threatening damage.
However, if you can control your blood sugar, you reduce the risk of damage. Also, if the damage is caught early, your doctor can take steps to reduce or prevent additional damage.
Monitor blood pressure
High blood pressure can cause kidney damage. If high blood pressure occurs with other health issues like diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol, the impact on your body can be significant.
A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80. Pre-hypertension is between that point and 139/89. Lifestyle and dietary changes may help lower your blood pressure at this point.
If your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90, you may have high blood pressure. You should talk with your doctor about monitoring your blood pressure regularly, making changes to your lifestyle and possibly taking medication.
Monitor your weight and eat a healthy diet
People who are overweight or obese are at risk for a number of health conditions that can damage the kidneys. These include diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.
A healthy diet that’s low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods may help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Focus on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low-sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, whole grains, and more.
Drink plenty of fluids
There’s no magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a good goal precisely because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys.
Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.
Aim to drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres of water in a day. Exactly how much water you need depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health and whether or not you’re pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.
People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.
Smoking damages your body’s blood vessels. This leads to slower blood flow throughout your body and to your kidneys. Smoking also puts your kidneys at an increased risk of cancer. If you stop smoking, your risk will drop. However, it will take many years to return to the risk level of a person who has never smoked.
Be careful of excessive intake of certain drugs
If you regularly take over-the-counter pain medications, you may be causing damage to your kidneys gradually. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headache or arthritis.
People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally are likely safe. However, talk with your doctor about kidney-safe treatments if you feel pain regularly.
Also, remember to have regular kidney tests, especially if you are obese; over 60 years old; or if your family has a history of high blood pressure.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected] | https://punchng.com/seven-tips-to-keep-the-kidney-healthy/ | 1,127 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999866 |
Smartphone display brightness can be defined as how bright a display is. Smartphone displays are self-lit with backlights and this helps them function all around the clock. No matter the time of the day, be it in the bright sunshine or at midnight, your screen is expected to perform. The smartphone display is expected to be bright enough to display information that is legible (clear enough to read).
Since smartphones are small and highly mobile, we tend to take them out and about with us for a variety of reasons and purposes. This means that we may have to use these devices outdoors where there is a lot of light (especially sunlight).
When external light is brighter than your smartphone’s display, it becomes “washed out”. This means that you may be unable to decipher anything from it.
If your smartphone display brightness level is not high enough, your phone could be unusable outdoors. This sometimes, is why you may be unable to use your phone properly under bright sunshine.
What is a Nit?
Smartphone brightness is measured in units called NIT. A Nit is a unit that represents the intensity of visible light. A high Nit rating means better legibility and operability under sunshine or other forms of external light.
A lot of smartphones today come with sunlight mode. In this mode, the display can become bright and hold its own against sunlight. Usually, if you set your brightness to Auto mode, it will push your display to maximum brightness.
Smartphone companies tend to advertise how bright the screens of their devices are in terms of nits and cite rather vague figures.
Low-end devices such as those in the entry-level and budget segments usually have displays of between 300 to 400 nit of brightness. A good example is the Redmi 9A (400 nits). Midrange phones can have around 400 to 500 nit of brightness. Examples are the Redmi Note 9 Pro (Pro Max) with 460 nits (616 nits in bright sunlight) and the Realme 6 Pro with 421 nits. High-end phones can have anything between 500 to as much as 900 nits of brightness. This can be seen in phones like the Samsung Galaxy S20 (814 nits), Samsung S20 Ultra (894 nits), iPhone 12 Pro Max (800 nits), and the new Xiaomi MI 11 pushes the bar up to 1500 nit.
Please leave a comment if you have any difficulty and remember to:
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel
- Follow on Facebook
- Follow on WhatsApp
- Join our Telegram community
- Participate on Reddit
- Find us on Quora | https://inquisitiveuniverse.com/2020/12/30/smartphone-display-brightness-nits/ | 538 | Phones | 3 | en | 0.999996 |
Sept. 11, 1565
In 1565, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent dominated the Mediterranean, with intentions of not only invading Sicily, Sardinia, Majorca, and southern Spain, but Rome itself. The only thing standing in his way was the small rocky Island of Malta just south of Sicily, defended by the Knights of Malta.
In March of 1565, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent sent Algerian Admiral Dragut to Malta with 200 ships and 40,000 Muslim soldiers, including 6,500 elite Janissary troops. Dragut stated: “Unless you have smoked out this nest of vipers, you can do no good anywhere.”
Queen Elizabeth I of England is said to have remarked: “If the Turks should prevail against the Isle of Malta, it is uncertain what further peril might follow to the rest of Christendom.”
The Knights of Malta were led by a 70-year-old Frenchmen, Jean Parisot de la Valette. Pleas for reinforcements went out across Europe, but defense seemed futile. La Valette addressed his men: “A formidable army composed of audacious barbarians is descending on this island. These persons, my brothers, are the enemies of Jesus Christ. …”
La Valette continued: “… Today it is a question of the defense of our faith – as to whether the Gospels are to be superseded by the Koran. God on this occasion demands of us our lives, already vowed to his service. Happy will be those who first consummate this sacrifice.”
The Turks attacked again and again, even reducing one of their fortresses to rubble, but the Knights kept fighting, resolved to save Western Civilization. Finally, Dragut was killed and the Muslims sailed away on Sept. 11, 1565.
Sept. 11, 1683
Another major event happened on Sept. 11. Sultan Mehmed IV sent over 138,000 Muslim Ottoman Turks to surround Vienna, Austria, led by General Mustafa Pasha. For two months they starved the 11,000 Hapsburg-Austrian defenders.
Sultan Mehmed IV sent the message to Austrian King, Leopold I: “Await us in your residence … so we can decapitate you.”
Polish King Jan Sobieski gathered 81,000 Polish, Austrian and German troops and led a surprise attack on Sept. 11, 1683. They made one of the largest charges in history, 38,350 cavalry and dragoons. Soldiers had made wings for their backs which made a thunderous noise when they charged, causing the Turks to flee in confusion.
Upon entering the abandoned Turkish tents, Sobieski found bags of beans – coffee beans – revealing how Turks could fight day and night. The beans came from Ethiopia, the one African country which stayed Christian, and the Muslims called them infidels or “cafir,” from which the word “coffee” was derived.
The legend is that Pope Clement VIII was petitioned to declare coffee “the drink of the devil” due to its association with Muslims, but the Pontiff tasted it and stated: “This devil’s drink is so good, we should cheat the devil by baptizing it.”
Shortly after the victory of Vienna, Polish General Koltschizky opened Vienna’s first coffeehouses and coffee quickly spread across Europe. The Pope and European leaders hailed Jan Sobieski as the “Savior of Western Civilization.” The humiliated Muslim army beheaded General Mustafa Pasha and sent his head back to Sultan Mehmed IV in a velvet bag.
Hilaire Belloc (1870-1953) wrote in “The Great Heresies” (1938): “Less than 100 years before the American War of Independence a Mohammedan army was threatening to overrun and destroy Christian civilization. … Vienna was almost taken and only saved by the Christian army under the command of the King of Poland on a date that ought to be among the most famous in history – September 11, 1683.”
Sept. 11, 1697
Muslim Ottoman Turks dominated Belgrade, Serbia, since 1521. In 1691, Austria helped free Belgrade, but Muslim Ottoman Turks recaptured it and razed the city’s buildings to the ground. The Serbian Orthodox Patriarch led thousands to flee to the Austrian Hapsburg Empire in the first “Great Serbian Migration.”
Habsburg Prince Eugene of Savoy led the Holy League to counter-attack. Losing 500 men, they killed 30,000 Turks in one of the Ottoman Empire’s worsts defeats in history – the Battle of Zenta, Sept. 11, 1697.
President Theodore Roosevelt wrote in his 1916 book, “Fear God and Take Your Own Part”: “From the hammer of Charles Martel to the sword of Jan Sobieski, Christianity owed its safety in Europe to the fact it … could and would fight as well as the Mohammedan aggressor.”
Sept. 11, 2001
Islamic terrorists hijacked passenger jets. Two were flown into New York’s World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon and one crashed in Pennsylvania.
President Bush stated: “Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward, and freedom will be defended.”
That evening, President Bush stated: “Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. Pictures of planes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness and a quiet, unyielding anger.”
President Bush continued: “America was targeted … because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. … I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve. … I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: ‘Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.'”
On Sept. 13, 2001, President Bush stated: “In the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, ‘One Nation Under God.'”
Sept. 11, 2012
The U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, written with the help of Eleanor Roosevelt, was adopted by the U.N. General Assembly, Dec. 8, 1948. Without referencing the “Creator” as the source of rights, like the U.S. Declaration of Independence, the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes articles such as:
Article 18. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief.
This conflicted with Islamic Shariah law which imposes the death penalty for anyone leaving the Islamic religion.
Many articles in the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights were rejected by the leaders of 57 Islamic countries, who formed their own group called the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, or OIC. In 1990, OIC passed the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, affirming Shariah law as supreme, with:
- the death penalty for those leaving Islam
- punishing women who are victims of rape
- allowing men to be polygamous
- permitting wife beating
- censoring speech insulting Islam
On Dec. 12, 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton began a three-day closed door meeting with the OIC, promising to support their Istanbul Process to universally “criminalize” speech insulting Islam, effectively enforcing “dhimmi” status on non-Muslims worldwide.
By definition, the Christian Gospel insults Islam. If someone in a Shariah controlled country proclaims Jesus Christ more than a prophet – but also the Son of God who died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world – it would mean the death penalty. In fact, all speech contrary to Islam insults Islam.
At the end of the meeting, OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu stated: “The Istanbul Process initiated with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton … must be carried forward.”
Clinton added: “We now need to move to implementation.”
In the following months, Hillary Clinton’s State Department ignored repeated requests for security by Ambassador Chris Stevens in Libya. He was killed with several others in the Benghazi attack on Sept. 11, 2012.
The night of the attack, Secretary Clinton’s State Department blamed a video, and the shortly after sent memos to YouTube and Google recommending they censor speech insulting Islam, consistent with promises made at the OIC Istanbul Process meeting.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice added to this narrative, as did President Obama when he told the U.N. General Assembly, Sept. 25, 2012: “The future must not belong to those who slander the prophet of Islam.”
The U.S. supported the Muslim Brotherhood’s ousting of Egypt’s President Mubarak. Then U.S. weapons were used to oust Libya’s President Gaddafi.
Requests made by Judicial Watch through the Freedom of Information Act revealed emails of weapons being moved from Benghazi in a “Fast and Furious” gun-running style program to arm Muslim fighters in ousting Syria’s President Assad. This is part of a larger plan remove current leaders in order to reestablish an Islamic Caliphate.
When Russia came to Assad’s defense, the Muslims armed and trained by the U.S. attacked into Syria and Iraq, calling themselves ISIS, and proceeded to torture, rape, behead and displace hundreds of thousands.
Brought to you by AmericanMinute.com. | http://www.wnd.com/2017/09/sept-11-a-day-of-infamy-throughout-history/#UsuJjooY3kTqsbt8.99 | 2,033 | Religion | 3 | en | 0.999895 |
#MandelaDay2019: How Madiba Would’ve Tackled Xenophobia In South Africa
Nelson Mandela was known for his oratorical skills and ability to mobilize people by the power of his words throughout his lifetime.
This made his admirers in Nigeria and other African countries often speculate that if Madiba was alive and still the president of South Africa, he would have mobilized his people against xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans, especially Nigerians.
At least 118 Nigerians are said have been killed in different attacks over the years, 13 of which were by the South African Police.
After his release from the Victor Verster prison on February 11, 1990, and his subsequent emergence as President of South Africa, in public and private speeches, Mandela promoted peaceful coexistence among his people and unity of Africans in particular and humanity in general.
Madiba detested victimization on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or sex, and fought these vices until he breath his last.
His words in the dock during his 1963 Rivonia Trial for alleged capital offences are proof that Mandela stood for fairness regardless of race.
“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination.
“I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities.
“It is an ideal I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die,” he told the court.
Undoubtedly, Mandela left a legacy of tolerance and reconciliation among his people and Africans at large. But the incidents of xenophobia in South Africa today pose serious threats to this cherished legacy. The incidences have increasingly been witnessed over the years in the country.
Xenophobic attacks against immigrants in South Africa increased in 2015 to the extent that governments of other African nations – including Kenya and Malawi – began repatriating their citizens.
It is strongly believed that if he were still alive, Mandela would have addressed the menace known as xenophobia in the country.
While he was president, in order to put a closure to apartheid and heal the wounds of the past, Mandela established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1996 where individuals and groups aired their grievances and offered apologies for the suffering caused by apartheid.
The court-like restorative organization was believed to have successfully addressed issues bordering on human-rights violations in the country at the time. | https://thewhistler.ng/mandeladay2019-how-madiba-wouldve-tackled-xenophobia-in-south-africa/ | 521 | Politics | 3 | en | 0.999994 |
As parents, educators, and caregivers, understanding the personalities of children is important in supporting their growth and development. Researchers have identified the “big five” personality traits that are commonly used to describe an individual’s overall disposition. Let’s delve deeper into how these personality traits manifest in children.
Extraversion is a personality trait that shines brightly in many children. Extraverted youngsters are often the life of the party, radiating an infectious energy that draws in their peers. These vibrant individuals thrive on social interaction, finding joy and fulfillment in the company of others.
Extraverted children are typically outgoing and confident, unafraid to take the lead in group activities. They may be the first to raise their hand in class, eagerly sharing their thoughts and ideas. These young leaders often excel at initiating conversations, seamlessly bridging social gaps and bringing people together.
The extraverted child’s zest for life is palpable, as they eagerly seek out new experiences and stimulation. Whether it’s leading a game on the playground or engaging in lively discussions, these children seem to possess an endless well of enthusiasm. Their exuberant nature can be a delight to witness, as they infuse their surroundings with a contagious sense of joy and excitement.
However, it’s important to note that the extraverted personality is not without its unique challenges. These children may sometimes struggle with maintaining focus or may become easily overstimulated in quieter environments. As caregivers, it’s essential to provide a balanced approach, channeling their energies into constructive outlets while also allowing for moments of calm and introspection.
By understanding and embracing the extraverted temperament, we can nurture these vibrant young individuals, empowering them to thrive in a world that values their natural charisma and social prowess. With the right guidance and support, extraverted children can blossom into confident, well-rounded leaders who positively impact those around them.
Among the “big five” personality traits, agreeableness is a particularly endearing quality in children. Agreeable youngsters are often characterized by their kind, cooperative, and empathetic nature, making them a delight to interact with.
These children have an innate desire to maintain harmony in their relationships, putting the needs of others before their own. They are more inclined to compromise and adapt to the situation at hand, rather than stubbornly insisting on their own way. This ability to see things from multiple perspectives and find common ground is a valuable asset in social settings.
Agreeable children are often skilled at conflict resolution, as they possess a natural inclination to seek peaceful solutions. When disagreements arise, they are more likely to approach the situation with a spirit of understanding and a willingness to find a mutually satisfactory outcome. Their empathetic nature allows them to consider the feelings and perspectives of their peers, fostering an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.
This cooperative mindset extends beyond interpersonal relationships and into academic and extracurricular pursuits as well. Agreeable children may excel in group projects, readily offering their support and contributions to the collective effort. Their ability to work well with others can make them valuable team players, adept at fostering a sense of unity and cohesion.
While agreeableness is a wonderful trait, it is important to ensure that these children do not neglect their own needs or become overly accommodating to the detriment of their personal growth. Striking a balance between consideration for others and self-advocacy is important for their well-being and development.
By nurturing the agreeable nature of children, we can cultivate a generation of compassionate, collaborative individuals who have the potential to make a positive impact on their communities and the world around them.
In the spectrum of personality traits, openness shines as a particularly captivating quality in children. Open-minded youngsters are characterized by their boundless curiosity, vivid imagination, and eagerness to explore the world around them.
These children have an insatiable thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking to expand their understanding of the world. They may be the ones who incessantly ask “why” and “how,” driven by a desire to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Their intellectual engagement is palpable, as they avidly absorb new information and perspectives.
Open-minded children often exhibit a diverse range of interests, their minds constantly in motion, exploring a myriad of subjects and activities. From the arts to the sciences, these young minds are captivated by the endless possibilities that life has to offer. Their willingness to try new things sets them apart, as they embrace the excitement of the unknown with a sense of adventure.
Creativity and imagination are the hallmarks of the open-minded child. They may often be found lost in their own worlds, weaving intricate tales or engaging in imaginative play. This ability to think outside the box can spark innovative solutions to problems and foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of life.
While openness is a valuable trait, it is important to strike a balance between nurturing this quality and providing structure and guidance. Open-minded children may benefit from having opportunities to explore their interests, while also learning to focus and develop their skills in a meaningful way.
By building an environment that celebrates curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to learn, we can empower open-minded children to thrive and unlock their full potential. These young, inquisitive minds have the power to shape the future, driven by their insatiable desire to understand and experience the world in all its wonder.
In the realm of personality traits, conscientiousness shines as a valuable asset in children. Conscientious youngsters are often characterized by their remarkable organizational skills, disciplined approach, and unwavering pursuit of their goals.
These children have a keen eye for detail and a natural inclination towards order. They thrive on structure, meticulously completing their tasks and adhering to established rules and routines. Their ability to stay focused and on-track can be a source of inspiration, as they model the importance of self-discipline and commitment.
Conscientious children are often high-achievers, driven by an internal desire to excel. Whether it’s excelling academically or pursuing personal passions, these young individuals exhibit a remarkable level of determination. They set ambitious goals for themselves and demonstrate a relentless work ethic to turn their aspirations into reality.
This disciplined mindset extends beyond the academic realm, as conscientious children exhibit strong self-control and the ability to delay gratification. They understand the value of hard work and are willing to put in the necessary effort to reach their objectives. This level of maturity and self-regulation can be a valuable asset in navigating the various challenges that arise during childhood and adolescence.
However, it is important to note that the pursuit of perfectionism can sometimes lead to stress or anxiety in conscientious children. As caregivers, it is essential to strike a balance, encouraging their drive for excellence while also fostering a healthy sense of self-compassion and balance.
By nurturing the conscientious nature of children, we can empower them to become responsible, organized, and goal-oriented individuals who can make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world around them. Their disciplined determination and strong work ethic can serve as an inspiration to their peers and loved ones.
Neuroticism, as a personality trait, can present unique challenges and opportunities for children. Neurotic youngsters are often characterized by their heightened emotional responses, heightened sensitivity to environmental stressors, and potential difficulties with emotional regulation.
These children may experience a more intense range of emotions, such as anxiety, fear, or sadness, compared to their less neurotic peers. Their emotional reactions can be powerful and overwhelming, leading to challenges in navigating social situations or adjusting to new environments.
Neurotic children’s heightened sensitivity can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it allows them to empathize deeply with others, pick up on subtle social cues, and tap into their creativity and imagination. However, this sensitivity can also make them more susceptible to stress, making them more prone to experiencing feelings of worry, self-doubt, or even depression.
As caregivers, it is important to provide these sensitive children with the necessary support and strategies to manage their emotional well-being. This may involve teaching them healthy coping mechanisms, such as mindfulness techniques, journaling, or engaging in calming activities. It is also essential to create a nurturing environment that fosters emotional expression, validation, and understanding.
While neuroticism can present its challenges, it is important to recognize the unique strengths that often accompany this trait. Neurotic children may possess a keen intuition, a heightened sense of empathy, and a profound appreciation for the complexities of life. With the right guidance and support, these children can learn to channel their emotional sensitivity into positive outcomes, such as artistic expression, empathetic leadership, or a deep commitment to social justice.
By embracing the unique emotional landscape of neurotic children and providing them with the necessary tools and resources, we can empower them to navigate the world with resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Understanding the “big five” personality traits in children can provide valuable insights for parents, teachers, and caregivers. By recognizing the unique characteristics of each child, we can tailor our approaches to better support their individual needs and foster their overall well-being. By embracing the diversity of personality types, we can create environments that allow all children to thrive. | https://childbehavior.com.ng/what-are-the-5-personality-traits-of-children/ | 1,914 | Family | 4 | en | 0.99996 |
Co-operative Society had their origin at the end of the 18th Century, when great industrial changes were taking place. Until the 18 Century, most of she manufacture was done in the home, under what is known as the Domestic System
but as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the Factory System of manufacture developed, and went to factories to wok for Wages, instead of being their own masters at home. Much social distress and unemployment accompanied the great industrial changes which situations were made worse by the effects of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars which brought in untold hardship after the conclusion of peace in 1815.
According to Whitehead (1980), the idea of co-operation arose during the years of distress. The aim of the early co-operators was to remedy the distress of the working class by obtaining some of the benefits of the machinery and
greater production for the workers. Two methods were attempted in order to do this. To set up workshops owned and controlled by the workers themselves whereby the employees where to subscribe the capital, run the factory under direction of elected foremen and to share in the profits made from the sale of their products. This idea was borrowed from the French at the time of the French Revolution, and in it we see the origin of what is called today
PRODUCTIVE OR PRODUCERS cO-OPERATION.
To form associations of consumers who would buy their requirements collectively from wholesalers, and thus buying in bulk, would be able to sell to members at a lower price. This principle is the origin of the
CONSUMERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.
At this time, many of the shops in the Northern industrial towns were owned either by the mill owners or by shopkeepers who were under the influence of the mill owners. The general shortage of coins and reliable banknotes meant that workers were often cheated on part in the morning and were then quickly sent to the shop to spend their money at once so that the coins could be sued later the same day to pay other -workers. This reduces the workers’ chances of choosing goods carefully. The Rochdale Pioneers showed how to avoid dealing at all with the “company store” In addition to these two traditional methods mentioned above, other forms of Co-operative retailing, such as., Thrif/ Credit/Savings, Craftsmen, Multi-purpose co-operative societies and production (or industries co-operative
societies) have also developed in most of the West African countries. These attempts after distresses were not very successful, but better organised movements emerged 1820.
The first successful society was founded in 1844 as a co-operative store in Toad Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire by a small group working men who become known as 28 Rochdale Lancashire Pioneer Weavers who based &men the who
based the operations of their society on principles which have since been copied through world. By 1845 there were 74 members, coupled with the fact that the turnover and profits became high.
Thomas (1970) opines that though wages were low and living conditions poor, these men put all their savings together and set up those shop for themselves Each took his turn in serving during his free time and profit
made was divided up among the group. In this way they provided the basic necessities of life at prices below those asked in other shops. The venture was successful and other societies grew up On the same lines. Today, there are co-operative retail societies Ogun Out the country. They vary in size from those in cities with membership
around the million mark to those in villages with only a small membership around the million mark to those in villages with only a small membership. As a matter of fact, the idea was to buy foodstuffs at wholesale prices and
sell them (to members only) at market price. Profits were divided among member in proportion to the value of their purchases. Although the first co-operative society was formed in Nigeria in 1945, yet history has it that the Producers Co-operative Society was formed in 1922 to produce cocoa farmers a common front so as to be able to secure loans and fa prices for their produce. Western, Eastern and Northern Nigeria, as Nigeria they called, passed their co-operative laws, which are still in force in the State created from each former Region. The relevant co-operative laws gave addition impetus to cocoa farmers, and soon producers of coffee, rubber, cotton, groundnut palm produce, et cetera, began to promote co-operative societies to cater for the interests. Its principal aim was to identify people of similar character and interest who were willing to work together to promote and project their members social
CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY DEFINED
A co-operative society or movement is an organisation in which a group persons who have common interest mutually agree to come together for promotion of economic and social interests. Thus, after the identification of members themselves, a programme of activity is usually drawn up whereby members agree on certain lines of action. these lines of action were:
a. Whether to produce goods for distribution, or
b. Whether consumer goods would be bought in bulk and sold in retail at reduced prices; or
c. whether to go into thrift or credit operations raising funds and giving out loans to their members.
PRINCIPLES OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY
A co-operative society is not just a collection of individuals coming together merely for the sake of an association, but that over the years, a co-operative society was guided by some tested principles which, if strictly adhered to, would
lead to the successful realisation ot the goals for which the organisation was formed. These principles reflect and underscore:
a. Open and Voluntary Membership.
b. Democratic control (one member, one vote)
c. Payment of limited interest on capital invested
d. Co-operation among co-operatives
e. Patronage Rebate
f. Distribution of surplus funds in proportion to member’s transactions.
g. Maintaining political and religious neutrality
h. Promotion of education
i. Cash trading.
a. Open and Voluntary Membership: This means that every member who is willing and ready to identify him/herself to the aims of the organisation is allowed to come in and participate in the activity of the organisation irrespective
of his political or religious beliefs.
b. Democratic Control (one member, one Vote): Decisions are normally taken on the floor of the house based on the agreements reached by the generality of the entire members. It is strictly based on the principles of the one man
one vote. It must be emphasised here that in case of a tie in reaching decisions, the President/Chairman is allowed a casting vote. In a consensus situation. no vote is required.
c. Patronage Rebate: At the end of the financial year when the profits
realised by the organisation have been worked out, an amount is set aside as dividend payable to members as a rebate for the business done with the organisation This is aimed at encouraging members to do business with the organisation rather than going elsewhere.
d. Payment of Limited Interest on Capital Investment: This is where dividend is paid to members who are the owners of the business based on the share capital subscribed by each member. The co-operative society law stipulate
that not more than five percent of the profits realised for a given year shoe be paid as interest to members,
e. Co-operation Among Co-operatives: This aims at bringing primary operatives together to rob mind and find solutions to commonly problems identified. Thus, we have today, the Co-operative Unions which the
are encouraged to form among themselves. Here there must be at least co-operative societies coming together to form one. All the cooperation societies in a given focal government area can come together to form of
They subscribe to the shares and manage the business collectively. Aloe height of it all is the apex body. This is the parent body of all the co-operatives societies as well as the Union in the State. A good example is the Delta
The above principles are still applied today throughout the cooperative movement which forms one of the retail outlets in many West African countries the idea of co-operation is being strongly encouraged, and this can be seen
by the setting up of a special government department or Ministry to take charge of the set-up, Government in statements and by direct loans, have helped various classes of co-operative societies and the student is advised to work across the road to set one of the societies to study its working in Edo State of Nigeria, there
are sever consumers and producers co-operative societies such as the Benin Carvers Co-operative society, the Berin Shoemakers Co-operative society, the consumer co-operative society, etc
TYPES OF CO-OPERATIVE STORES
Different types of co-operative stores exist today. However, the most common once are
1. The Producers’ co-operative societies: Unlike the consumers’ societies
the producers actually engage in production of goods. These are the categories of the co-operative societies that are being given encouragement by those governments which have programmes for rural integration. The
farmers, for instance, are encouraged to form producers’ co-operative societies after which certain agricultural facilities are made available to them as a group. Such facilities include funds, modern machineries and
equipment, crops, insecticides (for killing plants’ diseases), expert advice and training. The producers’ societies could take either of two forms 5.
a. Joint Ownership: All members would fuse into one association owning in common-land, machineries, capital, receiving expert advice and working as a team
b. Individual Ownership: Alternatively, each member of the society could stand on his own, having his owns farmland. capital and sharing as much as possible the use of machineries, equipment, et cetera with one another Producers’ co-operative societies are like cartels. after their harvest, they pool their products together, selling to the
consumers’ co-operative societies who in turn sell to the final consumers. Any recurring profits are shared among member produce on the basis of quota contribution to the pool. in Ghana, there are producers’ co-operative societies engaged poultry farming and distilling of spirit (hot drinks).
2. The consumer co-operative societies: These are shops where they retail goods to members and others. They deal mostly on consumer goods. The main function is to make the cost of items cheaper and lower the cost
living for their members. The full price is charged in the shops for goo but profits are returned to members in the form of patronage rebates. instance, they retail consumer co-operatives retail goods, while the wholesale
co-operative societies sell both in bulk and in retail.
3. The Credit/Thrift/Savings Co-operative Societies: These play dual role They function as a business organisation putting their resources together which in this case are savings. At the same time, they function as financial
institutions. They make their savings available as loans to their member at very minimum rates of interest, thereby encouraging their members undertake small business risks. Member savers are content with the low interest rates, in the satisfaction that they have been useful to other members who are able to make some living out of such loans deployed in petty trading activities. In addition any other big funds in form of grants or loans from the headquarters of the co-operative Bank Limited are passed through the coffers of these cred and Thrift Co-operative Societies.
4. Production (or Industrial) Co-operative Society: A Production Co operative Society is made up of individuals engaged in specialised, skilled services such as tailors, carpenters, mechanics, panel beaters, welders- painters, block moulders, masons, and so forth. Each service area co-operative under the umbrella of the Production Co-operative Society
5. Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society: While other forms of co-operative society tend to specialize, for example, in consumer goods, farming, fishing, etc, the Multi-purpose Co-operative Society combines different activities
such as marketing of consumers goods, credit and loans, etc A Muti- purpose Co-operative Society or a Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Co-operative the term, “multi-purpose”, allows the society to undertake any form of co- operative activity that it considers profitable in the interest of the society and its members.
The types of cooperative society discuss above have advantages and disadvantages altered to them it must be stared that there are other type of co-operative societies in various parts of the world, although its Organisation varies from one to another
CHARACTERISTICS OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES
Asaolu (1982) listed the following aN tne characteristic of a Co-operative Society
i. This Is open to all people on payment of a small fee
ii. The share list is also open all the year round
iii. Voting is by person and not by shares as in the public and the private companies.
iv. There is a limit to the amount of investment that any one member could make.
v. Shares are not transferable and would be repaid on demand
vi. Each member is identified by a number for the purpose.
2 Motive: The Primary motives are the welfare of members. To this end, t operate on the basis of substituting co-operation for the rat-race competition in the capitalist economy
3. Sources of Capital; Capital comes from shares bought by members, loans from members, and undistributed profits that are plug back into the business There are also some loans from outside bodies as a interest.
4. Range of Goods: in order to cater for the growing tastes of members . society rotors a wide range of goods such as alcoholic drinks, food, clothing and furniture They also provide services such as banking insurance
5. Management; This is by a committee of management and the president are selected by election, but are unpaid
The committee takes decision on policy matters Such decisions are carried out by salaried managers ad officials appointed by the committee.
6. Prices of Goods: Goods are sold at momentum retail prices and snot Me slightly lower prices as a from of passing returns on business Operator Customers
7. Management of Dividends: Calculation and payments of dividends are on value of purchases made by customers. However, in order to avoid the arduous task of keeping endless records of customers’ purchases, books and stamps
are issued to all customers at the time of purchases. The stamps are pasted on the pages of book which, when filled, have certain values. Dividends and paid on the number of books fully filled and submitted. sometimes bonuses, are
The problems facing the organisation and operation of co-operative societies in Nigeria and in most West African countries are outlined below as put together by Ahukannah, et al (1992).
1. Amateur management
2. Divided loyalty
3. The consumer-type society is dominant.
4. Financial problems
5. Bad economic conditions
6. Communication problems
7. Slow returns on investment
8. Difficulty in recovering loan
9. High level of illiteracy among members
10. Excessive governmental control.
Advantages of Co-operative Societies: Some of the merits of co-operative societies are:
a. Membership: To become a member is easy and without any intricate formalities. Membership is open to all on payment of a nominal fee. Registration of members is a continuous exercise.
b. Thriſt and Business Enterprise: Savings habit is encouraged by paying interest, however small, to members on their sayings. Other members are encouraged to take interest in business by giving them loans with low
interest rates out of members’ savings.
d. Loyalty: Members are loyal and devoted because of the pride of joint ownership
Equal Rights: Members have equal rights and equable Voices and equality of rights.
e. Divided Rights and Effects: Each member is entitled to payment of dividends. based on purchases. This ensures equitable sharing of profits, and increases sales turnover by widening and consolidating the societies’ share of the
1. Members Welfare: A fixed percentage of profits is reserved for improving educational, economic and political advancements. For instance, scholarships
could be awarded to the children of members, while useful training courses are organised in the interests of members. War Aptest Monopolies they constitute a strong competitive force the monopolistic tendencies of large stores, and also serve to urge others to be more efficient
I sewers to Challenges: As answers to charges against them of be conservative and unenterprising, the societies now engage in aggressive devices, nation wide advertisements, sales of a wider-range of goods and
or dividend stamps The customers who shop at the co-operative get good quality products, prices, and a share of all the profits made.
il range of benefits for members and employs includes such items as With education, convalescence after illness, youth camps for children assistance with funeral expense.
iii At one time, the societies has a private market’ at there members supported the societies for idealistic as well as practical reasons. No tax is paid on this type of business organisation. Other principal advantages attached to the system of co-operation relation to the payment of a dividend to the consumer and the fact that the
con can take part in the control of the business. In addition, some of the surplus are used for social and educational purposes for the benefit of both member
DISADVANTAGES OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES:
Below states some of the disadvantages of Co-operative societies!
a. Lack of Competitive Drive: Some have argued that co-operative some are not as competitive as the other stores where prices are lower, qua branded superior goods, faster services and more business-like.
The conflict or
b. High Dividends and Low Prices: the sanity of a paying high dividends while maintaining low prices has been a long-term policy. Some argue that such a policy might deprive the so of much needed profit reserve.
c. Erect or Low Dividends Payments: It has been observed that the dividends payable on purchases is not enough incentives for of the co-operative societies to do their shopping share. They could such dividends promptly in the competitive stores reputed for lower
d. Quality of Management. The Committee of management that societies might have little or no industrial experience. Appointments officials equally take no account of qualifications and interviews. Then the attains or the society might not necessarily be in capable hands.
e. Low Salary Se-ale: The salaries paid to their officials are not competitive and therefore, they could not possibly attract adequate qualified personnel
f. Outlets for Competitors’ Products; Some of the Co-operative Societies have no products of their own and therefore, serve only as channels of distribution for their competitors
g. Members Lack of interest in Meetings and Administration The interest of members in the running of the societies might be minimal once their dividends are paid promptly.
h. Non members Lack of Interest: Non-members might not be interested in shopping there for resentment of not being treated like registered members Other disadvantages are that the members are often only interested in the
dividend and are not concerned with the management of the business or the conditions under which employees are working. Also, it is sometimes thought that many of the management committees are composed of persons who are
lacking in business experience
In this chapter one has learnt that: Co-operative societies or stores had their origin at the end of the 18 century It was established by 28 Rochdale Lancahsire Pioneer Weavers in 1844 at Toad Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire;
The basic aim was to buy goods in bulk purchases and sell to members at reduced (controlled) prices,
Co-operative movement (societies) is defined as an organisation in which a group of persons who have common interest mutually agree to come together for the promotion of economic and social interest The establishment of co-operative societies is based on nine sound principles for its successful operation. There are many types of co-operative societies a few of them are consumers, producers, production, multi-purpose; credit/thrift
savings, etc The features of co-operative societies are membership, motives, sources of capital, range of goods, management, prices of goods etc, The problems facing co-operative society are inefficient management,
divided loyalty, finance, lack of communication, bad economic conditions, interference by government, high level of illiteracy, etc. Some of the principal advantages attached to the system of co- operation lie in relation to the payment of a dividend to the consumer and the fact that the consumer can take part in the control of the
business. In addition, some of the surplus funds are used for social and educational purposes for the benefit of both members and staff Finally, the main disadvantages are that the member is often only interested in the dividend and is not concerned with the management of the business or the conditions thought that many of the management
of the business or the conditions under which employees are working Also, it is sometimes thought that many of the many of the management committees are composed of persons who are lacking in business experience, and do not have the will and encouragement to inspire others.
If you want the best and latest Business Plan In Nigeria call the number above.
OTHER BUSINESS PLAN IN NIGERIA WITH RECENT UPDATE
- Office-Planning And Layout Introduction
- Method Of Payment And Imprest System
- The Co-Operative Society (Movement)
- The Separation Of Investment And Management
- Development Of Company
- Partnership In Business
- How to Start Export Business in Nigeria
- The Sole Proprietorship
- Introduction To Business
- Restaurant Business Plan In Nigeria/ Latest Edition feasibility studies proposal
- How to Make Money Online in Nigeria 2020
- Top 14 Business Ideas In Nigeria 2020
- Top 10 Most Lucrative Businesses In Nigeria 2020
- How To Start Kerosene Business In Nigeria Latest Edition feasibility studies proposal
- Ushering Business Plan in Nigeria 2020
- Steps On How To Grow Your Business In Nigeria
- Poultry Farming Business Plan In Nigeria
- Shoe Making Business Plan In Nigeria 2020
- Paint Production Business Plan In Nigeria Latest Feasibility Study 2020
- Pig Farming Business Plan In Nigeria
- Rice Farming Business Plan in Nigeria
- How To Start Goat Farming In Nigeria/ Feasibility Study
- How To Start Catfish Farming in Nigeria/ Feasibility Report
- How to Start Poultry Farming in Nigeria/ Feasibility Study
- How To Register A Company In Nigeria 2020
- How To Become A Recharge Card Distributor In Nigeria/ Feasibility Study
[…] The Co-Operative Society (Movement) […] | https://businessplanhub.com.ng/haulage-business-plan-in-nigeria-feasibility-study-pdf/The | 4,768 | Business | 4 | en | 0.999994 |
Nigeria has commenced a historic process of leading other African nations on smart and innovative agriculture with the recent application seeking the commercial release of the genetically modified insect-resistant cowpea.
If approved, the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea will become the nation’s first genetically modified food crop. It is expected to increase yields and massively reduce the use of pesticides in cowpea production.
Cowpea — commonly referred to as “beans” — is an indigenous food crop and cost-effective primary protein source for Nigeria’s urban and rural poor. It is also beneficial to agriculture because of its nitrogen-fixing properties and uses in livestock feed.
Globally, an estimated 5.4 million tonnes of cowpea are produced annually. Nigeria accounts for about 3.1 million tonnes, or more than 58 percent, of this total output. Aside from being the world’s largest producer of this crop, Nigeria is also the highest consumer, requiring some 3.6 million tonnes of cowpea annually.
Nigeria continues to rely on countries like Cameroon and Burkina Faso, which are primary net exporters, to bridge the gap between production and demand. This places a significant burden on the economy, as does the purchase of pesticides currently used to help control the pod borers that feed on the crop.
The pod-borer insect (Maruca) is highly notorious in cowpea production, forcing farmers to spray pesticides about six to seven times within a planting season. Farmers often cannot afford to buy these expensive pesticides, which are harmful to human health and sustainable environmental practices. But they stand to lose over 80 percent of their crop unless the insect is controlled.
Previous efforts by Nigerian scientists to use conventional breeding methods to prevent this pest from attacking the crop all failed. None of the 15,000 accessions examined for traits to resist the pod-borer insect yielded a positive result.
Modern breeding techniques, such as genetic engineering, seem to have broken this pattern, restoring hope among farmers. Scientists from the nation’s Institute for Agricultural Research have successfully developed a resistant variety by inserting a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis, which is commonly used as an organic pesticide, into local varieties of cowpea.
At a recent public dialogue on PBR cowpea organized by the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) in Abuja, Prof. Muhammad Ishiyaku, principal investigator and lead scientist of the cowpea research team, told participants that this new variety of seed has the potential to reduce pesticide use from seven applications during a growing season to about two. It is also expected to increase production by 20 percent.
Although scientists like Ishiyaku and other supporters of GM technology believe that the GM cowpea can help farmers tackle the burden of pod-borer infestation, some environmental activists totally disagree with this perspective and are challenging IAR’s commercialization application. To demonstrate their anger further, the anti-GMO campaigners have released publications, organized several activities to stop the release of the crop into the environment and accused the NBMA of lacking neutrality.
But as an umpire charged with the constitutional power to superintend the application, Dr. Rufus Ebegba, NBMA’s director general and chief executive officer, urged the activists to understand that neutrality in this context should not be without any tangible decision. He explained that the NBMA is not established to stop GMOs but to ensure that they are safe to the environment as well as human health.
“The Agency’s biases,” he said, “our safety and national interest, just as the bias of a judge is justice.”
It took IAR nine years (2009-2018) to carry out this exercise at selected sites following research approval from the NBMA. The trial process was closely monitored during this period and all the requirements pertaining to biosafety compliance were fully met.
New ideas, according to Carl Gustav Jung, are not only the enemy of old ideas but they also often appear in an extremely unacceptable form. It is true that every new technology is bound to face suspicion and concerns, but Nigeria must be brave and overcome fear, especially when there is substantial scientific proof of safety measures in place.
It is time to bridge the gap between new scientific innovations and social cum cultural changes to ensure that African farmers can access all existing solutions to tackle the crises bedeviling global food systems.
Opuah Abeikwen is the co-initiator of Science Cafe Nigeria and a 2016 Alliance for Science Global Leadership Fellow. | https://www.commodity-port.com/nigeria-could-lead-africa-to-innovative-future-in-agriculture-by-approving-gmo-cowpea/ | 954 | Family | 3 | en | 0.999945 |
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey followed by evidence of infection and disease in humans in other African countries in the 1950s.
From the 1960s to 1980s, sporadic human infections were detected across Africa and Asia. However, since 2007 outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
In outbreaks over the last decade Zika virus infection was found to be associated with increased incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome. When Zika virus emerged in the Americas, with a large epidemic in Brazil in 2015, an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly (smaller than normal head size) was first described; there were similar findings in French Polynesia upon retrospective review. From February to November 2016, WHO declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding microcephaly, other neurological disorders and Zika virus, and the causal link between Zika virus and congenital malformations was soon confirmed (1,2). Outbreaks of Zika virus disease were identified throughout most of the Americas and in other regions with established Aedes aegypti mosquitos. Infections were detected in travellers from active transmission areas and sexual transmission was confirmed as an alternate route of Zika virus infection.
Cases of Zika virus disease globally declined from 2017 onwards; however, Zika virus transmission persists at low levels in several countries in the Americas and in other endemic regions. In addition, the first local mosquito-transmitted Zika virus disease cases were reported in Europe in 2019 and Zika virus outbreak activity was detected in India in 2021. To date, a total of 89 countries and territories have reported evidence of mosquito transmitted Zika virus infection; however, surveillance remains limited globally.
Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms. Among those who do, they typically start 3–14 days after infection, are generally mild including rash, fever, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise and headache, and usually last for 2–7 days. These symptoms are common to other arboviral and non-arboviral diseases; thus, the diagnosis of Zika virus infection requires laboratory confirmation.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital malformations in the infant, including limb contractures, high muscle tone, eye abnormalities and hearing loss. These clinical features are collectively referred to as congenital Zika syndrome.
The risk of congenital malformations following infection in pregnancy remains unknown; an estimated 5–15% of infants born to women infected with Zika virus during pregnancy have evidence of Zika-related complications (3). Congenital malformations occur following both symptomatic and asymptomatic infection. Zika infection in pregnancy can also cause complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth and preterm birth.
Zika virus infection can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children.
Research is ongoing to investigate the risk and effects of Zika virus infection on pregnancy outcomes, strategies for prevention and control, and effects of infection on other neurological disorders in children and adults.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted by infected mosquitoes of the Aedes (Stegomyia) genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day. These mosquitoes also transmit dengue, chikungunya and urban yellow fever.
Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, as well as through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and possibly through organ transplantation.
Infection with Zika virus may be suspected based on symptoms of persons living in or visiting areas with Zika virus transmission and/or Aedes mosquito vectors. A diagnosis of Zika virus infection can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, and it must be differentiated from cross-reactive related flaviviruses such as dengue virus, to which the patient may have been exposed or previously vaccinated.
There is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection or disease.
People with symptoms such as rash, fever or joint pain should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be avoided until dengue virus infections are ruled out because of bleeding risk. If symptoms worsen, patients should seek medical care and advice.
Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission or who develop symptoms of Zika virus infection should seek medical attention for laboratory testing, information, counselling and other clinical care.
No vaccine is yet available for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection. Development of a Zika vaccine remains an active area of research.
Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection, especially among pregnant women, women of reproductive age and young children.
Personal protection measures include wearing clothing (preferably light-coloured) that covers as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows; and applying insect repellent to skin or clothing that contains DEET, IR3535 or icaridin according to the product label instructions.
Young children and pregnant women should sleep under mosquito nets if sleeping during the day or early evening. Travellers and those living in affected areas should take the same basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Aedes mosquitoes breed in small collections of water around homes, schools and work sites. It is important to eliminate these mosquito breeding sites, including covering water storage containers, removing standing water in flowerpots, and cleaning up trash and used tires. Community initiatives are essential to support local government and public health programs to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Health authorities may also advise use of larvicides and insecticides to reduce mosquito populations and disease spread.
Prevention of sexual transmission
For regions with active transmission of Zika virus, all people with Zika virus infection and their sexual partners (particularly pregnant women) should receive information about the risks of sexual transmission of Zika virus.
WHO recommends that sexually active men and women be counselled and offered a full range of contraceptive methods to be able to make an informed choice about whether and when to become pregnant in order to prevent possible adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes.
Women who have had unprotected sex and do not wish to become pregnant due to concerns about Zika virus infection should have ready access to emergency contraceptive services and counselling. Pregnant women should practice safer sex (including correct and consistent use of condoms) or abstain from sexual activity for at least the entire duration of pregnancy.
For regions with no active transmission of Zika virus, WHO recommends practicing safer sex or abstinence for a period of three months for men and two months for women who are returning from areas of active Zika virus transmission to prevent infection of their sex partners. Sexual partners of pregnant women living in or returning from areas where local transmission of Zika virus occurs should practice safer sex or abstain from sexual activity throughout pregnancy.
WHO supports countries to conduct surveillance and control of arboviruses through the implementation of the Global Arbovirus Initiative, which is aligned with and expands upon recommendations laid out in the Zika Strategic Response Plan.
WHO responds to Zika in the following ways:
- supporting countries in the confirmation of outbreaks through its collaborating network of laboratories;
- providing technical support and guidance to countries for the effective management of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks;
- reviewing the development of new tools, including insecticide products and application technologies;
- formulating evidence-based strategies, policies, and outbreak management plans;
- providing technical support and guidance to countries for the effective management of cases and outbreaks;
- supporting countries to improve their reporting systems;
- providing training on clinical management, diagnosis and vector control at the regional level with some of its collaborating centres; and
- publishing guidelines and handbooks on epidemiological surveillance, laboratory, clinical case management and vector control for Member States.
- de Araújo TVB, Ximenes RA de A, Miranda-Filho D de B, et al. Association between microcephaly, Zika virus infection, and other risk factors in Brazil: Final report of a case-control study. Lancet Infect Dis. 3099(17)30727-2
- Krauer F, Riesen M, Reveiz L, et al. Zika Virus Infection as a Cause of Congenital Brain Abnormalities and Guillain–Barré Syndrome: Systematic Review. PLoS Med. 2017;14(1). doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.10022
- Musso D, Ko AI, Baud D. Zika Virus Infection – After the Pandemic. N Engl J Med. 2019;381(15). doi:10.1056/nejmra1808246 | http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/ | 1,845 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999962 |
Food hygiene is a very important practice to adhere to. More than 200 hundred diseases are spread through food, therefore there’s a need to enlighten people on at least 10 importance of food hygiene. In some of our markets where food materials are being sold is always a sorry sight of flies and some other creepy insects. One would begin to wonder if health is a priority to the vendors who sell these products.
Millions of people fall ill annually and die as a result of consuming unsafe food. It has been estimated that 1.5 million children are killed annually by diarrhea which is a food-borne disease.
Before we talk about the 10 importance of food hygiene, let’s find out a few more facts about food hygiene and some necessary food hygiene practices.
FACTS ABOUT FOOD HYGIENE & SAFETY
- They cause long-term health problems: Health Problems from contaminated foods can result in long-term problems. Stomach pains, diarrhea, and vomiting are the most common symptoms of food-borne diseases. This most times can result in some complex health issues. Food contaminants such as heavy metals and naturally occurring toxins can also result in long-term health problems including cancer and some neurological disorders.
- It affects the economy and society: Sometimes it looks like food hygiene doesn’t go beyond affecting our health, but it does. It has effects beyond the public health consequences. It affects the livelihood of food handlers and economic development as well.
- Consumers must be informed and updated on food hygiene practices: People should be informed properly about necessary food hygiene practices. They should also make wise food choices and adopt adequate behaviors.
MORE FACTS ON HYGIENE & SAFETY
- Pregnant women, people with a low immune system and chronic illness, are more vulnerable to the risk of foodborne diseases
- Pathogens that cause food poisoning can also cause kidney failure and arthritis.
- Reheating spoilt foods does not kill the bacteria in them.
- More than 200 diseases can be spread through food.
- There are several opportunities for food contamination to occur.
- Everybody has a role to play in keeping food safe
- Food consumers must be informed and aware of proper food hygiene practices.
- The best way to remove bacteria from food materials such as meat, is by washing and cooking. Washing alone does just a little.
Food hygiene practices
- Thorough Cleaning
It is very necessary to ensure that the environment for food preparation is very neat and hygienic. Most times commercial food vendors fail to do well on this. Some of them prefer to sell food in front of a trench which is very unhygienic. Keeping your environment neat involves methodically cleaning and sanitizing the space for cooking, the utensils, and every other thing needed for food preparation. This should be done before cooking, in-between the cooking activity, and after the activity. Utensils such as knives, blenders, graters, and the like must be thoroughly washed to prevent them from hiding dirt and germs.
- Personal Hygiene of The Food handler
As the person preparing the food or handling any food item, your hygiene is as important as the hygiene of the food materials. You are expected to maintain a high standard of personal hygiene, especially in the course of the activity. Ensure you keep to the following practices:
- Pack and tie your hair to make sure none falls into the food. Preferably, cover your hair with a kitchen hat, hair net or
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water before, in-between, and after the meal preparation. This prevents any transfer of germs to the food.
- Put on neat clothes while cooking, to avoid transferring germs.
- Put on gloves for the hand if you will need to handle food with your bare hands
- Avoid putting on jewelry like rings to prevent the hiding of germs.
- Keep the nails trimmed, and avoid using nail polish
- Avoid using aprons for cleaning hands
Other Proper Food Hygiene Practices
- Foods that need to be stored cold should be kept in the refrigerator.
- Raw foods should be separated from already made foods. Most raw foods contain bacteria, and for this reason, they need to be cooked. Even when stored in the refrigerator, they must be kept in different compartments to prevent cross-contamination.
- Dry foods should be kept separate from liquids.
- Foods should be cooked to the appropriate temperature required.
- Insects and pests should be kept away from food areas
- Kitchen towels, sponges, and clothes should be kept clean and changed regularly.
Having said all these, we’ll consider the benefits and importance of keeping to these food hygiene practices.
10 Importance of Food Hygiene
- It helps In the management of our daily health: Good food hygiene practices reduce the risk to our daily health. Being more informed and exposed to food hygiene benefits our health a lot. It increases longevity and reduces the money spent on medical bills.
- It prevents food contamination: Sickness easily comes from foods that are not prepared by observing good hygiene practices. Diseases like escherichia coli can be caused by beef contamination with feces during slaughter. Therefore failure to wash the beef properly before cooking will cause this disease due to contamination.
- It prevents diseases and death: Food contamination from bacteria, viruses, or other parasitic agents can result in gastroenteritis, dehydration, and some other critical health problems like kidney failure and death. Nobody’s life should be at risk because he ate food, rather life should be safer and healthier because of what we eat.
- Reduces The Risk Of Infections: Infectious microbes live in and on the human body and can be transferred to the food we eat during meal preparation. Maintaining a personal hygiene standard during meal preparation helps to reduce the risk of infection.
- Good food hygiene practice can enhance productivity at work. When this practice is safe, the guarantee of eating healthy food is high. This can affect one’s body fitness in the place of work.
- Proper food hygiene practice keeps our entire home free from insects and rodents. Apart from the toilet, the kitchen is seen as a breeding place for insects due to the likely harboring of dirt.
- Greater percentage of food poisoning cases will likely be avoided if people wash their hands regularly when handling food.
- For commercial purposes, proper food hygiene practice is very important. It goes a long way to protect the health of public consumers and they develop confidence in your products and services. When this happens, you retain your customer base. which helps the sustainability of your business. Converting new customers becomes easy as well.
- Food hygiene is also important because there is no specific way of telling if food is contaminated. The aroma, taste, and sight of contaminated food appear the same most times. Hence the only secure way to ensure the safety of the food is through the proper practice of food hygiene.
- Reducing foodborne diseases by 1% will keep the lives of about 500,000 Americans free from sickness in a year
Good food hygiene is a very important practice that must be observed to guarantee safe foods for consumption. In the absence of such healthy practices, harmful germs will spread easily during meal preparation, and cause food poisoning when the food is consumed. Therefore it is part of our responsibility to keep the food we eat very clean and safe both in the course of preparation and afterward. | https://earthlydiets.com/10-importance-of-food-hygiene/ | 1,540 | Food | 4 | en | 0.999992 |
Cervical polyps are small, elongated tumours that grow on the cervix. The cervix is the narrow canal at the bottom of the uterus that extends into the vagina. Polyps are fragile structures that grow from stalks rooted on the surface of the cervix or inside the cervical canal. There is usually only one polyp present—or at most, two or three.
Cervical polyps occur in about four percent of women of reproductive age. They are most common in women in their 40s and 50s who have had more than one child. Polyps almost never occur in young women prior to the start of menstruation. Polyps are also common during pregnancy. This may be caused by an increase in the hormone oestrogen.
Cervical polyps are usually benign (not cancerous), and the chances of them leading to cervical cancer are rare.
Symptoms of Cervical Polyps
Polyps on the cervix may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if any of the following symptoms occur, see your gynaecologist right away:
- vaginal discharge of white or yellow mucus (leucorrhea)
- vaginal spotting or bleeding: after sexual intercourse (post coital), between periods (inter-menstrual), after douching, after menopause (postmenopausal)
- abnormally heavy periods (menorrhagia)
Some of these symptoms can also be signs of cancer. In rare cases, polyps could represent an early phase of cervical cancer. Removing them helps reduce this risk.
Ask your doctor how often you should get regular pelvic examinations and pap tests. Recommendations can vary with a patient’s age and health history.
Why Polyps Occur
It is not fully understood why cervical polyps occur. Their formation may be linked to:
- increased levels of oestrogen (female sex hormone)
- chronic inflammation in the cervix, vagina, or uterus
- clogged blood vessels
High Oestrogen Levels
Oestrogen levels naturally fluctuate throughout a woman’s life. The most common times are during menstrual cycles, pregnancies, and in the months leading up to menopause. For example, oestrogen levels can reach 100 times the normal range during pregnancy.
Man-made chemicals that mimic oestrogen are present everywhere in our environment today. For example, xenoestrogens are found in commercially produced meats and dairy products.
Chemical oestrogens can also be released into food that is heated in Styrofoam or plastic containers. Even some air fresheners contain phthalates, another oestrogen-like chemical.
An inflamed cervix appears red, irritated, or eroded. Some of the known causes of cervical inflammation include:
- bacterial infection
- condyloma cuminata virus (warts)
- human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- yeast infections
- pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion
- hormonal changes
HPV infection is also a known cause of cervical cancer. Regular pelvic exams and pap tests (also called pap smears) are an important precaution for women of any age. The pap test is done by scraping a small amount of tissue from the cervix, which is sent to a laboratory. The test checks for infection and abnormal cells.
How Cervical Polyps Are Diagnosed
Polyps are easy to see in a routine pelvic examination. The doctor will see smooth, finger-like growths on the cervix that appear red or purple in colour. Polyps usually protrude out from the cervical canal.
Biopsies (tissue samples) of the polyps are taken and sent to a laboratory for testing. Results usually show benign polyp cells. In rare cases, there may be abnormal cells or neoplastic changes (precancerous patterns of growth).
Treatment of Cervical Polyps
There are different approaches to removing cervical polyps but you best option is going natural. Removing cervical polyps naturally will enable you to be sure of no negative side effect after the treatment.
If you are suffering from cervical polyps and you desire a natural way to get rid of it, then click here to read about the Cervical Polyps Remedy Kit.
The Kit has helped a lot of women get rid of cervical polyps naturally with no side effect and it can help you too.
If you have gained anything from reading this, don’t hesitate to share it with others too. Put your comments and questions or topics you will like us to write about in the comment box below.
Stay Healthy And Never Give Up!
Plan B Wellness
Email – [email protected]
Twitter – @planbwellness
Instagram – @planbwellness
Thank you for the information
Pls am in ghana,what is price for the endometrial polyp in Ghana cedis | https://planbwellness.com/what-are-cervical-polyps/ | 1,024 | Health | 4 | en | 0.999994 |
Subsets and Splits