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Connecting education and a dehumanized work force
Credit: Springer Nature
Pseudoscience in the US education system is a danger to American democracy as we know it. In his new book, writer and professor of physics Joseph Ganem deconstructs the incorrect conclusions brought on by pseudoscientific narratives, along with the misuse of data that has ultimately created an uneducated citizenry and dehumanized workforce. The Robot Factory delivers an enlightening connect-the-dots journey of how being treated like a widget in school translates to a continued lack of relatedness later in life.
The book begins with a poignant short essay, Why I Would Fail Third Grade Math, in which he observes a lesson in his daughter's class that is typical in many American schools. Here he sets up a scenario for the book's premise by discovering how the language and process used in this real classroom actually minimizes learning and understanding for most students. He unveils the disconnect between teachers and students through simple dialog.
Later in the book Ganem illuminates other unintended consequences from overly prescriptive and restrictive curricula such as diminishing joy and creativity when learning, discouraging long-term interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and the stunning effect of stunting parental involvement – especially in critical early grades.
Ganem concludes, "The dehumanization of education is a trend that must be reversed or ultimately it will destroy our relatedness with one another, and with that our ability to collectively face impending challenges that threaten our future, challenges in which the stakes are already high and are continuing to escalate."
Joseph Ganem, Ph. D. is Professor of Physics at Loyola University Maryland in the US. His research focuses on laser materials and he is an author on numerous scientific papers in the fields of laser development and magnetic resonance. He has taught physics in the classroom for more than 20 years and has served on the Maryland State Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education. In 2017, Baltimore magazine named him one the "Best Baltimoreans" in its "People in the Media" section.
The Robot Factory
Pseudoscience in Education and Its Threat to American Democracy
2018, 255 p. 1 illus.
Softcover 34,99 € | £19.50 | $34.99
Also available as an eBook


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Formation of a Reconnection Site
A numerical simulation based on a global MagnetoHydroDynamic (MHD) model was run to reproduce the 8 May 2004 event. This image shows the topology of the magnetic field produced by the global MHD model around 10:00 UT, viewed from the direction of the Sun. Earth is represented by the blue sphere, the location of the Double Star TC-1 spacecraft is indicated, the magnetic field lines are colour-coded: red=unconnected, yellow=open, blue=closed.
The model reveals the formation of a reconnection site extending about 7 to 10 Magnetic Local Time (MLT), in agreement with the data collected by both Double Star TC-1 and Cluster.

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


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These red prawns come from fisheries managed strictly by the Argentinian government. They have a variable fishing season, with limitations in the number of vessels according to the situation in each fishing zone and catch area.
- Scientific name: Pleoticus muelleri
- Origin: Argentina
- Flavour: Slightly salty
- Characteristics: Soft prawns, white meat with a red structure
- Availability: Seasonal fishing, available all year round

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


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PyAEZ methodology is the python-language toolbox for land evaluation assessment. PyAEZ has been utilizing climate, soil, terrain aspects to evaluate food security status, land productivity potentials and land suitability process. As a toolbox under Python programming language, this tool was originally developed by FAO and IIASA from its source code of methodology.
With the new version of PyAEZ v2.2 (previously published its v.2.1 on last June 2023), GIC facilitated a four-day online training of the new PyAEZ version, conducted with the support from Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IIASA (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis). Prof. Rajendra Shrestha from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) warmly welcomed the participants as the coordinators from AIT. Team lead from GIC, Dr. Kittiphon Boonma, introduced PyAEZ tool and delivered the fundamental items under this tool.
The PyAEZ v2.2 underwent a major algorithm revision, and enhancement of user-input data. Starting from the 11th to 14th December 2023, Dr. Kittiphon and Mr. Swun Wunna Htet from GIC delivered the practical sessions, with AEZ concept presentation by Dr. Günther Fischer from IIASA, and soil evaluation concept by Dr. Freddy Nachtergaele, supporting capacity building to more than 50 participants and researchers from more than 30 countries across the world.
The online training met the expectations, which aimed to deliver the understanding of AEZ assessment procedure under PyAEZ toolbox. The participants were able to run different crop types of yield simulation and showcased the different scenarios with crop map visualization.
The closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Damien Beau from FAO-Regional Office of Asia and Pacific (FAO-RAP), addressing the potential to PyAEZ package, especially in future food security issues.

source: m-a-p/FineFineWeb


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On June 29, the AWWA Board member Margaret Kiladjian and the president of Hanganak NGO Gohar Hovhannisyan met with Hambardzum Simonyan, the head of the FAR health programs. Months ago, on the initiative of Hambardzum Simonyan and Gohar Hovhannisyan, highly effective trainings were organized for the medical staff of Hanganak NGO. The courses were conducted by the specialists of the Association of Healthcare and Assistance to Older People. That marked the beginning of the cooperation between Hanganak NGO and FAR. FAR covered all costs associated with the training. According to the verbal agreement between Hanganak NGO and the Association of Healthcare and Assistance to Older People, the courses should be continuous and the next stage is planned for the fall. The mission of the FAR remains unchanged: to support all effective initiatives to achieve the improvement of the quality of the medical care.
Hambardzum Simonyan presented the multifaceted programs implemented by the FAR, paying particular attention to health and social programs.
Margaret Kiladjian, in her turn, spoke about the history of AWWA that spanned for more than 100 years and current tasks. Speaking about the challenges of the times, she outlined the financial difficulties that the AWWA-run Armenian Care and Rehabilitation Center was facing because of Covid restrictions. However, they are temporary in nature and will hopefully pass soon. In this regard, the support of FAR in some areas of the activities of Hanganak NGO, in particular assisting in the heating compensation to the beneficiaries in the winter months, would considerably lighten the financial burden of AWWA.
The meeting took place in a very warm atmosphere. Hambardzum Simonyan mentioned that they have been friends with Gohar Hovhannisyan for many years and they have come a long way together for the development of Artsakh's healthcare system. He assured that the officials of the FAR would definitely be informed about the problem presented by AWWA, and the possibilities of cooperation would be discussed in the near future, in the middle of July, at the Hanganak office in Stepanakert.


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William Hickling Prescott House, 1808
55 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108
Due to health and safety concerns about COVID-19, we have regretfully decided to remain closed this season.
Phone: _PHONE_
Fax: _PHONE_
AboutThis house was designed by Asher Benjamin, a well-known architect of the early republic, and built for James Colburn in 1808. After several owners, one of which was the author William Hickling Prescott, the Massachusetts Society purchased it in 1944 as their headquarters. Upstairs the museum floor contains Prescott's study, looking much as it did when he used it every day, and a Federal period bedroom.
National Historic Landmark


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How To Make A Compost Tumbler. Learn How To Prepare Dark, Rich, Nutrient-Dense Compost For Your Garden. Make Compost Using A Water Barrel, Whether You Live On A Homestead, In the City Or Somewhere In Between. It's Fast, Cheap and Easy!
* It's Important to Note that the best size of holes to drill into the barrel (for aeration) are holes that are 1/4″ to 3/8″
Things You'll Need
One 20-55 gallon (72-200 liter) plastic drum.
One 48 inch (1.25 meter)length of pipe with a 2 inch diameter (5 centimeter).
2X4 treated lumber.
Screws (or nails)
Drill motor, hole saw, and drill bits.
Basic hand tools. (screwdriver (or hammer), measuring tape, square)
One of the keys to composting is aeration. The bacteria need oxygen to carry out the aerobic respiration that creates rich compost. One way to aerate your compost is with a pitchfork or a compost turning tool. If you keep your compost in a tumbler, however, all you have to do is turn the container. Since most compost barrels can be expensive, you may be interested in building your own for much less money and an hour of your time.
1) Buy a plastic drum, between 20 and 55 gallons (75-200 liters). Also obtain a 48 inch (1.25 meter) length of 2 inch (5 cm) schedule 80 PVC pipe, or a length of 1 1/2 to 2 inch (3.8-5 cm) galvanized steel pipe.
2)Drill holes in the center of the top and bottom of your drum. They should be large enough for the pipe you are going to use for an axle.
3)Pass the pipe or post through the center holes.
4)Build a wooden saw buck to support the compost barrel. Screw together 2 sets of 2x4s (pieces of wood that are 1.5″ × 3.5″ or 38×89 mm in terms of height and width, respectively) in an x-frame, and screw two 2x4s across the feet at the bottom for support. (You can use nails but the frame will not be as sturdy)
5)Set the barrel with the pipe in the wooden 2×4 saw buck.
6) Drill holes in the body of the barrel for aeration. Use a 1-inch (2.5 cm) bit.
7) Rotate the barrel in the sawhorse frame using the pipe or post as an axle.
8) Cut a hole in the side and add simple hinges and a hasp to create a door with the piece you cut from the side of your drum. Or, you can simply use scrap wire to create three hinges, and use the same material and an old cabinet knob to effect a way to close the hatch.
9) Create a mixing fin Inside the barrel to help turn the compost when the drum is rotated. A long spare piece of galvanized sheet metal bent into an L shape and bolted to the interior wall of the barrel will do this nicely. Put the fin opposite from the hatch, so as to weight balance the empty container.
10) Fill your drum composter with leaves or other compostable material, and allow your new "garden helper" to do its job. You will want to rotate the drum a few times every day or so, depending on the outdoor temperature.
11) Check the contents occasionally, and when they are broken down by the bacteria in the drum, remove them to use for soil amending, mulch, and other purposes around your lawn and garden.
-Composting (decomposing) occurs more quickly in warm weather.
-You could also build the tumbler on a diagonal axis (enough to create a slope) and put a plug in the bottom of the drum, which would allow you to add water that will help the decomposition and create a liquid fertilizer when drained from the drum.
-If your barrel is a light color you might consider painting it a dark green, brown, or black. There are paints like Krylon that work particularly well on plastic. The dark color will absorb light and raise the temperature of your compost.
-If you would like to add a handle to help you turn the barrel, drill a 1″ (2.5 cm) hole all the way through one end of the pipe. Slide a piece of rebar or other round steel tubing that is 1″ (2.5 cm) in diameter through the holes. The rebar should be about 2′ (60cm) long. Center it so that you now have two handles on the end of the pipe and can grasp them to turn the barrel. You can cover them with pipe insulation for an easier grip.
-If the contents of the drum are very dry, moistening them will accelerate the composting process, but do not saturate them with water.


From Wikipilipinas: The Hip 'n Free Philippine Encyclopedia
(Redirected from Jeepney)
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Philippine Jeepney
The jeepney is one of the most common modes of public transportation in the Philippines. Originally built from surplus US military jeeps used during the World War II, jeepneys have become a symbol of Filipino culture with their colorful outer design and efficient seating system. The term "jeepney" came from the combination of the words "jeep" and "knee", which pertains to the vehicle's seating arrangement. Passengers are often seated face to face with their knees almost touching one another's.
Filipino locals got hold of surplus jeeps when the Americans began leaving the country at the end of World War II. To increase the jeep's seating capacity, the new local owners stripped down their purchased vehicles. They also added metal roofs to shade their passengers and installed colorful ornaments on the external casing of the jeeps.
The use of jeepneys reestablished the public transportation that was destroyed during WWII. After recognizing the widespread use of jeepneys, the government started placing rules that placed restriction on their use as means of public transportation. Licenses, fixed routes, and standard prices were imposed by the new jeepney system.
Local jeepney manufacturers started making jeepneys that have bigger bodies and that run on diesel engines. This improved Philippine jeepneys by increasing their passenger capacity and lowering the drivers' fuel expenses. Soon enough, the army jeeps originally used as public vehicles were completely replaced by their locally-produced counterparts.
From Metro Manila, where using jeepneys as a public vehicle started, this newly-improved jeepney system started spreading to the provinces. Up to the present time, jeepneys are known to be among the commonest and cheapest modes of public transportation in the Philippines.
Modern-day Philippine jeepneys are now produced by local workshops and factories in the country. In the past, jeepney manufacturers were concentrated in Las Pinas City and Cavite. However, due to a noticeable decrease in sales, smaller manufacturers have gone bankrupt.
There are basically two types of jeepney manufacturers in the country: the backyard builders and the large volume manufacturers. Backyard builders, which are notably small businesses, are able to produce around five vehicles per month. Larger manufacturers, usually owned by bigger international corporations, have a bigger monthly production output.
A recent study compared the fuel consumption of a regular 16-passenger jeepney and a 54-passenger bus. The study found out that both use almost the same amount of fuel. Due to this, different restrictions have been imposed to limit jeepney production and route. The increase in the prices of raw materials used to produce these vehicles also contribute to the lower number of jeepneys being produced every month.
Cultural significance
With the colorful decorations installed on the exterior of the vehicles, jeepneys have turned into one of the most common expressions of Philippine folk art. Lights, mirror and reflectors, paintings and different installations render almost no two jeepneys the same.
In addition to the external decor, the interior of the vehicle is also decked with curtains and paintings. A wooden money box which holds the day's earnings, and a miniature statue of a saint are often found on the vehicle's dashboard.
Upon riding a jeepney, the passengers instantly enter a communal relationship, which is very apparent in the culture of passing the fare from passengers to the driver. [Can you explain/express this better? There was an article some time ago that made much of it being an "honor system."]
With the advancement of technology, traditional jeepneys are slowly being replaced by sleeker and more eco-friendly counterparts, especially in Metro Manila. In the provinces, however, the jeepneys with their paintings and decorations continue to showcase Filipino artistry.


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Mobile mappers are devices that collect geospatial data from a mobile vehicle, typically fitted with a range of photographic, radar, laser, LiDAR or any number of remote sensing systems. Such systems are composed of an integrated array of time synchronised navigation sensors and imaging sensors mounted on a mobile platform. The primary output from such systems includes GIS data, digital maps, and georeferenced images and video. Also see Portable and Indoor Mobile Mapping Systems.
The RIEGL VMX-RAIL is a fully integrated Mobile Laser Scanning System for track mapping and clearance surveying. The triple scanner system design allows for utmost e
The system collects Asset and Pavement databases in a single survey campaign, providing big advantages for their contextual management.
The complete 3D lidar and
Stencil Pro is the innovative mobile mapping platform that goes anywhere – in just about any environment – giving you rapid, accurate, and visually stunning reality
The MX50 typically mounts on the roof of a vehicle and captures Lidar and panoramic imagery at highway speeds. The system employs accurate Lidar technology developed
The IP-S3 mobile mapping system offers high density, high precision, point clouds combined with high-resolution panoramas from a system that is smaller, lighter and
With StreamPix you can mix and match capture from multiple cameras at different speeds and resolutions. Paved Surface Capture allows you to Capture from multiple cam
The LiMobile can be used to acquire high-quality ground and terrain data on both sides of the road as it is equipped with a high-resolution camera. The system is des
The Trimble MX7 mobile imaging solution allows you to capture environmental data for a complete job site or project area in a single site visit. Decision-makers can
Road-Scanner is the first-class mobile mapping and scanning system developed by Siteco. It comes from the consolidated technical competence of Siteco in the field of
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Schottky Effect
Points to understand which are related to Schottky effect are the following:In a solid material, there will be two or less than two electrons for each atom which are free to move from one atom to another based on band theory. Work Function: The bare minimum quantity of energy (produced due to thermal energy) essential for an electron to escape (leave) from the surface of a material is called work function. Thermionic Emission: It is the emission (release) of charge carriers (ions or electrons) from the surface of a material due to the thermal energy given to it. Thermionic Emission Current: As a result of thermionic emission (electron ejection due to thermal energy), an electric current will be produced across the electrodes which is termed as thermionic emission current. Work function is inversely proportional to thermionic emission current. Richardson's Law: It is mathematically analogous to Arrhenius equation. It gives the relationship between the current and the temperature of a heated wire. That is, the current will depend on the temperature of the wire exponentially as shown below. J → Emission Current density W → Work function of the metal T → Temperature of the metal K → Boltzmann constant = AG = λR A0 λR → Material specific correction factor (typically of order 0.5) A0 → Universal constant =
Now, we can come to the topic – Schottky Effect (Field enhanced thermionic emission). Here; when we apply an electric field to a heated material, the emission of electrons from the surface increases. It results in decreasing the smallest energy required for the release of electrons from the surface of the material (work function) and thereby increasing thermionic current. If a very small electric field is applied, then it only sweeps the previously released electrons from the surface of the material. While increasing the field (moderate field), a particular point is reached at which the work function value gets decreased. If the field is further increased, it results in decreasing in work function and thereby increasing the thermionic emission current. This is Schottky effect. In the absence of electric field, the surface barrier which is seen by the emitting Fermi-level electron will be W height. This height is equal to the work function. But the electric field will decrease the barrier height by an amount equal to ΔW (see figure 2) and thus increasing the thermionic current. This can be modelled by an easy alteration in Richardson equation which is explained before. In that equation, we can substitute W by W + ΔW as shown below. The above equation satisfies only for electric field strength less than 108 V/m. But for very high increase in electric field; it results in tunnelling of electrons (excessive electron emission) through the potential barrier. This type of emission or tunnelling is called as high-field emission or simply we can say field emission.
When we plot a graph of logarithm of thermionic emission current and will give a straight line (shown below). At low anode voltage, the deviation is due to space charge effects. schottky effect The electric lines of force are at 90o to the surface of a metal due to high conductivity (see figure below). The inter-atomic distance is assumed to be 'a'. Thus, an electron which is located at a distance x>a from the surface having charge – e interacts with surface. It induces an electrical image (+e) in the metal which will be at a distance of x. There will be an attractive force between – e and + e given by schottky effect
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clean mechanical oil into the power box to the oil level line.
3. Verify the belt pulley steering, the work is strictly prohibited in reverse rotation.
4. Turn on the plunger cooling water to the water into a thin line can be.
5. Starting with pressure is strictly prohibited.
6. After starting, should be gradually adjusted to the required pressure, to avoid sudden changes in pressure caused by shock.
7. After starting, if the pressure gauge jumps violently or the pressure does not go up, make the pressure gauge zero and then loosen the screw of the air release device, and wait until the air bubbles completely overflow, then tighten the screws.
8. When running under load, the working pressure should not exceed the rated pressure value.
9. Turn loose the regulating handle of homogenizer to remove the pressure before stopping, and then close the valve on the feed pipe after the machine stops.
10. Check the oil regularly, change the oil for 100 hours of new machine work, and change it every 1000 hours afterwards.
How to maintain laboratory homogenizer?
1. The start-up and pressurization steps of the laboratory homogenizer should be in accordance with the operating procedures.
2. After the lab homogenizer is used, the material channel should be cleaned with water in time, especially the valve seat and spool contact should be cleared of residual material to prevent sticking, in order to ensure the normal work of the next start-up.
3. If the machine is out of use for a long time, a complete CIP cleaning should be done before use. Every Wednesday for a single alkali cleaning, every Friday for a complete CIP cleaning
4. Often check the position of lubricant in the gear box and crankcase, the lubricant should be kept clean, and should be replaced with new oil and new seal in time when found to be deteriorated or failed.
5. Laboratory homogenizer equipment quarterly overhaul maintenance.
6. Laboratory homogenizer cleaning shall not use brushes, wire balls and other cleaning appliances.
How to order laboratory homogenizer?
ANTITECK provide lab equipment, lab consumable, manufacturing equipment in life sciences sector.
If you are interested in our laboratory homogenizer
or have any question, please write an e-mail to [email protected]
, we will reply to you as soon as possible.


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According to William Keene, Oregon State Epidemiologist, last week initial lab test results of a Sally Jackson cheese sample taken from a wedding were PCR (polymerase chain reaction) positive, indicating DNA likely linked to the outbreak strain. Today, those results have also been culture confirmed, and are indistinguishable by pulse-field gel electrophoreses (PFGE) to the eight ill persons in Oregon, Minnesota, Washington and Vermont.
When a person consumes contaminated food and becomes infected as a result, a stool sample can then be cultured to obtain and identify the bacterial isolate. These bacterial isolates are then broken down into their various component parts, creating a DNA "fingerprint." The "fingerprint" of the bacteria can then be compared to the "fingerprint" of isolates from persons who consumed the contaminated product or the contaminated product. When DNA "fingerprints" are indistinguishable, they, along with solid epidemiological work, are proof that the contaminated product was the source of the illness.
The process of obtaining the DNA "fingerprint" is called Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis, or PFGE. This technique is used to separate the DNA of the bacterial isolate into its component parts. It operates by causing alternating electric fields to run the DNA through a flat gel matrix of agarose, a polysaccharide obtained from agar. The pattern of bands of the DNA fragments, or "fingerprints," in the gel after exposure to the electrical current is unique for each strain and sub-type of bacteria.
To see a partial reall list and inspection reports, see "Sally Jackson Raw Milk Cheese Distribution List for E. coli Recall – Eight Ill in Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Minnesota."


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Swim Safety: Everything You Need to Know About Dry Drowning
dry drowning
PlayPost Category - PlayPlay - Post Category - InsideInside - Post Category - OutsideOutside
How to prevent dry drowning and signs to look out for
You've probably seen articles on your Facebook feed or someone in your mum group has brought it up – but more and more parents are getting themselves caught up to speed about dry drowning. Often interchanged with terms like secondary drowning and submersion injuries, all three terms are in fact quite different and not the same. We spoke with Dr. Ardyce Yik of Integrated Medical Institute to find out more so all of us can be equipped with everything we need to know. As scary as the term sounds, it's important to know what dry drowning actually is, how to spot it and what we can do to prevent it.
What is dry drowning?
Dry drowning is when an individual takes in a sudden rush of water through their nose or mouth which causes the airways to close with no water in their lungs.
What is the difference between dry drowning, secondary drowning, submersion injuries?
According to Dr. Yik, dry drowning, secondary drowning and submersion injuries being the same is actually a common misconception. She says, "In dry drowning, the lungs are absent of water, but in secondary drowning (also known as delayed drowning), water is aspirated (inhaled) and gets into the lungs, which causes irritation of the lungs' lining and fluid build-up in the lungs."
It's important to know that secondary drowning is actually what most people think of when they're referring to dry drowning. Dr Yik says, "Individuals breathe in water and may seem like they have successfully expelled it through coughing but water is still in the lungs, filling up the oxygen-rich pores and reducing the ability to oxygenate the blood that passes through the lungs."
What are the symptoms/what should parents look out for?
 - Fits of coughing
 - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
 - Vomiting
 - Chest pains
 - Sleepiness
 - Disorientation and confusion
 - Behavioural changes
 - Foaming at the mouth
What to do if your child does exhibit symptoms?
If your child experiences any of the above symptoms, Dr. Yik says, "Treat dry or secondary drowning as a medical emergency. Seek medical attention at the ER right away."
How can parents prevent dry drowning?
Now that we know what dry/secondary drowning is and what symptoms are exhibited, Dr. Yik suggests ways to prevent it from happening.
Undistracted supervision is key. Always watch children in the pool, bathtub or any body of water.
Close your nose and mouth when diving or jumping into water (to prevent the sudden gush of water that can cause the larynx to spasm and shut).
– Children and adults of all ages should wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device when on boats/ kayaking/ paddle-boating, etc. Don't overestimate your child's ability to swim to safety.
Avoid alcohol before and during swimming and water activities. Don't drink alcohol while supervising children.
Teach your children to swim or enrol them in swimming lessons to lower the risk of drowning.

Featured image sourced via Pexels
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A little inspiration before we head to the flower market. Loving the cooler weather today! 💐 #flowermarket #autumn #sundayfunday #sosassy #sassymama 📷 @jessannkirby
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Stumped when it comes to gift ideas for the kids? Check our link in bio for some awesome gift guides. 🎁 🌲 📷 @honghenwoodstylist via @affordablestylefiles
When you just barely make it to Friday! #friyay #tutu #sosassy #sassymama 📷 @leslieannebruce
We've been looking for clever ways for the whole family to eat more veggies.... purple pasta might do the trick!
Insta-Worthy Sweet Potato Pasta 💜
1 cup of purple sweet potato, or orange (which is easier to work with texture wise i find) steamed or roasted
1-1 1/2 cup of unsweetened plant milk (but we'll use regular)
1 clove of roasted garlic
1-2 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
1 tablespoon of olive oil or vegan butter
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
pinch of sea salt (to taste)
pinch of black pepper (to taste)
Blend all your ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth, adjusting the thickness to your liking by adding less or more (plant) milk. Adjust seasonings to your preference also, and serve over freshly cooked pasta. This sauce is best enjoyed right away, as it can clump and change in texture after being refrigerated.
#eattherainbow #veganpasta #unicornfood #sosassy #sassymama 📷 & recipe by @veggiekins
Cheers, mamas! 🥂 #winesday #sosassy #sassymama 📷 @leslieannebruce
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Imaging a scenario where we see the sunrise because we are on a hot air balloon ride... the usual reason is a screaming toddler! #uptooearly #agirlcandream #sosassy #sassymama 📷 @nois7
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Assessment of the quality of excavated soil and artificial soils quality
We provide advices and we prepare:
- documentation for environmental protection on the field of soil burdening,
- handling and usage of excavated soil and artificial soil quality,
- assessment of quality of excavated soil and artificial soil quality,
- handling and usage of sewage sludge, sediments and deposition of running and stagnant water.
Contact person: Nives V. Kugonič, Ph.D.
Telephone: +386(0)3 898-19-81 or +386(0)31 212-464
Elaborate interventions in the best agricultural land
We carry out elaborate interventions in the best agriculture land, which is mandatory component of the municipal spatial plan, its changes and completions. The elaborate is carried out according to the regulations for spatial planning and interventions in the best agricultural land.
Contact person: Melita Šešerko, B.Sc.
Telephone: +386(0)3 898-19-74


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: Fisheries: Aquatic and Endangered Resources
Statement of Problem
: A report by Fairchild et al. (2003) indicated that Fort Cobb Reservoir is highly eutrophic. A greater understanding of the sources, loading, and effects of nutrients in runoff from the Fort Cobb Watershed is needed. This report formed the basis of an Central Region Integrated Science Proposal funded for 2006-2007 (Project 86420). The four disciplines within the USGS Central Region (Biology, Water, Geography, and Geology) are conducting an Integrated Assessment of the Fort Cobb Watershed. This task is the BRD component.
: 1) Determine the spatial and temporal trends in water quality within Fort Cobb Reservoir; 2) Quantify the degree of eutrophication of the reservoir; 3) Merge these data with those being collected by the other disciplines (Water: characterization of nutrient loading; Geology: remote sensing of the Watershed to characterize current land and water condition; and Geography: chronicle historic land use of the watershed)


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7A Voyage Planning for Vessels Intending to Navigate in Canada's Northern Waters
This notice is intended to assist mariners, owners and operators of vessels intending on navigating in Canada's northern waters in preparing for, and executing, a safe voyage.
The recommendations and information provided in this notice are complementary to any other legal obligation of the owner, operator, master and all who have an interest in the vessel, and to the exercise of due diligence and good seamanship practices that are required from the master of a vessel.
The Canadian Arctic is full of challenges to maritime navigation due to its climatic conditions, low temperatures, hazardous and variable ice conditions and geography. The region is remote and vast, making repair, rescue or clean-up operations difficult. Roads, airstrips and ports, are few and far between and search and rescue resources are limited. Emergencies can draw resources from other needed services such as icebreaking and community re-supply. In addition, the Arctic is environmentally sensitive and slow to recover from damage, so the impact of a pollution incident could have heavy consequences. The mariner must also keep in mind that most of Canada's Arctic waters have not been surveyed to modern standards.
Consequently, Arctic navigation requires ship crews with specialized knowledge. A safe Arctic voyage starts with a detailed voyage plan that takes into account the Arctic's unique conditions, navigational challenges and hazards along with the ship's capabilities and operational limitations.
The IMO Resolution A.1024(26), Guidelines for ships operating in polar waters recognizes that ships operating in the polar environments are exposed to unique risks. The guidelines are intended to address the additional provisions deemed necessary to take into account the climatic conditions of polar waters. As such it is recommended that these guidelines are considered when planning a voyage to Canadian Arctic waters.
- Voyage Planning
Regulations 1 require the master of a ship, before proceeding to sea, ensure that the intended voyage has been planned using the most recent editions of the charts, documents and publications and take into account International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.893(21), Guidelines for Voyage Planning.2 Particularly relevant to Arctic navigation, the voyage plan shall, among other things, anticipate all known navigational hazards and adverse weather conditions; and avoid, as far as possible, actions and activities that could cause damage to the environment. Passenger vessels should also take into account IMO Resolution A.999(25) Guidelines on voyage planning for passenger ships operating in remote areas and Transport Canada's Guidelines for the Operation of Passenger Vessels in Canadian Arctic Waters. "(TP 13670)".
The following highlights some of the issues and sources of information that should be considered when planning a voyage in Canada's northern waters.
- Charts and Notices
At present, less than 10% of Arctic waters are surveyed to modern standards. In addition, the mariner must be aware of the horizontal datum used for the chart. GPS positions can only be plotted directly on NAD 83 (equivalent to WGS 84) charts. For charts with other datums, the appropriate correction must be applied. Some Arctic charts do not have a reference datum and therefore no available corrections. In such cases, alternative sources of positional information should be used such as radar and visual lines of position when possible. It is always recommended that more than one means be used to fix a position.
As always, mariners must use up-to-date nautical charts and nautical publications to plan each voyage.3 This includes making use of annual and monthly Notices to Mariners 4 and northern Canada Sailing Directions 5. Of particular note, given the challenges in Canada's northern waters of charting, confirming chart anomalies, and servicing aids to navigation, mariners must ensure that all Notices to Shipping (broadcast and written) and NAVAREA warnings that are in force in the area are taken into account. Further information can be obtained from the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) 6.
- Ice Advisory Service, NORDREG Reporting, and Sails Plans
The CCG operates an ice advisory service for the support of vessels navigating in Canada's northern waters during the navigation season. Vessels can obtain up-to-date information on ice conditions, advice on routes, aids to navigation and icebreaker support, when available and considered necessary, by contacting NORDREG CANADA. Weather, ice advisories, forecasts and synoptic ice charts are also broadcasted daily. Vessels subject to the Northern Canada Vessel Traffic Services Zone Regulations must report to NORDREG as required by the regulations.
Vessels not required to report to NORDREG should, as a minimum, file a Sail Plan with a responsible person. This person should be instructed to call the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre if the vessel becomes overdue. In circumstances where it is not possible to file a Sail Plan with a responsible person, a Sail Plan may be filed by telephone, radio or in person, with an MCTS Centre. While at sea, masters and operators who have filed a sail plan are encouraged to file a daily position report during long trips. After completion of the voyage, the vessel must close (or deactivate) their sail plan. Forgetting to do so can result in an unwarranted search.
The CCG publication "Radio Aids to Marine Navigation" 7 should be consulted for further information including details on the NORDREG Zone, reporting, radio frequencies and times for ship/shore communications and broadcasts.
- Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters
The CCG publication "Ice Navigation in Canadian Waters" 8 indicates the necessary precautions to be taken by ships navigating in Canadian ice-covered waters. The document provides masters and watchkeeping officers with the necessary information to achieve an understanding of the hazards, navigation techniques, and response of the vessel. It includes information on passage planning for routes in ice-covered waters and principles of high latitude navigation. Every ship of 100 tons gross tonnage, or over, navigating in Canadian waters in which ice may be encountered, is required to carry and make use of this publication.
- Contingency Planning
Two groundings in the 2010 Arctic shipping season served as a reminder on the importance of contingency planning and risk assessment. As stated in the IMO Guidelines for Voyage Planning (A.893(21)), the detailed voyage plan should include, among other things, "contingency plans for alternative action to place the vessel in deep water or proceed to a port of refuge or safe anchorage in the event of any emergency necessitating abandonment of the plan, taking into account existing shore-based emergency response arrangements and equipment and the nature of the cargo and of the emergency itself.". Access to emergency support services is very limited in Canadian Arctic waters. The shipowner may want to prearrange for emergency support prior to the voyage.
- Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act
Canada has a specific legislative and regulatory regime in place for its Arctic waters to address the unique risks and hazards of Arctic navigation and prevent pollution. The Arctic Shipping Pollution Prevention Regulations (ASPPR) deal with construction and operational aspects of navigating in the Arctic, including the need for Ice Navigators. When voyage planning, it is essential that a ship's ice class be assessed against the ice conditions that will or may be encountered on the voyage. The ASPPR contains the Zone/Date System (Z/DS), which is a system dividing the Arctic into 16 Safety Control Zones, each with fixed opening and closing dates for ships of various ice capabilities (Polar Ice Classes) The Arctic Ice Regime Shipping System (AIRSS) was introduced as a more flexible system that uses the actual ice conditions to determine whether entry is allowed in an ice regime. Details of Canada's requirements and additional guidance for ships operating in its Arctic waters can be found on Transport Canada's website. 9
- Ice Navigator
It is important to note (and plan for) the need for an Ice Navigator when navigating inside a zone beyond the dates allowed under the ASPPR. While an Ice Navigator is required to be on board a vessel in some cases 10 and the Zone Date or Arctic Ice Regime navigation control schemes observed, it is always recommended that persons experienced in ice navigation be on board all vessels operating in Arctic ice-covered waters.
1 CSA 2001, Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations, 1995 and SOLAS Regulation V/34
Authority: Transport Canada


Parlez-vous Français?
Learn the langage of love with Pavillon des Lettres
From 330 €
Ever wondered where popular French sayings such as c'est la vie, savoir-vivre and déjà vu originated from? Can't quite tell your tu from your vous? This summer, Paris' original literary hotel, Pavillon des Lettres, is inviting guests to discover the enchantments and nuances of the French language with highly acclaimed French tutoring company, French à la Carte. During a deeply comfortable stay - à la française - guests can brush up on their language and pick up some useful phrases for their stay.
During a deeply comfortable stay, guests will enjoy a private French lesson led by one of French a la Carte's expert tutors. Founded in 2012 French à la Carte pride itself on a genuine passion for the French language, a deep knowledge of Paris and enthusiasm to teach. Each lesson will be tailored to individual interests and achievement aims, while each class will uncover the meanings behind classic French phrases and delve into the origins of the French language.
Guests can have a go at perfecting their français and learn some top tips for sayings for a seamless stay in the capital – checking directions, ordering a glass of wine or politely asking a local to take their photo. A short walk from the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysées, the Jardins des Tuileries and more, Pavillon des Lettres is the perfect base from which to explore Paris' best landmarks.
Back at the hotel, guests can put their new-found knowledge to the test by delving into the hotel's library filled with books on inspiring French words and images. There will be plenty of time for a pre-dinner drink or night cap at the hotel's honesty bar before settling into bed for the perfect night's sleep, dreaming in français.
Learn the language of love at Pavillon des Lettres is from €330 based on two sharing a one-night stay in a Superior Room on a B&B basis. Price includes a private two hour lesson with a trained French a la Carte tutor. Subject to availability. Must be booked at least a week in advance
Da 1 a 2 persone


text:
SF Bay and Downeast Maine based _EMAIL_ (six one seven) _PHONE_
OAKLAND LITERACY COALITION
The Oakland Literacy Coalition commissioned these photographs for use in marketing, advertising and social media visuals. A summary of their mission can be found In their own words, below and in the "What We Do" section of their website:
"The Coalition creates opportunities for literacy providers to learn, collaborate, and champion literacy in order to achieve more powerful impact together. Through our convening, capacity building, and community engagement services we strengthen the field of providers and anchor the literacy efforts to transform Oakland into a city of literacy."


text:
Orlando, Florida, is a city that sparkles with culture, architecture, and a unique blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure. From the towering skyscrapers of the downtown district to the charming historical buildings, the city boasts a rich and diverse tapestry of structures. However, Orlando's subtropical climate, marked by high humidity, occasional storms, and abundant rainfall, can lead to the accumulation of dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants on building exteriors. If you're a property owner or manager in Orlando, you understand the significance of maintaining the appearance and structural integrity of your buildings. In this unique blog post, we'll embark on a journey to explore the art of choosing the right building cleaning contractor in Orlando, FL, and why this decision is instrumental in preserving the city's architectural beauty.
Orlando's Charisma: Where Beauty Meets Climate
Orlando's charm lies in its ability to juxtapose modern architecture with lush, natural surroundings. From sleek skyscrapers to quaint historical buildings, the city boasts an eclectic mix of structures. However, this beautiful diversity comes with a cost. Orlando's climate, characterized by high humidity, occasional hurricanes, and abundant rainfall, can cause unsightly problems such as algae growth, mildew, and dirt accumulation on building exteriors. The result is a constant battle to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the city's structures.
Building Cleaning: The Orlando Solution
Building cleaning, often referred to as pressure washing, is a powerful tool in the hands of experts. This process involves using high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other contaminants from building surfaces. In Orlando, this service is not just about aesthetics; it's about preserving the structural integrity of buildings. Here's why choosing the right building cleaning contractor is essential:
1. Mold and Mildew Prevention: Mold and mildew thrive in Orlando's humid climate. These organisms can not only mar the appearance of your building but also eat away at its structure. Regular building cleaning removes existing growth and helps prevent future infestations.
2. Environmental Impact: The accumulation of dirt and grime on buildings can lead to more significant environmental problems. Pollutants from these surfaces can flow into nearby water bodies, harming the environment. Building cleaning helps mitigate these concerns.
3. Enhanced Property Value: A clean building is an attractive one. If you're a property owner, regular building cleaning can boost your property's curb appeal and potentially increase its value.
4. Extended Lifespan: By removing contaminants that contribute to the degradation of building materials, such as paint, wood, and concrete, building cleaning can extend the lifespan of your property.
Choosing the Right Building Cleaning Contractor
Selecting the right building cleaning contractor is a decision that can significantly impact the maintenance and longevity of your property. Here are essential considerations to help you make an informed choice:
1. Experience: Look for a contractor with a proven track record in providing high-quality building cleaning services in the Orlando area. Experienced contractors understand the specific challenges posed by Orlando's climate.
2. Equipment and Techniques: Ensure that the contractor employs state-of-the-art equipment and proven cleaning techniques. The right tools and methods are essential for achieving a thorough and effective clean.
3. Eco-Friendly Practices: Environmental responsibility is crucial. Opt for a contractor who uses eco-friendly cleaning solutions and follows sustainable practices. This not only protects the environment but also ensures the longevity of your building materials.
4. Safety Protocols: Building cleaning can be a complex and sometimes risky task. Ensure the contractor follows strict safety protocols to protect the well-being of their workers and the safety of your property.
Building Cleaning Methods
Professional building cleaning contractors use various methods to rejuvenate building exteriors:
- Pressure Washing: High-pressure water is used to remove dirt, grime, mold, and contaminants from building surfaces.
- Soft Washing: For delicate surfaces like stucco or painted wood, soft washing uses lower water pressure combined with environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions.
- Steam Cleaning: Steam cleaning is effective for removing stubborn stains, oil, or grease from surfaces.
The Building Cleaning Process
A typical building cleaning process involves several crucial steps:
1. Assessment: The building cleaning contractor will assess the condition of your building's exterior to determine the appropriate cleaning method.
2. Preparation: Surrounding areas will be prepared to protect sensitive items, landscaping, and architectural details from cleaning solutions.
3. Cleaning: The building's exterior will be cleaned using the chosen method, removing contaminants and restoring its appearance.
4. Rinsing: After cleaning, a thorough rinsing is essential to remove all cleaning agents and contaminants.
5. Final Inspection: The contractor will conduct a final inspection to ensure the building's exterior meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
Conclusion: Preserving Orlando's Architectural Beauty
In Orlando, the buildings are not just structures; they are an integral part of the city's identity and charm. Choosing the right building cleaning contractor in Orlando, FL, is a commitment to preserving the architectural beauty of the city and ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come.
Investing in professional building cleaning services is an investment in your property's longevity, aesthetics, and environmental responsibility. It's a way to ensure that your building continues to shine, even under the challenging conditions of Orlando's climate. The art of building cleaning is not just about appearances; it's about preserving the city's rich history and architectural diversity. So, let the professionals take care of your building, and contribute to the preservation of Orlando's architectural beauty, one clean facade at a time.


auto matchFirst(R, String)(R input, String re)
if (isSomeString!R && isSomeString!String);
Find the first (leftmost) slice of the input that matches the pattern re. This function picks the most suitable regular expression engine depending on the pattern properties.
re parameter can be one of three types:
 - Plain string, in which case it's compiled to bytecode before matching.
 - Regex!char (wchar/dchar) that contains a pattern in the form of compiled bytecode.
 - StaticRegex!char (wchar/dchar) that contains a pattern in the form of compiled native machine code.
Returns:
Captures containing the extent of a match together with all submatches if there was a match, otherwise an empty Captures object.
auto matchAll(R, RegEx)(R input, RegEx re)
if (isSomeString!R && is(RegEx == Regex!(BasicElementOf!R)));
auto matchAll(R, String)(R input, String re)
if (isSomeString!R && isSomeString!String);
Initiate a search for all non-overlapping matches to the pattern re in the given input. The result is a lazy range of matches generated as they are encountered in the input going left to right.
This function picks the most suitable regular expression engine depending on the pattern properties.
re parameter can be one of three types:
 - Plain string, in which case it's compiled to bytecode before matching.
 - Regex!char (wchar/dchar) that contains a pattern in the form of compiled bytecode.
 - StaticRegex!char (wchar/dchar) that contains a pattern in the form of compiled native machine code.
Returns:
RegexMatch object that represents matcher state after the first match was found or an empty one if not present.
auto bmatch(R, RegEx)(R input, RegEx re)
if (isSomeString!R && is(RegEx == Regex!(BasicElementOf!R)));
auto bmatch(R, String)(R input, String re)
if (isSomeString!R && isSomeString!String);
Start matching of input to regex pattern re, using traditional backtracking matching scheme.
The use of this function is discouraged - use either of matchAll or matchFirst.
Delegating the kind of operation to "g" flag is soon to be phased out along with the ability to choose the exact matching scheme. The choice of matching scheme to use depends highly on the pattern kind and can done automatically on case by case basis.
Returns:
a RegexMatch object holding engine state after first match.
R replaceFirst(R, C, RegEx)(R input, RegEx re, const(C)[] format)
if (isSomeString!R && is(C : dchar) && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
Construct a new string from input by replacing the first match with a string generated from it according to the format specifier.
To replace all matches use replaceAll.
Parameters:
R input string to search
RegEx re compiled regular expression to use
const(C)[] format format string to generate replacements from, see the format string.
Returns:
A string of the same type with the first match (if any) replaced. If no match is found returns the input string itself.
Examples:
assert(replaceFirst("noon", regex("n"), "[$&]") == "[n]oon");
R replaceFirst(alias fun, R, RegEx)(R input, RegEx re)
if (isSomeString!R && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
This is a general replacement tool that construct a new string by replacing matches of pattern re in the input. Unlike the other overload there is no format string instead captures are passed to to a user-defined functor fun that returns a new string to use as replacement.
This version replaces the first match in input, see replaceAll to replace the all of the matches.
Returns:
A new string of the same type as input with all matches replaced by return values of fun. If no matches found returns the input itself.
Examples:
import std.conv: to;
string list = "#21 out of 46";
string newList = replaceFirst!(cap => to!string(to!int(cap.hit)+1))
 (list, regex('[0-9]+'));
assert(newList == "#22 out of 46");
@trusted void replaceFirstInto(Sink, R, C, RegEx)(ref Sink sink, R input, RegEx re, const(C)[] format)
if (isOutputRange!(Sink, dchar) && isSomeString!R && is(C : dchar) && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
@trusted void replaceFirstInto(alias fun, Sink, R, RegEx)(Sink sink, R input, RegEx re)
if (isOutputRange!(Sink, dchar) && isSomeString!R && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
A variation on replaceFirst that instead of allocating a new string on each call outputs the result piece-wise to the sink. In particular this enables efficient construction of a final output incrementally.
Like in replaceFirst family of functions there is an overload for the substitution guided by the format string and the one with the user defined callback.
Examples:
import std.array;
string m1 = "first message\n";
string m2 = "second message\n";
auto result = appender!string();
replaceFirstInto(result, m1, regex('([a-z]+) message'), "$1");
//equivalent of the above with user-defined callback
replaceFirstInto!(cap=>cap[1])(result, m2, regex('([a-z]+) message'));
assert(result.data == "first\nsecond\n");
@trusted R replaceAll(R, C, RegEx)(R input, RegEx re, const(C)[] format)
if (isSomeString!R && is(C : dchar) && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
Construct a new string from input by replacing all of the fragments that match a pattern re with a string generated from the match according to the format specifier.
To replace only the first match use replaceFirst.
Parameters:
R input string to search
RegEx re compiled regular expression to use
const(C)[] format format string to generate replacements from, see the format string.
Returns:
A string of the same type as input with the all of the matches (if any) replaced. If no match is found returns the input string itself.
Examples:
// insert comma as thousands delimiter
auto re = regex(r"(?<=\d)(?=(\d\d\d)+\b)","g");
assert(replaceAll("12000 + 42100 = 54100", re, ",") == "12,000 + 42,100 = 54,100");
@trusted R replaceAll(alias fun, R, RegEx)(R input, RegEx re)
if (isSomeString!R && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
This is a general replacement tool that construct a new string by replacing matches of pattern re in the input. Unlike the other overload there is no format string instead captures are passed to to a user-defined functor fun that returns a new string to use as replacement.
This version replaces all of the matches found in input, see replaceFirst to replace the first match only.
Returns:
A new string of the same type as input with all matches replaced by return values of fun. If no matches found returns the input itself.
Parameters:
R input string to search
RegEx re compiled regular expression
fun delegate to use
Examples:
string baz(Captures!(string) m)
{
 return std.string.toUpper(m.hit);
}
// Capitalize the letters 'a' and 'r':
auto s = replaceAll!(baz)("Strap a rocket engine on a chicken.",
 regex("[ar]"));
assert(s == "StRAp A Rocket engine on A chicken.");
@trusted void replaceAllInto(Sink, R, C, RegEx)(Sink sink, R input, RegEx re, const(C)[] format)
if (isOutputRange!(Sink, dchar) && isSomeString!R && is(C : dchar) && isRegexFor!(RegEx, R));
@trusted void replaceAllInto(


SingleStore DB
maximum_table_memory
SingleStore DB will not allow writes to any table once the cumulative memory in use by all tables in SingleStore DB reaches maximum_table_memory (SingleStore DB will become read-only). SELECT and DELETE queries will still be allowed even once the limit is reached. UPDATE, INSERT , CREATE TABLE, ALTER TABLE, CREATE INDEX or DROP INDEX statements will fail with an error message once the limit has been reached. Query compilations are also disallowed once the limit is reached.
This setting is designed to allow SELECT queries to allocate temporary memory for sorting, hash group-by, and so on. The maximum_table_memory must be set to a value lower then maximum_memory. By default, maximum_table_memory is set to 90% of maximum_memory, which translates to about 80% of physical memory on the host machine.
If the maximum_table_memory limit has been reached, DELETE queries can still be executed to remove data from the table; however large DELETE queries may fail if the memory used by SingleStore DB reaches maximum_memory.
Caution should be taken as DELETE queries allocate extra memory to mark rows as deleted. For rowstore tables, this equates to roughly 40 + 8*number_of_indexes bytes per deleted row. For columnstore tables, the memory usage will be lower because of how rows are marked to be deleted (roughly num_rows_in_table/8 bytes if you delete a row in every segment file in the table).
If the table is narrow, such as containing a small number of int columns, DELETE queries will show up as a relatively large spike in memory usage compared to the size of the table.
The memory for a deleted row is reclaimed after the transaction commits and the memory is freed asynchronously by the garbage collector. For more information, see the DELETE reference topic.
Replicating databases will pause if memory use reaches maximum_table_memory while replicating data. If memory becomes available again - say some data is deleted - replication will automatically continue.


text:
A dreamy new exhibition of images showcases the art of physics, from the beauty of a bubble rising to the flow of water around coral.
The images, part of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics Gallery of Fluid Motion, are drawn from the most artistic and evocative research presented at the Fluid Dynamics annual meeting. The meeting was held from Nov. 18-20 in San Diego.
A panel of referees chose the images based on artistic merit and ability to represent complex physics topics. Among the honorees is a photograph of a flow of honey spiraling as it hits the surface of water in a crystal goblet, representing "liquid rope coiling," a physics phenomenon that should be familiar to anyone who has ever poured a stream of honey onto a biscuit. In the water, the coiled flow stretches and deforms before settling on the bottom of the glass. [ See the Fluid Dynamics Images ]
Another image shows a beautiful blue-and-white mix of water and an elastic solution made of polyacrylamide, which is used in the process of making soft contact lenses. The image shows the water and the blue-dyed polyacrylamide undergoing a "hydraulic jump," which occurs when a fluid changes from a fast, parallel (or laminar) flow into a slow, turbulent flow.
In one multiple-exposure image a shiny bubble rises to the top of a tank, transforming into a donut shape because of pressure differences between the top and bottom of the bubble. Another striking photograph shows the water disturbances caused by hairlike cilia on coral, which are marine animals made up of a polyp ringed with tentacles. As coral beat these tiny appendages, they stir the water, which may increase the rates of photosynthesis for the algae that live on them, while keeping at bay nasty microbial pathogens.
One image even has a do-it-yourself flare. A yard faucet attached to a specialized inlet and acrylic tube creates a spraying plate of water that disintegrates around the edges into playful droplets. This simple feature could be used in home yard displays and landscaping fountains, according to the creators.
The honored images will be printed in the journal Physics of Fluids and will be on display at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society in Baltimore between March 18 and 22.
- Liquid Sculptures: Dazzling Photographs of Falling Water
- Dazzling Droplets: Photos Reveal Mini Worlds
- Science as Art: A Gallery
© 2012 LiveScience.com. All rights reserved.


text:
This is not a short term trend. Spices from the tropics were always a luxury item to medieval Europeans, and now their descendants can afford more of them.
Spicy plants are more common at lower latitudes because spices are anti-parasite poisons evolved to protect the plant from the teeming variety of parasites found more in year-round warm climates than in wintry climates. (Also, biodiversity is greater in the tropics due to more specialization because of milder seasonal swings). Thus, cuisines get blander the farther north you go (as Garrison Keillor's jokes about Norwegian cooking show), in part because there are so few spicy plants growing at latitudes where winter kills off most parasites for them.
Thus, 15th Century Europe's equivalent of the space race of the 20th Century was to find shipping routes, both eastbound and westbound, to the Spice Islands of the East Indies to bring back peppers so that meat could be preserved longer against parasites.


Training Health Workers in Therapy Leads to Improvements and Less Medication Use
A Nigerian study finds that more than three-quarters of patients improved, even when only 13% were prescribed medication.
Peter Simons
A study that compared two types of mental health interventions for depression in Nigeria found high rates of improvement, including a group that used fewer medication treatments. More than three-quarters of the patients in both groups experienced full remission of depression.
The research was led by Oye Gureje at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. It was published in The Lancet Global Health. An accompanying commentary was written by Bolanle Adeyemi Ola and Olayinka Atilola at Lagos State University, Nigeria.
"These findings provide further evidence that task-shifted interventions for depression delivered by lay health workers are effective, irrespective of the adopted model," according to Ola and Atilola.
The study compared two types of training for first-line medical providers in Nigeria. The providers are considered lay health workers. In Nigeria, there are very few doctors, so first-line medical providers typically have 2-3 years of postsecondary education.
In the study, both groups of providers received training in depression treatment, including "psychoeducation and counseling to address stressors and activate social networks, and pharmacotherapy when necessary." However, one group (the "intervention" group) also received specific training in how to administer behavioral activation and problem-solving therapy—two forms of psychotherapy that follow a manualized structure and are considered to be "evidence-based" for the treatment of depression.
The researchers found that the providers who received the specific training in psychotherapy were less likely to prescribe medications—only 13% of their depressed patients received medication, compared to 32% of the patients in the other group.
Despite being prescribed less than half as many antidepressants, patients in the intervention group did just as well. The follow-up tests were done 12 months after the study, and the researchers found that 76% of those in the intervention group, and 77% of those in the control group, had experienced "remission" of depression. This means that they scored ≤ 6 on the PHQ-9, a huge improvement from the original average score of 13.7.
According to the commentary authors, critics of global mental health services have raised concerns about exporting a neocolonial model based on Western cultural mores around mental health, which might result in overdiagnosis and overuse of medication, rather than culturally sensitive approaches that value other approaches to mental health.
The authors believe that this study demonstrated that training providers in evidence-based psychotherapy approaches may reduce the reliance on unneeded medications.
"Incorporation of and availability of skills in an evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and intensive psychological treatment could potentially reduce the need for and prescription of antidepressants in primary-care settings without compromising effectiveness."
Commentary: Ola, B. A., & Atilola, O. (2019). Task-shifted interventions for depression delivered by lay primary health-care workers in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet Global Health, 7(7), PE829-E830. (Link)
Article: Gureje, O., Oladeji, B. D., Montgomery, A. A., Bello, T., Kola, L., Ojagbemi, A.,... Araya, R. (2019). Effect of a stepped-care intervention delivered by lay health workers on major depressive disorder among primary care patients in Nigeria (STEPCARE): a cluster-randomized controlled trial. The Lancet Global Health, 7(7), e951–60. S2214-109X(19)30148-2 (Link)
 1. "Incorporation of and availability of skills in an evidence-based, culturally appropriate could potentially reduce the need for and prescription of antidepressants in primary-care settings without compromising effectiveness."
 Actually, the psychological industries have NO "culturally appropriate, and intensive psychological treatments" that "reduce the need for and prescription of antidepressants in primary-care settings," in any country. And that is the opposite of their goal, since all the psychologists are DSM psychiatric "bible" code billing believers.
 Which is why a woman can not walk into a well respected Western hospital today, for a totally different concern, and not be confronted by a lunatic "Dr. Paine," with a prescription pad in hand, and be asked, "Are you depressed?"
 Most the Western doctors, including most the psychologists and psychiatrists, who only care about getting as many people as possible onto the ADHD drugs and antidepressants, because those drug classes create the "bipolar" symptoms, which is very profitable for them.
 And the antipsychotics, which are given to those millions of "bipolar" misdiagnosed, which are the "schizophrenia" drugs. Will, indeed, create both the negative and positive symptoms of "schizophrenia." The negative symptoms of "schizophrenia" are created via neuroleptic induced deficit syndrome. And the positive symptoms of "schizophrenia," like "psychosis" and "hallucinations," are created via antidepressant and/or antipsychotic induced anticholinergic toxidrome.
 The doctors don't want to stop all this massive drugging of the Western children, because "it's too profitable," according to a Lutheran pediatrician.
 But the reality is, none of the Western doctors, nor any of the psychologists nor psychiatrists, are out to help anyone, other than themselves, in any country. Almost all the Western doctors, particularly the "mental health" workers, want to create "mental illnesses," in people for profit, worldwide. Which is sick.


How to Sedate a Dog for Grooming?: Keep a Dog Calm while Grooming
How to Sedate a Dog for Grooming
Grooming dogs is a task when you do it at home. Many dogs become anxious and do not stay still while you are grooming them. As the dogs don't stay calm, it also becomes a bit of a task for the owner to groom their little pet. There are several ways to make sure that your dog stays calm during the entire grooming session. The process of giving sedatives that calm your dog down is called Sedation.
Sedatives : Drugs available in the market for sedating your dog
When the dogs are sedated, it calms them down. A dog is in a tranquil state due to sedatives, and this can help during grooming session or whenever you are visiting the vet. Many dogs become restless and start moving during stressful conditions, and hence it becomes imperative to sedate them. Generally, drugs are given to the dogs that are known as sedatives which helps them to stay relaxed and calm.
How to Sedate a Dog for Grooming?
There are many options of sedative drugs available in the market that can be given to the dogs before the grooming sessions. However, it should be seen to it that the sedatives are provided as per the vet's prescription and advice. It is harmful to give your dogs sedatives if you do not have complete knowledge about it. It is also essential to know the quantity of the drug that should be provided for the desired result. All the guidelines should be followed when you are administering such sedatives to your dog.
The sedatives with a prescription should be given in the dosage as per the vet's guideline. The options for sedative drugs for dogs include options like diazepam, acepromazine, etc. Many dog owners have also found the little dosage of Benadryl too helpful for sedating their dogs. The sedatives can be given along with the food to your pet in the small dosages. The food with the sedatives can be given with special treat if your dog is not willing to eat it.
What are the other ways to sedate your dog?
There are other alternative ways to sedate your dogs without giving them the sedatives. As many people do not like to provide their dogs with tranquilizers following tricks also work to calm your furry friend down:
 - Most commonly practiced way to sedate your dog is to take your dog on a walk. Dogs when taken for a walk or any physical activity will get tired. You can also play games such as frisbee with your pet. Playing with them is a great way to make sure that they are not anxious while grooming them with the help of grooming scissors kit. So keeping your dog physically active before taking them to the vet or for a grooming session will help them in being calm during that time.
 - Another way to keep your dog relaxed is to give them their favorite toy or treat when you are grooming them. This will help in distracting your dog attention from grooming to playing with the toy or treat.
 - Dogs crave the most for their owner's touch. Continuously patting them also helps them to calm down. It also helps to calm down their anxiety and restlessness. This way your dog will stay close, and you will be easily able to make them stay stable while grooming them.
 - The last but the most effective method is to try the aromatherapy. There are many natural oils available that help in calming and soothing the animals as well as the dogs down. Such oils are good for the skin as well. One such oil that has soothing effects is Lavender oil. Some drops of lavender oil should be taken on your fingertips and massage it on the back of their head. Rubbing such soothing oils helps the dogs to relax and stay calm. You can also light an aroma candle while grooming your dogs to keep the atmosphere restful.
These all are the ways that are tried and tested to sedate the dogs. If you are giving sedatives make sure it is under vets supervision, also all the other alternative methods are easy to follow.
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Nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery programs have gradually spread all over the world. The benefits are based on less invasiveness and earlier recovery. However, complications may appear. For the correct prevention and management of all these potentially critical situations, the principles of crisis resource management (CRM) must be followed. They should also include clinical simulation as a tool to generate different scenarios to improve teamwork. The purpose of this special issue is to appraise and summarize the design, implementation, and efficacy of simulation-based CRM training programs for a specific surgery, including the management of specific surgical and medical critical scenarios.
The benefits of nontubated video-assited thoracoscopic surgery are based on the less invasiveness and earlier recovery. But nevertheless, intraoperative complicactions are possible.
Correct prevention and management of these potentially critical situations are vital, and the principles of crisis resource management must be followed.
Crisis resource management must include clinical simulation as a tool to generate different scenarios to improve teamwork.
Simulation-based crisis resource management training programs for a specific surgery can contribute to reduce frequency and effect of these critical situations.
In recent years, different nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (NIVATS) programs with different degrees of complexity have been developed, based on less invasiveness and early recovery, compared with standard surgery. The theoretic benefits are obvious: avoid orotracheal intubation, the adverse effects of using double-lumen tubes, open pneumothorax with better lung collapse, and caudal movement of the diaphragm. There is also a less immunologic and inflammatory impact and even in morbidity and hospital stay. Potential risks include hypoxemia, hypercapnia, cough, and severe bleeding. These complications can evolve into a critical situation in which trained personnel is essential.
Intraoperative surgical emergencies are included in the high acuity (it assesses the severity of an event and the impact on the patient) and low occurrence (it assess the occurring frequency). This combination puts the patient in a situation in which medical errors can occur more commonly. Although these errors are ubiquitous and unavoidable, one must try to establish the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to achieve proper teamwork and systematically guide the management of a critical event. This strategy would probably reduce the incidence of errors and improve decision making.
A strategy for handling these situations comes from the application of the principles of crisis resource management (CRM). CRM tries to develop all the nontechnical skills needed in a critical situation, but not only that, it also includes all the tools necessary to prevent it. Can the risks be reduced with an adequate training plan? That is what this article is going to try to answer.
Crisis resource management key elements applied to nonintubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Managing critical events during surgery is one of the most difficult and important tasks required of the surgical team. It was Professor Gaba, more than 20 years ago, who introduced the concept of CRM. CRM refers to the set of nontechnical skills required for effective teamwork in a crisis situation, whereby patient safety during surgery is the main objective. The CRM concept was originally developed in the aviation domain. It was initially called "cabin resource management" and later "crew resource management," because of the importance of the group's reaction in a crisis by simulating different scenarios. The key elements of CRM are listed in Table 1.
|CRM Key Elements||NIVATS Application|
Know the Environment and Available Resources
One of the key elements is to try to prevent the complication from happening. For that reason, knowing your environment and all the available resources is essential. This first set of CRM actions can be called " before the crisis happens. " The available resources can be classified as human (one's own knowledge/skills and the others around him or her), materials, cognitive aids, and other external resources. The human performance resources are not constant throughout the day, because they are affected by fatigue, need of sleep, emotional disturbances, health problems, lack of experience, welfare pressure, and lack of knowledge. From these circumstances, the dangerous attitudes of oneself or one's environment are especially important, examples such as antiauthority, "Don't tell me what to do!"; impulsivity, "Do something quickly"; invulnerability, "That would never happen to me"; macho, "You'll see how I operate it"; resignation, "There's nothing we can do." For these attitudes, antidotes must be found, and, in some cases, a psychologist may even have to be consulted. A second important aspect is the pressure to which the surgical staff is subjected. To control this, multidisciplinary protocols must be approved by all parties involved, in which the day-to-day surgery adapts based on the needs of patients (safety) and not the numbers to be met. Along with that, it is essential to check the correct functioning of the available material resources before starting (how each element works as well as the most frequent faults), making sure that the emergency equipment is immediately available. Other external resources include "who" can be asked for help in an emergency and "where" the things are that are needed.
The NIVATS team must know their own limitations, try to improve them, and have previous experience. To define experienced team, the following criteria are used: surgeons, anesthesiologists and nurses must have done more than 50 conventional VATS and overcome the learning curve along with experience in difficult cases of large pulmonary resections (large and central tumors, bronchoangioplasties, tumors with invasion of neighboring structures). In addition, they should have faced complications, such as moderate or severe bleeding through VATS. A unique issue is that the anesthesiologist must be trained in the lateral intubation. The authors discuss it in more detail in later discussion. The NIVATS patient, at the beginning of the program, should be scheduled as the first case of the day. The surgical equipment the authors use is the standard VATS. What is different is that they have prepared what they call the "emergency table" ( Box 1 ). It is essential that everything is reviewed and prepared.
Consent to anesthesia and specific surgery for this procedure
World Health Organization safety list
Two anesthesiologists present
Facial mask of the size adapted to the patient
Laryngoscope with 2 blade sizes
Videolaryngoscope (in the authors' case, the double lumen tube Airtraq)
Two sizes of double lumen tube (35–37F) orotracheal tubes
Two sizes of single tracheal tubes (7–7.5 mm)
Endobronchial blocker (in the authors' case, Uniblocker)
Fibrobronchoscope ready to use (3.7 mm)
Drugs for the induction of a general anesthetic (propofol + fentanyl + rocuronium)
Drugs for reversal of muscle relaxant (Sugammadex)
On the instrumentalist table, there will be the following:
Thoracic drainage (24F)
Drainage system with water seal, ready to use
Anticipation and Plan
In order to try to avoid patient-related problems, a strict inclusion protocol is applied (included in a checklist). The surgeon and anesthesiologist explain the advantages and disadvantages of NIVATS to the patient, and a specific informed consent is signed. In case of doubt, the patient is excluded. Anticipation helps to avoid surprises because during a crisis surprises are not welcome. Planning ahead eliminates much of the stress in those times of great upheaval. One must to try to wait for the unexpected, and as a pilot would say, "always fly in front of our plane."
Call for Help Soon
Asking for help early is not a sign of lack of self-confidence but demonstrates your respect and sense of responsibility for your patient's safety. Heroes are dangerous. We need to know what kind of help is needed: muscle, transportation, general technical skill, knowledge, or just someone trustworthy. At the beginning of the NIVATS program, the authors had 2 anesthesiologists in the theater, and after gaining experience, at least 1 expert colleague is located in the surgical area. Calling for help is very important to avoid fixing errors in the event of a crisis.
Exercise Leadership and Followers
The first objective is to define the role and functions of the team, knowing when to be a leader (leadership) and when to be a follower ("followship"). The leader has to communicate effectively, without raising his voice, indicating orders or needs in the clearest and most precise way possible, avoiding making statements on the air, asking for the confirmation message when something or someone is asked for. The follower must listen to what the leader says and do what is needed always with an open mind to help and convey their concerns to the leader. The focus must be what is right and not who is right. In case of a surgical emergency (severe bleeding), with the patient stable, the leader is the surgeon. If it is a medical emergency (hypoxemia), the anesthesiologist takes control of the situation and should stop the surgery if deemed necessary. Knowing the type of emergency is important for allocating other human resources (nursing). At the beginning of an NIVATS, the authors have 3 nurses in the operating room. In case of emergency, 1 nurse assists the surgeon, and the other assists the anesthesiologist. In the authors' hospital, they do not have specific anesthesia nurses, which would be ideal.
Distribute the Workload
One of the main tasks of the leader is to distribute the workload. Someone has to define the tasks, check that they are carried out correctly, and


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I've always had a fascination with history and thankfully, my real estate career often leads me to discovering interesting things about South Georgian Bays past.
Not long ago, I listed a house for sale in Thornbury that quite fascinated me. It has been in the same family since the 1930's and according to stories handed down over the generations, may be one of the oldest structures in the blue Mountains.
That got me to wondering how old is old? I trodded off to the library between appointments one day and found a few books discussing the history of the area. In general, the land we know as Grey County was first occupied by the Native peoples of the Huron, Petun, and other nations. As the years go by, we are learning more and more about these times as artifacts and ruins are uncovered and preserved. But I digress.
As we know, these lands were eventually acquired by the British and it turns out that the first two townships surveyed in the area were Collingwood and St. Vincent. This led to colonization, mail roads, and natural harbours that gave access for early settlers. Early trade and commerce grew from the area's natural resources such as fish, fur, forests and minerals. Rivers powered sawmills and gristmills as would have been the case in Thornbruy; then known as Collingwood Township. Furniture factories used local hardwoods and weavers made cloth from the wool of local sheep. Fruit-growing began early, and by 1930,more than 16,000 acres of "Georgian Bay Apples" were planted.
Some of the earliest references I could find to possible settlers dated back to 1832 or 1833. There were photographs of workers in lumber and grist mills in Thornbury by the mid 1850's.
Based on the unique construction of the original portion of the home, the siting of the dwelling on a ridge looking out to Georgian Bay and, based on the stories handed down through the generations, it is quite possible that part of this home in fact dates back over 170 years! Some time later, the brick structure was added in a Georgian centre hall style suggesting affluence and success of the family of the day. We can trace back the family name of the owners in the early 20th century as being Dinsmore; a still prominent name in the local community.
Have a look at Hilltop today. It's for sale and waiting for the next chapter to be written:
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Cracks are a bad thing in general, but they might help speed up chips.
AmberWave Systems, which specializes in semiconductor substructures, discussed a new method for growing germanium and other, faster semiconductor materials on top of silicon at the recent Semicon West conference, according to the Technology Review magazine of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In a nutshell, AmberWave digs trenches of about 500 nanometers deep in silicon. The trenches are then filled with germanium. This causes the silicon to crack, but the cracks go up only about half of the height of the trench wall. Regular germanium can be … Read more


How to use a frozen yogurt machine
Using a frozen yogurt machine is not a difficult task but if you can not do that perfectly the whole process of making frozen yogurt may be wasted. A machine helps you to do something effortlessly but it can ruin the whole process if you don't know how to operate it.
In this article, we will inform you how to use a frozen yogurt machine.
How to use frozen yogurt machine featured image
We have divided this article into two-part. In the first part, we will discuss the process of operating a frozen yogurt machine and in the second part we will discuss how to make frozen yogurt, in a word, "frozen yogurt recipe."
There are three types of frozen yogurt machines available in the market.
In the first type, You need to freeze the freezer bowl of the machine.
In the second type, You need to pour ice and salt inside the machine. And
In the tried type, The machine itself has a compressor, so you just put the yogurt mixture in the bowl of the machine. No need to do anything extra.
Let's start with the machine we have mentioned in the first.
These types of machines have a freezer bowl. Before making frozen yogurt wash the bowl with clean water and dry. You must remember that the freezer bowl must be completely frozen before you begin your recipe.
Keep the freezer bowl in the coolest part of the refrigerator and be sure it is on the flat surface and kept in the upside up position.
Depending on your refrigerator temperature, it may take 16 to 24 hours to completely freeze the liquid inside the bowl. Shake the bowl, if you hear the sound of liquid keep it in the refrigerator for some more extra hours. Use the bowl immediately after removing it from the refrigerator.
Freezer bowl
Freezer bowl
Freezer bowl
After perfectly freezing the bowl, pour the yogurt mixture into it. Insert the bowl in the machine.
Freezer bowl
Freezer bowl settings
Insert the mixing pedal here and close the lid one by one shown in the picture. Turn on the machine. And start waiting. The pedal will mix the yogurt and the freezer bowl will freeze it. After 25 to 40 minutes you should get your delicious frozen yogurt.
In the second type of frozen yogurt machine, you will need to add ice and salt. Don't be confused. What task have done by the freezer bowl before, ice and salt will do the same task here.
These types of machines give a traditional feeling while making frozen yogurt. In the lid, there is an electric motor to spin the mixing pedal.
Before starting your recipe clean and dry the machine perfectly. You should keep ice cubes in the refrigerator and some salt to insert here.
ice 1
Let's start the making process
1st Step:
Insert the bowl in the machine and pour the yogurt mixture here and close the lid. Now insert the ice cubes beside the bowl perfectly. Mix slats with the ice cubes.
ice mix
Now attach the lid which contains the motor to spin the pedal.
ice mix 2
In this step, you can add extra slats and ice if needed.
Now you are ready to start. Turn on the machine. It will start to spin and your delicious frozen yogurt is being prepared.
ice mix 3
You can add some toppings or fruits to the yogurt.
After 25-60 minutes, you will get your desired delicious frozen yogurt.
In the third type of machine, You don't need to do any extra activities without pouring the yogurt mixture inside.
ice maker machine
This machine has its own compressor to do the freezing task.
Before starting your recipe clean the bowl and dry it.
Open the lid.
ice cream maker 1
ice cream maker 2
Pour the yogurt mixture here, close the lid and turn on the machine.
ice cream maker 3
Set the mood, If you are new, We recommend you yo use the auto mood.
ice maker


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6,000 Endangered Steppe Eagles find refuge within refuse dumps
If you wanted to see 6,000 Endangered eagles, a rubbish dump might not be the first place you'd think of looking. But conservationists in Saudi Arabia are working to make these unlikely havens safe for the birds that call them home.
Nowadays, it is increasingly rare and mesmerising to catch a glimpse of the majestic Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis. This large, powerful bird of prey was once considered the most common large eagle in the world, but has been tragically declining since 1997 – largely due to habitat loss – and since 2015 the species has been listed as Endangered. However, earlier this year, a few lucky conservationists got a sighting they didn't expect when they found around 6,700 Steppe Eagles at two rubbish dumps 170 kilometres north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scavenging on animal carcasses & remains of chickens from animal farms.
The adventure started when a team researching Steppe eagles wintering in Oman noticed that a large proportion of the satellite-tagged Steppe Eagles they were tracking were showing up near the town of Shaqra in central Saudi Arabia. Curious, the team reached out to birders in Saudi Arabia asking for their help. Mischa Keijmel, Technical Manager at an engineering firm, happily obliged.
When the new recruit embarked on this journey, he had no idea of the bonanza he was about to stumble upon. He visited two rubbish dumps located 12 kilometres apart; one is about nine kilometres from the town of Shaqra, and another six and a half kilometres southwest of the town of Ushaiqer. Upon his arrival at the first dump, he noticed many eagles standing on pylons – posing a direct risk of electrocution. Keijmel described the surroundings as "slightly undulating, barren plains covered with small rocks and devoid of vegetation" – an unlikely wildlife haven. "In this landscape, observations of large birds such as eagles can be made over several kilometres" says Keijmel, describing how he was able to get an accurate estimate of the number of eagles.
After a number of subsequent visits and repeat counts at the sites, Mischa and his cooperators confirmed up to 6,000 Steppe Eagles at Ushaiqer alone, 60-70% of which were adults. A further 1,200 were found at Shaqra. This is the largest gathering of this globally threatened species ever recorded anywhere in the world, and accounts for approximately 4.5-9% of the estimated global population.
The research in Oman that resulted in this find is a collaboration mainly between the Office for Conservation of Environment (Oman), AridLands (Oman), and International Avian Research (Austria), with funding from the Anglo-Omani Society (UK) and the Bernd Meyburg Foundation for Raptor Research and Conservation (Germany).
As luck would have it, at the same time an international team from the Egyptian Vulture New LIFE project, including the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA), BirdLife's Middle East office, BSPB (BirdLife in Bulgaria), and RSCN (BirdLife in Jordan), was in the region to survey threats to the Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus (Endangered) and other birds of prey. Hearing about this latest discovery, they added the Steppe Eagle to their priority list.
Their research highlighted electrocution and collision with power lines as serious threats. Fifteen dead Steppe Eagles were found along just two kilometres of power line at the entrance of the dump in Ushaiqer, and several dozen more were found along four kilometres of power line near a third dump at Al Qunfudhah city. Under some of the killer poles, the remains of seven or eight individuals were found. Black Kites Milvus migrans, Booted Eagles Hieraaetus pennatus, Corncrakes Crex crex and other bird species were also found among the victims.
Furthermore, based on interviews with local people, the research team found that poisoned bait is commonly used to control predators such as feral dogs, wolves and hyenas. As if this wasn't dangerous enough, drugs like diclofenac – a painkiller for livestock, but toxic to vultures and eagles – were widespread in almost every veterinary pharmacy visited by researchers. Since local people traditionally dispose of deceased livestock out in nature, this poses a serious threat to scavengers.
"Although we were surprised to find such a large number of eagles at this previously unknown site, it highlights the possibility of a commensurately large tragedy occurring due to electrocution and poisoning events; such events have been seen in other locations", says Mike McGrady of International Avian Research.
However, despite these serious threats, there are also great opportunities for conservation and birdwatching – especially since such a huge concentration of eagles has the potential to generate popular interest in these areas. In November 2019, just after the expedition, the results were presented at an international workshop about Birds and Energy hosted by SWA in Riyadh. All attendees expressed their concern and agreed on the need for urgent actions to prevent further electrocution incidents, especially at major congregation sites.
"These findings highlight the utility of satellite tracking in discovering important sites for birds, and the benefits of international collaboration to identify and mitigate threats to migratory birds", says Professor Mohammed Shobrak from SWA.


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Removing an element from a building up to 3 storeys high doesn't require a building consent if the structure, specified systems and fire separations remain unaffected.
Subject to section 42A of the Building Act, Schedule 1 exempts the following from a building consent:
The removal of a building element from a building that is not more than 3 storeys, provided that the removal does not affect:
(a) the primary structure of the building; or
(b) any specified system; or
(c) any fire separation.
This exemption was inserted in response to the partial demolition of buildings that had to be undertaken to allow repairs to damaged buildings after the Canterbury earthquakes of 2010/2011.
It applies to the removal of a building element (eg a chimney or roof, including cladding) rather than to the complete demolition of a building.
This exemption is limited to any building up to 3 storeys high as long as the removal does not affect the primary structure, any specified system or any fire separation (which includes firewalls protecting other property).
Note that any repair work associated with removing a building element can be done under exemption 1 (repairs, maintenance, and replacement). For example, removing an external chimney will require the making good of the gaps left in the wall and roof claddings.
All new building work must comply with the Building Code, including with its structural performance requirements. Also note that, on completion of the building work, the altered building must comply with the Building Code to at least the same extent as it did before the building work was undertaken.
If you are considering building work that is close to or involves potentially load-bearing walls, it is important to get professional advice (eg from a chartered professional engineer, registered architect, building consultant or registered building surveyor).
|Removing all non-load-bearing masonry walls (internal and external) in a 3 storey commercial building, except those that are fire separations.
|A home owner proposes to reduce the likelihood of earthquake damage to his house by completely removing a brick chimney located on an external wall. A designer inspects this and advises the owner that the chimney building element is independent of the house's primary structure.
|A building owner wishes to demolish the upper portion of a chimney (ie above the roof) of a redundant fireplace so as to reduce possible property damage in the event of an earthquake.
|A home owner wishes to completely demolish an internal masonry chimney between the dining and living rooms. A builder inspects the roof space and finds that the chimney is load-bearing as it supports some of the roof rafters and ceiling joists. As removing the chimney will affect the primary structure of the house, the proposed building work will require a building consent.
|An owner of a 3 storey office and retail building wants to reduce the risk of injuring office occupants on the middle floor in any future earthquake. He proposes to entirely remove the suspended ceiling grid which supports the heavy fibrous plaster tiles and expose the underside of the upper floor slab. Since the building has a heat detection emergency warning system, the proposed removal of the building element (ie the suspended ceiling) will affect this specified system. Therefore a building consent will be required to do this work.