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People in almost every region of the world could benefit from rebalancing their diets to eat optimal amounts of various foods and nutrients, according to the Global Burden of Disease study tracking trends in consumption of 15 dietary factors from 1990 to 2017 in 195 countries, published in The Lancet. The study estimates that one in five deaths globally — equivalent to 11 million deaths — are associated with poor diet, and diet contributes to a range of chronic diseases in people around the world. In 2017, more deaths were caused by diets with too low amounts of foods such as whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds than by diets with high levels of foods like trans fats, sugary drinks, and high levels of red and processed meats. The authors say that their findings highlight the urgent need for coordinated global efforts to improve diet, through collaboration with various sections of the food system and policies that drive balanced diets. “This study affirms what many have thought for several years — that poor diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor in the world,” says study author Dr Christopher Murray, Director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, USA. “While sodium, sugar, and fat have been the focus of policy debates over the past two decades, our assessment suggests the leading dietary risk factors are high intake of sodium, or low intake of healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruit, nuts and seeds, and vegetables. The paper also highlights the need for comprehensive interventions to promote the production, distribution, and consumption of healthy foods across all nations.” Impact of diet on non-communicable diseases and mortality The study evaluated the consumption of major foods and nutrients across 195 countries and quantified the impact of poor diets on death and disease from non-communicable diseases (specifically cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes). It tracked trends between 1990 and 2017. Previously, population level assessment of the health effects of suboptimal diet has not been possible because of the complexities of characterising dietary consumption across different nations. The new study combines and analyses data from epidemiological studies — in the absence of long-term randomised trials which are not always feasible in nutrition — to identify associations between dietary factors and non-communicable diseases. The study looked at 15 dietary elements — diets low in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds, milk, fibre, calcium, seafood omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats, and diets high in red meat, processed meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, trans fatty acids, and sodium. The authors note that there were varying levels of data available for each dietary factor, which increases the statistical uncertainty of these estimates — for example, while data on how many people ate most dietary factors was available for almost all countries (95%), data for the sodium estimates was only available for around one in four countries. Overall in 2017, an estimated 11 million deaths were attributable to poor diet. Diets high in sodium, low in whole grains, and low in fruit together accounted for more than half of all diet-related deaths globally in 2017. The causes of these deaths included 10 million deaths from cardiovascular disease, 913,000 cancer deaths, and almost 339,000 deaths from type 2 diabetes. Deaths related to diet have increased from 8 million in 1990, largely due to increases in the population and population aging. Global trends in consumption The authors found that intakes of all 15 dietary elements were suboptimal for almost every region of the world — no region ate the optimal amount of all 15 dietary factors, and not one dietary factor was eaten in the right amounts by all 21 regions of the world. Some regions did manage to eat some dietary elements in the right amounts. For example, intake of vegetables was optimal in central Asia, as was seafood omega-3 fatty acids intake in high-income Asia Pacific, and legume intake in the Caribbean, tropical Latin America, south Asia, western sub-Saharan Africa, and eastern sub-Saharan Africa. The largest shortfalls in optimal intake were seen for nuts and seeds, milk, whole grains, and the largest excesses were seen for sugar sweetened beverages, processed meat and sodium. On average, the world only ate 12% of the recommended amount of nuts and seeds (around 3g average intake per day, compared with 21g recommended per day), and drank around ten times the recommended amount of sugar sweetened beverages (49g average intake, compared with 3g recommended). In addition, the global diet included 16% of the recommended amount of milk (71g average intake per day, compared with 435g recommended per day), about a quarter (23%) of the recommended amount of whole grains (29g average intake per day, compared with 125g recommended per day), almost double (90% more) the recommended range of processed meat (around 4g average intake per day, compared with 2g recommended per day), and 86% more sodium (around 6g average intake per day, compared with 24 h urinary sodium 3g per day). Regionally, high sodium intake (above 3g per day) was the leading dietary risk for death and disease in China, Japan, and Thailand. Low intake of whole grains (below 125g per day) was the leading dietary risk factor for death and disease in the USA, India, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Russia, Egypt, Germany, Iran, and Turkey. In Bangladesh, low intake of fruits (below 250g per day) was the leading dietary risk, and, in Mexico, low intake of nuts and seeds (below 21g per day) ranked first. High consumption of red meat (above 23g per day), processed meat (above 2g per day), trans fat (above 0.5% total daily energy), and sugar-sweetened beverages (above 3g per day) were towards the bottom in ranking of dietary risks for death and disease for highly populated countries. In 2017, there was a ten-fold difference between the country with the highest rate of diet-related deaths (Uzbekistan) and the country with the lowest (Israel). The countries with the lowest rates of diet-related deaths were Israel (89 deaths per 100,000 people), France, Spain, Japan, and Andorra. The UK ranked 23rd (127 deaths per 100,000) above Ireland (24th) and Sweden (25th), and the United States ranked 43rd (171 deaths per 100,000) after Rwanda and Nigeria (41st and 42nd), China ranked 140th (350 deaths per 100,000 people), and India 118th (310 deaths per 100,000 people). The countries with the highest rates of diet-related deaths were Uzbekistan (892 deaths per 100,000 people), Afghanistan, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, and Vanuatu. The magnitude of diet-related disease highlights that many existing campaigns have not been effective and the authors call for new food system interventions to rebalance diets around the world. Importantly, they note that changes must be sensitive to the environmental effects of the global food system to avoid adverse effects on climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, depleting freshwater, and soil degradation. In January 2019, The Lancet published the EAT-Lancet Commission, which provides the first scientific targets for a healthy diet from a sustainable food production system that operates within planetary boundaries for food. This report used 2016 data from the Global Burden of Disease study to estimate how far the world is from the healthy diet proposed. The authors note some limitations of the current study, including that while it uses the best available data, there are gaps in nationally representative individual-level data for intake of key foods and nutrients around the world. Therefore, generalising the results may not be appropriate as most of the studies of diet and disease outcomes are largely based on populations of European descent, and additional research in other populations is desirable. The strength of epidemiological evidence linking dietary factors and death and disease is mostly from observational studies and is not as strong as the evidence linking other major risk factors (such as tobacco and high blood pressure) to ill health. However, most of the diet and health associations are supported by short term randomized studies with risk factors for disease as the outcomes. For sodium, estimates were based on 24-hour urinary sodium measurements, rather than spot urine samples, which was only available for around a quarter of the countries in the study. Accurate estimation of some nutrients (such as fibre, calcium, and polyunsaturated fatty acids) is complex. As a result, the authors call for increased national surveillance and monitoring systems for key dietary risk factors, and for collaborative efforts to collect and harmonise dietary data from cohort studies. In addition, the authors only looked at food and nutrient intake and did not evaluate whether people were over- or underweight. Lastly, some deaths could have been attributed to more than one dietary factor, which may have resulted in an overestimation of the burden of diseases attributable to diet. Writing in a linked Comment, Professor Nita G Forouhi, Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, UK, says: “Limitations notwithstanding, the current GBD findings provide evidence to shift the focus, as the authors argue, from an emphasis on dietary restriction to promoting healthy food components in a global context. This evidence largely endorses a case for moving from nutrient-based to food based guidelines… There are of course considerable challenges in shifting populations’ diets in this direction, illustrated by the cost of fruits and vegetables being disproportionately prohibitive: two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables per day per individual accounted for 52% of household income in low-income countries, 18% in low to middle-income countries, 16% in middle to upper-income countries, and 2% in high-income countries. A menu of integrated policy interventions across whole food systems, internationally and within countries, is essential to support the radical shift in diets needed to optimise human, and protect planetary health.”].

http://haleplushearty.org/2019/04/04/globally-one-in-five-deaths-are-associated-with-poor-diet/

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Fruits are not just nature’s candy; they are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Whether enjoyed fresh, juiced, blended into smoothies, or incorporated into savory dishes, fruits play a vital role in promoting health and well-being. And among the alphabet of fruits, those that start with “F” offer a particularly vibrant and diverse selection. Fruits That Start With F: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Nutritional Benefits Fruits are an essential part of a healthy and balanced diet. They are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for our overall health and well-being. The letter “F” is not the most common letter when it comes to fruits, but there are still plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will be exploring fruits that start with F and their nutritional benefits. Fruits That Begins With Letter (F) Figs are sweet and delicious fruits packed with fiber, potassium, antioxidants, vitamins (such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and several B vitamins), and minerals (including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron). They are also a good source of calcium, making them an excellent choice for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. In the culinary world, figs are incredibly versatile. They can be eaten on their own as a healthy snack, added to salads for a sweet and savory twist, or incorporated into both sweet and savory recipes. Dried figs are commonly used in baked goods, desserts, and granola bars, while fresh figs pair well with cheeses, nuts, and honey in appetizers and desserts. Feijoa, also known as pineapple guava, is a small green fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. They are high in vitamin C and fiber, making them an excellent choice for boosting your immune system and promoting healthy digestion. Feijoas can be enjoyed fresh by cutting them in half and scooping out the flesh with a spoon. Their unique flavor makes them a delightful addition to fruit salads, smoothies, desserts, and baked goods. Feijoa jelly, jam, and preserves are also popular ways to enjoy this fruit’s distinct taste. Fennel is a unique fruit that is often used as a vegetable in cooking. Fennel seeds are often used whole or ground to add flavor and aroma to dishes such as soups, stews, curries, bread, sausages, and desserts. Fennel can be eaten raw or cooked and used in salads, soups, and stews. It also has a sweet and licorice-like flavor. In addition to their culinary uses, fennel seeds are prized for their potential health benefits. They contain an array of nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fennel seeds are believed to aid digestion, reduce bloating and gas, freshen breath, and promote overall wellness. 4. Fuji Apples Fuji apples are a popular variety of apples that are known for their sweet and crisp taste. They are characterized by their round shape, medium to large size, and attractive red and yellow skin with occasional russeting. The flesh of Fuji apples is creamy white and exceptionally crisp, offering a satisfying crunch with each bite. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. They are low in calories and fat, making them a nutritious choice for those seeking a healthy and satisfying snack Fireberries are small, red fruit that are native to South America. These shrubs are known for their clusters of small, colorful berries, which are typically bright red, orange, or yellow. The berries are not typically consumed raw due to their bitter taste. However, they are sometimes used in jams, jellies, and sauces after being cooked and processed to reduce their toxicity. They have a sweet and tart taste and are high in antioxidants and vitamin C. 6. Finger Lime Finger limes are a unique fruit that is native to Australia. The exterior of finger limes can vary in color, ranging from green to black, with some varieties featuring speckles or stripes. However, it’s the interior of the fruit that truly sets it apart. When sliced open, finger limes reveal tiny, bead-like juice vesicles that resemble caviar. They have a tangy and citrusy taste and are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. Finger limes are used in salads, cocktails, seafood, sushi, desserts, and other dishes. 7. Forest Berries Forest berries is a general term used to describe a variety of berries that grow wild in forests. These berries are often small, flavorful, and rich in vitamins, mostly vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. While the specific types of berries included under the umbrella term “forest berries” can vary depending on the region and ecosystem, some common examples include raspberries, wild strawberries, wild blueberries, etc. 8. Flat peaches Flat peaches, also known as donut peaches, are a smaller and flatter version of the traditional peach. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In culinary applications, flat peaches can be used in many of the same ways as traditional peaches. They can be enjoyed fresh as a healthy snack, sliced and added to salads, used in desserts such as pies, or blended into smoothies and fruit salads. Their distinctive appearance also makes them a visually appealing garnish for cocktails and fruit platters. 9. Fresh Dates Fresh Dates are sweet and delicious fruits that are packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They are commonly eaten dried, but fresh dates are also a great option for a healthy snack. They can be incorporated into sweet dishes such as desserts, cakes, cookies, and puddings, or used as a natural sweetener in smoothies, sauces, and dressings. Fresh dates can also be stuffed with ingredients like nuts, cheese, or savory fillings for a delicious appetizer or snack. 10. Fuyu Persimmons Fuyu persimmons are a variety of persimmon fruit known for their distinctive shape, flavor, and versatility. Fuyu persimmons are characterized by their squat, round shape, resembling a tomato or pumpkin. They have a smooth, glossy skin that ranges in color from pale orange to deep orange-red when ripe. Fuyu persimmons are a sweet and delicious fruit high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber. They offer numerous health benefits, including support for immune function, digestion, heart health, and skin health. They are commonly eaten raw as snack or used in desserts. 11. French Melon French melons are a type of cantaloupe that is known for its sweet and juicy taste. They are high in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. 12. Florida Avacoda Florida avocados are a larger and milder version of the traditional avocado. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and healthy fats, making them an excellent choice for promoting heart health and healthy digestion. These avocados thrive in the subtropical climate of Florida and are harvested from late spring to early fall. They are commonly used in a variety of culinary applications, including salads, sandwiches, dips, spreads, and smoothies. - Best Way To Marinate Chicken - Healthy Options For Snacks - How To Make Nigerian Bole - Substitute For Currants 13. Frappe Apples Frappé apples are a type of apple that is known for its sweet and crisp taste. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. - Baking Recipe With Apples - Foods With The Highest Fiber - How To Make Smoothie - Fruits That Make You Horny 14. Fraises Des Bois These strawberries are smaller and more delicate than the common cultivated varieties found in supermarkets. They are typically found growing wild in forests, fields, and meadows across Europe and North America. Fraises des bois are delicious fruits that are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are commonly used in desserts and cocktails. 15. Flowering Quince Flowering quince is a small and tart fruit that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It is commonly used in jams, jellies, and other desserts. The fruits of flowering quince may not be as well-known or widely consumed as those of other fruit in the list, but they offer a unique flavor and versatility in the culinary world. Whether enjoyed fresh, cooked, or used for their ornamental value, flowering quince fruits add a touch of beauty and flavor to gardens and kitchens alike. 16. Fuzzy Kiwifruits Fuzzy kiwifruits are a type of kiwifruit that has a fuzzy exterior. They are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Fuzzy kiwifruits are commonly enjoyed fresh, either eaten on their own or added to fruit salads, smoothies, yogurt parfaits. In addition to their culinary uses, fuzzy kiwifruits are also prized for their ornamental value, with their unique appearance and vibrant green color adding visual interest to fruit bowls and decorative arrangements. Fortunella fruits, commonly known as kumquats, are a group of small citrus fruits belonging to the genus Fortunella. These fruits are native to East Asia and are cultivated in various parts of the world with suitable climates, including China, Japan, the United States, and Mediterranean countries. They are small and tangy fruit that is high in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are commonly eaten raw or used in salads and cocktails. Frangipane is a type of almond-flavored fruit that is commonly used in desserts. It is high in fiber and antioxidants and is a great source of healthy fats. They are also commonly used as a filling for fruit tarts, where it provides a rich, nutty contrast to the tartness of the fruit. It can also be used as a filling for cakes, pastries, and other baked goods, where it adds moisture, richness, and flavor. 19. Flamingo Mangoes Flamingo mangoes are a type of mango that is known for its sweet and juicy taste. They are high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. All the listed fruits all have packed nutritional benefits, from figs to flamingo mangoes, each fruit is packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are vital for our overall health and well-being. Incorporating these fruits into your diet can help boost your immune system, promote healthy digestion, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to look out for these delicious and nutritious fruits that start with “F”!

https://foodrelate.com/fruits-that-starts-with-letter-f/

Food

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Rising rates suggest increasing numbers of medically unnecessary, potentially harmful procedures According to new research from the World Health Organization (WHO), caesarean section use continues to rise globally, now accounting for more than 1 in 5 (21%) of all childbirths. This number is set to continue increasing over the coming decade, with nearly a third (29%) of all births likely to take place by caesarean section by 2030, the research finds. While a caesarean section can be an essential and life-saving surgery, it can put women and babies at unnecessary risk of short- and long-term health problems if performed when there is no medical need. “Caesarean sections are absolutely critical to saving lives in situations where vaginal deliveries would pose risks, so all health systems must ensure timely access for all women when needed,” said Dr Ian Askew, Director of WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the UN joint programme, HRP. “But not all the caesarean sections carried out at the moment are needed for medical reasons. Unnecessary surgical procedures can be harmful, both for a woman and her baby.” Caesarean sections can be essential in situations such as prolonged or obstructed labour, fetal distress, or because the baby is presenting in an abnormal position. However, as with all surgeries, they can have risks. These include the potential for heavy bleeding or infection, slower recovery times after childbirth, delays in establishing breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact, and increased likelihood of complications in future pregnancies. Caesarean section rates rising globally, though unequally, with increases projected to continue There are significant discrepancies in a woman’s access to caesarean sections, depending on where in the world she lives. In the least developed countries, about 8% of women gave birth by caesarean section with only 5% in sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a concerning lack of access to this lifesaving surgery. Conversely, in Latin America and the Caribbean, rates are as high as 4 in 10 (43%) of all births. In five countries (Dominican Republic, Brazil, Cyprus, Egypt and Turkey), caesarean sections now outnumber vaginal deliveries. Worldwide caesarean section rates have risen from around 7% in 1990 to 21% today, and are projected to continue increasing over this current decade. If this trend continues, by 2030 the highest rates are likely to be in Eastern Asia (63%), Latin America and the Caribbean (54%), Western Asia (50%), Northern Africa (48%) Southern Europe (47%) and Australia and New Zealand (45%), the research suggests. Quality, women-centred care needed to address the high use of caesarean section Causes of high caesarean section usage vary widely between and within countries. Drivers include health sector policies and financing, cultural norms, perceptions and practices, rates of preterm births, and quality of healthcare. Rather than recommending specific target rates, WHO underscores the importance of focusing on each woman’s unique needs in pregnancy and childbirth. “It’s important for all women to be able to talk to healthcare providers and be part of the decision making on their birth, receiving adequate information including the risks and benefits. Emotional support is a critical aspect of quality care throughout pregnancy and childbirth,” said Dr Ana Pilar Betran, Medical Officer at WHO and HRP. WHO recommends some non-clinical actions that can reduce medically unnecessary use of caesarean sections, within the overall context of high quality and respectful care: - Educational interventions that engage women actively in planning for their birth such as childbirth preparation workshops, relaxation programmes and psychosocial support where desired, for those with fear of pain or anxiety. Implementation of such initiatives should include ongoing monitoring and evaluation. - Use of evidence-based clinical guidelines, performing regular audits of caesarean section practices in health facilities and providing timely feedback to health professionals about the findings. - Requirement for a second medical opinion for a caesarean section decision in settings where this is possible. - For the sole purpose of reducing caesarean sections, some interventions have been piloted by some countries but require more rigorous research: - A collaborative midwifery-obstetrician model of care, for which care is provided primarily by midwives, with 24-hour back-up from a dedicated obstetrician - Financial strategies that equalize the fees charged for vaginal births and caesarean sections.

https://brandspurng.com/2021/06/17/who-warn-caesarean-section-increases-21/

Health

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When two or more devices wants to communicate with each other they need unique ID on that network. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses are the unique numbers assigned to every computer or device that is connected to the Internet. Among other important functions, they identify every device connected to the Internet, whether it is a web server, smartphone, mail server, or laptop, etc. After years of rapid Internet expansion, the pool of available unallocated addresses for the original Internet Protocol, known as IPv4, has been fully allocated to Internet Services Providers (ISPs) and users. That’s why we need IPv6, the next generation of the Internet protocol that has a massively bigger address space than IPv4. A Brief History of IPv4 and IPv6 Internet Protocol was introduced first time in January 1980, as a standard in the RFC 760. Motivation behind the RFC 760 was stated as given blow: The Internet Protocol is designed for use in interconnected systems of packet-switched computer communication networks. Such a system has been called a "catenet" . The internet protocol provides for transmitting blocks of data called datagrams from sources to destinations, where sources and destinations are hosts identified by fixed length addresses. The internet protocol also provides for fragmentation and reassembly of long datagrams, if necessary, for transmission through "small packet" networks. Cerf, V., "The Catenet Model for Internetworking," Information Processing Techniques Office, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, IEN 48, July 1978. At the time of standardization of IPv4, the world population was around 4.41 billion in 1980. The ratio of IPv4 address to the world population was 1:1. In 1980, there was no www (world-wide web), no mobile devices, as the major devices were mostly mainframe and minicomputers. In fact, World Wide Web was introduced in 1990s, and soon everyone was getting on internet. Subsequently the IPv4 routing tables were growing so rapidly that it reached to 20,000 routes in 1994. IETF realized that it would soon run out of IPv4 address space. In order to slow down the running out of IPv4 addresses, IETF introduced solutions—Short-term solutions as well as Long-term solutions Short term solutions included: - NAT (Network Address Translation) & PAT (Port Address Translation) - Private Address Space - CIDR (Classless Inter-Domain Routing) (Recently I published an article on the topic of : How to configure NAT & PAT on Cisco Router? You may like to visit to this fasinating article too.) Long term solution was emphasized as IPv6, (e.g., 2001:ABDA:0000:0000:0000:0001:3635:4852) Evolution in Internet Protocol Graphical History of IPv4 It was an experimental protocol and is no longer used, although some of the concepts it developed have been incorporated into other protocols. Graphical History of IPv6 Basic Questions about IP Addresses Let us walk through with some basic questions that arise in our mind when we discuss about the IP addresses. Q. What is an IP address? IP address is a shorter way of saying ‘Internet Protocol address’. IP addresses are the numbers assigned to computer or device network interfaces. Most of the time, we use ‘name’ to access other device or resources on a network. In case of Internet we use URL e.g. www.example.com in the web browser, and behind the scene computer, however, translates that URL into the IP address of that destination. Q. Why do we need IP addresses? IP addresses play a major and essential role in the data transfer between the networking devices. In the absence of IP addresses, the networking devices like computers, servers, telephones, cameras, printers, etc. will not able to communicate with each other. Without IP address, if we want to transfer the data between the devices, then we would have to do manually, with the help of CDs, DVDs, hard disks or flash storage, such as a USB drive. That will be just too cumbersome and possibly erroneous. Since IP addressing facilitates the network connectivity among all sorts of devices, we are able to send data to all directions or destinations so easily. We are daily performing a large number of tasks on our network and Internet conveniently just with a mouse ‘click’. Q. What is the difference between a Private IP address and a Public (unique) IP address? Before understanding the difference between the Private IP and Public IP, we need to have a very clear understanding about the Private network and the Public network. Private network means, the network which belongs only to us personally (home, company, organization, campus, etc.) and the Public network means, the network which belongs to everyone or others as well like Internet. At the protocol level, there is no difference between the public and private IP addresses. But organizationally, private addresses are distinct, because they can be used within single administration and not on the wider internet. This is because private addresses are set aside for use by anyone without any global coordination. You can identify that an address is from a block of private addresses, if it: - Begins with 10. (i.e., 10.0.0.0 through 10.255.255.255) - Begins with 172.16. through 172.31. - Begins with 192.168. With the help of these private IP addresses, you cannot access the public network i.e. Internet. And when you find that your computer is assigned a private address, but you still are able to access services over the Internet, then it means that your computer is probably behind a Network Address Translator (NAT), which lets lots of computers share a single unique IP address. I want to explain little bit about the distribution of the IP addresses in the next section. Q. How are IP addresses distributed? The distribution of the public IP addresses is managed by the registries or ISP and these address are allowed to be routed on the Internet. For the distribution of IP addresses, the whole world is divided into the five Regional Internet Registries (RIRs). The size of these RIR are roughly equal to continental size. IP addresses are distributed in a hierarchical system. As the operator of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions, ICANN allocates IP address blocks to these five RIRs. These RIRs further allocate smaller block of IP addresses at national level, ISP and other network operators. In the next step the big ISPs assign the smaller block of IP addresses to the next level of ISPs or to the Internet operators. These steps go on until the end user get the individual IP address for Internet connection. Let us examine the critical differences between IPv4 and IPv6. 1. IP Headers 2. IP Address Space = 32 bits = 4,294,967,296 possible addressable nodes = 128 bits: 4 times larger in bits =~3.4 * 10^38 = 340,282,366,920,938,463,463,374,607,431,768,211,456 possible addressable nodes =~53,730,194,312 * billion * billion addresses per person on the planet 3. IP Address Format IPv4’s address format is this. IPv6’s address format is given below. x:x:x:x:x:x:x:x, where x is a 16-bit hexadecimal field Leading zeros in a field are optional. Successive fields of 0 are represented as :: but only once in an address. 4. IP Technology Scope 5. IP Address Types: IPv4 offers the following address types: IPv6 offers the following address types: Out of IPv4 addresses, The World now depends on IPv6 In the early 1990s, the IETF realized that a new version of IP would be needed, and the Task Force started by drafting the new protocol's requirements. IP Next Generation (IPng) was created, which then became IPv6 (RFC 1883). IPv6 is the second network layer standard protocol that follows IPv4 for computer communications across the Internet and other computer networks. IPv6 offers several compelling functions and is really the next step in the evolution of the Internet Protocol. These improvements came in the form of increased address size, a streamlined header format, extensible headers, and the ability to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of communications. The IPv6 protocol was then fully standardized at the end of 1998 in RFC 2460, which defines the header structure. IPv6 is now ready to overcome many of the deficiencies in the current IPv4 protocol and to create new ways of communicating that IPv4 cannot support. IPv6 provides several improvements over its predecessor. The advantages of IPv6 are detailed in many books on IPv6. However, the following list summarizes the characteristics of IPv6 and the improvements it can deliver: - Larger address space: Increased address size from 32 bits to 128 bits - Streamlined protocol header: Improves packet-forwarding efficiency - Stateless autoconfiguration: The ability for nodes to determine their own address - Multicast: Increased use of efficient one-to-many communications - Jumbograms: The ability to have very large packet payloads for greater efficiency - Network layer security: Encryption and authentication of communications - Quality of service (QoS) capabilities: QoS markings of packets and flow labels that help identify priority traffic - Anycast: Redundant services using nonunique addresses - Mobility: Simpler handling of mobile or roaming nodes Internet is a much different place and continuously evolving. Number of new mobile devices are emerging rapidly. Huge data in the form of video, audio, text, and picture is generating a lot of traffic on Internet. And the world is already taking huge strides toward Internet of Everything (IoT). Due to the explosion of newer digital devices which are getting connected on Internet, we currently need a huge number of IP address. Understand that though NAT/PAT did excellent job in slowing down the exhaustion of IPv4 address space, the need for IPv6 is greatly felt today, because IPv6 offers some great features over IPv4. IPv6 is becoming a reality. The many years of early protocol research have paid dividends with products that easily interoperate. Deployment of IPv6 is not a question of if but when. IPv6 is an eventuality. The transition to IPv6 continues to take place around the world. The protocol is gaining popularity with each passing day and is being integrated into more products. There are many IPv6-capable operating systems on the market today. Linux, BSD, Solaris, Microsoft Windows (Vista/7/8/10), and Microsoft Windows Server 2008/2012 operating systems all have their IPv6 stacks enabled by default, and IPv6 operates as the preferred protocol stack. Of course, Cisco equipment fully supports dual-stack configuration, and the number of IPv6 features within IOS devices continues to grow. However, the timeline for the deployment of IPv6 is long and difficult to measure. One of the remaining challenges for IPv6 is that few IPv6 service providers exist. Currently, Internet IPv6 traffic is still light compared to IPv4, but it continues to grow. IPv6 is the protocol which is capable of providing us more than enough IP addresses and additional features as well. - What do think about IPv4 today? - Have you migrated to IPv6? - What valuable insights do you have about IPv6? I request you to please provide me the feedback on this article, your valuable comments will help me to provide you the better information as per your suggestions. In the upcoming articles on IPv6, I will discuss about the various features of IPv6. You may like to share the article with your friends, contacts on social-media, e.g., Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter etc, who might be interested in knowing more about IPv6 or sharing their insights with us. Over the past 16 years, Meena has built a following of IT professionals, particularly in Cybersecurity, Cisco Technologies, and Networking... She is so obsessed with Cybersecurity domain that she is going out of her way and sharing hugely valuable posts and writings about Cybersecurity on website, and social media platforms. 30,000+ professionals are following her on Facebook and mesmerized by the quality of content of her posts on Facebook. If you haven't yet been touched by her enthusiastic work of sharing quality info about Cybersecurity, then you can follow her on Facebook: Click Here to follow her: Cybersecurity PRISM

http://luminisindia.com/it-networking-blog/158-out-of-ipv4-addresses-it-is-time-to-reintroduce-ipv6-nowIPv6

Career

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Technology has become an integral part of our lives, especially in the 21st century. We use tech gadgets for various purposes, such as communication, entertainment, education, work, and health. But how do these gadgets affect our well-being? Are they beneficial or detrimental to our physical and mental health? In this blog post, we will explore the connection between tech gadgets and well-being, and how we can use them to enhance our quality of life. What is well-being? Well-being is a broad concept that encompasses different aspects of human experience, such as happiness, satisfaction, meaning, purpose, and flourishing. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), well-being is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Well-being is influenced by various factors, such as genetics, environment, culture, relationships, and personal choices. How do tech gadgets affect our well-being? Tech gadgets can have both positive and negative effects on our well-being, depending on how we use them and what we use them for. Here are some examples of how tech gadgets can impact our well-being: - Tech gadgets can improve our physical health by providing us with information, feedback, and motivation to exercise, monitor our vital signs, track our nutrition, and manage chronic conditions. For instance, smartwatches and fitness trackers can help us measure our heart rate, blood pressure, calories burned, steps taken, sleep quality, and more. They can also remind us to move more, drink water, or take a break. Some examples of tech gadgets that can improve our physical health are LG ARTCOOL Inverter AC which has a Smart diagnosis system to help you take away stress from your life. The series of dryers available on the LG website also helps you live a better life - Tech gadgets can enhance our mental health by providing us with entertainment, education, socialization, and relaxation. For example, smartphones and tablets can allow us to access various online platforms and apps that offer games, music, videos, podcasts, books, courses, and more. They can also enable us to connect with our friends and family through calls, messages, video chats, and social media. Some examples of tech gadgets that can enhance our mental health are the LG OLED TV which has a self-lit pixel technology that delivers stunning picture quality with perfect blacks and infinite contrast, and LG XBOOM Go speakers that have a Meridian sound technology that delivers rich and clear sound with deep bass. - Tech gadgets can also harm our well-being if we use them excessively or inappropriately. For instance, spending too much time on tech gadgets can lead to physical problems such as eye strain, headaches, neck pain, back pain, and obesity. It can also cause mental problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, loneliness, and addiction. Moreover, using tech gadgets for inappropriate purposes such as cyberbullying, sexting, gambling, or piracy can result in legal or ethical issues. Therefore, it is important to use tech gadgets responsibly and moderately. How can we use tech gadgets to improve our well-being? To use tech gadgets to improve our well-being rather than harm it, we need to follow some tips and guidelines: - Choose the right tech gadgets for your needs and preferences. There are many types of tech gadgets available in the market today, but not all of them are suitable for everyone. You need to consider your goals, Interests, budget, and lifestyle when choosing the tech gadgets that you want to use. For example, if you want to improve your fitness, you might want to invest in a smartwatch or a fitness tracker that can help you monitor your progress and motivate you to exercise more. If you want to learn something new, you might want to buy a tablet or a laptop that can allow you to access various online courses and resources. If you want to relax, you might want to get a TV or a speaker that can provide you with high-quality entertainment. - Use tech gadgets in moderation and balance. While tech gadgets can offer many benefits for our well-being, they can also have negative effects if we use them too much or too often. Therefore, we need to limit our screen time and balance it with other activities that are good for our well-being, such as physical exercise, social interaction, hobbies, and sleep. We also need to avoid using tech gadgets before bedtime, as they can interfere with our circadian rhythm and disrupt our sleep quality. Instead, we should create a relaxing bedtime routine that involves reading a book, listening to soothing music, or meditating. - Use tech gadgets safely and securely. Tech gadgets can also pose some risks to our well-being if we do not use them safely and securely. For example, we need to protect our personal information and privacy when using tech gadgets, as they can be hacked or stolen by cybercriminals. We also need to be careful about what we share online and who we interact with, as we can encounter scams, frauds, or harassment on the internet. Furthermore, we need to respect the rights and feelings of others when using tech gadgets, as we can cause harm or offence by our actions or words. We should also follow the rules and regulations that apply to the use of tech gadgets in different contexts, such as school, work, or public places. Tech gadgets are powerful tools that can affect our well-being in various ways. They can improve our physical and mental health by providing us with information, feedback, motivation, entertainment, education, socialization, and relaxation. They can also harm our well-being if we use them excessively or inappropriately, leading to physical and mental problems, as well as legal or ethical issues. Therefore, we need to use tech gadgets wisely and responsibly, choosing the right ones for our needs and preferences, using them in moderation and balance, and using them safely and securely. By doing so, we can use tech gadgets to enhance our quality of life and well-being.

http://howtotechnaija.com/tecno-droidpad-7c-pro-specifications-price/the

Phones

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An entrepreneur is a person who owns or operates a business, firm, or venture. Usually, as Forbes contributor Brett Nelson notes while defining an entrepreneur, they also fill a need and take on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so. Because the business or businesses are their responsibility they’re usually directly rewarded (or questioned) for the progresses, failures, and returns associated with it. Entrepreneurs can be divided into two basic types; those who start a new business and those who take over an existing business. If they’re taking over an existing business, they may intend to continue working on the same principles while innovating the business model in some way. Business development of any kind has the added benefit of helping alleviate the burden of social welfare on local governments by increasing tax collection and employment. Entrepreneurs have to show immense patience. It’s tricky and difficult at the beginning and many fail to take off. Some have willingly chosen the entrepreneurial path. Others are forced into it by a series of life circumstances like job loss or chronic illness. Other pressing hardships may include things like overwhelming student debts, making traditional employment impossible. No matter how we got to this point, and despite the risks, entrepreneurship is an option for those forced out of, or fed up with, corporate ladder climbing. Entrepreneurship also allows for more intense creativity – developing competition in existing markets and industries. In fact, creativity is the most important quality an entrepreneur can have. In an article published in the Journal of Creativity and Innovation Management, Harry Nyström explains that a successful entrepreneur “excels in perceiving, opening up and exploiting new technological, marketing and organizational possibilities.” Here are the other benefits of being an entrepreneur Be in the driving seat Entrepreneurs have total control while driving their businesses. They can show what they’re capable of and enjoy their freedom. They can cruise, opt for slow and safe driving, or just try a new route if an earlier idea doesn’t go according to plan. While they’ll probably enjoy the journey itself, entrepreneurs also have to be wary of industry regulations – limiting themselves, and their creativity, within safe and legal boundaries. Leave a legacy Some entrepreneurs start their businesses to fill a pressing social need. They want to impact the world around them, make an impression, know their presence is felt, and help others. If improving the lifestyle and lives of regular people is part of their goal this is called social entrepreneurship. These types of entrepreneurs look for opportunities that enable a strong business while also providing solutions to social issues. Reap high profits The draw of the entrepreneurial lifestyle – jet setting, luxurious vacations, and other material wealth and success – is yet another motivational force attracting people to this mindset. The dream and promise of profit is an attractive proposition convincing people to take on all the accompanying business challenges. In any company structure, maximum wealth accumulation is possible for the business owners. Whatever the industry or motivations, most entrepreneurs are ready to face any challenges head on. They realize that the opportunity to craft their business allows them to truly express themselves. As their business grows they also have the opportunity to help their employees and improve their lives in many ways as well. Entrepreneurs truly enjoy their work, and strive forward every day towards their dreams. Apart from all the benefits and attractions, entrepreneurship brings a lot of responsibilities. It tests an entrepreneur’s creativity, focus, and determination. However, if all these personal qualities are there, it’s very likely that the entrepreneur will be successful in achieving their goals and dreams. Photo credit: Unsplash.com

https://motivationgrid.com/4

Politics

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The Comparison of affixes between English and Chinese words relationships. Identify the similarities and differences between English and Chinese words, so as to promote vocabulary learning well and understanding of both languages. Chinese affixes, English affixes, comparison

http://wenku.baidu.com/view/4d58d5240722192e4536f656.htmlFor

Culture

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Techniques – Calming down in a first aid situation Calming Down Techniques and knowing them are vital, because they play a huge role in helping those who might be in need of first aid. Use the following Techniques to calm down in first aid situations: - Take a couple of deep breaths. - Stop negative thoughts, encourage yourself. - Talk to the ill or injured person. This will give you a chance to control your own - Stick to the techniques and first aid actions you know. - If you do not know what to do, call for help. First aid situations can be highly stressful and emotionally charged. Whether you’re dealing with a minor injury or a more serious medical emergency, keeping a clear head is crucial for providing effective assistance. In this blog post, we’ll explore some techniques for calming down in first aid situations, helping you stay composed and focused when it matters most. Take a Deep Breath: One of the simplest and most effective ways to calm down in any stressful situation is to take deep, slow breaths. Deep breathing helps reduce anxiety and tension, which can cloud your judgment. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process several times until you start to feel calmer. Assess the Situation: Before jumping into action, take a moment to assess the situation. Determine the nature and severity of the injury or emergency. This brief pause will help you make more informed decisions and prioritize tasks effectively. Call for Help: If the situation is beyond your control or expertise, call for professional medical assistance immediately. Dial the emergency services number in your country (e.g., 911 in the United States) and provide them with all the necessary information about the situation, including your location and the nature of the problem. If you’re not alone, delegate specific tasks to others present. Assign someone to call for help, another to gather first aid supplies, and another to assist you in administering first aid. Delegating tasks not only lightens your load but also helps others feel involved and focused on productive actions. Focus on Your Breathing and Visualization: As you begin providing first aid, continue to focus on your breathing. Visualize yourself carrying out the necessary steps calmly and effectively. This mental preparation can boost your confidence and reduce stress. Stay Reassuring and Communicative: For the injured person, your demeanor can make a significant difference in their comfort level. Speak in a calm, reassuring tone and explain the steps you’re taking. Reassure them that help is on the way if applicable. Maintain Personal Safety: Ensure your safety is a top priority. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way while assisting someone else. Assess the environment for any potential dangers and take precautions accordingly. Remember to take care of yourself as well. In high-stress situations, it’s easy to neglect your own needs. Stay hydrated, eat if necessary, and take short breaks when possible to recharge your own energy and focus. Consider taking a first aid course or regularly refreshing your first aid knowledge. The more confident you are in your abilities, the easier it is to stay calm in emergency situations. Once the emergency has passed, take some time to debrief with others who were involved. Discuss what went well, what could be improved, and how you felt during the situation. This can be a valuable learning experience and help you prepare for future incidents. In conclusion, staying calm in first aid situations is essential for providing effective assistance. These techniques, from deep breathing to delegation and self-care, can help you manage stress and act confidently when it matters most. By practicing these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle emergencies and potentially save lives.

https://www.firstaidinfo.ng/calm-down/

Health

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Ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is our top priority. In today’s world, where potential dangers lurk, it is important for parents and guardians to be proactive in protecting their children from stranger danger. By educating our children, setting clear boundaries, and providing proper monitoring, we can equip them with the tools they need to navigate the world safely. In this article, we will explore the concept of stranger danger and discuss practical ways to keep our children safe. Section 1: Understanding Stranger Danger In today’s society, where we often encounter strangers in various settings, understanding the concept of stranger danger becomes important for the safety of our children. Research consistently highlights the vulnerability of children when it comes to potential risks associated with interacting with unfamiliar individuals. As parents and guardians, it is our duty to educate our children about stranger danger and empower them to make informed decisions to protect themselves. Stranger danger encompasses the potential risks that children may face when interacting with strangers. It is important to note that not all strangers are dangerous, but teaching children to exercise caution and be aware of potential risks is essential in keeping them safe. By raising awareness about these risks, we can help children understand that it is important to be vigilant and cautious in unfamiliar situations. Educating children about stranger danger involves open and age-appropriate conversations. Parents can start by explaining the concept in a way that children can understand without instilling unnecessary fear. It is important to emphasize that the goal is not to make children afraid of all strangers, but to teach them to trust their instincts and recognize potential danger signs. By encouraging children to be aware of their surroundings and the behavior of unfamiliar individuals, we can empower them to make safe decisions. Teaching children about personal boundaries is another important aspect of understanding stranger danger. Children should be aware that it is okay to say “no” to any requests or invitations from strangers that make them uncomfortable. They should understand that it is not rude to prioritize their own safety and well-being. By setting clear boundaries, children gain the confidence to assert themselves and protect themselves from potential harm. Furthermore, it is important to educate children about the concept of “safe strangers.” These include figures such as police officers, teachers, or security guards who can be approached for help in case of an emergency. By teaching children to seek assistance from trusted adults, we provide them with a safety net and a sense of security when encountering unfamiliar situations. Understanding stranger danger is important for the safety of our children. By educating them about the potential risks associated with interacting with strangers, teaching them to recognize their personal boundaries, and introducing the concept of “safe strangers,” we empower them to make informed decisions and protect themselves. It is our responsibility as parents and guardians to have open conversations with our children, providing them with the necessary tools to navigate the world safely. By raising awareness and instilling caution, we can create a safer environment for our children to grow and thrive. Section 2: Education and Awareness Education and awareness are important tools in protecting our children from the potential dangers of interacting with strangers. By engaging in open and age-appropriate conversations, parents can effectively educate their children about stranger danger without instilling unnecessary fear. When discussing stranger danger with children, it is important to explain the concept in a way that they can understand. Use language and examples that are appropriate for their age and level of comprehension. Start by reassuring them that not all strangers are dangerous, but it is essential to be cautious and aware of potential risks. Emphasize the importance of trusting their instincts and recognizing when they feel uncomfortable or threatened in a situation. Teach children about personal boundaries and the importance of respecting their own comfort levels. Explain to them that it is perfectly acceptable to say “no” or to walk away from anyone who makes them feel uneasy. Help them understand that their safety and well-being should always be their top priority, and it is not rude to prioritize their personal boundaries. Introduce the concept of “safe strangers” to children. These are individuals who can be trusted and approached for help in case of an emergency. Examples of safe strangers include police officers, teachers, or security guards. Teach children that if they ever find themselves in a situation where they feel scared, threatened, or lost, they can seek assistance from these trustworthy individuals. Encourage children to communicate with trusted adults, such as parents, guardians, or teachers, when they have concerns or encounters with strangers. Create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing their experiences and asking questions. By developing open lines of communication, parents can address any misconceptions, provide guidance, and offer reassurance to their children. In addition to conversations, parents can reinforce education and awareness through practical activities. Role-playing scenarios can help children practice how to respond in potentially risky situations. Example, simulate a situation where a stranger approaches them and ask them how they would react. This interactive approach allows children to apply their knowledge and build confidence in their ability to make safe decisions. It is also beneficial to teach children about the importance of personal information security. Instruct them never to share personal details, such as their full name, address, phone number, or school name, with strangers. Explain that this information should only be shared with trusted adults and individuals authorized by parents or guardians. Regularly revisit and reinforce the topic of stranger danger as children grow and their understanding evolves. As they mature, provide them with more comprehensive information about potential risks they may encounter both in-person and online. Discuss strategies for dealing with online interactions and the importance of being cautious when communicating with strangers through digital platforms. Education and awareness are key components in protecting our children from the risks associated with interacting with strangers. By engaging in open and age-appropriate conversations, teaching personal boundaries, introducing the concept of safe strangers, and encouraging communication with trusted adults, parents can empower their children to make safe decisions. By arming children with knowledge and fostering awareness, we can help them navigate the world with confidence and ensure their safety in a complex and ever-changing society. Section 3: Setting Clear Boundaries Setting clear boundaries is an essential step in protecting our children from potential dangers when it comes to interacting with strangers. By establishing these rules, parents provide their children with clear guidelines to follow, empowering them to make safe decisions. Teach your children to never accept gifts, rides, or invitations from strangers. Emphasize that it is important to firmly say “no” and to walk away from any unfamiliar individual who makes them feel uneasy. By instilling this attitude, children learn to prioritize their safety and well-being over being polite or accommodating to strangers. Another critical boundary to establish is the importance of not sharing personal information with strangers. Teach your children never to disclose their home address, contact details, or any other sensitive information to individuals they do not know and trust. Remind them that it is acceptable to be polite but not to engage in conversations or provide personal information to people they are unfamiliar with. Reinforce the notion that their personal safety is paramount. Encourage children to trust their instincts and to recognize when a situation or interaction feels uncomfortable or potentially dangerous. By nurturing this awareness, children can develop a sense of self-preservation and the confidence to remove themselves from risky situations. It is essential to explain to children that they have the right to set boundaries and to prioritize their own safety. Reassure them that saying “no” to strangers is not rude or disrespectful but a necessary measure to protect themselves. By emphasizing their autonomy in making decisions that ensure their well-being, children can feel empowered and confident in asserting themselves. Maintaining consistency is crucial for effectively enforcing these boundaries. Continually remind children of the importance of following the established rules and provide guidance when they encounter situations that test these boundaries. Regularly discuss real-life scenarios and ask children how they would respond, reinforcing the importance of their safety-focused decision-making. Parents should lead by example and demonstrate the importance of setting boundaries when interacting with strangers. Children observe and learn from their parents’ behavior, so modeling assertiveness and caution can reinforce the significance of these boundaries. Setting clear boundaries is important in protecting children from potential dangers associated with interacting with strangers. By teaching them to say “no” firmly, walk away from uncomfortable situations, and refrain from sharing personal information, children have clear guidelines to follow. Empower your children to prioritize their safety and well-being by instilling in them the confidence to set boundaries and assert themselves in potentially risky situations. By establishing and reinforcing these boundaries consistently, parents can help their children navigate the world with increased security and confidence. Section 4: Monitoring and Supervision Monitoring and supervision play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of our children, particularly in public places. By keeping a watchful eye on their activities and providing appropriate supervision, parents can significantly reduce the risks associated with interacting with strangers. When in public, it is important to be present and aware of your children’s surroundings. Stay engaged and attentive, keeping an eye on their actions and interactions. By being physically present, you can quickly identify any potential dangers and intervene if necessary. Encourage your children to stay within sight and to avoid wandering off on their own. Establish clear boundaries regarding where they can go and what they can do in public places. Reinforce the importance of staying close to you or another trusted adult and not straying too far. By setting these limits, you can ensure that your children remain within a safe distance and minimize the risks of encountering strangers without your knowledge. Effective supervision also involves developing open lines of communication with your children. Create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing any concerns or encounters with strangers. Encourage them to approach you or another trusted adult if they have any doubts or feel uncomfortable in a particular situation. By maintaining an open dialogue, you can address their concerns promptly and provide guidance to ensure their safety. In addition to physical supervision, it is essential to monitor your children’s online activities. Teach them about the potential risks of interacting with strangers on the internet and establish rules and guidelines for safe online behavior. Set up parental controls and monitor their internet usage to protect them from potential online predators. Regularly discuss their online experiences and encourage them to report any suspicious or uncomfortable interactions. It is worth noting that while supervision is important, it is not always possible to be physically present at all times. In such cases, consider providing your children with a reliable means of communication, such as a cellphone, so they can reach you in case of emergencies or if they need assistance. Teach them how to make emergency calls and provide them with important contact numbers. Furthermore, educate your children about seeking help from trusted individuals in public places. Teach them to identify authority figures, such as police officers, security guards, or store personnel, who they can approach if they need assistance. Reinforce the importance of seeking help from these individuals rather than relying on strangers. Regularly review and reinforce the importance of monitoring and supervision with your children. Remind them of the rules and boundaries regarding their safety. Discuss real-life scenarios and ask them how they would handle different situations. By practicing these scenarios, you can help them develop the skills and confidence to make safe decisions when you’re not present. Stranger danger is a real concern for parents and guardians, but by taking proactive measures, we can protect our children from potential risks. Education and awareness, setting clear boundaries, and providing proper monitoring are essential steps in safeguarding children. By equipping children with knowledge, instilling a sense of caution, and maintaining a watchful eye, parents can empower their children to navigate the world safely and confidently. Remember, open communication and trust are key elements in addressing stranger danger effectively. Together, we can create a safer environment for our children. Let’s prioritize their safety and well-being by taking action today.

https://childbehavior.com.ng/what-to-tell-your-child-about-stranger-danger/

Family

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Who was Malcolm X? Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925, was a world-renowned African-American human right activist and Islamic leader who tirelessly fought for the liberation of Black Americans. His charisma and oratory skills helped him achieve national prominence in the Nation of Islam, a belief system that merged Islam with Black nationalism. He later changed his name to El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz. Malcolm X in Nigeria Malcolm X visited Nigeria on two occasions, one in 1959 and the other in 1964. His first visit to Nigeria in 1959 was to arrange a tour for Elijah Muhammad, the leader of ‘Nation of Islam’, a black Muslim organization in America. Malcolm X’s second visit to Nigeria was in 1964. During this visit, he rendered a beautiful and brilliant speech at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan. Malcolm X was given a Yoruba name ‘Omowale‘ (which literally means ‘the child has come home’) by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) at a reception held at the Students’ Union hall. At a press conference in New York, Malcolm X testified that the reception given to him by students in Nigeria was one of the highest honours he received in his life. Malcolm X was very happy and proud of the black race throughout his stay in Nigeria. In a letter he wrote after leaving Lagos for Accra, he said, “I arrived in Accra yesterday from Lagos, Nigeria. The natural beauty and wealth of Nigeria and its people are indescribable. It is full of Americans and other whites who are well aware of its untapped natural resources. The same whites, who spit in the faces of blacks in America and sic their police dogs upon us to keep us from “integrating” with them, are seen throughout Africa, bowing, grinning and smiling in an effort to “integrate” with the Africans — they want to “integrate” into Africa’s wealth and beauty. This is ironical.” He furthered “I spoke at Ibadan University in Nigeria, Friday night, and gave the true picture of our plight in America, and of the necessity of the independent African nations helping us bring our case before the United Nations. The reception of the students was tremendous. They made me an honorary member of the “Muslim Students Society of Nigeria,” and renamed me “Omowale,” which means “the child has come home” in the Yoruba language.“ Thanks for reading, OldNaija.com - Jacobs. Sean (2009). When Malcolm X went to Africa. Africa Is A Country. - Malcolm X: American Muslim leader. Britannica - Malcolm X: Early Life. History.com If you find this worth reading, kindly share on social media and drop a comment below. Thanks. Questions? Advert? Click here to email us. POINT OF CORRECTION, MALCOLM X WAS NEVER A GANG STAR AND NEVER WAS HE NOTORIOUS. HE WAS A PETTY THIEF WITH TWO OF HIS FRIENDS, LIKE MOST BLACK YOUTHS OF THE DEPRESSION PERIOD IN USA, HE DODGED CONSCRIPTION INTO THE WORLD WAR A COMPULSORY DUTY FOR PEOPLE OF HIS AGE THAT TIME BECAUSE HE DID NOT BELIEVE IN SUPPORTING THE WHITE MAN. HE DID SOME RUNS IN PEDDLING DRUGS AND GAMBLING. IN ALL HE NEVER KILLED ANYBODY NOR WAS HE WANTED FOR SERIOUS CRIME OR OFFENCES. HE AND SHORTY HIS FRIEND WERE JAILED FOR NON VIOLENT BURGLARY CASE MAINLY BECAUSE THEY WERE BLACKS, THE WHITE MEMBERS OF THE TEAM WERE ABSOLVED OF THE CRIME DUE TO COLOUR DIFFERENCE. FROM THE PRISON HE BECAME A MUSLIM AND AFTER BEING GRANTED BAIL., HE JOINED ‘NATION OF ISLAM’ OF WHICH HE ROSE TO PROMINENCE BECAUSE OF HIS ORATORY SKILL AND HARD LINE STAND AGAINST WHITE SUPREMACY LAWS AND ACTIVITIES. HE LEFT NATION OF ISLAM DUE TO WHAT HE BELIEVED WAS ANTI ISLAMIC BEHAVIOR OF MOHAMMED ELIJAH THE MOVEMENT’S LEADERS TO FOUND HIS OWN PRESSURE GROUP. HE TRAVELED TO AFRICA (INCLUDING NIGERIA), ASIA EUROPE AND MANY COUNTIES IN THE WORLD TO GARNER SUPPORT FOR EQUALITY OF ALL RACES IN USA WHICH THE WHITE SUPREMACY GROUPS LIKE KU KLUX KLAN (KKK), THE JEWS AND OTHERS BENEFITING FROM USA RACIAL SEGREGATION. THEY ALL WANTED TO ELIMINATE HIM FOR HIS RISING PERSONAE AND SEEMINGLY ABILITY TO SUCCEED IN HIS QUEST. THUS THE FBI AND CIA IN CONJUNCTION WITH SOME DISGRUNTLE MEMBERS OF NATION OF ISLAM MADE SEVERAL ASSASSINATION ATTEMPTS AGAINST HIM. HE WAS WAS FINALLY MURDERED AT AUDUBON BALLROOM WHILE DELIVERING A SPEECH TO HIS GROUP ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN AND AMERICAN UNION (OAAU) BY SOME MEMBERS OF NATION OF ISLAM SPONSORED BY FBI AND CIA. HE IS MORE INFLUENTIAL TO SPEEDY ABOLITION OF SEGREGATION AND RACISM IN USA THAN MARTIN LUTHER KING BUT OUT OF DELIBERATE MISINFORMATION AND ATTEMPT TO OBLITERATE HIS NAME AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO USA GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IS HISTORY WAS BEING DOWNPLAYED AND SYSTEMATICALLY CORRUPTED. THANK GOD TODAY, THERE IS RENAISSANCE OF PROMOTION AND CELEBRATION OF ALHADJI MALIK SHABBASH (MALCOLM-X LITTLE) IN THE USA AND WORLD OVER!. HE WAS THE MAIN INFLUENCE ON OUR OWN FELA ANIKULAPO KUTI.

https://oldnaija.com/2017/05/31/malcolm-xs-visit-to-nigeria-in-1959-and-1964/

Politics

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Fingerprints may provide important clues about life in the womb, and may even become useful as predictors of disease risk. US researchers, in Atlanta and New York, have now shown that differences in fingerprints between the thumb and little finger are associated with likelihood of developing diabetes later in life. A person’s fingerprints are set for life by around the 19th week of gestation, roughly halfway through a normal pregnancy. Most organs, including the pancreas, are also formed by that time. Henry Kahn at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and colleagues decided to look at quantitative differences in ridges between the first and last fingertips – the thumb and pinkie. The team speculated that any disturbances during their formation might also say something about the state of the pancreas, and possibly the likelihood of a person developing diabetes as they age. Diabetes results from the failure of the pancreas to produce insulin, or enough insulin, which the body needs to help it take up glucose. The researchers studied 569 Dutch people, some of whom were in the womb during the Dutch famine of 1944 and 1945, dubbed the “hunger winter”. Kahn and his team tested the volunteers’ glucose tolerance – a measure which is abnormally high in people with diabetes – and also counted the number of ridges on their thumbs and little fingers by rolling the inked digits onto paper. Fingerprint ridges are counted in a specific way – prints with a large whorl often have a higher ridge count. The researchers found that people with normal glucose tolerance had an average difference of 6.4 ridges between the two digits, whereas people with diabetes had a much higher “ridge count gradient”, at about 8.3. “The field needs a way to assess how the human fetus was doing before the end of pregnancy,” says Kahn, who reported the findings at a meeting on Developmental Origins of Health and Disease in Toronto, Canada in October. “This is a tool that could give us a glimpse at the early fetus. It’s accessible and it’s cheap.” He believes the some of the signalling factors which influence organ growth may also affect formation of the fingertips, giving an insight into conditions in the womb. The team also analysed the data according to the month of conception and found that there was a seasonal effect: normal and diabetic participants conceived in late winter had lower ridge count differences between them compared with those conceived in late summer. But the seasonal pattern was wiped out in people exposed to the famine, they found . This suggests that environmental factors must play a role. “Was it the food? Maternal stress hormones?” Kahn asks. “I think there’s probably something in this,” says John Manning, a psychologist at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston, UK, who studies finger-length ratios. “There’s a lot of information in the fingers, in terms of what happens prenatally. We don’t know what kinds of conditions control them.” He agrees with Kahn that signalling factors, such as a group of proteins known as “sonic hedgehog”, may be involved, but he also suspects a role for hormones.

https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn8396-fingerprints-may-illuminate-life-in-the-womb/?ignored=irrelevanthttps://www.news24.com/health24/lifestyle/health-tech/could-a-dead-finger-be-used-to-unlock-a-phone-20180709

Health

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The pregnant woman must supply her own body with good nourishment and at the same time eat foods that will build her baby’s bones and tissues. It is essential that pregnant women pay particular attention to their diet, under the supervision of a doctor. The fact that you are ‘eating for two’ does not mean that you must eat twice as much during pregnancy. If your pre-pregnancy weight was normal, you should expect to gain only about 10-15 kilograms, averaging some 1- 1.6 kilograms per month. Underweight women should try to gain more, about 15-20 kilograms. The overweight has to be careful not to gain so much that it adversely affects their health so about 4-9 kilograms. A diet of not more than 2,000 calories is adequate for the average woman. Barring weight, you should be more concerned with the quality of what you eat than with the number of calories consumed. Your meals should consist mainly of meats and other protein foods, vegetables, fruits, fruit juices and milk. About a quart and a half of fluids a day is sufficient, and about two quarts for everything liquid—soups, coffee, juice, water, milk. To be sure that you reach the daily nutrients quota, your doctor may recommend a vitamin supplement. Nourishment and oxygen from the mother’s blood system are passed to the growing fetus through the placenta. This disk-shaped organ is attached to the surface of the uterus and is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord. Section of the Placenta Mother’s arteries: This supplies oxygen and nutrient to the blood pool in the placenta. Mother’s veins: This removes waste products passed into blood pool by the villi. Villi: This contains blood vessels connected with the circulation of the developing baby. Umbilical Cord: This contains two arteries twisted around a single vein, connected with the baby’s circulation. Blood Pool: This surrounds the villi and is filled with the mother’s arterial blood. Nourishment passes from the blood pool through the walls of the villi. The four basic food groups which should be contained in the diet of pregnant women are as follows: Milk Group: In this food group we have whole, skim, evaporated, instant, non-fat, dry or buttermilk. In this food group, the daily requirement for adults is 2 cups. Meat Group: In this food group we have beef, veal, lamb, pork and fish In this food group, the daily requirements for adults is 2 or more servings (1 serving = 0.06kg to 0.09kg of cooked lean meat, fish or poultry). If you are vegetarian, legumes and nuts (dry beans, dry peas etc.) can act as great meat alternatives. Vegetable-Fruit Group: In this food group we have spinach, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, cabbage, turnip greens, kale, oranges, grapefruit and apricots. In this food group, the daily requirements for adults is 5 or more servings (1 serving = half cup of vegetables or fruits). Bread-Cereal Group: In this food group we have whole grain, dark and rye breads, rice, noodles, or cornmeal. The daily requirement for adults in this food group is 4 or more servings (1 serving = 1 slice of bread or 0.02kg of cereal, or 2/3 cups of cooked cereal, noodles, rice etc.) The following is a typical diet for an average-sized, pregnant woman. Note that in addition to three moderate-sized regular meals, there are three between-meal snacks—and plenty of all types of foods, except starches, fats, salt and sugar because they tend to provide empty calories and do not contribute to your baby’s nutritional needs. Though you are allowed to indulge your cravings once in a while. Fruit or fruit juice 1 slice whole wheat toast 1 cup whole grain cereal Half cup of milk 0.06kg lean meat (or cheese) Half cup of cooked vegetables Half cup salad greens Half glass of milk 0.02kg cottage cheese 1 slice whole wheat bread 1 glass of milk 0.02kg of lean meat, fish or poultry Half cup of cooked vegetable Half cup of salad greens Simple dessert such as fresh fruit, gelatin or junket Beverage: coffee, tea or milk 0.02kg of Cheddar cheese Whole wheat crackers 1 glass of milk Calories are not nutrients but simply units of measurement that determine the energy value of food. The required daily intake of calories from food depend largely on factors as age, sex, and physical activity (activity decreases in later life, and women are generally less active than men). The greater the activity, the greater the number of calories required to supply the energy expended. An elderly housewife may require 1,700 calories per day, whereas a middle-aged woman needs 1,850 calories per day; a girl student should have 2,400 calories a day but a boy student of the same age needs as many as 3,000 calories per day. A pregnant woman needs an extra 200 calories and a mother breast-feeding her baby needs 500 extra calories. Below is some vital food that pregnant women should eat regularly: It is a highly aromatic herb with flat, grayish-green tops and large white to purplish bulb covered in papery skin. When mature, garlic develops a central flower stalk that can grow to a height of three feet. Though white flowers sometimes develop, miniature seed bulbs called bulblets frequently emerge instead. Studies show that garlic is most effective when consumed raw or when briefly warmed. Cooking the herb completely destroys many of its beneficial compounds. If you can’t stand the taste of garlic, taking a supplement is the next best thing to eating it raw. Choose a supplement that has been standardized to provide between 4 and 8 milligrams of allicin a day. Eating more than four cloves of raw garlic per day can prevent blood clotting so cut back to one clove or less about 10 days before planned surgery to minimize the risk of bleeding. Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral, antibiotic and immune enhancement properties. It is useful for the treatment of cold, cough, diarrhea and heart conditions. Ginger is an herbaceous perennial with slender, pointed leaves that rise up from the roots. It can take several years for ginger to mature enough for the plant’s fragrant flowers to develop. Pregnant women should consume no more than 1 gram of dried ginger a day. If you take anticoagulants, avoid high doses of ginger. Ginger is useful for the treatment of arthritis, body aches, inflammation, morning sickness, motion sickness, nausea or vomiting, cold and flu. Mango is a juicy stone fruit (drupe) belonging to the genus Magnifera. Some of the health benefits of mango are: It is a good source of Vitamin-A and flavonoids like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and beta-cryptoxanthin Mangoes, because of its fiber and water content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity and a healthy digestive tract It is a good source of potassium The antioxidant, zeaxanthin, which is found in mangoes, filters out harmful blue light rays and is thought to play a protective role in eye health Cucumber is a creeping plant of the gourd family (cucurbitaceae) Some of the health benefits of cucumbers are: It has mild diuretic properties It increases bone mass Limits neuronal damage in the brain Some of the health benefits of tangerines are: It helps with collagen synthesis It helps with wound healing It has antiviral and anti-cancer properties It helps prevent neuro-degenerative diseases It helps with arthritis It decreases cold symptoms Carrot is an antibacterial and anti-fungal vegetable. It is loaded with beta-carotene, a precursor of Vitamin A, which is a powerful antioxidant vitamin. Beta-carotene gives carrot its specific reddish orange color. Carrots are a rich source of Vitamin A and hence promote eye health and improved vision. Beta-carotene has anti-cancer effects due to its antioxidant properties i.e. in reducing free radicals in the body. It is particularly effective in preventing prostrate, colorectal, and lung cancer. Researchers discovered that carrot juice extract killed leukemia cells and inhibit their progression Sources and References Secrets for Staying Healthy, Youthful and Beautiful at Any Age by June White, R.N The Practical Herbal Medicine Handbook by Althea Press Why You Need to Eat That Fruit by Linda James Reader’s Digest Family Health Guide and Medical Encyclopedia Be Healthy in Pregnancy: Exploring Factors that Impact Pregnant Women's Nutrition and Exercise Behaviours by Feng Xie, Caroline Moore et al Share This Article:

https://www.therichhealth.com/post/food-diet-pregnant-women

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We’re all probably familiar with the itchy red bumps that develop after we’re bitten by mosquitoes. Most of the time, they’re a minor annoyance that goes away over time. But do you ever feel like mosquitoes bite you more than other people? There may be a scientific reason for that! Keep reading to find out what attracts mosquitoes to bite, why the bites itch, and much more. A variety of factors can attract mosquitoes to you. Here are a few: We all emit carbon dioxide when we breathe out. We also produce more when we’re active, such as during exercise. Mosquitoes can detect changes in carbon dioxide in their environment. Research has shown that different mosquito species may respond differently to carbon dioxide. An increase in carbon dioxide can alert a mosquito that a potential host is nearby. The mosquito will then move toward that area. Several different compounds have been identified as being attractive to mosquitoes. Some that you may be familiar with include lactic acid and ammonia. Researchers are still investigating the causes of the variations in body odor that make certain people more attractive to mosquitoes. Causes could include genetics, certain bacteria on the skin, or a combination of both. Body odor itself is determined by genetics. If you’re related to someone who is often bitten by mosquitoes, you may be more susceptible too. A study published in 2015 found that mosquitoes were highly attracted to odors from the hands of identical twins. Skin bacteria also play a role in body odor. A 2011 study found that people with a high diversity of microbes on their skin were less attractive to mosquitoes. The researchers also identified specific species of bacteria that were present on people who were highly and poorly attractive to mosquitoes. Research has shown that mosquitoes are attracted to the color black, but little is known about why. Regardless, if you’re wearing black or other dark colors, you may be more attractive to mosquitoes. Heat and water vapor Our bodies generate heat, and the levels of water vapor close to our skin can vary depending on the surrounding temperature. As a mosquito gets closer to us, it can detect heat and water vapor. This can play a role in whether it decides to bite. One study found that mosquitoes move toward nearby heat sources that are at a desired temperature. These factors can also be important for host selection. Other animals may have differences in body temperature or water vapor throughout their bodies. These variations could be unattractive to mosquitoes that prefer to feed on humans. Mosquitoes could learn to prefer a certain type of host! They may associate certain sensory cues, such as scents, with hosts that have given them a good-quality blood meal. An older study of transmission of mosquito-borne disease found that 20 percent of hosts accounted for 80 percent of disease transmission in a population. This could mean mosquitoes are choosing to bite only a fraction of people within a population. Generally, mosquitoes will bite any skin they have access to in order to get a blood meal. However, they may prefer certain locations. One older study found that two species of mosquito preferred to bite around the head and feet. Researchers believed that the skin temperature and number of sweat glands in these areas played a role in this preference. When a mosquito bites you, it inserts the tip of its mouthparts into your skin and injects a small amount of its saliva into your bloodstream. This helps keep your blood flowing as the mosquito feeds. Your immune system reacts to the chemicals in the mosquito’s saliva, causing a reaction that can include redness, swelling, and itching. More serious reactions Some specific groups of people may experience a more serious reaction to mosquito bites, with symptoms such as low-grade fever, larger areas of redness or swelling, and hives. These groups include: - people with a weakened immune system - adults not previously exposed to the bite of a specific mosquito species Although it’s rare, a serious reaction called anaphylaxis can happen in response to mosquito bites. This is always a medical emergency and can include symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat. If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito, there are things you can do to help relieve the swelling and itch. Here are some suggestions: - Avoid scratching. Scratching can increase swelling, and it breaks your skin, putting you at risk of an infection. - Apply cold to the site. Using a cool compress like a wet towel or cold pack can help with swelling and itch. - Use lotions or creams. There are a variety of itch-relieving creams available for purchase, including hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion. - Consider over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines. If you have a stronger reaction to mosquito bites, you may want to take an OTC medicine such as Benadryl. Most mosquito bites should go away in a few days. See your doctor if a bite looks infected or if you have other symptoms associated with the bite, such as fever, aches and pains, or headache. Some tips to help prevent mosquito bites include: - Use an insect repellent. Examples of active ingredients to look for include DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. - Wear long sleeves and pants, if possible. This can limit the area available for mosquitoes to bite. - Choose light-colored clothing. Mosquitoes are attracted to black and darker colors. - Avoid peak mosquito times. Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. If possible, avoid going outside at these times. - Eliminate mosquito habitats. Get rid of any standing water in things such as gutters or buckets. Change water in wading pools or birdbaths frequently. - Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Don’t leave doors and windows open without screens in place. Make sure window and door screens are in good shape. Why do mosquitos bite? Only female mosquitoes bite. This is because they require blood to produce eggs. Once the female mosquito has had a blood meal, she can produce and deposit her eggs. A female mosquito can produce Male mosquitoes don’t feed on blood. Instead, they eat nectar and juices produced by plants. If you feel like mosquitoes bite you more often than other people, you may be onto something! Several specific factors can attract mosquitoes, including the carbon dioxide you exhale, your body odor, and your body temperature. A combination of these factors likely makes certain people more attractive to mosquitoes. Research on this topic is ongoing. Since mosquitoes can transmit disease, take steps to protect yourself if you’re going to an area where they may be present. If you’re bitten, the resulting bump should go away in a few days and can be treated with creams, lotions, and cold therapy.

https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-mosquitoes-bite-some-people-more

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Under natural conditions, limonite creates a distinctive red "iron cap" in the oxidation zones of sulfide deposits. This iron cap often serves as a geological indicator, akin to a sign saying, "There might be ore deposits nearby!" What is limonite? Strictly speaking, limonite is not a standalone mineral but rather a combination of several minerals, including goethite, akaganeite, fibrous ferrihydrite, silica, and clay. Mineral properties of limonite Limonite chemical formula | FeO(OH)·nH2O | Limonite iron content | 37%-55% | Limonite shape | Stalactitic, botryoidal, massive, or porous | Limonite specific gravity | 2.9–4.3 | Limonite hardness | 4–5.5 | Limonite color | Yellow-brown to brown-black | Limonite crystal system | Orthorhombic | Limonite streak | Yellowish brown | Limonite luster | Earthy | Limonite transparency | Opaque | Limonite is divided into skarn limonite and high silicon limonite. Skarn limonite is mainly composed of limonite, hematite and quartz, and high-silicon limonite is mainly composed of limonite, hematite, goethite and quartz. In its brown form, it is sometimes called brown hematite or brown iron ore. Where is limonite found? Limonite is a common iron ore, but its distribution is not as widespread as some other iron-containing minerals. It often coexists with other iron ores, such as hematite and magnetite. It is worth noting that limonite typically forms in marshes and swampy areas, often referred to as bog iron ore. United States: Limonite deposits can be found in various parts of the United States, including the Appalachian Mountains and the Midwest. Brazil: Brazil has significant limonite deposits, particularly in the Iron Quadrangle region. India: Prakasam District in the Coastal Andhra Region of Andhra Pradesh. Australia: Limonite often associated with other iron ore minerals in regions such as the Pilbara in Western Australia. China: Limonite deposits are found in various provinces in China, and they are often associated with other iron ore deposits. Russia: Limonite occurrences are in different parts of Russia, including the Ural Mountains. South Africa: Limonite can be found in some iron ore deposits in South Africa. How to process limonite? Limonite ore features low iron grade and possesses a complex nature. A single sorting method cannot achieve satisfactory process indicators. Therefore, a combined beneficiation approach is often adopted to enhance the recovery rate of limonite ore. Among these methods, magnetization roasting-magnetic separation has been proven effective in dealing with low-grade, complex, and difficult-to-process limonite ores. Conducting mineral tests before ore beneficiation is a necessary step to achieve the best beneficiation results. Here is the processing step for the ore with a primary mineral composition of limonite, featuring an iron grade of 48.01%, with magnetite as the secondary mineral. Gangue minerals include quartz and illite. Step 1: Crushing The raw limonite ore enters the jaw crusher through a vibrating feeder, subjected to the impact and compression of the high-speed rotating jaw crusher head, achieving a preliminary crushing. Subsequently, the roll crusher further refines the ore through the rotation of its rollers, reducing the particle size to approximately 2 mm. Post-crushing, the vibratory screen efficiently separates the crushed ore, isolating particles that have reached the desired granularity. Oversized particles are sent back to the crusher for further refinement. Step 2: Magnetization Roasting After multiple experimental studies by FTM engineers, the following roasting time and temperature have been determined to achieve the best reduction effect. Limonite ore is mixed with a reducing agent (5% coal powder) and subjected to reduction roasting in a rotary kiln (roasted at 850℃ for 15 minutes). Limonite ore loses free water and crystalline water when heated, and is reduced to magnetite, with an iron grade of 54.15% after roasting. The advantages of magnetization roasting: - Removes the crystalline water from limonite ore, improving the iron grade. - Reduces limonite ore to magnetite, which is beneficial for subsequent magnetic separation. Step 3: Grinding The roasted limonite is sent into a ball mill for grinding. The ball mill is filled with a certain number and size of grinding balls, which grind the ore through the friction and impact caused by the rotating body of the mill. Through testing, it has been determined that when the fineness of the ground limonite reaches a proportion of about 85% at 0.074 mm, it ensures an ideal recovery rate for the iron concentrate. Step 4: Magnetic Separation The ground limonite powder is sent into a magnetic separator for sorting. Due to the roasting process enhancing the magnetism of the ore, magnetic minerals are attracted by the magnetic force and effectively separated. For limonite with an iron grade of 48.01%, through the roasting-grinding-magnetic separation process, iron concentrate with an iron grade of 62.94% and a recovery rate of 87.99% can be obtained. FTM Machinery limonite ore solutions Depending on the nature of the ore, the beneficiation of limonite can use gravity separation, flotation, or a combination of gravity-magnetic separation processes. Here is a case study from a limonite factory in KazakhstanTalk to a beneficiation expert The main metallic mineral is limonite, and the main gangue minerals are calcite, quartz, and clay minerals. The ore grade is 49.27%. The iron grade of the ore is high, and it is mostly fine-grained ore with good selectivity, so gravity separation is used for beneficiation. - After the raw ore is crushed, a trommel screen is used to deslime the raw ore. - A ball mill grinds the ore to 0.074 mm. - Finally, a shaking table is used to complete the selection of the concentrate. In the end, an iron concentrate with a grade of 60.1% and a recovery rate of 57.32% is obtained. - Advantages: Low cost, small investment, simple process, no need for chemical reagents. - Disadvantages: Lower recovery rate, smaller processing capacity. - Applicable: Small iron ore plants with less processing capacity for limonite ore. What is limonite used for? Metallurgical Auxiliary Material: After undergoing the sintering process, limonite becomes an ideal raw material for steelmaking in steel plants. The sophisticated sintering process tightly binds limonite particles, forming sintered blocks that provide efficient raw materials for blast furnace smelting, simultaneously enhancing production efficiency and reducing production costs. Steel Manufacturing: Iron extracted from limonite is an indispensable raw material for steel manufacturing. Widely used in construction, transportation, and mechanical industries, limonite supplies high-quality iron products to these sectors. Chemical Raw Material: The iron elements in limonite can be refined into iron powder or magnetic materials, widely used in pigments, magnetic materials, and catalysts, providing abundant raw materials for the chemical industry. Abrasive Manufacturing: Limonite, with outstanding hardness and durability, serves as an abrasive material. After grinding, it becomes an ideal material for manufacturing sandpaper, grinding wheels, and abrasive tools, extensively used in industries such as metal processing, tile manufacturing, and glass production. Refractory Material Manufacturing: Limonite exhibits excellent refractory properties at high temperatures, enabling the production of refractory bricks, coatings, and refractory clays. These refractory materials find wide applications in metallurgical construction and the chemical industry, providing reliable support for furnaces, high-temperature equipment, and thermal experiments. Soil Amendment: Limonite, rich in iron and trace elements, acts as a premium soil amendment, improving soil structure and fertility. Additionally, it may reduce soil acidity, elevate soil pH levels, creating a favorable environment for plant growth. 1. How to distinguish limonite, hematite, and magnetite? Limonite, hematite, and magnetite are three distinct iron ores, and they can be differentiated based on various characteristics: - Iron Content: Limonite typically has an iron content ranging from 37% to 55%, while hematite can approach 70%, and magnetite can exceed 70%. - Color: Limonite typically exhibits shades of brown to yellow-brown, hematite appears red, and magnetite is black or iron-black. - Magnetic Properties: Limonite usually has weak magnetism, hematite is generally non-magnetic, while magnetite displays strong magnetism. - Hardness: Limonite has a hardness ranging from 4 to 5.5, hematite from 5.5 to 6, and magnetite can have a hardness of 5.5 to 6.5. - Crystal Structure: Limonite often appears in blocky or porous formations, whereas hematite and magnetite tend to have more regular crystal structures. - Chemical Composition: Limonite primarily consists of hydrous iron hydroxide, hematite is mainly ferric oxide, and magnetite is ferrous-ferric oxide. 2. Does limonite contain gold? Limonite itself does not contain a significant amount of gold. Gold is often found in quartz veins or associated with sulfide minerals like pyrite. Therefore, if gold is present in limonite-bearing deposits, it is likely associated with other minerals within the geological context rather than being an intrinsic part of the limonite itself.

https://www.ftmmachinery.com/blog/process-and-uses-of-limonite.html#toc-heading-4Detailed

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These are the origins of the names of the 36 States of Nigeria. Abia is an acronym from the four main groups of people in the state as at the time it was formed in 1991: Aba Bende Isuikwuato Afikpo. Adamawa was named after a warrior, Modibbo Adama Bin Ardo Hassan, that conquered the region in the beginning of the 19th century. Akwa Ibom is named after the Qua Iboe (or Kwa Iboe) River. The state got its name from the corrupted version of Oma Mbala (Ànyịm Ọma Mbala), a popular river in the area. ‘Bauchi’ is Hausa word meaning the southern flanks of Hausaland. Tribes living in the southern parts of the Hausaland were referred to as “kasashen bauchi” and the area they lived in later came to be known simply as Bauchi. Bayelsa is a combination of the acronyms of three local government areas which were pulled out of old Rivers state — Brass LGA known as BALGA, Yenegoa LGA known as YELGA and Sagbama LGA known as SALGA. in the formation of their names is BA + YEL + SA The state was named after the “europeanised” corruption of ‘Binuwe’, the Batta word for ‘Mother of Waters’. The alternative name of the Kanuris, the predominant ethnic group in the state, is ‘Borno’ which gave inspiration for the naming of the state. The state took its name from a River called Oyono or Cross River. The state is where the River Niger forms a delta as it enters the Atlantic Ocean. Ebonyi is the anglicised version of ‘Aboine’, a river that cuts through Abakaliki, the state capital. The Bini people who dwell in the area had always referred to themselves as Edo or Iduu. This inspired the name of the state. ‘Okiti’ is a term that is said to denote a settlement of many hills. It later became ‘Ekiti’. Due to the many hills and rocky terrain in the area, the people named it in igbo, “Enu Ugwu” meaning “top of the hill”. The state is named after the anglicised version, Enugu. Gombe is the dialect of Fulani language (Fulfulde) spoken in the area. Just like many of the Nigerian states, Imo took its name from the popular river, Imo Mmiri. Jigawa takes inspiration from its distinctively golden-coloured soil. ‘Kadunas’ is the plural form of crocodile in Hausa. The state therefore got its name from the many crocodiles in Kaduna River Kano was the name of a blacksmith from the Gaya tribe who settled in the area while sourcing for ironstone. The state was named after him. The state was named after the wife of a popular local ruler known as Janzama. Her name was Katsina. It is said that Kebbi was named after the Ka’abba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Since the popular confluence in Nigeria is located in the state, Kogi is said to have been derived from ‘kogin’, the hausa word for river. River Niger used to be called River Kwara by the Nupes at the Northern border of the state. The state was named after this. In 1472, the first set of Europeans to set foot in Lagos were the Portuguese. Due to the many lagoons and rivers in the town, they named it Lagos, which is the Portuguese word for ‘lakes’. Nasarawa is a native word for ‘victorious’. The state was named by the founder of Nasarawa kingdom, Makama Dogo. This was named after the River Niger This state was also named after a river — Ogun River. Ondo is a word used for settlers. The state was named after the settlers of the old Ondo Kingdom This state was also named after a river — the River Osun. The state was named after the Old Oyo empire. The state was named after the picturesque Jos plateau. Jos got its name from the mispronunciation of the town ‘Gwosh’. Rivers State was named after the many water bodies present in the area. Sokoto is the anglicized version of the Arabic word ‘suk’ meaning ‘market’ or ‘place of commerce’. The state itself was named after the defunct Sokoto Caliphate. Taraba state got its name from the Taraba River. Komadugu Yobe (Waube or Ouobe) or River Yobe (or River of Yo) inspired the name of the state. This state was named after Zamfarawa, one of the subdialects of the Eastern Hausa group. “Abuja” was in the earlier 20th century the name of the nearby town now called Suleja. Source: Nigerian story

https://www.reportngr.com/2020/04/27/36-states-of-nigeria-and-their-origins/

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Sovereignty means the supreme power and authority of the state over the citizens. It is the power of the state (exercised by a body of persons known as sovereign) to make laws and enforce them with all the means of coercion it cares to employ, without any interference by other states. The idea of sovereignty originated from Jean Bodin (1530 – 1590), a French political thinker and philosopher. Principal Characteristics of Sovereignty The following are the characteristics of sovereignty: - Indivisibility: Sovereignty is supreme, final and with coercive power of the state over the people living within the state. Sovereignty cannot be divided, though government can delegate powers to certain agencies. - Absoluteness: The powers of a sovereign state cannot be restricted. There is no limitation to its legal powers within its area and it receives orders from none. - Permanence: As long as the state exists, sovereignty continues without interruption, it is a permanent attribute of the state which does not change. - Independence of foreign control: A sovereign state is independent of foreign control. - Comprehensiveness: The powers exercised by the government are wide and encompassing. These powers are binding on all. Types of Sovereignty The following are the different types of sovereignty: - Legal sovereignty: The body that makes laws and enforces same in the state is the legal sovereign. For example, Parliament is the legal sovereign in Britain. The parliament also has the amending power of the constitution. - Political or popular sovereignty: It refers to that body which is supreme in a state, the will which is ultimately obeyed by the citizens of the state. The electorate constitutes the political sovereign. The will of the electorate ultimately prevails because legal sovereignty, in the making of law, is bound to act according to their will. - Defacto sovereignty: It refers to the body or group of people who use force to make citizens obey their will, after overthrowing the legitimate sovereign of the state through invasion or revolution. e.g. the military in government. - De jure sovereignty: This type of sovereign rule is based on law and its application as opposed to physical exercise or use of force. - Internal sovereignty: This refers to supreme power the state has to make and enforce laws within its area of authority. - External sovereignty: The power of the state to exist, conduct its domestic affairs without external interference. The state also has the power to decide on how to relate with other nations of the world on equal basis. Location of Sovereignty in a State Sovereignty could be located in any of the following institutions or groups in a state. - Location in a federal state: The constitution of a federal state is supreme and it recognises different authorities and with different powers and functions to exercise. For example, the central government and other surbordinate units, like state and local governments. Therefore, sovereignty in a federal state is shared since powers are constitutionally shared too. - Location in a unitary state: Since most of the constitutions of a unitary state recognise only the central level of authority and give it all the powers, sovereignty therefore resides with the central government. For example in Britain, the central government has supreme authority over other institutions created by it. - The electorate: The electorate have the ultimate power, through the election, to decide who will be their representatives in government. Therefore, political sovereignty resides with the electorate. - In a monarch: Britain is a good example where the location of sovereignty can be traced to the Queen in Parliament. - Location in a military regime: Military regimes are highly centralised. Nigeria is a good example where sovereignty resides in the central decision-making body of every military regime. For example, the Provisional Ruling Council which exercised both executive and legislative functions. Limitations to the Sovereignty of a State The following are some of the internal and external limitations to the sovereignty of a state. a) INTERNAL LIMITATIONS - The Constitution: Constitution of most states are supreme. It defines the powers exercised by the various levels of government. It therefore limits the powers of the government. - The Electorate: They possess ultimate power in a state. Therefore, any government should be responsible to the people whose collective affairs it directs and controls. - Public Opinion: In democracies, governments are open and accommodating. They take into consideration, the opinion of the people when formulating policies. This is limitation to the exercise of their powers. - The Military: The military through forceful removal of democratic government is a limitation to the sovereignty of the state. The tradition mostly exhibited by the military is by suspending the constitution of the state after taking over of power. - Customs and Traditions: Customs and tradition of the people are mostly considered by the state before or when making policies and laws. - Religion and Culture: Religion and Culture play a very important role in the political affairs of a nation. When making of policies and laws in the state, religion and culture of the people are mostly considered by the government. - Delegated legislation: In most modern democracies, delegated legislation is recognized. Power are therefore, delegated to other bodies to exercise, thereby working against the sovereignty of the Parliament. This is a limitation to the sovereignty of the state. - Resources: Absence or lack of human and material resources can put on hold the exercise of the state authority. - Activities of Pressure Groups: Some categories of individuals and pressure groups in a state need to be contacted before laws are made and executed. The failure to observe this can make such pressure groups to influence the public to act otherwise. - Type of Government in Power: The exercise of sovereignty is best achieved in a unitary state than the federal or confederal systems of government. - International Organizations: States which belong to international organizations e.g. the U.N.O. and regional or subregional groupings e.g. A.U. and ECOWAS respectively must be ready to abide by any collective decisions taken by the organizations. - International laws and Conventions: This is concerned with relationship among nations of the world. States that disobey international laws and conventions may face some sanctions. These sanctions are usually imposed by the Security Council, an organ of the United Nation Organizations. - Inter-dependence of State: Most less developed countries of the world depend on the developed ones for aids of different dimensions. The donor country can influence both the domestic and external policies of the recipient country. This constitutes a limitation. - Dominance of powerful States: The big powers e.g. U.S.A; Russia, China, Britain and France, determine the course of events globally. This can negatively affect the sovereignty of most states. - Military Agreement or pacts: Two or more countries can agree to co-operate militarily. For example, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) WARSAW PACT and ECOMOG, Cameroon and France also have military agreement. - External Aids: External sovereignty of states that are less developed or poor has been undermined by the economic, technical and military assistance of donor states. - International Financial Institutions: The World Bank and I.M.F. for instance, have succeeded in dictating to many countries on how to run their economies especially when such countries are asking for loan. In fact, many countries today are puppets of I.M.F. - Diplomatic Immunity: Diplomats representing their countries in other countries of the world, have diplomatic immunity. Some of their actions can undermine the sovereignty of their host states. - External Trade: This could be in form of exportation and importation of goods. Treaties governing this trade must be respected by each country. - Geographical Location: For example, land locked countries, nearness to other states, can limit the sovereignty of a state.

https://www.austintommy.com.ng/2022/03/11/sovereignty/

Education

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Mars satellite hints at liquid water Nasa scientists believe that dark stripes on Mars are caused by trickling water. Data from one of the US space agency's satellites shows the features, which appear on slopes, to be associated with salt deposits. Such salts could alter the freezing and vaporisation points of water, keeping it in a fluid state long enough to move. Video journalist: Andrew Webb

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-34385359These

Education

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On May 30, many people in southeastern Nigeria will remember those who lost their lives in one of Africa’s most brutal wars. More than 1 million people died during Nigeria’s 1967 to 1970 civil war known as the Biafra War The conflict erupted after leaders from southeastern Nigeria declared that the region would secede from Nigeria. Memories of the war remain strong for those who lived through it. “Have you been walking with somebody and the bomb killed him and all you have to do is look at the corpse and continue walking? Even if it’s your sister, you just continue walking because you’re running for dear life? Or have you been hidden in the roof of a building because you are afraid, because your mother is afraid the soldiers will come and rape you?” says Enuma Okoro, who was 21 when the war broke out. “In my compound we saw several skeletons of dead people. My father’s compound was flattened. It was a war front,” says Obum Okeke, who was 7 years old when the war started. Images sifted opinion The war gained widespread global attention once pictures of starving Biafran children were published in the international media. The Nigerian government had formed a blockade, making it difficult for aid groups to reach Biafra. Many children starved and developed a severe condition that became known as kwashiorkor. “First of all, the first thing you notice is the stomach bloated," says Christopher Ejiofor, a traditional king in his community in the southeastern state of Enugu and the aide to Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, a military officer and leader of the short-lived Republic of Biafra. "The arms to the bones, the legs to the bones, the thigh to the bones, the head, skull. Can you imagine that? That is a starving a child. And that is what happened everywhere in Biafra,” he says. The war ended with the surrender of Biafra in January 1970. Biafrans returned to Nigeria and the country once known as Biafra, ceased to exist. But in recent years, the pro-Biafra movement has resurged. Supporters say the grievances that led to the war have still not been addressed. Poll: growing support A survey released this week from a Nigerian research group revealed that the pro-Biafra movement is gaining support, particularly among young people who did not experience the war. The rise could also be a reaction for a region that has received little infrastructural development from the federal government. “I am supporting it [Biafra] because that is who I am,” says senior university student Sofuru Afah. “Nigeria is an artificial creation by the British. I am not a Nigerian and I have never been and I never will. Buhari hates our people.” Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari fought against Biafra during the civil war as a young soldier. He says he will not tolerate the Biafra movement. Under Buhari’s administration, Nnamdi Kanu, leader of one of the more popular pro-Biafra groups, called IPOB, was detained in 2015 on charges of treason, criminal conspiracy and belonging to an illegal society. Kanu was released on bail last month after spending nearly two years in prison in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. IPOB’s deputy, Uche Mefor, told VOA the Nigerian government cannot ignore the voice of Biafrans. He says May 30 will be a day for the world to recognize because pro-Biafrans will unite in peaceful resistance. Some pro-Biafrans will stay in their homes while others plan to join street rallies. “The compliance on that day will indeed convince the world that the people of Biafra are actually ready for their self-governance. We have our right to self-existence and it doesn’t matter what anybody things about it,” he told VOA. The Nigerian government is determined to preserve Nigeria. Speaking at a Biafra remembrance forum in Abuja this week, acting president Yemi Osinbajo said Nigeria should remain one and all Nigerians should strive to achieve an ideal Nigeria. “We are not there yet, but I believe we have a strong chance to advance in that direction. But that will not happen if we allow our frustrations and grievances to transmute into hatred,” Osinbanjo said during the address. But, the message of one Nigeria is too late for many people like Lawrence Akpu, a former Biafran fighter. During the war, shrapnel cut into his spinal cord. Today, he’s confined to a wheelchair. Even though he’s poor and begs for handouts, he says he doesn’t regret fighting for Biafra and will fight again. “If we join our hands together to seek Biafra, we shall get Biafra. Because we have no place in Nigeria,” Akpu says. Akpu joins a group of other disabled Biafra War veterans on a hot afternoon. They reminisce about the war and soon, they begin to sing the war songs that kept their spirits inspired to keep fighting.

http://www.voanews.com/a/biafran-secessionist-movement-grows-nigeria/3873873.html?hl=1&noRedirect=1

Politics

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Moon: Concept city design with artificial gravity The cone-shaped, 1,300-feet-tall Moon base concept — dubbed “The Glass” — rotates once every 20 seconds, allowing it to use centrifugal force to simulate Earth normal gravity. It would also contain its very own ecosystem complex with trees, plants and even bodies of water. Individual Glass cities would be connected by a transportation system called “Hexatrack” that could even leave the Moon and provide artificial gravity in space. The team have said they hope to construct a prototype of The Glass on the lunar surface by the year 2050 at the latest. Project leader Professor Yosuke Yamashiki of Kyoto University and his colleagues formerly worked with the Tokyo-based Kajima Corporation to build Japan’s first ultra-high rise building back in the sixties. Professor Yamashiki “The day when humans will live in outer space, on the Moon, and on Mars is just around the corner. “NASA has positioned low gravity as a key issue for human life in space.” Living in low gravity environments has various negative effects on the human body, including causing muscle mass to decrease, bone density to deteriorate and bodily fluids to shift headwards. The latter is understood to make it very difficult to become sexually aroused — a serious impediment to the reproduction that will be essential if humanity to establish long-term colonies on Moon, Mars, or long-term missions into deep space. However, the problems may not end there. Prof. Yamashiki explained: “Research on low gravity has been limited to maintaining adult bodies and its effects on the birth and growth of children have not yet been studied. “Without gravity, mammals may not be able to give birth successfully. Even if they were able to give birth, mammals would not be able to develop normally in low gravity. “If a person grows up in low gravity, they would not be able to stand on the Earth. “Therefore, we propose an ‘artificial gravity habitat’ that can generate gravity equivalent to Earth’s environment by utilising centrifugal force caused by rotation in space, on the Moon or Mars, as the core technology for human space exploration. Prof. Yamashiki continued: “We believe people should live in the facility on a daily basis and enjoy the low gravity of the Moon and Mars and the weightlessness of space only when they are working, conducting research or enjoying leisure. “By living in the facility, human beings will be able to have children without anxiety and maintain a physical condition that allows them to return to Earth at any time.” The world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs — including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson — are all exploring the potential space tourism, with an eye to establishing permanent bases on the Moon. Prof. Yamashiki added: “We envision a future in which human migration to the Moon and Mars becomes a Reality in the latter half of the 21st century.” Japan evacuation as volcano erupts – highest alert level issue [REPORT] Gold Viking ring found in 'cheap jewelry' [ANALYSIS] Elon Musk warned ‘Next SpaceX’ could come from UK [INSIGHT] Individual Glass cities — whether on the Moon or Mars — would be connected by the hexatrack train system. Railgun technology, the team said, would be used to fire the train into orbit, where a base station would pack the six cars of each train into a hexagonal support structure that maintains artificial gravity by rotating, just like the cities. In this way, people could travel between base stations orbiting the Earth, Moon and Mars without experiencing the deleterious effects of low gravity. Prof Yamashiki said: “In a future space society where life on the Moon and Mars will become a reality, each colony will conduct economic activities, and many people will travel for business and tourism. “The Hexatrack system is an artificial gravity transportation system based on a rotating train system to minimise the health effects of low gravity during long-term travel.”

https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/1645509/space-babies-born-moon-2050-rotating-cities-the-glass-artificial-gravity-hexatrain

Travel

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Dr Modupe Ajibawo is a locum consultant family physician at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos. She tells ALEXANDER OKERE about hepatitis, its management and treatment What is hepatitis? Hepatitis means inflammation or swelling of the liver. This impairs the functions of the liver and, in turn, affects the well-being of the affected individual. The liver is a very important organ occupying the right upper part of the abdomen. It produces important proteins that maintain pressure in the blood and help transport fats, hormones and drugs around the body. It also produces factors responsible for blood clotting. It filters the blood and helps in the breakdown of drugs, toxins, bacteria and other wastes and their removal from the body. The liver produces bile that helps digestion. What are the general causes of hepatitis? Many things can cause injury to the liver, leading to inflammation. Hepatitis viruses are the most common causes of hepatitis in the world. Other viral causes of hepatitis include Epstein-Barr virus and yellow fever virus. Hepatitis can also be caused by non-viral infections like toxoplasma, certain drugs, alcohol, poisons like aflatoxins and other medical conditions. Aflatoxins are a group of poisons produced by certain fungi found on agricultural produce, like groundnuts and grain that have been stored improperly. What are the different types of hepatitis and their major causes? Hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses are the five main types of hepatitis viruses. They cause a major burden of illness and death, with the potential for outbreaks around the world. Hepatitis B and C are of particular interest because they lead to chronic infection and, together, are a major cause of complications such as liver cirrhosis, cancer and viral hepatitis-related deaths. The World Health Organisation estimates that 325 million people globally live with Hepatitis B and or C. Hepatitis A and E viruses are transmitted by consumption of contaminated food or water. Overcrowding and poor sanitation facilitate their spread and they often occur in epidemics. Hepatitis A and E viruses are completely cleared from the body following an illness and do not progress to chronic disease. Hepatitis A is the most common type of viral hepatitis, affecting mainly children and young adults. How are they transmitted? Hepatitis A is contracted by ingesting faecal matter from food, drinks and objects that have been contaminated by stool from an infected individual. Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent Hepatitis A virus but not yet widely available for Hepatitis E virus. Hepatitis B virus is transmitted through exposure to infected blood, semen and other body fluids. This can be through transfusions of Hepatitis B virus-infected blood and blood products; or contaminated needles during medical procedures, tattooing or use by intravenous drug addicts. Vertical transmission from infected mothers to their infants during or following delivery is a major form of transmission. Transmission also occurs between family members, especially during childhood. Healthcare workers stand a high risk of infection with Hepatitis B virus from accidental needle stick injuries during the care of Hepatitis B virus-infected patients. Hepatitis D virus infection can only occur along with Hepatitis B virus-infection. It is found mostly in intravenous drug abusers but can be transmitted in much the same way as hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B virus vaccines give protection from hepatitis D virus infection. Hepatitis C virus infection is transmitted through exposure to infected blood, mainly and less so through sexual intercourse. It is more common among people that require frequent blood transmission and intravenous drug abusers. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C virus. Which among the types are the most common in Nigeria? Hepatitis B virus infection is the most common in Nigeria, with a prevalence of 8.1 per cent, with Hepatitis C virus at 1.1 per cent. In the USA, Hepatitis C virus is the most common cause of chronic viral hepatitis infection, with a prevalence of 0.93 per cent, with Hepatitis B virus infection at 0.4 per cent. The high prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infections in Nigeria can be attributed to some mode of transmission particularly relevant in our context — mother-to-child transmission; healthcare-related transmission due to poor infection prevention and control; and traditional, or cultural practices, which include scarification, female genital mutilation, male circumcision and uvulectomy- amputation of the uvula by traditional healers for minor throat infections. Are there certain categories of people more prone to the inflammatory condition? Travellers who do not have access to properly cooked foods and people living in overcrowded and poor sanitary conditions such as prisons are prone to the faeco-orally transmitted viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A virus infection is common in children. Healthcare workers, patients who regularly require blood transfusion or dialysis and people who practise unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners are more at risk of Hepatitis B and C infections. These people would also benefit from vaccination to prevent infection. Can Hepatitis B and C be transmitted through saliva? Hepatitis B virus can be found in saliva but transmission has not been absolutely documented after exposure to infected saliva. Hepatitis B or C viruses are not thought to be spread through kissing or sharing of utensils. However, since Hepatitis B virus is present in saliva, the risk of spread through deep kissing cannot be eliminated, especially if one partner has open cuts or sores in the mouth, wears dental braces or there is a bite. Babies may not get Hepatitis B or C infection through mouth-to-mouth contact with their caregivers, based on the above reasons. However, mouth-to-mouth kissing of infants should be discouraged because there is risk of transmission of cold viruses and other bacteria, which may cause severe infection in these babies whose immunities are not yet mature. What are the signs that show a person has any of the types of hepatitis? Many people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected. In acute infections, symptoms may develop within a week to six months and may include feeling unwell with nausea, poor appetite, fever and fatigue. The illness is usually mild and many will recover after these. Some may develop yellowness of the eyes (called jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, joint or abdominal pains. Persons with chronic viral hepatitis can be without symptoms for decades until the complications set in, at which time the natural pathway is deterioration of liver function. This is the reason why we screen for chronic Hepatitis and institute preventive measures. As many as two-thirds of people infected with hepatitis B virus and half of those with Hepatitis C virus infection in Nigeria are unaware of the infection. What are the different complications that may result from hepatitis? Majority of patients recover completely from acute hepatitis. Very few may develop fulminant liver failure. Other complications that may occur in patients with Hepatitis B, D and C virus infection are chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, chronic liver disease and, in some, liver cancer. Can hepatitis be cured? Acute infections with the hepatitis viruses do not have a specific cure and treatment is mainly supportive for symptoms. Hepatitis A and E do not require a cure as they are mostly self-limiting. Chronic Hepatitis B and D are not curable. Some medications are available to treat chronic Hepatitis C over a period of eight to 12 weeks and cure is achieved in about 90 per cent of people. In what ways can treatment be done? Treatment of acute hepatitis is mainly supportive and may involve fluid replacement either orally or as an infusion, control of fever and pain, and nutrition. This does not usually require hospital admission. The management of chronic hepatitis such as Hepatitis B, C and D requires regular monitoring of signs of liver disease progression. This involves regular assessment of liver enzymes, viral markers, viral load (how much of the virus is in the blood) and scan. If the disease is found to be progressive, some patients with chronic Hepatitis B will be treated with antiviral drugs. What can people with hepatitis do to avoid worsening their condition? People with hepatitis should avoid self-prescription, including the frequently used paracetamol, as a lot of medication is metabolised in the liver. People with hepatitis may have reduced capacity to process some medication, further afflicting the liver. They are to also avoid alcohol use and aflatoxin-infested groundnuts as these may accelerate liver damage. What healthy habits can one adopt to prevent hepatitis? Hepatitis B infection and its complications, including liver cancer, is vaccine preventable. Since 2004, all infants born in Nigeria are required to get scheduled doses of the vaccination from birth and through the first year of life. This will eliminate the high transmission among children in families that used to be common. High-risk individuals that are exposed, such as spouses of persons infected with Hepatitis B virus; healthcare professionals, such as medical and nursing students, doctors, nurses, lab scientists, hospital attendants, etc., should also be given a three-course vaccine over two months or six months to prevent occupational risk of Hepatitis B infection. Pregnant women should register for antenatal care at accredited healthcare facilities, where they can be screened for Hepatitis B and C. If she is found to be infected, passive immunisation is given to prevent transmission to the unborn child. Hepatitis A virus is also vaccine preventable and the vaccine may be given to infants and teenagers, in whom it is more common, and travellers. When eating out, make sure the food is piping hot and avoid salads except you are sure of its source. Avoid sharing sharp instruments. Ladies should also not use sewing needles that have been previously used to fix hair extensions on one another. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected]

https://punchng.com/hepatitis-b-may-be-contracted-through-deep-kissing-expert/

Health

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The women and children in Idoka are responsible for fetching water for their families as they do not have access to water on premises. On average, they have to travel for about 3 kilometers (to and fro), which is approximately 20 minutes to fetch 25 litres of water at a time. Washing your hands regularly is one of the first things that public health officials in Nigeria and the World Health Organization have recommended to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Globally, access to water is a recurring challenge to millions of people where an estimated 40 percent of the global population is faced with water scarcity. In Nigeria, about 63 million people or 33 percent of the population do not have access to improved sources of drinking water and only about 42% of households in rural areas have access to safe water. This presents a major challenge to the citizens and public health officials particularly at this time with the COVID19 pandemic. Women and girls bear the burden of collecting water for domestic and household use. Indeed, in Nigeria, there is a total of 68.2 percent of households without drinking water on premises and 80 percent of the households without access to water across the globe depend on the back-breaking chore that women and girls have to do every single day. In Nigeria, adult women constitute 40% and female children under age 15 constitute 11% of those responsible to provide water for their families. This lack of access to water and sanitation in Nigeria remains a major contributing factor to high morbidity and mortality rates among children under five. The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF has confirmed that the use of contaminated drinking water and poor sanitary conditions result in increased vulnerability to water-borne diseases, including diarrhea which leads to deaths of more than 70,000 children under five annually. Nigeria and Demographic Health Survey in 2018 revealed that 41.6percent of the rural households access water from unimproved sources like unprotected dug well, unprotected spring, surface water and sachet water. It also revealed that 65.8 % rural households use 30 minutes or less to access water outside premises for a round trip. With the added threat of the COVID19 virus, women and girls have to bear the additional burden of making numerous trips just for the household to have adequate supplies of water for hand washing. Delay in accessing safe water, apart from the health implications also threaten the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and contributes to low levels of school enrollment, especially among girls who have to fetch water for their families. Women with disabilities in rural communities are also more challenged with double barriers to accessing water, for instance, a physically challenged woman who uses a walking aide or a blind person who uses guide cane and a deaf woman who cannot communicate with others without the use of sign language interpreter are unable to get water easily like women without disabilities. Idoka Community Facing the Challenges of Water While numerous rural communities across the country are being faced with water challenges, residents of Idoka community of Obokun Local Government area of Osun State also have their fair share in accessing drinking water. Idoka has a population of about 3,200 with women and children constituting the huge proportion of about 2,400. The community has three main access entrances; one through Ilowa (on the East) another through Iregun (from the North) and the last through Ibala (from the West). Those living around the entrance from Ilowa constitute the larger part of the community and it is called, ‘Oke-Ode’. The Palace is located around the Eastern part of the community and a bit close to the Northern entrance which makes it quite far from those in Oke-Ode but the palace is not too far from the other entry from Ibala. The women and children in Idoka are responsible for fetching water for their families as they do not have access to water on premises. On average, they have to travel for about 3 kilometers (to and fro) which is approximately 20 minutes to fetch 25 litres of water at a time. For any individual who wants to fill her 100-litre drum or water reservoir at home, she is required to do at least five trips daily which is equivalent to two hours daily. Owing to the COVID-19 Pandemic, women would need to embark on more trips, at least 7, to make water available for all members of the family to observe regular handwashing. This combined with other household chores and business may also cause some economic loss on a daily basis. In addition to the long distance they have to cover, they also have to climb hills before they could fetch drinking water from the only source within the community. Popularly called ‘Omi Oko’, the only source of drinking water in Idoka community also serves three other neighbouring communities; Iregun, Idominasi and Ilowa, especially during dry season. While scooping the water, women and children have to be extremely careful to ensure they do not scoop up the soil and other sediments which mix with the water. And when it does, they have no choice than to collect the water as it is and allow the sediment to settle before it can be ready for drinking. Some of the women who due to old age and ill-health cannot climb the hill have to allow the younger women and children fetch drinking water for them or engage the services of those who would fetch the water but at a fee. Majority of the women and girls prefer to collect their water from ‘Omi Oko’ instead of any other water source within the community, as they believe it has some ancestral relevance to the community and it has been in existence for a very long time. It is also the only water source that does not have a ‘taste’ in the community. The residents believed that other water sources within the community, some of which are no longer functional, have sour taste and could not ascertain the cause of the contamination due to lack of technical capacity to understand and address the water challenges. Despite the satisfaction they derive in drinking from ‘Omi Oko’, the time spent on collecting the water has an impact on their source of income as they have less time to spend on their farm work or other businesses. Chief Mrs. Deborah Adebisi, the YeyeRisa of Idoka Community explained that fetching water from ‘Omi Oko’ is a difficult task for all and unfortunately that is the only source of drinking water within the community except for sachet water. Not everyone can afford to buy sachet water whose quality has also been found to be sketchy. Chief Mrs. Adejoke Obileye, YeyeRangun of Idoka Community said pregnant women and nursing mothers faced exceptional challenges as they find it difficult to climb the hill after fetching water. Elderly women who cannot climb the bill with their jerricans of water have to depend on their children to fetch or are forced to pay for people to fetch the water for their daily needs. Mrs. Agbola Comfort, a nurse in Idoka Primary Health Care Center who is also a resident in the area confirmed the residents preference for the Omi Oko water source and said this was because there has never been an outbreak of waterborne disease in the community. She said, “Omi Oko is the only drinking water in this community and it doesn’t affect the residents in any way, the only challenge with the water is the stress the women go through to fetch it. “Nowadays, the old women no longer go there because it is affecting their health, so they would rather send their children to fetch the water for them, little do they know that it would soon affect the health of those young children too.” On the sidelines of COVID-19, Nurse Agbola believes the residents need to adhere strictly to the recommendations from the WHO and State’s Ministry of Health in combating the virus. She added that residents should not disregard the fact that there is no confirmed case in Osun yet, but should take all necessary precautions. A corps member serving in the community, Omeke Ikechukwu, said himself and other corps members in the community buy sachet water to drink as they could neither go to the stream nor drink from the well which is close to their residence. Omeke believed he would have been able to save more from his monthly allowance if he didn’t have to buy sachet water for drinking purposes. Previous interventions to make water accessible for all within the community were described as either insufficient, inappropriate or inaccessible. The community in 2003 after the ‘Idoka Day’ Celebration used the funds generated to build boreholes in 3 strategic locations within the community but they are no longer functional as some of the wells are already dried up or the taps completely spoiled. The African Development Bank, Federal Government of Nigeria and Osun State Government Hand Pump water project in 2018 which is situated close to the palace is a bit far from people at the other side of the community and residents consider it a bit difficult to pump the water. In the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic, residents are still perplexed on what to do to make water available within the community to ensure they observe the regular hand washing recommendations by WHO. The community seems not to have resources to provide water bowers or repair the spoiled boreholes to improve their access to water, especially with the current crisis of COVID-19. The women in the community who are saddled with the responsibilities of providing water for their families believe that adequate and sufficient intervention should be provided to make drinking water available and accessible to all. It is evident that residents of Idoka community in Ibokun Local Government Area of Osun State encounter some sort of difficulties in accessing safe, clean and potable water. And with the recent declaration of COVID-19 as pandemic and recommendations by the World Health Organization on the need to observe regular handwashing, residents of Idoka are more vulnerable because of the challenges they face to access water on a regular basis coupled with getting more water to observe handwashing. In reaction to the pandemic and poor water facilities across the country, Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action / Friends of the Earth, Nigeria, ERA/FoEN, Akinbode Oluwafemi said: “As Nigeria’s Covid-19 confirmed cases continue to grow, this year’s World Water day is a wakeup call to government at all levels paying lip-service to the water sector to work the talk. “We are being told to wash our hands with water and soap when the taps in our communities are all dry. Most of our communities lack water for consumption and for basic hygiene and this makes checking public health emergencies much more difficult. Possible interventions to make water available within Idoka community, most importantly for the purpose of regular hand washing, community leaders should as a matter of urgency, include buying water from neighbouring towns; Osogbo or Ilesa. This is essential because it would be difficult for the women to walk such a long distance to fetch drinking water and use it for hand washing, they might be reluctant and in turn be infected if adequate precautions are not followed. As such, the water bought from neighbouring towns can be stored in a reservoir and located in strategic places within the community. If the community cannot afford it, it would be imperative for the government, either at State or local level, to provide an alternative source of water for the purpose of preventing the pandemic. For a permanent way of resolving the challenges faced in accessing water, the Obokun Local Government and Osun State Government should provide boreholes with taps in strategic locations within the community. As such, water is made available for all and whoever prefers to drink from Omi Oko because of their ancestral linkage would do so at will and not out of compulsion. Also, to ensure the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 which seeks to achieve safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030, there is a need to consider rural communities in all interventions to be provided by the government at all levels. Watch a video documentary on how women in Idoka access water on a daily basis. This story was supported by Code for Africa via it’s Wanadata Community Initiative

http://saharareporters.com/2020/03/27/lack-access-water-rural-communities-covid-19-risk-factor?fbclid=IwAR0OLOungWKAsFApel7IMUoip0AAWtWgiJehE07YYXW8V7b8dTuidJbKDLULalasticlala

Politics

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Back pain is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can significantly affect the quality of life. In this article, we will explore the causes of back pain, prevention measures, and treatment options available for people who suffer from this condition. I. What Is Back Pain? Back pain is a condition that causes discomfort or pain in the back. It can be acute or chronic and can affect people of all ages. The pain can be felt in different parts of the back, including the lower back, upper back, and neck. II. Causes of Back Pain Back pain can have various causes, and some of the most common ones include: A. Poor Posture Poor posture can put a strain on the muscles and ligaments in the back, leading to pain. Injuries caused by accidents, falls, or sports activities can cause back pain. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to back pain. D. Herniated Disc A herniated disc occurs when the soft tissue inside the spinal disc protrudes through a crack in the outer layer of the disc, leading to back pain. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, leading to back pain. III. Prevention of Back Pain There are several things you can do to prevent back pain, including: A. Exercise Regularly Regular exercise can help strengthen the muscles in the back and reduce the risk of injury. B. Maintain a Healthy Weight Being overweight can put a strain on the back muscles and increase the risk of back pain. C. Practice Good Posture Good posture can help reduce the strain on the back muscles and prevent back pain. D. Lift Heavy Objects Carefully Lifting heavy objects can put a strain on the back muscles and lead to back pain. It’s essential to lift heavy objects carefully and with proper form. E. Avoid Prolonged Sitting Sitting for extended periods can put pressure on the back muscles and lead to back pain. It’s essential to take breaks and move around regularly. IV. Treatment Options for Back Pain There are several treatment options available for people who suffer from back pain, including: A. Pain Medications Pain medications can help reduce the pain associated with back pain. B. Physical Therapy Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the back and reduce the risk of injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required to alleviate back pain. D. Chiropractic Care Chiropractic care involves the manipulation of the spine and can help reduce back pain. E. Massage Therapy Massage therapy can help relax the muscles in the back and reduce back pain. Back pain is a common problem that can significantly affect the quality of life. It’s essential to understand the causes of back pain, prevention measures, and treatment options available for people who suffer from this condition. By taking steps to prevent back pain and seeking treatment when necessary, you can reduce the impact of back pain on your life and enjoy a pain-free back. 1. What are the risk factors for back pain? Risk factors for back pain include poor posture, being overweight, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. 2. Can stress cause back pain? Yes, stress can cause back pain by causing tension in the back muscles. 3. How long does back pain last? Back pain can last from a few days to several weeks, depending on the cause and severity of the pain. 4. Can exercise worsen back pain? Exercise can worsen back pain if done improperly or if the person is suffering from an injury or condition that requires rest. However, regular exercise can help prevent back pain and reduce its severity. 5. When should I seek medical attention for back pain? You should seek medical attention for back pain if it persists for more than a few days, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs. It’s also essential to seek medical attention if you have a history of back problems or have experienced a recent injury. In conclusion, back pain is a prevalent condition that affects many people worldwide. By understanding the causes of back pain, taking preventive measures, and seeking treatment when necessary, you can reduce the impact of back pain on your life and enjoy a pain-free back. Remember to practice good posture, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and lift heavy objects carefully to prevent back pain. And if you do experience back pain, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention to get the relief you need.

https://retroworldnews.com/back-pain-understanding-the-causes-prevention-and-treatment-options/

Health

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Yahweh is the name of the state god of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and, later, the Kingdom of Judah. His name is composed of four Hebrew consonants (YHWH, known as the Tetragrammaton) which the prophet Moses is said to have revealed to his people and is sometimes given in English as "Jehovah." The meaning of the name has been interpreted variously as "I am", "He That Is", "He Who Makes That Which Has Been Made" (Yahweh-Asher-Yahweh), "He Brings the Hosts Into Existence" (Yahweh-Teva-`ot) and, according to the philosopher Rabbi Moses Maimonides (l. 1138-1204), denotes "absolute existence" or "the totality of existence." As the name of the supreme being was considered too holy to be spoken, the consonants YHWH were used to remind one to say the word 'adonai' (lord) in place of the god's name, a common practice throughout the Near East in which epithets were used in referencing a deity. All of these stipulations and details were applied to the god later, however; it is unclear exactly when Yahweh was first worshipped, by whom, or how. Scholars J. Maxwell Miller and John H. Hayes write: The origins of Yahwism are hidden in mystery. Even the final edited form of Genesis – II Kings [in the Bible] presents diverse views on the matter. Thus Genesis 4:16, attributed by literary critics to the so-called `Yahwistic' source, traces the worship of Yahweh back to the earliest days of the human race, while other passages trace the revelation and worship of Yahweh back to Moses [in the Book of Exodus]. (111) Scholar Nissim Amzallag, of Ben-Gurion University, disagrees with the claim that Yahweh's origins are obscure and argues that the deity was originally a god of the forge and patron of metallurgists during the Bronze Age (c. 3500-1200 BCE). Amzallag specifically cites the ancient copper mines of the Timna Valley (in southern Israel), biblical and extra-biblical passages, and similarities of Yahweh to gods of metallurgy in other cultures for support. Although the Bible, and specifically the Book of Exodus, presents Yahweh as the god of the Israelites, there are many passages which make clear that this deity was also worshipped by other peoples in Canaan. Amzallag notes that the Edomites, Kenites, Moabites, and Midianites all worshipped Yahweh to one degree or another and that there is evidence the Edomites who operated the mines at Timnah converted an earlier Egyptian temple of Hathor to the worship of Yahweh. Although the biblical narratives depict Yahweh as the sole creator god, lord of the universe, and god of the Israelites especially, initially he seems to have been Canaanite in origin and subordinate to the supreme god El. Canaanite inscriptions mention a lesser god Yahweh and even the biblical Book of Deuteronomy stipulates that “the Most High, El, gave to the nations their inheritance” and that “Yahweh's portion is his people, Jacob and his allotted heritage” (32:8-9). A passage like this reflects the early beliefs of the Canaanites and Israelites in polytheism or, more accurately, henotheism (the belief in many gods with a focus on a single supreme deity). The claim that Israel always only acknowledged one god is a later belief cast back on the early days of Israel's development in Canaan. The meaning of the name Yahweh, as noted, has been interpreted as “I Am” or “He That Is”, though other interpretations have been offered by many scholars. In the late Middle Ages, `Yahweh' came to be changed to `Jehovah' by Christian monks, a name commonly in use today. The character and power of Yahweh were codified following the Babylonian Captivity of the 6th century BCE and the Hebrew scriptures were canonized during the Second Temple Period (c. 515 BCE-70 CE) to include the concept of a messiah whom Yahweh would send to the Jewish people to lead and redeem them. Yahweh as the all-powerful creator, preserver, and redeemer of the universe was then later developed by the early Christians as their god who had sent his son Jesus as the promised messiah and Islam interpreted this same deity as Allah in their belief system. Extra-biblical Mention of Yahweh The oldest mention of Yahweh was long held to be the Moabite Stone (also known as the Mesha Stele) erected by King Mesha of Moab to celebrate his victory over Israel in c. 840 BCE. The inscription mentions how Mesha, after defeating the Israelites, “took the vessels of Yahweh to Kemosh” (the chief god of Moab), meaning the objects sacred to the worship of Yahweh in the temple, most likely the temple in Israel's capital of Samaria (Kerrigan, 78-79). The Moabite Stone was discovered in 1868 in modern-day Jordan and the find published in 1870. As the first extra-biblical inscription found to mention Yahweh, much was made of the discovery as the stele reported the same event from the biblical narrative of II Kings 3 in which Mesha the Moabite rebels against Israel (though with the major difference of the stele claiming a Moabite victory and the Bible claiming Israel the winner). The way the Yahweh line was interpreted further supported the concept of Yahweh as the god of the Israelites alone since Mesha claims to have taken the Israelite god's vessels as tribute to his own. In 1844, the ruins of the ancient city of Soleb in Nubia were excavated by the archaeologist Karl Richard Lepsius who documented the site in detail but did not excavate. In 1907, James Henry Breasted arrived and photographed the site but, again, engaged in no excavation. It was not until 1957 that a team under the archaeologist Michela Schiff Giorgini, excavated the site and found reference to a group of people described as “Shasu of Yahweh” at the base of one of the columns of the temple in the hypostyle hall. The temple was built by Amenhotep III (r. 1386-1353 BCE) and the reference to Yahweh established that this god was worshipped by another people long before the time when the events of the biblical narratives are thought to have taken place. The Shasu (also given as Shashu) were a Semitic, nomadic people described as outlaws or bandits by the Egyptians and, in fact, they are named on the column of the temple at Soleb among Egypt's other enemies and appear later, in an inscription from the reign of Ramesses II (r. 1279-1213 BCE), as among the pharaoh's enemies at the Battle of Kadesh. As it has been established they were a nomadic people, attempts have been made to link them with the Hebrews and with the Habiru, a group of renegades in the Levant, but these claims have been refuted. Whoever the Shasu were, they were not Hebrew and the Habiru seem to be Canaanites who simply refused to conform to the customs of the land, not a separate ethnic group. The discovery of Amenhotep III's mention of the Shasu of Yahweh placed the god much earlier in history than had been accepted previously but also suggested that Yahweh was perhaps not native to Canaan. This fit with the theory that Yahweh was a desert god whom the Hebrews adopted in their exodus from Egypt to Canaan. The descriptions of Yahweh appearing as a pillar of fire by night and cloud by day as well as the other fire-imagery from the Book of Exodus were interpreted by some scholars as suggesting a storm god or weather-deity and, particularly, a desert god since Yahweh is able to direct Moses to water sources (Exodus 17:6 and Numbers 20). It is generally accepted in the modern day, however, that Yahweh originated in southern Canaan as a lesser god in the Canaanite pantheon and the Shasu, as nomads, most likely acquired their worship of him during their time in the Levant. The Moabite Stone has also been reinterpreted in light of recent scholarship which demonstrates that the people of Moab also worshipped Yahweh and the reference to Mesha taking the vessels of Yahweh to Kemosh most likely means he repossessed what he felt belonged to the Moabites, not that he conquered Israel and its god in the name of his own. Yahweh in the Bible The Bible does mention other nations worshipping Yahweh and how the god arrived from Edom to help the Israelites in warfare (Deuteronomy 33:2, Judges 5:4-5) but this is not the central narrative. In the Bible, Yahweh is the one true God who creates the heavens and the earth and then chooses a certain people, the Israelites, as his own. Yahweh creates the world, and hangs the sun and the moon in the heavens, as the Book of Genesis opens. He creates animals and human beings, destroys all in a great flood except Noah, Noah's family, and the animals Noah saves, and elects Abram (later known as Abraham) to lead his people to the land of Canaan and settle there (Genesis 1-25). Abraham's initial community was developed by his son Isaac and then his grandson Jacob (also known as Israel). Jacob's favorite son, Joseph, was sold by his brothers into slavery and brought to Egypt where, owing to his skill in interpreting dreams, he rose to prominence and was able to save the region from famine (Genesis 25-50). The Book of Genesis concludes with Joseph dying after telling his brothers that Yahweh will bring them out of Egypt and back to the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Many years later, when the Israelites have grown too populous for the Egyptians, an unnamed pharaoh orders them to be enslaved and makes their lives harsh (Exodus 1-14). Even so, the Israelite population continues to grow and so pharaoh orders all male infants killed (Exodus 1:15-22). A woman of the Levite tribe among the Israelites hides her son and then sends him downriver in a basket to be found by pharaoh's daughter, who adopts him; this child is Moses (Exodus 2:1-10). Moses learns his true identity as an Israelite and, after killing an Egyptian, flees to the land of Midian where, in time he encounters Yahweh in the form of a burning bush (Exodus 3, 4:1-17). The rest of the Book of Exodus details the Ten Plagues which Yahweh sends on Egypt and how Moses leads his people to freedom. Moses never reaches the promised land of Canaan himself owing to a misunderstanding he has with Yahweh in which he strikes a rock for water when he was not supposed to (Numbers 20) but he turns over leadership to his right-hand-man Joshua who then leads his people in the conquest of Canaan as directed by Yahweh. Once the land is conquered, Joshua divides it among his people and, in time, they establish the Kingdom of Israel. Yahweh in the Canaanite Pantheon The biblical narrative, however, is not as straightforward as it may seem as it also includes reference to the Canaanite god El whose name is directly referenced in Israel (He Who Struggles with God or He Who Perseveres with God). El was the chief deity of the Canaanite pantheon and the god who, according to the Bible, gave Yahweh authority over the Israelites: When the Most High [El] gave to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of men, he fixed the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the Sons of God. For Yahweh's portion is his people, Jacob his allotted heritage. (Deuteronomy 32:8-9, Masoretic Text). The Canaanites, like all ancient civilizations, worshipped many gods but chief among them was the sky-god El. In this passage from Deuteronomy, El gives each of the gods authority over a segment of the people of earth and Yahweh is assigned to the Israelites who, in time, will make him their supreme and only deity; but it is clear he existed beforehand as a lesser Canaanite god. Yahweh as God of Metallurgy According to scholar Nissim Amzallag, however, Yahweh was a god of metallurgy. Amzallag writes: An essential link between Yahweh and copper is suggested in the Book of Zechariah where the dwelling of the God of Israel is symbolized by two mountains of copper (Zech. 6:1-6). In his prophecies, Ezekiel describes a divine being as `a man was there, whose appearance shone like copper' (Ezek. 40:3), and in another part of this book, Yahweh is even explicitly mentioned as being a smelter (Ezek. 22:20). In Isaiah 54:16, Yahweh is explicitly mentioned as the creator of both the copperworker and his work…Such an involvement of Yahweh is never mentioned elsewhere for other crafts or human activities. (394) Amzallag further notes the similarities between Yahweh and other gods of metallurgy: The god of metallurgy generally appears as an outstanding deity. He is generally involved in the creation of the world and/or the creation of humans. The overwhelming importance of the god of metallurgy reflects the central role played by the copper smelters in the emergence of civilizations throughout the ancient world. (397) Amzallag compares the attributes of the Egyptian Ptah and the Mesopotamian Ea/Enki along with Napir of Elam, all gods of metallurgy (among their other attributes) with Yahweh and finds striking similarities. He further claims that the name of the god of the Edomites, Qos, is an epithet for Yahweh and notes how the Edomites, a people closely associated with metallurgy, were the primary workers and administrators of the copper mines at Timna and, further, that Edom is never mentioned in the Bible as challenging Israel in the name of a foreign god; thus suggesting that the two peoples worshipped the same deity (390-392). Although Amzallag's theory has been challenged, it has not been refuted. Particularly compelling are his arguments from biblical passages and the archaeological evidence cited from the ruins of the mines of Timna. From God of Metallurgy to Supreme Deity Yahweh, according to Amzallag, was transformed from one god among many to the supreme deity by the Israelites in the Iron Age (c.1200-930 BCE) when iron replaced bronze and the copper smelters, whose craft was seen as a kind of transformative magic, lost their unique status. In this new age, the Israelites in Canaan sought to distance themselves from their neighbors in order to consolidate political and military strength and so elevated Yahweh above El as the supreme being and claimed him as their own. His association with the forge, and with imagery of fire, smoke, and smiting, worked as well in describing a god of storms and war and so Yahweh's character changed from a deity of transformation to one of conquest. Miller and Hayes comment: Perhaps the most noticeable characteristic of Yahweh in Israel's early poetry and narrative literature is his militancy. The so-called “Song of the Sea” in Exodus 15:1-18 and the “Song of Deborah” in Judges 5 are typical in their praise of Yahweh, the divine warrior who could be counted on to intervene on behalf of his followers…Thus it may have been primarily in connection with Israel's wars that Yahweh gained status as the national god. During times of peace, the tribes will have depended heavily on Baal in his various local forms to ensure fertility. But when they came together to wage war against their common enemies, they would have turned to Yahweh, the divine warrior who could provide victory. (112) Yahweh-as-warrior is evident throughout the Hebrew scriptures which became the Christian Old Testament and warrior imagery is also apparent in passages in the New Testament which drew on the earlier works (ex: Ephesians 6:11, Philippians 2:25, II Timothy 2:3-4, I Corinthians 9:7, among others). By the time these works were written, the worship of Yahweh had undergone a dramatic transformation from what it had been in the early days of the Israelites in Canaan. Early & Later Religious Belief & Practice Initially, the people of Canaan, including the Israelites, practiced a form of ancestor worship in which they venerated the “god of the father” or the “god of the house”, in addition to paying homage to their earthly ancestors, in an effort to establish individual tribal and family connections (van der Toorn, 177). In time, this practice evolved into worship of deities such as El, Asherah, Baal, Utu-Shamash, and Yahweh among others. As the Israelites developed their community in Canaan, they sought to distance themselves from their neighbors and, as noted, elevated Yahweh above the traditional Canaanite supreme deity El. They did not, however, embrace monotheism at this time. The Israelites remained a henotheistic people through the time of the Judges, which predates the rise of the monarchy, and throughout the time of the Kingdom of Israel (c.1080-c. 722 BCE). In 931 BCE, following the death of Solomon, the kingdom split in two and a new political entity, the Kingdom of Judah with its capital at Jerusalem, emerged in the south. The kingdoms of Israel and Judah periodically warred or allied with each other until 722 BCE when the Assyrians destroyed Israel and, in keeping with their usual military policies, deported the inhabitants and replaced them with others from their empire. Judah was able to withstand the Assyrian military campaigns but only by paying tribute to Assyria. The Assyrian Empire fell to an invading force of Babylonians, Medes, and others in 612 BCE and the Babylonians claimed the region of Canaan. In 598 BCE they invaded Judah and sacked Jerusalem, destroying the temple of Solomon and taking the leading citizens back to Babylon. This is the time in Jewish history known as the Babylonian Captivity (c. 598-538 BCE). Babylon was conquered by Cyrus the Great (d. 530 BCE) of the Persians who allowed the Jewish leaders to return to their homeland in 538 BCE. As with all ancient religions (as well as modern), the faith of the people was based on an understanding of quid pro quo (this-for-that) in which they would honor and serve a deity and, in return, would receive protection and guidance. When the temple was destroyed and the kingdom sacked, the Jewish clergy had to find some reason for the tragedy and concluded it was because they had not paid enough attention to Yahweh and had angered him through the acknowledgement and worship of other gods. During the Second Temple Period (c.515 BCE-70 CE) Judaism was revised, the Torah canonized, and a new understanding of the divine established which today is known as monotheism – the belief in a single deity. At this time, scholars have established, the older works which eventually became the Hebrew Scriptures were revised to reflect a monotheistic belief system among the Israelites far earlier than was actually practiced. The monotheism of the Hebrew Scriptures would later be appropriated by the adherents of Christianity who would continue veneration of Yahweh, eventually known as Jehovah and then, simply, as “God”, and Islam would also develop the deity under the name of Allah (“the God”) beginning in the 7th century CE. Whoever Yahweh was originally, and however he was worshipped, today he forms the basis of the three great monotheistic religions of the world.

https://www.worldhistory.org/Yahweh/https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahwehwhat

Religion

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The effects of sleep deprivation on the brain are numerous, from inducing an inebriation-like state of cognitive impairment to hindering our ability to learn and form new memories. New research highlights another neurological effect of insufficient sleep: heightened sensitivity to pain. A lack of sleep impairs the brain’s natural mechanisms for relieving pain, finds the new study, which draws attention to potential links between the public health crises of sleep deprivation, chronic pain, and prescription opioid addiction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that, on average, around 130 people in the U.S. die from an opioid overdose every day. Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California in Berkeley carried out the study, together with doctoral candidate Adam Krause. Walker and Krause induced pain in 24 healthy, young study participants by applying heat to their legs. As they were doing so, the scientists scanned the participants’ brains, examining the circuits that process pain. The participants did not have any problems sleeping or any pain-related disorders at the beginning of the study. However, a surprising finding was that the activity in the brain’s nucleus accumbens was lower than usual after a sleepless night. The nucleus accumbens releases the neurotransmitter dopamine, which increases pleasure and relieves pain. “Sleep loss not only amplifies the pain-sensing regions in the brain but blocks the natural analgesia centers, too,” explains Prof. Walker. To replicate their findings, the researchers also conducted a survey of over 230 adults who were registered in Amazon’s Mechanical Turk online marketplace. The participants reported their sleep patterns and pain sensitivity levels over several days. The scientists found that the smallest changes in the participants’ sleep patterns correlated with changes in pain sensitivity. The results clearly show that even very subtle changes in nightly sleep reductions have a clear impact on next-day pain.

http://haleplushearty.org/2019/01/29/sleep-is-the-best-painkiller/

Health

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50 Most Populated Countries in the World The global population has been increasing ever since humanity invented agriculture around 10,000 B.C. The domestication of food and animals meant that humans had a stable food supply, and could therefore begin supporting greater numbers of people in their settlements. This pattern has been repeated throughout human history ever since; technological development leads to increased capacity for human life, people have more babies and so the population grows. Population growth has rarely been spread evenly throughout the countries of the world. Different areas of the world have seen population growth at different times according to their level of economic development. First, it was Europe in the 18th century, then Asia in the 20th and now it is Africa’s time for a population boom. However, as you will see, world population prospects are not so simple and will ultimately be dictated by how individual countries approach the coming global challenges. This table provides figures about the 50 most populous nations in the world, when the current estimated world population is 8.05 billion, as of 2023. RANK | COUNTRY | POPULATION | China is the most populous country in the world. In 1950, China had a population of around 550 million people, meaning that almost 900 million people have been added to that number in 70 years. China once saw this rising population as a problem and so they implemented a one-child policy from 1980 to 2015. This legally restricted family to only having one child in an attempt to bring population growth under control. The majority of the population is located in the eastern half of the country. As its dependency, Hong Kong would, by itself, rank around 100 in a list of countries. | A very high population density exists throughout the country, apart from the deserts in the northwest and the mountains in the north. India has been gaining fast on China’s population numbers over the past twenty years and is forecast to overtake them in 2023. This is despite a falling fertility rate and a general shift in attitude amongst Indians to have smaller families. There is a significant deviation between the north and south in population growth. In the north, where families are poorer, the fertility rates are still high, high enough to outweigh the falling population in the richer south. In general, the population density is higher in urban areas like Kolkata. | From 1950 to 2010, the USA’s population doubled from 151 million to 309 million. The populace is spread across very densely populated urban areas which are clustered along the east and west coasts. California and Texas, the two most populous states, account for about one-quarter of the population. During this time, the USA’s demographics shifted dramatically following the post-industrial decline of their manufacturing industries. In combination with other factors such as a rising middle class, the USA’s population growth has slowed rapidly. In fact, without the high levels of immigration, the USA’s population would be in decline. | There is a dramatic population division across Indonesia’s islands. Java, the island which is home to the capital Jakarta, is home to 56% of the country’s population and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. As a result, it is also the most populated island in the world. Indonesia has a relatively young population with a median age of 30 years. | Pakistan is set to be one of the top ten fastest-growing countries in the coming decade. It is home to two megacities, Karachi and Lahore, with extensive mountainous rural areas contributing to the extremely urban population distribution. Punjab is the most densely populated province and area in Pakistan. | Nigeria is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa with the continent’s highest population. 50% of Nigerians live in urban areas and this is only set to increase as job opportunities continue to be concentrated there. By 2050, Nigeria could become the third most populous country in the world. It recently became the continent's largest economy as well. | Brazil has long been the population powerhouse of South America. After a period of rapid growth in the mid-20th century, Brazil’s population growth rate has been steadily declining and will enter a negative phase by 2050. The population is heavily clustered on the east coast’s megacities although population sprawl has contributed to encroachment on the Amazon Rainforest. | Bangladesh is a small country in terms of area in comparison to its large population. Therefore, it is the most densely populated large country in the world. It has seen its fertility rate drop dramatically in the past 50 years thanks to increased levels of female education and government birth control campaigns. In contrast to other highly populated countries, Bangladeshis mainly reside in rural areas rather than urban conurbations. This is indicative of the level of economic development in Bangladesh which lags behind its Asian neighbors. | During the mid-20th century, Russia was a global powerhouse in competition with the USA for control of the global political landscape. It remains the most populated country in Europe but it is also one of the least densely populated in the world due to its extensive size. Russia had been seeing population decline for decades until 2010 when rates began to increase due to lower death rates. The Covid-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine have caused the country to reenter population decline and, with one of the oldest populations in the world, this presents a huge problem for the future prosperity of the country. | Mexico is the most populated Spanish-speaking nation in the world and in all of Central America. For the first half of the 20th century, population growth was negative, mainly due to the revolutionary war, but this changed drastically in the 1980s. Approximately a quarter of the population lives in the capital Mexico City. | The population is most dense along the coasts, due in part to the islands' mountains and the distribution of arable land. Japan’s population is remarkable in the sense that it is so high yet there is very little immigration. About 120 million people in Japan, or around 95 %, are Japanese nationals in comparison to somewhere like the UK where that figure is around 84%. An extremely high 92% of Japan’s population lives in cities, with many of them concentrated in Tokyo, the largest metropolitan area in the world. | The median age in Ethiopia is just under 18 years, making it one of the youngest populations on Earth, despite the country itself is very old. It is also the most populous landlocked country in the world. The population is highly ethnically diverse with over 80 different ethnic groups. Ethiopia’s population growth rate is amongst the top ten in the world and, like many other African nations, will soon overtake countries above it. | The Philippines experienced an incredibly rapid 45% increase in population from 1990 to 2008. A third of this population lives in the metropolitan area of Manila which is no surprise seeing as 51% of the country is urbanized. | Egypt is the third most populous country in Africa and the most populous Arab country. Much of the population is concentrated around the River Nile due to its highly fertile land and ease of access to trading routes. Approximately 95 percent of the population lives within 20 kilometers of the Nile and its delta. | The Democratic Republic of the Congo has an extremely young population, with 46% aged between 0 and 14 years compared to only 2.47% over 65. Coupled with a rising life expectancy and economic opportunities, this sets the scene for a continued rapid population rise in the DRC. The country is also the world's largest francophone country. French might be the most common, as it's taught in schools, but it shares the stage with more than 200 other local languages. | Unlike many developing nations with high populations, 65.6% of the people in the country live in rural areas and work in agriculture. However, this is changing as urbanization increases in areas like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. During the communist unification in 1976, the seizure of property and land led many Vietnamese people to leave the country. Kinh people, or "ethnic Vietnamese people" account for about 85% of Vietnam's population, but are concentrated in only half of the country. There are 53 other recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. | Iran has already had its period of rapid population growth during the 1980s and 1990s. The fertility rate was once a huge 6.5 but has since dropped to 2 leading to a major slowdown in population growth rates. Their population is expected to peak at 105 million in 2050. Azerbaijanis constitute almost a quarter of the population. The nation's population is concentrated in the north, northwest, and west. | Turkey has a young population concentrated in major urban areas. Due to surrounding wars in the Middle East, especially in Syria, refugees have added around four million people to the population since 2011. Turkey has been a destination for migrants over the past few decades as persecuted minorities flee neighboring countries. The population is densest around Istanbul, but the largest share of the population actually lives on the south coast. | Germany is the most populous country in the European Union, with a great population concentration along the Rhine. Like many other western European nations, Germany’s fertility rate is below two but there has been a recent increase in the past decade. There is also a large amount of immigration which is also supporting small, continued population growth. Germany’s population is the third oldest in the world at 47 years. | Thailand has a predominantly rural population due to the reliance on rice paddies for food and exports. The Thai government also introduced a family planning campaign, with incentives for fewer children and schemes like giving out free condoms. It has resulted in a dramatic fall in population growth rates from 3.1% to 0.4%. | The largest concentrations of the population in France are located in the north and the southeast, clustered around a few major historic cities. France is unique to other European nations in that it is one of the only countries to have most of its population growth come from natural births rather than immigration. | The United Kingdom, like many other European countries, has entered into a period of population stagnation. In the 21st century, the fertility rate dropped to 1.7, as people considered lives without children. The UK’s minor population growth is attributable in part to immigration which has been consistently in the hundreds of thousands for decades. Despite Brexit and measures to try and bring immigration down, the number of migrants has remained stable. The UK's population density is one of the highest in the world, centered in the capital city of London. | Tanzania’s population has doubled since 2000 and increased by 20 million since 2012. This indicates that the growth rate will prevail for decades to come. The capital, Dar es Salaam, is seeing a growing population but the majority of the population remains in rural areas, especially along the coast. Falling child mortality since the 1960s has been a major factor in the country’s population growth. | A large proportion of South Africa’s population increase is derived from immigration, especially from neighboring African countries. Included in this are the estimated five million illegal immigrants that mostly originate from Zimbabwe. | Italy’s population has fluctuated in recent years as an aging population catches up with the country’s demographics. Much of their population is located in urban centers and coastal zones where the economy relies on tourism and fishing. Italy has a long history of emigration that has seen Italians flock to countries like Australia, the USA, and Argentina. | The population of Myanmar is actually quite difficult to pin down, due to various problems with their census-taking. Myanmar’s fertility rate has dropped significantly in the past 20 years. This is attributed to fewer people deciding to get married, high rates of illegal abortions, and high numbers of single women. | Kenya’s population grew from 2.9 million to 40 million in the space of a century. As such, Kenya did not reach the top 50 of the most populated countries until the 1970s. | Most Colombians live in the mountainous western region of the country or on the northern coastline. 76% of Colombians now live in urban areas which is at odds with their traditionally rural past. Population estimates put their number at 55 million in 2050 indicating a significant slowdown in growth rate. | More than 70 percent of the country is mountainous so most of the population is located in lowland areas. In 2020, South Korea recorded more deaths than births, meaning the population declined for the first time since records began. This was due to a falling fertility rate and an aging population. It is also the third most densely populated country in the world. South Korea is expected to peak in population by 2035. | Uganda has the fifth-highest total fertility rate in the world at 5.97. It also has the youngest population in the world at 15 years. There are also around 1.5 million immigrants in the country making up around 2% of the population. | Spain saw a population boom in the 1960s and early 1970s. Since then it has seen a much lower fertility rate with returning Spanish immigrants and immigrants from Latin America making up the numbers. The largest urban populations are found near the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, aside from the populous areas of Madrid, Sevilla, and Zaragoza. | Sudan’s population is spread across the country apart from the north. Khartoum is the largest city and is growing rapidly. Sudan is a refugee-generating country but these losses are made up for by immigration and a high fertility rate. | Roughly a third of Argentina’s population lives in Buenos Aires. It is transitioning from a young population to an aging one with improving life expectancy fuelling an imbalanced demographic. Its population density is low for South American countries and it is the third most populous on the continent. | Most of the population is located along the Mediterranean Coast in the north, with very sparse population in the desert south. 90% of Algerians live in the northern coastal areas as the southern Sahara Desert is mostly uninhabitable. There are however about 1.5 million nomadic people who live in the desert areas of the country. | Iraq’s population was growing steadily throughout the 20th century until the Iraq War. Around two million people were displaced internationally by the war which also curtailed fertility rates for a while. However, after the war, Iraq experienced a population boom as it returns to some semblance of normalcy. | Much of Afghanistan’s population resides in rural areas due to traditional ways of life and the established tribal order. Afghanistan has the highest fertility rate of any country outside of Africa. It is the largest refugee-producing country in the world but despite this, the growth rate remains high at 2.3%. War in the 1980s and 2000s meant that millions fled the country but they have since returned. | Poland’s population has plateaued in the last 20 years. The combination of an incredibly low fertility rate of 1.4 and an aging population has contributed to this, as well as the excessive migration of men to countries with higher job opportunities. The war in Ukraine has seen Poland take on a large number of migrants but these are yet to be included in official statistics. | Canada has a steadily growing population due mainly to immigration and some natural growth. It also makes up 10% of the global annual refugee resettlement. Because of its expansive size and largely uninhabitable areas in the north, Canada has one of the lowest population densities in the world. The most populated province in Canada is Ontario, followed by Quebec and British Columbia. | As an African nation, Morocco has a relatively low population growth rate. Its fastest-growing region is Western Sahara but this is often omitted from official statistics because it is a disputed territory. Most Moroccans are Sunni Muslims, although there was once a sizable Jewish population that has since almost entirely emigrated. | Before the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Ukraine had a population of around 41 million. However, both the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of the country, on the whole, has displaced around 5 million people. The population peaked in 1993 at 52 million but has decreased ever since. | During the mid-20th century, Saudi Arabia had one of the highest population growth rates in the world. It is often hard to accurately define their population numbers because Saudi Arabia has in the past inflated population figures. The last 30 years have seen a rapid urbanization process enacted by the Saudi government. This transformed the population from subsistence farmers into city-dwellers. | Angola is set for rapid population growth, hitting 60 million by 2050 as its economic prosperity continues to flourish. The capital Luanda houses about 10% of the country's population, and is ten times larger than the next largest city. | Uzbekistan is the most populated country in Central Asia. After the fall of the Soviet Union, many of the Russians in Uzbekistan emigrated in search of economic opportunities. The country was often a location for deported minorities to be sent during the USSR’s existence, including many Koreans who were relocated by the Soviets in the 1930s, and have lived in Uzbekistan ever since. | Peru has the fourth largest population in South America. Much of the population lives in urban areas, although there are still uncontacted native tribes. Over a quarter of the Peruvian population is identified as Amerindian, mainly Quechua. | Malaysia’s population is clustered on the Malay Peninsula. As a prosperous nation, it has attracted a large number of migrant workers who make up around 10% of the overall population. | Yemen has a very young population which is expected to rise to 60 million by 2050. Yemen has been in a state of civil war since 2014 which has led to over 100,000 dead civilians and 4 million displaced people. The majority of the population is found in the Asir Mountains in the west. | Ghana is an outlier in terms of largely populated African countries. It started its process of development slightly earlier than places like DR Congo and therefore has an older population of 30. years. The coastal areas, the Ashanti region, and the two principal cities, Accra and Kumasi are among the most densely populated parts of the country. | As a Portuguese colony, Mozambique had a sizable Portuguese population. Upon independence, most of these moved back to Portugal. It has a high fertility rate and will therefore see continued growth throughout the 21st century. Less than half of Mozambique speaks its official language, Portuguese, as a first or second language. | Most of the Nepalese population is concentrated in the central highlands and is home to over 125 different ethnic groups. Kathmandu, the capital, is the most populated city and is part of the wave of urbanization happening in the country. | Madagascar’s population is highly rural due to the reliance on subsistence farming. 90% of the ethnic makeup of Madagascar is composed of the Malagasy people. | What Are the Most Populous Countries in the World? The most populous countries in the world have fluctuated throughout history and even now, the list of countries in the top 50 is likely to change over the coming decades. As demographics in Europe, America and China begin to tip in favor of an aging population, and countries in Africa have an increased capacity to support more people, the balance of population will undoubtedly shift. For now, many of the most populous countries are located in Asia and Europe, although there are already some African countries that are on the rise. The list above is likely to change in one major way: that India will supersede China to be the most populous country by the end of 2023. Population Around the World Population growth rates were relatively slow from 10,000 B.C. onwards and remained steady for centuries. In 500 B.C., the population was about 100 million and by the year 0, it had doubled to 200 million. Increases like this continued until around 1750 which saw the dawn of the industrial revolution in Europe and the USA. Advances in technology, crop harvests, and rising incomes ushered in an era of extremely rapid population growth that has continued into the 21st Century. In 1750, the global population was around 800 million. This had increased by tenfold in November 2022 when the population hit 8 billion people. The only time the global population declined was during the Black Death in the 1400s when population estimates state that around 100 million people were lost. In the present day, world population growth rates have begun to slow down, mainly due to declining birth rates and aging populations in areas like China, India, and Europe. According to the United Nations, birth rates are set to fall from 2.3 to 2.1 per woman by 2050 and estimates say that the global population will peak around 2100. Total population growth has already started to slow and the decline in many countries is likely to begin between 2030 and 2050. That is not to say that growth is slowing everywhere. Africa is projected to continue growing well into the mid-21st century, with Nigeria entering the top three largest countries by population by 2050. This will be fueled by the expansion of urban areas as economic development continues and incomes rise to feed higher standards of living. India will also continue to grow, with their rates suggesting they will surpass China in April 2023 to have the largest population in the world. The rest of the 21st century paints a mixed picture for countries around the world in terms of population. But on the whole, growth is almost certainly going to tail off during the mid-century and by 2100 it may begin to fall. Where in the World Do People Live? The world’s population distribution is ever-changing. Historically, most people lived in Europe and America as it became a hub of industrial power in the late 18th century. However, as economic development spread in the 20th century, powerhouses such as India and China exploded in number. This is where the majority of people live today. As the 21st century progresses, this will change as African nations begin to be able to support larger populations. In fact, this shift has already started as many African countries begin to see upticks in their population growth and reductions in their death rates. The future, it seems, is African, but external factors such as climate change may yet have an impact on population numbers both in Africa and around the world. If Africa’s growing importance on the global stage has piqued your interest, then read up on the megacities that are driving the continent forward. You May Also Be Searching For... You can learn about these countries and more on our Countries of the World page. Population Statistics | About the author

http://www.infoplease.com/world/statistics/most-populous-countries.html

Family

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Table of Contents Water dams are found in different parts of the world and they are constructed for various uses, some dams are small while others could be as large as a river. The immediate temperature within an area are modified because of the presence of a dam, an area that has dam near it tends to be colder than areas that are far apart. A dam could also serve as an ecosystem that accommodates few numbers of living organisms, and could be used for local fishing and boating. What is a dam? A dam is a constructed barrier used for limiting water flow and in turn raises the level of water; it is usually built to serve as a reservoir for water storage and for generating electricity. A wall is usually built around a dam to prevent overflow of water and flooding within an area. Most dams are built close to a river or stream and may serve a as storage that provides water for different purposes. One of the uses of dam is for recreational activity such as swimming. Many people normally go to the dam to relax by the bank, due to its quietness and the chill air it sends to the immediate environment, however some dams could be as deep as 200 ft depending on the use; such depth could be very dangerous for an inexperienced swimmer. Types of dams Dams are basically classified based their purpose, such dams include - Storage dam– this is constructed to prevent the overflow of water especially when there is a large flow of water from the river, storage dam usually stores water so that it can be used during dry season. This water is particularly used for irrigation, hydro-power supply and for domestic water supply etc. - Diversion dam:A diversion dam is a dam constructed for diverting water from the river and then channeling it into irrigation canal (or a conduit); it has a low height with a small storage reservoir. This dam has a sufficient pressure for pushing water into ditches, canals, or other conveyance system and it is used for irrigation, and for diversion from a stream to a distant storage reservoir. - Coffer dam- a coffer dam is a temporary enclosure constructed around an on-going construction site to keep flowing water away, so that the construction can be carried out in a dry ground. This dam is usually constructed on the upstream of an existing dam, to divert water into a diversion tunnel during the construction process of the dam. - Detention dam– this is constructed to control flood; this dam retards the flow in the river on its downstream during floods by storing some floodwater thereby, reducing the effect of sudden flood. The water retained in the reservoir is later released in a gradual process based on the carrying capacity of the channel downstream of the detention dam. This construction is done to protect the entire region of the downstream on the side of the dam from possible damage, due to floods. Detention dam may be used as a storage dam. - Debris dam:Debris dam is usually constructed to catch and filter debris such as sand, gravel, and drift wood flowing in the river together with water. This usually leave the river clean and clear after collecting all the debris. - Gravity dam– is a dam constructed from concrete or stone masonry and it is designed to hold backwater by primarily utilizing the weight of the material alone to resist the horizontal pressure of water pushing against it. Gravity dam is constructed in such way that each section of the dam is stable and able to hold back large volumes of water. Gravity essentially holds the dam down to the ground, preventing water from pushing it over. Gravity dam is well suited for blocking river in wide valleys or narrow gorge ways. Since gravity dam must rely on its own weight to hold back water, it is necessary that it be built on a solid foundation of bedrock. Important features or parts of a dam - Crest- crest is the top of the dam that is used as a walkway across the dam. - Parapet walls- low protective walls on either side of the walkway on the crest. - Heel- this is a portion of dam that is in contact with the ground or a river-bed near the upstream side. - Toe: a portion of dam in contact with ground or river-bed at downstream side. - Spillway- it is an arrangement made (a kind of passage) near the top of a dam for the passage of excess water flowing out from the reservoir. - Abutments- this are the valley slopes located on either side of the dam wall to which the left & - Sluice way- it is an opening in the dam near the base; it is constructed to clear the silt accumulation in the reservoir. - Free board- this is the space between the highest level of water in the reservoir and the top of the dam, in which the right ends of dam are connected. - Gallery- a level or gently sloping tunnel- like passage (a small room like space) at transverse or longitudinal within the dam with drain on floor for seepage water. This may also be used to keep all the instruments used for studying the performance of dam. - Dead Storage level- this is the level of permanent storage below which prevents the withdrawal of water. - Diversion Tunnel- it is a tunnel constructed to divert or change the direction of water to bypass the dam construction site. Importance of dam - A dam is constructed to provide access to safe and sufficient water supply to rural areas. - A dam provides rural energy to meet the cultural, social and economic developmental need of the communities. - Dams may also be seen as man-made habitats for fish and other wildlife - Dams are popular sites for boating and fishing and they are used for many other recreational activities. - They may be used to store water for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation and could be used to control floods within and area. - For provision of water for domestic purposes, such as washing, cleaning, cooking and drinking.

http://www.jotscroll.com/forums/3/posts/140/dams-definition-types-and-uses.html

Education

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November 16, 1904 to May 11, 1996 In November 1960 Martin Luther King traveled to Lagos, then Nigeria’s capital city, to attend the inauguration of Nnamdi Azikiwe as Nigeria’s first governor-general of African descent. Azikiwe, who later became the first president of Nigeria and was a life-long advocate of African independence, personally invited King to take part in the official inauguration festivities in a letter dated 26 October 1960. Azikiwe was born 16 November 1904 in northern Nigeria and attended mission schools in Lagos. In 1925 he left for the United States, where he studied political science, earning a BA (1930) and MA (1932) from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. While a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, Azikiwe met Marcus Garvey and other leaders of the Back to Africa movement. In 1934 Azikiwe returned to Africa where he joined the Nigerian Youth Movement and founded the West African Pilot and several other periodicals that advocated independence from Britain. After more than a decade of working as a writer, Azikiwe was elected to the Nigerian Legislative Council in 1947 and began a career in government. When King traveled to Nigeria in 1960 the liberation struggles there and in other African nations were having a profound impact on the American civil rights movement. Noting that Azikiwe and other African leaders were “popular heroes on most Negro college campuses,” King called the African liberation movement “the greatest single international influence on American Negro students,” offering the young people hope and guidance in their own struggle for freedom (King, “The Time for Freedom”). Azikiwe was elected the first president of Nigeria in 1963, but was removed from office by a military coup in 1966. King, “The Time for Freedom Has Come,” New York Times, 10 September 1961.

https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/azikiwe-nnamdi

Politics

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It’s impossible to totally protect your child from infections. What you can do, however, is to model healthy habits and take certain steps to help reduce your child’s risk of infections from school. 7 things you can do include: 1. Encourage A Healthy Diet Shop a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole-grain products, and lean meats for your household. Always go for fresh, organic produce whenever you can and offer your child/ren healthy snacks, such as carrot sticks, when they go to school. As opposed to junk, eating healthy will provide their bodies with anti-oxidants to help wade off infections and diseases. If your child refuses to eat their veggies, (most kids do) keep offering them anyway. Make healthy food more interesting for picky eaters by positioning fruit into a smiley face on their plate, or try out other vegetable options and preparations as well. A child who dislikes straight steamed vegetables may love it when it is topped with a bit of shredded chicken. 2. Get Them To Drink More Water Experts say a child should drink the number of 8 oz. water glasses that correspond to their age (up to a limit of 64 oz. total at 8 years of age). So, a 4-year-old child ought to drink 4 glasses containing 8 oz. of water per day. And this total does not include milk, juice, or other liquids, just water. Please note that your child should only start drinking water after they reach 6 months of age. Prior to this, they should take formula and/or breast milk. A child’s brain is composed of 80% water, therefore, staying hydrated is particularly important for optimal cognitive development and protection from some nasty bacteria. Pro tip: As your child grows older, teach him or her to look at their urine to make sure it is more clear than yellow. If they spot yellow, then they should grab a glass of water. 3. Establish A Sleeping Schedule Depending on the specific age, it is important for your child to get around 10 hours of sleep every night. Going to sleep at the same time each evening will help achieve this. Stick carefully to this routine and only adjust the bedtime if it is absolutely necessary. Sleep is vital to health in many ways. It allows the body to recover quickly from illness or fight off potential infections. It also boosts metabolism. Good sleep can calm their nerves and result in a healthier mindset as well. The recommendation is that preschoolers get between 10 to 13 hours, elementary and middle-schoolers between 10 to 13 hours, and teenagers between 8 to 10 hours. Of course, this is dependent on personal preference as well. Your child may simply prefer to sleep more or slightly less than average, and that’s fine. Vaccinations (or immunisations) will prevent your child from catching some of the more serious infectious diseases. Once your child has been vaccinated for a specific disease their body will fight it more effectively if they get an infection. Reach out to your doctor or pediatrician and ask about all the recommended vaccinations for your child, to confirm they are up to date. It may be a reason they are prone to getting infections from school. 5. Teach Them To Always Wash Their Hands With the coming of COVID-19, this, obviously has become a global anthem. But washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent germs and bacteria from spreading. So, teach your child to wash their hands: - Before eating - After coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose - After going to the toilet - After playing with a pet, animal, or their classmates’ toys - After picking up something from the floor or touching something dirty (e.g. chewed pencils, used tissue, etc.) - Whenever they appear in need of a wash Before your child starts school, nursery, or daycare for the first time, take a look around together and show your child where they can wash their hands. Gently explain that your child must wash his hands often so that they do not get sick and miss out on school. 6. Talk To Their Teacher Or School Administrator Share your concerns with your child’s class teacher or school management. The least they can do is to sensitize all on some of the ways germs can spread—through the air when we cough or sneeze. They should encourage the students to use a tissue when they cough, sneeze or have a runny nose. Here are other interesting articles you should read – 7 Ways To Take Your Kids Around The World Without Travelling – What To Do If Your Child Is Being Bullied At School Apart from using tissue, they should emphasize disposing of it in the waste bin, and wash their hands thoroughly with provided soap or a hand sanitiser. Teach your child to do the same and ensure that there’s always a hand sanitizer in their school bags. 7. Keep Them Away From School When Necessary If your child is too ill to take part in group activities or they’ve come down with an infection that requires them to be excluded (e.g., chickenpox, mumps, measles, or flu), have them stay at home and not go to school. This will stop germs and bacteria from being passed on to other children and give your child time to recuperate. Find more resources on parenting here.

https://fabmumng.com/what-to-do-when-your-child-is-prone-to-getting-infections-from-school/

Education

en

Co-operative Society had their origin at the end of the 18th Century, when great industrial changes were taking place. Until the 18 Century, most of she manufacture was done in the home, under what is known as the Domestic System but as a result of the Industrial Revolution, the Factory System of manufacture developed, and went to factories to wok for Wages, instead of being their own masters at home. Much social distress and unemployment accompanied the great industrial changes which situations were made worse by the effects of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars which brought in untold hardship after the conclusion of peace in 1815. According to Whitehead (1980), the idea of co-operation arose during the years of distress. The aim of the early co-operators was to remedy the distress of the working class by obtaining some of the benefits of the machinery and greater production for the workers. Two methods were attempted in order to do this. To set up workshops owned and controlled by the workers themselves whereby the employees where to subscribe the capital, run the factory under direction of elected foremen and to share in the profits made from the sale of their products. This idea was borrowed from the French at the time of the French Revolution, and in it we see the origin of what is called today PRODUCTIVE OR PRODUCERS cO-OPERATION. To form associations of consumers who would buy their requirements collectively from wholesalers, and thus buying in bulk, would be able to sell to members at a lower price. This principle is the origin of the CONSUMERS CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY. At this time, many of the shops in the Northern industrial towns were owned either by the mill owners or by shopkeepers who were under the influence of the mill owners. The general shortage of coins and reliable banknotes meant that workers were often cheated on part in the morning and were then quickly sent to the shop to spend their money at once so that the coins could be sued later the same day to pay other -workers. This reduces the workers’ chances of choosing goods carefully. The Rochdale Pioneers showed how to avoid dealing at all with the “company store” In addition to these two traditional methods mentioned above, other forms of Co-operative retailing, such as., Thrif/ Credit/Savings, Craftsmen, Multi-purpose co-operative societies and production (or industries co-operative societies) have also developed in most of the West African countries. These attempts after distresses were not very successful, but better organised movements emerged 1820. The first successful society was founded in 1844 as a co-operative store in Toad Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire by a small group working men who become known as 28 Rochdale Lancashire Pioneer Weavers who based &men the who based the operations of their society on principles which have since been copied through world. By 1845 there were 74 members, coupled with the fact that the turnover and profits became high. Thomas (1970) opines that though wages were low and living conditions poor, these men put all their savings together and set up those shop for themselves Each took his turn in serving during his free time and profit made was divided up among the group. In this way they provided the basic necessities of life at prices below those asked in other shops. The venture was successful and other societies grew up On the same lines. Today, there are co-operative retail societies Ogun Out the country. They vary in size from those in cities with membership around the million mark to those in villages with only a small membership around the million mark to those in villages with only a small membership. As a matter of fact, the idea was to buy foodstuffs at wholesale prices and sell them (to members only) at market price. Profits were divided among member in proportion to the value of their purchases. Although the first co-operative society was formed in Nigeria in 1945, yet history has it that the Producers Co-operative Society was formed in 1922 to produce cocoa farmers a common front so as to be able to secure loans and fa prices for their produce. Western, Eastern and Northern Nigeria, as Nigeria they called, passed their co-operative laws, which are still in force in the State created from each former Region. The relevant co-operative laws gave addition impetus to cocoa farmers, and soon producers of coffee, rubber, cotton, groundnut palm produce, et cetera, began to promote co-operative societies to cater for the interests. Its principal aim was to identify people of similar character and interest who were willing to work together to promote and project their members social CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY DEFINED A co-operative society or movement is an organisation in which a group persons who have common interest mutually agree to come together for promotion of economic and social interests. Thus, after the identification of members themselves, a programme of activity is usually drawn up whereby members agree on certain lines of action. these lines of action were: a. Whether to produce goods for distribution, or b. Whether consumer goods would be bought in bulk and sold in retail at reduced prices; or c. whether to go into thrift or credit operations raising funds and giving out loans to their members. PRINCIPLES OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY A co-operative society is not just a collection of individuals coming together merely for the sake of an association, but that over the years, a co-operative society was guided by some tested principles which, if strictly adhered to, would lead to the successful realisation ot the goals for which the organisation was formed. These principles reflect and underscore: a. Open and Voluntary Membership. b. Democratic control (one member, one vote) c. Payment of limited interest on capital invested d. Co-operation among co-operatives e. Patronage Rebate f. Distribution of surplus funds in proportion to member’s transactions. g. Maintaining political and religious neutrality h. Promotion of education i. Cash trading. a. Open and Voluntary Membership: This means that every member who is willing and ready to identify him/herself to the aims of the organisation is allowed to come in and participate in the activity of the organisation irrespective of his political or religious beliefs. b. Democratic Control (one member, one Vote): Decisions are normally taken on the floor of the house based on the agreements reached by the generality of the entire members. It is strictly based on the principles of the one man one vote. It must be emphasised here that in case of a tie in reaching decisions, the President/Chairman is allowed a casting vote. In a consensus situation. no vote is required. c. Patronage Rebate: At the end of the financial year when the profits realised by the organisation have been worked out, an amount is set aside as dividend payable to members as a rebate for the business done with the organisation This is aimed at encouraging members to do business with the organisation rather than going elsewhere. d. Payment of Limited Interest on Capital Investment: This is where dividend is paid to members who are the owners of the business based on the share capital subscribed by each member. The co-operative society law stipulate that not more than five percent of the profits realised for a given year shoe be paid as interest to members, e. Co-operation Among Co-operatives: This aims at bringing primary operatives together to rob mind and find solutions to commonly problems identified. Thus, we have today, the Co-operative Unions which the are encouraged to form among themselves. Here there must be at least co-operative societies coming together to form one. All the cooperation societies in a given focal government area can come together to form of They subscribe to the shares and manage the business collectively. Aloe height of it all is the apex body. This is the parent body of all the co-operatives societies as well as the Union in the State. A good example is the Delta The above principles are still applied today throughout the cooperative movement which forms one of the retail outlets in many West African countries the idea of co-operation is being strongly encouraged, and this can be seen by the setting up of a special government department or Ministry to take charge of the set-up, Government in statements and by direct loans, have helped various classes of co-operative societies and the student is advised to work across the road to set one of the societies to study its working in Edo State of Nigeria, there are sever consumers and producers co-operative societies such as the Benin Carvers Co-operative society, the Berin Shoemakers Co-operative society, the consumer co-operative society, etc TYPES OF CO-OPERATIVE STORES Different types of co-operative stores exist today. However, the most common once are 1. The Producers’ co-operative societies: Unlike the consumers’ societies the producers actually engage in production of goods. These are the categories of the co-operative societies that are being given encouragement by those governments which have programmes for rural integration. The farmers, for instance, are encouraged to form producers’ co-operative societies after which certain agricultural facilities are made available to them as a group. Such facilities include funds, modern machineries and equipment, crops, insecticides (for killing plants’ diseases), expert advice and training. The producers’ societies could take either of two forms 5. a. Joint Ownership: All members would fuse into one association owning in common-land, machineries, capital, receiving expert advice and working as a team b. Individual Ownership: Alternatively, each member of the society could stand on his own, having his owns farmland. capital and sharing as much as possible the use of machineries, equipment, et cetera with one another Producers’ co-operative societies are like cartels. after their harvest, they pool their products together, selling to the consumers’ co-operative societies who in turn sell to the final consumers. Any recurring profits are shared among member produce on the basis of quota contribution to the pool. in Ghana, there are producers’ co-operative societies engaged poultry farming and distilling of spirit (hot drinks). 2. The consumer co-operative societies: These are shops where they retail goods to members and others. They deal mostly on consumer goods. The main function is to make the cost of items cheaper and lower the cost living for their members. The full price is charged in the shops for goo but profits are returned to members in the form of patronage rebates. instance, they retail consumer co-operatives retail goods, while the wholesale co-operative societies sell both in bulk and in retail. 3. The Credit/Thrift/Savings Co-operative Societies: These play dual role They function as a business organisation putting their resources together which in this case are savings. At the same time, they function as financial institutions. They make their savings available as loans to their member at very minimum rates of interest, thereby encouraging their members undertake small business risks. Member savers are content with the low interest rates, in the satisfaction that they have been useful to other members who are able to make some living out of such loans deployed in petty trading activities. In addition any other big funds in form of grants or loans from the headquarters of the co-operative Bank Limited are passed through the coffers of these cred and Thrift Co-operative Societies. 4. Production (or Industrial) Co-operative Society: A Production Co operative Society is made up of individuals engaged in specialised, skilled services such as tailors, carpenters, mechanics, panel beaters, welders- painters, block moulders, masons, and so forth. Each service area co-operative under the umbrella of the Production Co-operative Society 5. Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society: While other forms of co-operative society tend to specialize, for example, in consumer goods, farming, fishing, etc, the Multi-purpose Co-operative Society combines different activities such as marketing of consumers goods, credit and loans, etc A Muti- purpose Co-operative Society or a Farmers’ Multi-Purpose Co-operative the term, “multi-purpose”, allows the society to undertake any form of co- operative activity that it considers profitable in the interest of the society and its members. The types of cooperative society discuss above have advantages and disadvantages altered to them it must be stared that there are other type of co-operative societies in various parts of the world, although its Organisation varies from one to another CHARACTERISTICS OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES Asaolu (1982) listed the following aN tne characteristic of a Co-operative Society i. This Is open to all people on payment of a small fee ii. The share list is also open all the year round iii. Voting is by person and not by shares as in the public and the private companies. iv. There is a limit to the amount of investment that any one member could make. v. Shares are not transferable and would be repaid on demand vi. Each member is identified by a number for the purpose. 2 Motive: The Primary motives are the welfare of members. To this end, t operate on the basis of substituting co-operation for the rat-race competition in the capitalist economy 3. Sources of Capital; Capital comes from shares bought by members, loans from members, and undistributed profits that are plug back into the business There are also some loans from outside bodies as a interest. 4. Range of Goods: in order to cater for the growing tastes of members . society rotors a wide range of goods such as alcoholic drinks, food, clothing and furniture They also provide services such as banking insurance 5. Management; This is by a committee of management and the president are selected by election, but are unpaid The committee takes decision on policy matters Such decisions are carried out by salaried managers ad officials appointed by the committee. 6. Prices of Goods: Goods are sold at momentum retail prices and snot Me slightly lower prices as a from of passing returns on business Operator Customers 7. Management of Dividends: Calculation and payments of dividends are on value of purchases made by customers. However, in order to avoid the arduous task of keeping endless records of customers’ purchases, books and stamps are issued to all customers at the time of purchases. The stamps are pasted on the pages of book which, when filled, have certain values. Dividends and paid on the number of books fully filled and submitted. sometimes bonuses, are The problems facing the organisation and operation of co-operative societies in Nigeria and in most West African countries are outlined below as put together by Ahukannah, et al (1992). 1. Amateur management 2. Divided loyalty 3. The consumer-type society is dominant. 4. Financial problems 5. Bad economic conditions 6. Communication problems 7. Slow returns on investment 8. Difficulty in recovering loan 9. High level of illiteracy among members 10. Excessive governmental control. Advantages of Co-operative Societies: Some of the merits of co-operative societies are: a. Membership: To become a member is easy and without any intricate formalities. Membership is open to all on payment of a nominal fee. Registration of members is a continuous exercise. b. Thriſt and Business Enterprise: Savings habit is encouraged by paying interest, however small, to members on their sayings. Other members are encouraged to take interest in business by giving them loans with low interest rates out of members’ savings. d. Loyalty: Members are loyal and devoted because of the pride of joint ownership Equal Rights: Members have equal rights and equable Voices and equality of rights. e. Divided Rights and Effects: Each member is entitled to payment of dividends. based on purchases. This ensures equitable sharing of profits, and increases sales turnover by widening and consolidating the societies’ share of the 1. Members Welfare: A fixed percentage of profits is reserved for improving educational, economic and political advancements. For instance, scholarships could be awarded to the children of members, while useful training courses are organised in the interests of members. War Aptest Monopolies they constitute a strong competitive force the monopolistic tendencies of large stores, and also serve to urge others to be more efficient I sewers to Challenges: As answers to charges against them of be conservative and unenterprising, the societies now engage in aggressive devices, nation wide advertisements, sales of a wider-range of goods and or dividend stamps The customers who shop at the co-operative get good quality products, prices, and a share of all the profits made. il range of benefits for members and employs includes such items as With education, convalescence after illness, youth camps for children assistance with funeral expense. iii At one time, the societies has a private market’ at there members supported the societies for idealistic as well as practical reasons. No tax is paid on this type of business organisation. Other principal advantages attached to the system of co-operation relation to the payment of a dividend to the consumer and the fact that the con can take part in the control of the business. In addition, some of the surplus are used for social and educational purposes for the benefit of both member DISADVANTAGES OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES: Below states some of the disadvantages of Co-operative societies! a. Lack of Competitive Drive: Some have argued that co-operative some are not as competitive as the other stores where prices are lower, qua branded superior goods, faster services and more business-like. The conflict or b. High Dividends and Low Prices: the sanity of a paying high dividends while maintaining low prices has been a long-term policy. Some argue that such a policy might deprive the so of much needed profit reserve. c. Erect or Low Dividends Payments: It has been observed that the dividends payable on purchases is not enough incentives for of the co-operative societies to do their shopping share. They could such dividends promptly in the competitive stores reputed for lower d. Quality of Management. The Committee of management that societies might have little or no industrial experience. Appointments officials equally take no account of qualifications and interviews. Then the attains or the society might not necessarily be in capable hands. e. Low Salary Se-ale: The salaries paid to their officials are not competitive and therefore, they could not possibly attract adequate qualified personnel f. Outlets for Competitors’ Products; Some of the Co-operative Societies have no products of their own and therefore, serve only as channels of distribution for their competitors g. Members Lack of interest in Meetings and Administration The interest of members in the running of the societies might be minimal once their dividends are paid promptly. h. Non members Lack of Interest: Non-members might not be interested in shopping there for resentment of not being treated like registered members Other disadvantages are that the members are often only interested in the dividend and are not concerned with the management of the business or the conditions under which employees are working. Also, it is sometimes thought that many of the management committees are composed of persons who are lacking in business experience In this chapter one has learnt that: Co-operative societies or stores had their origin at the end of the 18 century It was established by 28 Rochdale Lancahsire Pioneer Weavers in 1844 at Toad Lane, Rochdale, Lancashire; The basic aim was to buy goods in bulk purchases and sell to members at reduced (controlled) prices, Co-operative movement (societies) is defined as an organisation in which a group of persons who have common interest mutually agree to come together for the promotion of economic and social interest The establishment of co-operative societies is based on nine sound principles for its successful operation. There are many types of co-operative societies a few of them are consumers, producers, production, multi-purpose; credit/thrift savings, etc The features of co-operative societies are membership, motives, sources of capital, range of goods, management, prices of goods etc, The problems facing co-operative society are inefficient management, divided loyalty, finance, lack of communication, bad economic conditions, interference by government, high level of illiteracy, etc. Some of the principal advantages attached to the system of co- operation lie in relation to the payment of a dividend to the consumer and the fact that the consumer can take part in the control of the business. In addition, some of the surplus funds are used for social and educational purposes for the benefit of both members and staff Finally, the main disadvantages are that the member is often only interested in the dividend and is not concerned with the management of the business or the conditions thought that many of the management of the business or the conditions under which employees are working Also, it is sometimes thought that many of the many of the management committees are composed of persons who are lacking in business experience, and do not have the will and encouragement to inspire others. If you want the best and latest Business Plan In Nigeria call the number above. OTHER BUSINESS PLAN IN NIGERIA WITH RECENT UPDATE - Office-Planning And Layout Introduction - Method Of Payment And Imprest System - The Co-Operative Society (Movement) - The Separation Of Investment And Management - Development Of Company - Partnership In Business - How to Start Export Business in Nigeria - The Sole Proprietorship - Introduction To Business - Restaurant Business Plan In Nigeria/ Latest Edition feasibility studies proposal - How to Make Money Online in Nigeria 2020 - Top 14 Business Ideas In Nigeria 2020 - Top 10 Most Lucrative Businesses In Nigeria 2020 - How To Start Kerosene Business In Nigeria Latest Edition feasibility studies proposal - Ushering Business Plan in Nigeria 2020 - Steps On How To Grow Your Business In Nigeria - Poultry Farming Business Plan In Nigeria - Shoe Making Business Plan In Nigeria 2020 - Paint Production Business Plan In Nigeria Latest Feasibility Study 2020 - Pig Farming Business Plan In Nigeria - Rice Farming Business Plan in Nigeria - How To Start Goat Farming In Nigeria/ Feasibility Study - How To Start Catfish Farming in Nigeria/ Feasibility Report - How to Start Poultry Farming in Nigeria/ Feasibility Study - How To Register A Company In Nigeria 2020 - How To Become A Recharge Card Distributor In Nigeria/ Feasibility Study […] The Co-Operative Society (Movement) […] […] The Co-Operative Society (Movement) […] […] The Co-Operative Society (Movement) […] […] The Co-Operative Society (Movement) […]

https://businessplanhub.com.ng/the-co-operative-society-movement/

Education

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Trees are more than just beautiful fixtures of any city neighborhood. They make hot summer days more bearable by providing shade and naturally cooling air temperatures in the immediate surroundings. However, researchers have found a distinct and historical connection between tree canopy disparity in wealthy, mostly white neighborhoods and low-income, often minority communities. It goes back to a discriminatory housing practice called redlining. Under a New Deal program, maps of over 200 American cities were created to determine which residential areas were creditworthy to receive federal loans. The grading system heavily disadvantaged people of color, immigrants, and low-income families, making it hard to obtain the funds for mortgages and to build and maintain parks or other tree-covered urban spaces. More than 50 years after the practice was banned by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the sweltering effects continue to be felt in formerly redlined areas that still have fewer trees to keep neighborhoods cool.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/02/black-pharaohs/robert-draper-text

Politics

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A 19-year-old Harvard psychology student Jessica Matthews, visited relatives in Nigeria to spend summer, she noticed 2 things-the lights frequently went out, and also to make things worse her family, like several African families, must depend on kerosene, a gas that causes health as well as ecological hazards. Matthews also could not help but discover that everybody was actively playing soccer. Children, teenagers, as well as adults all over the place were enjoying soccer on the roads with makeshift gear made out of something they found. When she returned to Harvard, her encounter in Nigeria had been the inspiration for the class project which eventually started to be an impossible social invention, the Soccket, an electricity using soccer ball created to generate several hours of light right after 30 minutes of play. In making this device, Matthews bridged the community’s necessity for reliable electrical power using their passion for soccer. Kicking The Strategy to a Brighter Future In the course of her junior year at Harvard, she met Julia Silvermam, a fellow student. Together with no engineering history, the 2 of them created the original Soccket model. They performed this through placing a shake-to-charge flashlight within a hamster ball, as well as finding that once they thrown the ball round the flashlight lighted. The concept started on entrepreneurial fire within Matthews, when she as well as her team persisted to work to master the Soccket as well as launch Uncharted Play in the year 2011. That isn’t to convey that Matthews did not experience challenges throughout the development procedure. Engineers thought that her team wouldn’t be capable of develop a ball both illuminate enough to kick as well as able to produce sustainable energy. However, Matthews do not gave up. She performed her research. She raised cash. She consistently labored on various prototypes, to be able to create a ball that was more lightweight. She and also her team understood it was subsequently important for people to be capable of kicking and bouncing the ball on their heads. The final finished product was the 17 ounce Soccket, the product only two ounces more heavy than a real soccer ball. For more subscribe to our channel:

http://www.hopefornigeriaonline.com/how-the-magic-soccer-ball-inspires-everyone-to-play-and-create-power/

Politics

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Types of Clothes that suitable for our climates. Primary 4 / Basic 4 Instructional Materials : - Types of clothes - Cotton materials - Slick clothes - Hand gloves Previous Knowledge : The pupils have been taught different types of clothes Behavioural Objectives : At the end of the lesson, the pupils should be able to mention various clothes that are suitable for different types of Nigerian weather Class: Basic 4 Subject: Civic Education Topic: Types of Clothes that suitable for our climates. Nigeria is a tropical country. It has two different climates. Sometimes, the weather may be hot as we have during the dry season or very cold as in the rainy and harmattan seasons . Therefore, we must wear clothes that suit these different climatic conditions. In cold weather, people are advised to wear thick and heavy clothes such as jackets, coats , cardigans, sweaters, etc. This is necessary because we need thick clothes to keep us extra warm . Keeping warm at this period prevents respiratory infections like common cold , catarrh,cough , pneumonia, etc. In the hot season, people need to wear light cotton clothes because of the heat in the environment. This absorbs sweat easily and allows fresh air to the body. Wearing light clothing does not mean we should exposed our body. It means to dress in a way that will generate less heat. Some professions need particular clothing. Examples of such professions are medical personnel, lawyers , nurses, police, soldiers, etc. Their clothes show who they are and what they do . They must wear their uniforms whether the weather is cold or hot. The topic is presented step by step The class teacher revises the previous topics He introduces the new topic The class teacher allows the pupils to give their own examples and he corrects them when the needs arise (1) State two types of clothes that we wear under hot weather and two for cold weather (2) Identify three professions you know and the type of clothes they wear (3) Explain three ways in which you can keep your clothes clean. The teacher wraps up by going round to mark the pupils notes Read about the difference between Weather and climate

https://edudelighttutors.com/2020/06/22/1-state-two-types-of-clothes-that-we-wear-under-hot-weather-and-two-for-cold-weather-2-identify-three-professions-you-know-and-the-type-of-clothes-they-wear-3-explain-three-ways-in-which-you-c/#.XvDfZopwSbQ.whatsapp

Education

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Based on new evidence assessing benefits and risks, the WHO recommends the use of the HIV drug dolutegravir (DTG) as the preferred first-line and second-line treatment for all populations, including pregnant women and those of childbearing potential. Initial studies had highlighted a possible link between DTG and neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain and spinal cord that cause conditions such as spina bifida) in infants born to women using the drug at the time of conception. This potential safety concern was reported in May 2018 from a study in Botswana that found 4 cases of neural tube defects out of 426 women who became pregnant while taking DTG. Based on these preliminary findings, many countries advised pregnant women and women of childbearing potential to take efavirenz (EFV) instead. New data from two large clinical trials comparing the efficacy and safety of DTG and EFV in Africa have now expanded the evidence base. The risks of neural tube defects are significantly lower than what the initial studies may have suggested. The guidelines group also considered mathematical models of the benefits and harms associated with the two drugs; the values and preferences of people living with HIV, as well as factors related to the implementation of HIV programs in different countries, and cost. DTG is a drug that is more effective, easier to take and has fewer side effects than alternative drugs that are currently used. DTG also has a high genetic barrier to developing drug resistance, which is important given the rising trend of resistance to EFV and nevirapine-based regimens. In 2019, 12 out of 18 countries surveyed by WHO reported pre-treatment drug resistance levels exceeding the recommended threshold of 10%. All of the above findings informed the decision to update the 2019 guidelines. In 2019, 82 low- and middle-income countries reported being transitioning to DTG-based HIV treatment regimens. The newly updated recommendations aim to help more countries improve their HIV policies. As for any medications, informed choice is important. Every treatment decision needs to be based on an informed discussion with the health provider weighing the benefits and potential risks. WHO also stresses the importance of providing information and options to help women make an informed choice. To this end WHO has convened an advisory group of women living with HIV from diverse backgrounds to advise on policy issues related to their health, including sexual and reproductive health. WHO highlights the need to continually monitor the risk of neural tube defects associated with DTG.

https://brandspurng.com/2019/07/22/who-recommends-dolutegravir-as-preferred-hiv-treatment-option-in-all-populations/

Health

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Free eBook: Thinking like a Catholic | The time has now come in the Church year for the solemn observance of the great central act of history, the redemption of the human race by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Roman Rite, the beginning of the forty days of penance is marked with the austere symbol of ashes which is used in today's liturgy. The use of ashes is a survival from an ancient rite according to which converted sinners submitted themselves to canonical penance. The Alleluia and the Gloria are suppressed until Easter. Abstinence from eating meat is to be observed on all Fridays during Lent. This applies to all persons 14 and older. The law of fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday applies to all Catholics from age 18 through age 59. At the beginning of Lent, on Ash Wednesday, ashes are blessed during Mass, after the homily. The blessed ashes are then "imposed" on the faithful as a sign of conversion, penance, fasting and human mortality. The ashes are blessed at least during the first Mass of the day, but they may also be imposed during all the Masses of the day, after the homily, and even outside the time of Mass to meet the needs of the faithful. Priests or deacons normally impart this sacramental, but instituted acolytes, other extraordinary ministers or designated lay people may be delegated to impart ashes, if the bishop judges that this is necessary. The ashes are made from the palms used at the previous Passion Sunday ceremonies. —Ceremonies of the Liturgical Year, Msgr. Peter J. Elliott The act of putting on ashes symbolizes fragility and mortality, and the need to be redeemed by the mercy of God. Far from being a merely external act, the Church has retained the use of ashes to symbolize that attitude of internal penance to which all the baptized are called during Lent. —Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy Meditation—An Itinerary of Conversion The rediscovery of the baptismal character of Lent, the ancient penitential season that precedes Easter, and the restoration of the Paschal Triduum—Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil—as the apex of the Church’s liturgical year are two of the most important accomplishments of modern Catholicism. Over the centuries, the summit of the Church’s year of grace—the celebration of Christ’s passing over from death to life, for which the Church prepares in Lent—had become encrusted with liturgical barnacles that gradually took center stage in the drama of Holy Week. And while some of them had a beauty of their own, such as the Tenebrae service, celebrated early in the morning of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, the overall effect was to diminish the liturgical richness of the Triduum; the Easter Vigil’s essential character as a dramatic night-watch, when the Church gathers at the Lord’s tomb to ponder the great events of salvation history while awaiting the bright dawn of the Resurrection, was almost completely obscured. Similarly, Lent, which had an intensely baptismal character centuries ago, became almost exclusively penitential: a matter of what Catholics must not do, rather than a season focused on the heart of the Christian vocation and mission—conversion to Jesus Christ and the deepening of our friendship with him. Now, thanks to Pope Pius XII’s restoration of the Easter Vigil and the liturgical reforms mandated by the Second Vatican Council, Catholics of the twenty-first century can celebrate both Lent and the Paschal Triduum in the richness of their evangelical and baptismal character, as moments of intensified conversion to Christ and incorporation into his Body, the Church. Lent, once dreaded, has become popular: churches are full on Ash Wednesday, and the disciplines of Lent—fasting, almsgiving, intensified prayer—have now been relocated properly within the great human adventure of continuing conversion. Celebrated with appropriate solemnity, the Paschal Triduum today is what it should be: the apex of the liturgical year, in which those who were initially conformed to Christ in Baptism, along with those baptized at the Easter Vigil, relive the Master’s Passion and Death in order to experience the joy of the Resurrection, the decisive confirmation that God’s purposes in history will be vindicated. This revival of Lent in the Catholic Church has involved the rediscovery of the Forty Days as a season shaped by the catechumenate: the period of education and formation through which adults who have not yet been baptized are prepared to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Holy Eucharist, the three sacraments of Christian initiation, at the Easter Vigil. The baptismal character of Lent is not for catechumens only, however. The adult catechumenate (called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) offers an annual reminder to the Church that allalways in need of conversion. The Church’s conversion, the Church’s being-made-holy, is a never-ending process. Baptism, the Scriptures tell us, is “for the forgiveness of sins.” And while that central aspect of the sacrament is most dramatically manifest in the baptism of adults at the Easter Vigil, those who were baptized in infancy , and who, as all do, inevitably fall into sin, are also in need of forgiveness. Thus baptism “for the forgiveness of sins,” which is such a prominent theme throughout Lent, reminds all the baptized that they, too, require liberation from sin: from the bad habits that enslave us and impede our friendship with Christ. To make the pilgrimage of Lent is to follow an itinerary of conversion. Lent affords every baptized Christian the opportunity to reenter the catechumenate, to undergo a “second baptism,” and thus to meet once again the mysteries of God’s mercy and love…. The Bible includes three paradigmatic forty-day periods of fasting and prayer: that of Moses, who prepared for forty days to receive to receive the Ten Commandments, the moral code that God gives his chosen people to help them avoid falling back into the habits of slaves [Deuteronomy 9.9]; that of Elijah, who fasted “forty days and forty nights [at] Horeb the mount of God,” prior to hearing the “still, small voice” of the Lord passing by [1 Kings 19:8]; and that of Jesus, prior to his temptation. Thus the “forty days” of Lent—Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, exclusive of Sundays (which were always exempted from the Lenten fast as the disciplines of the season became defined)—evoke two great figures from the Hebrew Bible, Moses the lawgiver and Elijah the model of prophecy, as well as the Lord’s own fast in the desert, which is variously described in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke as the crucial prelude to his public ministry. In all three biblical instances, these forty days are a stepping-aside from the ordinary rhythms of life in order to be more open to the promptings of the spirit of God, and thus more deeply converted to walking along God’s path through history. That “stepping aside” is a primary characteristic of Lent and, according to the ancient tradition of the Church, is embodied in almsgiving and intensified prayer as well as fasting. The three practices go together. “Giving up _____” for Lent would have little more meaning than a weight-loss program were it not accompanied by a deeper encounter with Father, Son, and Holy Spirit through prayer, spiritual reading, and reflection and a new concern for those in need. Thus the special practices of the Forty Days, like the liturgies of each day of Lent, constantly bring the Christian back to the primordial call of Christ: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” [Mark 1.15]. —George Weigel, Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches Highlights and Things to Do: - Go with your family to receive ashes at Mass today. Leave them on your forehead as a witness to your faith. Here is a Lenten reflection on the meaning of the ashes on Ash Wednesday. If you have children, you may want to share this with them in terms that they can understand. - Today parents should encourage their children to reflect upon what regular penances they will perform throughout this season of Lent. Ideally, each member of the family should choose his own personal penance as well as some good act that he will perform (daily spiritual reading, daily Mass, extra prayers, almsgiving, volunteer work, housecleaning, etc.), and the whole family may wish to give up one thing together (TV, movies, desserts) or do something extra (family rosary, Holy Hour, Lenten Alms Jar). - Here is a Lenten prayer that the family may pray every night from Ash Wednesday to the first Saturday in Lent, to turn the family's spiritual focus towards this holy season. - Read Pope Francis's 2024 Message for Lent with the theme: "Through the Desert God Leads us to Freedom." Pope Francis likens the penitential season of Lent to the journey of the Hebrew people through the desert, from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Holy Land. But “even today we remain under the rule of Pharaoh.” The season of Lent takes the faithful through the desert to break away from this rule. “It is time to act, and in Lent, to act also means to pause. To pause in prayer.” Roman Stational churches or station churches are the churches that are appointed for special morning and evening services during Lent, Easter and some other important days during the Liturgical Year. This ancient Roman tradition started in order to strengthen the sense of community within the Church in Rome, as this system meant that the Holy Father would visit each part of the city and celebrate Mass with the congregation. "So vividly was the station saint before the minds of the assembled people that he seemed present in their very midst, spoke and worshiped with them. Therefore the missal still reads, "Statio ad sanctum Paulum," i.e., the service is not merely in the church of St. Paul, but rather in his very presence. In the stational liturgy, then, St. Paul was considered as actually present and acting in his capacity as head and pattern for the worshipers. Yes, even more, the assembled congregation entered into a mystical union with the saint by sharing in his glory and by seeing in him beforehand the Lord's advent in the Mass" (Pius Parsch, The Church's Year of Grace, Vol. 2, p. 71). For more information, see: - The Stational Church by Jennifer Gregory Miller - Roman Pilgrimage: The Station Churches, a review of George Weigel's book by Jennifer Gregory Miller - Following the Roman Stations by Jennifer Gregory Miller - A Peek Into Our Daily Roman Station Walk by Jennifer Gregory Miller - Florence Berger's At Home: Lent and Easter - Pontifical Academy of the Martyrs: Lenten Stations (Text in Italian)—the Academy has been encouraging the display and veneration of relics at the stational churches. - The Pontifical North American College: The Roman Station Liturgy—includes commentary for each Stational day. - Roman Station Churches with Fr. Bill. - Aleteia: Live Lent with a devotion of the early Christians: Join us to see Rome’s “station churches” Station with Santa Sabina all'Aventino (St. Sabina): The first stational church during Lent is Santa Sabina at the Aventine (Basilica of St. Sabina). It was built in the 5th century, presumably at the site of the original Titulus Sabinae, a church in the home of St. Sabina who had been martyred c. 114. The tituli were the first parish churches in Rome. St. Dominic lived in the adjacent monastery for a period soon before his death in 1221. Among other residents of the monastery were St. Thomas Aquinas. For more on Santa Sabina all'Aventino, see: For further information on the Station Churches, see The Stational Church.

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2015-02-18

Religion

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biblical criticism, discipline that studies textual, compositional, and historical questions surrounding the Old and New Testaments. Biblical criticism lays the groundwork for meaningful interpretation of the Bible. A brief treatment of biblical criticism follows. For full treatment, see biblical literature: Biblical criticism. More From Britannica biblical literature: Critical methods The major types of biblical criticism are: (1) textual criticism, which is concerned with establishing the original or most authoritative text, (2) philological criticism, which is the study of the biblical languages for an accurate knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and style of the period, (3) literary criticism, which focuses on the various literary genres embedded in the text in order to uncover evidence concerning date of composition, authorship, and original function of the various types of writing that constitute the Bible, (4) tradition criticism, which attempts to trace the development of the oral traditions that preceded written texts, and (5) form criticism, which classifies the written material according to the preliterary forms, such as parable or hymn. Other schools of biblical criticism that are more exegetical in intent—that is, concerned with recovering original meanings of texts—include redaction criticism, which studies how the documents were assembled by their final authors and editors, and historical criticism, which seeks to interpret biblical writings in the context of their historical settings. The scientific principles on which modern criticism is based depend in part upon viewing the Bible as a suitable object for literary study, rather than as an exclusively sacred text. Evaluation of the Scriptures to uncover evidence about historical matters was formerly called “higher criticism,” a term first used with reference to writings of the German biblical scholar J.G. Eichhorn, who applied the method to his study of the Pentateuch. In the 20th century, Rudolf Bultmann and Martin Dibelius initiated form criticism as a different approach to the study of historical circumstances surrounding biblical texts. The rapid development of philology in the 19th century together with archaeological discoveries of the 20th century revolutionized biblical criticism.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/biblical-criticism

Religion

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Throughout history, humanity has sought to connect with the divine in various ways. One profound example of this pursuit is found in the ancient Israelites’ construction of the tabernacle. The tabernacle served as a physical and spiritual dwelling place for God during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. However, beyond its practical function, the tabernacle holds rich symbolism and spiritual meaning that transcends time. Here we are going to we explore the deeper significance of the tabernacle and uncover the profound spiritual truths it conveys. - A Place of God’s Dwelling Exodus 25:8 (NIV) “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.” This verse, spoken by God Himself to Moses, encapsulates the essence of the tabernacle. It represents God’s desire to have a tangible dwelling place among His people, where His presence can be experienced and His glory manifested. The construction of the tabernacle was a divine commandment given to the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. It was a physical structure meticulously designed according to God’s specifications, with every detail serving a purpose and conveying a deeper spiritual truth. Through the tabernacle, God sought to establish a personal and intimate relationship with His chosen people. It was not enough for Him to be a distant deity; He desired to be intimately involved in their lives. The tabernacle served as a constant reminder of His closeness and accessibility. Within the confines of the tabernacle, the Israelites believed that they were in the very presence of God. The Holy of Holies, separated by a veil, housed the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God’s presence among His people. It was a sacred space where the high priest could enter once a year to make atonement for the sins of the nation. The tabernacle was a place of worship, sacrifice, and intercession. It was where the people could bring their offerings and seek forgiveness, commune with God through prayer and worship, and receive guidance and direction through the priests. While the physical tabernacle is no longer present, its spiritual significance remains. It serves as a reminder that God desires to dwell among His people, not only in a physical structure but also in our hearts and lives. As believers today, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). God’s presence dwells within us through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We are called to honor and reverence the sacredness of our bodies and live in a way that reflects His presence within us. Just as the tabernacle was a place of encounter with God for the Israelites, our lives should be a dwelling place for His presence. We can experience His closeness, guidance, and intimacy through prayer, worship, and obedience to His Word. - Symbolism of the Tabernacle The intricate design and construction of the tabernacle were not merely for aesthetic purposes. Every aspect of its architecture and furnishings held symbolic meaning, representing deeper spiritual truths. Let’s explore some key elements: a. The Outer Court The outer court of the tabernacle held significant symbolism and served as the initial step towards encountering God. It was a place accessible to all Israelites and represented the importance of repentance and purification. Within the outer court stood the bronze altar, where sacrifices were made. This altar symbolized the need for atonement and foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Israelites would bring their offerings to the altar, acknowledging their sins and seeking forgiveness through the shedding of blood. The sacrifices offered on the bronze altar were a temporary solution, pointing towards the future redemption and forgiveness that would be achieved through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus, the Lamb of God, would become the ultimate sacrifice, offering Himself as a perfect atonement for the sins of humanity. The bronze altar emphasizes the significance of repentance and the acknowledgment of our need for forgiveness. It reminds us that our sins separate us from God, and it is through repentance and the acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice that we can be reconciled with Him. The bronze material of the altar highlights the aspect of judgment. It signifies that sin must be dealt with and that justice is required. The sacrifices made on the bronze altar demonstrated that sin carries a price and that someone must pay the penalty. Jesus Christ fulfilled the symbolism of the bronze altar through His sacrificial death on the cross. He bore the judgment and penalty for our sins, providing a way for us to be forgiven and reconciled to God. b. The Holy Place The Holy Place, situated beyond the outer court of the tabernacle, was a sacred space accessible only to the priests. Within the Holy Place, three significant elements were present: the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. Each of these elements held deep spiritual symbolism. Firstly, the golden lampstand represented spiritual illumination. It was made of pure gold and consisted of seven branches with lamps on top. The light from the lamps symbolized God’s presence and guidance, illuminating the path for His people. It reminds us of the importance of seeking divine wisdom and understanding through God’s Word, which serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Secondly, the table of showbread represented sustenance through God’s Word. It was a table made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and held twelve loaves of bread. The bread symbolized the provision and nourishment God provides for His people. It reminds us that God sustains us physically and spiritually, providing the nourishment we need to thrive in our spiritual journey. Lastly, the altar of incense represented the power of prayer and worship. It was a small altar made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The burning incense on the altar produced a fragrant aroma, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. It emphasizes the significance of prayer and worship, reminding us of the power and privilege we have to approach God’s throne through communion with Him. Together, the elements in the Holy Place signify the importance of spiritual illumination, sustenance through God’s Word, and the power of prayer and worship in our relationship with God. They remind us to seek His guidance, rely on His provision, and maintain a vibrant connection with Him through prayer and worship. c. The Holy of Holies The Holy of Holies, situated at the innermost part of the tabernacle, held profound significance. It was a sacred space separated from the rest of the tabernacle by a veil. Within the Holy of Holies resided the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments. This space symbolized the presence of God, veiled from the people due to their sinfulness. Access to the Holy of Holies was restricted to only the high priest, and that too, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This emphasized the need for a mediator between God and humanity. The high priest, representing the people, would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for their sins. The veil that separated the Holy of Holies symbolized the barrier between humanity and God’s holiness. It served as a reminder of the consequence of sin and the separation it creates between God and His creation. The people were not able to directly approach God’s presence due to their sinfulness. However, through the sacrificial system and the work of the high priest, a temporary reconciliation was made possible. The high priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement demonstrated the importance of atonement and the need for forgiveness to restore the relationship between God and His people. The Holy of Holies points forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, the veil was torn in two, signifying that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Jesus became the ultimate mediator, granting direct access to God’s presence for all who believe in Him. - Foreshadowing Christ The tabernacle, with its design and rituals, served as a remarkable foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. Through its various elements and practices, it pointed to the ultimate fulfillment found in Christ. The sacrificial system within the tabernacle was a important aspect of its symbolism. The offerings made on the bronze altar were temporary and served as a reminder of the need for atonement. These animal sacrifices were a foreshadowing of the perfect and ultimate sacrifice that would be offered by Jesus Christ on the cross. He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, providing full and eternal atonement for humanity’s transgressions. The priesthood established within the tabernacle also played a significant role in foreshadowing Christ. The high priest, who entered the Holy of Holies once a year, represented the need for a mediator between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the ultimate High Priest who intercedes on behalf of His people. He is the bridge between humanity and God, offering access to the Father through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The emphasis on God’s presence within the tabernacle finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. The Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant resided, symbolized the presence of God among His people. In the person of Jesus Christ, God took on human flesh and dwelt among humanity. He became Immanuel, “God with us,” bringing God’s presence closer than ever before. Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God’s presence and can experience His love, grace, and guidance in their lives. The tabernacle’s intricate design, with its construction materials, measurements, and arrangement of its various components, also holds symbolism pointing to Christ. For example, the use of gold, representing purity and divinity, foreshadowed the deity of Jesus. The precise measurements and perfect order in the tabernacle highlighted the perfection and fulfillment found in Christ. - Personal Application While the physical tabernacle no longer exists, its spiritual lessons are still applicable today. We can draw valuable insights from its symbolism: a. Intimacy with God The tabernacle serves as a reminder of our innate longing for intimacy with God. It reflects our deep desire for a meaningful connection with the divine. The tabernacle’s purpose was to create a space where God’s presence could dwell among His people, emphasizing the importance of a personal relationship with Him. Through the symbolism of the tabernacle, we learn that God desires to dwell within us. Just as He dwelled within the Holy of Holies, He longs to reside in the innermost chambers of our hearts. He wants to have a personal and intimate relationship with each one of His children. The tabernacle also highlights the significance of seeking God’s presence. It teaches us that intimacy with God requires intentional effort and a heart that seeks after Him. Just as the Israelites had to approach the tabernacle and enter its various areas, we too must approach God with a humble and open heart, seeking His presence through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Moreover, the tabernacle demonstrates the accessibility of intimacy with God. It was accessible to all Israelites, regardless of their status or position. Similarly, God’s desire for intimacy extends to everyone. He invites us to come to Him as we are, without any barriers or prerequisites. He longs to have a personal relationship with each individual, offering His love, grace, and guidance. b. Purification and Repentance The outer court of the tabernacle carries a profound message of purification and repentance. It serves as a reminder that in order to draw closer to God, we must examine our lives, seek forgiveness, and embrace the cleansing process. In the outer court, sacrifices were offered on the bronze altar, symbolizing the need for atonement and the acknowledgment of sin. This act of sacrifice called for repentance and turning away from wrongdoing. It teaches us that genuine closeness to God requires a humble and contrite heart, willing to acknowledge our faults and seek His forgiveness. The emphasis on purification in the outer court highlights the transformative power of God’s grace. It reminds us that forgiveness and cleansing are essential for our spiritual growth and for establishing a deeper connection with God. Just as the Israelites underwent ceremonial washings and sacrifices, we are called to undergo a spiritual cleansing through repentance and the acceptance of God’s forgiveness. The outer court also speaks to the ongoing nature of repentance in our lives. It serves as a constant reminder to continually examine our hearts, identify areas of sin, and seek reconciliation with God. Repentance is a lifelong process of turning away from sin and aligning ourselves with God’s will. Ultimately, the message of purification and repentance in the outer court points us to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice who cleanses us from sin and offers us forgiveness. Through His death and resurrection, we have the opportunity to experience true repentance and purification, enabling us to draw near to God with a cleansed conscience and a renewed relationship. c. Prayer and Worship The Holy Place within the tabernacle holds a profound message regarding prayer, worship, and the study of God’s Word. It reminds us of the vital role these practices play in our spiritual journey and the nourishment they provide for our souls. Prayer is a direct line of communication between us and God. It is a powerful tool that allows us to express our deepest thoughts, desires, and concerns to our Heavenly Father. The Holy Place reminds us of the importance of setting aside dedicated time for prayer, seeking God’s guidance, and pouring out our hearts before Him. Worship is another integral aspect emphasized in the Holy Place. It involves acknowledging and honoring God for who He is and what He has done. Through worship, we express our adoration, gratitude, and reverence towards our Creator. The Holy Place encourages us to engage in heartfelt worship, both individually and collectively, recognizing the significance of praising God and aligning our hearts with His. The study of God’s Word is also emphasized in the Holy Place. It signifies the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance through the Scriptures. Just as the table of showbread was present in the Holy Place, symbolizing the provision of sustenance, the study of God’s Word provides spiritual nourishment, guidance, and illumination for our lives. Together, prayer, worship, and the study of God’s Word form an interconnected foundation for our spiritual journey. They allow us to deepen our relationship with God, grow in our understanding of His character, and align ourselves with His will. These practices provide the sustenance and guidance needed to navigate life’s challenges and draw closer to God. d. Access to God The torn veil in the Holy of Holies holds profound significance regarding our access to God. At the moment of Jesus’ crucifixion, the thick curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of barriers and the opening of direct access to God through Christ. In the Old Testament, the veil served as a symbol of the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Only the high priest, once a year, was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people. However, when Jesus died on the cross, His sacrifice fulfilled the need for atonement once and for all. As a result, the veil was torn from top to bottom, signifying that the way to God was now open for all who believe in Jesus. Through Christ, we no longer require a human mediator to approach God. The torn veil represents our direct access to the Father. We can boldly come before Him in faith, knowing that Jesus has reconciled us to God and made a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him. We can approach God with confidence, knowing that we are welcomed into His presence as His beloved children. This access to God is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a profound expression of God’s grace and love for humanity. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been granted the privilege of direct communion with the Father, experiencing His love, guidance, and transformative power in our lives. The tabernacle stands as a remarkable testament to the Israelites’ desire to commune with God and their recognition of His dwelling among them. Its spiritual meaning surpasses its historical significance, pointing to the profound truths of God’s presence, redemption, and our intimate relationship with Him. May we reflect upon these timeless lessons and seek to experience the spiritual reality the tabernacle represents in our lives today.

https://faithfulhome.com.ng/the-spiritual-meaning-of-the-tabernacle/

Religion

en

1.1. Background of the study Nigeria as a land filled with milk and honey suffers from the menace of poverty. Different questions have been asked to how poverty which is affecting the economy can be reduced to minimum. Several Government bodies have been setup to find a lasting solution to the problem striking the masses. However,it will be expedient to know what poverty is all about and to know the meaning of cooperative according to different scholars and join the two together to have a clearer understanding of the purpose of the study. According to Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary, Poverty is a state of being poor. It is the inability of a household to generate adequate income for the maintenance of the household. Poverty has become a pervasive National and Global issue resulting from a state of short or long term deprivation and insecurity in basic human needs (Chambers, 1996; Mullen, 1996;Obadan, 2002). Poverty has also become a feature of the living conditions and life situation of the vast majority of Nigerians. The incidence of poverty in Nigeria was put at 28.8% in 1980, 46.3% in 1985, 42.7% in 1992 and 65.6% in 1996. In 2008, estimates from the National Bureau of Statistics put incidence of poverty at 54.4% (Fakoya, Banmeke, Ashimolowo, Fapojuwo2010). Several evidences have suggested that majority of the world’s poor live and work in the rural area and that they would continue to do so in 2025 (IFAD, 2001). (Oseni, 2007) defined poverty as a state of involuntarily deprivation to which a person, household, community or nation can be subjected topoverty is a condition in which one cannot generate sufficient incomerequired to secure a minimum standard of living in a sustainable pattern. Poverty in Nigeria is caused by lack of employment, high rate of illiteracy among the citizenry, poor infrastructure, inadequate access to micro credit facilities, mismanagement of public funds, bad governance, instability of the governments and its policies. Poverty gives rise to many other serious social problems, some of which, not only impose enormous economic and social costs upon the non- poor and society in general, but also threaten the survival and stability of the society. In these regards, the Federal Government of Nigeria had designed several programmes aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the living conditions of its people which include Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), Green Revolution, Structural Adjustment Programme, Better Life Programme and Family Support Programme, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Directorate of Food, Roads and Rural Infrastructure (DFRRI), National PovertyEradication Programme (NAPEP) and National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS). These programmes bythe various governments of Nigeria were designed by policy makers and targeted at poverty alleviation in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the quality of life of majority of Nigerians had remained unenviable and embarrassingly low, despite the huge budgetary allocations by these governments to these poverty alleviation programmes (Orji, 2005). There is a need to identify other means of addressing the serious damage caused by poverty to the Nigerian society, attention should therefore be shifted to the use of self-help using Cooperative organizations formed and administered by the people. Cooperativeshave been dedicated to conducting business in a way now being recommended as the most effective route to transformational development: putting people in charge of their own destinies and helping them bring services to their communities; increasing decision making, trust and accountability through democratic participation; providing a profitable connection to the private sector; building and protecting assets at the community level; limiting the role of government; and working together to resolve problems. A co-operative is an autonomous association of persons united voluntarily to meet their common economic, social, as well as cultural needs and aspirations through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise (COPAC, 1999). A Co-operative is a group-based and members-owned business that can be formed for economic and social development in any sector (Ohio Co-operative Development Centres (OCDC) 2007). According to DFID (2005), co- operatives have four main characteristics: first, they are formed by groups of people, who have a specified need or problem. Secondly, the organization is formed freely by members after contributing to its assets. Thirdly, the organization formed, is governed democratically in order to achieve desired objectives on equitable norms, and fourthly, it is an independent enterprise promoted, owned and controlled by people to meet their needs. Cooperatives provide self-employment through millions of worker-owners of production and service cooperatives; financial cooperatives mobilize capital for productive investment and provide people with secure institutions for the deposit of savings; consumer cooperatives provide households with affordable goods and services reducing the proportion of income usedfor basic living costs, and similarly user-owned cooperatives such as housing, utility, health and social care cooperatives provide affordable access to basic services. Cooperative as socio-economic institutions through their activities could be a potent tool for poverty alleviation particularly in fighting poverty and unemployment. This could be in the area of agriculture, provision of infrastructural facilities and education. Therefore, in Yewa Division where the research wascarried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the impact of cooperative societies in alleviating poverty among rural households. 1.2. Problem Statement Poverty is seriously severe in rural areas where social services and infrastructures are limited or not in existence. The greater number of those who live in rural areas depends solely on agriculture for food and income, and a high proportion of rural people suffer from malnutrition and other diseases related to poor nutrition. Rural poverty tends to be evenly distributed in the country rather than concentrated in specific geographical area. Rural infrastructure across has been long neglected why investment in health, Education and Water supply have largely been focused obn the cities. As a result, the rural household has extremely limited access to services such as schools, health centers and about half of the rural household population lacks access to save drinking water, limited education opportunities and poor health perpetuate the poverty circle. The poor tends to live in isolated villages that can become virtually inaccessible during rainy season. Therefore, the situation is aggravated by the fact that many rural household are stark illiterates, and also lack inadequate capital to start a business of their own. On the other hand,cooperatives in Nigeria are still known to be bedevilled with problems including,lack of capital, lack of access to credit facilities, poor management,misappropriation of funds, etc. While efforts are being made by stakeholders ofcooperative in Nigeria to remove and/or reduce these problems, there is anapparent consensus that the need for adequate and sufficient knowledge of the roleof cooperatives in poverty alleviation still exists. For example there is a need toidentify and analyse in sufficient details those cooperative activities and functionsthat bear directly on the economic empowerment of members, as well asidentifying factors that could promote and enhance cooperative efforts in povertyreduction. Unless these issues are known and appreciated, the emphasis oncooperative as a poverty alleviating platform may continue to be unrealistic. The questions of interest in this study are; - What are the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area? - What is the incidence, depth and severity of poverty among the respondents? - What are the determinants of poverty among the rural households? - What are the influences of cooperative membership on poverty status of rural households? - What are the constraint affecting cooperative societies in alleviating poverty? 1.3 Objectives of the Study The broad objective of the study is to access the importance of cooperative societies in alleviating poverty among rural household. The specific objectives are to; - examinethe socio-economic characteristics of the respondents in the study area. - assessthe incidence, depth and severity of poverty among the respondents. - examine the determinants of poverty among the rural households - examinethe influence of cooperative membership on poverty status of rural households. - constraint affecting cooperative society in alleviating poverty. 1.4 Justification of the Study From time past, Nigerian government and the international agencies have introduced measures in alleviating poverty, such programmes ranges from Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in early 1980s; Directorate for Food Road and Rural Infrastructure (DEFRRI). Therefore the study is aimed at the following 1) To reveal how cooperative will further increase its role in poverty reduction and also to convince policy makers that it is time to develop a national poverty reduction policy through cooperative society. 2) To the poor, to know how cooperative society works, which will go a long way in assisting them to reduce poverty, by establishing Cooperative Societies. 3) To the Federal Government, they can use this work as a standard in measuring the effectiveness of cooperative societies. Hence, Government can through this work know the appropriate steps to take in funding cooperative societies. 1.5 Plan of the Study This research was divided into five chapters, Chapter one consist of introduction, research problem; objective and justification. While chapter two consist of literature review and conceptual framework, chapter three consist of research methodology, sampling techniques, method of data collection and method of data analysis. On the other hand, chapter four consists of result and discussion and chapter five is the summary, conclusion and recommendation

https://nairaproject.com/projects/2237.html

Career

en

Scientists use a technique called radiometric dating to estimate the ages of rocks, fossils, and the earth. Many people have been led to believe that radiometric dating methods have proved the earth to be billions of years old. This has caused many in the church to reevaluate the biblical creation account, specifically the meaning of the word “day” in Genesis 1. With our focus on one particular form of radiometric dating—carbon dating—we will see that carbon dating strongly supports a young earth. Note that, contrary to a popular misconception, carbon dating is not used to date rocks at millions of years old. Before we get into the details of how radiometric dating methods are used, we need to review some preliminary concepts from chemistry. Recall that atoms are the basic building blocks of matter. Atoms are made up of much smaller particles called protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons make up the center (nucleus) of the atom, and electrons form shells around the nucleus. The number of protons in the nucleus of an atom determines the element. For example, all carbon atoms have 6 protons, all atoms of nitrogen have 7 protons, and all oxygen atoms have 8 protons. The number of neutrons in the nucleus can vary in any given type of atom. So, a carbon atom might have six neutrons, or seven, or possibly eight—but it would always have six protons. An “isotope” is any of several different forms of an element, each having different numbers of neutrons. The illustration below shows the three isotopes of carbon. Some isotopes of certain elements are unstable; they can spontaneously change into another kind of atom in a process called “radioactive decay.” Since this process presently happens at a known measured rate, scientists attempt to use it like a “clock” to tell how long ago a rock or fossil formed. There are two main applications for radiometric dating. One is for potentially dating fossils (once-living things) using carbon-14 dating, and the other is for dating rocks and the age of the earth using uranium, potassium and other radioactive atoms. Carbon-14 (14C), also referred to as radiocarbon, is claimed to be a reliable dating method for determining the age of fossils up to 50,000 to 60,000 years. If this claim is true, the biblical account of a young earth (about 6,000 years) is in question, since 14C dates of tens of thousands of years are common.1 When a scientist’s interpretation of data does not match the clear meaning of the text in the Bible, we should never reinterpret the Bible. God knows just what He meant to say, and His understanding of science is infallible, whereas ours is fallible. So we should never think it necessary to modify His Word. Genesis 1 defines the days of creation to be literal days (a number with the word “day” always means a normal day in the Old Testament, and the phrase “evening and morning” further defines the days as literal days). Since the Bible is the inspired Word of God, we should examine the validity of the standard interpretation of 14C dating by asking several questions: All radiometric dating methods use scientific procedures in the present to interpret what has happened in the past. The procedures used are not necessarily in question. The interpretation of past events is in question. The secular (evolutionary) worldview interprets the universe and world to be billions of years old. The Bible teaches a young universe and earth. Which worldview does science support? Can carbon-14 dating help solve the mystery of which worldview is more accurate? The use of carbon-14 dating is often misunderstood. Carbon-14 is mostly used to date once-living things (organic material). It cannot be used directly to date rocks; however, it can potentially be used to put time constraints on some inorganic material such as diamonds (diamonds could contain carbon-14). Because of the rapid rate of decay of 14C, it can only give dates in the thousands-of-year range and not millions. There are three different naturally occurring varieties (isotopes) of carbon: 12C, 13C, and 14C. Carbon-14 is used for dating because it is unstable (radioactive), whereas 12C and 13C are stable. Radioactive means that 14C will decay (emit radiation) over time and become a different element. During this process (called “beta decay”) a neutron in the 14C atom will be converted into a proton. By losing one neutron and gaining one proton, 14C is changed into nitrogen-14 (14N = 7 protons and 7 neutrons). If 14C is constantly decaying, will the earth eventually run out of 14C? The answer is no. Carbon-14 is constantly being added to the atmosphere. Cosmic rays from outer space, which contain high levels of energy, bombard the earth’s upper atmosphere. These cosmic rays collide with atoms in the atmosphere and can cause them to come apart. Neutrons that come from these fragmented atoms collide with 14N atoms (the atmosphere is made mostly of nitrogen and oxygen) and convert them into 14C atoms (the neutron is accepted and a proton is ejected from the nucleus). Once 14C is produced, it combines with oxygen in the atmosphere (12C behaves like 14C and also combines with oxygen) to form carbon dioxide (CO2). Because CO2 gets incorporated into plants (which means the food we eat contains 14C and 12C), all living things should have the same ratio of 14C and 12C in them as in the air we breathe. Once a living thing dies, the dating process begins. As long as an organism is alive it will continue to take in 14C; however, when it dies, it will stop. Since 14C is radioactive (decays into 14N), the amount of 14C in a dead organism gets less and less over time. Therefore, part of the dating process involves measuring the amount of 14C that remains after some has been lost (decayed). Scientists now use a device called an “Accelerator Mass Spectrometer” (AMS) to determine the ratio of 14C to 12C, which increases the assumed accuracy to about 80,000 years. In order to actually do the dating, other things need to be known. Two such things include the following questions: The decay rate of radioactive elements is described in terms of half-life. The half-life of an atom is the amount of time it takes for half of the atoms in a sample to decay. The half-life of 14C is 5,730 years. For example, a jar starting with all 14C atoms at time zero will contain half 14C atoms and half 14N atoms at the end of 5,730 years (one half-life). At the end of 11,460 years (two half-lives) the jar will contain one-quarter 14C atoms and three-quarter 14N atoms. Since the half-life of 14C is known (how fast it decays), the only part left to determine is the starting amount of 14C in a fossil. If scientists know the original amount of 14C in a creature when it died, they can measure the current amount and then calculate how many half-lives have passed. Since no one was there to measure the amount of 14C when a creature died, scientists need to find a method to determine how much 14C has decayed. To do this, scientists use the main isotope of carbon, called carbon-12 (12C). Because 12C is a stable isotope of carbon, it will remain constant; however, the amount of 14C will decrease after a creature dies. All living things take in carbon (14C and 12C) from eating and breathing. Therefore, the ratio of 14C to 12C in living creatures will be the same as in the atmosphere. This ratio turns out to be about one 14C atom for every 1 trillion 12C atoms. Scientists can use this ratio to help determine the starting amount of 14C. When an organism dies, this ratio (1 to 1 trillion) will begin to change. The amount of 12C will remain constant, but the amount of 14C will become less and less. The smaller the ratio, the longer the organism has been dead. The following illustration demonstrates how the age is estimated using this ratio. Percent 14C Remaining | Percent 12C Remaining | Ratio | Number of Half-Lives | Years Dead(Age of Fossil) | 100 | 100 | 1 to 1T | 0 | 0 | 50 | 100 | 1 to 2T | 1 | 5,730 | 25 | 100 | 1 to 4T | 2 | 11,460 | 12.5 | 100 | 1 to 8T | 3 | 17,190 | 6.25 | 100 | 1 to 16T | 4 | 22,920 | 3.125 | 100 | 1 to 32T | 5 | 28,650 | T = Trillion A critical assumption used in carbon-14 dating has to do with this ratio. It is assumed that the ratio of 14C to 12C in the atmosphere has always been the same as it is today (1 to 1 trillion). If this assumption is true, then the AMS 14C dating method is valid up to about 80,000 years. Beyond this number, the instruments scientists use would not be able to detect enough remaining 14C to be useful in age estimates. This is a critical assumption in the dating process. If this assumption is not true, then the method will give incorrect dates. What could cause this ratio to change? If the production rate of 14C in the atmosphere is not equal to the removal rate (mostly through decay), this ratio will change. In other words, the amount of 14C being produced in the atmosphere must equal the amount being removed to be in a steady state (also called “equilibrium”). If this is not true, the ratio of 14C to 12C is not a constant, which would make knowing the starting amount of 14C in a specimen difficult or impossible to accurately determine. Dr. Willard Libby, the founder of the carbon-14 dating method, assumed this ratio to be constant. His reasoning was based on a belief in evolution, which assumes the earth must be billions of years old. Assumptions in the scientific community are extremely important. If the starting assumption is false, all the calculations based on that assumption might be correct but still give a wrong conclusion. In Dr. Libby’s original work, he noted that the atmosphere did not appear to be in equilibrium. This was a troubling idea for Dr. Libby since he believed the world was billions of years old and enough time had passed to achieve equilibrium. Dr. Libby’s calculations showed that if the earth started with no 14C in the atmosphere, it would take up to 30,000 years to build up to a steady state (equilibrium). If the cosmic radiation has remained at its present intensity for 20,000 or 30,000 years, and if the carbon reservoir has not changed appreciably in this time, then there exists at the present time a complete balance between the rate of disintegration of radiocarbon atoms and the rate of assimilation of new radiocarbon atoms for all material in the life-cycle.2 Dr. Libby chose to ignore this discrepancy (nonequilibrium state), and he attributed it to experimental error. However, the discrepancy has turned out to be very real. The ratio of 14C /12C is not constant. The Specific Production Rate (SPR) of C-14 is known to be 18.8 atoms per gram of total carbon per minute. The Specific Decay Rate (SDR) is known to be only 16.1 disintegrations per gram per minute.3 What does this mean? If it takes about 30,000 years to reach equilibrium and 14C is still out of equilibrium, then maybe the earth is not very old. Other factors can affect the production rate of 14C in the atmosphere. The earth has a magnetic field around it which helps protect us from harmful radiation from outer space. This magnetic field is decaying (getting weaker). The stronger the field is around the earth, the fewer the number of cosmic rays that are able to reach the atmosphere. This would result in a smaller production of 14C in the atmosphere in earth’s past. The cause for the long term variation of the C-14 level is not known. The variation is certainly partially the result of a change in the cosmic ray production rate of radiocarbon. The cosmic-ray flux, and hence the production rate of C-14, is a function not only of the solar activity but also of the magnetic dipole moment of the Earth.4 Though complex, this history of the earth’s magnetic field agrees with Barnes’ basic hypothesis, that the field has always freely decayed.... The field has always been losing energy despite its variations, so it cannot be more than 10,000 years old.5 Earth’s magnetic field is fading. Today it is about 10 percent weaker than it was when German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss started keeping tabs on it in 1845, scientists say.6 If the production rate of 14C in the atmosphere was less in the past, dates given using the carbon-14 method would incorrectly assume that more 14C had decayed out of a specimen than what has actually occurred. This would result in giving older dates than the true age. What role might the Genesis Flood have played in the amount of carbon? The Flood would have buried large amounts of carbon from living organisms (plant and animal) to form today’s fossil fuels (coal, oil, etc.). The amount of fossil fuels indicates there must have been a vastly larger quantity of vegetation in existence prior to the Flood than exists today. This means that the biosphere just prior to the Flood might have had 500 times more carbon in living organisms than today. This would further dilute the amount of 14C and cause the 14C/12C ratio to be much smaller than today. If that were the case, and this C-14 were distributed uniformly throughout the biosphere, and the total amount of biosphere C were, for example, 500 times that of today’s world, the resulting C-14/C-12 ratio would be 1/500 of today’s level. . . .7 When the Flood is taken into account along with the decay of the magnetic field, it is reasonable to believe that the assumption of equilibrium is a false assumption. Because of this false assumption, any age estimates using 14C prior to the Flood will give much older dates than the true age. Pre-Flood material would be dated at perhaps ten times the true age. In 1997 an eight-year research project was started to investigate the age of the earth. The group was called the RATE group (Radioisotopes and the Age of The Earth). The team of scientists included: The objective was to gather data commonly ignored or censored by evolutionary standards of dating. The scientists reviewed the assumptions and procedures used in estimating the ages of rocks and fossils. The results of the carbon-14 dating demonstrated serious problems for long geologic ages. For example, a series of fossilized wood samples that conventionally have been dated according to their host strata to be from Tertiary to Permian (40-250 million years old) all yielded significant, detectable levels of carbon-14 that would conventionally equate to only 30,000-45,000 years “ages” for the original trees.8 Similarly, a survey of the conventional radiocarbon journals resulted in more than forty examples of supposedly ancient organic materials, including limestones, that contained carbon-14, as reported by leading laboratories.9 Samples were then taken from ten different coal layers that, according to evolutionists, represent different time periods in the geologic column (Cenozoic, Mesozoic, and Paleozoic). The RATE group obtained these ten coal samples from the U.S. Department of Energy Coal Sample Bank, from samples collected from major coalfields across the United States. The chosen coal samples, which dated millions to hundreds of millions of years old based on standard evolution time estimates, all contained measurable amounts of 14C. In all cases, careful precautions were taken to eliminate any possibility of contamination from other sources. Samples, in all three “time periods”, displayed significant amounts of 14C. This is a significant discovery. Since the half-life of 14C is relatively short (5,730 years), there should be no detectable 14C left after about 100,000 years. The average 14C estimated age for all the layers from these three time periods was approximately 50,000 years. However, using a more realistic pre-Flood 14C /12C ratio reduces that age to about 5,000 years. These results indicate that the entire geologic column is less than 100,000 years old—and could be much younger. This confirms the Bible and challenges the evolutionary idea of long geologic ages. Because the lifetime of C-14 is so brief, these AMS [Accelerator Mass Spectrometer] measurements pose an obvious challenge to the standard geological timescale that assigns millions to hundreds of millions of years to this part of the rock layer.10 Another noteworthy observation from the RATE group was the amount of 14C found in diamonds. Secular scientists have estimated the ages of diamonds to be millions to billions of years old using other radiometric dating methods. These methods are also based on questionable assumptions and are discussed elsewhere11. Because of their hardness, diamonds (the hardest known substance) are extremely resistant to contamination through chemical exchange. Since diamonds are considered to be so old by evolutionary standards, finding any 14C in them would be strong support for a recent creation. The RATE group analyzed twelve diamond samples for possible carbon-14 content. Similar to the coal results, all twelve diamond samples contained detectable, but lower levels of 14C. These findings are powerful evidence that coal and diamonds cannot be the millions or billions of years old that evolutionists claim. Indeed, these RATE findings of detectable 14C in diamonds have been confirmed independently.12 Carbon-14 found in fossils at all layers of the geologic column, in coal and in diamonds, is evidence which confirms the biblical timescale of thousands of years and not billions. Because of C-14’s short half-life, such a finding would argue that carbon and probably the entire physical earth as well must have a recent origin.13 All radiometric dating methods are based on assumptions about events that happened in the past. If the assumptions are accepted as true (as is typically done in the evolutionary dating processes), results can be biased toward a desired age. In the reported ages given in textbooks and other journals, these evolutionary assumptions have not been questioned, while results inconsistent with long ages have been censored. When the assumptions were evaluated and shown faulty, the results supported the biblical account of a global Flood and young earth. Christians should not be afraid of radiometric dating methods. Carbon-14 dating is really the friend of Christians, and it supports a young earth. The RATE scientists are convinced that the popular idea attributed to geologist Charles Lyell from nearly two centuries ago, “The present is the key to the past,” is simply not valid for an earth history of millions or billions of years. An alternative interpretation of the carbon-14 data is that the earth experienced a global flood catastrophe which laid down most of the rock strata and fossils. . . . Whatever the source of the carbon-14, its presence in nearly every sample tested worldwide is a strong challenge to an ancient age. Carbon-14 data is now firmly on the side of the young-earth view of history.14 Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab/does-c14-disprove-the-bible

Religion

en

A car can be a wonderful thing. It can take you where you want, when you want — even when those places aren’t served by public transportation. In fact, much of modern life would be impossible without cars. They help us get to our jobs, schools, grocery stores or even just to the local shopping mall. Unfortunately, as wonderful as cars are, they also have some serious drawbacks. Two of these drawbacks are that they often cost a lot of money to maintain and they pollute the atmosphere with noxious gases. Air pollution has become a serious problem in many urban areas, and with gasoline prices at record highs, the internal combustion engine may soon be a luxury that society simply can’t afford. Few people would advocate giving up cars altogether, but is there a way we can have the power and convenience of an automobile without the pollution and expense caused by burning gasoline? Fortunately, there is. Many people think that the cars of the not-so-distant future will be powered not by gasoline, but by electricity. In fact, these electric cars — also known as EVs or electric vehicles — aren’t futuristic at all. Electric vehicles have been around since the first half of the 19th century; however, even now in the 21st century, internal combustion engines still rule. But why haven’t electric cars caught on? Types of Electric Car Batteries A battery is a device for storing chemical energy and converting that chemical energy into electricity. A battery is made up of one or more electrochemical cells, each of which consists of two half-cells or electrodes. One half-cell, called the negative electrode, has an overabundance of the tiny, negatively charged subatomic particles called electrons. The other, called the positive electrode, has a deficit of electrons. When the two halves are connected by a wire or an electrical cable, electrons will flow from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. We call this flow of electrons electricity. The energy of these moving electrons can be harnessed to do work — running a motor, for instance. As electrons pass to the positive side, the flow gradually slows down and the voltage of the electricity produced by the battery drops. Eventually, when there are as many electrons on the positive side as on the negative side, the battery is considered ‘dead’ and is no longer capable of producing an electric flow. The electrons are generated by chemical reactions, and there are many different chemical reactions that are used in commercially available batteries. For example, the familiar alkaline batteries commonly used in flashlights and television remote controls generate electricity through a chemical reaction involving zinc and manganese oxide. Most alkaline batteries are considered to be a disposable battery. Once they go dead, they’re useless and should be recycled. Automobile batteries, on the other hand, need to be rechargeable, so they don’t require constant replacement. In a rechargeable battery, electrical energy is used to reverse the negative and positive halves of the electrochemical cells, restarting the electron flow. Automobile manufacturers have identified three types of rechargeable battery as suitable for electric car use. Those types are lead-acid batteries, nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Lead-acid batteries were invented in 1859 and are the oldest form of rechargeable battery still in use. They’ve been used in all types of cars — including electric cars — since the 19th century. Lead-acid batteries are a kind of wet cell battery and usually contain a mild solution of sulfuric acid in an open container. The name comes from the combination of lead electrodes and acid used to generate electricity in these batteries. The major advantage of lead-acid batteries is that, after having been used for so many years, they are well understood and cheap to produce. However, they do produce dangerous gases while being used and if the battery is overcharged there’s a risk of explosion. Nickel metal hydride batteries came into commercial use in the late 1980s. They have a high energy density — that is, a great deal of energy can be packed into a relatively small battery — and don’t contain any toxic metals, so they’re easy to recycle. Lithium-ion batteries, which came into commercial use in the early 1990s, have a very high energy density and are less likely than most batteries to lose their charge when not being used — a property called self discharge. Because of their light weight and low maintenance requirements, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronic devices such as laptop computers. Some experts believe that lithium-ion batteries are about as close as science has yet come to developing a perfect rechargeable battery, and this type of battery is the best candidate for powering the electric cars of the near future. A variation on lithium-ion batteries, called lithium-ion polymer batteries, may also prove valuable to the future of EVs. These batteries may eventually cost less to build than lithium-ion batteries; however, at the present time, lithium-ion polymer batteries are prohibitively expensive. Perhaps the greatest problem associated with electric car batteries is recharging them. How do you charge an electric car battery? More importantly, where do you charge an electric car battery? Can you do it yourself? Can you do it at home? Read the next page to find out. A rechargeable battery is useless unless you have a place to recharge it. If you’re running out of juice in your electric car, you can’t just make a quick stop at the local gas station — unless your local gas station has a place where you can plug it in. Unfortunately, recharging the large array of batteries in an electric car can take several hours, and most gas stations would prefer that you didn’t block their lanes for The best solution to the recharging problem is to take the car home in the evening and plug it in, similar to the way you might plug in a laptop computer or digital music player, so that it can recharge overnight. EVs will come with charging systems that allow them to recharge from a standard electric socket so that the next morning you’ll be ready to hit the road again. Although at least one company claims to be developing systems that can recharge an electric car in 10 minutes, existing rechargers take between 3 and 10 hours to bring an electric car battery up to full strength using normal home electricity Once an EV has been recharged, how far will it go before it needs to be recharged again? This depends on a number of factors, including the type of battery in the vehicle. EVs using lead-acid batteries have the shortest range — around 80 miles (128.7 km) on a single charge. NiMH batteries turn in a better performance, with a range of about 120 miles (193.1 km) per charge. This is where lithium-ion batteries excel, with a range of more than 220 miles (354.1 km) per charge — using the Tesla Roadster as an example. If driving distance is the most important consideration, lithium-ion batteries are the ones The range of an EV can be extended even further with a technology known as regenerative braking, which uses the kinetic energy of the car’s brakes to recharge the battery on the fly. Under optimum driving conditions, regenerative braking can extend the car’s range up to 50 percent, though in most situations the gain in driving range will be smaller. But what if you want to take a longer trip in an electric car and won’t be home for an overnight recharging session? Will there be somewhere you can plug it in? Very few recharging stations exist at present, but manufacturers of electric cars are planning to build charging stations so that the infrastructure will be in place when customers start driving electric vehicles. Tesla Motors, the maker of the all-electric Tesla Roadster, has made a deal with a major hotel chain to have recharging stations available for patrons who want to recharge their Roadsters overnight. One advantage of recharging stations is that they may be able to recharge cars more quickly than a home recharging system can, though it’s unlikely that vehicles will be in and out as quickly as at a gas station. Unfortunately, it may be a while before enough recharging stations are available to keep EV owners recharged on long road trips. In the near future, EVs will be best suited for commuting to work or school and for local travel and shopping trips. When used in this manner, the car will be tucked safely in the garage each evening for an electrical fill-up. The most obvious advantage of electric car batteries is that they don’t produce the pollution associated with internal combustion engines. However, they still have environmental costs. The electricity used to recharge EV batteries has to come from somewhere, and right now, most electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. Of course, this produces pollution. But how does the pollution produced by burning fossil fuels to recharge electric car batteries compare to the pollution produced by internal combustion engines? According to the Electric Vehicle Association of Canada, or EVAC, even EVs recharged from coal-powered electric generators cut carbon emission roughly in half. EVs recharged from cleaner forms of electrical power generation, such as hydropower and nuclear plants, can reduce carbon emissions to less than one percent of those currently produced by internal combustion engines. So, even in the worst case scenario, cars operated by EV batteries are cleaner than gas-powered cars. Another important advantage of battery-powered motors over gas-powered engines is the lower cost of the fuel — that is, electricity for EVs and gas for the internal combustion engines. The United States Department of Energy has calculated that a typical EV can run for 43 miles on a dollar’s worth of electricity. Only a substantial drop in the cost of gasoline could give gas-powered cars anywhere near such a low cost per mile. Yet another advantage of these rechargeable batteries is that they recycle well. Almost 100 percent of these batteries can be recycled, which keeps old batteries from becoming a disposal problem. The major disadvantage of battery-powered cars, as we mentioned in the last section, is the time required to recharge the batteries. With lithium-ion battery technology, a fully charged EV can travel a distance comparable to an internal combustion engine vehicle with a full tank of gas, but it still needs to be placed on a recharger at the end of that time. At present, this means a drained EV will be out of service for several hours before it’s fully recharged. Of course, this is a serious disadvantage. In the future, faster recharging technology may become available, but in the near term, electric cars won’t be the vehicles of choice for long trips. Even so, most driving is done relatively close to home and for this reason, battery power will serve as well as gasoline power. A possible solution to the recharging situation may be battery-replacement stations, where instead of recharging your EV you can simply swap your drained battery for a fully charged one. This system would allow batteries to be recharged outside of vehicles and would greatly reduce the amount of time required to get an EV up and running again after its battery is fully discharged. Another disadvantage of electric car batteries is their weight. Because they need to do more than traditional car batteries, electric car batteries need to be linked together into arrays, or battery packs, to provide additional power. These collections of batteries are heavy. The lithium-ion battery pack in a Tesla Roadster weighs about 1,000 pounds (453.6 kg). That’s a lot of weight to carry and it can greatly reduce the car’s range. However, the designers of the Roadster have offset this battery weight with a light frame and body panels. The entire car only weighs 2,690 pounds (1220.2 kg) — not terribly heavy when you consider that more than a third of that weight is battery. Given the importance of the battery to an electric car, you might wonder what will happen as that battery grows older. How long will it be able to power the car? And when it finally dies, can it be replaced or is it simply more economical to buy a new car? Read on to find out. How long will an electric car battery last? The lithium-ion battery pack in the Tesla Roadster is projected to have a lifespan of about 5 years or 100,000 miles. At the end of that time the pack will need to be replaced, at a cost of approximately $10,000. Sure, that’s expensive, but the Roadster itself will cost almost $100,000, which makes the cost of the battery pack seem affordable. Many, perhaps most, owners will no doubt prefer to replace the battery pack rather than buy a brand new Roadster. Admittedly, battery maintenance costs will add to the expense of operating any EV. The battery packs that are used in EVs will be kept tightly contained, so you’ll most likely need to take your EV to the dealership to have your battery serviced. Another point to consider is that at the present time, this is a relatively new technology. As EVs become more common on the roadways, some of the high prices associated with them will decrease. But right now, the Tesla Roadster’s $10,000 battery is one of our only reference points. Will the batteries in other EVs cost more? Will they cost less? Will the cost of replacing the battery in some EVs outweigh the cost of simply buying a new vehicle? Only time will tell. Over the past several decades, a number of electric concept cars have been developed. Some, like the Electrovair II and the Electrovette, never made it to the showroom floor, while others on this list may have a fighting chance. Here’s a short list of EV concept cars and the batteries that power them: 1966 Electrovair II (General Motors) | silver-zinc batteries | 1976 Electrovette (General Motors) | lead-acid batteries | 2005 Volvo 3CC (Volvo) | lithium-ion batteries | 2007 Chevy Volt (General Motors) | lithium-ion batteries | 2007 Nissan Mixim (Nissan) | lithium-ion batteries | 2008 Continental DC (Bentley Motors) | lead-acid batteries | 2008 Subaru Stella (Subaru) | lithium-ion batteries | 2008 Nissan Denki Cube (Nissan) | lithium-ion batteries |

https://mymoto.com.ng/how-electric-car-batteries-work/

Car Talk

en

In today’s rapidly evolving world, building and sustaining economic power is more crucial than ever. Economic power goes beyond mere wealth accumulation; it encompasses the ability to influence, innovate, and create sustainable growth. This comprehensive guide outlines the ten foundational principles for individuals and societies to enhance their economic strength and resilience. 1. Cultivate Financial Literacy Financial literacy is the cornerstone of economic power. It involves understanding the basics of money management, budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit and debt dynamics. This knowledge enables individuals to make informed decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and capitalize on opportunities. Staying abreast of economic trends and understanding the global financial landscape are also part of this continual learning process. 2. Embrace Savings and Investments The habit of saving paves the way for financial security and provides the capital necessary for investments. Effective savings strategies coupled with prudent investment choices in diverse vehicles like stocks, bonds, real estate, or start-ups can lead to compound growth of wealth. Understanding risk tolerance and investment horizons is key to making smart investment decisions. 3. Practice Frugal Living Frugal living is about maximizing value and minimizing unnecessary expenses. It’s not about cutting all pleasures or living minimally; instead, it’s about prioritizing spending in alignment with long-term financial goals. This approach helps in resource optimization and ensures that money is spent wisely and efficiently. 4. Seek Multiple Income Streams Diversification of income reduces dependence on a single source and spreads risk. In today’s gig economy, opportunities for side hustles, freelance work, and passive income streams are abundant. This not only bolsters financial security but also offers avenues for pursuing varied interests and passions. 5. Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship Innovation and entrepreneurship are the engines of economic growth. Encouraging a culture of innovation leads to new products, services, and technologies, driving economic advancement. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting businesses; it’s also about thinking creatively and solving problems in innovative ways. 6. Engage in Continuous Learning The economic landscape is dynamic, with new technologies and trends constantly emerging. Lifelong learning and adaptability are essential to stay relevant and competitive. This could involve formal education, self-study, professional development courses, or simply staying curious and open to new ideas. 7. Build and Maintain a Strong Credit Score A strong credit score is a vital component of economic power. It affects the ability to obtain loans, the terms of credit, and even employment opportunities in some cases. Maintaining a good credit score requires disciplined spending, timely payments, and managing credit wisely. 8. Network and Collaborate Building a strong professional and social network can open doors to opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible. Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building meaningful relationships, collaborating on projects, and sharing knowledge and resources. 9. Advocate for Sound Economic Policies Participating in the dialogue around economic policies and advocating for those that promote sustainable growth, fairness, and innovation is essential. This involves being informed about local and global economic issues and engaging in civic activities. 10. Prioritize Health and Well-being Physical and mental health significantly impacts economic productivity and capability. Investing in health through proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management ensures that one is able to participate fully in economic activities and enjoy the benefits of economic power. In conclusion, building economic power is a multifaceted endeavour that requires a blend of knowledge, strategy, and discipline. These ten commandments provide a framework for individuals and societies to accumulate wealth and wield influence and drive progress. By adhering to these principles, it’s possible to create a foundation of sustainable economic strength and resilience capable of withstanding the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

http://www.thetrentonline.com/chief-justice-nigeria-confronts-buhari/The

Politics

en

Major Alliances during World War II (1939-1945) There were two major alliances during World War II: the Axis powers and the Allied powers. The three principal partners in what was eventually referred to as the Axis alliance were Germany, Italy, and Japan. These countries were led by German dictator Adolf Hitler, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, and Japanese Emperor Hirohito. In September 1940, the three countries formalized their alliance through the Tripartite Pact. Five other countries subsequently joined the Tripartite Pact and became Axis powers. They were Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. Each of Germany’s six European Axis allies participated in the Holocaust by murdering Jews or by transferring them to German custody to be murdered. The Allied Powers were led by Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union. These countries were led by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin. They formally allied by signing the Declaration by United Nations on January 1, 1942. Fifteen other independent states also signed the Declaration on that date. In addition, the Declaration was signed by the governments-in-exile of another eight states that were occupied by the Axis powers at the time. Twenty-one other states declared war on Germany and signed the Declaration by March 1945. Unlike the Allies, the Axis powers never developed institutions to coordinate foreign policy or direct combined military operations. Nevertheless, they pledged mutual military and political support. Formation of the Axis Alliance In the late 1930s, each of the three powers that would form the Axis alliance launched campaigns of territorial expansion that alienated most of the world’s other major powers. Italy invaded Ethiopia (then also known as Abyssinia) on October 3, 1935. Japan had already seized Manchuria (a part of China) on September 18, 1931. Then, on July 7, 1937, Japan invaded the rest of China, initiating the war in the Pacific. Germany began its prewar expansion in 1938 by annexing Austria and the Sudetenland (a part of Czechoslovakia). In March 1939, the Germans divided the rest of Czechoslovakia between the German-controlled Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia and the newly created satellite state of Slovakia. Their aggression against other states left Germany, Italy, and Japan with few friends among the world’s countries. To end their isolation, the three nations began to draw closer and entered into treaties and pacts. Italy and Germany began to pursue closer relations in 1936 after the League of Nations imposed sanctions on Italy for invading Abyssinia and after Italy’s alliance with Britain and France ended. On October 25, 1936, Germany and Italy entered into a treaty of friendship in which they pledged to pursue a common foreign policy. Based on a speech given by Mussolini a week later, the alliance became known as the Rome-Berlin Axis. On November 25, 1936, a month after Germany and Italy entered into a treaty of friendship, Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan signed the Anti-Comintern Pact. In this pact, the two countries pledged mutual assistance in combating the threat posed by the Communist International. Although the pact does not mention the Soviet Union, it was directed at that country, which was in hostilities with Japan at the time. Italy joined the Anti-Comintern Pact on November 6, 1937. Pact of Steel On May 22, 1939, Germany and Italy expanded their political alliance into a military one by signing the Pact of Friendship and Alliance. Dubbed the Pact of Steel by Mussolini, the agreement provided for military cooperation and mutual defensive support between Germany and Italy. World War II began on September 1, 1939, when Germany attacked Poland. Two days later, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Despite the Pact of Steel, Italy at first remained neutral. On June 10, 1940, shortly before Germany defeated France, Italy joined the war as Germany’s ally. In addition to invading France, Italian forces attacked British interests in North and East Africa. On September 27, 1940, Germany, Italy, and Japan signed the Tripartite Pact. This pact formalized the alliance between the three countries, which subsequently were referred to as the Axis powers. In the Pact, Japan recognized “the leadership of Germany and Italy in the establishment of a new order in Europe.” In return, Germany and Italy recognized Japan’s right to establish a new order “in greater East Asia.” The signatories agreed to come to one another's aid in the event of an attack by a nation with which none of the signatories was then at war. This provision was intended as a warning to the United States to stay out of Germany and Italy’s wars in Europe and North Africa. It was also a warning to the United States to refrain from interfering with Japan’s conquests in East Asia. Germany Pressures other European States to Join the Axis Powers In July 1940, just weeks after the defeat of France, Hitler decided that Nazi Germany would attack the Soviet Union the following spring. To do so, Germany needed to secure raw materials; establish transit rights for German troops; and ensure the cooperation or participation of other European states. Thus, Germany began to cajole and pressure those European states that were sympathetic to the Nazi regime to join the Axis. Nazi Germany offered economic aid to Slovakia. It also offered military protection and Soviet territory to Romania. And it warned Hungary that Germany might retract its recent support for Hungarian annexations of Czechoslovak and Romanian territory. When Italy failed to conquer Greece in the late autumn and winter of 1940–1941, Germany became more concerned about securing its southeastern flank in the Balkans. Greece’s success in repulsing Italian forces allowed its ally, Great Britain, to establish a foothold on the European continent. To subdue Greece and move the British off the European mainland, Nazi Germany sought to bring Yugoslavia and Bulgaria into the Axis alliance as well. Hungary was beholden to Germany and Italy for awarding it part of Czechoslovakia in 1938 and approving its annexation of Northern Transylvania from Romania in September 1940. Hungary’s leaders were also eager for preferential economic treatment from Nazi Germany. Hungary joined the Axis alliance on November 20, 1940. Having requested and received a German military mission in October 1940, Romania joined the Axis on November 23, 1940. The Romanians hoped that loyal support for a German invasion of the Soviet Union and faithful oil deliveries would: 1) destroy the Soviet threat; 2) return to Romania provinces annexed by the Soviet Union in June 1940; and 3) win German support for the return of Northern Transylvania. Slovakia was both politically and economically dependent on Germany for its existence as a sovereign state. Thus, Slovakia followed suit and joined the Axis alliance on November 24, 1940. Initially, Bulgarian leaders stalled and resisted German pressure to join the Axis alliance. They were reluctant to get involved in a war with the Soviet Union. They also did not want to antagonize Yugoslavia, which was nominally an ally of Greece. However, Bulgaria joined the Axis after the Germans offered them Greek territory in Thrace. The Germans also exempted Bulgaria from participation in the invasion of the Soviet Union. Bulgaria joined the Axis on March 1, 1941. Yugoslavia reluctantly joined the Axis on March 25, 1941. It did so because the Germans agreed to respect Yugoslav neutrality in the war against Greece and did not demand transit rights for Axis troops. Two days later, Serbian military officers who objected to the Tripartite Pact overthrew the Yugoslav government that had signed it. This enraged Hitler. Germany attacked Yugoslavia on April 6 and Italy and Hungary soon joined in the invasion. Yugoslavia was defeated, dismembered, and occupied by the Axis powers by mid-April 1941. Consequently, Yugoslavia never actually became one of the Axis powers. As part of the dismemberment of Yugoslavia, the Axis powers created a satellite state called the Independent State of Croatia. It was run by Croats who belonged to the fascist Ustaša movement. The Independent State of Croatia joined the Axis on June 15, 1941. On June 26, 1941, four days after the Axis invasion of the Soviet Union, Finland entered the war against the USSR as a “co-belligerent.” The Finns sought to regain territory lost during the 1939–1940 Winter War with the Soviet Union. Finland never signed the Tripartite Pact or entered into a formal alliance with Nazi Germany. However, it did allow German forces to transit and operate from Finnish territory, and Finnish forces fought alongside the Germans. Since it functioned as an ally of Nazi Germany, Finland is sometimes incorrectly referred to as one of the Axis powers. Disintegration and Defeat of the Axis On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor. Within days, Germany and the European Axis powers declared war against the United States. In response, the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, China, and twenty-two other governments formally declared that they would work together to defeat the Axis powers. Twenty-one additional governments joined their alliance before the end of the war. Consequently, at the start of 1942, Germany and its allies found themselves fighting a world war. By early 1943, accumulating military losses in Europe and Africa began to erode some of the Axis powers’ commitments to one another. Italy was the first Axis partner to give up. In late July 1943, leaders of the Italian Fascist Party deposed and arrested Fascist leader and Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Italy surrendered to the Allies on September 8, 1943. German forces occupied the northern half of Italy and freed Mussolini from prison. Mussolini then established the Italian Social Republic, which was based in the northern Italian town of Salò and was completely dependent upon Germany. On August 23, 1944, following the overthrow of dictator Marshal Ion Antonescu, Romania switched sides. Romanian troops fought alongside Soviet troops for the remainder of the war. After the Soviets rejected its offer of an armistice, Bulgaria surrendered on September 8, 1944. The Bulgarian Communist-led Fatherland Front seized power in a coup from the pro-Axis Bulgarian government. It then declared war on Nazi Germany. On September 19, 1944, Finland signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. In March 1944, Germany forced Hungary to accept occupation by German forces. The primary reason for Germany’s occupation was its legitimate fear that Hungary would desert the Axis, as Italy had done six months earlier. Hungary never surrendered. The war ended for Hungary in early April 1945, when the Soviet Union’s Red Army drove the last German and Hungarian forces from Hungarian territory. A national uprising against the pro-Nazi Slovak government broke out in Slovakia in late August 1944. In response, Germany occupied Slovakia to suppress the revolt. Slovakia remained in the Axis until the Soviets captured the capital, Bratislava, in early April 1945. Fanatical remnants of the Croatian Ustaša remained in Croatia until the end of April 1945, when they were captured or driven across the border into German-occupied Slovenia and Austria by Yugoslav Communist-led partisans. Following Hitler’s suicide on April 30, 1945, Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allies on May 8–9. After the defeat of all its Axis allies, Japan fought alone during the summer of 1945. It formally surrendered on September 2, 1945. Critical Thinking Questions Why did other countries in Europe join the Axis alliance? Consider different examples. How did each nation's choice support its own national goals? Which countries that joined the Axis alliance supported or resisted Nazi racial ideology? What were the motivations for either choice?

https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/axis-alliance-in-world-war-ii

Education

en

A Simple Way To Explain Pi by TeachThought Staff The Digital Media Part Among the most underappreciated gifts of digital media is animation. Animation sounds pretty pedestrian until you imagine a world without it. At the opposite end of the spectrum of cartoons, and the more robust, Pixar-born versions of animation that include ‘motion pictures’ (a term we also take for granted), are gif animations. GIF animations (we pronounce it “jiff”, FWIW) are comprised of a short series of images that produce simple animation. They’re useful for a variety of applications, especially where an entire video with sound isn’t necessary. Their small size compared to audio and video makes for quick loading, simpler embedding, and thus broad application. Along with the emoticon, they’re even being used in communication. The Museum of the Moving Image explains. “These animated GIFs consist of brief loops of bodies in motion, primarily excerpted from recognizable pop culture moments, and are used to express common ideas and emotions. Understood as gestures, they can communicate more nuance and concision than their verbal translations. While many reaction GIFs are created, deployed, and rarely seen again, some have entered a common lexicon after being regularly reposted in online communities.” GIF animations are nascent little bits of code, only recently given ‘Word of the Year’ definition recognition in 2012 by Oxford Dictionary. And we love them. The ‘Visualization And Definition Of’ Pi Part So there’s that–which brings us to the above animation that brilliantly illustrates the significance of ‘pi.’ Pi is the often-referenced mathematical concept that students may be able to quote to ten digits or even use to solve formulas, but otherwise simply don’t get. The Wikipedia definition for pi is the “The number π (/paɪ/) is a mathematical constant. It is defined as the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, and it also has various equivalent definitions. … Being an irrational number, π cannot be expressed as a common fraction, although fractions such as 22/7 are commonly used to approximate it.” And now to compliment the words, you have a simple looping moving image to really aggravate students that still, in lieu of your digital media acumen, still won’t get it. A Stunningly Simple Way To Explain Pi

http://www.teachthought.com/technology/stunningly-simple-way-explain-pi/

Education

en

1970: Nigeria marks end of the Biafra civil war On 30 May, 1967, the head of the Eastern Region of Nigeria, Colonel Emeka Ojukwu, unilaterally declared the independent Republic of Biafra. The Biafran forces were pushed back after initial military gains. More than two years later, after one million civilians had died in fighting and from famine, Biafra was re-absorbed into Nigeria. Martin Bell reports from the former Biafra in October 1970.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-11399157

Politics

en

There is a common misconception that the emotions and behaviors exhibited by animals are vastly different from those of human beings. However, recent scientific studies have shown that animals are capable of experiencing complex emotions, including grief and mourning. In fact, there are several species of animals that mourn the death of their loved ones and even engage in burial-like practices, making them seem more similar to us than we might have thought. Elephants are known for their strong social bonds and incredible intelligence. When a member of an elephant herd dies, the other elephants exhibit behaviors that resemble mourning. They will gently touch and caress the departed one’s body using their trunks, and they have been observed to stay with the deceased for hours or even days. Some elephants will even cover the body with branches or leaves in a way that resembles burial. Dolphins are highly social and sentient creatures that have been observed showing mourning behaviors. When a dolphin dies, their pod members may gather around the body, nudging and pushing it gently as if attempting to revive it. These mourning rituals can last for several hours or even days, highlighting the strong emotional attachment dolphins have to their companions. Various primate species, such as chimpanzees and gorillas, have demonstrated grieving behaviors. These highly intelligent animals will often visit the body of a deceased individual, behavior that seems to signify a sense of loss and sadness. Some primates have even been observed gently laying leaves or grass over the bodies, which could be seen as a crude form of burial. Wolves are known for their close-knit pack structures, and when a member of the pack passes away, others will gather around the body, nuzzling and howling mournfully. This reinforces the idea that wolves have the ability to feel grief and loss, similar to humans. Certain bird species have been observed engaging in mourning rituals as well. For example, crows have been seen gathering around the body of a deceased crow and emitting a series of calls that are noticeably different from their usual vocalizations. This behavior is believed to serve as both a way of notifying others about the loss and as a means of grieving together as a group. While these accounts of animals mourning and burying their dead are fascinating, it is important to note that their behaviors may still be different from human burial practices. The interpretation of these actions can be subjective, and we can’t truly understand their emotional experiences. However, these observations suggest that animals possess more complex emotions than we may have previously believed, showcasing the similarities between us and the animal kingdom. In conclusion, the mourning and burial-like behaviors displayed by animals when faced with the loss of a loved one blur the line between human and animal emotions. The grief and mourning process seems to be ingrained in many species, emphasizing the remarkable emotional capacities that exist within the animal kingdom. These findings remind us that animals are not so different from us after all, as they too experience the pain and loss associated with death. Leave a Reply

https://spectatorsng.com/animals-that-mourns-death-of-their-loved-ones-and-bury-them-like-human-beings-photos/

Culture

en

- 1. 4000 BC to the 1500's — Geocentric Era - 2. 1500's to current — Heliocentric Era - 3. Most Notable Space Missions - 4. Video Gallery Since the dawn of man, the universe has been a mysterious wonder that has captivated and influenced our evolution. Every culture throughout history has stories and religious beliefs that involve the stars, moons, planets, and even the sun. This fascination as time moved on became a catalysis for the birth of the astronomer as ancient "scientists" began to ponder, what is out there? Today, we have a greater understanding of the universe and a basic knowledge through current technologies of what is beyond our own planet. However, as much as we know, there is so much more that we still have yet to learn. In the distant past, there have been many correlations between religious ceremonies and beliefs that centered around the planets of our solar system. Ancient civilizations such as the Mayans, Incas, and Egyptians studied the celestial bodies that surrounded our planet and used this information to mark certain events such as when to prepare the soil for planting and when to begin harvesting. Religious rites were centered around the celestial positions determined by astronomer priest during the ancient times and in some regions of the Earth still are. Whatever the reasons for man to look towards the heavens, this was the beginning of the study of the universe and its planetary systems. 4000 BC to the 1500's - Geocentric Era An image of the Orion constellation was found on an ivory tablet dating as old as 32 thousand years, however, the first recordings showing the practice of astronomy began about 4 thousand B.C. Images from various cultures depicted the Earth as being flat and the sun as a God moving across the heavens disappearing beneath the world and returning to view the next morning. Night scenes show billions of stars filling the sky with the moon (usually depicting a Goddess) hovering in the heavens watching over the world until the sun could reappear. This was a common image of the sun and moon found in many engravings and religious temples from this time period. Although the God and Goddess (Sun and Moon) had different names, the concept of them was the same. It was also about this time that shamans, medicine men, and tribal leaders began observing the heavens to aid them in making decisions and predictions based on astronomical occurrences. By keeping track of celestial bodies such as the sun and moon, it gave them an idea of when to plant and harvest crops. They interpreted the proper days to hold ceremonies that appeased their Gods for continued prosperity of the people. Ancient Mesopotamian tablets show priest standing atop pyramid like towers (called Ziggurats) watching the skies and keeping track of the celestial bodies they are able to see with the naked eye. During this time period a form of calendar came about as well. Each culture used a different means of tracking days and seasons based on these calendars. Some calendars focused on solar and some focused on lunar positions. The calendars we use today modeled after these earlier systems but primarily follow the solar calendar more so than the lunar one, however, some religions and cultures in the world still use the lunar calendar long side the solar one to this day. As time progressed, constellations became the focal point for location determination and directions for travelers, particularly sailors. Constellations are currently still used in astronomy for mapping celestial objects locations and projected locations. This is also when a geocentric concept was developed as ancient "astronomers" came to the idea that the sun and other celestial objects revolved in a perfect circle around the Earth and not the other way around. Around 600 B.C., Greek astronomer Anaximander suggested that the Earth is not flat but instead rounded based on tales from sailors who stated that a different set of constellations could be seen as they traveled further North or South when sailing. It would be several hundred years before the idea that the world is round and not flat would be accepted but this is the first concept of it. It was about this time that the idea that the Earth also rotated on an axis first appeared as well. This concept was discovered by Heraclides Ponticus a Greek philosopher and astronomer sometime in the late 300 B.C. era. He believed that the only way to explain the path in which the sun, moon, and stars moved could only be explained in this way. It was in 250 B.C. the first measurements of the size of the Earth came about by Eratosthenes using geometry. The basic concept was that when in Syene during the summer solstice, he noticed the sun was directly over head. However, when he was in Alexandra on the same day a year later, which was further North, the sun was at an angle and not over head at the same moment in Syene. He determined this angle was 7.2 degrees which is 1/50th of a 360 degree circle. He also surmised that the angle of the shadows cast from the sun between Alexandra and Syene would be about the same as it would be from the center of Earth. Using these three points of reference and the distance between Alexandra and Syene he was able to calculate the size of the Earth within 1% to 16% accuracy. Around the same time Aristarchus determined the distance between the Earth and Moon using trigonometry by measuring the length of a lunar eclipse and comparing it to the length of the month. He then takes this information and begins to find the distance between the Earth and the Sun. During his calculations he came to realize that it was not the Sun that circled the Earth but the Earth that circled the Sun. However, this idea did not take root because there was no evidence to support his theory at the time. Although the concept of a heliocentric universe was first introduced during the latter part of this time frame, it was not until in the 1500's that the idea took root. Many astronomers who came to believe in the heliocentric idea, risked their lives and social standing to deliver this concept. This is also when an interest in astronomy and the worlds beyond our own began to flourish much more so than before. Technology also began to push forward as better methods for "seeing" the universe came about. 1500's to current - Heliocentric Era During this time, astronomers were still viewing the universe through the naked eye. A larger part of the planets we know today had yet been discovered and much of what is known is based on theories determined by calculations made by mathematicians and astronomers. Frustrations of being unable to prove many of these theories prompted the creation and advancements of telescopes for viewing what astronomers were calculating. This would come about sometime during the 1600's when the first telescope emerged in the scientific community. Invention of the telescope by Hans Lippershey gave astronomers the medium they so sought for to prove their theories. Being capable of seeing the universe beyond our world opened a whole new understanding of what was out there and the heliocentric idea was proven and has now taken root in society. With this came more questions that needed an answer. How big was our universe, What else is out there, Who else is out there... along with thousands of other questions that we have yet to answer. With each passing era the telescopes became more and more powerful allowing both professional and amateur astronomers to view further into our solar system. Discoveries of planets not known before were found along with other celestial bodies that were hidden from us in the past. It would not be until the 1900's when the universe came more into focus. During the 1960's the cold war between the United States and Russian spurred on the Space Race, each country determined to become the first to have a successful mission into space. This is about when NASA (Nation Aeronautics Space Administration) began to gain notoriety. On April 12, 1961 Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space. On July 20, 1969 Neil Armstrong was the first human to set foot on a celestial object, our moon. These accomplishments opened the doors to the universe as never before. Allowing us the chance to prove or disprove ideas that were mere theories for centuries. Technological advancements rapidly increased as a result of this time period. Between 1966 and 1972 four satellites, Orbiting Astronomical Observatories (OAO), rocketed into space for further exploration. Two of these satellites were such a success that it instigated the Hubble Space Telescope program in 1990. Hubble is a long range telescope that stays within low Earth Orbit (below an altitude of 2,000 km or 1,243 miles). With Hubble we have come to a greater understanding of our own solar system than ever before. Size, composition, and behavior of various known planets and newly discovered planets and objects within our solar system where explored through the Hubble Space Telescope. With this came a stronger need to explore our universe. Probes such as Voyager I and II, Deep Impact, and Rosetta went forth each carrying a single directive, explore and send back information. Images and spectrograph of various celestial objects from the far reaches of our solar system received from these missions gave us a clear view of what is out there, solving many of the mysteries that man has pondered since the first person looked up towards the heavens. In 1998, the first joint effort space station ISS (International Space Station) began between various countries interested in further exploration of the solar system. The ISS also included research in biology, human biology, physics, meteorology, and various other fields. This station has held a crew continuously for the past 15 years with a 6 month rotation for each crew member. There were 4 other space stations before ISS, three of which designed and launched by Russia (Salyut, Almaz, and Mir) and Skylab by the US, but these stations were primarily for military use and not so much for science. These stations, though still very much active, are not in much use today. Today, many achievements have occurred in the world of Astronomy. Much of what was unknown is known, but we still have so much more to learn. Our ability to reach beyond our planet to explore other worlds is quickly coming, with each new achievement bringing us closer to breaking the confines of our own little world. Projects such as the Mars Rovers, launched starting in 1971, was a major mile stone for astronomers as they were able to explore another world other than our own moon for the first time. Future projects for settlement of planets such as Mars have already begun, bringing us closer to the Hollywood science fiction predictions of exploration and colonization of the universe. It also gives us a closer look at our closest solar system neighbors in our quest to better understand how the universe formed and where it is going in the future. Most Notable Space Missions Although there were many accomplishments in the world of astronomical sciences over the centuries, the most notable have occurred most recently starting from the 1970's to date. These events offered people an amazing view of our solar system and provided new discoveries never conceived. Many of the probes sent over the years are still out there recording data, though some are no longer sending information back at this time, scientists expect their return so that the data will be available for collection later. Apollo — this was one of the most notable missions in the history of man. The Apollo, launched in 1969, was the first manned space craft to land on a foreign object, our moon. Carrying a three-man crew Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins were the first men to reach the moon and return to Earth. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong emerged from the Apollo space craft and the famous line "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" was heard as he placed the first human foot print on the surface of the moon. Kepler — launched in 2009, is a large telescope that trails behind the Earth as it makes its rotation about the sun. This telescope examines the brightening and dimming of the stars in other systems giving us information on what other planets are out there. So far, as of this year, the Kepler telescope has discovered 4,302 objects in other systems called exoplanets (planets in other solar systems). These discoveries can help scientist to discover possible Earth type planets in our neighboring systems for future exploration and settlement or even the discovery of intelligent life abroad. Pioneer 10 and 11 — at this current time, these two probes are no longer sending back information however, they are still active and have moved into the outer area of our solar system. During their first launches in 1972 and 1973, they sent back the most amazing images of Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune, the asteroid belt, and much more. For the first time astronomers were able to get a full view of gas giants Jupiter and Saturn's rings as well as Jupiter's red-eye. Pioneer 10 also traveled to the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter a year and a half after it was first sent into space. Pioneer 11, during its flyby of Saturn sent back images of previously unknown moons and a new ring around the same time. Spirit and Opportunity — rovers launched in 2004 were on a mission to explore the red planet, Mars. Intended to last only 90 days, these two rovers have shocked and amazed the world by remaining active and vigilant in their missions to this day, 13 years later. These two rovers, although not the first ones sent to Mars, have sent back incredible information and including the discovery that here is liquid water on the planet. Voyager 1 and 2 — everyone has at one time or another heard of the Voyager probes. Famous for their missions to explore various planets and moons in our system including the Moons of Jupiter, the planets Saturn, Neptune, and Uranus. Voyager 1 was even depicted in the science fiction movie Star Trek, returning home from its long exploration to upload its observations to its creator. These two probes are now located near the edge of our solar system collecting data on the areas of our system we are unable to see. They still contain enough power within their systems to stay active and send back data all the way up until 2025, showing us the deeper regions of our solar system. - History of astronomy - How We Figured Out That Earth Goes Around the Sun - Cosmic Journeys - The Age of Hubble - Voyager - Journey to the Stars

http://solarstory.net/discovery/

Religion

en

Cancer is a very complex disease. It happens when DNA mutations occur that cause cells in your body to grow and divide out of control. Carcinogens are substances that can cause DNA changes that may lead to cancer. This article will take a closer look at carcinogens, how they can cause cancer, and the steps you can take to help protect yourself from known carcinogens. A carcinogen is a substance or type of exposure that can cause cancer to develop. You can encounter carcinogens in many different forms. This includes through: - the environment - specific lifestyle choices - certain medical treatments - some types of infections - exposure at home or in the workplace Scientists use laboratory studies in cells and animals to help determine if a specific substance is a carcinogen. They also use epidemiological studies, which evaluate trends and risk factors associated with cancer in a set group of people. How are carcinogens classified? Two organizations mainly determine which agents are considered carcinogens. These are the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the The IARC, which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has reviewed over 1,000 potential carcinogens. However, only 122 agents are currently classified as known carcinogens to humans. The rest are classified as: - probably carcinogenic (93 agents) - possibly carcinogenic (319 agents) - not classifiable — unknown risk (501 agents) The NTP is made up of parts of several government agencies in the United States, including: - the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The NTP updates their The discrepancy in the number of classified carcinogens isn’t because these agencies disagree on what’s a carcinogen and what’s not. It’s simply because both agencies Cancer happens due to mutations (changes) in DNA. These mutations impact the way some cells grow and divide in your body. Normally, cell growth and division is a tightly controlled and very precise process. But when this process becomes disrupted, it can cause cells to grow and divide in an uncontrolled and unpredictable way. Cell mutations that may lead to cancer can: - be inherited from your parents - happen over time due to natural errors during DNA replication, a process that needs to take place each time a cell divides - happen due to carcinogens that you encounter during your lifetime Simply put, carcinogens cause damage to DNA. In most cases this damage is caught and repaired by specialized proteins in your cells. In severe situations, the affected cell may even die. However, sometimes these safeguards don’t happen. When DNA damage in a cell isn’t repaired, it can lead to mutations that can contribute to the development of cancer. However, just because something is labeled as a carcinogen doesn’t mean it will absolutely lead to cancer. The risk of being exposed to a certain carcinogen can be influenced by many factors, including: - the specific carcinogen in question - the frequency of exposure (how often) - the intensity of exposure (how much) - the length of exposure (how long) - individual genetic factors Some types of cancer appear to have “ There are many different types of carcinogens. Let’s look at some of the most common ones. Lifestyle-related carcinogens are tied to circumstances or choices associated with your day-to-day life. Some of the most common lifestyle-related carcinogens that you may be familiar with include: According to the Some environmental carcinogens, such as UV radiation or radon, may occur naturally. Others, like secondhand smoke and air pollution, are human-made. Examples of common environmental carcinogens include: This includes cancers that are malignant (cancerous) as well as noninvasive carcinomas that can be surgically removed. Exposure to excess UV light is the main risk factor for all types of skin cancer. Medical-related carcinogens include some types of infectious agents, such as viruses and bacteria, as well as specific types of drugs and medical treatments. Infectious agents that may increase the risk of cancer include: Some examples of medical treatments that are known carcinogens include: - certain immunosuppressant drugs, including azathioprine and cyclosporine - some cancer treatments, such as: - certain chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide and melphalan - tamoxifen, a drug that’s used to treat or prevent breast cancer - hormone-based therapies, including estrogen-only and estrogen-progesterone hormone replacement therapy and estrogen-progesterone oral contraceptives Occupational carcinogens are those that you may be exposed to on the job. Some occupations can put you at increased risk of prolonged exposure to high levels of carcinogens. These include jobs in: - rubber or plastic manufacturing Some examples of occupational carcinogens include: - There were 319,000 deaths associated with occupational carcinogens in 2017. - Occupational carcinogen exposure levels have decreased overall, but cancer burden has increased, likely due to past exposures. - Most occupational carcinogens cause cancers of the respiratory tract. - Asbestos and silica exposure have accounted for much of the occupation-associated cancers over the past 20 years. There’s no surefire way to prevent cancer. However, there are ways to limit your exposure to carcinogens. To reduce your exposure to known carcinogens, you can take the following key steps: - If you smoke, consider quitting smoking. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco products. - Try to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke whenever possible. - Consume alcohol in moderation or not at all. - Limit your intake of processed meats. - Apply sunscreen before spending time out in the sun. - Refrain from using tanning beds. - Try to stay inside when the air quality is bad and use air filters in your home to reduce air pollution. - Test your home’s radon levels if they’ve never been tested or are unknown. - Stay up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations, particularly those for hepatitis B and HPV. - Take steps to prevent developing infections caused by viruses like HIV and HCV by using barrier methods during sex and not sharing injection drug equipment. - Use appropriate personal protective equipment if you work in an occupation where you may be regularly exposed to carcinogens. Some medical treatments are considered carcinogens. However, in many cases, the benefits of these treatments outweigh the potential risks. It’s always important to discuss the benefits and risks of any new medical treatment with your doctor. Carcinogens are substances or exposures that can increase the risk of cancer development. These substances have the potential to cause damage to your DNA which, in turn, can impact the way some cells grow and divide in your body. When cells grow and divide out of control it can result in cancer development. There are many types of carcinogens. Some are linked to your lifestyle or occupation. Others are present in the environment or are associated with infections or medical treatments. There’s no way to prevent cancer completely. However, you can take steps to avoid exposure to known carcinogens, which may help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/dangerous-ingredients-in-cosmetics?utm_medium=yahhp#10

Health

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Researchers have filmed E. coli growing in a giant petri dish laced with antibiotics to show just how easy it is for bacteria become antibiotic resistant. As you can see in the video below, in the course of just 10 days, the E.coli colonies grow resistant to stronger and stronger antibiotics across several generations, eventually surviving even the strongest doses they come into contact with. "Seeing the bacteria spread for the first time was a thrill… It's also a powerful illustration of how easy it is for bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics," said one of the researchers, Roy Kishony, from Harvard University. The research isn't just for a cool video project - the scientists, from Harvard Medical School and the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, are investigating how these bacteria migrate and evolve. "We know quite a bit about the internal defence mechanisms bacteria use to evade antibiotics, but we don't really know much about their physical movements across space as they adapt to survive in different environments," said one of the Harvard team, Michael Baym. The petri dish plate is a 120 cm by 60 cm monster, filled with 14 litres of agar (bacterial food). The researchers have called it the 'Microbial Evolution and Growth Arena'… or the very apt 'MEGA' for short. At each end of the MEGA, no antibiotics are added to the agar mix. But as you get closer and closer to the centre, the team added increasingly strong doses of antibiotics (either trimethoprim or ciprofloxacin). At the very centre, there's a 1,000x concentration of antibiotics. As you can see in the video above, E. coli with no initial antibiotic resistance stops at the first line of antibiotics, unable to move any further. But as one of the colonies 'mutates' and evolves a gene (or set of genes) with a resistance to the antibiotics, it moves into the low concentration of antibiotics zone. This continues all the way up to the 1,000x increase in concentration over a 100-day period. The reason this occurs is because of how fast E. coli - and many other types of bacteria - replicate. In ideal conditions, E.coli divides once every 20 minutes, meaning that at each 20-minute interval, the population can double. With such high replication rates come high mutation rates, and E. coli can also share resistant genes with its relatives using a system called horizontal gene transfer. While the most obvious effect of this gene transfer is the rise of resistant bacteria, the footage also shows how certain non-advantageous mutations can creep into subsequent generations too. "Analysing mutants at and behind the propagating front, we found that evolution is not always led by the most resistant mutants; highly resistant mutants may be trapped behind more sensitive lineages," the researchers concluded. But regardless of a few unfortunate mutations making their way into the colonies, the real message here is just how robust these microorganisms can be. So robust, in fact, that it's got the medical community very worried. In the relatively short timeframe that we've been affected by harmful bacteria, they've shown resistance to nearly all of the antibiotics we've thrown at them, and with the CDC estimating that 23,000 people die each year due to antibiotic resistant infections, this is a huge issue. "This is a stunning demonstration of how quickly microbes evolve," said Tami Lieberman, who was a graduate student at Harvard during the research, and is now working at MIT. "When shown the video, evolutionary biologists immediately recognise concepts they've thought about in the abstract, while non-specialists immediately begin to ask really good questions." The research has been published in Science.

https://www.sciencealert.com/watch-this-amazing-video-shows-evolution-happening-in-just-days

Religion

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Meet The Man Who Invented Exam And His Reason For The Invention Exams can be really annoying right? Have you been wondering who actually invented this examination? We present to you Henry Fischel, the Professor who Invented Exams. He invented examinations. According to historical reports, he invented examinations to test his students academically during the 19th Century. When he was a professor at the University of Indiana, he always saw lenient students who believed that after the end of the year, they will pass to the next class without evaluation. He wanted to know whether what the students were taught was a mere waste of executive time. Also, he yearned to recognize whether the students are studying properly or not. These concerns were the justifications why he concluded to formulate an exam to review his students’ aptitude. Meanwhile, we can deduce that he did the best thing. Nowadays, students are wondering why they have to write exams, read, memorize, and in the same vein, rewrite what they have read in a book. Most students are tired of the examination system. Unfortunately, an examination is presently a contest of grades, which lure most students into examination malpractice.

https://campusnews.medium.com/meet-the-man-who-invented-exam-and-his-reason-for-the-invention-59d5aa248409

Education

en

The power of the Executive Branch is vested in the President of the United States, who also acts as head of state and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. The President is responsible for implementing and enforcing the laws written by Congress and, to that end, appoints the heads of the federal agencies, including the Cabinet. The Vice President is also part of the Executive Branch, ready to assume the Presidency should the need arise. The Cabinet and independent federal agencies are responsible for the day-to-day enforcement and administration of federal laws. These departments and agencies have missions and responsibilities as widely divergent as those of the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency, the Social Security Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Including members of the armed forces, the Executive Branch employs more than 4 million Americans. The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress. Fifteen executive departments — each led by an appointed member of the President’s Cabinet — carry out the day-to-day administration of the federal government. They are joined in this by other executive agencies such as the CIA and Environmental Protection Agency, the heads of which are not part of the Cabinet, but who are under the full authority of the President. The President also appoints the heads of more than 50 independent federal commissions, such as the Federal Reserve Board or the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as federal judges, ambassadors, and other federal offices. The Executive Office of the President (EOP) consists of the immediate staff to the President, along with entities such as the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of the United States Trade Representative. The President has the power either to sign legislation into law or to veto bills enacted by Congress, although Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses. The Executive Branch conducts diplomacy with other nations and the President has the power to negotiate and sign treaties, which the Senate ratifies. The President can issue executive orders, which direct executive officers or clarify and further existing laws. The President also has the power to extend pardons and clemencies for federal crimes. With these powers come several responsibilities, among them a constitutional requirement to “from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient.” Although the President may fulfill this requirement in any way he or she chooses, Presidents have traditionally given a State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress each January (except in inaugural years) outlining their agenda for the coming year. The Constitution lists only three qualifications for the Presidency — the President must be at least 35 years of age, be a natural born citizen, and must have lived in the United States for at least 14 years. And though millions of Americans vote in a presidential election every four years, the President is not, in fact, directly elected by the people. Instead, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of every fourth year, the people elect the members of the Electoral College. Apportioned by population to the 50 states — one for each member of their congressional delegation (with the District of Columbia receiving 3 votes) — these Electors then cast the votes for President. There are currently 538 electors in the Electoral College. President Joseph R. Biden is the 46th President of the United States. He is, however, only the 45th person ever to serve as President; President Grover Cleveland served two nonconsecutive terms, and thus is recognized as both the 22nd and the 24th President. Today, the President is limited to two four-year terms, but until the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, ratified in 1951, a President could serve an unlimited number of terms. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected President four times, serving from 1932 until his death in 1945; he is the only President ever to have served more than two terms. By tradition, the President and the First Family live in the White House in Washington, D.C., also the location of the President’s Oval Office and the offices of his or her senior staff. When the President travels by plane, his or her aircraft is designated Air Force One; the President may also use a Marine Corps helicopter, known as Marine One while the President is on board. For ground travel, the President uses an armored presidential limousine. The Vice President The primary responsibility of the Vice President of the United States is to be ready at a moment’s notice to assume the Presidency if the President is unable to perform his or her duties. This can be because of the President’s death, resignation, or temporary incapacitation, or if the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet judge that the President is no longer able to discharge the duties of the presidency. The Vice President is elected along with the President by the Electoral College. Each elector casts one vote for President and another for Vice President. Before the ratification of the 12th Amendment in 1804, electors only voted for President, and the person who received the second greatest number of votes became Vice President. The Vice President also serves as the President of the United States Senate, where he or she casts the deciding vote in the case of a tie. Except in the case of tie-breaking votes, the Vice President rarely actually presides over the Senate. Instead, the Senate selects one of their own members, usually junior members of the majority party, to preside over the Senate each day. Kamala D. Harris is the 49th Vice President of the United States. She is the first woman and first woman of color to be elected to this position. The duties of the Vice President, outside of those enumerated in the Constitution, are at the discretion of the current President. Each Vice President approaches the role differently — some take on a specific policy portfolio, others serve simply as a top adviser to the President. Of the 48 previous Vice Presidents, nine have succeeded to the Presidency, and five have been elected to the Presidency in their own right. The Vice President has an office in the West Wing of the White House, as well as in the nearby Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Like the President, he or she also maintains an official residence, at the United States Naval Observatory in Northwest Washington, D.C. This peaceful mansion has been the official home of the Vice President since 1974 — previously, Vice Presidents had lived in their own private residences. The Vice President also has his or her own limousine, operated by the United States Secret Service, and flies on the same aircraft the President uses — but when the Vice President is aboard, the craft are referred to as Air Force Two and Marine Two. Executive Office of the President Every day, the President of the United States is faced with scores of decisions, each with important consequences for America’s future. To provide the President with the support that he or she needs to govern effectively, the Executive Office of the President (EOP) was created in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The EOP has responsibility for tasks ranging from communicating the President’s message to the American people to promoting our trade interests abroad. The EOP, overseen by the White House Chief of Staff, has traditionally been home to many of the President’s closest advisers. While Senate confirmation is required for some advisers, such as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, most are appointed with full Presidential discretion. The individual offices that these advisors oversee have grown in size and number since the EOP was created. Some were formed by Congress, others as the President has needed them — they are constantly shifting as each President identifies his or her needs and priorities. Perhaps the most visible parts of the EOP are the White House Communications Office and Press Secretary’s Office. The Press Secretary provides daily briefings for the media on the President’s activities and agenda. Less visible to most Americans is the National Security Council, which advises the President on foreign policy, intelligence, and national security. There are also a number of offices responsible for the practicalities of maintaining the White House and providing logistical support for the President. These include the White House Military Office, which is responsible for services ranging from Air Force One to the dining facilities, and the Office of Presidential Advance, which prepares sites remote from the White House for the President’s arrival. Many senior advisors in the EOP work near the President in the West Wing of the White House. However, the majority of the staff is housed in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, just a few steps away and part of the White House compound. The Cabinet is an advisory body made up of the heads of the 15 executive departments. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, the members of the Cabinet are often the President’s closest confidants. In addition to running major federal agencies, they play an important role in the Presidential line of succession — after the Vice President, Speaker of the House, and Senate President pro tempore, the line of succession continues with the Cabinet offices in the order in which the departments were created. All the members of the Cabinet take the title Secretary, excepting the head of the Justice Department, who is styled Attorney General. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) develops and executes policy on farming, agriculture, and food. Its aims include meeting the needs of farmers and ranchers, promoting agricultural trade and production, assuring food safety, protecting forests and other natural resources, fostering rural prosperity, and ending hunger in America and abroad. The USDA employs nearly 100,000 people and has an annual budget of approximately $150 billion. It consists of 16 agencies, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Food and Nutrition Service, and the Forest Service. The bulk of the department’s budget goes towards mandatory programs that provide services required by law, such as programs designed to provide nutrition assistance, promote agricultural exports, and conserve our environment. The USDA also plays an important role in overseas aid programs by providing surplus foods to developing countries. The United States Secretary of Agriculture administers the USDA. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE The Department of Commerce is the government agency tasked with creating the conditions for economic growth and opportunity. The department supports U.S. business and industry through a number of services, including gathering economic and demographic data, issuing patents and trademarks, improving understanding of the environment and oceanic life, and ensuring the effective use of scientific and technical resources. The agency also formulates telecommunications and technology policy, and promotes U.S. exports by assisting and enforcing international trade agreements. The United States Secretary of Commerce oversees a $8.9 billion budget and more than 41,000 employees. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE The mission of the Department of Defense (DOD) is to provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country. The department’s headquarters is at the Pentagon. The DOD consists of the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as many agencies, offices, and commands, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon Force Protection Agency, the National Security Agency, and the Defense Intelligence Agency. The DOD occupies the vast majority of the Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia. The DOD is the largest government agency, with more than 1.4 million men and women on active duty, more than 700,000 civilian personnel, and 1.1 million citizens who serve in the National Guard and Reserve forces. Together, the military and civilian arms of DOD protect national interests through war-fighting, providing humanitarian aid, and performing peacekeeping and disaster relief services. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION The mission of the Department of Education is to promote student learning and preparation for college, careers, and citizenship in a global economy by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access to educational opportunity. The Department administers federal financial aid for higher education, oversees educational programs and civil rights laws that promote equity in student learning opportunities, collects data and sponsors research on America’s schools to guide improvements in education quality, and works to complement the efforts of state and local governments, parents, and students. The U.S. Secretary of Education oversees the Department’s 4,200 employees and $68.6 billion budget. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY The mission of the Department of Energy (DOE) is to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States. The DOE promotes America’s energy security by encouraging the development of reliable, clean, and affordable energy. It administers federal funding for scientific research to further the goal of discovery and innovation — ensuring American economic competitiveness and improving the quality of life for Americans. The DOE is also tasked with ensuring America’s nuclear security, and with protecting the environment by providing a responsible resolution to the legacy of nuclear weapons production. The United States Secretary of Energy oversees a budget of approximately $23 billion and more than 100,000 federal and contract employees. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is the United States government’s principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. Agencies of HHS conduct health and social science research, work to prevent disease outbreaks, assure food and drug safety, and provide health insurance. In addition to administering Medicare and Medicaid, which together provide health coverage to one in four Americans, HHS also oversees the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control. The Secretary of Health and Human Services oversees a budget of approximately $700 billion and approximately 65,000 employees. The Department’s programs are administered by 11 operating divisions, including eight agencies in the U.S. Public Health Service, two human services agencies, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) protects the American people from a wide range of foreign and domestic threats. DHS has a broad and diverse mission set, including to prevent and disrupt terrorist attacks, protect critical infrastructure and civilian computer networks, facilitate lawful trade and travel, respond to and recover from natural disasters, protect our borders, and regulate the migration of individuals to and from our country. The third largest Cabinet department, DHS employs more than 250,000 people and deploys an $58 billion annual budget across more than 20 components, including the U.S. Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, U. S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the Department in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and brought together 22 executive branch agencies. The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and the Secretary of Homeland Security coordinate policy, including through the Homeland Security Council at the White House and in cooperation with other defense and intelligence agencies. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for national policies and programs that address America’s housing needs, improve and develop the nation’s communities, and enforce fair housing laws. The Department plays a major role in supporting homeownership for low- and moderate-income families through its mortgage insurance and rent subsidy programs. Offices within HUD include the Federal Housing Administration, which provides mortgage and loan insurance; the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, which ensures all Americans equal access to the housing of their choice; and the Community Development Block Grant Program, which helps communities with economic development, job opportunities, and housing rehabilitation. HUD also administers public housing and homeless assistance. The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development oversees more than 9,000 employees with a budget of approximately $40 billion. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR The Department of the Interior (DOI) is the nation’s principal conservation agency. Its mission is to protect America’s natural resources, offer recreation opportunities, conduct scientific research, conserve and protect fish and wildlife, and honor the U.S. government’s responsibilities to American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and to island communities. DOI manages approximately 500 million acres of surface land, or about one-fifth of the land in the United States, and manages hundreds of dams and reservoirs. Agencies within the DOI include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. The DOI manages the national parks and is tasked with protecting endangered species. The Secretary of the Interior oversees about 70,000 employees and 200,000 volunteers on a budget of approximately $16 billion. Every year it raises billions in revenue from energy, mineral, grazing, and timber leases, as well as recreational permits and land sales. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE The mission of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans. The DOJ is made up of 40 component organizations, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Attorney General is the head of the DOJ and chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. The Attorney General represents the United States in legal matters, advises the President and the heads of the executive departments of the government, and occasionally appears in person before the Supreme Court. With a budget of approximately $25 billion, the DOJ is the world’s largest law office and the central agency for the enforcement of federal laws. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR The Department of Labor oversees federal programs for ensuring a strong American workforce. These programs address job training, safe working conditions, minimum hourly wage and overtime pay, employment discrimination, and unemployment insurance. The Department of Labor’s mission is to foster and promote the welfare of the job seekers, wage earners, and retirees of the United States by improving their working conditions, advancing their opportunities for profitable employment, protecting their retirement and health care benefits, helping employers find workers, strengthening free collective bargaining, and tracking changes in employment, prices, and other national economic measurements. Offices within the Department of Labor the Occupational Safety & Health Administration, which promotes the safety and health of America’s working men and women, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the federal government’s principal statistics agency for labor economics, and. The Secretary of Labor oversees 15,000 employees on a budget of approximately $12 billion. DEPARTMENT OF STATE The Department of State plays the lead role in developing and implementing the President’s foreign policy. Major responsibilities include United States representation abroad, foreign assistance, foreign military training programs, countering international crime, and a wide assortment of services to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals seeking entrance to the United States. The U.S. maintains diplomatic relations with approximately 180 countries — each posted by civilian U.S. Foreign Service employees — as well as with international organizations. At home, more than 5,000 civil employees carry out the mission of the Department. The Secretary of State serves as the President’s top foreign policy adviser, and oversees 30,000 employees and a budget of approximately $35 billion. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION The mission of the Department of Transportation (DOT) is to ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people. Organizations within the DOT include the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Federal Transit Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration and the Maritime Administration. The U.S. Secretary of Transportation oversees nearly 55,000 employees and a budget of approximately $70 billion. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY The Department of the Treasury is responsible for promoting inclusive economic prosperity for all Americans. The Department advances U.S. and global economic growth to raise American standards of living, support communities, promote racial justice, combat climate change, and foster financial stability. The Department operates systems that are critical to the nation’s financial infrastructure, such as the production of coin and currency, the disbursement of payments owed to the American public, the collection of necessary taxes, and the borrowing of funds required by congressional enactments to run the federal government. The Treasury Department also performs a critical role in enhancing national security by safeguarding our financial systems, implementing economic sanctions against foreign threats to the U.S., and identifying and targeting financial support networks that threaten our national security. The Secretary of the Treasury oversees a budget of approximately $13 billion and a staff of more than 100,000 employees. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS The Department of Veterans Affairs is responsible for administering benefit programs for veterans, their families, and their survivors. These benefits include pension, education, disability compensation, home loans, life insurance, vocational rehabilitation, survivor support, medical care, and burial benefits. Veterans Affairs became a cabinet-level department in 1989. Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation’s population — approximately 70 million people — are potentially eligible for V.A. benefits and services because they are veterans, family members, or survivors of veterans. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs oversees a budget of approximately $90 billion and a staff of approximately 235,000 employees.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/our-government/the-executive-branch

Politics

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- Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated. - Cholera is a disease of poverty affecting people with inadequate access to safe water and basic sanitation. - Conflict, unplanned urbanization and climate change all increase the risk of cholera. - Researchers have estimated that each year there are 1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera, and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths worldwide due to cholera (1). - Most of those infected have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution. - Severe cases need rapid treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. - Provision of safe water and basic sanitation, and hygiene practices is critical to prevent and control the transmission of cholera and other waterborne diseases. - Oral cholera vaccines should be used in conjunction with improvements in water and sanitation to control cholera outbreaks and for prevention in areas known to be high risk for cholera. - A global strategy on cholera control, Ending cholera: a global roadmap to 2030, with a target to reduce cholera deaths by 90% was launched in 2017. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity and lack of social development. Cholera is an extremely virulent disease transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water (2). Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated. Most people infected with V. cholerae do not develop any symptoms, although the bacteria are present in their faeces for 1–10 days after infection and are shed back into the environment, potentially infecting other people. Among people who develop symptoms, the majority have mild or moderate symptoms. It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to show symptoms. A minority of patients develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration. This can lead to death if left untreated. During the 19th century, cholera spread across the world from its original reservoir in the Ganges delta in India. Six subsequent pandemics killed millions of people across all continents. The current (seventh) pandemic started in South Asia in 1961, reached Africa in 1971 and the Americas in 1991. Cholera is now endemic in many countries. Vibrio cholerae strains There are many serogroups of V. cholerae, but only two – O1 and O139 – cause outbreaks. V. cholerae O1 has caused all recent outbreaks. V. cholerae O139 – first identified in Bangladesh in 1992 – caused outbreaks in the past, but recently has only been identified in sporadic cases. It has never been identified outside Asia. There is no difference in the illness caused by the two serogroups. Epidemiology, risk factors and disease burden Cholera can be endemic or epidemic. A cholera-endemic area is an area where confirmed cholera cases were detected during the last 3 years with evidence of local transmission (meaning the cases are not imported from elsewhere). A cholera outbreak/epidemic can occur in both endemic countries and in countries where cholera does not regularly occur. Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Typical at-risk areas include peri-urban slums, as well as camps for internally displaced persons or refugees. The consequences of a humanitarian crisis – such as disruption of water and sanitation systems, or the displacement of populations to inadequate and overcrowded camps – can increase the risk of cholera transmission, should the bacteria be present or introduced. Uninfected dead bodies have never been reported as the source of epidemics. The number of cholera cases reported to WHO has continued to be high over the last few years. During 2023, 535 321 cases and 4007 deaths were reported to WHO from 45 countries (3). The discrepancy between these figures and the estimated burden of the disease is due to many cases not being recorded due to limitations in surveillance systems and fear of impact on trade and tourism. Prevention and control A multifaceted approach is key to control cholera, and to reduce deaths. A combination of surveillance, water, sanitation and hygiene, social mobilization, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines are used. Cholera surveillance should be part of an integrated disease surveillance system that includes feedback at the local level and information-sharing at the global level. The detection of a suspected cholera case is based on clinical suspicion in patients aged two years and older with acute watery diarrhoea and severe dehydration or dying from acute watery diarrhoea. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can be useful tool to detect cholera outbreaks; however, to confirm the diagnosis, stool samples are sent to a laboratory for confirmation of V. cholerae O1 or O139 by culture or by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The monitoring of a cholera outbreak is by the reporting of patients with acute watery diarrhoea and regular testing of a subset of these patients. Local capacity to detect (diagnose) and monitor (collect, compile, and analyse data) cholera occurrence, is central to an effective surveillance system and to planning control measures. Countries affected by cholera are encouraged to strengthen disease surveillance and national preparedness to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks. Under the International Health Regulations (IHR), notification of all cases of cholera is no longer mandatory. However, public health events involving cholera must always be assessed against the criteria provided in the regulations (IHR Annex 2, decision instrument) to determine whether there is a need for official notification. The cholera surveillance guidance has recently been updated and can be found here. Water and sanitation interventions The long-term solution for cholera control lies in economic development and universal access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Actions targeting environmental conditions include the implementation of adapted long-term sustainable WASH solutions to ensure use of safe water and basic sanitation and good hygiene practices. In addition to cholera, such interventions prevent a wide range of other water-borne illnesses, as well as contributing to achieving goals related to poverty, malnutrition and education. The WASH solutions for cholera are aligned with those of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). Cholera is an easily treatable disease. The majority of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS). The WHO/UNICEF ORS standard sachet is dissolved in 1 litre (L) of clean water. Adult patients may require up to 6 L of ORS to treat moderate dehydration on the first day. Severely dehydrated patients are at risk of shock and require the rapid administration of intravenous fluids. These patients are also given appropriate antibiotics to diminish the duration of diarrhoea, reduce the volume of rehydration fluids needed, and shorten the amount and duration of V. cholerae excretion in their stool. All patients should begin to eat safely prepared, regular local food as soon as they can safely do so. Breastfeeding should also be promoted. Rapid access to treatment is essential during a cholera outbreak. Oral rehydration should be available in communities, including at specific oral rehydration points (ORPs), in addition to larger treatment centres that can provide intravenous fluids and 24-hour care. With early and proper treatment, the case fatality rate should remain below 1%. Zinc is an important adjunctive therapy for children under 5, which also reduces the duration of diarrhoea and may prevent future episodes of other causes of acute watery diarrhoea. Mass administration of antibiotics is not recommended, as it has no proven effect on the spread of cholera and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Community engagement means that people and communities are part of the process of developing and implementing programmes. Local culture, practices and beliefs are central to promoting actions such as good hygiene practices including handwashing with soap, safe preparation and storage of food and safe disposal of the faeces of children. Funeral practices for individuals who die from cholera may need to be adapted to prevent infection among attendees. Community engagement continues throughout outbreak response with increased communication regarding potential risks, symptoms of cholera, precautions to take to avoid cholera, when and where to report cases and to seek immediate treatment when symptoms appear. The communities should be part of developing programmes to address needs including where and when to seek treatment. Oral cholera vaccines Currently there are 3 WHO pre-qualified oral cholera vaccines (OCV): Dukoral®, Shanchol™, and Euvichol-Plus®. All 3 vaccines require 2 doses for full protection (4). Dukoral® is administered with a buffer solution that, for adults, requires 150 ml of clean water. Dukoral can be given to all individuals over the age of 2 years. There must be a minimum of 7 days, and no more than 6 weeks, delay between each dose. Children aged 2–5 years require a third dose. Dukoral® is mainly used for travellers. Two doses of Dukoral® provide protection against cholera for 2 years. Shanchol™ and Euvichol-Plus® have the same vaccine formula, produced by 2 different manufacturers. They do not require a buffer solution for administration. They are given to all individuals over the age of 1 year. There must be a minimum of 2 weeks delay between each dose of these 2 vaccines. Two doses of Shanchol™ and Euvichol-Plus® provide protection against cholera for at least 3 years, while 1 dose provides short term protection. Shanchol™ is prequalified to be used in a controlled temperature chain, an innovative approach to vaccine management allowing vaccines to be kept at temperatures outside of the traditional cold chain of +2°C to +8°C for a limited period of time under monitored and controlled conditions. More information on Control Temperature Chain can be found here. Shanchol™ and Euvichol-Plus® are the vaccines currently available for mass vaccination campaigns through the Global OCV Stockpile with the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Based on the available evidence, the August 2017 WHO position paper on vaccines against cholera states that: - OCV should be used in areas with endemic cholera, in humanitarian crises with high risk of cholera, and during cholera outbreaks; always in conjunction with other cholera prevention and control strategies; - vaccination should not disrupt the provision of other high priority health interventions to control or prevent cholera outbreaks; and - more than 145 million doses of OCV have been used in mass vaccination campaigns since the creation of the stockpile. The campaigns have been implemented in areas experiencing an outbreak, in areas at heightened vulnerability during humanitarian crises, and among populations living in highly endemic areas, known as hotspots. The Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), with its Secretariat based at WHO, was revitalized in 2014. The GTFCC is a network of more than 50 partners active in cholera control globally, including academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and United Nations agencies. Through the GTFCC and with support from donors, WHO works to: - promote the design and implementation of global strategies to contribute to capacity development for cholera prevention and control globally; - provide a forum for technical exchange, coordination, and cooperation on cholera-related activities to strengthen country capacity to prevent and control cholera; - support countries to implement effective cholera control strategies and monitor progress; - support countries in long term control or elimination of cholera through the development of National Cholera Plans (NCPs); - disseminate technical guidelines and operational manuals; - support the development of a research agenda with emphasis on evaluating innovative approaches to cholera prevention and control in affected countries; and - increase the visibility of cholera as an important global public health problem through the dissemination of information about cholera prevention and control, and conducting advocacy and resource mobilization activities to support cholera prevention and control at national, regional and global levels. To strengthen GTFCC support to countries, in 2020 a Country Support Platform (CSP) was established. The CSP, hosted by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) provides multisectoral operational support as well as advocacy, coordination and policy guidance necessary for countries to develop, fund, implement and monitor their NCPs effectively in alignment with the Global Roadmap. Ending cholera: a roadmap to 2030 In October 2017, GTFCC partners launched a strategy for cholera control Ending cholera: a global roadmap to 2030. The country-led strategy aims to reduce cholera deaths by 90% and to eliminate cholera in as many as 20 countries by 2030. The Global Roadmap focuses on three strategic axes: 1. early detection and quick response to contain outbreaks: the strategy focuses on containing outbreaks—wherever they may occur— through early detection and rapid multisectoral response including community engagement, strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity, health systems and supply readiness, and supporting rapid response teams; 2. a targeted multi-sectoral approach to prevent cholera recurrence: the strategy calls on countries and partners to focus on cholera hotspots, the relatively small areas most heavily affected by cholera. Cholera transmission can be stopped in these areas through measures including improved WASH and through use of OCV; and 3. an effective mechanism of coordination for technical support, advocacy, resource mobilization, and partnership at local and global levels. The GTFCC provides a strong framework to support countries to intensify efforts to control cholera, building upon country-led cross-sectoral cholera control programs and supporting them with human, technical and financial resources. A resolution promoting control of cholera and endorsing the Global Roadmap was passed in May 2018 at the 71st World Health Assembly. To ensure efficient and effective deployment of necessary materials for the investigation and confirmation of cholera outbreaks, as well as the treatment of cholera patients, WHO has developed a set of cholera kits. In 2016, after consultation with implementing partners, WHO revised the cholera kits to better meet field needs. There are 6 kits: - 1 for investigation; - 1 with supplies for culture confirmation in a laboratory; - 3 for treatment at each of the community, peripheral and central levels; and - 1 support kit with logistical materials including solar lamps, fencing, water bladders and taps. Each treatment kit provides enough material to treat 100 patients. The revised cholera kits are designed to help prepare for a potential cholera outbreak and to support the first month of the initial response. More about cholera kits here. 1. Updated global burden of cholera in endemic countries.Ali M, Nelson AR, Lopez AL, Sack D. (2015). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 9(6): e0003832. doi:10.1371/journal.pntd.0003832. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4455997/ 2. The incubation period of cholera: a systematic review. Azman AS, Rudolph KE, Cummings DA, Lessler J. J Infect. 2013;66(5):432-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2012.11.013. PubMed PMID: 23201968; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3677557. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23201968 3. Cholera Annual Report 2023. Weekly Epidemiological Record, 9 September 2024, Vol 99 (36), (pp 481- 496). 4. Cholera vaccines: WHO position paper – August 2017. Weekly Epidemiological Record 25 August 2017, No 34, 2017, 92, 477–500. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/258764/1/WER9234-477-498.pdf

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cholera

Health

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Could Ebola now be airborne? New research shows lethal virus can be spread from pigs to monkeys without contact - Findings come as scores of Ugandans are isolated in latest outbreak - Untreatable virus causes internal bleeding and multiple organ failure - Previously thought to be transmitted only by direct contact Fears are growing that the most lethal form of the Ebola virus can mutate into an airborne pathogen, making the spread of the terrifying disease more difficult to check. It was previously thought the untreatable virus, which causes massive internal bleeding and multiple organ failure, could only be transmitted through contact with infected blood. But now Canadian researchers have carried out experiments showing how monkeys can catch the deadly disease from infected pigs without coming into direct contact. 'Our findings support the hypothesis that airborne transmission may contribute to spread, specifically from pigs to primates, and may need to be considered in assessing transmission from animals to humans in general,' they said. The findings come as scores of people in Uganda were yesterday isolated to prevent the spread of a new Ebola outbreak that has already killed three in the country. Ebola cause fatal haemorrhagic fevers in humans and many other species of non-human primates. It was first reported in 1976 in Congo and is named for the river where it was recognized. There is no cure or vaccine for it. The illness is 'characterised by fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain,' according to the U.S.-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 'A rash, red eyes, hiccups and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients.' The virus is known to be transmitted through direct contact with the blood or secretions of an infected person, or objects that have been contaminated with infected secretions. It is often spread during communal funerals where there has been an outbreak when the bereaved come into contact with an Ebola victim. In some cases, it can trigger organ failure and unstoppable bleeding, killing a previously healthy adult within days. One of the deadliest diseases known, it has killed two-thirds of the roughly 1,850 people who have been diagnosed with it. Experts say this extreme virulence is its weak spot. The virus can be contained because it kills its victims faster than it can spread to new ones. However, if the disease is now airborne it could make containment more difficult. Researchers at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg deliberately infected six piglets with the ebola virus and put them in pens where macaque monkeys were housed in wire cages. Within eight days all four monkeys caught the virus through indirect contact, according to the study published in the journal Scientific Reports. THE DEADLY VIRUS WITH NO CURE Ebola is thought to be introduced into the human population through close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected animals. In Africa, infection has been documented through the handling of infected chimpanzees, gorillas, fruit bats, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines found dead or ill in the rainforest. Once infected individuals return to their communities, Ebola spreads through human-to-human transmission resulting from close contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people. Health-care workers have frequently been infected and must wear gloves, masks and goggles while treating patients suffering from Ebola. The viral haemorrhagic fever Ebola causes is often characterised by the sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both internal and external bleeding, and eventually death. Severe cases require intensive supportive care. No specific treatment or vaccine is yet available for Ebola, although several vaccines are in development. Dr Gary Kobinger from the National Microbiology Laboratory at the Public Health Agency of Canada took part in the study. He told BBC News that they suspect that large droplets of moisture containing the virus were being exhaled with the piglets' breath. 'They can stay in the air, but not long, they don't go far,' he told the broadcaster. 'But they can be absorbed in the airway and this is how the infection starts, and this is what we think, because we saw a lot of evidence in the lungs of the non-human primates that the virus got in that way.' Further work is needed but the findings are worrying as macaques are close genetic relatives to humans, said the researchers. Fruit bats are a known 'reservoir' for the Ebola virus, and people have also contracted the disease after handling infected chimps, gorillas, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines. But this research suggests that wild or domestic pigs could also be a natural host. The latest outbreak of the disease in Uganda - in a district just 40 miles from the capital Kampala - comes roughly a month after the country declared itself Ebola-free following an earlier outbreak in a remote district of western Uganda. The latest Ebola outbreak, officials say, is of the Sudan strain of Ebola and not linked to the previous one, of the Congo variety, which killed at least 16 villagers in July and August in the western district of Kibaale. In addition to the three dead in the latest outbreak, up to 15 are being monitored for signs of the disease, officials said. Ebola is especially feared in Uganda, where multiple outbreaks have occurred over the years, and news of it can cause patients to flee hospitals to avoid infection. In 2000, in one of the world's worst Ebola outbreaks, the disease infected 425 Ugandans and killed more than half of them in the country's north. Another outbreak in 2007 killed 37 people in Bundibugyo, a remote district close to the Congolese border.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2233956/Could-Ebola-airborne-New-research-shows-lethal-virus-spread-pigs-monkeys-contact.html#ixzz38ivo44NJ

Health

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Files are containers in computer systems for storing information. Files used in computers are similar in features to that of paper documents used in library and office files. There are different types of files such as text files, data files, directory files, binary and graphic files, and these different types of files store different types of information. A particular file format is often indicated as part of a file's name by a file name extension (suffix). Conventionally, the extension is separated by a period from the name and contains three or four letters that identify the format.

https://www.downloadbetter.com/TJuRrOFKr29/klash-desire-mp3.html?d=1

Music-Radio

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Words change meaning all the time — and over time. Language historian Anne Curzan takes a closer look at this phenomenon, and shares some words that used to mean something totally different. Words change meaning over time in ways that might surprise you. We sometimes notice words changing meaning under our noses (e.g., unique coming to mean “very unusual” rather than “one of a kind”) — and it can be disconcerting. How in the world are we all going to communicate effectively if we allow words to shift in meaning like that? The good news: History tells us that we’ll be fine. Words have been changing meaning — sometimes radically — as long as there have been words and speakers to speak them. Here is just a small sampling of words you may not have realized didn’t always mean what they mean today. - Nice: This word used to mean “silly, foolish, simple.” Far from the compliment it is today! - Silly: Meanwhile, silly went in the opposite direction: in its earliest uses, it referred to things worthy or blessed; from there it came to refer to the weak and vulnerable, and more recently to those who are foolish. - Awful: Awful things used to be “worthy of awe” for a variety of reasons, which is how we get expressions like “the awful majesty of God.” - Fizzle: The verb fizzle once referred to the act of producing quiet flatulence (think “SBD”); American college slang flipped the word’s meaning to refer to failing at things. - Wench: A shortened form of the Old English word wenchel (which referred to children of either sex), the word wench used to mean “female child” before it came to be used to refer to female servants — and more pejoratively to wanton women. - Fathom: It can be hard to fathom how this verb moved from meaning “to encircle with one’s arms” to meaning “to understand after much thought.” Here’s the scoop: One’s outstretched arms can be used as a measurement (a fathom), and once you have fathoms, you can use a fathom line to measure the depth of water. Think metaphorically and fathoming becomes about getting to the bottom of things. - Clue: Centuries ago, a clue (or clew) was a ball of yarn. Think about threading your way through a maze and you’ll see how we got from yarn to key bits of evidence that help us solve things. - Myriad: If you had a myriad of things 600 years ago, it meant that you specifically had 10,000 of them — not just a lot. - Naughty: Long ago, if you were naughty, you had naught or nothing. Then it came to mean evil or immoral, and now you are just badly behaved. - Eerie: Before the word eerie described things that inspire fear, it used to describe people feeling fear — as in one could feel faint and eerie. - Spinster: As it sounds, spinsters used to be women who spun. It referred to a legal occupation before it came to mean “unmarried woman” — and often not in the most positive ways, as opposed to a bachelor … - Bachelor: A bachelor was a young knight before the word came to refer to someone who had achieved the lowest rank at a university — and it lives on in that meaning in today’s B.A. and B.S degrees. It’s been used for unmarried men since Chaucer’s day. - Flirt: Some 500 years ago, flirting was flicking something away or flicking open a fan or otherwise making a brisk or jerky motion. Now it involves playing with people’s emotions (sometimes it may feel like your heart is getting jerked around in the process). - Guy: This word is an eponym. It comes from the name of Guy Fawkes, who was part of a failed attempt to blow up Parliament in 1605. Folks used to burn his effigy, a “Guy Fawkes” or a “guy,” and from there it came to refer to a frightful figure. In the U.S., it has come to refer to men in general. - Hussy: Believe it or not, hussy comes from the word housewife (with several sound changes, clearly) and used to refer to the mistress of a household, not the disreputable woman it refers to today. - Egregious: It used to be possible for it to be a good thing to be egregious: it meant you were distinguished or eminent. But in the end, the negative meaning of the word won out, and now it means that someone or something is conspicuously bad — not conspicuously good. - Quell: Quelling something or someone used to mean killing it, not just subduing it. - Divest: 300 years ago, divesting could involve undressing as well as depriving others of their rights or possessions. It has only recently come to refer to selling off investments. - Senile: Senile used to refer simply to anything related to old age, so you could have senile maturity. Now it refers specifically to those suffering from senile dementia. - Meat: Have you ever wondered about the expression “meat and drink”? It comes from an older meaning of the word meat that refers to food in general — solid food of a variety of kinds (not just animal flesh), as opposed to drink. We’re human. We love to play with words in creative ways. And in the process, we change the language. In retrospect, we often think the changes words undergo are fascinating. May we transfer some of that fascination and wonder — some of the awe that used to make the words awful and awesome synonymous — to the changes we’re witnessing today.

http://ideas.ted.com/20-words-that-once-meant-something-very-different/

Education

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Tooth decay is a damage of the outer surface of the tooth or tooth enamel. Generally, the tooth decay can result in a hole in the tooth. It is caused by a combination of factors, which includes bacteria in your mouth, a poor diet high in sugar and acid, poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking and sipping sugary drinks, genetic and other factors. Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent dental problems in the United States. They are common in children, teenagers and older adults. If it is left untreated, tooth decay may lead to infection, pain, and loss of the tooth. You can able to prevent tooth decay by taking some preventative measures like brushing, flossing, eating healthy foods, dental sealants, etc. - Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride containing toothpaste can help to reduce cavities and repair tooth enamel. - Whenever you brush, brush the outer surfaces, upper and lower of each and every tooth and also keep the bristles angled against the gum line - Make it a habit to brush your teeth after each meal and particularly before going to bed, using a toothbrush with soft, rounded bristles and a small enough head that allows you to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth. Change your toothbrush every 4 to 6 months. - Brush your tongue to freshen your breath and eliminate bacteria or use a tongue cleaner to clean your tongue. - Do not rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing as this washes away the protective toothpaste. Just spit out excess toothpaste. - You need to floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing in between your teeth removes food particles and plaque in between the teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach. - Do this before brushing so that any remaining food particles will be brushed away. - A plastic flossing tool makes flossing easier. You can find these at many drugstores. Using mouthwash that contains fluoride will also help fight against tooth decay. But, this should not be used immediately after brushing. Make a separate time to use mouthwash, like after lunch. You do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes after using a fluoride mouthwash. Eating high-fiber foods Having high-fiber foods keep saliva flowing in your mouth and produces a mineral that help to prevent tooth decay. Good sources of fiber are dried fruits such as dates, figs and raisins and fresh fruits, like apples, bananas and oranges. Other sources include veggies like beans, peas, Brussels sprouts along with almonds, peanuts, and bran. Eating cheese can also help prevent tooth cavities as it neutralizes plaque acid and increase pH levels. The increased pH levels on the teeth surface are protected against dental erosion, and thus lower the risk of developing tooth decay and other form of cavities. Fluoride also plays a key role in preventing cavities. By adding fluoride to your water or including a fluoride rinse in your everyday oral routine, you can protect your teeth from tooth decay and germs. There are various fluoride supplements available in the market, which help to keep your mouth clean and germ-free. Chewing sugar-free gum help to prevent tooth decay. Typically, sugar free gums are made with Xylitol, a natural substitutes and very effective cavity fighter as Xylitol can inhibit the gums from developing streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria involved in tooth decay. If you want to chew a gum, you can try sugar-free chewing gum with special milk protein that carry and release mineral to help repair your teeth. Crunchy and crispy fruits Crunch and crispy fresh fruits and vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers and apples help protect teeth by stimulating the gums and increasing the saliva production. Saliva has lots of antibacterial properties which can help to kill the bacteria. Staying hydrated will also help fight against bacteria and tooth decay as well. To prevent tooth decay, several dental professionals suggest dental sealants, a protective coating is applied to the pits and fissures on the chewing surface of molar teeth. Dental sealants prevent carriers by creating a physical barrier against bacterial plaque and food. Sealants last up to 10 years before they need to be replaced, but they should be checked regularly to ensure they are still intact. Regular visit to dentist Visiting your dentist once or twice a year is another way to avoid cavities and tooth decay or spot them early. If you are especially vulnerable to tooth decay, your dentist will suggest some special antibacterial mouthwashes and other treatments that help to cut down the tooth decay caused by bacteria.

http://www.healthable.org/tooth-decay-top-10-natural-ways-to-prevent-it/

Health

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“Nothing is permanent here, except suffering. No job security, no safety clothing nor gadgets. Accidents are common. Every worker here would leave if they had a choice.” Economic inequality in Nigeria has reached extreme levels, despite being the largest economy in Africa. The country has an expanding economy with abundant human capital and the economic potential to lift millions out of poverty. So how can this happen? What makes Nigeria so unequal and how big is this inequality gap? Let’s look at the numbers: 5 million The combined wealth of Nigeria’s five richest men - $29.9 billion - could end extreme poverty at a national level yet 5 million face hunger. More than 112 million people are living in poverty in Nigeria, yet the country’s richest man would have to spend $1 million a day for 42 years to exhaust his fortune. 2 millionThe amount of money that the richest Nigerian man can earn annually from his wealth is sufficient to lift 2 million people out of poverty for one year. 79%Women represent between 60 and 79 percent of Nigeria's rural labor force but are five times less likely to own their own land than men. Women are also less likely to have had a decent education. Over three-quarters of the poorest women in Nigeria have never been to school and 94% of them are illiterate. Felicia Adebowale, a cocoa farmer, sits next to harvested cocoa beans inside her farm in Ayetoro-Ijesa village, Nigeria. Photo: George Osodi / Panos for Oxfam >Between 1960 and 2005, about $20 trillion was stolen from the treasury by public office holders. This amount is larger than the GDP of United States in 2012 (about $18 trillion). Poverty and inequality in Nigeria are not due to a lack of resources, but to the ill-use, misallocation and misappropriation of such resources. At the root is a culture of corruption combined with a political elite out of touch with the daily struggles of average Nigerians. 57 millionIn 2012, Nigeria spent just 6.5 percent of its national budget on education and just 3.5 percent on health (by comparison, Ghana spent 18.5 percent and 12.8 percent respectively in 2015). As a result, 57 million Nigerians lack safe water, over 130 million lack adequate sanitation and the country has more than 10 million children out of school. 21.5%Another consequence of the mismanagement of the nation’s resources is the high rate of unemployment, especially among the young. In 2016, between 12.1% and 21.5% of Nigeria’s youth were without a job. Nigeria can close the inequality gap Nigeria is not a poor country yet millions are living in hunger. The government must work with the international community to get food and aid to hungry people now. But it can’t stop there. It must free millions of Nigerians from poverty by building a new political and economic system that works for everyone, not just a fortunate few.

https://www.oxfam.org/en/nigeria-extreme-inequality-numbers

Politics

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The Igbo apprenticeship system is a local entrepreneurship incubation system that is native to the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. It is a structure that operates on formal and informal agreements between a trade master and a trade student. The family of the trade student allows their child/ward to go and “serve” the trade master for a certain period of time. After the time frame elapses, the trade student graduates and get established by the trade master to start his own business. Professor Ndubuisi Ekweke, an inventor, entrepreneur, and Harvard Business Review Writer defines the Igbo apprentice system as “… a business philosophy of shared prosperity where participants co-operatively participate to attain organic economic equilibrium where accumulated market leverageable factors are constantly weighted and calibrated out, via dilution and surrendering of market share, enabling social resilience and formation of livable clusters, engineered by major participants funding their competitors, with success measured on quantifiable support to stakeholders, and not by absolute market dominance.” Further explaining the scheme, Iwara, Amaechi, & Netshandama in their article The Igba-boi apprenticeship approach: arsenal behind growing success of Igbo entrepreneurs in Nigeria, said; “Within this approach, a parent of potential apprentice (mostly males) often bargains and negotiates with a successful entrepreneur on the possibility of handing over their kid to him (the successful entrepreneur). This is done with the hope that the kid would stay under him and acquire the basic skills of entrepreneurship. This approach is known as Igba-boi.” The purpose of the Igbo apprentice system is to kindle the spirit of entrepreneurship, drive economic stability and growth for the Igbos, grow human resources, and make business financing easier. Stages Of The Igbo Apprenticeship System Stage One: Talent Identification The Igbo Apprenticeship System is in three phases. The first is the talent identification stage. In this stage, the parents or guardians of a child identify the talent that a child has an affinity for. After identifying a child’s talent, they proceed to find an entrepreneur that can help teach the child how to do business in the field they identify. If they find one, they move the child to the next stage of the apprenticeship system. Stage Two: The Learning Stage The second stage of the Igbo apprenticeship system is the learning stage. At this stage, the trade master teaches his mentee practical ways to do business. But, before a trade master proceeds with training, he makes sure that he tests the trade student in key areas. These include their willingness to learn, doggedness, tenacity, and trustworthiness. Trustworthiness is a very key area that trade masters test. This is due to the fact that they will be handing over some trade secrets to the apprentice as time goes on. So, they need to know that those trade secrets will be safe. Trade masters train the apprentices on key business strategies. Some of these include transaction negotiation, building customer relationships, how to source affordable goods, and pricing. It is also important to note that during the learning phase, an apprentice lives with his master during the training phase. And it also follows that while living with your trade master, he expects you to do some minor work around the house. Final Stage: Graduation And Settlement The final stage of the Igbo apprenticeship system is the graduation and settlement stage. If an apprentice makes it to the full term of service under his trade master, he qualifies for a “settlement” from his erstwhile trade master. You will most likely get settled in cash, but there’s an alternative for settling in kind depending on prior agreements. Cash settlement is a sort of startup fund that the trade master gives his mentee to start his own entrepreneurship journey. When a master settles a mentee in kind, it is common practice that the trade master helps the mentee get a premise, and fills it with goods for the mentee to start his entrepreneurship journey. It is also expected that once you get settled, you should begin to innovate in terms of the goods you stock, where you source goods and customer relationships to grow your own business. Advantages of the Igbo Apprenticeship System Helps Build Business Ecosystems Using Cultural Models One of the many problems of the Nigerian economy is that we import foreign economic models to use locally. These economic models usually suit other climes but they do not work here because they are not meant for the local terrain. The Igbo apprenticeship system on the other hand offers a local strategy that helps build strong businesses in the face of harsh realities. And it pays attention to the socio-economic realities of the Igbos and indeed the nation if harnessed. It Is A Form Of Startup Incubator A startup incubator is a program that provides entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and funding to help their business ideas succeed. The Igbo apprenticeship system is a form of startup incubator. It is successful because it allows entrepreneurs to learn directly from people that have huge experience with entrepreneurship. The amazing aspect of the Igbo apprenticeship system is that the student entrepreneur gets to learn in real-life situations and environments. Business lessons, local opportunities, the dynamic of the local market, and how to source quality goods are some things they learn from the system. It Is An Excellent Example Of Mentorship Many successful entrepreneurs will advise you to get a mentor if you want to develop your capacity faster. Additionally, mentors help you make fewer mistakes. In that sense, mentors help you navigate your journey in entrepreneurship. Mentors are often more experienced than you are. So, they advise you on the best decisions to take, and common pitfalls to avoid. The Igbo apprenticeship model gives trade students access to mentors that can instruct them on practical issues. Key areas of focus may include negotiation techniques, pricing, customer relationship It Helps Provide Funding For Business Startup One of the problems with starting a business in Nigeria is that there are a few funding opportunities. Owing to that, many people do not engage in entrepreneurship, although, they have a passion for it. With the Igbo apprenticeship system, you get funding at the end of your learning with your trade master. We already established that the trade master either settles the apprentice in cash or kind (stocking of the shop). With the settlement, most entrepreneurs go on to innovate and grow their businesses. The System Is Efficient It is a system that is very efficient. Your trade master teaches you on the field, where you’ll have direct access to the market, and what they need. As a result of you participating in the apprentice system, you have access to raw market data. This data will help you define how you position your brand and the type of business model to adopt. It Helps To Reduce Unemployment And Poverty Many entrepreneurs have been created through the Igbo apprenticeship system. In fact, many people claim that the Igbo apprenticeship system delivered more millionaires than many business schools around the world. Whether that is true or not is a matter for another day. What stands true is that the Igbo apprenticeship system has lifted many families out of poverty. Additionally, it has saved many from the enduring problem of unemployment in Nigeria. It Helps Build An Entrepreneurship Mindset There have been calls for people to stop depending on the government to provide employment and to take up entrepreneurship. However, due to the lack of funding opportunities, many people have not developed an entrepreneurial mindset. Thankfully, the Igbo apprenticeship system has helped develop an entrepreneurial mindset in a nation that will otherwise depend on government. Thinking of investing in a side hustle? We have 35 booming business ideas and step-by-step guides to start them. It’s a strategic and financial breakdown of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria. Get it now and start building the business of your dream. Let’s create visibility for your brand today and put your business on the world map. Contact us today to make your brand the preferred choice among our audience of entrepreneurs and business leaders. To keep track of our activities, follow us on Instagram.

https://www.entrepreneurs.ng/the-igbo-apprenticeship-system/

Business

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The saying bad things come in attractive packages has never been truer than in the case of junk food. In traffic, the roadside hawkers are sprinting after vehicles to dispose of their wares. At the cashier’s till in the supermarket, they are kept handy for when there’s no complete change to give you. Served in attractive and colourful mouth-watering packages, junk foods are just that – junk. They offer little to zero to you in terms of nutritional content. Junk food is often mistaken for fast food but while one can be the other, the terms mean different things. ‘Junk food’ refers to those foods which are mostly processed, containing high levels of calories from sugar or fat with little fibre, protein, vitamins or minerals. ‘Fast Food’ on the other hand refers to easily prepared, mostly mass-produced and processed food. Not all fast food is junk food and not all junk food is fast food, however, they overlap. Here are seven reasons why you might reconsider spending your money on junk food. - LOW NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Fast foods are low in all the good stuff that aid proper body functionality and which keep you healthy. Rather than contain proteins, fiber, vitamins and minerals which your brain and top body systems functioning at their max, those calories and saturated fats and way too much salt clog your system and make you more vulnerable to illnesses and long term illnesses. - BAD FOR YOUR BRAIN: There is a reason why some foods are categorized as brain foods and hardly any of these foods are sold in your easy-fix and junk food stores. Our brains need some foods to function optimally and to ensure mental health; foods like avocados, foods rich in antioxidants, nuts, fruits, deep water fish, and hardly any of these foods are sold in your junk food haunts. - OBESITY: If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 25 and 29.9 you are considered overweight. If your BMI is 30 or over you are considered obese. Here’s how you calculate your BMI: - a) divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in metres (m) - b) then divide the answer by your height again to get your BMI. In comparison to normal weight people, obese people are more at risk of contracting illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, stroke, breathing disorders, and several others. - HEART DISEASES: Bad fats – Saturated fats and trans fats – raise the body’s cholesterol level are key risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Saturated fats are sourced from red meat and dairy products. These can be replaced with healthy oils, which can be found in foods like avocadoes, fatty fish, seeds and nuts and plants. Similarly, high levels of sodium, common in junk foods, can lead to high blood pressure/hypertension and consequently increase your risks of heart attack. - ADDICTIVE: It is very very easy to become addicted to carbonated drinks and junk foods such that before you know it, you’re driving there for lunch and filling your house and office desk with them. And there’s nothing harder to break than addictions and habits. And no, if you do fall prey, there’s no rehab centre to help you break your habit! - AFFECTS MENTAL HEALTH: Mental health conditions such as ADHD, depression, ADHD and Alzheimers have been linked to Junk foods. A study of 120 children and adolescents, consuming fast food, sugar and soft drinks were associated with a higher prevalence of diagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Pediatrics, Vol. 139, No. 2, 2017). When it comes to mental health, Mediterranean diets are prescribed over Western diets *cue in article on mental health* COULD CAUSE CANCER: A study carried out by researchers from the university of Arizona and published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, suggests there’s a link between a diet full of high calorie, low nutrient foods and a higher risk of certain cancers like breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, renal cancer, gallbladder cancer, oesophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Similarly, a research led by Dr. Janet Stanford and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center colleagues has associated regular consumption of deep-fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken and doughnuts with an increased risk of prostate cancer, an effect which appears to be slightly stronger with regard to more aggressive forms of the disease. In keeping with your new year, how much junk food are you willing to part with?

http://foodbay.tv/this-is-what-your-scrumptious-junk-foods-are-doing-to-you/

Food

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Political participation is defined as the process whereby individuals get themselves involved in the political activities and in the decision-making of their country. Forms of political participation Individual’s political participation may take the following forms: - Voting in elections: This is one of the ways of political participation and it gives the individual the opportunity to vote for candidates of his choice. - Holding of public offices: The holding of public office allows the individual to contribute immensely in the areas of decision making and in other crucial issues of national importance. - Contesting elections: When an individual stands as a candidate on the platform of his party for an elective post, he participates in politics. - Supporting political parties: A wealthy and influential individual, who is no more interested in partisan politics can sponsor or support a political party - Belonging to a political party: This involves the individual’s active and direct. involvement in the political terrain of his country. He participates in campaigns, congresses, etc. - Supporting candidates for elective posts: This could take the form of moral or financial support. - Protests and demonstration: When citizens demonstrate or protest against any policy of the government, the individuals are involved in political participation. - Partial political participation: The individual could be involved in attending partially some of the political activities e.g campaigns, rallies, etc. - Observatory political participation: The individual is only an observer and takes delight or interest in listening to political talks, discussions, debates, etc. The purpose of political participation - Decision – making: Some people participate in politics in order to contribute their quota in the decision – making process of the country. - Failure of past governments: Some people take part in politics because past governments have failed the people especially in the areas of provision of amenities e.g. water, electricity, housing, and good roads .. - Correction of the ills in the society: The idea of some people coming into the political system is to correct some of the ills in the society. For example, bribery and corruption, tribalism and drug pushing . - Avenue for money – making: To some people, the essence of political participation is money making and other gains associated with it. - For respect and prestige: Some individuals participate in politics because they want to acquire respect and prestige in life. - As occupation: Some individuals could claim that politics is the occupation they have chosen and so their active participation is in fulfilment of their political career. - Management of the nation’s resources: Some individuals with enough resources and skill take part in politics, because they want to be involved in managing equitably the nation’s economic resources. FACTORS AFFECTING POLITICAL PARTICIPATION - Lack of trust in the government: If previous governments have been failing in their promises, the people may lose confidence and trust in such governments and subsequent ones. - Fear of intimidation: This may deny the individual the opportunity of expressing his opinion freely and this may affect his political participation. - Apathy or lack of interest: Apathy could create a barrier between an individual and politics. The individual sees politics as not relevant and not worth going into. - Ignorance or illiteracy: The effect of this is that the individual may not see the need to participate in politics. He sees politics as a birth-right of the educated class only. - Frequent removal of elected governments: This involves military intervention in politics, by frequent removal of elected civilian government. This again can work against political participation. - Poverty: Politics, they say, is money and money is politics. Poverty may deny an individual the golden opportunity of participating in the decision – making process of his country.

https://www.austintommy.com.ng/2022/03/16/political-participation/

Education

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When putting their kids to learn Abacus Maths, parents often ask how long it will take them to learn Abacus or how many months should they learn the Abacus to become better at mathematics? Well, we understand that as a parent, everyone wishes their kids to grab Abacus learning fast. But it depends on the student and other factors on how much time they will take to learn Abacus. Learn Abacus: What is Abacus? Before we start, one must first understand the basics of the Abacus. The Abacus technique is believed to be originated in China. It is known as an ancient calculator used for mathematical calculations. However, we do have devices like calculators, smartphones, and computers to do the calculation. But Abacus helps build one’s mental ability to do the calculation without any calculator. It stimulates the brain cells of children and boosts their IQ also. At present, we have several ways to learn Abacus. We have Abacus books available in the market that clearly explains all the concepts. Multiple online tutorials and videos are available on the internet that helps one in learning Abacus. But, if you wish to make your kid learn Abacus fast and in the best way, enroll them in Abacus Maths classes. With proper guidance and practical lessons, they can understand it right from the beginning. Factors to consider to know how much time kids will take to learn Abacus Making kids learn the Abacus level by level will take around 2 to 3 years depend upon their age and learning abilities. There are 8 to 11 levels in Abacus, and every level requires approximately 3 months to finish. As a parent, one may observe that their kids will start showing the results after completing Level1. But this timeline is when you put your kids for proper Abacus Maths classes. So, let’s know the factors according to which you can understand that how much time it will take to learn Abacus. Consistent Learning and Practice – The Abacus requires conceptual learning and understanding. To become good at Abacus, consistency is quite important. We should understand that mental mathematics requires practice. If child does constant practice, he may learn it in less time. But if he lack practice and there is a learning gap, it will take time for them to understand Abacus. Self-Learning – Self-learning is helpful, but it requires reasonable effort and time. When self-learning Abacus, students only have Abacus books or videos, or tutorials for learning. They might need time to understand Abacus concepts and techniques of using Abacus tool. Proper supervision and guidance from a tutor or parents can help them learn Abacus faster. Individual Learning Abilities – Some kids take less time to learn, while others might take more time. It depends on their learning and grasping power. So, as a parent, one should not force their kids to learn fast. Instead, it should motivate them to understand Abacus concepts correctly. Considering these factors, you can calculate how much time your kids will take to learn Abacus. Do not worry if they are slow learners. Make sure that they understand all the basic concepts of the Abacus. BYITC & Supermaths Abacus Maths online and offline classes are now available in Birmingham and Oxford for students. We invite the parents to take the first step towards making their children confident with Maths. Abacus Maths Classes in Grantham | Abacus Maths Classes in Gravesend | Abacus Maths Classes in Grays | Abacus Maths Classes in Greasby | Abacus Maths Classes in Great Malvern | Abacus Maths Classes in Great Sankey | Abacus Maths Classes in Great Yarmouth | Abacus Maths Classes in Grimsby | Abacus Maths Classes Near Me | Learn Abacus Maths Classes Near Me | Abacus Maths Classes in Guildford | Abacus Maths Classes in Guiseley Yeadon | Abacus Maths Classes in Halesowen | Abacus Maths Classes in Harlow

https://supermaths.co.uk/how-much-time-does-it-take-to-learn-abacus/

Education

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There may have been a time when the most complicated computations people needed to do could be performed on their fingers and toes. But these days, it's all but impossible for many people to imagine doing anything involving numbers -- from math homework to tax returns to tipping servers in restaurants -- without the help of at least a basic pocket calculator. In fact, electronic calculators are so widespread now that it's hard to believe they didn't become commonplace until the late 20th century. Before the invention of the modern calculator, people used some other tools for computation. The abacus, for example, is one ancestor of the calculator. Probably of Babylonian origin, early abaci are believed to have been boards on which the position of counters stood for numerical values. However, the modern abacus -- which some people still use today in China, Japan and the Middle East -- works by moving beads along wires that are strung on a frame [source: Britannica: Abacus]. Throughout much of the last century, some people performed calculations using motor-assisted mechanical adding machines and others used mathematical tables and slide rules -- devices with movable, graduated scales that, depending on what type you have, can handle everything from multiplication to trigonometry [source: Britannica: Slide Rule]. Finally, in the 1960s, advancements in integrated circuitry led to the development of electronic calculators, but the early versions of these devices -- created by companies such as Sharp and Texas Instruments -- looked very little like the one you may be carrying around today in your briefcase or backpack. To learn more about the evolution of the modern electronic calculator -- and see how consumer demand for smaller calculators led to the creation of microchips that power the appliances we use every day -- read on.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/calculator1.htm

Programming

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Ethiopia, often regarded as the cradle of humanity, is a land of ancient history, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. Located in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia defies easy categorization. With a history that dates back thousands of years and a culture rich in traditions and diversity, Ethiopia stands out as a unique nation in Africa and the world. In this article, we will explore Ethiopia’s fascinating history, geographical diversity, cultural richness, and path to modernity, offering readers an in-depth look into what makes this country so remarkable. Ancient Ethiopia: A Land of History and Legends The Cradle of Humanity Ethiopia’s significance in human history is unparalleled. It is often referred to as the “Cradle of Humanity” because some of the oldest human ancestors have been found here. The most famous of these is “Lucy,” a 3.2 million-year-old hominid skeleton discovered in the Afar region in 1974. Lucy’s discovery has provided invaluable insights into human evolution, making Ethiopia a focal point for paleoanthropological studies. The Kingdom of Aksum The ancient Kingdom of Aksum is one of the most powerful and influential civilizations in African history. Flourishing from approximately 100 AD to 940 AD, Aksum was a major trading empire, connecting the Roman Empire and ancient India through trade routes. The kingdom is also renowned for its monumental obelisks, the most famous of which is the Obelisk of Aksum, which stands over 24 meters tall. Aksum was among the first African kingdoms to embrace Christianity in the 4th century, under the reign of King Ezana. This early adoption of Christianity set Ethiopia apart from its neighbours and has remained a cornerstone of the country’s identity. The Solomonic Dynasty This Solomonic dynasty, which began in the 13th century, ruled Ethiopia until the fall of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974. The Solomonic rulers are credited with maintaining Ethiopia’s independence through centuries of external threats and internal challenges. Geography: A Land of Diversity and Extremes Ethiopia’s Highlands and Lowlands Ethiopia’s geography is as diverse as its history. The country is known for its dramatic landscapes, ranging from the towering Ethiopian Highlands to the arid lowlands of the Afar Depression. The Ethiopian Highlands, often called the “Roof of Africa,” are home to some of the highest mountains on the continent, including Ras Dashen, which rises to 4,550 meters (14,928 feet) above sea level. The lowlands, on the other hand, include the Danakil Depression, one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. This area is characterized by active volcanoes, salt flats, and sulfur springs, creating a landscape that is both otherworldly and awe-inspiring. The Great Rift Valley The Great Rift Valley, which runs through Ethiopia from the northeast to the southwest, is one of the country’s most significant geographical features. This geological wonder is not only a visual spectacle but also a rich ecological zone, home to numerous lakes, wildlife, and fertile lands. The Rift Valley is also of great interest to scientists, as it provides clues about the earth’s tectonic movements and the evolution of species. Rivers and Lakes Ethiopia is blessed with abundant water resources, including the Blue Nile River, which originates from Lake Tana in the Ethiopian Highlands. The Blue Nile merges with the White Nile in Sudan to form the Nile, the longest river in the world. Lake Tana, Ethiopia’s largest lake, is not only a vital water source but also a site of historical and religious significance, with many ancient monasteries located on its islands. Cultural Richness: A Mosaic of Traditions and Beliefs Ethiopia is home to more than 80 ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. The largest ethnic groups include the Oromo, Amhara, Tigray, and Somali. Despite this diversity, Ethiopia has maintained a strong sense of national identity, largely due to its long history and shared religious heritage. Amharic is the official language of Ethiopia and is widely spoken across the country. However, many Ethiopians are multilingual, speaking their ethnic group’s language in addition to Amharic. Other major languages include Oromo, Tigrinya, and Somali. Ethiopia is also unique in that it has its own script, Ge’ez, which is used for writing in Amharic and Tigrinya. Religion plays a central role in Ethiopian society. Christianity, particularly the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, is the dominant religion, followed by Islam. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world, and its traditions and rituals are deeply rooted in the country’s culture. Ethiopia is also home to a small but ancient Jewish community known as the Beta Israel. Music and Dance Ethiopian music is as diverse as its people. Traditional music often features unique instruments such as the masenqo (a one-stringed fiddle) and the krar (a lyre-like instrument). Ethiopian dance is equally vibrant, with each ethnic group having its own distinctive style. The Eskista dance, characterized by rolling shoulder movements, is one of the most popular traditional dances in Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s Path to Modernity The Era of Haile Selassie Haile Selassie, Ethiopia’s last emperor, ruled from 1930 to 1974 and is perhaps the most well-known figure in modern Ethiopian history. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize Ethiopia, including the introduction of a written constitution, the establishment of schools and universities, and the promotion of Ethiopia on the international stage. Haile Selassie was also a key figure in the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU). However, his reign was also marked by internal unrest and economic challenges, leading to his eventual overthrow in 1974 by a Marxist-Leninist military junta known as the Derg. The Derg and the Ethiopian Civil War The Derg, led by Mengistu Haile Mariam, ruled Ethiopia with an iron fist from 1974 until 1991. The regime’s brutal policies, including forced resettlement and the Red Terror campaign, led to widespread suffering and loss of life. The Derg’s rule also coincided with the Ethiopian Civil War, a protracted and devastating conflict that resulted in the eventual overthrow of the regime in 1991. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia After the fall of the Derg, Ethiopia transitioned to a federal democratic republic. The new government, led by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), implemented significant political and economic reforms. Ethiopia has since experienced rapid economic growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. However, the country has also faced challenges, including ethnic tensions, political unrest, and disputes over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a massive hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile River. Economy: Growth Amidst Challenges Agriculture and Industry Agriculture remains the backbone of Ethiopia’s economy, employing the majority of the population. The country is the largest producer of coffee in Africa, and coffee plays a significant role in both the economy and the culture of Ethiopia. Other important agricultural products include teff (a staple grain used to make injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread), maize, and livestock. In recent years, Ethiopia has made strides in industrialization, particularly in the textile and garment industries. The government’s ambitious Growth and Transformation Plans (GTPs) aim to further diversify the economy and reduce poverty. Tourism: A Growing Industry Tourism is an emerging sector in Ethiopia’s economy. The country’s rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes make it an attractive destination for travellers. Key tourist sites include the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the Simien Mountains, the ancient city of Aksum, and the Omo Valley, home to several indigenous tribes. Challenges and Opportunities Despite its economic growth, Ethiopia faces significant challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and political instability. Ethiopia is also vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly in agriculture. However, its young and growing population, combined with its rich natural and cultural resources, offers immense potential for future development. Ethiopia is a nation of extraordinary history, culture, and natural beauty. From its ancient civilizations and diverse landscapes to its rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization, Ethiopia stands out as a unique and resilient country. As it navigates the challenges of the 21st century, Ethiopia remains a symbol of African pride and an example of a nation that has preserved its identity while embracing change. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the significance of Lucy in Ethiopian history? Lucy is a 3.2 million-year-old hominid skeleton discovered in Ethiopia, providing crucial insights into human evolution and earning Ethiopia the title of the “Cradle of Humanity.” 2. What is the role of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church? The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is one of the oldest Christian churches in the world and plays a central role in the religious and cultural life of Ethiopia.

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Timeline of Nigerian history. This is a timeline of Nigerian history, comprising important legal and territorial changes and political events in Nigeria and its predecessor states from Pre-colonial times to the 4th Republic. This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. 8000 B.C. – Creation of oldest currently known artifacts and stone shelters. Igboland mostly occupied by foragers, including Bantu ancestors. 3000–500 B.C. – Development of agriculture (probably including yam cultivation) and animal husbandry. 500 B.C. – A.D. 200 – Nok culture flourishes in Northern Nigeria. 400–100 B.C. – Ironworking develops around Opi, Nsukka Rise of Igbo, Yoruba, Edo, and Muslim civilisations 770 A.D. – Early Ijaw settlement. 800 – Mega-state at Igbo-Ukwu has complex social structure, produces copious artifacts including bronzes. Yoruba civilization already well established, based on thirteen farming villages centered at Ilé-Ifẹ̀. 900 – The reign of the Kingdom of Nri began. 1100 – The Islamic state of Borno was established. 1200 – Ilé-Ifẹ̀ becomes Yoruba metropolis. 1255 – Oba Ewedo comes to power in Benin Empire. 1450 – Beginning of European contact on the Atlantic coast. The European slave trade era was ushered in. 1500 – The nominally Muslim Hausa Kingdoms were established in Northern Nigeria. Political map of West Africa in 1625. Modern Nigeria includes parts of Oyo, Borgu, Nupe, and Benin areas, as well as Igbo states. Oyo Empire invades Kingdom of Dahomey. British slave traders facilitate massacre on the Calabar River. The Fulani and Sokoto: 1804-1903 Living among the Hausa in the northern regions of Nigeria are a tribe, the Fulani, whose leaders in the early 19th century become passionate advocates of strict Islam. From 1804 sheikh Usman dan Fodio and his two sons lead the Fulani in an immensely successful holy war against the lax Muslim rulers of the Hausa kingdoms. The result is the establishment in 1809 of a Fulani capital at Sokoto, from which the centre and north of Nigeria is effectively ruled for the rest of the 19th century. But during this same period there has been steady encroachment on the region by British interests. Sokoto Caliphate established through jihad; goes to war against the Yoruba states. After the abolition of the Slave trade in Britain in 1807 and in south of Equator in 1834, there followed the growth of legitimate trade stimulated by the penetration of European merchant capital into Nigeria, essential to the development of capitalism. Export of cocoa, groundnuts, rubber, palm oil, etc. to the world market was a means by which the resources of natural economy of pre-colonial Nigeria hitherto slumbering in dormant inaction were released into the sphere of circulation and utilised for the further augmentation or expansion of capital – a worldwide process of “accumulation of capital”. The result of this was a shift from European settlement on the coast to European penetration into the hinterland. This was facilitated by the exploration of the River Niger and was followed by missionary activities, conquest and colonisation. Escape to Igbo Landing in Georgia, USA. 1807 25 March Slave Trade Act 1807: Britain prohibits subjects from trafficking in slaves. British explorers: 1806-1830 From the death of Mungo Park near Bussa in 1806 to the end of the century, there is continuing interest in Nigeria on the part of British explorers, anti-slavery activists, missionaries and traders. In 1821 the British government sponsors an expedition south through the Sahara to reach the kingdom of Bornu. Its members become the first Europeans to reach Lake Chad, in 1823. One of the group, Hugh Clapperton, explores further west through Kano and the Hausa territory to reach Sokoto. Clapperton is only back in England for a few months, in 1825, before he sets off again for the Nigerian coast at Lagos. On this expedition, with his servant Richard Lander, he travels on trade routes north from the coast to Kano and then west again to Sokoto. Here Clapperton dies. But Lander makes his way back to London, where he is commissioned by the government to explore the lower reaches of the Niger. Accompanied in 1830 by his brother John, Lander makes his way north from the coast near Lagos to reach the great river at Bussa – the furthest point of Mungo Park’s journey downstream. With considerable difficulty the brothers make a canoe trip downstream, among hostile Ibo tribesmen, to reach the sea at the Niger delta. This region has long been familiar to European traders, but its link to the interior is now charted. All seems set for serious trade. SS Alburkah: 1832-1834 After Lander’s second return to England a company is formed by a group of Liverpool merchants, including Macgregor Laird, to trade on the lower Niger. Laird is also a pioneer in the shipping industry. For the present purpose, an expedition to the Niger, he designs an iron paddle-steamer, the 55-ton Alburkah. Laird himself leads the expedition, with Richard Lander as his expert guide. The Alburkah steams south from Milford Haven in July 1832 with forty-eight on board. She reaches the mouth of the Niger three months later, entering history as the first ocean-going iron ship. After making her way up one of the many streams of the Niger delta, the Alburkah progresses upstream on the main river as far as Lokoja, the junction with the Benue. The expedition demonstrates that the Niger offers a highway into the continent for ocean vessels. And the performance of the iron steamer is a triumph. But medicine is not yet as far advanced as technology. When the Alburkah returns to Liverpool, in 1834, only nine of the original crew of forty-eight are alive. They include a much weakened Macgregor Laird. End of Oyo empire. Niger Expedition of Christian missionaries. Trade and anti-slavery: 1841-1900 The next British expedition to the Niger is almost equally disastrous in terms of loss of life. Four ships under naval command are sent out in 1841, with instructions to steam up the Niger and make treaties with local kings to prevent the slave trade. The enterprise is abandoned when 48 of the 145 Europeans in the crews die of fever. Malaria is the cause of the trouble. Church Missionary Society sets up mission at Abeokuta. From 1849 the British government accepts a more direct involvement. A consul, based in Fernando Po, is appointed to take responsibility for the Bights of Biafra and Benin. He undertakes direct negotiations with the king of Lagos, the principal port from which slaves are shipped. When these break down, in 1851, Lagos is attacked and captured by a British force. Another member of the Lagos royal family is placed on the throne, after guaranteeing to put an end to the slave trade and to human sacrifice (a feature of this region). (December 26-27): Royal Navy warship bombards Lagos. Oba of Lagos (Oba Kosoko) is wounded and flees to Epe. On board the ship was Lt. Labulo Davies, probably the first Nigerian to be commisioned in a naval force. 1 January 1852 Treaty Between Great Britain and Lagos. Major progress on fighting malaria is made when a doctor, William Baikie, leads an expedition up the Niger in 1854. He administers quinine to his men and suffers no loss of life. Extracted from the bark of the cinchona tree, quinine has long been used in medicine. But its proven efficacy against malaria is a turning point in the European penetration of Africa. The British anti-slavery policy in the region involves boosting the trade in palm oil (a valuable product which gives the name Oil Rivers to the Niger delta) to replace the dependence on income from the slave trade. It transpires later that this is somewhat counter-productive, causing the upriver chieftains to acquire more slaves to meet the increased demand for palm oil. But it is nevertheless the philanthropic principle behind much of the effort to set up trading stations. At the same time the British navy patrols the coast to liberate captives from slave ships of other nations and to settle them at Freetown in Sierra Leone. The Nigerian Nation-state in Gestation: Conquests, Treaties and Amalgamations, Chronologically, the conquest of Nigeria through military campaign was inaugurated by the annexation of Lagos in 1861. When the king and his successor fail to fulfil these terms, Lagos is annexed in 1861 as a British colony. During the remainder of the century the consolidation of British trade and British political control goes hand in hand. 1861 6 August Lagos Treaty of Cession: British annexes Lagos, with status of Crown Colony. 1862 (January 22): Mr H.S Freeman is appointed as the first Governor of Lagos Colony. 1862 (January 1): Lagos Island is annexed as a colony of Britain 1862 (January 22): Mr H.S Freeman is appointed as the first Governor of Lagos Colony. Samuel Ajayi Crowther becomes first African Anglican Bishop. 1877: George Taubman Goldie arrived in the Niger Delta in 1877 In 1878, Onitsha was sacked and Asaba bombarded. George Taubman Goldie amalgamated various British ventures to form the United African Company (later known as the Royal Niger Company). The conquest of Southern Nigeria by the British began. Similarly, by 1884, the National African Company had concluded about thirty seven treaties at the Niger territories including Atani, Onitsha, Abo, Osomala, Ndoni, Oko, Odekpe. Internal wars among the Yoruba, caused mainly by the decline of Oyo Empire and rivalry over the control of trade, gave the British the opportunities to gain political control further inside. Given the existing degree of British involvement, this entire area has been readily accepted at the Berlin conference in 1884 as falling to Britain in the scramble for Africa 1885: Oil Rivers Protectorate proclaimed by the British after they had defeated of King Jaja of Opobo, the Oba of Benin and subdued all prominent oil merchants of the Niger Delta. In 1886, through efforts of British Prince of Peace Mission, led by Rev. Samuel Johnson, a treaty was signed to conclude the Ibadan/Ekiti Parapo War. King Ja Ja of Opobo exiled to West Indies by British. With the exile of Jaja of Opobo in 1887 his territory became part of Niger Protectorate. 1890’s: British Journalist Flora Shaw, later wife of Lord Frederick Lugard, suggests the name “Nigeria” after the great Niger River. in the late 1890s there remains dangerous tension between Britain and France, the colonial power in neighbouring Dahomey, over drawing Nigeria’s western boundary. John Payne Jackson becomes publisher of Lagos Weekly Record. In 1892, the United African Company fought Aguleri. In 1893 the delta region is organized as the Niger Coast Protectorate. 1892 (19 May): At the Battle of the (sacred) Yemoja River the British wreak havoc amongst the Ijebu infantry with a British Maxim (capable of firing 2000 rounds in three minutes) thereby moving towards complete dominance in the southwest area surrounding Lagos. On 18 January 1893 the Governor of Lagos Gilbert Thomas Carter signed, at Abeokuta, a “Treaty of Friendship and Commerce” with Oba Osokalu, the Alake of Egbaland. Again, on 3 February 1893, Carter concluded a similar treaty with Oba Adeyemi, the Alafin of Oyo. These treaties opened up the Yoruba country to European penetration. 1893: Oil Rivers Protectorate renamed Niger Coast Protectorate with its capital at Calabar. British incorporate Yoruba lands in southwest into new protectorate. Brassmen revolt against Royal Niger Company. In 1894, Ebrohimi, the strong- hold of Nana the Itsekiri was bombarded and Nana exiled on the accusation of slave trade and interference with free market. King Koko leads successful attack on Royal Niger Company headquarters in Akassa. Consul-general Claude Maxwell MacDonald receives letter from King Koko offering to release hostages in exchange for redress of grievances against the Company. This request is declined. Royal Navy counter-attacks against King Koko, razes Nembe. In 1896, an expedition was sent against Brass and the community was sacked. The British discovery of the use of rubber for the production of pneumatic tyre made entry into Benin forest imperative. In a major expedition mounted against Benin in 1897, the city was sacked and its treasury looted. 1897 4 January Covert foray of the Niger Coast Protectorate Force against Benin City is discovered and destroyed by the Kingdom of Benin. Retaliatory Benin Expedition of 1897 leads to capture of Benin City. The difficulty of administering the vast and complex region of Nigeria persuades the government that the upriver territories, thus far entrusted to the Royal Niger Company, also need to be brought under central control. Beginning of Ekumeku Movement against British rule. The Salbourn Committee on amalgamation recommended in August 1898 that the British “Niger Territories” be ultimately Amalgamated. The British overthrow Oba Ovonramwen of Benin. One of the last independent West African kings. British colonial rule: 1900-1960 The sixty years of Britain’s colonial rule in Nigeria are characterized by frequent reclassifying of different regions for administrative purposes. They are symptomatic of the problem of uniting the country as a single state. In the early years the Niger Coast Protectorate is expanded to become Southern Nigeria, with its seat of government at Lagos. At this time the rulers in the north (the emir of Kano and the sultan of Sokoto) are very far from accepting British rule. To deal with the situation Frederick Lugard is appointed high commissioner and commander-in-chief of the protectorate of northern Nigeria. Shortly after the revocation of the Charter of the United African Company, and shortly after his appointment as a British High Commissioner to establish British control over Northern Nigeria, Lugard, at a ceremony in Lokoja, 1st January 1900, hoisted the union Jack and declared the Sokoto Caliphate a British protectorate. Although this declaration was greeted with fierce battle, by 1906 most of the North had fallen to the British imperial forces. Resistance to alien rule gradually receded as one moved from coastal areas and the banks of major inland waterways to less easily accessible areas. Hence, new political arrangements were sought by those in control of affairs. 1900 1 January All Nigeria now under Crown rule. Protectorate of Northern Nigeria created from Company holdings. Anglo-Aro war: The war began. The Aro Confederacy began to decline. (to 1902) Anglo-Aro war: The war ended. Capture of Kano The British conquered most of Northern Nigeria, including the Sokoto Caliphate. The British conquest of Southern Nigeria ended. Colonial Office amalgamates Lagos Colony with Southern Nigeria Protectorate to form the new Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. German-owned Nigerian Bitumen Company began searching for petroleum off coast. Protests against water fees in Lagos, encouraged by nationalistic journalism of Herbert Macaulay. Lord Frederick Lugard, Governor of Northern Nigeria, established a system of indirect rule. Lugard pacifies northern Nigeria by ensuring that in each territory, however small, the throne is won and retained by a chief willing to cooperate. Lugard then allows these client rulers considerable power – in the technique, soon to be known as ‘indirect rule’, which in Africa is particularly associated with his name (though it has been a familiar aspect of British colonial policy in India). Creation of Southern Nigeria Civil Service Union; later, Nigerian Civil Servants’ Union. The second installment took place in 1914 when these territories (in the South) were administratively combined with the protectorate of Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the geo-political entity that was to be named “Nigeria” (in evocation of “River Niger” and the “Area” it flows through). Other European powers acknowledged British sovereignty over Nigeria at the Berlin Conference. Northern Nigeria and Southern Nigeria were amalgamated into Nigeria. British Crown gained monopoly rights over mineral extraction. Nigerian soldiers fight under British command in World War I. The First World War brings a combined British and French invasion of German Cameroon (a campaign not completed until early in 1916) The Adubi War is fought in Egba Land. National Congress of British West Africa founded in Accra. In 1922 the League of Nations grants mandates to the two nations to administer the former German colony. The British mandate consists of two thin strips on the eastern border of Nigeria. The rival claims of Nigeria’s various regions become most evident after World War II when Britain is attempting to find a structure to meet African demands for political power. West African Students’ Union created. British begin direct taxation. New governor implements plans to expand taxation. “Women’s War” : (Aba Women’s Riot). Women in Aba demonstrate against high taxes and low prices of Nigerian exports. Founding of Nigeria Union of Teachers. Founding of Nigeria Youth Movement. Shell D’Arcy Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (later Shell-BP) granted petroleum exploration rights. National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons founded by Nnamdi “Zik” Azikiwe. Countrywide general strike. Adoption of first Ten Year Plan for economic development. Nigeria entered a period of decolonization and growing Nigerian nationalism. A conference of northern and southern delegates was held in Ibadan. By 1951 the country has been divided into Northern, Eastern and Western regions, each with its own house of assembly. In addition there is a separate house of chiefs for the Northern province, to reflect the strong tradition there of tribal authority. And there is an overall legislative council for the whole of Nigeria. But even this is not enough to reflect the complexity of the situation. During the later 1950s an African political structure is gradually achieved. MacPherson Constitution. Yoruba-aligned Action Group founded; headed by Obafemi Awolowo. 1953 1 May Northern vs. Southern violence breaks out in the Northern city of Kano. 1954: The position of Governor was created in each region after the Federal System of Government is adopted. In 1954 a new constitution (the third in eight years) establishes the Federation of Nigeria and adds the Federal Territory of Lagos. Shell-BP expedition makes first discoveries of major petroleum deposits, at Olobiri and Afam. Nigeria held a Constitutional conference. From 1957 there is a federal prime minister. In the same year the Western and Eastern regions are granted internal self-government, to be followed by the Northern region in 1959. Nigerian Armed Forces came under Federal control. The Nigerian Navy is created. Nigeria holds its first national election to set up an independent government. Northern politicians won a majority of seats in the Parliament. Petroleum Profits Tax Ordinance establishes 50–50 split of oil revenues between corporation and government. Socony Mobil receives offshore oil license. The new Nigerian currency is introduced Northern Peoples Congress(NPC)and Niger Delta Congress(NDC) go into alliance to contest parliamentary elections. The alliance earned the Brass Division a seat in the Federal Parliament for the first time. (July): Sir Adesoji Aderemi becomes 1st Nigerian and 1st African to be appointed Governor in the Commonwealth. He became Governor before Nigeria got independence. (October 1): Nigeria’s Independence Day: Nnamdi Azikiwe (“Zik”) becomes 1st indigenous Governor General. At independence, the Nigerian government consisted of three ethnic states united in a federation. Each state was controlled by a single dominant ethnic-based party. The period of nationalism and decolonization ended. Nigeria gained independence from Britain under Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa and President Nnamdi Azikiwe. Independence and secession: 1960-1970 Regional hostilities are a feature of independent Nigeria from the start, partly due to an imbalance of population. More than half the nation’s people are in the Fulani and Hausa territories of the Northern region. Northerners therefore control not only their own regional assembly but also the federal government in Lagos. Tennessee Nigeria receives offshore oil license. Regional and ethnic tensions from controversial population census and regional mapping. Nigeria severed its direct governance ties under Britain, marking the birth of the Nigerian First Republic. Amoseas and Gulf receive offshore oil licenses. National parliamentary election. SAFRAP and AGIP receive offshore oil licenses. Another Tiv uprising heavily suppressed by police. Elections held in Western Region. Autumn Refinery completed at Port Harcourt; owned 60% by Federal Government, 40% by Shell-BP. Continuous anti-northern unrest elsewhere in the nation, coming to a climax in a rebellion in 1966 by officers from the Eastern region, the homeland of the Ibo. They assassinate both the federal prime minister and the premiers of the Northern and Western regions. A military coup guised as “exercise Damisa” led by Kaduna Nzeagwu deposed the government of the First Republic. The prime minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Premier of Northern Nigeria Ahmadu Bello, Premier of Western Region Samuel Akintola, Finance Minister Festus Okotie-Eboh, and upto 30 military & political leaders & officers were assassinated. The premier of the Eastern region, Michael Okpara, the Igbo President of federation, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and the Igbo Army Chief Major. Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi are not targeted. Successful Negotiations between Army, Maj. Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi and Maj. Nzeogwu successful and Nzeagwu is captured. In the ensuing chaos many Ibos living in the north are massacred. The Federal Military Government was formed, with General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi acting as head of state and Supreme Commander of the Federal Republic. A counter-coup by military officers of northern extraction deposed the Federal Military Government. Aguiyi-Ironsi and Adekunle Fajuyi, Military Governor of the Western Region, were assassinated. Lieutenant-Colonel Yakubu Gowon takes over as head of state His response to Nigeria’s warring tribal factions is to subdivide the four regions (the Mid-West has been added in 1963), rearranging them into twelve states. This device further inflames Ibo hostility, for one of the new states cuts their territory off from the sea. The result is bitter and intense civil war, with the federal army (increasing during the conflict from 10,000 to 200,000 men) meeting powerful resistance from the secessionist region. The issue splits the west, where it is the first post-independence African war to receive widespread coverage. The US and Britain supply arms to the federal government. France & isreal extend the same facilities to Biafra. Eastern region secedes as the Republic of Biafra, sparking bloody civil war. Extensive negotiations took place between Ojukwu and Gowon representing Eastern Nigeria and the Nigerian Federal military government. The Aburi Accord was finally signed at Aburi, Ghana in it was agreed that a looser Nigerian federation would be implemented. There were different accounts on what took place in Aburi. Ojukwu accused the federal government of going back on their promises while the federal government accused Ojukwu of distortion and half-truths. Ojukwu gained agreement to a confederation for Nigeria, rather than a federation. This led to the accord being reneged upon as a stalemate was the result when the Western region led by Obafemi Awolowo and the Northern leaders threatened cessation alike. Gowon announces further subdivision of Nigeria, into twelve states. Nigerian-Biafran War: General Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Military Governor of Eastern Nigeria, declared his province an independent republic called Biafra. The Federal Military Government placed an embargo on all shipping to and from Biafra—excluding oil. Biafra quickly moved to collect oil royalties from oil companies doing business within its borders. Shell-BP acquiesced to this request, the Federal Government extended its blockade to include oil.The blockade, which most foreign actors accepted, played a decisive role in putting Biafra at a disadvantage from the beginning of the war. Led by Britain, USSR including others, supported the military government while France, Isreal & others, supplied Biafra with arms, ammunition, training & mercenaries. Nzeogwu – now a Biafran Lt. Colonel – killed in action while conducting a night reconnaissance operation against federal troops of the 21st battalion. From oil wealth to disaster: 1970-1999 General Gowon achieves an impressive degree of reconciliation in the country after the traumas of 1967-70. Nigeria now becomes one of the wealthiest countries in Africa thanks to its large reserves of oil (petroleum now, rather than the palm oil of the previous century). In the mid-1970s the output is more than two million barrels a day, the value of which is boosted by the high prices achieved during the oil crisis of 1973-4. But with this wealth goes corruption, which Gowon fails to control. Ojukwu fled into exile. His deputy Philip Effiong became acting President of Biafra Effiong surrendered to Nigerian forces. Biafra was reintegrated into Nigeria. Nigeria joins Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. 1973 22 January A plane crashed in Kano, Nigeria, killing 176 people. General Yakubu Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup. General Murtala Mohammed became Head of State. In the second half of the 1970s, global oil prices plummet. Nigeria rapidly suffers economic crisis and political disorder. Within a period of five years the average income per head slumps by 75%, from over $1000 a year to a mere $250. Neither brief cilivian governments nor frequent military intervention prove able to rescue the situation. A regular response is to subdivide regional Nigeria into ever smaller parcels Mohammed was assassinated on his way to work. His deputy, Lieutenant-General Olusegun Obasanjo, became Head of State and set a date to end military rule. Shehu Shagari won election to the Executive Presidency of the American-style Second Republic. The number of states is increased to nineteen in 1979 and to twenty-nine in 1991. By the end of the century it stands at thirty-six. Shagari was sworn in as President. Shagari won reelection. Shagari’s government was ejected from power in a palace coup, marking the end of the Second Republic. General Muhammadu Buhari became Head of State and Chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria. The Buhari regime promulgated Decree No. 4, the “Public Officer’s Protection Against False Accusation” Decree, which made it an offence to ridicule the government by publication of false information. Buhari was overthrown in a palace coup. General Ibrahim Babangida became Head of State and President of the Armed Forces Ruling Council of Nigeria. Babangida issued a referendum to garner support for austerity measures suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, and subsequently launched his “Structural Adjustment Program” (SAP) in 1986. The policies involved in the SAP were: 1. deregulation of the agricultural sector to include abolition of marketing boards and elimination of price controls 2. privatisation of public enterprises 3. devaluation of the Nigerian naira to improve the competitiveness of the export sector 4. relaxation of restraints on foreign investment put in place by the Gowon and Obasanjo governments during the 1970s. Between 1986 and 1988, these policies were executed as intended by the IMF, and the Nigerian economy actually did grow as had been hoped, with the export sector performing especially well. But falling real wages in the public sector and among the urban classes, along with a drastic reduction in expenditure on public services, set off waves of rioting and other manifestations of discontent that made sustained commitment to the SAP difficult to maintain. Babangida subsequently returned to an inflationary economic policy and partially reversed the deregulatory initiatives he had set in motion during the heyday of the SAP following mounting political pressure, and economic growth slowed correspondingly, as capital flight resumed apace under the influence of negative real interest rates. Middle Belt Christian officers, led by Major Gideon Orkar, attempt to overthrow Babangida in an unsuccessful coup. Two political parties, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) ware established by Babangida in an attempt to return to civilian rule. Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won a presidential election. Babangida annulled the results. Babangida stepped down due to pressure from the Armed Forces Ruling Council. Ernest Adegunle Oladeinde Shonekan assumed power as Interim Head of State. Shonekan was forced to resign from office. Defence Minister Sani Abacha became Head of State and established the Provisional Ruling Council of Nigeria. The Abacha administration arrested Obasanjo for allegedly supporting a secret coup plot. Human and environmental rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was hanged with eight others found guilty for allegedly masterminding the gruesome murder of Ogoni chiefs at a pro-government meeting Transforming Nigeria’s economy Petroleum Trust Fund [PTF] During Abacha’s regime, he established 25th March 1995 The Petroleum Trust Fund under Decree 25. The PTF was formed to undertake major economic issues which Nigeria was suffering from at the time. Between 25-100km of urban road in major cities such as Kano, Gusau, Benin, Funtua, Zaria, Enugu, Kaduna, Aba, Lagos, Lokoja, and Port Harcourt each. A N27.3bn contract was awarded for road rehabilitation in the first quarter of 1996. PTF had undertaken a holistic stance to support the sum of N1.328bn that was awarded to 53 pharmaceutical companies for the supply of drugs, while the importation of vaccines cost N229.9m. As at December 31, 1997, funds available to PTF stood at N115.1bn. They oversaw the restructuring of major insurance companies that supported SME’s across the entire country. Contrary to many views that the Abacha administration was financially shrouded in secrecy, Abacha had mandated the PTF to publicise its accounts as it was the second largest public corporation at the time. In 1997, the account of PTF showed that it disbursed N24.3bn on roads, N21.2bn on security, N7.8bn on health, and N3bn on other projects. Other disbursements include N2.2bn on water supply, N936m on food supply and N476m on education. It realised a total of N1.049bn from various investment activities. Foreign reserve and debt The Abacha administration became the first to record unprecedented economic achievements: an increase in the country’s foreign exchange reserves from $494 million in 1993 to $9.6 billion by the middle of 1997, reduced the external debt of Nigeria from $36 billion in 1993 to $27 billion by 1997. No other administration before or after the inception of the Fourth Nigerian Republic had been able to achieve this. Policy of privatisation All the controversial privatization programs of the Ibrahim Babangida administration was brought to a halt, reduced an inflation rate of 54% inherited from IBB to 8.5% between 1993 and 1998, all while the nation’s primary commodity, oil was at an average of $15 per barrel. Between 1993 and 1998, the country cracked-down heavily on insecurity, heavily disincentivized crime on the streets or the formation of any insurgent groups. The Nigeria Police Force underwent a large scale retraining, The term ‘Abacha boy’ emerged after the success and efficiency of security implementation by security agents of the Abacha administration. In 2013, The Goodluck Jonathan administration launched a recall of able ‘Abacha boy’ to rejoin the security apparatus of the country but was unsuccessful because a large portion had been retired at the time. National Constitutional Conference The 1994-1995 National Constitutional Conference, which sat exactly for one year (June 26 1994 -June 26 1995) had reasonable time to discuss and ponder over many thorny issues that concerned the Nigerian polity at the time. There was anxiety amongst the ranks of member of the National Constitutional Council for a handover to civilian rule at as soon as possible. The work of the National Constitutional Conference 1995 was concluded in a two volume report; of which Volume 1 consisted of the draft constitution of 1995. Eko Hotel Meeting In December 1996, after the dissolution of the National Constitutional Conference 1995, am all politicians summit’ was held at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Institute of Civil Society was then formed, this pressurised the government to set a date at which the transition to civilian rule will be made; it was pegged at 1 October 1998. Provisions of the National Constitutional Conference 1995 The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1995 (with Amendments)” had been finalised and was to have been promulgated by decree to come into effect on October 1, 1998. This constitution introduced some fundamental changes to Nigeria’s previous presidential constitutions (1979 and 1989) based on experience garnered over almost four decades of Nigeria’s independence, all calculated to bring together a stable Nigerian polity. Although Sani Abacha’s early death made it unfeasible to be promulgated. Many share the view that Abacha’s untimely death on June 8, 1998 caused the lost opportunity of having the best constitution ever contemplated to fit Nigeria’s context. Recognition of six geopolitical zones The entire territory of Nigeria was to be categorised into six geopolitical zones; North Central: Benue State, Kogi State, Kwara State, Nasarawa State, Niger State, Plateau State and Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. North Eastern: Adamawa State, Bauchi State, Borno State, Gombe State, Taraba State and Yobe State. North Western: Jigawa State, Kaduna State, Kano State, Katsina State, Kebbi State, Sokoto State and Zamfara State. South Eastern: Abia State, Anambra State, Ebonyi State, Enugu State and Imo State. South South: Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Delta State, Edo State and Rivers State. South Western: Ekiti State, Lagos State, Ogun State, Ondo State, Osun State and Oyo State. Diffusion of Federal Executive Responsibility In addition to the offices of President and Vice President and Ministers, the Constitution provides also for the offices of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. The President was to appoint the Prime Minister; whom would be responsible for general administration of the government of the Federation. Dissemination of Power Other laws within the constituency provided for single five-year terms to all Federal and State public officers. That the Office of Governor, Deputy Governor and Speaker of the House of Assembly shall rotate among the three Senatorial districts in the state. If the above provisions had been incorporated into the 1999 Constitution, two of the three senatorial districts of each state would have already produced governors in every state leaving the third (remaining) senatorial district to produce the Governor at the next election. All the problems that have continued frustrating the electoral process of most states in regard to “power shift” would not have arisen and all parts of every state would have been given a sense of belonging. The six principal offices were to rotate among the six geo-political zones created, namely; The Office of the President The Office of the Vice President The Office of the Prime Minister The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister The Office of the President of the Senate; and The Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Had the above provisions been incorporated in the 1999 Constitution. The present controversy or argument as to which geopolitical zone or group of geopolitical zones or region should present the President in the next dispensation would have been narrowed down to manageable proportions, or be non-existent. General Sani Abacha mysteriously died of a heart attack. Abdusalami Abubakar became Head of State and Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council of Nigeria and lifted the ban on political activity. Obasanjo was released from prison. MKO Abiola died suddenly on July 7, 1998, exactly one month after General Abacha on June 8,1998. Obasanjo was elected President. Obasanjo was sworn in, ushering in the Fourth Republic. Abacha’s spearheaded constitution is ignored and a new one designed. The Nigeria we know today operates the new constitution you can reach us @[email protected]

http://ndpra.home.blog

Politics

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As parents, we are often concerned about our children’s ability to focus and pay attention. Attention span is an important aspect of a child’s development, as it reflects their capacity to engage with and process information. In this article, we will explore the typical attention spans for children at different ages, providing a deeper understanding of this important aspect of child development. Normal Attention Spans for Children The general rule of thumb for a child’s attention span is that it increases by approximately 2 minutes per year of age. This means that a young child at the age of 4 can typically focus for about 8 to 12 minutes, while a 5-year-old can focus for 10 to 14 minutes. As children grow older, their attention spans continue to expand. By the age of 6, a child’s attention span is typically around 12 to 18 minutes. At the age of 7, the attention span often reaches 14 to 21 minutes. It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual children may have varying attention spans depending on their developmental stage, temperament, and other factors. Factors that Influence Attention Span Age and Attention Span As children develop cognitively, their ability to sustain attention improves. Younger children tend to have shorter attention spans compared to older children and adults. In early childhood, attention span is quite limited, often only lasting a few minutes at a time. Toddlers and preschoolers may have difficulty focusing for more than 5-10 minutes on a single task or activity. This is because their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for executive functions like attention, is still developing. However, as children grow, their attention span gradually increases. Elementary school-aged children can typically focus for 15-20 minutes, while middle schoolers can sustain attention for around 30 minutes. By high school, students are often able to maintain focus for 45 minutes to an hour, comparable to adult levels. This progression reflects the maturation of the prefrontal cortex and other brain regions involved in attention regulation. Older children have better cognitive control, allowing them to resist distractions and stay on task for longer periods. Factors like interest level, task difficulty, and environmental conditions also influence attention span. Engaging, developmentally-appropriate activities tend to hold a child’s focus better than boring or overwhelming tasks. Overall, though, the general trend is that attention span increases as the brain develops through childhood and adolescence. Environmental Factors Affecting Attention Span The environment in which a child learns or plays can significantly influence their ability to maintain focus and attention. Several key environmental factors come into play. Noise levels are one important consideration. High ambient noise, such as loud music, TV, or chatter, can be extremely distracting for children. This sensory input competes for their attention, making it harder to concentrate on the task at hand. Quieter, more calm and controlled environments tend to support better focus. The presence of visual distractions is another critical factor. Cluttered rooms or spaces with many moving objects, bright colors, or technology screens can easily pull a child’s focus away from what they are meant to be attending to. A clean, organized, and visually uncluttered space is ideal for promoting sustained attention. The overall structure and layout of the environment also matters. Children often thrive in environments with clear boundaries, designated work or play areas, and minimal transition times. Predictable routines and spatial organization help minimize disruptions that can fragment a child’s attention. While some level of sensory input is normal and even beneficial, excessively stimulating or chaotic environments can overwhelm a child’s capacity to focus. Caregivers and educators should thoughtfully design learning and play spaces to support attention and minimize distractions as much as possible. By considering these key environmental factors, adults can help create settings that optimize children’s ability to engage, learn, and thrive. The Impact of Activity Type on Attention Span The specific nature of the activity a child is engaged in plays a significant role in determining their ability to sustain attention. Generally, more active, interactive, and cognitively engaging tasks tend to hold a child’s focus for longer than passive, sedentary activities. For example, hands-on, creative pursuits like building with blocks, painting, or participating in imaginative play often captivate a child’s attention for extended periods. The sensory and motor components, as well as the problem-solving and decision-making required, keep the child’s mind actively involved. Similarly, interactive games and activities that require the child to think, respond, and direct their own actions – such as board games, puzzles, or structured outdoor play – have been shown to support longer attention spans compared to more passive entertainment. In contrast, activities that primarily involve observing or receiving information, like watching television or videos, listening to stories, or sitting through lectures, tend to hold a child’s attention for shorter durations. These passive activities place fewer cognitive demands on the child and can lead to mind-wandering or restlessness more quickly. A child’s individual interests, abilities, and developmental stage also influence how long they can remain focused on a given activity. But in general, the more interactive, immersive, and intellectually engaging an activity is, the better it can sustain a child’s attention and focus over time. Educators and caregivers should keep these principles in mind when planning activities and lessons to support children’s attention skills. Individual Differences in Attention Span While there are general developmental trends in attention span, it’s important to recognize that every child is unique. A child’s individual characteristics and circumstances can significantly influence their ability to sustain focus and attention. One key factor is temperament. Some children are simply more naturally inclined towards focused, persistent behavior, while others may be more distractible or restless by nature. A child’s innate tendencies towards introversion/extraversion, impulsivity, or sensory sensitivity can all play a role in their attentional capacities. A child’s particular learning style is also relevant. Those who are more visually or kinesthetically oriented may be able to maintain attention better during activities that engage those modalities, compared to children who learn best through auditory input. Additionally, any underlying conditions or developmental delays a child may be experiencing can profoundly impact their attention span. For example, children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or certain learning disabilities often struggle with sustained attention and concentration, even if their cognitive abilities are intact. Emotional and environmental factors, such as stress, anxiety, or chaotic home/school settings, can also fragment a child’s focus and make it harder for them to engage for long periods. While general patterns exist, a child’s attention span is highly individualized. Caregivers and educators must take the time to understand each child’s unique strengths, needs, and circumstances in order to best support the development of their attentional skills. Accommodations, interventions, and personalized approaches may be necessary to help some children thrive in environments that demand focused attention. Understanding the normal attention spans for children is crucial for parents, educators, and caregivers. By being aware of these general guidelines, we can better support children in developing their attention and focus, which are essential skills for learning, problem-solving, and overall academic and social success. By creating engaging and age-appropriate environments, we can help children thrive and reach their full potential.

https://childbehavior.com.ng/understanding-attention-spans-in-children/

Family

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At two inches long and with a wingspan of three inches, Giant Asian Hornets are deadly. Their stinger is up to 10 millimeters long and contains a potent neurotoxin called mandaratoxin, which, in cases of multiple hornets stinging simultaneously, can kill a human. A single hornet can sting multiple times, and cause tissue necrosis, extreme pain, respiratory issues, liver damage, and blood clots, features commonly associated with snake venom. But people who are allergic to the venom can suffer anaphylactic shock and die from a single sting. Each year in Japan, the human death toll caused by Asian giant hornet stings is around 40-50. Nests are often found in urban settings and the hornets are aggressive by nature. Experts are now warning that the species will begin to swarm in spring, as the hornet’s life cycle begins in April. Native to southeast Asia, they are most common in rural areas of Japan. Unintentionally introduced to France in 2004 in a shipment of pottery, the aggressive species quickly spread at a rate of 60-80 kilometers each year. They invaded Spain in 2010, Portugal and Belgium in 2011, Italy in 2012, Germany in 2014 before crossing the Channel into Great Britain in 2016. It is not known how or where the hornet first arrived in North America but a nest was discovered in 2019 on Vancouver Island in Canada. Later that year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture confirmed a report of a dead specimen on the U.S. side of the border adjacent to Vancouver, the first report of this species in the United States. There were a total of four sightings of Giant Asian Hornets in Washington State last year. In addition to the threat Asian Hornets pose to humans, they feed on honey bees and can devastate hives, eating up to 50 bees a day. Two dozen hornets can lay waste to an entire honeybee hive in a few hours, killing all the worker bees, taking over the hive, and claiming the larvae and pupae as a food source. Controlling the killers does not come cheap. In a study published by NeoBiota, researchers estimated the costs of control and nest destruction from 2006-2015 in France at over $25 million with only 30%-40% of detected nests being destroyed. The cost is similar in the UK. Sometimes translated as ‘a plague’, hornets (הַצִּרְעָה) are a key element in Redemption and, according to the Bible, helped the Hebrews conquer Israel after the Exodus from Egypt and like all the plagues, are prophesied to return in the end-of-days. I will send forth My terror before you, and I will throw into panic all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn tail before you I will send hornets (הַצִּרְעָה) ahead of you, and it shall drive out before you the Hivites, the Canaanites, and the Hittites. Exodus 23:27-28 Should you say to yourselves, “These nations are more numerous than we; how can we dispossess them?” You need have no fear of them. You have but to bear in mind what Hashem your God did to Pharaoh and all the Egyptians: the wondrous acts that you saw with your own eyes, the signs and the portents, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm by which Hashem your God liberated you. Thus will Hashem your God do to all the peoples you now fear.Hashem your God will also send hornets (הַצִּרְעָה) against them, until those who are left in hiding perish before you. Deuteronomy 7:17-20 The Bible states in the book of Joshua that the land was conquered with the help of these hornets. I sent hornets ahead of you, and it drove them out before you—[just like] the two Amorite kings—not by your sword or by your bow. Joshua 24:12 “All of the miracles will reappear, all of the plagues, the entire story, in all its pain and all its glory,” Rabbi Berger said. “But before the Messiah, more plagues that were not seen in Egypt will appear. This is in preparation for the War of Gog and Magog in which God will play an active role, using the awesome forces of nature as his legions.” “Before He reveals the Messiah, God will show his awesome glory as it has not been seen since the Six-Days of Creation. We cannot even imagine what will be.” Rabbi Berger emphasized that in these difficult times, people needed to remain focused on “the important issues.” “Signs of the geula (redemption) are coming faster and faster,” Rabbi Berger said. “Too many people are playing politics, jumping to play power or to hurt others. It is time to concentrate on tshuva (repentance). Now, more than ever, we are experiencing our interdependence. Now, there are endless opportunities to help each other in small ways that take on enormous importance. Despite our great scientific achievements, it is clear that God rules the world.” “We need to come together, the Jews in Israel keeping the commandments and the nations keeping the Seven Noahide Laws.” The government has called on the public to notify them via a cell-phone app concerning possible sightings.

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/148786/swarms-of-killer-hornets-prophesied-in-the-bible-are-about-to-invade-washington/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=More+Signs%3A+Sea+of+Galilee+Almost+Full+%E2%9C%A1+%22His+wadi+shall+be+full+of+pools%22&utm_campaign=I365+-+DAILY+-+APRIL+19%2C+2020

Religion

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Being cheerful may protect against heart problems, say US experts. Happy, optimistic people have a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, a Harvard School of Public Health review of more than 200 studies - reported in Psychological Bulletin - suggests. While such people may be generally healthier, scientists think a sense of well-being may lower risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Stress and depression have already been linked to heart disease. The researcher from the Harvard School of Public Health trawled medical trial databases to find studies that had recorded psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. This revealed that factors such as optimism, life satisfaction, and happiness appeared to be associated with a reduced risk of heart and circulatory diseases, regardless of a person's age, socio-economic status, smoking status or body weight. Disease risk was 50% lower among the most optimistic individuals. Dr Julia Boehm and colleagues stress that their work only suggests a link and is not proof that well-being buffers against heart disease. And not only is it difficult to objectively measure well-being, other heart risk factors like cholesterol and diabetes are more important when it comes to reducing disease. The people in the study who were more optimistic also engaged in healthier behaviours such as getting more exercising and eating a balanced diet, which will have some influence. But even when they controlled for these factors and others, like sleep quality, the link between optimism and better heart health remained. Although they looked at 200 studies, the researchers say this number is still not enough to draw firm conclusions and recommend more research. Much of the past work on mood and heart disease has looked at stress and anxiety rather than happiness. Maureen Talbot, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: "The association between heart disease and mental health is very complex and still not fully understood. "Although this study didn't look at the effects of stress, it does confirm what we already know which is psychological well-being is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, just like staying active and eating healthily. "It also highlights the need for healthcare professionals to provide a holistic approach to care, taking into account the state of someone's mental health and monitoring its effect on their physical health." - Published16 September 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17733371

Health

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Knee Replacement Surgery – Overview Knee replacement surgery, which is also known as knee arthroplasty in medical terms, refers to a surgical procedure to replace the weight-bearing surfaces of the knee joint to relieve pain and disability. The surgery involves the replacement of damaged joint surfaces of the knee with artificial implants to aid in the continual function of the knee. It is one of the most common bone surgeries performed in the country and according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, more than 600,000 knee replacements are performed each year in the United States. Related: Types of Hip Surgery Indications for Knee Replacement Surgery The surgery is performed due to various knee joint diseases and defects. They include: - Osteoarthritis – This is the chief reason for performing the surgery. Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone resulting in joint pain and stiffness. - Rheumatoid arthritis – This is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. This implies that the body’s immune system attacks its tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling. - Psoriatic arthritis – This is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have the skin condition psoriasis. - Trauma – Knee replacement surgery may be necessitated in cases of severe trauma and disability to the knee joint. Fractures of the bones surrounding the knee or tears of the knee ligaments may damage the articular cartilage over time, causing knee pain and limiting knee function. Osteoporosis is a condition whereby the bones become increasingly weaker and therefore a higher risk of fracture. Osteoporosis is not a reason to perform knee replacement as there it is usually no symptoms until bone fractures. Knee replacement surgery is carried out when other conservative options such as medications and physical therapy have been exhausted. Related: Patella Surgery Knee replacement surgery can be performed as a partial or a total knee replacement. In a partial knee replacement, only the diseased parts of the knee joint are replaced. This, therefore, requires a smaller incision and there is a faster recovery time. However, there is a risk of other parts of the knee becoming arthritic thereby necessitating further surgery. In a total knee replacement, there is a complete replacement of the articulating surfaces of the knee joint. The end of the femur bone is removed and replaced with a metal shell. The end of the lower leg bone (tibia) is also removed and replaced with a channeled plastic piece with a metal stem. There are four basic steps to a knee replacement procedure. 1. Prepare the bone. The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone. 2. Position the metal implants. The removed cartilage and bone are replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint. These metal parts may be cemented or “press-fit” into the bone. 3. Resurface the patella. The undersurface of the patella (kneecap) is cut and resurfaced with a plastic button. Some surgeons do not resurface the patella, depending upon the case. 4. Insert a spacer. A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface. Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery Like all surgical operations, there are risks and complications involved in knee replacement. They include: 1. Infection – This occurs in less than 1% of patients and it is the most serious complication. The prosthetic joint may be invaded by bacteria and other disease-causing agents. Signs of an infection are fever, chills, painful joints, and a draining sinus. Further diagnostics tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Contact your doctor immediately if develop any of the signs. 2. Deep vein thrombosis – This refers to the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein following the surgery and it occurs in 15% of patients. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and redness of the affected area. 3. Fractures – Periprosthetic fractures are becoming more frequent with the aging patient population and can occur intraoperatively or postoperatively. Depending on the location of the fracture and the stability of the prosthesis, these can be treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation or revision of the prosthesis. 4. Instability – In some patients, the kneecap is unpreventable post-surgery and dislocates to the outer side of the knee. This is painful and usually needs to be treated by surgery to realign the kneecap. However, this is quite rare. In the past, there was a considerable risk of the implant components loosening over time as a result of wear. As medical technology has improved, however, this risk has fallen considerably. Knee Replacement Surgery Cost The total cost for knee replacement surgery depends on a lot of factors such as the anesthetic fee, private hospital fee, private operating facility fee, partial or total knee replacement. The average hospital charge for a total knee replacement (TKR) in the United States is $49,500. A partial knee replacement (PKR) typically costs about 10 to 20 percent less than a TKR. The operation typically involves substantial postoperative pain and includes vigorous physical rehabilitation. The recovery period may be 6 weeks or longer and may involve the use of mobility aids (e.g. walking frames, canes, crutches) to enable the patient’s return to preoperative mobility. Also Read: Rib Removal Surgery

http://sutured.com/what-is-knee-replacement-surgery-all-about/

Health

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We are open to visit Student Village Academy › Forums › ENTERTAINMENT › Viral Content › Apes Do Not Ask Questions Scientists have been communicating with apes via sign language since the 1960s; apes have never asked one question. apes do not ask questions. Though many express themselves through sign language, they do not use it to question others, a significant cognitive difference between apes & humans (& certain politicians) However, at least once, a parrot did. He asked what color he was. Alex the African Grey Parrot: A Revolutionary Bird in Animal Psychology • Alex the African grey parrot, studied by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, challenged the notion of bird intelligence. • Through various cognitive exercises, Alex demonstrated abilities comparable to dolphins and primates. • Alex could recognize colors, objects, materials, and actions, and had a vocabulary of over 100 words. • He understood the concept of zero and could distinguish objects based on color and material. • Alex’s groundbreaking achievement was asking an existential question about his own appearance, making him the first non-human to pose a question. They are avoiding Tax now lol 😆 © 2022 All rights reserved PROUDLY DESIGNED & MAINTAINED BY ECGD TECHNOLOGY

https://www.studentvillage.com.ng/forums/topic/apes-do-not-ask-questions/

Education

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In the Bible, the word holy means “set apart.” God is holy. Christians are called to be holy. A holy day, then, is a day that is set apart to focus on the things of the Lord. There are holy days mentioned in the Bible, and, over the centuries, Christian churches have instituted other holy days by tradition. The Bible mentions at least eight holy days (or groups of days), also known as feasts or festivals. They are Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost/Weeks, Trumpets, Tabernacles/Booths, Purim, and the Day of Atonement. Of those eight, seven are commanded in the Mosaic Law (Purim was a later development). These Jewish/Old Covenant holy days are not mandated for followers of Jesus Christ, but they can be observed as a remembrance of how Jesus perfectly fulfilled them. Over the centuries, various Christian churches have instituted holy days (or groups of days). The two most common are Christmas and Easter. Other commonly observed Christian holy days include Lent, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Pentecost, and Advent. The New Covenant does not advocate the observance of any Christian holy days, but neither does it forbid such observance. Romans 14:5 appears to be the guiding principle: “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.” If a Christian is going to observe a holy day, he/she should be fully convinced that it does not violate God’s Word, that it can be done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31), and that it would be spiritually beneficial (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23). Ultimately, for the follower of Jesus Christ, every day should be a holy day. Every day of our lives should be set apart to worship God, obey His Word, and live a holy life. That is likely why the New Testament does not advocate specific holy days. Perhaps a good way to put it would be, “For the Christian, there are seven holy days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.”

http://www.gotquestions.org/holy-days.html

Religion

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Belief in ghosts and the supernatural has been a part of human culture and folklore for centuries. Many people claim to have had encounters with apparitions or spirits, leading to a wide range of beliefs and theories about the nature of ghosts. One intriguing question that often arises is whether ghosts can sense when they are being observed by the living. Can they somehow know when someone is looking at them, even if they are invisible to the naked eye? The Paranormal Phenomenon: Ghosts are believed to be the spirits of deceased individuals who have not moved on to the afterlife. According to paranormal beliefs, these spirits can sometimes linger in the earthly realm, unable to find peace or resolution. Ghost sightings and encounters are often reported in places with a history of tragedy, trauma, or intense emotions, leading some to speculate that these spirits are tied to specific locations. Theories on Ghost Perception: Some paranormal researchers and believers posit that ghosts may have a heightened awareness of their surroundings, including the presence of living beings. This heightened sensitivity could potentially allow them to detect when they are being observed, even if they cannot be seen or heard by the living. It is suggested that ghosts may be able to pick up on subtle energy shifts, changes in temperature, or fluctuations in electromagnetic fields when they are being watched. Psychic Abilities and Ghost Interaction: In some paranormal accounts, mediums and psychics claim to communicate with spirits and ghosts. These individuals often assert that ghosts possess a form of psychic awareness that transcends physical limitations, enabling them to sense the thoughts and intentions of the living. It is believed that this psychic connection could extend to the ability to perceive when someone is looking at them, even if the observer cannot see the ghost in return. On the other hand, skeptics argue that the idea of ghosts being able to sense when they are being watched is purely speculative and lacks scientific proof. They point out that many ghost sightings and encounters can be attributed to environmental factors, psychological phenomena, or simple misconceptions. The notion of ghosts having a form of perception that goes beyond known human senses remains a subject of debate and skepticism in the scientific community. The question of whether ghosts can sense when they are being observed by the living remains a mystery that continues to intrigue and captivate both believers and skeptics. While paranormal enthusiasts suggest that ghosts may possess a form of psychic awareness that allows them to perceive their observers, skeptics argue that such claims lack empirical evidence. Whether ghosts can truly know when they are being watched, or if such beliefs are rooted in folklore and imagination, is a topic that will likely continue to spark curiosity and debate in the realm of the supernatural. If you find this article post useful for you, Please comment, subscribe, like, and share with your family and friends on social media, and don’t hesitate to ask for any topic you are looking for free. You can join our Whatsapp group for free: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Jkg4vAzCO4i6OP7P8veE9g Join our Whatsapp channel for free: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaA2cWF0bIdwaQWVCe1t Join our telegram channel for free: https://t.me/occultbrotherhood4money

https://blackheartbrotherhood.family.blog/2024/08/16/can-ghosts-sense-when-you-can-see-them/

Religion

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Methods in 2nd segment Methods in 3rd segment Methods in 4th segment Methods in 5th segment Methods in 6th segment Additional methods (Timing Unknown) Involvement of social elites The British administration in Nigeria Nonviolent responses of opponent Additional notes on joining/exiting order Success in achieving specific demands/goals Notes on outcomes By November 1929, Igbo women in southeastern Nigeria had had enough. From the perspective of the British colonizers, the women became loud, angry, and disruptive. They marched through cities and towns and demanded political leaders to step down. The women took their British rulers completely by surprise. The British were ignorant of the discontent among women that had been building for years, and that had recently bubbled over the surface. They mistook the women’s organized action for spontaneous, ‘crazy’ outbursts. In 1914, when the British decided to put in place a new political system in Nigeria, they paid little attention to traditional power distributions. The British decided to institute a form of ‘indirect rule’ in which they would control Nigeria through local representatives of their choosing. The British organized Igboland, the area in southeastern Nigeria that is home to the Igbo people, into Native Court areas. These areas were each governed by a Warrant Chief, an Igbo representative that the British had chosen. This new method of governance was starkly different from the Igbo political system. Traditionally, power was diffuse in Igbo communities, with a large group of elders making most decisions. Also, women had had a significant role in Igbo political life. They participated in village meetings, and had very strong solidarity groups. Through women’s kinship networks and market networks, they often organized to use strikes and boycotts to affect political decisions. They were respected members of society, and elder women especially were included in governance. This changed once the British instituted their new political system. Under the new system, Igbo people could no longer choose their decision makers, and were at the mercy of the Warrant Chiefs. Over the years, Warrant Chiefs became increasingly oppressive, and many Igbo people suffered. Women, though, suffered especially because Warrant Chiefs abused their power by confiscating women’s animals and their profit from market sales. Also, women had always been allowed to deny marriage to suitors; warrant chiefs, however, ignored this rule and chose whichever women they wanted as their wives. Under British rule, the Igbo’s economy became based on palm oil sales. Most people’s main income was from the sale of palm oil and kernels to overseas countries. In 1925, the British administration conducted a census of all men and their possessions. They denied that the information from the census would then be used for tax purposes, but only a few months later the administration instituted a tax on all men. However, despite being levied on men only, women were affected because the tax was high enough that they had to contribute from their income to help their husbands. Later, in 1929, prices of palm oil products fell because of the economic depression. Yet the British administration did not adjust the tax rates and the tax became a huge burden. In addition, rumors began to spread that the British were going to institute a second tax for women. Anger began to rise among women, but the women’s networks decided to wait until further proof of the tax before organizing a campaign against it. In late October of 1929, an elderly woman named Nwanyeruwa was approached by a census taker. He demanded that she count her animals and her family members. She responded by saying angrily, “Was your mother counted?” Nwanyeruwa was referring to the fact that women were not required to answer census questions, and were not taxed. She left, and went to retell her story to the women’s network in her city of Oloko. Shocked and angered, the three women leaders of this network—Ikonnia, Mwannedia and Nwugo—decided to organize a campaign to ensure that they would not be taxed. They began by sending out palm leaves to neighboring villages in their district. The palm leaves were a symbol of invitation among women, telling them to come to a protest that was being organized at the district’s administration office in Oloko. Each woman who received a palm leaf was told to pass the leaf on with its message to another woman, forming a chain mail line of communication. In early November, the hugely successful protest took place: over 10,000 women congregated outside the district administration office, and demanded that the Warrant Chief of Oloko give them a written assurance that they would not be taxed. The women sat outside the district office for several days, when, finally, the British offices above the Warrant Chief ordered him to give the women a written assurance that they were not to be taxed. Whether or not the British had ever been planning on taxing the women is unclear, but that they even responded to the women’s demands was a huge victory for the women. Since the British arrival, women had been ignored and abused. The massive congregation of women outside the district office had taken the officers by surprise, and they were not sure how to handle the women. The Warrant Chief, however, disliked having to respond to the women’s demands. After handing over the written assurance, he re-asserted his power by taking several women protesters hostage and harassing them. News of the harassment spread, and the protest swelled. The campaigners decided to continue their protest outside the district office, now demanding that the Warrant Chief be removed. After two days, the British again acquiesced. Not only was the Warrant Chief removed, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment. The women could barely believe their success. After years of being ignored, the British had been forced to listen to their demands. News of both the written tax assurance and the removal of the Warrant Chief spread, and soon, women all across Igboland were organizing to make the same demands. The protest had grown from one women’s network in Oloko demanding to not be taxed, to a protest that spanned across two provinces and over six thousand square miles. The goal had also grown: now, not only did women want written guaranties that they were not to be taxed, they wanted corrupt Warrant Chiefs to be removed. Across Igboland, the campaign began to take shape. The women called their campaign the ogu umunwanye, or, “the Women’s War.” This referred to the fact that women were ‘making war on the men,’ or sanctioning men who had been disrespectful. This practice, which was also called ‘sitting on a man’, was a traditional form of protest among Igbo women. When a man had done something disrespectful, he would be followed everywhere, forced to reflect on what he had done. Women would also burn his hut as punishment. The women saw their campaign as just a larger sanctioning of the Warrant Chiefs who had mistreated them. And so, in each village and city where women would gather to demand a written no-tax guarantee and the removal of the Warrant Chief, they would follow a similar pattern of behavior. The women would come dressed in traditional warrior clothes: they would wear only loincloths, and have they faces smeared with paint. They would also have their heads wrapped in ferns, which was a war symbol for the women. They would be carrying sticks with leaves of young palms wrapped around them, meant to invoke the power of their ancestors. The women would chant traditional war songs, and participate in dances. They also followed the Warrant Chiefs everywhere, day and night, singing loudly and effectively disrupting their daily routines. The women were forcing the Warrant Chiefs to pay attention to them and to meet their demands. The campaigners also burned down several district offices, as an extension of the practice of burning down a man’s hut. The British administration, completely unaware of the reasoning behind the women’s behavior, took them to be raucous savages. As the protests grew, British officers became more agitated. By mid-December, police officers and troops were called in to deal with the situation. Although the women had been steadfastly nonviolent, police were ordered to shoot into crowds. Over 50 women were killed, and 50 more were wounded. The British administrators made it clear that they would not hesitate to use more violence if the protests did not disperse. The campaign was forced to come to a halt. Yet the women had still managed to gain significant victories before the British administration turned to violence. During the month long protest, several Warrant Chiefs stepped down or were removed because of the constant pressure and nonviolent harassment they were receiving from the women. Also, most campaigns had managed to receive written assurances that they would not be taxed. Perhaps more importantly, the women had forced the British administration to take them into account for the first time. The women’s war forced the British to reconsider the Warrant Chief system, and in 1933 a new political system was put in place. Under the new system, Warrant Chiefs were replaced by ‘massed benches’, with several judges convening to make decisions. Not only could villages choose how many judges they wanted on their ‘bench’, they were responsible for making the judge selection. The Igbo people had regained some of their power to self-govern. The Women’s War had sparked this change, just as it later inspired many other important protests, like the Tax Protests of 1938, Oil Mill Protests of the 1940s, and the Tax revolt 1956. The Women’s War had convinced Igbo women and men of the power they held to protect their people’s rights. The Women’s War inspired many later campaigns in Nigeria, including the Tax Protests of 1938, Oil Mill Protests of the 1940s, and the Tax revolt 1956 (2). Evans, Marissa K. "Aba Women's Riots (November- December 1929)." BlackPast.org. Ifeka-Moller, Caroline. “Female Militancy and Colonial Revolt: The Women’s War of 1929, Eastern Nigeria.” Perceiving Women. New York: John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1975. Print. Mba, Nina Emma. Nigerian Women Mobilized: Women’s Political Activity in Southern Nigeria, 1900-1965. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982. Print. Martin, Susan M. Palm oil and protest: an economic history of the Ngwa region, south-eastern Nigeria, 1800- 1980. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988. Print. Okonjo, Kamene. “Women’s Political Participation Nigeria.” The Black Woman Cross-Culturally. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Schenkman Publishing Company, Inc., 1981. Print. Oriji, John N. "Igbo Women from 1929-1960." West Africa Review. 2:1 (2000): Print. Van Allen, Judith. ""Sitting on a Man": Colonialism and the Lost Political Institutions of Igbo Women." Perspectives on Africa. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, Inc., 1997. Print.

http://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/igbo-women-campaign-rights-womens-war-nigeria-1929

Politics

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The mesentery, which connects the intestine to the abdomen, has been classified as a single organ The organ's continuity can be seen only when it's exposed in a certain way In case you’ve ever wondered what connects your intestine to your abdomen, there’s a word – and now, a single organ – for that: the mesentery. But don’t worry; you haven’t grown a new organ. It’s always been there, performing important functions that affect systems throughout the body, from cardiovascular to immunological. Leonardo da Vinci depicted it as one contiguous organ, and it remained that way for centuries until 1885, when Sir Frederick Treves’ findings presented the mesentery as fragmented amongst the small intestine, transverse colon and sigmoid colon. The research of Dr. J. Calvin Coffey, foundation chair of surgery at the University of Limerick, is reclassifying this part of the digestive system as a contiguous organ. In a new study, Coffey has established the anatomy and structure of the mesentery, using images and compiling research to show that the organ’s continuity can be seen only when it’s exposed in a certain way. The current findings resonate with those of Carl Toldt, who accurately described the presence of the mesentery in 1878. But his research was largely overlooked. At the time, Treves’ findings supported the statements of Henry Gray, who mentioned multiple mesenteries in the 1858 first edition of his book “Gray’s Anatomy,” the go-to medical textbook for students around the world. Coffey’s research has already prompted the latest edition of “Gray’s Anatomy” to refer to the mesentery as a continuous organ. What does it do? Linking your gut to the rest of your body is an important task, and the mesentery performs it well. Among its functions, it carries blood and lymphatic fluid between the intestine and the rest of the body. It also maintains the position of the intestine so that it’s connected with the abdominal wall without being in direct contact. That connection is key. “Without a mesentery to keep the intestine connected, the intestine would have to attach directly to the body wall,” Coffey said. “It is unlikely that it would be able to contract and relax along its entire length if it were directly in contact. It maintains the intestine in a particular conformation, ‘hitched up,’ so that when you stand up or walk about, it doesn’t collapse into the pelvis and not function.” Although researchers know that the mesentery plays an important role in the intestinal, vascular, endocrine, cardiovascular and immunological systems, more research is needed to determine the extent of those roles. But they do have evidence that the mesentery takes environmental signals from the intestine and orchestrates the body’s response, Coffey said. One example is how bacteria are sampled in the lymph glands in the mesentery. In response, the glands then coordinate immune responses. Why has it been misunderstood? To look at the shape of the membrane, which Coffey calls remarkable, it’s easy to see why the mesentery has been depicted differently. It has a spiral formation in the abdomen and is packaged along a spinal trajectory, starting in the upper abdomen and ending in the pelvis. “In between, it fans out, like a Chinese fan, to span the length of the intestine from the upper small intestine to the end of the large bowel,” Coffey said. The latest anatomy and structure clarifications aid not only doctors, but medical students as well. “For students, it greatly simplifies the matter of the mesentery,” Coffey said. “This was traditionally regarded as a complex field. The current anatomic model is elegant and simple and will help students understand this structure. It will also provide them with a new perspective from which to view other organs in the abdomen. For example, we now know that the mesentery and intestine intersect along the entire length of the small and large intestine, whereas previously, this was though to occur in some regions only.” Improving surgery and treatment More research will allow for better definition of the gut membrane’s function, what happens when it functions abnormally and diseases that affect it. This also allows for mesenteric science to become its own field of medical study, like neurology. Coffey hopes that creating a better understanding of the mesentery can help with diagnosing issues and less invasive ways of assessing them. Currently, its remote location in the body means the mesentery can be accessed only radiologically or surgically. This research lays the foundation for investigating possible prescriptions and how less-invasive endoscopic procedures during a colonscopy could map the mesentery. Follow CNN Health on Facebook and Twitter Adopting a universal classification like this in the medical world has benefits that extend to standardizing surgical procedures, such as moving or cutting into the intestine. The mesentery extends from the duodenum, or first part of the small intestine immediately beyond the stomach, all the way to the rectum, the final section of the large intestine. Because of this, it can factor into diseases such as Crohn’s, colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease or cardiovascular disease and major health concerns like diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. The more doctors know about the exact function of the mesentery, the more measures they can take to investigate the part it plays. “For doctors, it provides us with an opportunity to refresh our approach to many diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and others,” Coffey said. “This could help in identifying the mechanisms underlying these conditions and help us in unraveling their cause and how they develop.”

http://edition.cnn.com/2017/01/04/health/new-organ-mesentery/index.html

Health

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The term ‘developing country’ has officially been axed by the World Bank – and it’s unclear what it even meant in the first place. In its 2016 edition of World Development Indicators, the organisation said it would no longer distinguish between ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ countries. It could mark an important change in how the world views poverty and progression. Why make this change? The World Bank said the term was becoming a less relevant way of classifying countries. It’s partly due to the success of development efforts in the last several decades. And now the organisation is focusing on ‘sustainable development goals’ for the whole world, and as a result will stop singling out the ‘developing world’. Why does it matter? This change marks an ‘evolution’ in thinking about how poverty and prosperity are spread around the globe, the World Bank said. In published data, there will no longer be a distinction between ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ countries – instead, they will be grouped regionally, for instance ‘East Asia’. That represents a change to the world’s psyche about how low and middle-income nations should be considered. Why wasn’t the term scrapped sooner? Or, rather, why was it introduced in the first place? Researchers have admitted that there was never a universal agreement of what the terms meant when they were brought in. The International Monetary Fund says its distinction between advanced and emerging market economies ‘is not based on strict criteria, economic or otherwise’. The United Nations doesn’t have an official definition of a developing country either – despite attaching the label to 159 nations. Sorting countries into inflation-adjusted brackets of low, middle and high-income also shows why the term is flawed. China, Bolivia, and Eritrea, which fall in three different income groups, are all classed as ‘developing’. Umar Serajuddin, a senior economist in the World Bank’s statistics office, said: ‘The main issue is that there is just so much heterogeneity between Malawi and Malaysia for both to be classified in the same group—Malaysia is more like the US than Malawi. ‘When we lump disparate countries together in the same group, it isn’t really useful.’ Share this with

http://metro.co.uk/2016/05/18/heres-why-you-shouldnt-use-the-term-developing-country-any-more-5890789/

Politics

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The smell from a live chicken could help protect against malaria, researchers have found. Ethiopian and Swedish scientists discovered that malarial mosquitoes tend to avoid chickens and other birds. The experiments, conducted in western Ethiopia, included suspending a live chicken in a cage near a volunteer sleeping under a bed net. Last year malaria killed nearly 400,000 people in Africa, the UN says. Infection and death rates are declining but health officials are continuing to look for new ways to prevent the spread of the disease. The malaria parasite, which initially hides in the liver before going into the bloodstream, is carried from person to person by mosquitoes when they drink blood. The scientists, whose research was published in the Malaria Journal, concluded that as mosquitoes use their sense of smell to locate an animal they can bite there must be something in a chicken’s odour that puts the insects off. Addis Ababa University’s Habte Tekie, who worked on the research, said that the compounds from the smell of the chicken can be extracted and could work as a repellent. Field trials for this stage of the research are now “in the pipeline”, he told the BBC. Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences were also involved in the project. Compounds extracted from chicken feathers were also used in the experiments, as well as live chickens. Researchers discovered that the use of the chicken and the compounds “significantly reduced” the number of mosquitoes that were found in the trap nearby. The scientists say that with reports that some mosquitoes are developing resistance to insecticide “novel control methods” need to be embraced. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users To the author or writer of this article, 'Mosquitoes don't drink blood, they suck blood."

http://www.nigerianeye.com/2016/07/revealed-chicken-odour-prevents-malaria.html?m=1

Health

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12 Commonly Asked Questions about Meningitis Meningitis is a potentially fatal condition. You may have a lot of questions if you or someone you care about is at risk for meningitis. These are some of the most frequently asked questions about meningitis. meningitis medicine is meningitis and how does it affect you? Meningitis is a condition in which the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord become inflamed and swollen. Meninges are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. An infection is the most common cause of meningitis. This disease has the potential to kill you or leave you with serious long-term consequences. causes meningitis and how can you prevent it? Viruses and bacteria are the two most common causes of meningitis. Infections caused by common bacteria or viruses can occur in any part of the body, including the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and respiratory tract. They may then spread to the nervous system via the bloodstream. Bacteria can also enter the nervous system after a severe head injury or surgery, as well as after a head infection. Meningitis can also be caused by fungi, protozoa, and other parasites. Cancer, other diseases, or even certain medications can cause inflammation of the meninges in very rare cases. meningitis vitamin is bacterial meningitis, and what causes it? Bacterial meningitis is a serious condition that occurs more frequently during the winter months. The bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningococcal disease, is a common cause of meningococcal disease in teenagers. If you don't get help right away, it could be fatal. The bacteria that cause it can be found in up to a quarter of the population's noses and throats. Why these bacteria occasionally travel to the nervous system that causes meningitis is unknown. Another common cause of bacterial meningitis is is viral meningitis and how does it affect you? Meningitis caused by a virus is more common and generally less serious. It happens more frequently in the summer and fall. Many people mistake it for the flu because of its flu-like symptoms. Viruses that cause "stomach flu" can cause viral meningitis, but the majority of people who get them don't get it. Chickenpox, mononucleosis (mono), and herpes viruses are among the viruses that cause meningitis. The symptoms are often mistaken for those of bacterial meningitis. is likely to be exposed to meningitis? Bacterial meningitis can strike anyone at any age. However, it is more common in infants and small children, as well as people over the age of 60. Teenagers and college students are also at higher risk due to close contact with peers. Viruses meningitis affects people of all ages, though it is more common in children. Meningitis is also more likely if you have a weakened immune system or if you travel to certain foreign countries. meningitis be passed from one person to another? The bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are spread through close contact, not casual contact at work or school. Kissing, coughing, and sneezing all fall under this category. These bacteria and viruses can be spread by sharing eating utensils, glasses, food, or towels. do you know if you have meningitis? The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms of meningitis, though they may vary. - Fever is very high. - Headaches that are severe and persistent - Neck stiffness - Uncomfortably in bright lights Rashes, seizures, and coma are some of the later symptoms. Infants with meningitis may be drowsy, irritable, or have difficulty feeding. should I do if I suspect someone I know is suffering from meningitis? Make a phone call to your doctor and explain the signs and symptoms. If you are unable to reach a doctor, go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. do doctors determine whether or not a patient has meningitis? In addition to taking a medical history and performing a physical examination, the doctor will take a spinal tap to obtain a sample of spinal fluid. To remove the fluid, the doctor inserts a needle into the lower base of the spinal cord but inside the sac. The doctor looks for signs of inflammation and infection in this sample. Other tests that may be performed include: - A neurological examination is performed to assess nerve, motor, and sensory function, as well as hearing, speech, and vision, as well as balance and mental status. - Tests of the blood and urine - Culture of the throat - Abnormalities in the brain tissue can be detected using imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). - If there are concerns about seizures, an electroencephalogram (EEG) will be performed. What methods do doctors use to treat meningitis? You may need to be admitted to the hospital depending on the severity of your illness. Bacterial infections must be treated as soon as possible with intravenous antibiotics. This could happen before the diagnosis is confirmed. Treatment for viral infections focuses on symptom relief and supportive care (IV fluids, fever-reducing medications, etc.). may also include the following if necessary: - Intravenous fluids are a type of intravenous fluid that is injected - Anticonvulsants are prescribed for any type of seizure. - Other options for treating brain swelling What are meningitis' long-term consequences? The severity of meningitis is determined by the source of infection, the speed with which treatment is initiated, and the extent to which the person becomes ill. However, the following are potential long-term consequences of the disease: - Headaches that come and go - Problems with memory or concentration - Aggression or mood swings - Clumsiness or balance issues - Deafness can be temporary or permanent. - Vision loss, seizures, or brain damage are all possibilities (rare) there a way to avoid meningitis? To prevent bacterial meningitis, four vaccines are available. Teenagers entering high school or college (and who will be living in a dorm) should be vaccinated if they have not been previously vaccinated. Post a Comment

https://www.healthlifekit.com/2022/02/meningitis-causes-symptoms-prevention.html

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- Explain the difference between a principle and a law. - Explain the difference between a model and a theory. - Perform unit conversions both in the SI and English units. - Explain the most common prefixes in the SI units and be able to write them in scientific notation. - Determine the appropriate number of significant figures in both addition and subtraction, as well as multiplication and division calculations. - Calculate the percent uncertainty of a measurement. - Make reasonable approximations based on given data. What is your first reaction when you hear the word “physics”? Did you imagine working through difficult equations or memorizing formulas that seem to have no real use in life outside the physics classroom? Many people come to the subject of physics with a bit of fear. But as you begin your exploration of this broad-ranging subject, you may soon come to realize that physics plays a much larger role in your life than you first thought, no matter your life goals or career choice. For example, take a look at the image above. This image is of the Andromeda Galaxy, which contains billions of individual stars, huge clouds of gas, and dust. Two smaller galaxies are also visible as bright blue spots in the background. At a staggering 2.5 million light years from the Earth, this galaxy is the nearest one to our own galaxy (which is called the Milky Way). The stars and planets that make up Andromeda might seem to be the furthest thing from most people’s regular, everyday lives. But Andromeda is a great starting point to think about the forces that hold together the universe. The forces that cause Andromeda to act as it does are the same forces we contend with here on Earth, whether we are planning to send a rocket into space or simply raise the walls for a new home. The same gravity that causes the stars of Andromeda to rotate and revolve also causes water to flow over hydroelectric dams here on Earth. Tonight, take a moment to look up at the stars. The forces out there are the same as the ones here on Earth. Through a study of physics, you may gain a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of everything we can see and know in this universe. Think now about all of the technological devices that you use on a regular basis. Computers, smart phones, GPS systems, MP3 players, and satellite radio might come to mind. Next, think about the most exciting modern technologies that you have heard about in the news, such as trains that levitate above tracks, “invisibility cloaks” that bend light around them, and microscopic robots that fight cancer cells in our bodies. All of these groundbreaking advancements, commonplace or unbelievable, rely on the principles of physics. Aside from playing a significant role in technology, professionals such as engineers, pilots, physicians, physical therapists, electricians, and computer programmers apply physics concepts in their daily work. For example, a pilot must understand how wind forces affect a flight path and a physical therapist must understand how the muscles in the body experience forces as they move and bend. As you will learn in this text, physics principles are propelling new, exciting technologies, and these principles are applied in a wide range of careers. In this text, you will begin to explore the history of the formal study of physics, beginning with natural philosophy and the ancient Greeks, and leading up through a review of Sir Isaac Newton and the laws of physics that bear his name. You will also be introduced to the standards scientists use when they study physical quantities and the interrelated system of measurements most of the scientific community uses to communicate in a single mathematical language. Finally, you will study the limits of our ability to be accurate and precise, and the reasons scientists go to painstaking lengths to be as clear as possible regarding their own limitations.

http://cnx.org/contents/[email protected]/College_Physics

Education

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In recent years, Islamism has become a powerful force that shapes the Muslim world. With the belief that current Islamic communities are stuck in a state of chaos, Islamists seek a revolutionary transformation of their societies. Their primary goal is to establish a stricter and religious Islamic state. The rise of Islamism had various social, political, and strategic consequences in our world. Understanding and analyzing Islamism and its origins may solve modern conflicts and potential threats. Table of Contents What is Islamism? Islamism is a term that encompasses both social and political activism that is guided by the principles of Islam. It includes various political ideologies inspired by Islamic symbols and traditions that have the same sociopolitical objective. Like other political doctrines, Islamism consists of an ideology, movement-organization, and a form of government. It is often synonymous with terms political Islam and Islamic fundamentalism. Islamism has a very positive connotation in the Muslim world. However, in western media, Islamism refers to groups whose primary intentions are to build a sharia-based Islamic state. They are also often linked with violent tactics and human rights violations, more closely related to political extremism. In the West, Islamism is associated with political groups such as the Algerian Armed Islamic Group or the Taliban. The word “Islamism” was used first by French writers during the end of the seventeenth century. They refer to the religion Islamism and even said its roots were found in Judaism. Before it was an ideology, it was simply a term that meant Islam, the religion founded by Muhammad. The most dramatic change of the world Islamism happened during the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership. Khomeini was the first to establish an Islamist government in the twentieth century. From his revolution, there came terms such as ‘Islamic fundamentalism,’ ‘Islamic revival,’ ‘radical Islam,’ and ‘political Islam.’ From then on, Islamism was differentiated from Islam. The West viewed this particular form of Islam as more violent, political, and harbor grudges towards the West. This form of Islam also is known to be determined to establish regimes in the modern Muslim world, making them very dangerous. The term peaked use during the tragic events on 9/11 when journalists and politicians have started using the term. By this time, Islamism is a new and independent concept. People have stopped using the term political Isalm or fundamental Islam but used the word ‘Islamist’ extensively. Soon the phrase “international terrorism” would also be synonymous with Islamists and was the new “global devil” in the 21st century. Difference Between Muslims and Islamists Muslims call themselves Muslims. Men are called Muslin, and females are Muslima. Plural masculine is Muslimun, and plural females are Muslimat. For Islamists, Muslims are Islamiyyun. The Qur’an uses the term Muslimun but never the term Islamiyyun. Even the advocate Hasan al-Banna himself referred to other Muslims as ‘Muslims’ and his disciples simply as ‘Muslim Brothers.’ So from here, we conclude that the word Islamists are a western creation. Many scholars have argued that the western government and other commentators should avoid wrongly labeling Muslims and Islamists. These terms carry good and bad connotations where Muslim means friendly and Islamist hostile. The term has an alienating effect on other Muslims. The word Islam in Arabic means “submission,” and obedience to God is the Islamic faith’s central theme. The monotheistic belief system shared by all Muslims today originates in the 7th century through Muhammad’s teachings, the last of all religious prophets. After Muhammad died in 632, his successors continued his legacy and teachings. The followers of Islam believe in one God whom they call Allah. Like the Christian bible, they also believe that Adam was the first prophet. Muslims follow the five pillars of Islam, which are: - The Shahadah – A statement of faith that all Muslims must recite at least once in their lives. - The Salat – A prayer done five times a day. - Zakat – a tax given to the poor and those in need. - Sawm – fast done every month of Ramadan. - Hajj – a pilgrimage every Muslim must do at least once in his life to the Holy city of Mecca. They also believe in Sharia law. Law that is derived from the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad. The Sharia Law is a system of beliefs, ethics, morals that covers every aspect of a Muslim’s life. Based on Islamic theology, Islam is the original and primordial faith revealed through prophets including Abraham, Noah, Adam, Moses, and Jesus. All Muslims follow the Quran and believe in the missions of Muhammad. However, disagreements led to different religious sects within the Islamic faith. Islam Political Ideology Contemporary Islamism, one that connects religion and terror, is thought to have started during the ‘Society of Muslim Brothers,’ also called ‘Movement of the Muslim Brothers’ in 1928. According to historians, this was the first Islamic fundamentalism that turned to an international movement claiming to represent Islamic diaspora in the European regions. The founder, Hasan al-Banna, published a totalitarian jihadist ideology. This doctrine is often the primary source of intellectual terrorism, including the ones authored by Sayyid Qutb, who is now one of the most influential advocates in the Muslim world. He is often considered the rector spiritus (ruling or guiding spirit) of Islamism. Sayyid Qutb’s works have been translated into various Islamic languages. The ideology of Islam created by Qutb became so widespread that it even became a threat to the West’s secularity during the seventeenth century. Even if the Muslim Brotherhood was a minority, their movement was a success. With a lot of help from their faith schools and the assistance of Madrassas, they increased in the Islamic world and throughout Europe. The Muslim Brotherhood was able to capture young Muslims’ hearts and minds who accepted their principles of totalitarianism. To Islamists, the world is both repressive and wrong. The current world doesn’t correspond to Islamic political ideology and principles; furthermore, Islam is no longer the predominant power. They also do not like that non-Muslims occupy Muslim territory and that some Muslims live under an anti-Islamic government. To make the world right, Islamists want to restore the Caliphate. They view it as the first step towards the ‘Islamisation’ of the world. Their options for reaching their goals see no end. They use peaceful indoctrination, expansion through propagation, and even violent methods such as terrorism and massacre. However, the use of violence is not customary. Most do not use violence, and only a small number of Islamists are extremely violent. The Islamic Liberation Party in Europe is an excellent example of an Islamist group that is non-violent. Islamic movement refers to religious and political organizations guided by the principles of Islam. They are often characterized as anti-modern or driven by a pre-modern ideology that poses a threat to the Western way of life. Throughout the 1990s, Islamic movements were always seen as a threat to the West. Western scholars believed that Islam posed a political, demographic, and civilizational threat to the world. The Islamist movement started in the late 19th century. This happened when the Islamic world is undergoing a massive transformation as it engages with Enlightenment and modernity ideas. This is followed by mass literacy and the rise of print technology which facilitated the spread of new ideas and offered more people access to Islamic materials, including the Qur’an. The increase in these educational materials undermined religious scholars’ authority known as the ulama, who frequently taught their interpretations of the scripture. It also saw its decline during the peak of Western colonialism. Before the West was considered the leader in scientific achievement and intellectual endeavor, the Islamic world was the most influential. It led to the intellectual movement in various institutions. Islamist movements spread like wildfire in the Arab World after many Arabs were disappointed with the failure of Pan-Arabism. Muslim Brotherhood grew from Middle Eastern territories such as Iraq, Jordan, Syria to Palestine territories. Today, most Islamist movements state that revolution is their primary objective. Islamism after 9/11 The 9/11 suicide attack was often known as the “worst international terrorist attack ever.” This was the time the Muslim world was labeled as the main threat to the West. It has replaced communism as the main threat to the world. After the 9/11 attack, there was an anti-Muslim and public rage all over the world. It was so intense that it created Islamophobia during the years that followed. From North America to Europe, thousands of migrants of Arab and Muslim descent were detained for minor crimes. In North America, mosques and Muslim schools were attacked and set to fire. The 9/11 event brought even deeper division and religious violence to both the Muslim world and the Western world. A Divided Movement Islamism is far from being a monolithic movement. They do not have a center and overall radical leadership. Many would even compare Islamism as a movement similar to fascism and communism. Like fascism and communism, Islamism has different variations. To summarize the divisions of Islamism, we’ll talk about the two axial pillars: division by sub religious affiliations and division by scope of claims and ambitions. In the division of sub-religious affiliations, Islamism is divided into three main branches: Shia, Sunni, and Wahhabi. - Sunnism has four theological and juridical schools. They also represent the vast majority of Islamists. They also believe that the first four caliphs are the legitimate successors of Muhammad. - The Wahhabi is mainly found in Saudi Arabia. Their religion is deeply rooted in Muhammad Abd al Wahab’s instruction, who influenced Ibn Taymiyya during the Middle Ages. - Shia Islamism is mainly linked to Iran, where the population is 80 percent Shia Muslims. They are the second-largest branch of Islam who believes only the caliph Ali and his descendants. Both Shia and Sunni have violent relations due to political contexts. Islamist countries are primarily located in Central Asia, Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. There are around 50 countries whose population is Muslim. Today, Islam is the world’s second-largest religious group, with more than 1.8 billion people worldwide who identify themselves as Muslim. The country with the largest Muslim population is Indonesia, with 84 percent of people identifying as Muslim, roughly around 230 million people. Some of the core figures in twentieth-century Islamism include Abul A’la Maududi, Sayyid Qutb, Ruhollah Khomeini, and Hassan al-Banna. - Islamism rose to become a powerful force in the Muslim world. Islamists seek a revolutionary transformation of their societies. Their primary goal is to establish a stricter and more religious Islamic state. - The rise of Islamism had various social, political, and strategic consequences in our world. - Throughout the 1990s, Islamic movements were always seen as a threat to the West. Western scholars believed that Islam posed a political, demographic, and civilizational threat to the world. - The word Islamism earned negative connotations during the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the 9/11 attack. - After the 9/11 attack, there was an anti-Muslim and public rage all over the world. It was so intense that it created Islamophobia during the years that followed. - In western media, Islamism refers to groups whose primary intentions are to build a sharia-based Islamic state. They are also often linked with violent tactics and human rights violations, more closely related to political extremism. - Islamist countries are primarily located in Central Asia, Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. There are around 50 countries whose population is Muslim. - Today, Islam is the world’s second-largest religious group, with more than 1.8 billion people worldwide who identify as Muslim.

http://i-cias.com/e.o/kaaba.htm

Religion

en

Can you read the message below? The above passage, written in a combination of letters and numbers, has been circulating social media for years and purports that only certain "strong minds" can read it. That's not exactly true — just about everybody can read the message with ease. But according to one scientist, our ability to read such messages reveals something pretty incredible about the brain. Interpreting passages like this hardly activates the section of the brain associated with numbers, Jon Andoni Duñabeitia, part of a team of Spanish cognitive scientists who wrote five papers on the subject, told Business Insider. Instead, our brain knows to treat them like letters based on their similar appearance. "While reading, you dont pay attention to the difference between a number and a letter because you only expect letters," Duñabeitia said. As people read the message, they're able to decode the oddly shaped "letters" in a matter of milliseconds because the human brain essentially treats the digits like letters written by someone with bad handwriting or in an unusual typeface, Duñabeitia said. "For your brain, it's not a number in a word, it's a wrongly written or strangely written letter," Duñabeitia said. "You are in this mode of tolerance that allows for small distortions in the identity of the letters." The phenomenon is nothing new. Netizens from the early days of the Internet are well familiar with "1337" or "leet speak," an alternative alphabet used by online communities to evade detection by search engines. Duñabeitia also cited promotional emails that would advertise products like "v1agra" to get around spam filters. Although, there may be some truth to the idea that some people are more adept at reading leet speak than others, he said. Young people, who have grown up using computers with endless typographical choices, may find it second nature. On the other hand, an older person, likely raised using standardized curive, could find deciphering these messages a little tougher. "But as long as we are proficient readers, we won't have a problem," he said. NOW WATCH: 11 words you're mispronouncing all the time More From Business Insider

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/ability-read-message-reveals-something-212520891.html

Education

en

When it comes to language, variety is key. The richness of vocabulary allows us to express ideas more precisely and creatively. One term that often finds its way into discussions whether in psychology, education, or everyday conversation, is “reinforcement.” However, there are numerous synonyms and related terms that can convey similar meanings. In this article, we’ll explore alternative words for “reinforcement,” their contexts, and how they can enhance your communication. Before diving into synonyms, it’s essential to grasp what “reinforcement” means. In its most general sense, reinforcement refers to the process of encouraging or establishing a behavior by providing support or rewards. This concept is prevalent in various fields: – Psychology: In behavioral psychology, reinforcement is used to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. – Education: Teachers use reinforcement strategies to encourage positive student behavior and academic performance. – Training: In animal training, reinforcement techniques help shape behaviors through rewards or punishments. Given its broad applicability, finding alternative words can help clarify your message or suit different contexts. Synonyms for “Reinforcement” Language is a powerful tool that allows us to communicate ideas, feelings, and concepts in various ways. One term that often comes up in discussions related to behavior, education, and psychology is “reinforcement.” This term refers to the process of encouraging or establishing a behavior through support or rewards. However, using synonyms can enhance clarity and add variety to our communication. Below, we explore several alternatives to “reinforcement,” providing context and examples for each. Context: General use; emotional or physical backing. Support is a broad term that signifies assistance or backing in various contexts. It can refer to emotional encouragement or practical help in achieving a goal. Example: “The community provided support to the new initiative.” In this instance, “support” implies that the community is actively contributing to the success of the initiative, whether through resources, encouragement, or participation. Context: Motivational settings; promoting positive actions. Encouragement is specifically aimed at fostering positive behavior or actions. It often involves motivating someone to pursue their goals or improve their performance. Example: “Her words of encouragement boosted his confidence.” Here, “encouragement” highlights the role of positive reinforcement in helping someone feel more capable and motivated. It emphasizes the emotional aspect of support, which can be crucial in personal development. Context: Approval or confirmation of feelings or actions. Validation refers to the acknowledgment and acceptance of someone’s feelings, thoughts, or actions. It plays an essential role in building self-esteem and reinforcing desired behaviors. Example: “The teacher’s validation of her efforts inspired her to work harder.” In this example, validation from the teacher serves to reinforce the student’s motivation, demonstrating how important it is for individuals to feel recognized in their endeavors. Context: Making something stronger; enhancing capacity. Strengthening refers to the process of enhancing or improving something, making it more robust or effective. This term can apply in various contexts, from personal growth to structural improvements. Example: “The new policies focus on strengthening community ties.” In this case, “strengthening” suggests an active effort to improve relationships and connections within the community, illustrating how reinforcement can lead to enhanced collaboration and support. Context: Providing additional support or encouragement. Bolstering conveys the idea of providing extra assistance or encouragement to strengthen a situation or outcome. It often suggests an enhancement of existing support. Example: “The funding will bolster the research project.” Here, “bolster” indicates that additional resources are being provided, reinforcing the project’s viability and potential for success. Context: Improvement or augmentation of a quality or process. Enhancement refers to the act of improving or augmenting something, making it better or more effective. This term is often used in contexts where quality or performance is a focus. Example: “The enhancement of learning tools has greatly improved student engagement.” In this instance, “enhancement” emphasizes the improvements made to the tools that facilitate learning, reinforcing their effectiveness and impact on students. Context: Adding to something to improve or complete it. Augmentation involves adding to an existing entity to improve its effectiveness or completeness. It can apply to various areas, including resources, skills, or systems. Example: “The augmentation of resources led to better outcomes.” Here, “augmentation” indicates that by adding more resources, the outcomes of a project or initiative have been positively affected, reinforcing the concept of effective support. Context: Strengthening against challenges; often used in a military or structural sense. Fortification refers to the act of making something stronger to withstand challenges or threats. While it often has military connotations, it can also apply to personal or organizational resilience. Example: “The fortification of the defenses was crucial for the city’s safety.” In this example, “fortification” implies that measures were taken to enhance safety and security, showcasing a proactive approach to reinforcement. Context: Act of making something stronger; often used in a more active sense. Reinforcing can be used in both active and passive contexts, emphasizing the direct action taken to strengthen a behavior or condition. Example: “Reinforcing positive behavior in the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction.” Here, “reinforcing” highlights the active role of management in promoting a positive work environment, thus impacting employee morale and productivity. Context: Confirmation of a belief or action; often used in personal growth contexts. Affirmation refers to the act of confirming or asserting a belief or action, often used in contexts related to personal development and self-improvement. Example: “Daily affirmations can serve as a powerful form of self-reinforcement.” In this case, “affirmation” underscores the significance of self-recognition and positive reinforcement in fostering personal growth, illustrating the importance of internal validation. When to Use Synonyms Choosing the right synonym depends on the context and the nuance you wish to convey. For instance, “support” may be more appropriate in a community context, while “validation” might fit better in personal development discussions. Understanding the subtle differences can enhance your writing and speaking, making your communication more effective. Finding alternatives to the word “reinforcement” not only enriches your vocabulary but also allows for clearer and more nuanced communication. Whether you’re discussing behavioral psychology, teaching methods, or community initiatives, using the right term can make a significant difference. The next time you find yourself reaching for “reinforcement,” consider the context and choose a synonym that best conveys your intended message. Embracing linguistic variety can lead to more engaging and effective communication in all aspects of life.

https://childbehavior.com.ng/what-is-the-synonym-of-reinforcement/

Family

en

6 min read 4 min read A mud brick with straw, stamped with a royal seal that says “House of Ramses ll,” and other cool artifacts. The table of archaeological finds below, presented to me by Dr. John H. Taylor, the curator of the Egypt Department of the British Museum in London, reveals a mud brick with straw which is stamped with a royal seal which says: “House of Ramses ll”. The mud brick, seen on the left side of the photo below, is one of 20 held in the basement vaults of the museum, and not exhibited to the public. The brick has been carbon dated to the Israelite period of slavery in Egypt. Dr. Taylor states that the Israelites did not build the pyramids as is commonly thought. The pyramids were built 100 years after the Israelites left Egypt. What they did build were cities. The Bible states in Exodus 1:11-14, “So they appointed taskmasters over it (the Israelite nation) in order to afflict it with their burdens; it built storage cities for Pharaoh, Pithom and Ramses…They embittered their lives with hard work, with mortar and with bricks…” The Bible further states in Exodus, 5:10, “The taskmasters of the people and its foremen went out and spoke to the people, saying, “So said Pharaoh, I am not giving you straw. Go yourselves and take yourselves straw from whatever you find, for nothing will be reduced from your work.” In the close up photo of the brick below, one can see the straw and the seal which states, “House of Ramses ll”. Below is a mural of slaves building a structure in Egypt dated from the Israelite period showing a pile of mud bricks similar to the brick displayed on the table above. Dr. John H. Taylor holds curatorial responsibility for ancient Egyptian funerary antiquities, amulets and jewelry. He also provides curatorial supervision for the departmental loans program. These items are sometimes loaned to outside museums and organizations. Dr. Taylor then showed me a 12-foot iron snake staff found in a pyramid tomb. Shown below, the staff has a cobra head and is wavy and is evidence of the Egyptian magician’s staves mentioned in the Bible in Exodus, 7:11-12, “The magicians of Egypt did so with their incantations. Each one cast down his staff and they became snakes; and the staff of Aaron swallowed their staffs.” The entire snake staff can be seen at the front of the table in the first photo above. The staff is wave like and when placed on the ground and manipulated by a magician can give the illusion of snake like movement. Egyptian magicians were known to be illusionists. The wicker basket below is dated to the Egyptian period of the Israelites and is evidence of the use of wicker baskets as recorded in the Bible, Exodus 2: 3, “She could not hide him any longer, so she took a wicker basket and smeared it with clay and pitch; she placed the child (Moses) into it and placed it among the reeds at the bank of the River (Nile). “ The copper mirrors at the far right of the first photo above are evidence of the existence of copper mirrors used by Israelite women to beautify themselves and to entice their husbands to produce children despite the dangers of bringing children into the world amidst a slave existence. These copper mirrors are referred to in the Bible in Exodus 38:8, “He (Moses) made the wash basin of copper and its base of copper, from the mirrors of the legions who massed at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. “ The 11th century French Biblical commentator, Rashi, comments that the Jewish women used these mirrors to beautify themselves in order to entice their husbands to produce children despite the fear of bringing children into a life of slavery. This attests to the greater faith of the Israelite women than that exhibited by the Israelite men, which faith has continued to sustain Jewish continuity. The organizer of this private tour to the British Museum is London educator and historian, Rabbi Aryeh Forta who organizes monthly private tours of the Jewish artifacts at the British Museum. Also seen on this tour was a 3500 year old matzah with finger imprints of the matzah maker and silver wine bowls from the palace of Achashverosh mentioned in Megillas Esther. Visit Rabbi Forta’s site at http://www.livingjewishhistory.com/. It would be wonderful - if it could be proven that - they were actually used by Jews of the period. Without actual proof of use - & appropriating any antique artifacts to (X) people or use - at any period in time - WITHOUT PROVEN VALIDATION - is nothing more than - PURE SUPPOSITION. WITHOUT PROOF - OUR ENEMIES CAN USE IT AGAINST US - & DENY ANY OF OUR CLAIMS. Many of the items referred to in the text aren't seen in the photos. Please add photos of the copper mirrors, the snake head staff etc. Thank you.

http://www.aish.com/h/pes/t/f/British-Museum--Evidence-of-Israelite-Slavery-in-Egypt.html?mobile=yes

Religion

en

Seventeen lost pyramids are among the buildings identified in a new satellite survey of Egypt. More than 1,000 tombs and 3,000 ancient settlements were also revealed by looking at infra-red images which show up underground buildings. Initial excavations have already confirmed some of the findings, including two suspected pyramids. The work has been pioneered at the University of Alabama at Birmingham by US Egyptologist Dr Sarah Parcak. She says she was amazed at how much she and her team has found. "We were very intensely doing this research for over a year. I could see the data as it was emerging, but for me the "Aha!" moment was when I could step back and look at everything that we'd found and I couldn't believe we could locate so many sites all over Egypt. "To excavate a pyramid is the dream of every archaeologist," she said. The team analysed images from satellites orbiting 700km above the earth, equipped with cameras so powerful they can pin-point objects less than 1m in diameter on the earth's surface. Infra-red imaging was used to highlight different materials under the surface. Ancient Egyptians built their houses and structures out of mud brick, which is much denser than the soil that surrounds it, so the shapes of houses, temples and tombs can be seen. "It just shows us how easy it is to underestimate both the size and scale of past human settlements," says Dr Parcak. And she believes there are more antiquities to be discovered: "These are just the sites [close to] the surface. There are many thousands of additional sites that the Nile has covered over with silt. This is just the beginning of this kind of work." BBC cameras followed Dr Parcak on her "nervous" journey when she travelled to Egypt to see if excavations could back up what her technology could see under the surface. In the BBC documentary Egypt's Lost Cities, they visit an area of Saqqara (Sakkara) where the authorities were not initially interested in her findings. But after being told by Dr Parcak that she had seen two potential pyramids, they made test excavations, and they now believe it is one of the most important archaeological sites in Egypt. But Dr Parcak said the most exciting moment was visiting the excavations at Tanis. "They'd excavated a 3,000-year-old house that the satellite imagery had shown and the outline of the structure matched the satellite imagery almost perfectly. That was real validation of the technology." The Egyptian authorities plan to use the technology to help - among other things - protect the country's antiquities in the future. During the recent revolution, looters accessed some well-known archaeological sites. "We can tell from the imagery a tomb was looted from a particular period of time and we can alert Interpol to watch out for antiquities from that time that may be offered for sale." She also hopes the new technology will help engage young people in science and will be a major help for archaeologists around the world. "It allows us to be more focused and selective in the work we do. Faced with a massive site, you don't know where to start. "It's an important tool to focus where we're excavating. It gives us a much bigger perspective on archaeological sites. We have to think bigger and that's what the satellites allow us to do." "Indiana Jones is old school, we've moved on from Indy. Sorry, Harrison Ford." Egypt's Lost Cities is on BBC One on Monday 30 May at 2030 BST. It will also be shown on the Discovery channel in the US. - Published17 March 2011 - Published6 January 2011 - Published1 November 2010 - Published15 September 2010

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-13522957

Politics

en

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a giant fruit grown in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in South Asia (e.g. India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and Southeast Asia (e.g. Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia). It is a member of Moraceae family, which also includes breadfruit, fig, and mulberry. Jackfruit is considered the largest tree-borne fruit in the world with an average weight of 3.5-10 kg and can reach up to 45 kg in weight, 90 cm in length, and 50 cm in diameter. As in the durian fruit, the outer surface of the jackfruit is covered by thorns and is green in color, but the difference is that the durian thorns are pointed and sharp while the thorns of jackfruit are smaller and blunt. Both have distinct, strong aromas that are different and may be repelling to foreigners who are unfamiliar with the smell. The inside of the fruit contains hundreds of yellow-colored bulbs and each bulb consists of sweet flesh (sheath) that encloses a smooth, oval, light-brown seed. The seeds can also be eaten and are loaded with various nutrients. Jackfruit Nutrition Facts Jackfruit is very low in fat or cholesterol, and is high in dietary fiber. It is also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and copper. The following is the nutrition facts for one cup (165 grams) of sliced, raw jackfruit, according to USDA: - Calories: 157 - Carbohydrate: 38.4 g - Protein: 2.84 g - Fat: 1.06 g - Fiber: 2.5 g - Vitamin A: 182 IU - Vitamin C: 22.6 mg - Magnesium: 47.8 mg - Copper: 0.1 mg - Potassium: 739 mg - Folate: 39.6 mcg - Calcium: 39.6 mg - Iron: 0.4 mg Moreover, this giant fruit contains carotenoids, like beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds have been known to have antioxidant properties, which are helpful in maintaining an optimum health. Jackfruit Health Benefits 1. Prevents cancer Jackfruit contains phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, lignans, and isoflavones, which have been found to help protect against many types of cancer. Jackfruit is also rich in vitamin C and fiber, which are known to reduce the risks of certain cancers. 2. Lowers blood pressure Being a good source of potassium, jackfruit can help in lowering high blood pressure by lessening the effects of sodium in the body. Potassium also helps to ease tension in your blood vessel walls, which can further lower your blood pressure. 3. Boosts immune system Jackfruit contains good amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can boosts immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells to help the body fight off diseases and infections. 4. Supports digestive health Jackfruit, particularly the seeds, is a rich source of fiber, which can add bulk to stools and speeds up its movement. This will helps keep your bowel movements regular and prevent constipation. Jackfruit seeds also contain prebiotics, which can help support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. 5. Keeps your eyes healthy With a healthy dose of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, this fruit is very beneficial for eye health. They help maintain proper eye function and prevent eye diseases, like cataract and macular degeneration. 6. Enhances energy Jackfruit is considered as an energy boosting fruit due to the presence of simple sugars like fructose and sucrose, which provide instant energy. Although jackfruit is an energy boosting fruit, it contains no cholesterol, making it one of the healthy fruits to savor. 7. Treats anemia Jackfruit is packed with nutrients like copper, iron, and folate, which are required for blood formation. In addition, the iron in jackfruit helps encourage the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to every cell in the body. Low hemoglobin levels may lead to anemia, which could cause symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, and palpitations. 8. Strengthens bones Jackfruit contains calcium, which helps in strengthening the bones. A lack of calcium in the body over time can lead to the development of osteoporosis. Jackfruit is also a good source of magnesium, which is important in the absorption of calcium and work with calcium to help strengthen the bone and prevent osteoporosis. 9. Cures insomnia Due to the high amount of magnesium present in jackfruit, it is also beneficial for those suffering from insomnia. Magnesium helps regulate the neurotransmitter levels in the body, helping you to sleep better. If you struggle with insomnia, having jackfruit before bed may help alleviate your symptoms. 10. Maintains a healthy thyroid Copper plays an important role in maintaining a healthy thyroid function. It helps stimulate thyroid function by boosting hormones and improving metabolic functions, and jackfruit is loaded with this important trace mineral. How to Choose and Store a Jackfruit When buying a jackfruit, look for one that is bright green or yellow in color, depending on ripeness, and has a fragrant scent. It should yield slightly when pressed. Jackfruit can be kept for up to five to six days in the refrigerator. You can also wrap up the pieces and keep them in the freezer for up to one month. But the fruit is best enjoyed when eaten as fresh as possible. How to Eat Jackfruit Ripe jackfruit can be eaten fresh or used in dessert such as ice cream. Unripe jackfruit can be used as a meat substitute as it has a texture very similar to chicken or pulled pork, making it an excellent ‘vegetarian meat’ for curries, salads, and noodles. Jackfruit can be bought either fresh or canned. Is Jackfruit Seed Edible? If So, How Can I Eat It? Yes, the jackfruit seeds are edible and highly nutritious. They contain good amounts of vitamins and minerals, including protein, riboflavin, thiamine, magnesium, and phosphorus. Jackfruit seeds are also packed with fiber and resistant starch, both of which act as food for your beneficial gut bacteria. Though jackfruit seeds contain several nutrients, some health experts believe that jackfruit seeds can be harmful to the body if eaten raw. Raw jackfruit seeds contain antinutrients such as tannins and trypsin inhibitors. These compounds are known to interfere with nutrient absorption and digestion, making it difficult to digest food. For these reasons, you should not eat raw jackfruit seeds. The good news is that heat inactivates these antinutrients. Therefore, always cook them before you eat them. Jackfruit seeds can be prepared in many ways. However, roasting or boiling are two of the most popular preparation methods. You can roast jackfruit seeds by preheating the oven to 205°C and laying them flat on a pan. Bake the seeds for 20 minutes, or until they are brown and toasted. You can also boil jackfruit seeds in a large pot of water for 20–30 minutes. Once the seeds are tender, drain the pot and let them cool and dry.

https://www.ehealthzine.com/health-benefits-of-jackfruit.html

Health

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Christianity began roughly 2,000 years ago, shortly after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Acts 11:26b says, “It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.” “Christians” means “Christ’s people.” Early Christianity consisted of a group of loosely connected local bodies of believers who gathered together on a regular basis, usually in each other’s homes to fellowship and worship together (Acts 16:15; 18:7; 21:8; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). These churches generally had the organization of pastors, elders, and deacons within each individual congregation. This early New Testament church lived communally and often shared resources such as food and money (Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-36). Their services consisted mainly of preaching (during which time they might also read letters from missionaries such as Paul) and the singing of songs. They took offerings to support the journeys of their missionaries, and they performed baptisms. Also, the early Christians celebrated the Lord’s Supper each time they gathered together. But, soon, early Christianity was challenged by Roman persecution. The majority of the persecution began with the great fire in Rome that destroyed much of the city and devastated the economy. In an attempt to absolve himself, the Roman Emperor Nero claimed it was the Christians who tried to destroy Rome and its pagan gods. From that point on, the Christians were blamed for many of the misfortunes befalling the Empire. Persecution and martyrdom was quick to follow. Because of this persecution, the early Christians were forced to meet in the catacombs, which were long, dark galleries under the city of Rome. There they continued their meetings, baptisms, and even burials for their dead. As a result of the persecution, many of the early Christians were scattered throughout the Roman Empire, expediting the cause of evangelism and fulfilling the Lord’s commands to make disciples of all nations (Acts 8:1, 4-40; 11:19-26; Matthew 28:18-20). The early Christians had a pure, simplistic approach. The people were able to concentrate on the study of God’s Word, service and dedication to one another, hospitality, benevolence, and missions (Romans 1:8; 15:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; Acts 13:1-26:32). The programs and technology present in many churches today can be useful tools in helping us emphasize the same things, but can also sometimes be distractions. Compared to the structured organization of the church today, the early church looked more like the informal settings of one of our Bible studies or small groups. Both early Christianity and modern Christianity have good and bad characteristics, and neither can be idealized. The positives which characterized the early church—a passion for Christ and His Word and a strong love for one another—are what we should strive to emulate in the modern church.

http://www.gotquestions.org/early-Christianity.html#ixzz39cvK417Gyour

Religion

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The star of Bethlehem is associated with the birth of Christ and the visit of the magi (wise men) as recorded in Matthew 2:1–12. The text implies the star of Bethlehem appeared only to the magi in the East (most likely the area of Persia, or modern-day Iran). There is no biblical record of anyone else observing the star of Bethlehem. The magi in the East saw something in the heavens—the star of Bethlehem—that alerted them to the fact that the Jewish Messiah was born. The magi do not call the star of Bethlehem by that name; in Matthew 2:2 they refer to it as being “his star,” since it was a sign to them that a king was born. The star prompted the magi to travel to Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. This would be the logical place to start looking for the birth of the King of the Jews for someone who did not know of Micah’s prophecy about Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, the magi visited King Herod and were told that the new king they were looking for would be born in Bethlehem, not in Jerusalem (Matthew 2:5). The wise men left Herod’s palace, and the star of Bethlehem appeared to them once again. In fact, the star “went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed” (verses 9–10). The star of Bethlehem, apparently mobile, led the magi to the precise place where they could find Jesus. Modern portrayals of the Christmas nativity scene usually show the wise men visiting Jesus on the night of His birth. That is likely not what truly occurred. King Herod discovered from the magi the “exact time” the star of Bethlehem had first appeared to them (Matthew 2:7), and he later ordered all male children two years old and under in Bethlehem to be killed (verse 16). Herod obviously thought the star of Bethlehem had first appeared when Christ was born; if he was right, then Jesus could have been up to two years old when the star of Bethlehem later guided the magi through the streets of Bethlehem. The Greek word translated “young child” in Matthew 2:9 can mean anything from a newborn infant to a toddler. So, the magi may have first observed the star of Bethlehem the night of Jesus’ birth, or they may have first seen it up to two years beforehand. Either way, they found Jesus still in Bethlehem when they arrived. Joseph and Mary almost surely stayed in Bethlehem until Mary could travel again. In fact, they probably stayed there for the 40 days necessary to complete Mary’s purification. From Bethlehem, they could easily make the five-mile trip to Jerusalem for the sacrifice for Mary’s purification (Luke 2:22). The fact that the magi came to a “house” (Matthew 2:11) rather than the stable makes sense because Joseph naturally would have moved his family to a more protected place as soon as possible—the morning after Jesus was born, in all probability. After seeing the star of Bethlehem, the magi traveled to Jerusalem to look for the Messiah. The question arises, how would Persian magi know about the Jewish Messiah? Undoubtedly, they would have been exposed to the writings of the Jewish prophet Daniel, who had been the chief of the court seers in Persia. Daniel 9:24–27 is a prophecy that gives a timeline for the birth of the Messiah. Also, they may have been aware of the words of the pagan prophet Balaam (who was from the town of Pethor on the Euphrates River near Persia) in Numbers 24:17. Balaam’s prophecy specifically mentions “a star” and “a scepter” rising out of Jacob. What exactly was the star of Bethlehem? The Greek word translated “star” in the text is the word aster, which is the normal word for a star or celestial body. The word is used 24 times in the New Testament, and most of the time it refers to a celestial body. It can be used to denote angels, as in Revelation 12:4, where aster seems to refer to the fallen angels who followed Satan’s rebellion. Basic rules of biblical interpretation state that we should take the normal sense of a word unless there is compelling evidence to suggest otherwise. In that case, the star of Bethlehem should be considered an actual heavenly body. Many Bible scholars suggest a natural explanation for the star of Bethlehem, their theories ranging from a supernova to a comet to an alignment of planets. Something in the heavens provided a brighter-than-normal light in the sky. However, there is evidence to suggest that the star of Bethlehem was not a natural stellar phenomenon, but something unexplained by science. First, the fact that the star of Bethlehem seemed to appear only to the magi indicates that this was no ordinary star. Also, celestial bodies normally move from east to west due to the earth’s rotation, yet the star of Bethlehem led the magi from Jerusalem south to Bethlehem. Not only that, but it led them directly to the place where Joseph and Mary were staying, stopping overhead. There is no natural stellar phenomenon that can do that. So, if the normal usage of the word star doesn’t fit the context, what does? The star of Bethlehem in Matthew 2:1–12 was likely an angel or a manifestation of the Shekinah Glory. The Shekinah, which literally means “dwelling of God,” was the visible presence of the Lord. Prior to this, the most notable appearance of the Shekinah was the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites by day and the pillar of fire that led them by night (Exodus 13:21). The Shekinah can obviously lead people to specific locations, and it was seen later in connection with Christ’s ministry (e.g., Matthew 17:5; Acts 1:9). Either an angel or the Shekinah would fit the evidence. It shouldn’t surprise us that God would use a miraculous sign to signal the advent of His Son into the world. Those with eyes to see joyfully beheld His glory.

http://www.gotquestions.org/star-of-Bethlehem.html

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Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness affecting humans and other primates. The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates) and then spreads in the human population through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected people, and with surfaces and materials (e.g. bedding, clothing) contaminated with these fluids. The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks. The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa was the largest and most complex Ebola outbreak since the virus was first discovered in 1976. There were more cases and deaths in this outbreak than all others combined. It also spread between countries, starting in Guinea then moving across land borders to Sierra Leone and Liberia. It is thought that fruit bats of the Pteropodidae family are natural Ebola virus hosts. The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is from 2 to 21 days. A person infected with Ebola cannot spread the disease until they develop symptoms. Symptoms of EVD can be sudden and include: fever, fatigue, muscle, pain, headache, and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases internal and external bleeding (e.g. oozing from the gums, blood in the stools). Laboratory findings include low white blood cell and platelet counts and elevated liver enzymes. It can be difficult to clinically distinguish EVD from other infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and meningitis. A range of diagnostic tests have been developed to confirm the presence of the virus.

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/ebola/en/

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Nearly everyone has had sore eyes at some point. Sometimes they get better on their own, but they can also be a sign of something more serious. Your eye doctor can figure out what's going on and find the right treatment for you. Where Does It Hurt? Sometimes discomfort or pain results from a problem in your eye or the parts around it, such as: - Cornea: The clear window in the front of your eye that focuses light - Sclera: The whites of your eyes - Conjunctiva: The ultra-thin covering of your sclera and the inside of your eyelid - Iris: The colored part of your eye, with the pupil in the middle - Orbit: A bony cave (eye socket) in your skull where the eye and its muscles are located. - Extraocular muscles: They rotate your eye. - Nerves: They carry visual information from your eyes to your brain. - Eyelids: Outside coverings that protect and spread moisture over your eyes. Common Eye Problems Conjunctivitis (pinkeye): This is inflammation of the conjunctiva. It can be from allergies or infections (viral or bacterial). Blood vessels in the conjunctiva swell. This makes the part of your eye that’s usually white look red. Your eye could also get itchy and gunky. This condition is typically not painful. Corneal abrasions: That’s the official name for a scratch on this part of your eye. It sounds minor, but it can hurt. It’s easy to do, too. You can scratch your eye while rubbing it. Your doctor will give you antibiotic drops. It should get better in a couple of days without further problems. Corneal infections (keratitis): An inflamed or infected cornea is sometimes caused by a bacterial or viral infection. You may be more likely to get it if you leave your contacts in overnight or wear dirty lenses. Glaucoma: This family of conditions causes fluid to build up in your eye. That puts pressure on your optic nerve. If you don’t treat it, you could lose your sight. Most of the time there are no early symptoms. But a type called acute angle-closure glaucoma causes pressure inside your eye to rise suddenly. Symptoms include severe eye pain, nausea and vomiting, headache, and worsening vision. This is an emergency. You need treatment ASAP to prevent blindness. Optic neuritis: An inflammation of the nerve that travels from the back of the eyeball into your brain. Multiple sclerosis and other conditions or infections are often to blame. Symptoms include loss of vision and sometimes deep discomfort when you look from side to side. Eye pain can happen on its own or with other symptoms, like: - Less vision - Discharge: It can be clear or thick and colored - Foreign body sensation -- the feeling that something is in the eye, whether real or imagined - Light sensitivity - Nausea or vomiting - Red eye or pinkeye - Your eye is crusted shut with discharge when you wake up. Other symptoms along with sore eyes can be a clue to what is causing the pain. Tests to Diagnose Eye Pain See your eye doctor if you have eye pain, especially if you have less vision, headache, or nausea and vomiting. Eye doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose eye pain: - A slit-lamp exam uses bright light to look at all the structures of your eye. - Dilating drops expand your pupil to let the doctor see deep into your eye. - A tonometer is a tool that measures eye pressure. The doctor uses it to diagnose glaucoma. Just as causes can vary, so do treatments. They target the specific cause of eye pain. Corneal abrasions: These heal on their own with time. Your doctor might prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drops. Glaucoma: You’ll get eyedrops and maybe pills to reduce pressure. If they don't work, you may need surgery. Infected cornea: You may need antiviral or antibacterial eyedrops. Iritis: The doctor will treat this with steroid, antibiotic, or antiviral eyedrops. Optic neuritis: It's treated with corticosteroids. Styes: Use warm compresses at home for a few days. The only way to sort out the causes of eye pain and to get the right treatment is to see a doctor. Your vision is precious. Protect it by taking eye pain seriously.

http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-pain-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment

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The first reference to the morning star as an individual is in Isaiah 14:12: “How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!” (NIV). The KJV and NKJV both translate “morning star” as “Lucifer, son of the morning.” It is clear from the rest of the passage that Isaiah is referring to Satan’s fall from heaven (Luke 10:18). So in this case, the morning star refers to Satan. In Revelation 22:16, Jesus unmistakably identifies Himself as the morning star. Why are both Jesus and Satan described as the “morning star”? It is interesting to note that the concept of the “morning star” is not the only concept that is applied to both Jesus and Satan. In Revelation 5:5, Jesus is referred to as the Lion of the tribe of Judah. In 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is compared to a lion, seeking someone to devour. The point is this, both Jesus and Satan, to a certain extent, have similarities to lions. Jesus is similar to a lion in that He is the King, He is royal and majestic. Satan is similar to a lion in that he seeks to devour other creatures. That is where the similarities between Jesus, Satan, and lions end, however. Jesus and Satan are like lions in very different ways. The idea of a “bright morning star” is a star that outshines all the others, and Jesus is the One who is called “bright.” Satan was a morning star. Jesus, as God incarnate, the Lord of the universe, is the BRIGHT and morning star. Jesus is the most holy and powerful “light” in all the universe. So, while both Jesus and Satan can be described as “morning stars,” in no sense is this equating Jesus and Satan. Satan is a created being. His light only exists to the extent that God created it. Jesus is the light of the world (John 9:5). Only Jesus’ light is “bright” and self-existent. Satan may be a morning star, but he is only a poor imitation of the one true bright morning star, Jesus Christ, the light of the world.

http://www.gotquestions.org/morning-star.html#ixzz3X7I8nlzC

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The Dos And Don’ts Of The Eyes The eye is a sensory organ of the human body which helps to transmit images to the brain. It is delicate and its function in the human body cannot be overemphasized as without it the brain cannot get visual images or information. Imagine the human body lacked this unique ability to see with the eyes, the beauty of nature is totally lost to it. The eye is a delicate and complex organ that is not limited to just the external or outer part which we can see; its different parts work together to send virtual messages to the brain, take in light and help you see colours in different shades. The eye is made up of a cornea, iris, pupil, sclera, conjunctiva, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, and muscles. To prevent your sight from deteriorating and avoid eye defects and diseases, you must do and not do certain things. Always put in mind that the state of your health is what you take into your body (food, liquid, and air) and your lifestyle. Below are certain habits or things you must do to keep your eyes healthy and reduce the risk of eye diseases and infections. Generally, being overweight or obese or gaining excessive weight is quite disadvantageous to your body. Remember, too much of everything is bad for your health, so being overweight makes you prone to eye defects and diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, etc. Exercise, therefore, keeps you fit and healthy. You burn out the calories that will certainly cause harm to your total well-being. Exercise also helps to reduce your risk of diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure which causes eye problems. Eat a healthy and adequate diet Whatever you take into your body really matters as it will affect your total well-being positively or negatively. A healthy and balanced meal will take you far away from a doctor’s doorstep. Also, your healthy diet should be made up of foods and nutrients that are eye-friendly such as fruits (oranges, strawberries) and vegetables (red pepper, carrots, broccoli), seafood (oysters, salmon, sardines, herring), whole grains, nuts(walnuts), cereals, dairy products (milk, yogurt) and poultry products(eggs). Most of these foods contain nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, Omega-3, fatty acids, Antioxidants, Zinc, etc. which are healthy for the eyes. Continuous intake of water helps to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can cause eye strain, blurred vision, or even double vision. Drinking plenty of water will help lubricate your eyes. Know your family’s medical health risks This helps to know what eye diseases, any of you should look out for. Early signs and symptoms will easily be noticed and addressed when you have knowledge of the eye issues prone to those in your family. Regular Medical Examination/Checkup for your eyes This helps to keep you a step ahead of eye infections and diseases as early detection of any infection or defect can help save you bad eyesight. Practice regular hand-washing habits You wouldn’t want to get an eye infection because of the contact of dirty hands with your eyes. Washing your hands regularly will help prevent such. Wear eye protective gear such as sunglasses to avoid exposure to the sun. - Avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands as this can get the eyes infected. - Avoid self-medication. When in pain or have issues with your eyes see a doctor. Do not use eye drops without a doctor’s direction as this could cause more harm than good. - Avoid direct exposure to sun rays/light. - Exposure to the sun can damage your retina. Wear eyes to protect gears to prevent direct contact. - Do not use poor light or dim light to work or read. - The use of poor lighting will make you strain your eyes. As much as you can make use of good lights to read and work. - Do not stare too long at your computer monitor or phone screen. - When using these gadgets ensure you give your eyes a rest to avoid straining them. Do not bring them too close to your eyes. If you use the computer often, you still can avoid putting your eyes in danger. This you can do by practicing the 20-20-20 rule; for every 20 minutes look away from your computer monitor 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. - For ladies, do not use a tube of mascara for more than 3 months. This is to prevent your eyes from getting infected because of the accumulation of dirt and bacteria in the wand of your mascara. - Smoking causes eye-related diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Smoking also destroys your optic nerve. You wouldn’t want to avoid smoking at all costs. - Do not use contact lenses while sleeping or swimming. Take them off when you are about to sleep or swimming. - Your eyes will serve you better if you treat them better. Although complex, its delicate nature requires tenderness and much care. It is your eyes, your light care for it. The Dos And Don’ts Of The Eyes

https://greenerhealth.com.ng/the-dos-and-donts-of-the-eyes/

Health

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WORLD DIABETES DAY: What You Need to Know About Diabetes The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that diabetes was the direct cause of an average of 1.6 million deaths globally in 2016, and over 2.2 million global deaths were also similarly attributable to high blood glucose in 2012. Today, studies show that 415 million people are living with diabetes globally, and that can be better interpreted to mean that 1 in 11 of the world’s adult population has diabetes. More shocking is the fact that 46% of people with diabetes globally are undiagnosed. On this 14th day of November 2018, being the World Diabetes Day; Havana Hospital, therefore, brings you “What You Need to Know About Diabetes”. Diabetes is a disease condition characterized by the persistent rise in the blood glucose levels of an individual to unbearable levels — as a result of a “loss of” or “impairment in” the body’s sugar control mechanism. A hormone called insulin which is secreted by the Islets of Langerhans of the pancreas is what aids the taking-up of glucose from the blood (sourced from food) into the body cells where they are used in cellular respiration to produce energy — needed for carrying out our daily activities. There are two main types of diabetes namely; - Type 1Diabetes in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. The effect, therefore, is that sugar is not (efficiently) mopped-up into cells. People with this type of diabetes are often treated with varied doses of insulin every day to remedy their condition. - Type 2 Diabetes in which the body loses its ability to properly utilize insulin. In this case, insulin may be available but neither binds (well) to its receptors (in order to produce the desired effect of opening up cells to glucose intake) nor stimulates any other effect to the reduction of control of blood glucose. Below are 7 Salient fact everyone should get acquainted with about diabetes: - The genetic nature of diabetes is often taken for granted. Yes, there’s a genetic aspect of diabetes, and people who “diabetes runs in their family” are more susceptible to coming up with the disease (especially type 2 diabetes). To assess your health risk for diabetes in respect of this point, you just have to answer this simple question: “has there been any member of my family that has ever been diagnosed with diabetes?” If yes; then you should really watch it, but if no, you just have to still ensure that you are healthy anyways …see the subsequent points. 2. Precaution! Precaution!! Precaution!!! People are generally advised to take precaution, as the lifestyle they lead could expose them to diabetes; whether they have any family history of it or not (after all everything that is starts at some time — but this could be avoided!). - Maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to keeping diabetes far from you. - Diet: Control of carbohydrate and other high-calorie food intakes, alcohol, etc. - Living an active life would help a great deal! Regularly engaging in physical activities like swimming, cycling, or walking helps to delay or outrightly prevent diabetes. To this wise, it is recommended that you walk at least 30 minutes daily to remain healthy, but 90 minutes daily walk is needed for those who are already over-weight. - Lack of exercise is one of the major contributing factors to the global rise in diabetes levels. It leads to weight gain, and gaining weight is proven by research to increases the risk of diabetes by at least 2–3 times. 3. People who have diabetes can lead a normal life as long as they continue to try. This one cannot be stressed enough. Often times, people who have been diagnosed with diabetes continue to neglect precautions (as discussed above) even while they take their drugs to control their sugar levels. Many in this case would say: “as far as I am concerned, I already have diabetes so what’s there to be precautious about again”. What such logic fails to take into account is the fact that the precaution is now even needed more now (not to prevent diabetes) but to prevent other (even more) deadly conditions that diabetes could expose the body to. In fact, someone who has diabetes is advised to take more precautions. Studies have shown that not only does smoking double the risk of a normal individual coming up with type 2 diabetes; smoking also causes great complications in many people already living with diabetes (than diabetes itself would simply cause), especially through arteries’ damage and in effect, impaired ability to supply blood to certain parts of the body. Diabetes when not properly managed could lead to blindness, heart attack, amputation, high blood pressure and eventually a stroke. Don't joke with your medications if you are diabetic, don't miss any of your medical appointments for any reason. Much more this is when you should now watch your lifestyle even more — and adhere strictly to good health habits. Modified lifestyle can help curb the effect of this health condition. Once again: “People who have diabetes can lead a normal life as long as they continue to try”. 4. Give yourself a break. This is surely passing-of as a strange point already because “diabetes is supposed to be all about avoiding sugary foods” but NO! A 2006 report of the British Medical Journal once revealed that stress increases the risk of people coming up with diabetes by significant factors. Isn’t that startling? Also, it has been proven that keeping your blood pressure down will also keep your risk for diabetes down. Take note: “High blood pressure (in people who are not diabetic) increases the risk of diabetes” — Hatami et al., (2012). - Sunlight also prevents diabetes: Sunlight has been reported to have a preventative effect on mainly type 2 diabetes, and to a lesser degree, type 1 diabetes. To this wise, ample research findings have concluded that Bangladeshi immigrants in the UK are very exposed to type 2 diabetes partly because they get too little vitamin D or sunlight exposure. - People whose job entails sitting down at a spot for long hours, e.g. typists, receptionists, etc. are at high risk for diabetes. In fact, findings have it that being a driver is a particularly noteworthy factor for diabetes mellitus. How weirder can it get? A piece of advice: if your job entails sitting down at a spot for very long hours all for most of the day, ensure to always get up and walk around at planned time intervals. Plan it now and start it soonest! - Too much of television viewing increases obesity. Being overweight multiplies the risk of diabetes in folds that are not as funny as this line intends to be. You are not implicated, right? How about your children?? 6. #SadFact: “The amount of people living with diabetes globally is expected to rise to 642 million by 2040 — World Health Organization. This wouldn’t be a sad fact after all if it would make you reading this to take necessary precautions as this piece is replete with, and also spread the awareness to not only help those who are already living with diabetes live better but also preventing someone out there from falling into the number. 7. Question: “when last did you check your blood glucose level?” In our previous article on 10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD GO FOR A LAB CHECK-UP TODAY, we established blood sugar one of the important blood metabolites that should be regularly monitored by every individual that seeks to be healthy. This becomes even more necessary as one increases in age, because — the susceptibility of people to diabetes increases with increasing age. If you have not been doing so before now, go for a blood glucose test today and make it a routine practice (alongside other blood parameters that need regular assessment). For those who have a positive family history for type 2 diabetics (as explained in the first point), the World Health Organization recommends a fasting blood sugar test at least every 3 years. Additional points: The World Diabetes Day 2018 isn’t just all about the “bad news” and the necessary precautions! — People are living well with diabetes. According to diabetesselfmanagement.com; “With adequate adherence to necessary medication (insulin), home testing, and lowered-carbohydrate diets, people live longer”. A 2012 study by the University of Pittsburgh, revealed that people with Type 1 diabetes born after 1965 had a life expectancy of 69 years. It becomes necessary at this juncture to reiterate: “People who have diabetes can lead a normal life as long as they continue to try”. — For those who are at risk and are already manifesting symptoms of diabetes (prediabetic stage) …this drug — “Metformin” can reduce the risk of eventually coming up with the disease. — Again, we say; Live healthily! Come to find out your status. Diabetes counseling is available in our facility Havana Specialist Hospital. Havana cares! Happy World Diabetes Day!!!

https://medium.com/@havanahospital/world-diabetes-day-what-you-need-to-know-about-diabetes-24dbfa9168e

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The cross holds immense significance in Christianity, serving as a powerful symbol and reminder of the core beliefs and teachings of the faith. It represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the central event in Christian theology, and encompasses a range of profound meanings and implications for believers. Let us delve into the importance of the cross in Christianity and its multifaceted significance. First and foremost, the cross represents the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus willingly offered himself on the cross, bearing the weight of humanity’s sins and reconciling humanity with God. The cross serves as a symbol of divine love, mercy, and forgiveness, as it demonstrates the selfless act of Jesus giving up his life to save others. It emphasizes the belief in God’s grace and the opportunity for salvation through faith in Christ. Moreover, the cross is a powerful emblem of victory over sin and death. Christians believe that through Jesus’ crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, he triumphed over the forces of evil and conquered death itself. The cross signifies the defeat of sin and the promise of eternal life for those who follow Jesus. It serves as a source of hope and inspiration, reminding believers that they can find strength and deliverance in the face of life’s challenges and struggles. Additionally, the cross symbolizes the call to discipleship and self-sacrifice for Christians. Jesus taught his followers to take up their cross and follow him, embracing a life of service, humility, and sacrifice. The cross stands as a reminder of the high cost of discipleship, urging believers to live in accordance with Christ’s teachings and to prioritize love, compassion, and selflessness in their lives. It prompts Christians to consider the greater good and to strive to make a positive impact in the world. Furthermore, the cross fosters a sense of unity among Christians worldwide. Regardless of cultural or denominational differences, the cross serves as a unifying symbol that transcends boundaries and unites believers under a common faith. It represents the shared belief in Jesus Christ as the savior and the foundational truths of Christianity. The cross acts as a unifying force, connecting Christians to a larger global community and providing a sense of belonging and identity. The cross also serves as a tangible reminder of God’s presence and the promise of his faithfulness. Christians often wear cross-shaped jewelry or display crosses in their homes and places of worship as a way to express their faith and to be reminded of God’s love and guidance. The cross can serve as a focal point for prayer and meditation, evoking a sense of reverence and connection to the divine. Moreover, the cross has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music throughout history. Artists have depicted the crucifixion in various mediums, capturing the emotional depth and spiritual significance of the event. Writers and musicians have drawn upon the cross as a source of inspiration, exploring its themes of redemption, sacrifice, and salvation. The cross has become a rich symbol in Christian culture, reflecting the depth of its meaning and its enduring impact on human civilization. In conclusion, the cross holds great importance in Christianity due to its representation of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death, victory over sin and death, and call to discipleship. It symbolizes divine love, redemption, and the promise of eternal life. The cross unites Christians worldwide, fostering a sense of community and shared faith. It serves as a tangible reminder of God’s presence and faithfulness and has inspired countless artistic expressions throughout history. Ultimately, the cross stands as a powerful testament to the core beliefs and teachings of Christianity, encapsulating the profound significance of Jesus’ crucifixion and its transformative impact on the lives of believers.

https://allpastors.org/importance-of-the-cross-in-christianity/

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If you’re a bit lost when it comes to revising for exams or writing essays, you’ll appreciate some expert guidance. These science-backed tricks will help improve your studying methods AND your grades in no time! 1. Take a highlighter hiatus Many students rely on highlighters to mark important parts of text, whether it’s in weekly seminar readings or their own notes. But studies have shown that this method may actually hinder revision progress. According to Professor John Dunlosky, students are more likely to focus on one concept at a time if they identify phrases and words with a brightly coloured pen, making it more difficult to absorb the information as a whole or link key concepts together. Instead of using highlighters, grab a big piece of paper and try to mind map the most significant points of the key texts you’ve read. Creating a visual map will help link the ideas together, and the physical action of writing and drawing will trigger your kinaesthetic memory. 2. Get into the swing of things Pulling all-nighters may work for a very small handful of students, but unfortunately for the majority of people all-nighters generally equal lower grades. Research has proven that getting into a routine and setting yourself up to study at specific times of the day actually trains your brain to learn in those moments, making each and every revision session really count. Some students work best in the morning, others in the evening — there is no right and wrong here. So find the routine that suits you, then make a study timetable and stick to it over the exam period. Your grades will thank you for it! 3. Testing, testing, 1, 2, 3… Not only do practice tests increase your confidence before heading into the real exam, which in turn helps lead to better performance, they also improve your overall exam technique because you learn good pacing skills. By sitting down and taking a practice paper in exam conditions (that means no mobile phones, music or computers — just you, the questions, a pen and a clock to keep track of time), you’ll get a good idea of how the exam will be on the day and how you’ll divide your time. If a whole century of research proves that repeated testing works, the experts can’t be wrong. 4. Get flashy Flashcards have been a fashionable study tool since a simple-yet-effective method was developed by German science journalist Sebastian Leitner in the 1970s. The Leitner system makes use of multiple flashcards organised into a box; if you manage to answer a card correctly, you file it into a section that will be revised less often, but if you give the wrong answer, the card is moved into a section to be revisited more frequently. This system is a highly effective way of prioritising your study topics in a logical manner and, better yet, means you can practise just about anywhere! 5. Break it down Scientifically speaking, cramming is never constructive. Instead, it is much better for you to break your workload down into bite-size chunks. Research has proven time and time again that studying for shorter periods of time with regular rest intervals improves both concentration and memory capacity. Your brain is much better at encoding information into the synapses in short, repeated sessions, rather than one large one. Think back to when you were younger and you learned to swim, ride a bike or play a musical instrument for the first time — you never perfected these skills in one day. So whether you’re memorising difficult maths equations or revising Spanish verb conjugations, remember to follow this technique! 6. Don’t let healthy habits slip It’s always tempting to binge on junk food around deadlines, so you can spend more time studying and not cooking. But in reality, this is only going to have a negative effect on your brainpower. Taking the time out to cook is both a great way to give yourself a break from the books, and also to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs at this stressful time. Top nutritionist Jo Lewin recommends opting for whole grains for a steady supply of energy, oily fish for healthy brain function, antioxidant blueberries and tomatoes for improving short term memory, and vitamins C and K in the form of blackcurrants and broccoli to increase mental agility and enhance cognitive function. And don’t forget to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and help your brain work faster. Goodbye vending machines, hello straight A student! 7. Ditch the distractions It has long been noted that listening to classical music while studying can have a very positive effect on students’ outcomes, with research carried out in France showing a huge difference in test results between students who listened to classical music during a one-hour lecture and those who didn’t. But this doesn’t ring true for all types of music, which can in fact be quite distracting. Research by Nicole Dudukovic, who is psychology professor at Trinity College, Hartford in Connecticut, has shown that listening to music or texting friends while studying does not make you study better (despite the claims of many students). So while you can boost your grades by listening to classical music, listening to Kanye West while studying just won’t have the same effect. Avoid distractions by switching off mobile phones and social media notifications during your designated study period to improve concentration. 8. Study in your sleep (no, really!) Scientists at Northwestern University carried out an experiment to find out if playing sounds to sleeping participants would increase their memory of information learned listening to the same sounds while awake — and it turns out it really does work! If you want to follow this method, try associating sounds with revision cards during waking hours, and then playing those sounds back while you sleep to strengthen the memory. For almost 200 years, researchers have believed sleep plays a vital role in learning, and now it has been confirmed. Names, faces, numbers and locations are consolidated in memory during deep sleep — hurray! Other studies have also shown that by reviewing the most difficult topics just before sleeping the night before a big test makes them easier to recall on the day. But be warned, not getting enough sleep can lead to lower grades and impaired reasoning and memory for up to four days — yikes! 9. Exercise before you try tricky exercises Your brain, like the rest of your body, changes and develops as you grow, and can decline if it’s underused. Studies have proven that even just 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise per day can improve cognitive function by 5-10% in adults. Not only is exercise also beneficial for attention span and information processing, but endorphins that are released during physical activity improve mood and sleep, and reduce stress and anxiety — win! The best part of all, is that the exercise you do doesn’t need to be exhausting, as many of the studies carried out were based on participants walking briskly. So whether you put on your running shoes, roll out your yoga mat or throw on your swimming costume, just half an hour of exercise a day is all you need to keep your brain in good shape. 10. Comfort zone? Change it up Of course it’s important to have a routine, and a big part of that routine should be where it is you decide to study. Research shows that if you study the same material every day, but change where you study, you’re more likely to remember it because your brain will be forced to form new associations with the information, strengthening the memory of it in the process. So don’t stick at your bedroom desk, or even restrict yourself to studying in the library for that matter. Discover new places on campus to study like empty seminar rooms, or head to a (quiet) local café or even a friend’s house to mix it up. This is a very insightful piece… Thanks alot,student.com. This has helped in restructuring some of my views towards studying Very thoughtful. Thanks student.com im so greatful with your counseling & guid toward succesful reading This is very insightful. I can relate with the ones that emphasize the effect of sleep deprivation on reduced performance and many more. Thanks. That’s absolutely a good constructive tips. Thanks @student.com. Now I can study and increase in confidence That’s absolutely a good constructive tips. Thanks @student.com. This is another algorithm that I have not come across before. Honestly , I never thought this short period of studies (time) and getting myself seriously buried with another activities can depreciate my brain power and those I must imployed for better grades……this is so lovely. Student.com Thank you very much..this is really helpful. Thanks a lot Wow, I learnt some new studying techniques today… Thanks for sharing Where have you guys been all my life? Thank you! You guys are just amazing! Thanks for the list. I’ll certainly try them though I already know they’ll work. its really cool. Its amazing what one can accomplish with those little sets of information.. Its dope…. Thanks…its enlightening Thanks for the tips I learnt a lot so thanks! Very interesting analysis. Thanks much actually its a helpful in any aspects of education Tnks alot student.com,fantastic articule This is great, its really encouraging. Thumbs-up Amazing and written with grace. Permission to post on my blog (Myimsu.com) for students of Imo State University, Nigeria to read. Credits will be given to you. Like serious, I know It works. Thanks so much student.com. Thanks @ students.com Actually these are nice tips just discovered. More of it will be needed. Hi – as you long as you link to our post rather than just copying and pasting and give credit, then of course that’s fine! You make me well trained student to achieve good results this methods are so great Comments are closed.

https://www.student.com/articles/10-science-backed-tricks-to-improve-you

Education

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The sickle cell disease of a French teenager has been reversed through a landmark procedure that saw scientists alter his DNA. The teenager was prior to the treatment on a monthly blood transfusion to dilute his defective blood. At age 13, doctors at Necker Children’s Hospital in Paris decided to alter the genetic instructions in his bone marrow. This was done through the injection of a virus (which corrected the defect he had) into his bone marrow. The altered bone marrow was then put back into the patient. Fifteen months since the treatment, the teenager no longer requires medication, and his blood cells show no further sign of the disease, according to the results published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Philippe Leboulch, a professor of medicine at the University of Paris, told the BBC that: “So far the patient has no sign of the disease, no pain, no hospitalisation. He no longer requires a transfusion so we are quite pleased with that. “But of course we need to perform the same therapy in many patients to feel confident that it is robust enough to propose it as a mainstream therapy.” Leboulch, according to the BBC, is hesitant to use the word “cure” because the French teenager is only the first patient to scale through the clinical trials.

https://www.thecable.ng/hurray-first-successful-cure-sickle-cell-recorded-france

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Choosing the right school board for your child is a crucial decision that can significantly impact their educational journey. The school board plays a pivotal role in shaping your child’s learning experience, providing academic support, and fostering their personal growth. With various school boards available, each offering different programs, philosophies, and resources, it’s important to navigate this decision-making process with careful consideration. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when choosing a school board for your child, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your child’s needs and aspirations. Table of Contents A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right School Board for Your Child Understand the Different Types of School Boards Before diving into the selection process, it’s essential to understand the different types of school boards available. In Ontario, the main types of school boards include public, Catholic, and French-language boards. Public school boards are secular and provide education based on the provincial curriculum. Catholic school boards offer a faith-based education in line with Catholic teachings, while French-language boards provide instruction primarily in French. Each type of school board comes with its own unique features and considerations, so it’s important to explore the options available in your area. Assess Your Child’s Needs and Interests Every child is unique, and their educational needs and interests should be central to the decision-making process. Consider your child’s learning style, academic strengths, and areas for improvement. Reflect on their extracurricular interests, such as sports, arts, or music, and evaluate how well a school board aligns with these areas. Additionally, if your child requires specialized support, such as special education programs or language support, ensure that the school board can meet their specific needs. Research School Board Philosophies and Programs Different school boards often have distinct educational philosophies and program offerings. Research the core values and philosophies of each school board to determine if they resonate with your own beliefs and align with the goals you have for your child’s education. Look into their curriculum approaches, teaching methodologies, and enrichment programs. For example, some school boards may prioritize inquiry-based learning, while others may have a focus on STEM education or arts integration. Consider whether these approaches align with your child’s learning style and interests. Consider School Board Reputation and Performance The reputation and performance of a school board can provide valuable insights into the quality of education it offers. Look into the overall academic performance of the schools within the school board, including graduation rates, standardized test scores, and post-secondary acceptance rates. Investigate the resources and facilities available, as well as the qualifications and experience of teachers within the school board. This information can help gauge the level of academic excellence and support your child may receive. Evaluate Accessibility and Transportation Practical considerations such as proximity to your home and transportation options are important factors to consider. Assess the accessibility of schools within the school board and evaluate the transportation services available, such as school bus routes or public transportation. Consider the commute time and logistics involved, ensuring that it is manageable for your family. Seek Feedback and Visit Schools Gather feedback from other parents, students, and community members who have experience with the school board you are considering. Their insights can provide valuable perspectives and firsthand experiences. Take the opportunity to visit schools within the school board, attending open houses or scheduling tours. Observe the learning environment, interact with teachers and staff, and assess the overall atmosphere of the schools. This firsthand experience can help you gauge if the school board’s values and culture align with your expectations. Choosing the right school board for your child is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration. By understanding the different types of school boards, assessing your child’s needs and interests, researching school board philosophies and programs, considering reputation and performance, evaluating accessibility and transportation, and seeking feedback and visiting schools, you can make an informed choice. Remember that every child is unique, and finding the school board that best supports their individual needs and aspirations is key to fostering their educational success and personal growth. 1 thought on “How to Choose the Right School Board for Your Child” Pingback: 5 Things to Know About School Boards in Ontario - Schools in Ontario

https://schoolsinontario.com/how-to-choose-the-right-school-board-for-your-child/

Education

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If left untreated, a foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss. By Mayo Clinic StaffOverview Parts of the ear Parts of the ear The ear is made up of three primary parts: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Each section is composed of structures that play distinct roles in the process of converting sound waves into signals that go to the brain. A foreign object in the ear can cause pain, infection and hearing loss. Most often, you know if something is stuck in your ear. But small children may not be aware of it. Children may have ear pain and be cranky or cry. When to seek emergency help If there is bleeding, severe pain, drainage or signs of infection, seek help right away. Also, if you know the object is a battery, seek help right away. To remove a foreign object from an ear: - Use tweezers. If the object is easy to see and grasp, gently remove it with tweezers. - Use water. Only wash out the ear canal if you don't think there is a hole in the eardrum and no ear tubes are in place. Use a rubber-bulb syringe and warm water to wash the object out of the canal. Don't use water to remove batteries, food or plant material. - Use oil or alcohol for an insect. If the object is an insect, tilt the head so that the ear with the insect is upward. Pour alcohol or warm, but not hot, oil into the ear. The oil can be mineral oil, olive oil or baby oil. The insect should float out. Don't use oil if you think there is a hole in the eardrum or if ear tubes are in place. What to avoid - Never poke or prod the object. If you use tools such as cotton swabs or matchsticks to pry an object out, they can push it deeper into the ear. This may cause more damage. - Never use liquid if there is a hole in the eardrum or if a child has ear tubes. If you see signs of a hole in the eardrum such as pain, bleeding or discharge, see a healthcare professional right away. When to call your doctor If you can't easily see the object and you've tried removing it more than once, stop and get care. Delays and failed tries to remove it can lead to infection and damage. After you remove the object, if there's still pain, discharge from the ear canal, problems hearing or feeling there is something lodged in the ear, see a healthcare professional. May 24, 2024

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid/basics/art-20056709

Health

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Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) There are lots of possible symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Everyone with the condition is affected differently. Some of the most common symptoms include: - feeling extremely tired (fatigue) - problems with your eyes or your vision, such as blurred vision or eye pain - numbness or a tingling feeling in different parts of the body - feeling off balance, dizzy or clumsy (uncoordinated) - muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness - needing to pee more often or not being able to control when you pee - problems with memory or concentration - sexual problems, including a dry vagina or erection problems Symptoms may come (called "flare-ups" or "relapses") and go (called "remissions"), and may get worse over time. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: - you think you have symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions. Having them does not definitely mean you have multiple sclerosis (MS). But it's important to get them checked by a GP. Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if you have sudden: - weakness or numbness in 1 arm - loss or blurring of vision - problems with balance and co-ordination These could be signs of a stroke and need urgent medical attention. Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you. Tests for multiple sclerosis (MS) If your GP thinks you could have multiple sclerosis (MS) they'll refer you to a brain and nerve specialist (neurologist). At your appointment the neurologist will ask about your symptoms. There is no single test to diagnose MS. Tests you may have include: - checks on your movement, coordination, vision, balance and reflexes - blood tests - an MRI scan to see if there is damage to the nerves in your brain or spinal cord - taking a small sample of spinal fluid from your lower back using a needle (lumbar puncture) - tests that use small sensors attached to your skin to measure how quickly messages from your eyes or ears travel to your brain Types of multiple sclerosis (MS) There are 3 main types of multiple sclerosis (MS). They affect everyone differently. Your neurologist may need to monitor your symptoms and test results for some time to diagnose which type you have. Type | How symptoms might affect you | Relapsing remitting | You have flare-ups of symptoms where they get worse (relapse) and then go away or get better (remission). Over time, this type often develops into secondary progressive MS. | Secondary progressive | Your symptoms are there all the time, and get slowly worse. This type of MS can come after relapsing remitting MS. | Primary progressive | Your symptoms slowly get worse over time. You do not have periods when they go away or get better (remission). This is less common than the other types of MS. | Treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) There is currently no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS). But there are treatments that can slow the progression of MS and help ease symptoms. The type of treatment will depend on the type of MS you have and your symptoms. You'll probably need different treatments over time. You'll be supported by different healthcare professionals. This may include a specialist MS nurse, a neurologist (brain and nerve specialist), physiotherapist and occupational therapist. Medicines for MS Treatments you may have include: - steroid medicine to reduce swelling and help nerves work better - medicines called disease-modifying therapies to reduce how many relapses you have and how serious they are - muscle relaxant medicine to help relieve muscle spasms, cramps or stiffness - medicine to treat pain, vision problems and other symptoms Treatment and support for symptoms of MS You'll also be offered treatment and support for the symptoms of MS. Every person's needs will be different depending on their symptoms. Support you might need may include: - advice about how to manage tiredness (fatigue) - physiotherapy and exercises to help with movement problems and muscle pain - mobility equipment (including walking sticks, frames and wheelchairs) and home adaptations (such as stair lifts or railings) to help you with day-to-day activities - cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help with anxiety, depression and fatigue - activities to improve your memory, concentration, thinking and mood (cognitive rehabilitation) - advice, exercises and medicines to help with bowel or bladder problems - advice and treatments for sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, low sex drive (loss of libido) or difficulty reaching orgasm How multiple sclerosis (MS) affects your life Multiple sclerosis (MS) is different for everyone. No one can predict how much your MS might affect you. For some people, MS only has a small impact on daily life which means you can continue with your work and usual activities. Others have more severe symptoms which can have a much bigger impact. MS symptoms can affect mobility, and you may need to adapt your life by using mobility aids, reducing working hours or needing more help around the home. MS treatments are improving, so if you're diagnosed with MS today you can expect a better quality of life than was possible before. Most people with MS live into old age although life expectancy, on average, is a few years less than the general population. Causes of multiple sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis (MS) happens when your immune system attacks your brain and nerves. It's not clear what causes this. You might be more likely to get MS if: - you're aged 20 to 50 - you're a woman – women are more likely than men to get MS - you have a brother, sister or parent who has MS - you smoke – people who smoke are about twice as likely to develop MS - you've had the Epstein-Barr virus (a common virus that causes illnesses such as glandular fever) Help and support for multiple sclerosis (MS) Multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a difficult condition to live with, both physically and emotionally. As well as support from your doctor and MS nurse, you may find it helpful to get support from other people with MS, either at a local support group or online. There are also national charities that can offer support and information about MS. Information and support for anyone affected by MS. - Website: www.mssociety.org.uk - Helpline: 0808 800 8000 - MS Society: local support groups - MS Society: community forum - MS Society: virtual support events Information and support for anyone affected by MS. Information and emotional support for anyone affected by MS.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Multiple-sclerosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

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Imagine you’re in your car driving home. The weather isn’t particularly bad, the road conditions are fine, and you’re singing along with the radio. Then out of nowhere, a car makes an illegal turn, winds up in front of you, and you don’t have time to stop. You hear the screech of metal as your car collides with the other, and brace yourself to go flying through the windshield. Instead, you are pushed backward into your seat, held there for a split second, and then the pressure subsides. Your seatbelt was the first line of defense but you are upright in the driver’s seat because your car is equipped with a vehicle airbag. Twenty years ago, when vehicle airbag systems were first being offered, many people joked about how airbags worked. Some likened them to stove-top popcorn, of the type that started out looking like a pie pan and ended up looking like a lumpy silver balloon, while others thought they were just really big balloons. Either way, most people thought and many people still think that once an airbag deploys, it remains inflated leaving you cheek to cheek with talcum coated nylon until help arrives. In reality though, how airbags work is by decreasing the momentum of the driver and passengers within a car to zero. It’s a direct relation to the old physics statement about objects in motion remaining in motion; when your car collides with another, the car stops moving but without an airbag and your seatbelt (they’re designed to work together) you would keep going forward. To make matters more difficult, this momentum must be stopped in less than a whole second and only the space between the driver and steering wheel or passenger and dashboard is available for this to happen. How Airbags Work There are three main components to an airbag system. They are the bag, the sensor, and the inflation system. Airbags are constructed from a fine gauge of nylon and then folded into the steering wheel, dashboard, the door panel or sometimes, the roof rails above the door. This is the mechanism that tells the bag it’s time to inflate, which generally requires the equivalent force of running into a brick wall at 10 – 15 mph. Sensors in newer airbag systems are designed to determine whether or not there is a person in the front passenger seat and whether or not the passenger has enough weight for the bag to be safely deployed. The Inflation System The inflation system of an airbag is usually a combination of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sodium azide (NaN3) which combine to form nitrogen gas. Hot discharges of this gas inflate the bag at a speed of roughly 200 mph. Immediately after inflation, the gas is dispersed through tiny holes in the airbag, which causes it to deflate. The entire process takes about 1/25 of a second. Talk about a chemistry and physics lesson rolled into one! Cornstarch or talcum powder is generally used within the storage system for airbags to keep everything flexible and stick-proof. It also helps to ensure that the airbag will deploy properly. Airbags were originally designed to be used as a seatbelt replacement system. Ford actually produced cars with an early version of the technology in the 1970s but the modern version of the bags didn’t come into wide use until the late 1980s. It wasn’t until the mid-1990s that at least two airbags were standard in most cars. No longer marketed to replace seatbelts, it is now understood that airbags work in tandem with safety belts to keep drivers and passengers inside a car, and in an upright position, during a collision. The use of a seatbelt however is still the most important aspect of automobile safety. Other safety features related to vehicle airbags are as follows: 1. The ideal distance is 10 inches between your breastbone and an airbag. Smaller distances can cause impact injuries when the bag is first inflated. 2. Smaller adults (under 5′ 4″) and children may be safer riding in cars with the passenger seat airbags switched off, in order to avoid injuries to the face and neck during a collision. 3. Children in backward-facing infant seats should never be placed in a front seat with the airbag engaged; their heads are too close to the bag. Modern vehicle airbags are much safer than the originals from the 80s and 90s, and now do more than just protect passengers from front-impact collisions. Current systems include special protection for the head and neck, and some will help cushion and restrain the driver and passengers if the vehicle should roll over.

https://www.mymoto.com.ng/how-airbags-work/

Car Talk

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Scientists can now alter the DNA of human embryos in their earliest stages It is hoped that the research will help our understanding of how fertilized eggs develop There are concerns that the program could lead the way to "designer babies" British scientists have been given the green light to genetically modify human embryos, for the first time in the nation’s history. The landmark decision means scientists will now be allowed to alter the DNA of embryos, for research purposes only. It remains illegal for these genetically altered embryos to be implanted in a woman. It is hoped the experiments will improve our understanding of the earliest stages of embryo development. The research, which was approved by the Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, will use excess embryos donated by couples who have had in vitro fertilization treatment. Scientists will be focusing on the first seven days of a fertilized egg’s growth. In these early days, a fertilized egg evolves from a single cell to around 250 cells. The research, which will be led by Dr. Kathy Niakan, will take place at the Francis Crick Institute in London and has been hailed as a “triumph for common sense” by leading figures of the British science community. “The decision allows basic scientific research into early embryo development and miscarriage to continue.” However, the research has also raised concerns that it could pave the way for “designer babies” – going beyond health improvements and modifying everything from a child’s eye color to intelligence. “I am absolutely certain this is coming,” Ronald Green, a Dartmouth College professor and author of “Babies by Design: The Ethics of Genetic Choice,” told CNN. He has served on the National Institutes of Health’s human embryo research panel. “By the end of this century, I am absolutely confident that we will have the tools for someone with the means to use this information to change the child they can have through this process.” It is not the first time a country has genetically modified human embryos. In April of last year, scientists in China became the first in the world to edit a gene that causes a blood disorder. That same month, the U.S. National Institutes of Health released a statement saying it would not fund gene editing technologies in human embryos. “The concept of altering the human germline in embryos for clinical purposes has been debated over many years from many different perspectives, and has been viewed almost universally as a line that should not be crossed,” NIH Director Francis Collins said. The UK program is set to begin in the next few months, subject to ethical approval.

http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/01/health/genetically-modified-embryos-dna-uk-scientists/index.html

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We’ve talked a bit about augmented reality until now and the concept is starting to become familiar: it’s a technology which allows overlaying 3D elements over the real world, whether we’re talking about text or objects. Besides this, we’ve also walked through the ways through which AR can help people working in various domains, starting from medicine and engineering, to design and marketing. And we kept seeing how people can place an augmented reality 3D model or more in the real world, but how many of you wondered how on Earth are these models created? Because they do come from somewhere and they’re definitely not from a ginormous database. Well, the answer is actually simple: you create them. Whether it’s a chair or a metallic structure, everything can be created, in order to be used with augmented reality apps. Even though the final product is pretty much basic, the process behind the creation of an augmented reality 3D model can be pretty complicated. Looking forward to seeing what it takes to make one? Let’s find out together! Which methods can I use to create an augmented reality 3D model? In most cases, 3D models are created using a real-world object as “inspiration”. this can be done using three methods, as detailed below. Method 1: Photogrammetry Keeping it short, this method relies on a series of photos taken of a real-world object in order to create an augmented reality 3D model of it. Then, using photogrammetry software, you can create an accurate high-density mesh of it. Specifically, this mesh is actually a group of triangles that define the shape of the object, which comes along texture images that define the color and other details. It’s worth mentioning that not all objects can be transposed to AR, as they need to meet a few conditions, like having a rough surface, being opaque and having a lot of visual patterns on their surface. Method 2: 3D scanning Moving on, you can also create an augmented reality 3D model by using specific software, able to scan a real object and transforming it into an AR object. Of course, while this technology can be highly effective in terms of accuracy, it will result in a non-optimized model, with a not-so-great texture. In order to improve its quality, manual work should be done, which can take a lot of time in some cases. Sure, you can buy a high-end 3D scanner as well, if budget is not a problem and you really want to create models by scanning them. Method 3: Use a 3D modeling program Finally, let’s talk about the most accessible method of creating an augmented reality 3D model is by creating it from scratch, using specific process. Obviously, this takes a lot of time and implies a lot of modeling skills, but there’s no doubt that you will end up with a fully optimized model. In most cases, models are created using a software called Maya, while the next steps imply bringing them to Mudbox, for coloring the texture. If you’re into 3D modeling yourself, let us know which one of methods is your favorite! Also, if you know any other methods of doing this, don’t keep them for yourself and tell us about them! Comments are closed.

https://www.unlockunit.com/blog/how-to-create-an-augmented-reality-3d-model/

Phones

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Mary, the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, is one of the most famous women who have ever lived. Although her name is easily recognized, little is actually known about the woman herself, her upbringing, or her life after her Son, Jesus, returned to His heavenly Father (John 16:28; Acts 1:9–11). So what did happen to Mary after the gospel accounts? What we know for sure is that Mary was an unmarried virgin girl when God sent the angel Gabriel to give her a message (Luke 1:26–27). She was engaged to a man named Joseph, but they had not had sexual relations (Luke 1:34; Matthew 1:18, 25). She became pregnant as a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit, so that the Child she carried had no earthly father (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:35). An angel also visited Joseph and told him to go ahead and take Mary as his wife, so they married and Joseph became known as the father of Jesus, even though he was not (Matthew 1:21–24; 13:55). The rest of the Christmas story found in Luke 2 gives us glimpses of Mary as she gives birth to the Savior (verse 6), is visited by the shepherds (verse 16), and is eventually found by the wise men from the East (Matthew 2:7–12). After Jesus’ birth, as they were commanded to do under Jewish law (Exodus 13:2; Leviticus 12:6–8), Mary and Joseph brought baby Jesus to the temple to present Him to the Lord and offer the proper sacrifice. They met two prophets there who immediately recognized the Promised One of Israel. An aged woman, Anna, blessed the Child, and elderly Simon prophesied over Him, giving Mary a glimpse of the sorrow that would one day pierce her heart when her Son would suffer for the sins of the world (Luke 2:34–35). The next time we see Mary is in Luke 2:41–52, when Jesus was twelve years old and attending Passover at the temple for the first time, as was Jewish custom. Jesus, becoming aware of His true identity, spent His time in the temple with the priests and teachers, amazing them with His wisdom. Mary and Joseph started home without Him, thinking He was with others in their caravan. They went a day’s journey before they realized He was not with them. They returned to Jerusalem and spent another three days searching for Him. Mary expressed a normal mother’s frustration when they found Him and scolded Him a bit for scaring them that way (verse 48). Mary is not mentioned again until the beginning of Jesus’ three-year ministry. He had been invited to a wedding in the Galilean town of Cana (John 2:1–10). When the host ran out of wine, it was Mary who came to Jesus and told Him about it. Jesus then quietly performed His first miracle, turning about 150 gallons of water into fine wine (verses 6–10). After the wedding Jesus went with “his mother and his brothers and his disciples to Capernaum to stay for a few days” (verse 12). The fact that only Mary is mentioned, not Joseph, seems to indicate that her husband had died at some point during Jesus’ growing-up years. Despite the miraculous events surrounding His birth, Mary still did not fully grasp her firstborn Son’s true purpose. Matthew 12:46–48, the next mention of Mary after the wedding in Cana, recounts an incident when she and Jesus’ brothers summoned Him as He was preaching. His response to their interruption indicates that He understood that even those closest to Him did not yet understand or believe in Him as Israel’s Messiah. In John 7:2–5, Jesus’ brothers tried again to dissuade Him from what God had sent Him to do. This may also indicate that Mary continued to be confused about His role in coming to earth. We see Mary again at the crucifixion in John 19:25–27. She watched her holy Son be tortured and crucified. From the cross Jesus turned to His disciple John and asked him to take care of His mother from then on. So we know that John took Mary into his own home. Jesus’ choice of John to care for Mary may have been due to the fact that Jesus knew His own brothers were not yet believers and He wanted His mother to be with someone who believed in Him. Acts 1:14 finds Mary among the disciples in the upper room after Jesus’ ascension into heaven. She was among the one hundred twenty (Acts 1:15) who were baptized in the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4). It may have been only after her Son’s resurrection that Mary truly believed, as did some of her other children (Galatians 1:19). Her presence at Pentecost is the Bible’s last reference to Mary. Since Scripture is silent about what happened to Mary after Pentecost, we have only tradition and legend to tell us what became of her. Many scholars speculate that Mary lived out her years in John’s home, either in Jerusalem or in Ephesus. Some have suggested that, since it is believed that John oversaw many of the churches in Asia Minor, Mary moved to Ephesus with him and was part of the Ephesian church where young Timothy pastored (1 Timothy 1:3), but we cannot know for certain. What we do know is that, although Mary was chosen by God for a unique assignment, she had to receive salvation by faith in her Son just as we all do (Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:8–9; Acts 4:12). Mary is now in heaven with all the believers who have died in Christ, not because she gave birth to Jesus but because she trusted in His shed blood as payment for her sin (1 Thessalonians 5:9–10; 2 Timothy 2:11).

https://www.gotquestions.org/what-happened-to-Mary.html

Religion

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This course aims to teach everyone the basics of programming computers using Python. We cover the basics of how one constructs a program from a series of simple instructions in Python. The course has no pre-requisites and avoids all but the simplest mathematics. Anyone with moderate computer experience should be able to master the materials in this course. This course will cover Chapters 1-5 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. Once a student completes this course, they will be ready to take more advanced programming courses. This course covers Python 3. Programming for Everybody (Getting Started with Python) This course is part of Python for Everybody Specialization Taught in English Some content may not be translated Instructor: Charles Russell Severance 3,165,175 already enrolled What you'll learn Install Python and write your first program Describe the basics of the Python programming language Use variables to store, retrieve and calculate information Utilize core programming tools such as functions and loops Skills you'll gain Details to know Add to your LinkedIn profile See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills Build your subject-matter expertise - Learn new concepts from industry experts - Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool - Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects - Earn a shareable career certificate Earn a career certificate Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV Share it on social media and in your performance review There are 7 modules in this course These are the course-wide materials as well as the first part of Chapter One where we explore what it means to write programs. We finished Chapter One and had the quiz and first assignment in the third week of the class. Throughout the course, you may want to come back and look at these materials. This section should not take you an entire week. 7 videos6 readings In this module you will set things up so you can write Python programs. Not all activities in this module are required for this class so please read the "Using Python in this Class" material for details. 6 videos2 readings1 peer review1 app item In the first chapter, we try to cover the "big picture" of programming so you get a "table of contents" of the rest of the book. Don't worry if not everything makes perfect sense the first time you hear it. This chapter is quite broad and you would benefit from reading the chapter in the book in addition to watching the lectures to help it all sink in. You might want to come back and re-watch these lectures after you have finished a few more chapters. 4 videos1 quiz1 app item In this chapter we cover how a program uses the computer's memory to store, retrieve and calculate information. 6 videos1 reading1 quiz2 app items In this section we move from sequential code that simply runs one line of code after another to conditional code where some steps are skipped. It is a very simple concept - but it is how computer software makes "choices". 5 videos1 quiz2 app items This is a relatively short chapter. We will learn about what functions are and how we can use them. The programs in the first chapters of the book are not large enough to require us to develop functions, but as the book moves into more and more complex programs, functions will be an essential way for us to make sense of our code. 4 videos1 quiz1 app item Loops and iteration complete our four basic programming patterns. Loops are the way we tell Python to do something over and over. Loops are the way we build programs that stay with a problem until the problem is solved. 8 videos2 readings1 quiz1 app item Why people choose Coursera for their career Showing 3 of 228240 - 5 stars - 4 stars - 3 stars - 2 stars - 1 star New to Software Development? Start here. Frequently asked questions Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option: The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.

https://www.coursera.org/course/pythonlearn

Programming

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Upping a child’s interest in science may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Interested in raising a child who loves science, here are 5 ways to go about it. 1. Stimulate Their Interest Early Getting children to love science can and should kick start as early as possible. Start when they are still infants, by providing stimulating crib toys, mobiles, and activity boards. Encouraging your toddler to touch and move things that support their natural curiosity and help them to learn as they grow. Research has it that the earlier children are encouraged to investigate their surroundings, the more interested they are in science and the more successful they are in all areas of learning later in life. 2. Encourage Your Children To Ask Questions Curiosity is the basis for all offshoots of science. When your child asks a question, don’t dive into answering it, but try to start a discussion on the topic. Tickle their curiosity and build on it. For example, if they ask why trees lose their leaves in the harmattan season, use that to explain the seasons of the year to them. Ask them if all trees lose their leaves or just some do. Have them monitor a tree throughout the seasons to learn how it changes. Be a part of your child’s science interests as they develop. If they ask many questions about one topic, take the time to read it up. If your child becomes interested in space ships, read about space ships yourself so you can have extensive and insightful conversations around it. 3. Help Your Child To Experiment Experiments are a great way for children to learn how to think scientifically and build problem-solving skills. They don’t have to be elaborate; the goal is to get your child involved and to encourage them to think like scientists. Before the experiment, ask them what they predict will happen and why. The why is very important. And after it is complete, ask them why they think it turned out the way it did. For example, you can place an ice-cube on the counter and time how long it takes to melt. Then you can place another in the refrigerator and one in the sun. Ask your child the one they think will last longer, and why. Encourage them to begin to think about what causes the ice-cube to melt. 4. Find Science In Your Home In today’s world, you don’t have to work in a laboratory to experience science with your child. Look for everyday examples and discuss the science behind their workings. If you have an aquarium, let your child help feed the fish. Talk about your interest in a way that gets your child involved, and your child may learn to enjoy it as well. Encourage them to help you bake and then discuss the chemical reaction that changes the different ingredients into a cake. Same goes if you garden. Have your child help you, and point out the different plants and animals, such as insects, that you see. The discussion should be scientific and focused on getting your child to think critically. You don’t need to provide a scientific lecture. Don’t bore them. Instead, ask questions like: “what do you think will happen when this goes into the refrigerator? Why do you think that?” This will encourage them to think scientifically without them even realising it. Share your own scientific experiences and interests with them too. If you have a science-related passion of your own, now is a good time to share it with your child. Seeing you enthusiastic about a subject might excite them, in addition to being a great way to bond with your child. If you work in a science lab or something related, arrange for your child to visit you at work, either alone, with a friend, or with the rest of their class. 5. Have Them Watch Television Programs And Movies That Deal With Science These shows can either be non-fiction, such as documentaries, or fictional stories involving science. Television and movies are great ways to make science interesting to your kids. It is especially helpful if your child is reluctant to learn about science in the usual traditional ways. After the program, ask your child questions about what they enjoyed the most. Encourage them to think and talk about the ways science was used in the show or movie. There are a host of different science shows for children of all ages. For preschoolers, you may want to launch out with Sid the Science Guy (PBS), Octonauts (Disney and Netflix), or Blaze and the Monster Machines (Nickelodeon). For school-age kids, check out Outer Space (Fox) or Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab (Netflix). Children who are middle-school aged or older might like Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (Fox) or Nova (PBS). SciGirls (PBS) is another science program that is targeted at tween girls. 6. Look For Science-Related Apps This is a great way to get children to explore science without even realizing they are learning. There are a host of computer games and apps available for all age ranges on subjects such as aquatic life, animals, astronomy, chemistry, and many more scientific topics. You can ask your child’s teacher for recommendations on educational apps. Have You Read: 5 Things To Do If Your Child Hates Math Also consider exploring computer games and apps that correspond to subjects that your child is currently learning in school. There are many different science apps to pick from. Seasons and Weather! and Gazzili Science are popular apps built for preschoolers. How it Works and Bobo Explores Light are interactive apps designed with school-aged children in mind. For your middle-school aged children and up, try BioDigital Human, The Long Journey Home, or Virulent. 7. Have Them Play Online Science Games Many institutions, such as the Smithsonian or NASA, have websites designed for children that include games. Just like apps, these are a great way for children to learn while having a fun time. If your child likes a specific game, then follow up on that topic. For instance, if your child likes a game from the NASA website, try watching shows about space or reading books about astronomy. Many game websites will have a list of additional resources you can use to help your child learn more about science. Find more resources on children’s education here.

https://fabmumng.com/5-ways-to-raise-a-child-who-loves-science/

Education

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