Utah man accused of causing wildfire by burning a spider

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah man has been arrested on accusations he started a wildfire while trying to burn a spider with his lighter.

Cory Allan Martin, 26, told deputies that he spotted the spider Monday while he was in a hiking area in the foothills south of Salt Lake City near the city of Springville, shows a probable cause statement. He acknowledged starting the fire, but didn't explain why he was trying to burn the spider.

Deputies found a jar of marijuana in his belongings, but he didn’t appear to be high, said Utah County Sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Cannon.

There is no evidence to suggest he intentionally started the blaze, said Cannon, but he called it a reckless and puzzling decision. This area and most of Utah are bone dry amid extreme drought conditions.

“What led him to stop and notice a spider and decide to try to burn it, we don’t know,” Cannon said. “There may not be a why. He might not even know a why."

Martin was arrested on suspicion of reckless burn and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, court documents show.

He was in the Utah County jail Tuesday on nearly $2,000 bail. It was unknown if he had an attorney.

The wildfire quickly spread up the mountain and had burned less than 1 square mile (1 square kilometer) as of Tuesday, according to fire officials. No homes had been damaged.


QFold: Quantum Walks and Deep Learning to Solve Protein Folding

The problem of protein folding is one of the most crucial and tough jobs in computational biochemistry. Just lately, deep finding out types, these kinds of as AlphaFold, ended up shown to be additional helpful in this activity than classical approaches.

The probably progress of quantum computing could support to boost latest algorithms further. A study printed on arXiv.org introduces QFold, an implementation of the quantum Metropolis algorithm working with the machine finding out output as a starting off position.

DNA helix. Image credit: Gerd Altmann Pixabay, free of charge licence

The suggested product describes proteins according to actual torsion angles alternatively than working with approximate rigid lattice types. A superior precision could be obtained the moment substantial mistake-corrected quantum desktops grew to become out there. Also, the time essential for calculation would shorten appreciably. A evidence-of-principle was effectively applied on actual quantum components, therefore validating the operate.

We create quantum computational resources to predict how proteins fold in 3D, one of the most crucial complications in latest biochemical exploration. We clarify how to merge the latest deep finding out developments with the very well regarded method of quantum walks used to a Metropolis algorithm. The result, QFold, is a entirely scalable hybrid quantum algorithm that in contrast to earlier quantum approaches does not have to have a lattice product simplification and alternatively depends on the substantially additional practical assumption of parameterization in phrases of torsion angles of the amino acids. We evaluate it with its classical analog for distinct annealing schedules and find a polynomial quantum benefit, and validate a evidence-of-principle realization of the quantum Metropolis in IBMQ Casablanca quantum processor.

Investigate paper: Casares, P. A. M., Campos, R., and Martin-Delgado, M. A., “QFold: Quantum Walks and Deep Studying to Solve Protein Folding”, 2021, arXiv210110279. Website link: https://arxiv.org/stomach muscles/2101.10279


Good Essays
Topics: Bronze Age

The peoples known as the Celts are thought to have originated in central Europe, to the east of the Rhine in the areas now part of southern Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. From around 3,400 years ago, these proto-Celtic peoples expanded across the Continent, and eventually inhabited a large portion of central, western, and northwestern Europe. During the Classical periods of Greece and Rome, Celtic culture was predominant to the north of the Alps. Even today, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, Cumbria and Brittany are basically Celtic in character. Despite the changes that time has brought, the influence of Celtic traditions is still fundamental. History tells us that there were two main Celtic groups, one of which is referred to as the 'lowland Celts' who hailed from the region of the Danube. They were skilled in the use of metals and worked in gold, tin and bronze. The second group, often referred to as the 'true' Celts, followed closely behind their lowland cousins, making their first appearance on the left bank of the Rhine at the commencement of the sixth century BCE. These people, who came from the mountainous regions of the Balkans and Carpathians, were a military aristocracy. Reputed to love fighting for the sake of it, they were frequently to be found among the mercenaries of the great armies of those early times. The early Celtic cultures consist of the Urnfield and Hallstatt cultures. The Late Bronze-Age Urnfield Culture in Central Europe lasted from approximately 1350 to 800 BCE. The name comes from the custom of cremating the dead and placing their ashes in urns which were then buried in fields. This late Bronze Age culture was warlike. The culture was with fortified settlements as well as bronze weapons. The consistency of the Urnfield culture and the perseverance of certain ceramic had a large influence on early Iron Age Culture. Hallstatt Culture followed after Urnfield. The spread of

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Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution:

“Enemies hopeful of our flaws, constantly discouraged since Islamic Revolution”

Supreme Leader of Islamic Republic met with the head and officials of the Judiciary on the martyrdom anniversary of Ayatollah Mohammad Hussein Beheshti marked as Judiciary Day stressing the key role of the branch in administration of the country.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in this meeting held on Tuesday morning referred to several instances when enemies were hopeful of ending the Islamic Revolution but were constantly disappointed, reported Taqrib News Agency (TNA).
Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution commemorated late Ayatollah Beheshti and the martyrs of Judiciary hailing the late cleric as a renowned figure who had close cooperation with the Islamic Revolution since his return from abroad back in early 70s.
The Leader referred to the chaotic situation in Iran in the early days after the victory of Islamic Revolution when the Mujahedin Khalq Organization (MKO) launched attacks against the ordinary people and popular forces in any possible way.
Ayatollah Khamenei noted the three months during which Ayatollah Beheshti and a number of prominent political figures in Haft tir bombing on June 28, 1981 as the darkest time with horrible incidents demanding which administration is capable of standing against all such incidents?
Supreme Leader referred to the horrible instances in Iran including the martyrdom of Ayatollah Beheshti and the following incidents bringing much ecstasy to enemies and hopes for an end to the system in Iran though they were all disappointed.
The Leader said,” Enemies have been hopeful of a defect or a shortcoming in the Islamic Republic system though they were disappointed not knowing that the key to Iran’s rising amid much pressure imposed on the country.”
Supreme Leader noted,” Enemies have not discovered that there are calculations and connections rather than political ones and those are the heavenly relationships.”
“To depend upon the fact that we are Muslims or Shias does not bring us the freedom to behave as we wish. We can stand on our feet and beat the discourage enemies as we did back four decades ago” said the Leader.
Ayatollah Khamenei referred to the key role of Judiciary in the administration of the country and enumerated the responsibilities of the judiciary in promotion of justice across the nation.
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Taiwan: St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy Donates Books to National Central Library

Ambassador Jasmine Elise Huggins (second left) reads Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis children's book 'The Masquerade Dance' with Taiwanese school children. CNA photo June 30, 2022
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Taipei, June 30 (CNA) The Embassy of Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis in Taiwan donated a set of five English books written by authors from the Caribbean country to the National Central Library (NCL) on Thursday to promote cultural understanding between the two ally countries.

At a ceremony held at the library that was attended by teachers, educators, and officials from Taiwan’s foreign and education ministries, Saint Christopher and Nevis Ambassador Jasmine Elise Huggins said the book donation brings the people of her country and Taiwan closer.

“This donation forms part of a broader initiative that seeks to introduce to elementary schools, high schools and universities in Taiwan, a wider spectrum of English literature through books written by us and about us, the diplomatic allies of Taiwan,” Huggins said.

Among the books is a children’s book titled “Adventure at Brimstone Hill” by Carol Ottley-Mitchell that tells the story of three children who set off on an adventure by following a mischievous monkey through a secret passage at the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park in Saint Kitts.

Another is a historical novel “Crossing the River” by Caryl Phillips that tells the story of various people during different time periods and in different continents as they struggle with the separation from their native Africa.

Huggins said she hopes the books can help Taiwanese to appreciate, learn, and understand more about her country’s culture.

“To know that we are also an English-speaking country, whose books are rich with stories and experiences about which they can relate. To show that we are more alike than we are different,” Huggins told CNA.

Huggins said she hoped the books could also help further the efforts by Taiwan’s government to make the East Asian country a bilingual nation by 2030.

In Saint Christopher and Nevis, where English is the official language, children are encouraged to read voraciously so that they can learn more and master the English language, Huggins said.

NCL Director-General Tseng Shu-hsien (曾淑賢) said the public will be able to start reading the books in the library from July 2 when they are placed in a dedicated “Saint Christopher (Saint Kitts) and Nevis Corner” decorated with ornaments and art from the Caribbean country.

The donation of the books came after a visit to the NCL by a group of ambassadors led by Huggins in April, when a proposal on cultural collaboration and exchange was presented, Tseng said.

The NCL is glad to function as a platform to help the people of Taiwan know more about its allies, Tseng said.

In addition to keeping the donated books at the NCL, the library will also purchase more copies of the books and send them to public libraries across Taiwan, Tseng said.

As for educational institutions, Huggins said she hopes to visit them around Taiwan and to develop partnerships with schools and universities so that the books can be part of the English teaching curriculum.

(By William Yen)

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How to Put a Snowmobile Engine in a Golf Cart

You may have heard of Golf but never played it. This article will help you understand what golf is about, its Rules, how it works, and what the different golf courses are. You will also learn the hand-eye coordination necessary to play golf. So, get ready for a fun and challenging day of golf! These are the basics:

Rules of golf

To play the game well, you will need to be familiar with the Rules of Golf. The terrain of the course is the basis for the rules for greens. The course is marked by yellow or red stakes. The tee box is two club lengths behind the ball. They may be disqualified if they miss the ball by more that two club lengths. They can use the penalty stroke if they miss the ball more than two club-lengths.

Rule 8 explains the central principle of golf. The central principle of golf is covered in Rule 8. The player may take reasonable actions to improve the conditions, and in certain limited circumstances, those conditions can be restored without penalty. Provisional balls can also be used under the Rules of Golf. These balls can be used as a backup if the original ball is lost. If the ball is found within three minutes, the player may continue with the provisional ball.

The next rule is about etiquette. Etiquette is an essential part of playing golf. It is how you interact with other golfers and the environment on the course. Respect others and play at a reasonable pace. You should also take care of the course and repair divots and bunkers. You could be disqualified from the tournament if you cause excessive damage. It is important to remember the Rules of Golf, and to follow them.

Types of golf courses

Several types of golf courses exist. There are also links and parkland golf courses. Inland parks have natural vegetation, while desert and parkland-style courses have artificial turf or carpet. Although links courses are usually open to the public, some are located in urban areas. A golf course can generally be divided into one or more of these categories. These are the most common types of golf courses.

You can categorize golf course access by size, type of holes, setting, design, and accessibility. There are public courses, which are open to the public, municipal courses, and daily fee golf courses. The public courses are usually more accessible as they are often free to the public. Day-use courses, on the other hand, are privately-owned and are generally more expensive. The following table lists some of the most common golf courses and their characteristics.

These courses are the most well-known. The word links is derived from the Old English word “hlinc,” which means “sandy place.” While many golf courses claim they are links, only a few actually are. Links courses are located in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Ireland, regardless of their title. Links courses must be built on the coast and have sandy soil beneath. Links golf is a name for golf.

Origins of golf

The origins of the game of golf could have been before the 15th Century. There is evidence that suggests it may have evolved from medieval football. Diverse historians have disputed the authenticity and legitimacy of Scottish sources about golf’s history. Pictorial evidence also suggests that the game was invented somewhere in Europe. The earliest known picture of the game is found in a book called Hours, owned by Adelaide of Savoy. The book predates Scottish sources by almost 400 years.

The history of the game of golf is rich. It has been traced back to Moses, who played it in ancient times. It is mentioned in literature from ancient Rome. Later, the game was played by shepherds across Europe. In medieval Germany shepherds used sticks to launch golf stones. The Dutch also claim a great contribution to golf’s development. They called it het Kolven (or Kolf), which sounds very similar to golf’s modern name.

There are many theories as to how and when golf was first developed. Some historians believe the game was adapted to chaugan, a Persian national game. Some theories suggest that the game evolved from a cross-country game called chicane, where you hit a ball with a stick. The Chinese, on the other hand, claim that a form of golf, chui wan, was played as far back as 300 BC. The French game was influenced in part by the game of golf, also known as chui wan. Emil Zola’s novel refers to it as chole.

To play golf, you need to have good hand-eye coordination

One of the most important skills needed to play golf is hand-eye coordination. This is the ability quickly switch between near and distant objects. You should practice near-far drills to improve your hand eye coordination. These drills can improve your golf swing, your reaction time, as well as your athleticism. A drill to improve hand-eye coordination is a great place to start. Learn how to improve hand-eye coordination by doing this simple exercise.

For decades, golfers were told to keep their heads down while hitting the ball. However, this has led to many golfers changing their swing and sustaining poor club-ball contact. It also increases injury risk. To maintain correct posture, arm extension and wrist action during a golf swing, golfers use a 13-million-bit processor. Even if they can’t see the ball while swinging, they still make the fundamentally correct body pivot and arm swing. This allows them to hit it accurately.

A good player should not only have a solid swing mechanic but also have great hand-eye coordination. Golf is a sensory motor activity. Repetitive practice sessions help the brain make the right decisions about where to hit the ball. This information is sent throughout the body to the muscles, joints, ligaments, and other parts. Perfect practice requires a healthy brain, good hand-eye coordination, and a healthy brain.

Common scoring methods in golf

There are many scoring methods for golf. They vary depending on what type of game you play. The stroke play method is used in most golf games. This allows players to count the number of strokes they have played per hole. This method determines who the hole’s winner. Match play is where a player’s score is lower that the total score of all other players. For each hole that he ties, a player will get half a point.

Another common scoring method is the par system, which rates each hole according to its difficulty. Par 3 is a difficult hole that requires three shots to hit. Experts would expect to be able to hit it in three. To allow players of different skill levels and abilities to compete, handicaps are used to grade the players. The par system has been around for centuries, and it has helped to ensure that the game remains competitive and fair to everyone. Here are some examples of common scoring methods in golf:

Scores are often expressed as percentages of a score against a certain par. A player with five strokes on a hole of par 4 is one over par. A player with three strokes at the same hole is considered to be one under par. On some holes, a player can concede without penalty if he scores one stroke over par. This method allows players to score more points without penalty.

Equipment needed to play Golf

If you’re planning on learning how to play golf, you’ll need the appropriate equipment. In general, golf clubs are the most important piece of equipment you’ll need. Each club serves a different purpose, has a particular design, and every golfer has a basic set. More players are choosing hybrid clubs, which combine elements from many golf clubs into one. This is a great way to learn the game while saving money.

Apart from the golf bag, you will need to wear the appropriate clothing. The attire should fit well and not wrinkle. The shirt should not be pulled up. You’ll also need golf shoes, which should absorb moisture away from the foot. You can also borrow divot repair tools from the course manager. While they’re not essential, using one is considered a good practice. These tools can also be used to repair dents in your golf balls.

Although golf is often considered a game for kings and royalty, it can be enjoyed even by the average person. You can make the most out of your game with the right tools and basic knowledge. Shopping for golfing gear can be intimidating for first-timers, especially if you’ve never played before. There are many options on the market and it can be overwhelming to choose which items to purchase.


W08 – Ancient Iran and the Heritage of the Ancient Near East

Organizer: M. Rahim Shayegan (University of California, Los Angeles)

  1. Maria Brosius (University of Toronto)
  2. Dan Beckman (Princeton University)
  3. Rolf Strootman (Universiteit Utrecht)
  4. Jake Nabel (The Getty, Getty Research Institute)
  5. M. Rahim Shayegan (University of California, Los Angeles)

General Abstract

This workshop focuses on the history of ancient Iran in a longue durée perspective. It takes Iranian history as being part of the larger framework of ancient Near Eastern history with still vibrant traditions and conceptions all through the upcoming of Islam and even beyond. The papers are structured according to the major epochs of this period of more than thousand years, i.a. Achaemenid, Hellenistic and Arsacid and Sasanian Iran.

General Contact: shayegan@humnet.ucla.edu

Paper Titles with Abstracts

To view the abstracts, please click on the titles:

The Continuity of ANE Traditions in the Achaemenid Period
Maria Brosius (University of Toronto)

Recent scholarly contributions to the study of Achaemenid history have enabled us to identify significant political and cultural links between Achaemenid Persia and its ANE predecessors, Elam, Assyria and Babylonia in both the written and the archaeological evidence. This paper addresses the question how the results of this scholarship affect our understanding of the early Achaemenid empire, perhaps allowing us to imbed it more deeply into the ANE, and thereby continuing ANE aspects of kingship, ideology, and religion.

From Sennacherib to Xerxes: On a Possible Assyrian Source of Achaemenid Demand for "Earth and Water"
Dan Beckman (Princeton University)

Herodotus records a series of instances in which the Achaemenid Persian king, or his representative, makes a demand of earth and water from a potential future subject (Histories 4.126, 5.17, 5.73, 6.48-9, 7.32, 7.16). There is general agreement amongst scholars that giving earth and water was a symbolic gesture of submission to the King. However, there is not agreement about the precise meaning of these specific symbols, nor on the source of the ritual. An Iranian or Persian source has often been assumed (e.g., Orlin 1976, Balcer 1995, Herrenschmidt and Lincoln 2004), as has a Lydian source (Munn 2006). In this paper I will demonstrate that these explanations fail, as they do not fit all of the evidence. I then offer a new interpretation, namely, that the ritual has its roots in the Neo-Assyrian period, when it represented the violent conquest of a city. Rung 2015 and Rollinger 2013 have demonstrated Assyrian influence on the Achaemenid conception of empire and geography. Building on their work, I discuss Sennacherib’s claim to have presented the dust of a defeated Babylon as an offering to Aššur, and his use of water in the destruction of that city (RINAP 3/2 168:36b-47; 223:50b-54a). The Achaemenid demand for Earth and Water arose from a need for an ideologically sound method of claiming rule over the distant Aegean and Balkan regions, where outright military conquest was unlikely. During the preparations for his Scythian campaign (c. 513 BCE), Darius feared the type of defeat that had befallen Cyrus the Great in Central Asia, but also, as a usurper, he could not lose face by not confronting the enemies of the realm. The Mesopotamian scribal community was able to offer their Iranian rulers the unified pair of Earth-and-Water, the collection of which served as a venerable symbol of conquest. Adopted by the Achaemenids, this ritual “gift” no longer celebrated a military victory, but instead was intended to avoid violence altogether, and portrayed the subjects as voluntary. My argument offers an explanation for one of the more enduring images from Herodotus' Histories, while also emphasizing the impact of the cuneiform literary tradition on Achaemenid ideology and practice.

Memories of Persian Kingship in the Hellenistic World
Rolf Strootman (Universiteit Utrecht)

The Seleukid Empire is often seen as a successor state of the Achaemenid Empire. But there is in fact nothing in the Seleukids’ self-presentation to suggest that they themselves thought so, too. On the contrary, in the third century BCE, their attitude towards the Achaemenids (as well as Alexander, for that matter) was one of damnatio memoriae. Yet, because of repeated intermarriage with (non-Achaemenid) Iranian dynasties and the large-scale recruitment of Iranian troops for the imperial armies, the Seleukid Empire was to a large extent an Iranian polity. This was not lost on their enemies, the Ptolemies and later the Romans, who in their propaganda presented the Seleukids as the “New Persians.” Perhaps in reaction to this, the memory of Persian kingship attained a more positive slant in the context of the gradual “vassalization” of the Seleukid Near East. This is expressed for example by the Persianism of (former) vassal dynasties such as the Fratarakā of Persis and the Orontids of Kommagene.

Hatra and the Parthian West: Imperialism and Indigeneity
Jake Nabel (The Getty, Getty Research Institute)

The western territories of the Parthian empire are among its best attested regions, but their relationship to Parthian culture is far from clear. Some scholars emphasize the strength of local or indigenous traditions; others speak of a “Parthian commonwealth,” whose soft power has gone underappreciated. This paper will explore this debate in the local context of Hatra, a key city in the Parthian west. It will ask what Parthian imperial culture might look like at Hatra, and whether it is detectable in the extant evidence.

On the Continuity of Ancient Near Eastern Practices in Late Antique Iran
M. Rahim Shayegan (University of California, Los Angeles)

A number of cases studies are offered on the continuity of Ancient Near Eastern traditions and practices well into post-Hellenistic and late antique Persia. Among themes investigates are: the king’s exalted, but not divine, nature; royal titulatures(s); and heterographic writing practices.

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Household debt crisis looms as rates rise

A sign announces interest rates at a currency exhibition. Household debt now exceeds 90% of Thai GDP as households struggle to make ends meet. (Bangkok Post file photo)

With interest rates set to rise in the second half of the year, rising household debt could hit Thailand’s economy hard, weakening consumer purchasing power and slowing economic growth, according to KKP Research.

Thai household debt now exceeds 90% of Thailand’s GDP, ranked 11th in the world, as households struggle to make ends meet.

Most households in the bottom 20% have an average monthly income of only 10,000 baht, while the minimum monthly expenditure is 12,000 baht. These households resorted to borrowing to pay for basic daily needs, driving up the proportion of short-term consumer debt to total household debt, the research house said.

Thailand’s per capita income is also very low compared to countries with similar debt levels, suggesting the Thai economy is more vulnerable to the impacts of debt than other countries, KKP said. Research.

According to Credit Suisse, Thailand has one of the highest levels of wealth inequality in the world, and debt tends to be concentrated in lower-income households that have a lower asset-to-debt ratio. Therefore, when interest rates rise, these households have to reduce their consumption to pay off their debts, which will slow down economic growth.

Low-income households are also more affected by inflation, as food and energy expenditures represent a relatively larger proportion of total household expenditures, reducing their ability to repay debts.

Rising household debt will cause Thailand to face a long downturn in the economic cycle, the research house said.

The debt burden will intensify as interest rates rise and rising household indebtedness slows consumption growth. Any attempt to boost consumption through debt will hit a dead end because debt levels are already high, KKP Research said, which means boosting consumption through debt cannot create growth.

KKP Research estimates that if the economy enters a period of debt repayment or deleveraging, consumption momentum will fall by around 1.3 percentage points, while economic growth will slow by around 0.7 percentage points. percentage, causing a long economic crisis.

However, the company believes Thai financial institutions will remain strong with high foreign exchange reserves. Risks to watch include Thailand’s loss of competitiveness, which could lead to a negative current account balance, a weaker baht, excessive debt that could lead to an economic crisis and a weaker-than-expected recovery in tourism. External risk factors include the global central banks’ long-term plan for their monetary policy in the event of stagflation, as well as the Chinese government’s promotion of domestic tourism which could lead to a decline in Thailand’s current account.

KKP Research said the Thai government should not try to stimulate the economy with debt, preferring a gradual rise in interest rates.

Julio V. Miller


Organ of the alimentary canal Essay

Organ of the alimentary canal Essay.

Food enters the digestive tract through the mouth. The labia (lips) protect its anterior opening, the cheeks form its lateral walls, the hard palate forms its anterior roof, and the soft palate forms its posterior roof. The space between the lips and cheeks externally and the teeth and gums internally is the vestibule. The area contained by the oral cavity is the oral cavity proper. The tongue occupies the floor of the mouth and has many bony attachments. As food enters the mouth, it is mixed with saliva and masticated (chewed).

This is where the breaking down of food begins.

From the mouth, food passes posteriorly into the pharynx, which is the common path for food, fluids, and air. The pharynx is divided into three sections: the nasopharynx (air from the nose passes here), the oropharynx (food and air from the mouth passes here), and the laryngopharynx (air going to the lungs passes here).The walls of the pharynx contain two skeletal muscle layers.

The cells of the inner layer run longitudinally; those of the outer layer (the constrictor muscles) run around the wall in a circular fashion. Alternating contractions of these muscle layers propells food through the pharynx into the esophagus below. This propelling mechanism is called peristalsis.

The esophagus runs from the pharynx through the diaphram to the stomach. The esophagus conducts food to the stomach by peristalsis. Begining with the esophagus, the walls of the GI tract have a basic pattern that reflects their common functions. Because the tissue arrangement in the alimentary canal walls is modified along its length to serve special functions, here are the basic wall functions for reference.

The walls of the alimentary canal organs from the esophagus to the large intestine have four characteristic layers:

1- The mucosa is the innermost layer. Its a moist membrane that lines the cavity or lumen of the organ. It consists primarily of a surface epithelium, plus small amounts of connective tissue, and a scanty smooth muscle layer. 2- The submucosa is just beneath the mucosa. It is a soft connective tissue layer containing blood vessels, nerve endings, and lymphatic vessels. 3- The mascularis externa is muscle layer made up of a circular inner layer and a longitudinal outer layer of smooth muscle cells. 4- The serosa is the outermost layer of the wall. It consists of a single layer of flat serous fluid-producing cells, the visceral peitoneum. All layers of the alimentary canal wall except the mucosa contain a nerve plexus, and intrinsic network of nerve fibers that is actually part of the autonomic nervous system.

These plexuses help to regulate the mobility of the GI tract organs Stomach

The small intestine (or small bowel) is the part of the gastrointestinal tract following the stomach and followed by the large intestine, and is where much of the digestion and absorption of food takes place. In invertebrates such as worms, the terms “gastrointestinal tract” and “large intestine” are often used to describe the entireintestine. This article is primarily about the human gut, though the information about its processes is directly applicable to most placental mammals. The primary function of the small intestine is the absorption of nutrients and minerals found in food. [2] (A major exception to this is cows; for information about digestion in cows and other similar mammals, see ruminants.)

large intestine The large intestine (or large bowel) is the last part of the digestive system invertebrate animals. Its function is to absorb water from the remaining indigestible food matter, and then to pass useless waste material from the body.[1] This article is primarily about the human gut, though the information about its processes are directly applicable to most mammals. The large intestine consists of the cecum, colon, rectum and anal canal.[1][2][3][4] It starts in the right iliac region of the pelvis, just at or below the right waist, where it is joined to the bottom end of the small intestine. From here it continues up the abdomen, then across the width of the abdominal cavity, and then it turns down, continuing to its endpoint at the anus. The large intestine is about 4.9 feet (1.5 m) long, which is about one-fifth of the whole length of the intestinal canal.

Rectum and Anus The rectum provides temporary storage for feces before they are expelled. As the rectal walls expand due to collecting feces, stretch receptors in the rectal walls stimulate the desire to defecate. Peristaltic waves then push the feces out of the rectum. The anus controls the expulsion of the feces. The flow of feces through the anus is controlled by the anal sphincter muscle. The internal and external sphincter muscles relax, allowing the feces to be passed by muscles and pulling the anus up over the exiting feces.

The accessory organs of digestion include the salivary glands, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. As stated earlier, during the digestive process, the accessory organs produce secretions that assist the organs of the alimentary canal.

Salivary Glands

The salivary glands are located in the mouth (fig. 1-53). Within the salivary glands are two types of secretory cells, serous cells and mucous cells. The serous cells produce a watery fluid that contains a digestive juice called amylase. Amylase splits starch and glycerol into complex sugars. The mucous cells secrete a thick, sticky liquid called mucus. Mucus binds food particles together and acts to lubricate during swallowing. The fluids produced by the serous and mucous cells combine to form saliva. Approximately 1 liter of saliva is secreted daily.

Pancreas The pancreas is a large, elongated gland lying posteriorly to the stomach (fig. 1-53). As discussed earlier in “The Endocrine System,” the pancreas has two functions: It serves both the endocrine system and the digestive system. The digestive portion of the pancreas produces digestive juices (amylase, proteinase, and lipase) that are secreted through the pancreatic duct to the duodenum. These digestive juices break down carbohydrates (amylase), proteins (proteinase), and fats (lipase) into simpler compounds.

Liver The liver is the largest gland in the body. It is located in the upper abdomen on the right side, just under the diaphragm and superior to the duodenum and pylorus (fig. 1-53).

Of the liver’s many functions, the following are important to remember: · It metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, and proteins preparatory to their use or excretion. · It forms and excretes bile salts and pigment from bilirubin, a waste product of red blood cell destruction. · It stores blood; glycogen; vitamins A, D, and B12; and iron. · It detoxifies the end products of protein digestion and drugs. · It produces antibodies and essential elements of the blood-clotting mechanism.

The gallbladder is a pear-shaped sac, usually stained dark green by the bile it contains. It is located in the hollow underside of the liver (fig. 1-53). Its duct, the cystic duct, joins the hepatic duct from the liver to form the common bile duct, which enters the duodenum. The gallbladder receives bile from the liver and then concentrates and stores it. It secretes bile when the small intestine is stimulated by the entrance of fats.

Organ of the alimentary canal Essay

Erie Canal Essay

Erie Canal Essay.

The Erie Canal was completely built in 1825. Built in New York State, the canal runs from the Hudson River to Lake Erie, which connects the Great Lakes with the Atlantic Ocean. Ultimately, the Canal resulted in a colossal population explosion in Western New York, but perhaps more importantly, it opened regions further to the west for increased settlement. This led to faster transportation routes between the Eastern sea side and the Western interior lands.

This book describes the complicated and fascinating social history of the canal that shrunk time and distance and transformed western New York, brought great wealth to many and opened up the west.

But this progress came at a price and the book explores some of the paradoxes of progress. Carol Sheriff’s book Artificial River: The Erie Canal and the Paradox of Progress explore both the cultural and social impacts that the building of the Erie Canal had on America. Sheriff discusses in great detail the difficulties that resulted in the building of the Canal.

For example, farms were often divided up, businesses were faced with new hardships, and the canal molded nature in a whole new way. While it of course represented progress, the government also took a much greater role than it previously had. For example, as the market expanded, the government took an active role in intervening with economic development. The beginning of the book starts out, “Oysters! Oysters! Beautiful Oysters,” as the headline of a Batavia, New York newspaper stated in 1824.

The achievement of finding Oysters so far from the sea symbolized an extremely notable achievement that had previously seemed impossible. It was a daily reminder to the people living along the Canal that transportation had effectively changed and had re-shaped the lives of millions of everyday Americans. In addition, one of the most interesting facts given by the author is that many people died from drowning during the building of the canal, even though the water was only five feet deep, because very few people during that time period could actually swim.

In addition, a lot of people died in the night for standing on the top of the boat and getting hit by a bridge – giving a new meaning to duck! One of the main themes that the author addressed was the fact that by building the Erie Canal, the population significantly increased in the New York area. However, the Canal brought all sorts of travelers to New York City, as well as Philadelphia and Baltimore, quite possibly the largest and most populous cities at that time. Towns in New York, particularly Rochester, Buffalo, and Schenectady helped contribute a large amount of both wealth and importance to New York.

The Canal helped to increase trade throughout the rest of the nation by opening eastern and overseas markets. In addition, more ethnic communities, such as the Irish, began forming in some of the smaller towns along the routes of the Canal. Irish immigrants made up a huge portion of the labor force involved in the construction, so it was only natural for those working on the Canal to relocate closer to its actual location. The progress and transformation that the Erie Canal brought also brought a new set of challenges for residents and legislators.

The canal split many farms causing great problems to many farmers who wanted bridges to get to their farms, the low bridges were a hazard to canal passengers and traffic. Water diverted for the canal and locks created water shortages though the region. Leaks in the canal caused flooding on some farms and created mosquito infested ponds, which were fertile grounds for malaria epidemics. The author addressed the fact that because so many immigrants traveled on the canal, genealogists have been trying to find passenger manifestos that include complete passenger lists.

However, this has been nearly impossible, as it was not required by law for these ships to include passenger manifestos, thus making it highly unlikely to determine a solid number as to how many traveled via the Canal. However, because of the immense population growth, crime in these areas also increased. For example, Ditch diggers who lived in shantytowns, who drank and cusses, who tore down fences caused consternation among the inhabitants who feared that the county was creating a permanent underclass.

When the digging was done and the diggers gone they were replaces with another underclass, the boat drivers, who drank, cussed, robbed and whored making the areas adjoining the canal crime-ridden. Overall, this was an excellent and very interesting book. Not only was it well-written, it was actually fun to learn about how much the Erie Canal actually changed the lives of everyday Americans. Rarely do history classes, or the History Channel cover such a small topic, yet it truly changed America between the War of 1812 and the Civil War.

Erie Canal Essay


Impact of Science and Technology in Large Cities

Robert Johnston

The impact of science and technology in large cities is being so important that it is changing basic sectors of modern life, such as medicine, logistics or travel.

Throughout history, emerging technologies have driven major changes in the way cities and their societies have been planned and function. In the 19th century, driven by new industrial processes, western cities moved from the structures of medieval cities to the model of the industrial city.

Around the world, walls were torn down and informal settlements were cleared to make way for new infrastructure of factories, railways for transportation, and housing for newly arrived workers..

In the 20th century, the advent of the automobile demanded large-scale readjustments in urban design, systems, and processes. This led to an era of central business districts, high-rise tower blocks, vast suburbs and vast ring roads and expressways..

Today we are again on the brink of a new urban transition. This transition is driven by the growing growth of innovations in information and communication technologies, encompassed in speeches and concepts such as the "Smart City" and the "Fourth Industrial Revolution".

These discourses promise to progress through science and technology-centric approaches to help solve many of the greatest challenges in urban society..

So far, the results of this approach are being widely tested with the inclusion of new technologies in different areas of society..

Technological and scientific development in large cities

More often than it seems, technologies, which have evolved at a tremendous rate, can be seen in everyday life as tools to automate processes and enable an easier life.

Artificial intelligence: Watson

Although controversial, the rule is quite simple: If there is a human who can do it, there is an AI that can do it better..

IBM's Watson, for example, bested the best human contestant on the trivia show Jeopardy, And on a more serious note, it is helping thousands of doctors today in research and diagnosis..

The achievements that are happening in neural network technologies in speech detection, image recognition, and even art creation, are bringing machines closer to rivaling and potentially exceeding human capabilities..

In fact, almost every industry in the world is experiencing an exponential rise in artificial intelligence within their core processes: customer service, finance, transportation, toys, aviation, news, and more, not to mention Siri, Cortana, Google Now, and the rise of artificially intelligent personal assistance.

Help at the airport: Spencer

Autonomous robots are intelligent machines that can perform tasks without human interference or assistance. Amsterdam has already released a robot at its airport that helps lost travelers find their gates.

The European Commission is collaborating financially in this project that has been called futuristic thanks to the technologies implemented, which surpass the abilities of current robots.

Spencer is able to survey crowds for groupings, as well as reflect on the behavior of a specific group and examine their emotional expressions..

Likewise, Spencer also has enough agility to actively respond to unforeseen circumstances..

Drones for home deliveries: Prime Air from amazon

Much of the actual work with Prime Air has occurred since late 2016. In fact, the first test flight did not occur until December, when an actual package was delivered to a customer in Cambridge, England..

In January 2017, Amazon obtained authorization to experiment with wireless communication that seemed to have something to do with controlling its drone fleet..

This was followed by a surprise cameo from Prime Air during one of Amazon's Super Bowl commercials the following month..

Carrying out this project could stimulate purchases and offer individuals in large cities the possibility of buying from home and receiving their packages in less time..

Self-driving cars: Mercedes and Google top the list

A growing number of tech companies and automakers, from Uber to Audi, seem intent on making self-driving a reality..

Companies like Mercedes already have prototypes in this section, such is the case of the F015 project or the S500 Intelligent Drive model. Both show off Mercedes self-driving technology.

On the other side is Google with a prototype called Waymo, which has no pedals or steering wheel, so that driving is really automatic, only controlled by software through sensors.

The inclusion of these cars undoubtedly generates a huge social impact in large cities by improving transport, automating certain processes through the use of GPS and smart traffic lights, which at the same time allows a much lower rate of car accidents.

Roadway improvements: CEF traffic light

Designed as a remedy for visual clutter, modular CEF traffic lights simplify streetlight design for easy identification of signs.

Created as a concept design for the 2014 iF Design Awards, CEF traffic lights can be mounted in a variety of combinations.

The modular design is cohesive, allowing any add-ons, such as video cameras or lights, to blend in, resulting in less visual noise and a more pleasing aesthetic.

Smart lighting: Metronomis LED

Metronomis LED is the world's first street lighting series to offer a variety of ambient lighting effects to give projects a unique aesthetic or contextual touch. An innovative game of reflection, light and shadow.

Four designs are available, and the flexible, modular Metronomis LED comes with a range of poles and a wide variety of optics and effects that allow architects, planners, and lighting designers to create a discreet, unified lighting scheme that reflects culture and history of its environment.

Self-sustaining energy: Tesla's Powerwall

Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and a group of other billionaires from the tech industry formed the Advanced Energy Coalition to invest in and support green energy innovation..

This global impact revolution established its foundation in 2015 with Musk introducing Tesla's Powerwall, a low-cost, high-efficiency storage battery that brings today's society closer to disconnecting major electrical grids, enabling self-sustainability..

Powerwall application in developing countries will change lives on the scale of millions of people.

The best part of this is that Musk extended the open source policy of Tesla's Powerwall so that any company in the world can produce a similar product or carry out this innovation..

  1. Teena Maddox. (August 1, 2016). Smart cities: 6 essential technologies. Jul 10, 2017, from TechRepublic Website:
  2. Rani Nasr. (JANUARY 5, 2016). Ten Technology Trends That (Might) Change Our World In 2016. Jul 10, 2017, from Entrepreneur Middle East Website:
  3. Juan Balarezo. (2014). Five technological advances that have changed cities. Jul 10, 2017, from Vanitatis / El Confidencial Website:
  4. Ed Oswald. (May 3, 2017). HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AMAZON'S DRONE DELIVERY PROJECT, PRIME AIR. Jul 10, 2017, from Digital Trends Website:
  5. Douglas Macmillan; Rolfe Winkler (May 27, 2014). "Google's Prototype for Autonomous Driving Has No Steering Wheel". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved July 10, 2017.
  6. Jochem Vreeman. (April 4, 2016). Robot spencer accompanies first passengers at Schiphol airport. Jul 10, 2017, from Website:
  7. Robert D. Atkinson. (nineteen ninety five). Technological Change and Cities. Cityscape, Vol. 3, 1-42. Jul 10, 2017, From Database.
  8. Hiroaki Suzuki, Robert Cervero, and Kanako Iuchi. (2013). Transforming Cities with Transit. Transit and Land-use Integration for Sustainable Urban Development. Washington, D.C .: Uniandes Editions.

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Are you a worrier?

Here are my top 10 tips to help you stop worrying.

  1. Acknowledge the fear or concern you have. Sometimes, by just recognising the cause of the fear, the amount of worry can diminish. I used to worry that my employees would call in sick. When I discussed this with my coach, I realised my real fear was of letting customers down. Once I acknowledged this, my fear lost its power and my worrying significantly reduced.
  2. Challenge anxious thoughts. What evidence is there that your worry is well-founded? Is there any truth in it? Is there a more positive or realistic way to look at it? Is the thought helpful? What advice would you give to a friend who had this worry? I say the word “bogus” in my head to challenge unfounded worries. I like to acknowledge that I just made the thought up!
  3. Ask yourself is the problem solvable? If yes, then brainstorm the possible solutions. If not, then find a way to accept the uncertainty. No amount of worrying will help. That said, I like to think there is always a solution whether I can see it or not. This helps me to diminish the worry.
  4. Interrupt the worry period. Distract yourself. Get outdoors. Do some exercise. Meditate. Listen to an audiobook or some of your favourite music. Anything to get your mind off the topic of concern. Often during these times, solutions will pop into my head, even though the worry was not on my mind.
  5. Create a dedicated time for worry. If you are a serious worrier, try allocating a regular time of the day only for worrying and strictly keep to it. Write down your worries if it helps. Be strict with yourself. Practice saying to yourself “I will think about this at…(time)” . This will stop you ruining your whole day.
  6. Talk about your worries. A problem shared is a problem halved they say. An open conversation with a good friend is hard to beat. He or she will inevitably be more objective than you and may be able to give you another perspective.
  7. Practice mindfulness. Focus on the present. Often, worries are focused on the past, over something we have said or done, or on the future, over something which might happen. Try to enjoy the present moment – let your senses come alive. Breathe deeply and observe your surroundings without judgement.
  8. Try using affirmations. Anyone who knows me well, knows I’m a big fan of affirmations. Have fun creating a new story for yourself by reciting statements about how you want things to be. If you are worried about money, try “I always have more than enough money” or if that is too difficult to believe, try something more general like “all is well”. A favourite of mine is “Everything is all right, right now”.
  9. Lift your mood. Do anything to keep your mood elevated. Worrying is more likely to occur when you are feeling low. Spend time with friends, play feel good music, sing, watch comedy films on TV, go for a walk or to the gym, anything that will help you feel better.
  10. Sleep well. Don’t lose sleep worrying. If you struggle to get off to sleep at night, keep a pen and pad by your bedside and make a note of your worries and promise yourself you will consider them the next day, during your scheduled “worry time”. If you wake in the middle of the night, please know that it is natural to be on alert. According to Prof. Steve Peters, author of ‘The Chimp Paradox’, if you wake in the night, the limbic area of the brain (the chimp brain) awakens first. This area of the brain is governed by the amygdala, which triggers our fight, flight or freeze response. The cognitive area of your brain awakens more slowly. This is why problems always seems worse at 3am! Tell yourself you will think about your issue in the morning, when your human brain is engaged!

I hope these tips are helpful. Please try them and let me know how you get on.


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Sovereign Wealth Funds and Sustainable Development Goals

Javier Capapé, Director, Sovereign Wealth Research, IE Center for the Governance of Change.

The opinions contained here are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of IFSWF or any of its members.

Sovereign wealth funds are not usually associated with impact investing. Yet, here I will try to demonstrate the opposite. The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) defines impact investing as investments that generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. The impact investment market provides capital to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, conservation, microfinance, and affordable and accessible basic services including housing, healthcare, and education. Although impact investing is primarily associated with emerging markets, it is also relevant for developed markets, and includes a range of returns from below market to market rate, depending on investors' strategic goals.

The GIIN estimates that at the end of 2019, over 1,720 organisations manage $715 billion in impact investing assets up from $228 billion in 2017 and $77 billion in 2015. In short, impact investment assets have more than doubled every two years since then.

Increasingly, impact investors are looking to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), launched in 2015, to assess the environmental, financial and social performance of their investments. While data for most indicators is not yet available, the global effort on advancing the 2030 Agenda stays strong, amid recent distortions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and current geopolitical tensions.

According to IFSWF Data, in 2021, sovereign wealth funds deployed more than $7.1 billion in water, renewable energy, agritech, and new energy sources like long-term nuclear fusion projects or geothermal urban solutions. Yet, the scale of the challenge is massive, as the above direct investments are measured in single digits $ billions, The current SDG financing gap is measured in $ trillions. According to the OECD’s and UNDP’s estimates, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased this SDG financing gap to $3.7 trillion in 2020, compared to $2.5 trillion in 2019.1

ESG, necessary but not sufficient

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing was an early answer to the SDGs challenge. Whereas impact investing is goal-focused, ESG is a set of criteria to identify non-financial risks that can have a material impact on an asset’s value. As we will see below ESG is necessary, but not sufficient to achieve the SDGs. The growth of ESG investing is manifest. In 2020, it totaled over $35 trillion and projected to reach $50 trillion by 2025, which would represent more than a third of the projected total global assets under management, according to Bloomberg Intelligence.2 ESG assets have more than doubled in less than a decade. Such growth has not happened without controversy. More and more asset managers are rebranding financial products as ESG-compliant, in an effort to attract more capital from investors who are increasingly keen to be more sustainable. Often, however, no meaningful changes are made to the investment strategy. The incentives for “greenwashing” are clear, and the risks of misbehaving at this early stage can affect this delicate trajectory.

Yet, what is motivating the rapid growth in ESG-focused assets? An example can be found by looking at the largest holdings of the world’s largest ESG fund in 2021, the Parnassus Core Equity Fund, valued at $23 billion: Microsoft, Alphabet, and CME Group. Microsoft and Alphabet are well-known technology giants, whereas CME is the world’s largest financial derivatives exchange including agricultural products, currencies, energy, metals, etc. The rest of the 10 largest holdings include companies in various industries like online payment services, computer graphic processors, telecommunications, and financial information. Only one company belongs to the energy industry, Linde, a UK-based industrial gas leader might play a pivotal role in the development of green hydrogen. On the face of it, this fund looks like just another global technology fund. It is true that this group of companies, with their innovative business models, may well be part of the global long-run solution to SDGs and climate transition. As in logic courses, all these firms are necessary, but not sufficient to fill the SDG funding gap.

Impact investing to achieve the SDGs

So, how are SDGs going? Let’s focus on SDG 1 – ending poverty, in all its forms, everywhere by 2030. Following the pandemic, an additional 120 million people were pushed back to extreme poverty in 2020, the first time this has happened in a generation. The global poverty rate is projected to be 7% in 2030 a far cry from being eradicated.4

A fair question then is how many of the thousands of companies included in hundreds of ESG funds directly address this issue or are designed in a way to solve it? Assuming screening is correctly done, and that these firms are evaluated in enough detail, their actions would not make the problem worse, as they seek to avoid new harm. Yet, which of those companies will directly address these SDGs? Milton Friedman’s famous doctrine that “an entity’s greatest responsibility lies in the satisfaction of the shareholders” should work well in theory, but what about when millions of small stockholders have divergent preferences? Or, even, if self-declared responsible investors claim they want the company to seek something else beyond financial returns? What if the concept of shareholder value includes SDG impact? Societies’ preferences change over time. New generations demand more from companies (and investors) today. Instead of contradictions, what if you can be profitable while solving the most pressing problems on earth?

Sovereign wealth funds have been investing in SDG-focused companies for years, some probably without knowing this particular link, based on a due diligence process that identifies business models and selects those that offer the most attractive and promising strong risk-adjusted returns. Yet, is it possible to invest well in companies that directly do good? Yes. And the number of SDGs that sovereign wealth fund investments have furthered is ample and accelerating. These investors have invested in impact companies beyond renewable energy (a goal of SDG 7) and sustainable consumption and production processes (SDG 12). Certainly, they have bet heavily on companies that help to achieve other goals such as good health and well-being (SDG 3), sustainable industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9), or increase the quality of education (SDG 4).

The latter offers a picture of how sovereign wealth funds and other institutional investors foster the growth of companies with a potential impact on education. Since 2015, sovereign wealth funds have joined 41 venture capital investment rounds in technologies companies active in the education business (edtech) from eleven countries. Today, India is the most popular country for sovereign wealth funds investments in education. It has come to the fore after severe government regulations in China banned for-profit edtech businesses in 2021. For example, since April 2021, four major investment rounds attracted global investors to Indian edtech companies. Sovereign wealth funds have targeted late-round leaders including BYJU’S and Unacademy. The former is a Bangalore-based edtech giant with over 115 million registered students supported by both the Qatar Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment vehicle ADQ. The seven-year-old Unacademy has expanded thanks to backing from Singapore’s Temasek Holdings and flagship global private equity firms like Sequoia Capital or General Atlantic. This young and vibrant company has already achieved the goal of 50 million active learners5 and is valued at $3.4 billion.6

This edtech case is just one example of the multiple areas where sovereign wealth funds can provide valuable support to impact companies. Why not imagine more targeted impact investment tools where these resources are put to work in favour of hundreds, thousands or millions of citizens in countries with pressing needs while delivering strong returns? From healthcare innovation to clean energy, urban sustainable cities to locally-focused solutions to hunger, job creation and poverty alleviation to clean water and sanitation. The SDGs are ambitious, the long-term returns are just there for the taking for entrepreneurs and long-term investors. Will sovereign wealth funds join the move?

  1. OECD & UNDP. 2021. Closing the SDG Financing Gap in the COVID-19 era. Accessed 30 March, 2022 at
  2. Bloomberg Intelligence. July 21, 2021. “ESG Assets Rising to $50 Trillion Will Reshape $140.5 Trillion of Global AUM by 2025”. Accessed at
  3. MSCI. 2021. “MSCI’s Top 20 Largest ESG Funds”.
  4. United Nations. 2022. The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2021. Accessed at
  5. Unacademy. 2022. “About us”.
  6. TechCrunch. Aug 2, 2021. “Indian edetch Unacademy valued at $3.3 billion in $440 million fundraise”. Accessed at


EQ WORKOUT #75 How To Boost Your Optimism

Is your glass half-full or half-empty? Some people tend to be more naturally optimistic than others. But research shows that people who are more optimistic are happier in life, have better health outcomes, and are happier at home and in the workplace.

The great news is that optimism is not fixed—you can build optimism in your life! There are techniques and tools you can incorporate into your life to increase optimism and your overall positive outlook.

Six Areas to Build Optimism

Visualize your best outcome:

Visualize your best outcome

This is not the same thing as mindfulness but is an active visualization process to see where you could be in the future. Ask: what if everything worked out? What would your life look like if all your dreams come true? Think about these answers and visualize exactly what it would look like. You can speak it out loud to other people or write it down. Try to experience all the emotions behind it and really get a taste for it. This kind of visualization will boost your outcome and help you move towards those goals and dreams.

Look for like-minded friends:

Look for like-minded friends

You’ve probably heard the expression “misery loves company”—and it’s true! If you are always hanging out with people who are pessimistic or not happy with their lives, it’s going to start to rub off on you. So, surround yourself with like-minded people who are also seeking optimism in their life.

Remember you are what you consume:

Remember you are what you consume

A lot of the news we hear today is not great—news thrives on disaster, scandal, and negativity. Be careful with how much you consume and what type of news you listen to. It’s important to stay informed, but it’s not necessary to passively listen to the news all the time. It will negatively impact your mood and bring down your optimism about life.

Channel the power of gratitude:

Channel the power of gratitude

People with high levels of optimism can look around and be grateful for what they have in life. Instead of only focusing on what’s wrong or bad, think about the good things, the exciting things, and the beautiful things. Cultivate a practice of gratitude by writing down why you are grateful.

Know what you can and cannot do:

Know what you can and cannot do

There are some things we can change and impact and others that we simply have no control over. Instead of dwelling on what you can’t change, focus on things that are within your control. This will boost your optimism because you won’t feel frustrated or helpless with things beyond your control.

Acknowledge and be real:

Acknowledge and be real

Optimism is not about having rose-colored glasses, and believing that everything is perfect all the time. It’s important to acknowledge the real problems, emotions, and challenges that you experience. But optimistic people are able to acknowledge bad things but reframe them and get the energy to help them do what they need to do to get through it.

Optimism is something you can develop and grow. You don’t have to live a glass-half-empty life! Instead, your cup can be overflowing with positivity and optimism if you make it a priority. Take these six areas to build optimism and try to incorporate them into your daily life. And, with practice, you’ll see your optimism soar!


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Cloud Based LMS: Read Amazing 8 Benefits Of Learning Software

7 mins read

To stand out and shine in today’s competitive world, it has become essential for companies to deliver their best in terms of quality and innovation. All employees of any given organization have to be trained to keep up with the changes that may come their way. A cloud based LMS or cloud-based learning management system has become a vital resource for employee training. This system is managed on the web and requires a user to log into the portal, instead of downloading or installing any specific software, to be able to access it.

E-learning has suddenly become frequent and the reasons for it are obvious. Most people prefer learning and increasing their knowledge about a said something from the internet; and why not? It is easy, convenient, readily available, and doesn’t cost much. Other benefits include access to knowledge that otherwise may not be attainable due to several factors like distance or costs.

For systems like LMS therefore, it has become need of the hour to upgrade to its virtual version.

The need for cloud based learning management system

While an increasing number of corporates are already using various LMS as per their respective needs, it should be considered that cloud-based LMS may be a better option.

A cloud based LMS enables flexibility and scalability while staying completely cost-efficient. Due to the simple reason that a cloud-based learning management system is not tied to any software or hardware, it is a lot more convenient for people to make use of its offerings. Today, its relevance has peaked up even more as people prefer online learning over anything else.

Benefits of using a cloud based LMS

There are many advantages to switching to a cloud-based learning management system, with a positive impact on your customers being the most noticeable one. The advantages of a cloud-based learning management system include:

1. Easy to understand and use

Cloud-based learning management system are super easy to use on an everyday basis. They are designed in such a way that people do not have any difficulties accessing information. Plus, an administrator can monitor and tweak functioning of the system if required. Apart from this, e-learning systems generally don’t have any complex installation processes. It is somewhat similar to social media platforms, and therefore, comfortable for the user.

2. Mobile

Not restricted to a particular portal, it is conveniently available to the users from anywhere and everywhere. Different devices can be used as well. There are no limitations to its accessibility, and employees from across the world can access a common dump of data – keeping all employees on the same page and ensuring basic standards of operation.

3. Cost-efficient

Cloud-based LMS don’t require massive corporation funding, and uses its internal resources for their smooth functioning. They are usually managed by a third party, remotely, in case of a breakdown.

4. Highly scalable

Extremely scalable, it can create space for new registrations. What’s more is that these users can be managed and kept track of to ensure that they are not facing any hindrances in their training. Cloud-based learning management system simply has to be fed the right data, and employees across the world, in the largest organizations, can take advantage of it.

5. Secure

It is a safe and encrypted platform where people can share their data without worrying about it being destroyed, changed, or stolen. The administrators also look after and maintain their safety.

6. Accessible

An electronic device, a good internet connection and you are good to go. One can access this system from absolutely anywhere. It is the best way to make the maximum use of remote resources.

7. Great storage

Cloud-based learning management system does not store data on your device. So everything that you share, irrespective of whether it’s a picture or a video, is directly uploaded to the system database.

8. Multiple people can use it at the same time

Just like a social media platform, this eLearning system can be simultaneously accessed by thousands of people.

The positives of using a cloud-based learning management system are very reassuring. But how does a company make sure that its users’ interests are met efficiently? A poorly designed or cluttered UI can make or break this otherwise seemingly great system, confusing employees and hiding data from those that need it. It is therefore greatly advised that a company design its cloud-based learning management system after studying its UI requirements at length. Once it understands what makes a suitable UI for its system, it can start its implementation.

Must-haves of UI for cloud based LMS

To ensure a great eLearning experience for its users, the portal should be designed to keep their best interests in mind. Some things to remember while building the system for enjoying a complication-free experience are as follows

Simple procedures

Instructions and procedures on the portal should be designed keeping everyone in mind. They should be easy and simple to understand and follow, to avoid any further complications.

No complex design

The design of LMS has to be well done. It cannot be a complex one as that would lead to a lot of confusion and user problems. A complicated design may also reduce chances of a potential user registering on the portal.

Consistent navigation

System navigation should be seamless. The process of navigating has to be convenient, only then will it boost site traffic and user engagement.

Avoid adding too many functions

It is of utmost importance that the eLearning system is effortless and uncomplicated. While adding a lot of functions may seem like a good way to increase its credibility, it may lead to unnecessary conflict and confusion. It is understandable to add that which may seem essential for the well-functioning of the system, but one has to make sure that nothing extra is included.

The need for knowledge management

If these points are well thought of and planned well beforehand, cloud-based LMS created accordingly will lead to an amazing experience for both administrator and users.
But before you set up your cloud-based learning management system, be sure to invest in a knowledge base. Your knowledge consists of all data gathered by your agents, as well as tips, tricks, and techniques to improve service. A KM system will ensure these details are logged, and available to agents in their time of need. Your cloud based learning management system will also feed on this data, presenting a central repository of knowledge to help your company grow, and keep your customers happy.

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Do you need to spray a silicone baking mat?

Whether you are baking cookies, kneading dough, or baking a cake, you can use a silicone baking mat. … If you are worried about your cookies sticking, spray your mat with non-stick spray before you place cookies down.

Can you put silicone baking mats directly in the oven?

Silicone bakeware products are FDA-approved. … Silicone pans heat rapidly and bakes products evenly, with no uneven or burnt edges. Removal of silicone ware is pretty quick and easy, just easily slide, and you are done! They can be used safely through oven, dishwasher, freezer, or microwave.

Do you use cooking spray on silpat?

The Silpat is a non-stick baking liner. Basically a mat that you place on your cookie sheet that creates a non-stick surface for everything you place in the oven on said cookie sheet. It replaces parchment paper and because of its non-stick properties you never need to spray it with cooking spray or butter it.

Do you need to oil a Silpat?

Because it’s already nonstick, silpats don’t need to be greased or otherwise prepped before use – a bonus for those of us who like to keep an eye on how much fat we use. We also use our silpat quite a bit out of the oven. … Silpats also can’t be used under the broiler or placed directly on the bottom of the oven.

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Do silicone muffin pans need to be greased?

Generally, good old greasing is not really necessary with silicone molds. However, using cooking sprays or even greasing before baking and cooking can make your life a lot easier when it comes to washing them later on. Think of this as a means of prevention – you’ll spend much less time doing the dishes afterward.

Do you need to spray silicone cupcake liners?

Do you have to grease silicone cupcake liners and cake pans? No, you don’t have to. But if you want to make clean up a breeze and save yourself some time, you should definitely grease whatever you’re about to cook in.

Do you grease silicone mats?

Although, for the most part, you should never need to grease, oil, or flour a silicone baking mat, there are times when it is advisable to spray them with nonstick cooking spray, such as when you are making a very sticky candy. … And, silicone baking mats are not just limited to baking.

How do you clean a silicone baking mat?

Can you use a silicone baking mat instead of parchment paper?

Silicone baking mats are reusable alternatives to parchment paper: Pop one into a baking sheet and you instantly have a nonstick baking surface that you can use, wash, and reuse. … We also tested them against an unlined rimmed baking sheet, roasting potatoes and salmon.

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Can you bake directly on silpat?

Lay the product to be baked or frozen directly on Silpat™. Usable in any kind of oven (ventilated, steam, microwave, deck oven).

Is a Silpat worth it?

They’re also especially valuable when baking in batches: The Silpat cools down quickly, meaning you can take the cakes out of their molds faster. And it’s so effectively nonstick that there’s no need to wash, dry, then re-grease or re-line with parchment paper before filling with the next round of batter.

Can you use olive oil on silicone baking mats?

Can you put olive oil on silicone sheets? Just clean them properly after use and store them properly, they will be fine.

How do you clean greasy silicone mats?

Longtime community member MrVittles gave what the hotline voted as the best answer: Scrub your dirty silicone mat with a paste made of warm water and baking soda, let it sit for ten minutes, then rinse. Voila! Fresh and clean.


Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Community

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
The Army’s NetModX Is Advancing Aerial Communications at JBMDL

The Army’s NetModX Is Advancing Aerial Communications at JBMDL

Perfect conditions for communication on the battlefield are highly unlikely. Buildings, difficult terrain, and mountains can prohibit air signals essential to communication between soldiers. But at the fourth annual Network Modernization Experiment (NetModX), testing for the aerial tier network was conducted.

This technology would help improve connectivity among troops’ communication lines, regardless of the terrain. Massive progress was made with the testing of this aerial network technology at JBMDL, and we’re finally learning about the results.

Suggested read: The Elmwood Park Zoo Delivers Affordable Adventures

Network Modernization Experiment (NetModX)

NetModX is hosted annually at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. It’s a field-based experimentation event that gives engineers the opportunity to test their developing technologies in an operationally relevant environment. The event is part of a greater Army mission to focus on modernization efforts.

A solution to communication issues on the battlefield is solved with aerial tier network communications. This technology was tested at JBMDL for the fourth annual NetModX. The difficult terrain on the base allowed for proper field experimentation of the technology.

Communication performance, detectability, and resilience when attacked electronically were all tested at NetModX. The technology was tested with and without the use of directional antennas.

But what exactly is an aerial tier network?

The aerial network focuses on connectivity for troops. It helps relay important information and minimizes reaction time. It uses airborne devices (such as drones) to overcome obstacles that impede the signal. Such obstacles can include mountains, large buildings, or any other kind of difficult terrain. The technology stands out because it can be deployed quickly and efficiently.

Why is aerial tier network technology important now?

The investment in this kind of technology helps the Army prepare for war or conflict with other large world powers. It opens up communication efforts for successful missions regardless of the terrain troops are in. Losing signal or communication increases the possible risk of being ambushed or isolated. Giving troops a technology that ensures signal regardless of the conditions allows for greater cohesion in battle.

The two main focus points for research and experimentation were as follows:

  1. How to extend communication to the ground.
  2. How to speed up the time of air-to-air and air-to-ground communication.

Officials wanted to ensure quick communication times to help with warnings of incoming threats. This was a major factor taken into consideration when improving upon the technology. The technology will be experimented with over the next two years. The field-based experiments at NetModX and Project Convergence will evaluate the aerial technology using radios, antenna solutions, Integrated Tactical Network (ITN), and waveforms.

The aerial network could extend the existing networks for Army troops. It would benefit anyone on a mission in an area with less-than-ideal conditions. The experimentation done on the aerial network showed promising results for the modernization technology.

The Army Network Cross-Functional Team

The development and testing of different projects and technologies are essential to modernization efforts in the Army. The Army Network Cross-Functional team assisted with the aerial tier network technology at JBMDL. The field experiments conducted prove how beneficial the technology would be. They plan to introduce it into Project Convergence 22.

The Project Convergence 22 experiment includes over 100 technologies and focuses on assessing and preparing to incorporate warfighting concepts and technologies on the modern battlefield. It brings together international partners and the military to strengthen important modernization efforts.

The modernization efforts are a major focus in the Army. Experimentation and technical demonstrations conducted by the Army Network Cross-Functional team will help push forward these efforts for strengthened military forces.

NetModX allowed for field testing of the innovative aerial tier network, which would greatly enhance connectivity among Soldiers in action in the near future, giving American troops a leg-up in battle. The realistic data being collected now allows for the developing technology to be advanced so it can become an asset to future missions.

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Can a tenant make repairs and deduct from rent?

Can a tenant make repairs and deduct from rent?

The right to use rent to pay for repairs You have a right to do the repairs and to recover the cost from future rent if your landlord has failed to do repairs that they’re responsible for – check what repairs they have to do.

Can a Landlord sue a tenant for damages UK?

The Landlord can deduct the amount from the security deposit, can sue the tenant, and can evict the property, depending upon case to case and tenancy agreement. Further, if the amount of damage caused is larger and cannot be corrected with the security deposit amount, then you can file a claim.

What is classed as damage in a rented property?

Instead, it is harm that’s committed on purpose, by accident or through neglect that affects the normal function or usefulness of the property. Examples of tenant damage can include anything from a broken toilet seat to a smashed mirror, missing door handles, holes or dents in walls, or carpets soaked with pet urine.

How can I dispute a rental car damage claim?

Draft a written letter if you can’t submit your dispute online. While you can also call the rental car company’s customer service line to dispute a damage claim, follow up in writing. Include the dates you rented the car, the location, and the make and model of the car you rented.

Can You claim the cost of repairs on a rental property?

What happens when a tenant damages your property?

When a tenant damages rental property, your bank account can take a serious hit. Plus, this can delay your ability to re-rent the property. Unfortunately, most landlords wind up with at least one bad tenant during the course of their career. When a tenant damages rental property, you have rights as a landlord.

Can You claim insurance payout on rental property?

If you receive income other than rent for your rental property (for example, an insurance payout for the cost of repairs) you must include this amount as income on your tax return. You can also usually claim body corporate fees, interest and council rates as immediate deductions.

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photo of Amanda Gutierrez

Amanda Gutierrez

Nebraska Children

Amanda Gutierrez, a high school student at Lincoln Pius X High School, recently won NASA’s Artemis Moon Pod essay content. Tapping into her creativity and passion for space discovery, she imagined a fictional NASA moon landing, earning her a trip to NASA’s fall rocket launch. Amanda has always loved engineering and building and has been building Legos and doing hands-on experiments for as long as she can remember. She plans to study aerospace engineering in college before working at NASA. Her biggest dream is to become an astronaut, just like the ones she envisioned in her essay.

Events featuring Amanda Gutierrez

Events featuring Amanda Gutierrez


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Adaptability Skills and Their Importance

Adaptability Skills and Their Importance

Adaptability Skills

Globalisation, digitalisation, automatization, the internet and many other things have changed our reality. In an evolving and constant changing world, the key is to not stop. More than before, we are now forced to improve ourselves, strengthen our skills/abilities and stand out from others, especially at work. Thus, adaptability skills are crucial in today’s workforce.

Adaptability is a soft skill that shows our capacity to adapt and fit in different work environments and conditions, dealing with a diverse workforce. But what does it mean to be adaptable?

First, adaptability is strongly linked to flexibility. Being open and correct to deal with sudden changes while remaining positive, confident and calm is a real necessity today.

In addition, employees with adaptability skills know how to deal/overcome failures and understand that this is part of the learning process. As a result, they are persistent. This is important to keep one motivated, but also to motivate the workforce.

Furthermore, employees must be motivated and look for opportunities to learn/try new things. This can mean studying a new language, new skills, and discovering more about a different subject. Even if it is something outside your comfort zone, try to do it. Also, observing and learning how others face situations and getting advice/feedback on how you do it can be vital, as it can help you overcome your own issues/difficulties and improve the way you deal with them.

Adaptable employees have the positive benefit of easily adapting to a new position/role, quickly learning to perform a new task. Obviously, this can help workers enhance their careers, succeed and even get promoted.

Your resume/CV/motivation letter should show adaptability skills, considering their value in the workplace. In addition, these skills must also be demonstrated in job interviews. Very often during these interviews, some questions are asked to see if you have them and to what extent. Dr. Jason Wingard, who does research on leadership and the future of work, stated that adaptability was one of the most essential skills of 2020.

Therefore, adopt these habits, train your mindset to be more adaptable, and you will certainly not only improve your personal but also your professional life. This will open many doors, enhance your creativity, make you more open-minded and improve your learning skills.

Charles Darwin once said:

“It is not the strongest of species that survive; nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the most adaptable to change.”

  1. Is Adaptability THE Skill of the 21st Century?, November 2019, Medium
  2. Important Adaptability Skills for Workplace Success, September 2019, The Balance Careers
  3. Is ‘AQ’ more important than intelligence? November 2019, BBC Worklife