text:
Coarse woody debris (CWD) is often overlooked in studies on the decomposition of organic matter in forest soils. To assess the role of CWD in carbon and nutrient cycling in these forest ecosystems, we investigated changes in carbon and nutrients of differently decomposed CWD samples from the forest tundra and northern, middle, and southern taiga of Central Siberia. Samples included live wood, snags, logs at the classes I, II, and III of decomposition, and fragments of decomposed wood from forest litter.
At northern latitudes CWD released a larger amount of carbon and nutrients during decomposition compared with southern ecosystems, which were characterized by nutrient immobilization and smaller carbon losses from CWD.
We conclude that CWD in northern and southern ecosystems probably plays a different role in biogeochemical cycles. Logs of pine, spruce, and fir in southern ecosystems accumulate significant amount of nutrients in their biomass during decomposition and create relatively nutrient-rich microsites. In contrast, CWD in northern ecosystems appears to be an important source of carbon and nutrient release to the soil solution.
|Source||Folia Forestalia Polonica, Series A – Forestry|
|Type of article
||Carbon and nutrient release during decomposition of coarse woody debris in forest ecosystems of Central Siberia|
|Publisher||The Committee on Forestry Sciences and Wood Technology of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Forest Research Institute in Sekocin Stary|


Alan K. Stebbens > Term-Query-2.0 > Term::Query
Annotate this POD
New 1
Open 0
View/Report Bugs
Term::Query - Table-driven query routine.
use Term::Query
qw( query query_table query_table_set_defaults query_table_process );
$result = query $prompt, $flags, [ $optional_args ];
$ok = query_table \_USER_;
query_table_set_defaults \_USER_;
$ok = query_table_process \_USER_, \&flagsub, \&querysub;
Given $prompt and $flags, and possibly additional arguments, depending upon the characters in $flags, query issues a prompt to STDOUT and solicits input from STDIN. The input is validated against a set of test criteria as configured by the characters in $flags; if any of the tests fail, an error message is noted, and the query is reattempted.
When STDIN is not a tty (not interactive), prompts are not issued, and errors cause a return rather than attempting to obtain more input. This non-interactive behaviour can be disabled by setting the variable $Foce_Interactive as below:
 $Term::Query::Force_Interactive = 1;
When $Force_Interactive is a non-null, non-zero value, query will issue prompts, error messages, and ask for additional input even when the input is not interactive.
The query_table subroutine performs multiple queries, by invoking query, setting associated variables with the results of each query. Prompts, flags, and other arguments for each query are given in an array, called a query table, which is passed to the query_table subroutine by reference.
The query_table_set_defaults subroutine causes any variables named in the given query table array to be assigned their corresponding default values, if any. This is a non-interactive subroutine.
A general interface to processing a query table is available with the query_table_process subroutine. It accepts a query table array, and two subroutine references, a &flagsub and a &querysub. The &flagsub is invoked on each each flag character given in the $flags argument of the query table (see below). The &querysub is invoked for each query in the query table.
The query_table and query_table_set_defaults subroutines both use query_table_process to perform their functions.
Query Table
The format of the query table array passed to query_table, query_table_set_defaults, and query_table_process subroutines is:
 _USER_ = ( $prompt1, $flags1, [ $arglist1,... ],
 $prompt2, $flags2, [ $arglist2,... ],
 $promptN, $flagsN, [ $arglistN,... ] );
In English, there are three items per query: a prompt string, a flags string, and an array of arguments. Note that the syntax used above uses [... ] to denote a Perl 5 anonymous array, not an optional set of arguments. Of course, if there are no arguments for a particular query, the corresponding anonymous array can be the null string or zero.
The query table design is such that a query table can be created with a set of variables, their defaults, value constraints, and help strings, and it can be used to both initialize the variables' values and to interactively set their new values. The query_table_set_defaults subroutine performs the former, while query_table does the latter.
Flag Characters
With typical usage, given $prompt and $flags, query prints $prompt and then waits for input from the user. The handling of the response depends upon the flag characters given in the $flags string.
The flag characters indicate the type of input, how to process it, acceptable values, etc. Some flags simply indicate the type or processing of the input, and do not require additional arguments. Other flags require that subsequent arguments to the query subroutine be given. The arguments must be given in the same order as their corresponding flag characters.
The ordering of the flags in the $flags argument is important -- it determines the ordering of the tests. For example, if both the a and m flags are given as "am", then this indicates that an after subroutine call should be performed first, followed by a regular expression match test.
All tests are applied in the order given in the $flags until a particular test fails. When a test fails, an error message is generated and the input is reattempted, except in the case of the I flag.
Flag Characters Without Arguments
The input must be an integer.
The input must be a number, real or integer.
The input is a "yes" or "no", with a default answer of "yes".
The input is a "yes" or "no", with a default answer of "no".
Some input is required; an empty response will be refused. This option is only meaningful when there is no default input (see the d flag character below).
Strip and squeeze the input. Leading and trailing blanks are eliminated, and embedded whitespace is "squeezed" to single blank characters. This flag is implied by the k and K flags.
Do not treat input of? as a request for help. This disables automatic help, unless implemented with the after (a flag) subroutine.
Flag Characters With Arguments
The following flag characters indicate the presence of an argument to query. The arguments must occur in the same order as their corresponding flag characters. For example, if both the V and h flags are given as "Vh", then the first argument must be the variable name, and the next the help string, in that order.
a \&after
The next argument is the after subroutine, to be invoked after the input has been solicited. This feature provides for an "open ended" input validation, completely at the control of the user of the Query module. The after subroutine is invoked in this manner:
 &$after( \$input );
If the after sub returns an undef, then query processing stops with an immediate undef return value.
If the after sub returns a null or zero value, then the input is rejected and resolicted. No error messages are displayed except the "Please try again." message.
Since the after sub has the reference to the $input variable, it is free to change the value of input indirectly; ie:
 $$input = $some_new_value;
b \&before
The next argument is the before subroutine, to be invoked before any input is attempted. If the before sub returns a non-null, non-zero value, the current query will be attempted. If a null or zero value is returned, the current query will be abandoned, with a null return.
This feature, used in a query table, allows for selective queries to be programmed by using before subs on the optional queries. For example, using the following anonymous sub as the b flag argument:
 sub { $> == 0; }
will cause the corresponding query to only be issued for the root user.
The ordering of the b flag in the $flags argument is unimportant, since, by definition, this test is always performed before attempting any input.
d $default
The next argument is the default input. This string is used instead of an empty response from the user. The default value can be a scalar value, a reference to a scalar value, or a reference to a subroutine, which will be invoked for its result only if a default value is needed (no input is given).
h $help_string
The next argument is the help string, which is printed in response to an input of "?". In order to enter a? as actual text, it must be prefixed with a backslash: "\".
k \_USER_
The next argument is a reference to an array of allowable keywords. The input is matched against the array elements in a case-insensitive manner, with unambiguous abbreviations allowed. This flag implies the s flag.
The matching can be made case-sensitive by setting the following variable prior to the invocation of query:
 $Query::Case_sensitive = 1;
By default, this variable is null.
K \_USER_
The next argument is a reference to an array of disallowed keywords In this case, for the input to be unacceptable, it must match exactly, case-insensitive, one of the array elements. This flag implies the s flag.
The k option is useful for soliciting new, unique keywords to a growing list. Adding new fields to a database, for example.
The matching can be made case-sensitive by setting the $Query::Case_sensitive variable (see above).
l $maxlen
The next argument specifies the maximum length of the input.
m $regular_expression
The next argument specifies a regular expression pattern against which the input will be matched.
I $reference
The next argument is the input: either a simple scalar value, or a reference to a value, such as a SCALAR variable reference (eg: \$somevar), or a CODE reference (eg: sub {..}). In any case, the resulting value is used as input instead of reading from STDIN.
If the input returned by the reference does not match other constraints, additional input is not attempted. An error message is noted, and an undef return is taken.
This option is handy for applications which have already acquired the input, and wish to use the validation features of query.
It is also useful to embed a query definition in a query table which does not actually perform a query, but instead does a variable assignment dynamically, using the I reference value.
J $reference
The next argument is the input reference, as with the I flag, except that if the input fails any of the constraints, additional input is solicited from the input. In other words, the J flag sets a one-time only input reference. Think of it as jumping into


text:
Running near the Panama Canal from the Atlantic Ocean to Pacific Ocean is believed to be the fastest possible route to cross any continent on foot (The Suez Canal in Africa is over twice as long). The Trans-Continent FKT may follow any route across Panama as long as you start at one ocean and finish at the other. The only "rule" is that you must start/finish at a point that is clearly the sea/ocean and not an inlet body of water such as the Bahia las Minas (Bay of the Mines). It is not possible to follow the Panama Canal exactly but several road routes roughly parallel the canal miles to the east. Most routes will be between 45-50 miles and start/end in Panama City and Colon'.
There are no known speed attempts for crossing the country/continent but there is interesting history behind the crossing of Panama. The Panama Canal saved ships 8,000 miles of travel once it was completed and in 1928 Richard Halliburton swam the length of the canal. The Spanish conquistadors used a trade route they called "Camino Real" further east to trek stolen gold and goods to their ships. The US Army Ranger's previously had a jungle warfare school here and as part of their training the rangers would trek from Fort Sherman (Caribbean Sea) to Miraflores in Panama City (Pacific Ocean) in 2-3 days. There is no direct trail and any FKT attempt to complete the trans-continent in a day or less would require using mostly or all roads. It's up the runner to determine that safest possible route concerning local traffic and expressways.
Josh Sanders spent a few weeks researching and studying potential routes and the history so the route description should be very accurate. Help was provided by the US embassy.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


text:
This practice describes preparation processes of titanium and titanium alloys to produce adherent electrodeposits of good quality by electroplating. Not all of the processes that have been reported as successful are described, but rather three basic ones that have had the widest use. The purity of reagents and water that shall be used in each process are given. The three processes consist of (1) cleaning by conventional methods such as vapor degreasing, alkaline cleaning, grinding, or blasting, and (2) activating. The first process involves activation by chemical etching which shall be done in the following order of procedure: pickling, rinsing, etching, rinsing, electroplating, and heat treatment. The second process involves activation by electrochemical etching which shall be done by the same procedure as the first process, without the heat treatment step. The third process involves activation by liquid abrasive blasting which shall be done in the following order of procedure: blasting, electroplating, and heat treatment.
This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.
1.1 This practice describes processes that have been found to be successful in producing adherent electrodeposits of good quality on titanium and certain titanium alloys. Not all of the processes that have been reported as successful are described, but rather three basic ones that have had the widest use. A rather complete listing of the published work on electroplating on titanium is given in the list of references which appear at the end of this practice.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see 3.1.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
B343 Practice for Preparation of Nickel for Electroplating with Nickel
titanium; titanium alloys; electroplating; electrodeposits;
ICS Number Code 77.150.50 (Titanium products)
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citing ASTM Standards
[Back to Top]

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


text:
Our work and play are dedicated to conserving community
and quiet habitat for fish, wildlife and people.
Established in 1984, we work to:
- Conserve the Peace and Quiet essential to public health and the health of our native ecosystems.
- Ensure timber sale programs on public lands truly sustain water quality, fish and wildlife.
- Pursue these goals through public education and public involvement whenever possible, and through administrative appeals and litigation when necessary.
Logging road landslide into Sullivan Creek bull trout habitat!
Keith Hammer photo.


text:
The Emergence of Tissue Engineering as a Research Field
Back to Table of Contents|
View PDF of this document (32 Kb)
Engineering and technology are not static bodies of knowledge and practice, but dynamic processes characterized by constant change. In supporting fundamental research in engineering, the National Science Foundation is necessarily planting the seeds of continued change, for the knowledge gained is itself the fuel for this ongoing transformation.
But new knowledge does not affect solely the particulars of specific technologies and branches of engineering. More fundamentally, it may transform our understanding of knowledge itself, of its organization and of the means of creating and utilizing it most effectively, pointing to new ways of thinking about engineering challenges and, ultimately to the emergence of new areas of research and practice that in time come to be recognized as distinct fields of activity. Thus, in fulfilling its mission to preserve and enhance the vitality of engineering in service of the nation, NSF must constantly be alert not only to opportunities for continuing advances within established lines of inquiry, but also to the possibility that entirely new directions for research may offer compelling benefits for engineering and for society - indeed, that they may be essential to continued progress.
In practice, to what extent has NSF served as a catalyst for the timely emergence of productive new domains of engineering research? What are the specific mechanisms by which it has done so?
They are difficult questions to answer, for the innovation system of which engineering research is a part - and in which NSF plays an important role - is actually a complex ecosystem characterized by noisy signals traversing tangled pathways of influence and feedback among the system components. Gathering the data that may enable one to make sense of the system is challenging, both because the system is only imperfectly "instrumented" with routine measures of its behavior, and because ad hoc observations are costly both to the system and to its observers. Finally, the complexity of the pathways of influence that govern the system can make attribution of causality problematic, and the idiosyncratic variety of the particulars in different domains of engineering and innovation make generalization perilous.
This report examines the emergence of the research field of tissue engineering (TE), focusing on developments in the United States. Its purpose is to document the evolution of tissue engineering into a distinct area recognized as such by scholars, to document NSF's involvement through its Directorate for Engineering, and to evaluate the significance of NSF's role in the broader context of the field's evolution.
As a topic of study, tissue engineering is interesting for several reasons. First is the field's inherent human interest. The ultimate goal of the field is to develop powerful new therapies - "biological substitutes" - for structural and functional disorders of human health that have proven difficult or impossible to address successfully with the existing tools of medicine. This goal is made all the more provocative by its science-fiction vision of man-made, living "replacement parts" for the human body, and more compelling by its framing in terms of the lives lost through the ultimately irremediable shortage of transplantable organs.
Of special interest to research managers is the unusual breadth and depth of TE's interdisciplinarity: the knowledge needed to meet the technical challenges posed by TE spans many subdisciplines not only of engineering, but also of science and of clinical medicine. To reach their ultimate goal - successful therapies - tissue engineers must integrate many very different kinds of knowledge and ways of thinking.
Finally, from the perspective of an evaluator, the study of an emerging, strongly interdisciplinary field - a complex, ill-defined, moving target - represents a challenge of the first order, demanding ingenuity and flexibility as much as narrowly-defined methodological rigor, in pursuit of the real prize: qualitative insight that is well-founded in empirical observation and credible in its logic.
Where does one begin such a study? In the contemporaneous historical analysis of an emerging, strongly cross-disciplinary field, it can be difficult to specify the object or scope of the inquiry precisely at the outset. Almost by definition, the conceptual frameworks that define the substantive extent of the field remain fluid, while the field's institutional infrastructure is typically both limited and not fully apparent to a superficial review. The investigation will often take on a "bootstrap" character, in which part of the task of the inquiry is to delimit its own scope through analysis of the evidence that is gathered.
Within a biomedical context, the term "tissue engineering" points naturally to a central concept that is simple, powerful and intuitive: the creation of living tissues for therapeutic purposes. It is not obvious, however, how far this concept should extend. What counts as a "tissue"? (For example, are encapsulated pancreatic cells that function autonomously a tissue? Is blood a tissue? Are unorganized stem cells a tissue?) Must the "engineering" be done in vitro, or is induction of tissue growth in situ in a living organism also "tissue engineering"? Must the engineered product be implanted, or is improvement of the function of extracorporeal devices through the introduction of living cells to be considered "tissue engineering"? Must the product be directly therapeutic, or is the use of complex, cell-based products in diagnostic applications also a type of "tissue engineering"? To what extent or under what circumstances should fundamental research on underlying concepts or enabling technologies be considered tissue engineering?
Thus, the present study began not with a precise definition of tissue engineering, but rather with a set of plausible entry points for inquiry: the names of a few key researchers widely considered synonymous with the field, a handful of review papers, a list of NSF awards in support of TE research and ancillary activities - and the term "tissue engineering" itself, which could be presented as a filter to search engines used to scan bibliographic and research funding databases as well as the Internet. Following a chain of referrals, citations and links from these initial sources, the investigation accumulated many alternative definitions for the term, as well as a growing list of suggestions by expert interviewees of domains of research activity that they believed could or should be considered part of the field.
A central and ongoing task of the study was to analyze the character and overall coherence of the scope of activity delineated in this way. Specific findings in this respect are presented in appropriate context in the later sections of this report. However, it is worth noting here that no simple boundary-setting rule could be identified that maps cleanly to the scope of activity of researchers who think of themselves, or who are thought of by others, as being tissue engineers. In the end, our own concept of tissue engineering remained a pragmatic and operational one. In particular, because part of the charge for this project was to understand the role of NSF in shaping the field, and because funding agencies act through support of people and their activities, final judgment of what to include in the story was shaped as much by the sociological structure of the field - the people and institutions involved - as by its intellectual or substantive structure.
To understand the emergence of a research field, one must understand also something of what came before. Thus, we begin in Chapter 2 by examining the roots of tissue engineering in existing areas of research. In Chapter 3, we discuss the emergence and evolution of a shared concept for this new enterprise, delineating what participants believed to be its essence, through an examination of the origin and varying meanings and usages of the term "tissue engineering". Chapters 4 and 5 address the reality of tissue engineering: Chapter 4 discusses its scope and substantive character and Chapter 5 describes the community of tissue engineers, outlining some of its general characteristics and introducing specific individuals and institutions that have played central roles in the emergence and growth of the field and the most important genealogic relationships among them. Chapter 6 provides an overview to activities and major contributions in the emerging years of the corporate sector. Chapter 7 completes the spectrum of participants in the field by reviewing other prominent institutions participating in the goal of tissue engineering. Finally, we end in Chapter 8 with a discussion of the role of the National Science Foundation and its Directorate for Engineering in the emergence of tissue engineering. Supporting material is presented in the appendices. Appendix 1 describes our approach to data collection for the study; Appendix 2 presents a roster of individuals currently active or who have previously played an important role in tissue engineering, with information about their training and (where applicable) current employment; Appendix 3 lists the personnel interviewed for this study; and Appendix 4 contains our interview protocols. Finally, Appendix 5 includes a separate analysis conducted by CHI research on bibliometrics and patents, key findings from which are also included in the main report. A separate wall chart graphically illustrates the genealogy of the field.
Back to Table of Contents
The National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230, USA


Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
Publication type: Master thesis
Title: Differences in rhetorical and non-verbal communication of startup pitches in American and Swiss cultures
Authors: Tanno, Selina
Advisors / Reviewers: Graziano, Benjamin
Björck, Albena
DOI: 10.21256/zhaw-19577
Extent: 124
Issue Date: 2019
Publisher / Ed. Institution: ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften
Publisher / Ed. Institution: Winterthur
Language: English
Subject (DDC): 658.8: Marketing management
Abstract: In recent years, the conventional business plan presentation has been replaced by the pitch, which has become the main method of communication towards investors for many startups. Consequently, strong presentation and communication skills are of paramount importance. Furthermore, startup founders are facing new challenges while raising funding from investors, especially when introducing their businesses into new markets. Pitching in another country without any experience is a serious problem for many startup founders. Therefore, the main goal of this master's thesis was to answer a hitherto uninvestigated question: what are the rhetorical and non-verbal communication differences of startup pitches in the American and Swiss cultures? Finding an adequate answer to this question would help the founders of Swiss startups to overcome the differences and challenges they face when pitching in the US. The results showed that various rhetorical and non-verbal differences existed between American and Swiss startup pitches. The biggest differences related to aspects of storytelling and the use of gestures, as the American pitchers were more enthusiastic and outgoing than their Swiss equivalents. Various other differences were identified concerning the credentials of a pitcher, the founding reason of the company, and the use of facial expressions. Nevertheless, not just differences but also similarities between the two cultures emerged from the analysis. The findings of this thesis showed clear differences that can be used by American as well as Swiss pitchers, bearing in mind minor limitations. In addition, the findings lead to several recommendations for further research. In particular, research on the impact of pitch adaptations, based on the results of this thesis, on startups' success in front of American investors would make a valuable contribution.
Departement: School of Management and Law
Appears in collections:MSc International Business
Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat
Master's Thesis Startup Pitching - Selina Tanno.pdf2.15 MBAdobe PDFThumbnail


text:
Speaking in the countryside will not be a problem, but understanding the replies could take some practice. Toshi totte iru ("elderly"; literally, "taking years") people have a tendency to communicate in the local dialects, but young people are starting to reclaim these dialects as well.
New Question Indicator
In rural areas, you may hear the question indicator ka replaced by the more colloquial no:
Nasubi wa iranai no.
Don't you need some eggplant?
Get a group of people from different parts of Japan in the same room and the conversation will inevitably shift to dialects and their nuances. You may be surprised at the variation in terms as the comparisons make the rounds of regions. It is a great source of amusement and regional pride for the people involved to try and explain the history of their individual colloquialisms.
This way of asking a question is gentler and is more commonly used by women. No also shows up as an audible pause (like "um" or "uh") as people struggle to communicate the unique deliciousness of their daikon ("Japanese radish") or kaki ("persimmon"). In this way, it resembles the ne sometimes used when trying to get someone's attention:
Ano ne, kono daikon wa oishii yo.
Hey, um, this long radish is tasty!
Aside from these subtle semantic differences, there are entire words and phrases whose connection to standard Japanese is elusive, to say the least. Using contextual clues, most Japanese people can guess at the meaning of local vocabulary words.
Travel to Sado-ga-shima, an island in the Sea of Japan, and you will find colloquialisms from all over the country. Sado-ben ("Sado's dialect") has many words in common with the area around Kyooto, referred to as "Kansai." There used to be a ship that traveled from Kansai to Sado and then north to the island of Hokkaido called the Kitamaebune. This ship loaded and deposited many colloquialisms from Kyooto to Sado.
For example, the phrase tori ga utau ("birds sing") is used in both Kansai and on Sado, but in other parts of Japan, people say tori ga naku ("birds cry"). Other Kyooto-influences can be seen in the words tessho ("dish") and nekui ("warm").
Another colloquialism from Sado is daccha. It is a twisted version of desu and is used to express emphasis.
Sore wa ii-n daccha.
Sometimes this shortened form of desu is further abbreviated into a just plain cha. It can also be attached to verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to create interesting new words. Recent resurgences of local pride have moved people to highlight this unique phrase by adding it to roadside signs, community newsletters, and T-shirts.
Kore wa umeeccha.
This is scrumptious.
Efforts to preserve Sado-ben can be seen most distinctly in the work of Sooei Kodama. His hobby is collecting Sado folktales and then making them into children's books. By recording the stories in Sado's dialect and enlisting local wood-block print and paper collage artists to do the illustrations, Kodoma has helped to preserve local storytelling traditions.


Nicomedes II King of Kingdom of Bithynia from 149 BC to 127 BC.
Nicomedes II was the king of Bithynia from 149 to c. 127 BC. He was the son and successor of Prusias II and Apame IV. He was so popular with the people that his father sent him to Rome to limit his influence. However, in Rome, he also gained favor from the Roman Senate, forcing Prusias to send an emissary named Menas with secret orders to assassinate him. But the emissary revealed the plot, and persuaded the prince to rebel against his father.
Supported by King Attalus II of Pergamon, he was completely successful, and ordered his father to be put to death at Nicomedia. During his long reign Nicomedes adhered steadily to the Roman alliance, and assisted them against the pretender to the throne of Pergamon Eumenes III. He was succeeded by his son Nicomedes III.
Nicomedes II
No coins matching the search term(s)


Salvage Islands
The Savage Isles (Ilhas Selvagens) are a small archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean halfway between the Madeira (280 km) and the Canary Islands (165 km). The name is often translated into English incorrectly as the Salvage Islands. As with all the Macaronesian islands, the Savages have volcanic origins.
The Selvagem Grande and Selvagem Pequena islands are 15 kilometers apart. The archipelago has a total area of 273 hectares. There are two countries smaller in area than the Savage, The Vatican City (44 hectares) and Monaco (195 hectares).
Although remote and isolated, the islands received official visits from two Portuguese heads of state, Mario Soares and Jorge Sampaio, to reinforce the claim that they are Portuguese national territory and a national reserve.
The Archipelago
The archipelago is divided into two groups. The Northeast Group is formed by Selvagem Grande Island and two smaller islets, Palheiro da Terra and Palheiro do Mar. The Southeast Group is formed by Selvagem Pequena Island and the Fora Islet among numerous smaller islets, including the Alto, the Comprido, the Redondo Islets and also the tiny group of the Norte Islets. The archipelago is surrounded by an extensive barrier reef that makes it difficult to anchor on the islands' shores.
Temperature and Environment
The temperatures in the Savage Isles are higher than in Madeira and the sea temperature is confortable all year long. Jacques-Yves Cousteau once said he found there the cleanest waters in the world. In 2003 these islands were selected to be the national candidates to the UNESCO World Heritage List. They can only be visited by a special authorization from the Parque Natural da Madeira, a Portuguese regional environmental authority.
In 1971, Portugal declared the islands as a reserve (Reserva das Selvagens) that includes not only the submerged areas but also the surrounding shores to 200 meters deep. Its permanent surveillance began in 1976. Two years later, the Savage Isles were declared a Natural Reserve. The scientific and natural interest of this tiny group of islands lies not only in sea birds such as the White-faced Storm-Petrel that find a safe shelter there, but also in its marine biodiversity and unique flora. There are yearly scientific expeditions to the islands.
The Discovery
The official date of the discovery of the Savage Isles is 1438 by Diogo Gomes de Sintra, when he was returning to Portugal from Guinea eighteen years after the finding of Madeira. In that time, the Portuguese discoveries have made great achievements for mankind.
publicado por Pedro Quartin Graça às 19:33 | link do post | comentar


text:
We may be saved from a seriously stupid idea because: 'Efforts to remove CO2 directly from the air are likely to prove too expensive to be practical'
Scrubbing Carbon Dioxide from Air May Prove Too Costly – One of the seemingly ideal and direct solutions to climate change is to efficiently vacuum up greenhouse gases straight from the atmosphere. But a new study finds that such a proposal is very far-fetched and tremendously expensive.
The president's science adviser, John Holdren, and Energy Secretary Steven Chu have expressed support in the past for capturing and storing pollution from the air as a measure to mitigate global temperature increases. However, in a paper published earlier this month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that trying to scrub the air is much more expensive than keeping it from getting dirty in the first place.
For the scientists conducting the study, air capture was shown to be largely wishful thinking that distracts from more effective strategies for combating pollution and climate change. "We thought it was important to set the record straight because [air capture] has policy implications," said Howard Herzog, a senior research engineer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Energy Initiative and one of the report's authors. He said that air capture is appealing because it allows people to get away with not changing anything about their energy use. (SciAm)


text:
Analytical HPLC for imaging probe purification
The NanoTek microfluidic synthesis system can automatically conduct post synthesis trapping of an imaging probe whilst removing excess reaction reagents (polar and ionic compounds) and perform subsequent purification using an analytical HPLC.
- Order of magnitude increase of RAC
- Reduced starting activity.
- Faster production process.
- Substantial reduction in solvent consumption and disposal costs.


text:
Career Profile: Economist
You might sometimes wonder why you have to study mathematics at school. What's the use of all of those percentages and averages that you have to calculate? These concepts might not be useful in many jobs, but they are essential for economists. Every day, economists use complex mathematical skills to help governments and businesses plan for the future.
In 2011, Canada had about 15,000 economists working in a variety of places, including government offices, businesses, and other organizations. In some ways, economists do the same kinds of work as accountants often do. They work with budgets, prices, and how to make money. However, economists tend to work on bigger issues than these.
For economists, the issue that people face is not just how much money to charge for a product or service but also how that fee might affect other aspects of the economy. For example, an economist might analyze how an increase in fuel prices can affect the cost of transporting food from farms to the cities and how that might affect food bank usage and other parts of society.
Economists work with the trends that influence how people spend money and what affects factors such as prices and resource use. They use statistics to analyze trends in society and to predict what might happen in the future. They also have to know how laws might change various aspects of the economy. Economists might study public transit usage before and after a price increase or analyze how salaries in certain jobs affect house purchases. Economists need to understand numbers, but they also have to be able to see the larger trends.
Becoming an economist involves knowing a lot about mathematics but also about how people and the economy work together. Most economists have at least a bachelor's degree in their field, but most have a master's or Ph.D. Even after they graduate, economists have to keep on learning. They read magazines and other publications related to their work and they find out what other economist think. Reading statistics on how Canadians live is an important part of their work, since that gives them the information they need to make accurate predictions about the future. This can sometimes be a challenge, especially when the information is difficult to find or is unavailable.
Many economists work for the government, but they also work for large businesses to help the owners plan for the future. The average salary for an economist in Canada is $80,000 to $100,000, but most jobs start at a lower level and some can rise to a higher level. Experience is very important in this field, since it can be very important to learn about how different factors work together. Job prospects in this profession are limited, but there will likely be some openings in the next few years.
If you love numbers but you also enjoy seeing how everything works together, you might want to consider becoming an economist. Your work might affect Canadians for years to come.


text:
OFF - Use and Care of a pH Meter05/09/2012
Parts of a pH Meter:
Your pH meter consists of two or three basic parts, depending on the model you have purchased. All meters will have a main body component, which houses the microchip used to process the measurements made by the meter and the meter's display. All meters also have a probe (also commonly called an electrode) which is the part where the measurement actually takes place. The probe is the consumable, sensitive, and most expensive part of the meter; and should be handled with care. Some pH meters are equipped with the ability to measure the temperature of the solution being measured and account for it in the reading that the meter displays. This feature is called ATC, for "Automatic Temperature Compensation." Since pH is directly influenced by the temperature of the solution, this is a great feature! Some ATC pH meters have the temperature sensor built into the electrode, and some have an independent thermometer probe which plugs into its own port on the back of the body of the meter.
How a pH Meter Works:
A pH meter works by measuring the change in electronic voltage potential when it is immersed in the solution being tested. The pH unit is a measure of the acidity of a solution, taken by measuring the concentration of free, positively charged Hydrogen ions in the solution. For winemakers, this is different from expressing the acidity of the wine in terms of the physical number of grams of solid acids there are present in the wine - which is done through the TA test.
The meter's electrode is filled with an electrolyte solution that responds to the presence of positively charged Hydrogen ions. The elecrolyte does this by accepting or releasing electrons in an effort to keep the environment charge-neutral, with no more positively charged particles than negatively charged ones. As this happens, the amount of electrons available to flow between the solutions - the voltage potential - of the solution changes. This change is what the meter is measuring and then extrapolating into the number that you see on the display of the meter. This is important to understand because it shows how the electrode is the most important part of the meter - and because it is pretty neat!
The electrode has a membrane on the outside of the glass tip which regulates the flow of the Hydrogen ions in to the electrode and the electrolyte solution out of it. As the meter is used this membrane slowly degrades for a variety of reasons. This degradation is a large part of why an electrode wears out and needs to be replaced - if the membrane can't regulate the flow of the solutions back and forth, then the meter can't accurately determine the change in voltage. The other reason that a probe wears out is that the general net flow of solutions is in the direction of the electrolyte solution flowing into the test sample, so eventually you'll run out of it even if you maintain the probe's membrane impeccably - unless you're working with a high-end pH meter which features a refillable electrode.
Now let's get you using your meter!
Conditioning Your Probe:
The first thing that you'll need to do with a new pH meter is to condition the probe. Your meter should have come with a layer of white crystals all over it, resembling sea salt - this is perfectly normal and is actually done on purpose by the manufacturer in an effort to protect the probe while it sits on the shelf at our or another distributor's facility. So you need to get these crystals off the probe and, more importantly, out of the pores of the membrane on the electrode. Failure to do this will result in trouble calibrating the meter and taking readings, and is the primary cause of out-of-the-box problems that we troubleshoot for customers. Here's what you want to do:
- Rinse the majority of the crystals off of the electrode under the running tap.
- Now soak the electrode in distilled water if possible, or tap water if not, for 1-2 hours.
This process will absorb the last, invisible, layer of crystals out of your probe's membrane and yield a meter that is prepared to be used.
Calibrating Your Meter:
Before the pH meter can give you accurate readings, it needs to index itself against at least one solution of a known pH. Most pH meters are set up to perform 2-point calibrations using a pair of the three built-in calibration points - usually pH 4.00, 7.01 and 10.01 - depending on what you'll be measuring. As brewers and winemakers, we deal with acidic solutions rather than basic ones, so it is appropriate to calibrate your meter using the 7.01 and 4.00 points. Some meters have an expanded range of calibration points that the user can set, and can be capable of using three or more calibration points for added precision. Your meter should have been supplied with a set of small packets, called sachets, of solutions which have the same pH as the calibration points programmed into the meter. You can use these to get going, but you'll want to purchase a set of calibration standards (MT610)*, which are also called "buffers" for their ability to resist changes in pH if some acid or base is added to them.
*Note: If you are using the MT616 Hanna Pro Series meter your calibration points are 7.01 and 3.00, and you'll need to purchase
a different buffer for your low-point calibration. The part number for this is MT611.
Every pH meter has a slightly different method of initiating the calibration procedure and accepting each calibration point. Please refer to your meter's included instructions for this procedure. The following is a general outline of how the calibration should be performed.
To calibrate the meter, you'll need to have 3 small glass jars or beakers - or two jars and a wash bottle (MT644).
Fill two of the jars with enough of each calibrating solution to submerge the electrode in. If you aren't using a wash bottle, then fill the third jar about halfway with distilled water for rinsing.
Enter your meter's calibration mode. The meter should ask for the 7.01 buffer first. Submerge the probe in the buffer while gently swirling the glass to ensure there is a constant supply of fresh buffer solution in contact with the probe.
When the meter accepts the first reading, confirm it to the meter as per its own instructions. Then rinse the meter in your jar or with the wash bottle, shake off the excess water. The meter will now be asking for the second buffer, likely the pH 4.00 solution.
- Place the meter in the second buffer, swirling it, and wait for the meter to accept this reading. Confirm the reading to the meter, and you're set to start making pH measurements
*Note: If you're calibrating the meter for the first time, right out of the conditioning water, you'll want to shake as much of the water off of the electrode as possible before immersing it in the buffer, as though you were shaking down an old mercury thermometer. If the meter has been stored, discard the old storage solution and rinse the probe in your jar or with the wash bottle. Shake any excess water off the probe before putting it in the buffer. DO NOT attempt to dry off the probe with a cloth or paper towel, you risk damaging the probe's membrane.
Taking a Reading:
Taking a pH reading of a sample solution is a pretty straightforward thing to do. There are only two key things to keep in mind. First, the sample must completely cover the probe to ensure an accurate reading. Secondly, you always want to rinse the probe with distilled water between different samples and between your calibration buffers and your samples. So to take a reading, do as follows:
Turn on and calibrate your pH meter.
After rinsing the second calibration buffer off of the probe, submerge it in your sample to be tested.
Swirl the container in which you've got your sample gently to ensure a constant supply of fresh sample be in contact with the probe.
Allow enough time for your meter's reading to stabilize. The amount of time this takes will depend on the model of pH meter you have and the condition of the probe. As time goes by you'll get to have a pretty good idea of how long your meter takes to stabilize a reading. If your reading won't stabilize, please see the troubleshooting section below.
When you're finished, give the probe one final rinse, and return the cap to it with fresh storage solution.
Your pH electrode should be stored in a solution that is designed to maintain the integrity of the electrode and prevent the electrolyte solution from leaching out. We sell an electrode storage solution under part number MT618.
As we've said, the probe is the consumable and most expensive part of the meter. As an owner, there are two things that you can do to help ensure the longest life out of the probe that comes with your meter. The first is to be on top of keeping your electrode in fresh storage solution. If you don't use your meter for an extended period of time, be sure to change the storage solution about every 6 weeks. Never store your electrode in water or in pH 7.01 buffer solution, as this will leach the electrolyte solution out of the meter and shorten its service life. Secondly, be careful with your probe. Take care not to allow it to physically bang into the wall or rim of your testing vials, as this could damage the membrane.
- All told, with proper care, most pH electrodes will last 12-18 months before they require replacement.
*All Troubleshooting entries are in the "problem" = "• solution" format.
*Note: Problems with a meter's circuitry are rare and usually exhibit a number of


text:
RALEIGH, N.C. (December 4, 2012) - Smart water networks can save utilities across the globe up to $12.5 billion a year according to research commissioned by Sensus, a leading provider of intelligent solutions for electric, gas and water utilities. The findings, published in a white paper titled Water 20/20: Bringing Smart Water Networks Into Focus, provide insight from more than 180 utilities worldwide.
The report shows that system performance improvements in areas such as leakage and pressure management, network operations, and water quality monitoring, coupled with informed decision making about the allocation of capital expenditures, can stimulate dramatic savings when driven by the real-time data that a smart water network provides.
A smart water network is an integrated set of products, solutions and systems that enables utilities to remotely and continuously monitor and diagnose problems, prioritize and manage maintenance issues, and use data to optimize all aspects of water distribution network performance.
The report and extensive interviews with utilities worldwide found that, collectively, leaked water alone costs them an estimated $9.6 billion each year. By preventing leaks and enhancing the effectiveness of both water quality monitoring and system maintenance, smart water networks can help utilities recoup those losses and more.
"Water utilities are under pressure from growing demand, aging water systems and increasing energy prices," said Peter Mainz, CEO and President of Sensus. "Smart water networks can ease that pressure and save utilities worldwide billions of dollars each year. These savings mean more than 5 percent of utilities' budgets could be reinvested to improve water networks and help address the global water scarcity crisis."
Within the next decade, approximately two-thirds of the world's population, or 4.6 billion people, will experience water stressed conditions that occur when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use. Water scarcity, coupled with the link between gross domestic product (GDP) and the availability of drinking water, has prompted Sensus to call for water industry collaboration to successfully implement smart water networks worldwide.
"The savings and environmental and societal benefits we've identified are only possible if we start working together," said Mainz. "'Business as usual' means more of the usual losses – of both water and money. If we act now to implement smart water networks, we will preserve this vital resource for future generations."
The Water 20/20 white paper is available here.


text:
Influences on N/A
Connecting the dots of artistic inspiration: a musical family tree
It is difficult to tell at this point exactly who Francis Scott Key's literary influences were, though it is safe to assume that he may have been at least aware of the works of prominent British writers such as Alexander Pope, Samuel Johnson, Robert Burns, William Blake, William Wordsworth, and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
Influenced by N/A
What is easier to ascertain is the extent of Key's influence on American culture. Today there are monuments, memorials, and schools named after the writer, and his "Star-Spangled Banner" is one of the most frequently performed songs in the world.
Next Page: Listen (BETA)
Previous Page: Technique


What are LoadRunner parameter and parameterization?
What are LoadRunner parameter and parameterization?
This is a simple question - what is LoadRunner parameter?
I've reread LoadRunner VuGen User's Guide v9, trying to find the exact definition of LoadRunner parameter. That's strange, but LoadRunner Help does not contain the exact answer on this question.
In this article, I will answer basic questions, connected to LoadRunner parameters.
I think, LR beginners should study this article carefully :)
So, I recommend to read it, if you want to know:
 - the definition of LoadRunner parameter
 - LoadRunner parameter functions
 - how to create parameter in LoadRunner VuGen script
 - which types of LoadRunner parameter are available
 - how LoadRunner processes parameters - gets and sets their values
 - other key concepts, connected to LR parameters
OK, let's start.
I've recorded Web (HTTP/HTML) simple script on Web Tours demo web application. There are two first steps:
Please, notice that we use the following hard-coded username & password - jojo and jojo:
 1. "Name=username", "Value=jojo", ENDITEM,
 2. "Name=password", "Value=bean", ENDITEM,
They are hard-coded in the script! This is important.
What should we do, if we want to execute our script sequentially for different users, for example for jojo/bean, then for bob/lcdm, dm/psswrd, and so on?
There are several solutions:
 - The simplest one is to record our script for each user.
 In this case, our pseudocode will look like:
 1. Login as jojo/bean
 2. Perform other actions under jojo/bean
 3. Login as bob/lcdm
 4. Perform other actions under bob/lcdm
 5. Login as dm/psswrd
 6. Perform other actions under dm/psswrd
 7. so on...
As you can see, our code is duplicated. Actually, this is not good idea (read this article to find out why it is).
 - We can remake our code:
 1. Loop - perform next actions for each user name and password
 2. Read user name and password into {UserName} and {Password} variables
 3. Login as {UserName} and {Password}
 4. Perform other actions under {UserName} and {Password}
So, what have I done?
I do not use hard-coded values (jojo/bean, bob/lcdm, dm/psswrd, and so on). Instead, we use special variables - {UserName} and {Password}. They are parameters.
The source code will look like:
So, now we can answer:
Question: What is LoadRunner parameter?
The simple answer is:
LoadRunner parameter is a
special variable.
Note: We will investigate parameters and I will provide more exact definition later.
Since LoadRunner parameter is a variable, then I compare it with standard stack-based variable from C language (for example - int i).
 - Declaration
 To declare stack variable you can just write:
 1. int i;
 This means, that name of variable is 'i', and its type is int. It's easy, isn't it?
 To declare LoadRunner parameter you have to:
 1. select string, to be replaced with a parameter
 2. right-click on the selected text
 3. 'Replace with a parameter'
 'Select or Create Parameter' dialog opens.
 4. Here, you can enter name of your parameter:
 Note, that you can see an original value as well ('jojo' in our case).
 5. Specify type of parameter
 Parameter type is determined by the source of parameter data:
 Once you specified name and type of parameter, you declared LoadRunner parameter.
 The above declaration of parameter uses GUI ('Select or Create Parameter' dialog).
 This is not the only approach. We can declare parameter and assign value with lr_save_ functions (lr_save_string, lr_save_int, lr_save_searched_string, lr_save_var, and lr_save_datetime).
 See these examples:
 1. lr_save_string function
 1. lr_save_string("abCDEfgID", "prmProductID");
 2. lr_output_message("ID is: %s", lr_eval_string("{prmProductID}"));
 Here, I define new parameter ("prmProductID") and assign a value ("abCDEfgID") to it. So, the parameter contains this value.
 To make sure that the parameter contains correct value, please see the result of execution:
 Please, note that we can write analogous code using a stack variable:
 1. char *pszProductID = "abCDEfgID";
 2. lr_output_message("ID is: %s", pszProductID);
 The result will be the same:
 So, as you see, LR parameter is similar to standard variables.
 2. lr_save_int function
 1. lr_save_int(144, "prmCounter");
 2. lr_output_message("Counter: %s", lr_eval_string("{prmCounter}"));
 3. lr_save_int(-18, "prmCounter");
 Result is:
 Again, we can write analogous code using stack variables:
 1. int i;
 2. char pszCounter[12];
 3. i = 144;
 4. itoa(i, pszCounter, 10);
 5. lr_output_message("Counter: %s", pszCounter);
 6. i = -18;
 7. itoa(i, pszCounter, 10);
 8. lr_output_message("Counter: %s", pszCounter);
 The result will be the same too:
I think, you've received evidence, that LR parameter is similar to a variable. So,
So, now you can ask:
Question: What's the difference between LR parameter and stack-based variables?
// That is the question (C) W. Shakespeare :)
OK, I will answer - the LoadRunner parameters simplify:
 - Working with memory
 That is, you don't have to know, how many bytes allocate for a current value of parameter.
 You just use lr_save_string (for example) function, and LR allocates required number automatically.
 - Working with data sources
 For example, you can indicate, that values of parameters will be stored in a file:
 In this case, you don't have to write additional code for file processing. LoadRunner takes all routine procedures upon himself. For example - when and how update values from file, what is the current delimiter, and so on.
 Actually, these features (working with memory and data sources) are very comfortable from user's side. That's why LoadRunner parameter is used so extensively.
My article, describing LoadRunner parameter and parameterization, is up.
I hope, it was helpful :) Please, let me know...
In the next part, I will describe operations you can perform with parameters.
After that, I will explain - how LoadRunner parameterization is connected with correlation (this question was asked by Anonymous in his comment).
And, as usual, I'm waiting for your opinions.
If you have some questions or doubts - feel free to ask me.
Yours faithfully,
Dmitry Motevich, living in LoadRunner-city :)
Related articles:
Anonymous said...
Thanks for the Article. Another tutorial describing the usage of various options available for the Paramters i.e the following will be helpful.
a. Next row selection(sequential,Unique)
b.update method(i.e each iteration,once)
c.Option for When Out of Values( i.e - Continue in Cyclic manner,Abort Vuser,continue with LAST value)
An example of how these will be used when there is only one single user and when there are multiple users will be helpful.
Anonymous said...
Hi Dmitry,
What I want is to paramaterize my script using the parameterization feature of LR but don't want to hard code the location of the dat files.I want the code to be portable. Is there a way to relatively locate a dat file during runtime?
Anonymous said...
Thank you very much. All your tutorials are very useful. Can you post more about how each parameter type(especially the iteration number) is used?
Anonymous said...
Thanks a load.
gr said...
Can you please post an example of using the web_eval_java_script function?
Anonymous said...
Thanks but could u please let me know the purpose of having columns in datafile. IF i have login nad password in same file, how can i use them in my script. explain with eg
sivaramakoteswararao said...
1.what is caching? when will we use caching?
2. How to report the scenario analysis. Give me the brief explanation?
sivaramakoteswararao said...
1.what is caching? when will we use caching?
pranav said...
its a great help for entry level ppl,dude you are the best,thanx and i really really appreciate the way you like to share your in depth knowloadge
once again thnx buddy
Anonymous said...
Simple and easy to understand! thanks a ton!
Anonymous said...
I found out your blog site today and was going through your articles. They have been beautifully written and explained well. I have been working with automation tools (WR


text:
Exercise #37 page 2
It's clear to everybody who has followed the course of discussion attentively that there are TWO ships in the Bismark class in the database. That means, this class must not be included in the result set of the query.
To check it, add the following row into the basic database:
All the basic teaching databases you can download from sqlbooks.ru.
The next solution was built by one of the visitors of the site after receiving the above explanation. It also gives the correct result for main database.
Here two queries were combined. The second query selects from the Outcomes table on condition that there exists no other ship of the given leading ship class in the Ships table.
The first query selects all ships from the Ships table except those whose leading ship is present in the Outcomes table. Next, the grouping by class was executed and ship classes with more than one ship are eliminated with the HAVING clause.
Thus, it is assumed that if the leading ship is in the Outcomes table, this class has at least two ships and, therefore, this class does not meet the conditions of the problem. That is a mistake, because nothing implies that the Ships table cannot contain a leading ship. So if a class has one ship in the database, and this ship is a head one and is present in both of the considered tables, then the solution 3.2.2 mistakenly ignores this class.


text:
Microcosm, with partners Space Micro and HRP Systems, will design, build, and test a plug-and play (PnP) star sensor for small satellites, achieving TRL 6 at the completion of Phase II. All three companies are very experienced in developing PnP systems. On a recent Phase II Air Force SBIR program, Microcosm built and tested a prototype miniature star sensor called MicroMakTM
, and is building a prototype radiation hard star sensor under a new Phase II Air Force SBIR. The new star sensor proposed here will focus on PnP compatibility for NASA missions of interest, with a mass goal of 0.5 to 0.75 kg. Anticipated NASA applications necessitate a modified version of the baseline MicroMakTM
sensor, including: 1) Interfaces compatible with a new PnP avionics architecture, 2) radiation-hardened CMOS focal plane arrays (FPAs), and 3) processing electronics to enable longer mission life. The baseline MicroMakTM
sensor was designed with inherent radiation-tolerant features: FPAs with no direct view of space, and all-reflective optical elements. The PnP star sensor will leverage MicroMakTM
heritage, providing a modular, PnP, long-life star sensor for NASA missions, providing a cost and mass reduction of a factor of 2 or more over existing star sensors.


If you need to send money to Pakistan, then here is some helpful information – three (3) cheaper ways to send money to Pakistan from Australia.
Although there are multiple options, there are important factors to consider that can make a difference between one company or another when you are sending money to Pakistan.
How much money are you transferring?
The total amount you wish to send may influence on the best sending method. Traditionally, money transfer to Pakistan has been expensive so it is common to save a year's remittance and send it all in one go. That way you would pay a lower fee as you were sending only once.
However, nowadays with new mobile technology, sending money to Pakistan is free with some remittance providers, so there is no need to hold on to your money for a year and send it all in one go.
There is also an economic argument to send a smaller amount frequently.
Let me explain…
If you are familiar with the "time value of money" principle, you will agree with me that it is better to send the money in the present moment to Pakistan than keep it in your savings account. "$100.00 today is worth more than $100.00 tomorrow".
If you are not familiar with this phrase, let me clarify it for you. As the value of money changes over time, it is the concept that cash available at the present moment compounds in value and is therefore worth more than the same amount in the future.
Consequently, the funds will have a better impact on the recipient if sent in the current moment, rather than accumulating funds for one (1) more significant transaction in the future.
Providing that transaction costs are free, it is more beneficial to your recipient to receive multiple transfers to Pakistan in regular smaller amounts.
For example, if you have $100.00 today, with a nominal interest rate of 2%, it may be worth $102.00 a year later. A further year later, and your $100.00 has turned into $104.04.
How fast do you need the money in Pakistan?
The timing of the transfer of funds can be a big factor when sending money to Pakistan. Some transfers take days to finalise whilst others are completed instantly. Keep in mind that if your transfer is instant, your recipient does not have to wait hours or days for the funds.
You know they have received them straight away! Plus you also have peace-of-mind that the funds have not been lost which can be stressful! For this reason, the quicker the transfer, the better!
Consider also that the larger the transfer, the longer the transaction takes to complete. Depending on your provider, if you send less than 1,000.00 AUD, your recipient in Pakistan will typically receive the funds immediately. For amounts greater than 1,000.00 AUD, it is likely to take between 1 to 3 business days.
Which Receiving method do you prefer?
You will want to make it as easy as possible for your recipient to receive your remittance. One option is to use a method where they do not need to travel to access money such as electronic or digital remittance. Mobile money is a good solution here. More on this later.
While cash pickup is still a popular option, avoiding large sums of cash is sometimes preferred for safety and practical reasons. Non-cash remittance options also mean the recipient may not need to travel to make payments from the funds received. Plus electronic or digital remittance prevents the transmission of germs, among other things!
Reasons why you want to send money to Pakistan
If you are away from your loved ones, you may want to send cash as a gift or for a special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary. Or you may want to help family and friends for medical or education fees or to simply assist them with general expenses.
If you have a property in Pakistan and need to make mortgage payments, you may also need to make regular transfers.
Finally, you may simply want to make voluntary donations to charities or organisations or to assist people in Pakistan improve their circumstances.
3 Cheaper Ways to Send Money to Pakistan
One way to compare cheaper ways of sending money to Pakistan is by using an impartial, independent organisation such as the World Bank. Below is a comparison made by the World Bank, in which I have highlighted lowest price companies and methods for sending money to Pakistan. If you would like to check the full comparison directly visit the World Bank Remittance Prices page by clicking here.
world bank Australia Send Money to Pakistan
Comparison Send Money to Pakistan
1. Mobile Money
Mobile money is a new technology that allows people to receive, store and spend money using a mobile phone. It is sometimes called a 'mobile wallet' or "digital money". There are more than 290 mobile money services around the world, although they are more common in Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
Mobile money is a popular alternative to both cash and banks because it is very simple and easy to use, can work on any mobile phone, is secure and can be used anywhere where there is mobile phone coverage.
These are a number of mobile wallet services you can use in Pakistan: EasyPaisa, JazzCash, Zong PayMax, Keenu Wallet, UBL Omni. They are simple to use, safe and you don't need an internet connection. Not all services support remittance. They are also a lower-cost way of receiving money in Pakistan.
How do I send money?
Sending to Pakistan using mobile money is usually done online and the transfer is instant. The recipient will receive a message when the funds are available in their account; it is as simple as that! The recipient does not have to travel anywhere to collect the money.
You can send money to Pakistan by SMS starting with the word PAY, followed by the mobile number of the recipient in the international format, followed by the amount in AUD, followed by their first name followed, by their last name followed, by their address. For more detail or for information on how to send money by SMS see FAQS
How does the recipient get my payment?
The overseas recipient must be registered with a compatible m-wallet or e-wallet operator in a supported country. Payments will be automatically credited to their m-wallet or e-wallet account. They will also receive a notification from their provider the moment they receive a payment from you (usually an SMS). They can access funds according to the services available to them from their m-wallet or e-wallet provider such as cash-out facilities at agents. See How It Works for more details.
2. Xpress Money – Send and collect cash
Although the world is moving to an electronic and digital age, a large group of people still prefer to do transactions in person using cash. Cash is still a popular remittance option for Pakistan. One operator who provides cash sending and pickup is Xpress Money.
Xpress Money allows you to send cash to Pakistan cheaply and easily. The sender must visit an Xpress Money agent in Australia and provide ID along with the cash. After handing over the money, you will receive a number that you must share with your beneficiary. Your beneficiary must then visit an agent in Pakistan to provide the code along with their ID and collect the cash.
Overall it is a simple service to use. It has low fees but as you may have noticed from my previous comments, cash management is not the most practical for larger amounts. Also, some agents may not have enough cash on hand if the amount is large. In the future, all our transactions will be likely to be digital, we may need to get used to it.
3. Bank in Australia to Bank in Pakistan
The above two options are useful for small transfers. Using a bank can be an alternative when you are transferring significant amounts of money. For example, when sending more than $5,000, using a bank transfer may be a more practical method.
The four major banks in Australia's all allow you to send money to Pakistan. Each of them has criteria that you must meet, including documents that you must supply and beneficiary information. The beneficiary must also have a bank account in Pakistan. See the links below for more information on each one.
– National Australia Bank
– Australia New Zealand Bank
– Commonwealth Bank of Australia
– Westpac Banking Corporation
Stick with me here, because…
I am going to explain the general criteria of how money transfer to Pakistan works using the banking system.
Before sending money, you should verify the personal details of the person who is going to receive the funds including their mobile phone number, full name as it appears on their bank account, and bank account details.
Regarding the account details, it is essential to include not only the account number and the name of the bank in Pakistan and the address, but also the swift code. Remember that these details have to be correct or your transaction may be rejected (and you may still be charged a fee!)
But wait, there's more…
Finally, after ensuring the above information is correct, check the exchange rate and make the transfer through the bank website. If you have entered the correct information after confirming the transfer, you generally cannot make any changes.
What is the exchange rate? It is simply the number of units that I need from one currency to buy a unit of another currency. Money exchange can be complicated and confusing. If you want to understand a little more how it works, read our blog 5 Reliable Australian Money Exchange Methods
The fastest and most competitive money transfer to Pakistan
Rocket Remit money transfer service uses mobile money and so money is available instantly to the beneficiary in Pakistan. Rocket Remit has among the best FX rates to Pakistan and is free (no fee). Only the mobile number of the beneficiary is needed to send the transfer.
Rocket Remit is the worlds fastest international money transfer service


Release: 1.4.18 current release | Release Date: June 10, 2021
SQLAlchemy 1.4 Documentation
The SQLAlchemy SQL Toolkit and Object Relational Mapper is a comprehensive set of tools for working with databases and Python. It has several distinct areas of functionality which can be used individually or combined together. Its major components are illustrated below, with component dependencies organized into layers:
Above, the two most significant front-facing portions of SQLAlchemy are the Object Relational Mapper (ORM) and the Core.
Core contains the breadth of SQLAlchemy's SQL and database integration and description services, the most prominent part of this being the SQL Expression Language.
The SQL Expression Language is a toolkit all its own, independent of the ORM package, which provides a system of constructing SQL expressions represented by composable objects, which can then be "executed" against a target database within the scope of a specific transaction, returning a result set. Inserts, updates and deletes (i.e. DML) are achieved by passing SQL expression objects representing these statements along with dictionaries that represent parameters to be used with each statement.
The ORM builds upon Core to provide a means of working with a domain object model mapped to a database schema. When using the ORM, SQL statements are constructed in mostly the same way as when using Core, however the task of DML, which here refers to the persistence of business objects in a database, is automated using a pattern called unit of work, which translates changes in state against mutable objects into INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE constructs which are then invoked in terms of those objects. SELECT statements are also augmented by ORM-specific automations and object-centric querying capabilities.
Whereas working with Core and the SQL Expression language presents a schema-centric view of the database, along with a programming paradigm that is oriented around immutability, the ORM builds on top of this a domain-centric view of the database with a programming paradigm that is more explcitly object-oriented and reliant upon mutability. Since a relational database is itself a mutable service, the difference is that Core/SQL Expression language is command oriented whereas the ORM is state oriented.
Documentation Overview
The documentation is separated into four sections:
Code Examples
Working code examples, mostly regarding the ORM, are included in the SQLAlchemy distribution. A description of all the included example applications is at ORM Examples.
There is also a wide variety of examples involving both core SQLAlchemy constructs as well as the ORM on the wiki. See Theatrum Chemicum.
Installation Guide
Supported Platforms
SQLAlchemy has been tested against the following platforms:
 - cPython 2.7
 - cPython 3.6 and higher
 - PyPy 2.1 or greater
Changed in version 1.4: Within the Python 3 series, 3.6 is now the minimum Python 3 version supported.
Supported Installation Methods
SQLAlchemy installation is via standard Python methodologies that are based on setuptools, either by referring to directly or by using pip or other setuptools-compatible approaches.
Changed in version 1.1: setuptools is now required by the file; plain distutils installs are no longer supported.
Install via pip
When pip is available, the distribution can be downloaded from PyPI and installed in one step:
pip install SQLAlchemy
This command will download the latest released version of SQLAlchemy from the Python Cheese Shop and install it to your system.
In order to install the latest prerelease version, such as 1.4.0b1, pip requires that the --pre flag be used:
pip install --pre SQLAlchemy
Where above, if the most recent version is a prerelease, it will be installed instead of the latest released version.
Installing using
Otherwise, you can install from the distribution using the script:
python install
Installing the C Extensions
SQLAlchemy includes C extensions which provide an extra speed boost for dealing with result sets. The extensions are supported on both the 2.xx and 3.xx series of cPython. will automatically build the extensions if an appropriate platform is detected. If the build of the C extensions fails due to a missing compiler or other issue, the setup process will output a warning message and re-run the build without the C extensions upon completion, reporting final status.
To run the build/install without even attempting to compile the C extensions, the DISABLE_SQLALCHEMY_CEXT environment variable may be specified. The use case for this is either for special testing circumstances, or in the rare case of compatibility/build issues not overcome by the usual "rebuild" mechanism:
export DISABLE_SQLALCHEMY_CEXT=1; python install
Changed in version 1.1: The legacy --without-cextensions flag has been removed from the installer as it relies on deprecated features of setuptools.
Installing a Database API
SQLAlchemy is designed to operate with a DBAPI implementation built for a particular database, and includes support for the most popular databases. The individual database sections in Dialects enumerate the available DBAPIs for each database, including external links.
Checking the Installed SQLAlchemy Version
This documentation covers SQLAlchemy version 1.4. If you're working on a system that already has SQLAlchemy installed, check the version from your Python prompt like this:
>>> import sqlalchemy
>>> sqlalchemy.__version__
1.3 to 1.4 Migration
Notes on what's changed from 1.3 to 1.4 is available here at What's New in SQLAlchemy 1.4?.
Previous: Table of Contents Next: SQLAlchemy 1.4 / 2.0 Tutorial


text:
The space enclosed within the external walls of a castle, not including the "Keep." The entrance was over a drawbridge, and through the embattled gate (Middle-age Latin balium or ballium, a corruption of vallum, a rampart).
When there were two courts to a castle, they were distinguished as the outer and inner bailey (rampart). Subsequently the word included the court and all its buildings; and when the court was abolished, the term was attached to the castle, as the Old Bailey (London) and the Bailey (Oxford).
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
More on Bailey from Infoplease:


text:
Recent developments and applications in theoretical methods focusing on drug design and particularly on the solvent effect in molecular recognition based on the three-dimensional reference interaction site model (3D-RISM) theory are reviewed. Molecular recognition, a fundamental molecular process in living systems, is known to be the functional mechanism of most drugs. Solvents play an essential role in molecular recognition processes as well as in ligand-protein interactions. The 3D-RISM theory is derived from the fundamental statistical mechanics theory, which reproduces all solvation thermodynamics naturally and has some advantages over conventional solvation methods, such as molecular simulation and the continuum model. Here, we review the basics of the 3D-RISM theory and methods of molecular recognition in its applications toward drug design.
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Chemical Engineering(all)
- Computer Science Applications
- Library and Information Sciences


text:
of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.
Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.
The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.
SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (_URL_ course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and speaking skills
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- International Student Support
- AUU Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- Reasonable Adjustments to Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- LinkedIn Learning
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangement Policy
- Academic Honesty Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student's disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.


text:
Introducing 'Balance Complex Pills,' a meticulously crafted supplement specifically designed to cater to women's intimate wellness needs. Formulated with a proprietary blend of natural ingredients, these pills offer a potential solution to address various concerns related to feminine health, providing a comprehensive approach to holistic well-being.
V3ginal Health Support: Balance Complex Pills aim to maintain a healthy v3ginal flora, potentially reducing the risk of imbalances that could lead to discomfort or infections. The natural ingredients in these pills are believed to support the delicate balance of microorganisms in the v3ginal area.
Yeast Balance: With regular use, the supplement may contribute to sustaining a healthy yeast balance within the body, potentially mitigating the occurrence of yeast-related issues that can impact v3ginal health.
Digestive Harmony: Beyond intimate health, these pills might assist in promoting digestive health by supporting a balanced gut microbiome. A healthy digestive system indirectly influences v3ginal health, creating a harmonious internal environment.
Immune System Support: Certain components within Balance Complex Pills are thought to aid in bolstering the immune system. Strengthening the body's defense mechanisms can potentially reduce vulnerability to infections.
How to Use
Incorporating Balance Complex Pills into your daily routine is simple. Follow the recommended dosage guidelines indicated on the product label or as advised by a healthcare professional. Taking the pills with a meal or following the prescribed schedule helps optimize absorption and minimizes the likelihood of any stomach discomfort. Consistency in consumption is key to potentially experiencing the full range of benefits these supplements offer.
By opting for Balance Complex Pills, women may proactively support their intimate health and overall well-being. These supplements offer a natural and convenient means to empower women to take charge of their health journey. With an emphasis on holistic wellness, these pills aim to provide comprehensive support for a harmonious and balanced body, allowing women to embrace life with confidence and comfort.
In conclusion, 'Balance Complex Pills' represent a potentially valuable addition to a woman's wellness regimen, offering a multifaceted approach to address intimate health concerns. With their natural composition and potential benefits, these supplements aim to assist women in achieving and maintaining a balanced and thriving body, promoting vitality and confidence in their daily lives.
For more Information Balance Complex Pills
For more click medicenpk
Balance Complex Pills medicenpk.com 0313-_PHONE_


BootPicker 2.1.2
Choose Mac OS X, Windows, or Linux each time Mac boots.
This resource is being watched by 42 members.
 1. Amkay
 BootPicker runs whenever LoginWindow is present. Based upon your configuration, it presents an option to the end user to choose an operating system. Upon choosing that OS, the machine either continues to Mac OS X or reboots to the specified OS. The next time the computer is rebooted, it automatically returns to Mac OS X and the boot picker.
 1. dklsajd;adas.jpg


text:
Why are there no Enotes for 'The Owl in the Shower' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean Jack Sparrow Silver' These are text for 5th grade?
1 Answer | Add Yours
The simple answer to this is that guides on these texts have not been requested and/or written. The e-notes editors respond to demand: we answer questions posed and produce assignments and teaching guides on texts requested by e-notes users. The request can come from students or education professionals. If you require specific detail, I suggest you ask a specific question on a text; if you requre a teaching guide I advise that you contact Scott Locklear to add your requested text(s) to the assignment lists.
As editors we are always ready to meet demand. Ask away - I am sure that some of my esteemed colleagues will be able to help you.
Join to answer this question
Join a community of thousands of dedicated teachers and students.Join eNotes


text:
G Omotoso, A Oyewopo, R Kadir, S Olawuyi, A Jimoh
garlic, semen parameters, superoxide dismutase
G Omotoso, A Oyewopo, R Kadir, S Olawuyi, A Jimoh. Effects Of Aqueous Extract Of Allium Sativum (Garlic) On Semen Parameters In Wistar Rats.. The Internet Journal of Urology. 2009 Volume 7 Number 2.
Garlic has been in use worldwide since ages, especially as food and for its health benefits. However, concern has been raised on its untoward effects on male reproductive functions. The present study examined the effects of aqueous garlic extract on some semen parameters and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were grouped into 3, and aqueous extract of garlic was administered orally at different doses (Group B: 500 mg/kg/d; Group C: 1000 mg/kg/d) to the 2 treated groups, and distilled water given to the control group (Group A), for 28 days. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were studied, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was measured. The results of the semen analysis revealed reduction in all the parameters, which was dose-dependent. The percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was significantly reduced, as well as sperm concentration, compared with findings in the control animals. Garlic also caused a significant reduction in SOD activity in the blood, and this was dose-dependent, as the least activity was recorded among the high dose group. As people desire to enjoy the maximum beneficial health effects of garlic, its potential to adversely affect the reproductive functions, especially at higher doses, should be borne in mind.
In the present study, the effect of orally administered aqueous extract of
Materials and Methods
Preparation of Garlic Aqueous Extract
The raw garlic plants were collected from Ilorin, Kwara State and authenticated at the Department of Plant Biology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. The raw garlic cloves were peeled, chopped into small pieces and blended. It was then dissolved in distilled water and kept in the Refrigerator for 12 hours. The solution was thereafter filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated in a water bath at a temperature of 40oC, into the paste form, from which the required dosages (500 mg/kg/d and 1000 mg/kg/d) were prepared.
The experiments were performed in conformity with the Rules and Guidelines of the Animal Ethics Committee of the University of Ilorin.
Experimental Pharmacological Protocol
Twenty-four (24) rats with an average weight of about 116 g were randomly grouped into 3 classes as follows:
Group A:- Control Group given distilled water.
Group B:- Treated Group with aqueous extract of garlic in a dose of 500 mg/kg/d.
Group C:- Treated Group with aqueous extract of garlic in a dose of 1000 mg/kg/d.
Using a feeding tube (size-6), distilled water and aqueous garlic extracts were administered to the control and treated animals respectively for a period of 28 days.
Animal Sacrifice and Sample Collection
Twenty-four hours (24 h) after the last day of administration, the animals were weighed and thereafter sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Blood samples of animals were collected into lithium heparinized bottles. Using a midline abdominal incision, the abdominal cavity was opened to access the reproductive organs. The testes were excised and weighed using an electronic sensitive analytical balance (Gallenkomp FA 2104A).
Assay of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity
Estimation of superoxide oxidase (SOD) in the blood was based on the method described by Mistra and Fridovish15, using chemical reagents kit produced by Randox Laboratories Limited (UK). Samples were measured spectrophotometrically at 30 sec interval for 3 min, and the data expressed as IU/ml.
Epididymal Sperm Concentration
A modified method of Yokoi and Mayi16 was adopted in counting the spermatozoa from the right epididymis. The epididymis was minced with anatomic scizzors in 5 ml of normal saline, placed in a rocker for 10 min and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 2 min. After incubation, the supernatant was diluted at 1:100 with a solution containing 5 g sodium bicarbonate and 1 ml formalin (35%). The new improved Neuber's counting chamber (haemocytometer) was used in counting the total number of spermatozoa. About 10 ml of the diluted sperm suspension was transferred to each counting chamber of the haemocytometer and was allowed to stand for 5 min, and thereafter observed under a binocular light microscope.
The fluid from the caudal epididymis was diluted with Tris buffer solution17 to 0.5 ml. An aliquot of this solution was observed under the light microscope at a magnification of x400. The mean motility estimation was reported as the final motility score for each sample.
The morphology of the spermatozoa was determined using the original dilution for motility, diluted 1:20 with 10% neutral buffered formalin (Sigma-Aldrich, Oakville, ON, Canada). The sperm cells were categorised based on the presence of one or more abnormal features such as tail defects (short, irregular, coiled or multiple tails); neck and middle piece defects (distended, irregular, bent middle piece, abnormally thin middle piece); and head defects (round head, small or large size, double or detached head). Findings were expressed as percentage of morphologically normal sperm18.
Data were analysed statistically by application of student's t-test, using the SPSS version 15 software, presented as mean and standard error mean (SEM), and values of p <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.
There were no statistically significant changes in the body weight difference of the experimental animals in all the groups, and the ratio of the testis weight to that of the body weight of each animal (Table 1:p>0.05). Semen parameters in all the treatment groups (Groups B and C) decreased when compared with the control group. Only a minimal decrease was observed in the percentage sperm motility of the treated groups, and in the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa of the low dose group (Table 2). The percentage of normal spermatozoa was markedly reduced in the animals exposed to 1000 mg/kg/d (high dose) of garlic (69.00 ± 1.22) compared with animals that received a lower dose of 500 mg/kg/d (85.50 ±1.66) and the control animals (86.25 ± 1.75) given distilled water. There was a decrease in sperm motility in the treatment groups (Control: 92.17±0.66; Low dose group: 90.87±0.76; High dose group:90.27±1.13), but this was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Sperm concentration decreased in the treated groups with the animals treated with 1000 mg/kg/d aqueous garlic extract having the lowest value (63.85 ± 3.03) compared with those that received 500 mg/kg/d of the extract (65.35 ± 3.13) and the control group (72.15 ±0.74) that received distilled water. Superoxide dismutase enzyme was markedly reduced in the low dose group (279.75 ± 05.02 IU/ml; p<0.05) compared with the control animals (490.00 ± 20.10 IU/ml), with a much more decreased activity in the group that received a higher dose of 1000 mg/kg/d (188.00 ± 09.82 IU/ml; p<0.05).
The effects of garlic on male gonads, and by extension, the male reproductive function, may appear somewhat different from the usual cytoprotective activities observed by various workers in other tissues and organs of the body19,3; although, the amount of garlic administered, to some extent, could be a factor12. Administration of garlic augments the activities of SOD and also protects the cells against the damaging effects of free radicals, as given by some biochemical and histopathological evidences3. However, on the testes, use of garlic has been noted to compromise some male reproductive functions, as it affects spermatogenesis and testosterone levels, which are vital to reproduction11.
Both at a lower and higher doses of garlic extract, the activity of SOD was noted in this study to decrease with increasing dosage. The endogenous antioxidative functions of the enzyme was compromised, thereby predisposing the cells of the testes to the detrimental effects of various oxygen radicals and other chemically-induced oxidative stress. In this study, both the percentage morphology and sperm count were significantly reduced, although sperm motility was only slightly reduced. Irrespective of the motility, in the event of increasing number of abnormal spermatozoa morphologically, spermatogenesis and other reproductive capability of an intact spermatozoon, could still be compromised. This is because previous studies have shown that use of


text:
Photo by Tompkins County
The placement of public and civic buildings usually indicates
a local government's development priorities. By locating new public
buildings (e.g., libraries, government buildings, and schools)
within existing centers, governments and school districts demonstrate
their commitment to investment in existing downtowns and encourage
further investment in those areas by the private sector.
If a municipality wants to build a walkable community, it should
try to ensure that new schools and government facilities be located
within easy walking and bicycling distance of many people. Attracting
residents to areas where those facilities already exist is also
an important step.