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Xiucai Hiking Trail (秀才登山步道)
Traveler rating:5 5 Reviews
Popularity: 1623
Thursday: Open 24 hours a day
Go all the way to the Yangmei summit: easy even for first-time hikers
Cherry blossoms, silvergrass, and bald cypress: feel the seasonal changes in nature
Great social media photo opportunity with Xiucai dolls.
For those who seldomly hike, the flat and non-challenging Xiucai Trail is easy to conquer and should be included in their trips. At the altitude of less than 400m, the scenery along the way is dynamic, including tea fields, bald cypresses, farms, and more than 50 species of birds. You might even run into protected species such as the crested serpent eagles and sparrow hawks. The rich ecology adds a lot of fun to the hike.
From Xiucai Road in Yangmei take a left at the front gate of China Motor Corporation and continue towards Tiandetang. You will be able to find Jueying Trail, also known as the "sky ladder of Yangmei," from the wooden arch. Take the 495 stairs up to "Green Energy Lookout" at the top of Taiping (Daping) Mountain. In the mountain breeze, you can look over to the entire downtown Yangmei, Xinpu, and National Highway 1. On a good day, you can even see Guanyin coastal area afar. It will be so relaxing you can immediately recover from the tiredness of climbing stair. From here, hike towards west to Xiucai Pavilion and read about the origin of "Xiucaiwo (Home of Xiucais)" on the bulletin boards along the way. The "story corridor" where stories about Xiucais are displayed add some cultural learning to the hike. The two-floor high Xiucai Pavilion is another popular spot. When the hills are covered by silvergrass, it would feel like a wonderland. After passing by the Forest Lookout, Forest Station, and Shaded Lookout, you will return to Xiucai Road.
The path extending from Green Energy Lookout is comprised of the tea field section, farm section and waterfront section, each of which has its own entrance and symbols of teapot, Zhuangyuanbing (scholar cake), and Xiucai dolls. Be sure to take photos here. The lush green tea trees, bald cypresses turning red in winters, and teals going around the pond are all part of the wonderful scenery. In spring, the cherry blossoms near Zhaomendao Road in Yangmei is a beautiful addition to the hike.
Opening Hours Sunday: Open 24 hours a day
Monday: Open 24 hours a day
Tuesday: Open 24 hours a day
Wednesday: Open 24 hours a day
Thursday: Open 24 hours a day
Friday: Open 24 hours a day
Saturday: Open 24 hours a day
Charge Free
 - Hiking Trail
■ The trail is rarely shaded by trees. You are recommended to have proper protection against the sun and mosquitos.
■ The stone stairs are steep and can be slippery. You are recommended to wear anti-slippery shoes.
■ Silvergrass season is September to November.
■ Bald cypress season is mid-December to end of January.
Choose a transportation method based on your departure location.
Street parkin
TripAdvisor Reviews
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 - chinghsuan
 Traveler rating:5 2019-11
 - chinghsuan
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 Traveler rating:5 2019-03
 - chinghsuan
 Traveler rating:5 2018-11
 沒想到楊梅有這麼漂亮的芒草山！！！望過去全是一片芒草好漂亮（再也不用跑台北） 很適合家庭、好友踏青郊遊。
 - Dino H
 Traveler type:
 Traveler rating:5 2017-09
 對於剛接觸登山步道的旅客， 這邊是很基礎的開頭， 夏天可以清楚看見市景， 很適合全家大小一起共同健行， 期待秋天的芒草景象。
 - williamwang0765
 Traveler type:
 Traveler rating:4 2016-12
1-5 Reviews


Volume 5 Supplement 8
Open Access
Accelerating process development through analysis of cell metabolism
 - Dirk Müller1Email author,
 - Florian Kirchner1,
 - Stefanie Mangin1 and
 - Klaus Mauch1
BMC Proceedings20115(Suppl 8):P81
DOI: 10.1186/_PHONE_-5-S8-P81
Published: 22 November 2011
Biopharma process development accumulates growing collections of physicochemical product information and fermentation data, partly in response to initiatives like Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Quality by Design (QbD) backed by regulatory authorities. The key goal of these initiatives is to ensure robust processes and consistent product quality based on a scientific and mechanistic understanding of the product compound itself and of the manufacturing process. Biopharma companies gather much high-quality data during fermentations including online measurements and omics data such as transcript and metabolite measurements. Typically, these data will be stored for documentation purposes only whereas data evaluation and interpretation lags behind and often is sporadic at best.
Cellular network models can tap this underused resource for predicting fermentation outcomes and for analyzing why certain fermentations failed or succeeded based on a mechanistic representation of cell physiology. In particular, network models of cell metabolism upgrade metabolomics data by enabling predictions of cell behavior from concentration time series of extracellular and – if available – intracellular metabolites. Model simulations can be used for rapid hypothesis testing, e.g. to evaluate the impact of changes in feeding on intracellular metabolism, growth, or product formation. Identifying suitable metabolic target genes for cell line engineering represents another application area of such models. Here, we illustrate this approach using the prediction of optimal media compositions for a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line employing a genome-based CHO network model as example.
The CHO stoichiometric metabolic network was reconstructed using information from public databases as well as from primary literature and accounts for the specific amino acid composition and glycoform structure of the product molecule. In a first step, we applied the network model to a comprehensive metabolic characterization of the existing fermentation process. Rates of cellular nutrient uptake, growth, and product formation in physiologically distinct process phases were determined from concentration time series of extracellular metabolites during a fermentation run. These cell-specific rates served to compute intracellular flux distributions using the CHO network model. Comparing flux distributions for different process phases provided insight as to when and where in intracellular metabolism significant changes occur during the fermentation. This is often not obvious from inspection of concentration time series alone. Especially for fed-batch processes, multiple feed streams and volume changes due to pH control and sampling impede interpretation of raw data. If desired, further information about the usage of alternative intracellular pathways and in vivo reaction reversibilities can be obtained from labeling experiments combined with transient 13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis [1, 2], which is applicable to industrial fed-batch settings.
Intracellular flux distributions also provide an ideal starting point for process optimization. Distinct optimal media compositions were computed for different fermentation phases based on the observed nutrient demand of the clone inferred from flux distributions. The chosen optimization approach combines stationary and dynamic model simulations on high-performance computing clusters. For dynamic simulations, the stoichiometric CHO network representation was transformed into a kinetic model. Model parameters were determined using evolutionary strategies and cluster computing based on the observed metabolite time series and considering thermodynamic constraints on reaction directionality. Integration of intracellular metabolite data into this workflow is easy and can further increase the predictive capabilities of the resulting model. The dynamic model also comprised a description of the fermenter including feeds and sampling. In this way, it can be predicted how changes in medium composition and feed flows impact rates of cell growth, productivity, and byproduct formation as well as intracellular metabolite profiles. Finally, media were optimized to maximize final product titer and specific productivity by varying the concentrations of glucose and individual amino acids in two continuous feed streams using evolutionary strategies on high-performance computing clusters.
The resulting optimized media were tested experimentally in a fed-batch process. The improved feeding resulted in a 50% increase of final product titer and in an increased integral of viable cells already in the first iteration (Figure 1). Simultaneously, ammonium release declined markedly. If desired, the procedure can be repeated to further optimize cellular growth and/or productivity profiles using data collected from the first evaluation fermentation as input. Considering replicate fermentations aids in assessing and improving the robustness of the predicted media compositions, but is not a prerequisite. The mechanistic model captures stoichiometric couplings between observed substrate uptake and resulting growth, product synthesis and byproduct formation. Consequently, the present approach requires much fewer fermentations runs as input for media optimization compared to standard Design of Experiment (DoE) techniques, thus saving time and resources. Presently, the prediction focuses on amino acids and carbon sources, but the extension to further compounds is technically straightforward.
Figure 1
Optimized fed-batch media maintained (a) high viable cell counts and (b) resulted in a 50% increase in product titer.
The combination of metabolomics data and network models not only improves our quantitative understanding of cell physiology, but can also support and accelerate multiple steps of rational process development strategies:
 - Tailor media compositions to specific clones and curtail the time and experimental effort required for medium optimization compared to standard DoE techniques
 - Identify highly productive and robust clones for scale-up through comprehensive metabolic characterization during selection at small scales
 - Devise cell line engineering strategies for overcoming metabolic bottlenecks in cell growth and product formation by incorporating intracellular metabolite measurements and other omics data (proteins, transcripts)
 - Employ metabolic network models for controlling feed additions at the production scale.
The above methodology enables biologics manufacturers to add value to data collected in PAT and QbD initiatives and to harness metabolomic data for quantitatively predicting and optimizing fermentation outcomes. This approach is not restricted to CHO cells, but is readily transferable to other cell lines and also to microbial production strains.
Authors' Affiliations
Insilico Biotechnology AG
 1. Schaub J, Mauch K, Reuss M: Metabolic flux analysis in Escherichia coli by integrating isotopic dynamic and isotopic stationary 13C labeling data. Biotechnol Bioeng. 2008, 99: _PHONE_. 10.1002/bit.21675.View ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
 2. Maier K, Hofmann U, Reuss M, Mauch K: Identification of metabolic fluxes in hepatic cells from transient 13C-labeling experiments: Part II. Flux estimation. Biotechnol Bioeng. 2008, 100: 355-370. 10.1002/bit.21746.View ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
© Müller et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2011


© 2015 Shmoop University, Inc. All rights reserved.
My Last Duchess
My Last Duchess
by Robert Browning
My Last Duchess Theme of Art and Culture
"My Last Duchess" is a piece of art about a piece of (fictional) art – a poem about a pretend painting. The speaker of the poem, the Duke of Ferrara, is a connoisseur and collector of objets d'art, or art objects, which he displays privately in order to impress people. In this poem, art and culture become tools for demonstrating social status – and ways to reduce unstable elements, like the Duchess herself, to things that can be physically controlled.
Questions About Art and Culture
 1. Why does the Duke have a private art gallery? To whom do you think he usually shows the objects in his collection?
 2. Why is there a curtain over the portrait of the "last Duchess"? (Hint: can the portrait be moved?)
 3. Why is it so important that the portrait of the Duchess is full-length and extremely lifelike? How does the replacement of the real Duchess with her portrait work? What does the Duke gain by this replacement? What does he lose?
 4. How does the bronze statue of Neptune taming a seahorse relate to the portrait of the Duchess? Why does the Duke make a point of showing this second object to the Count's servant?
Chew on This
Even though the Duke is a collector of art objects, he doesn't really appreciate them; he only cares about the way they increase his status and demonstrate his power.
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text:
Research checklists are pre-compiled by biologists.
This is a very controlled method for building a species list, which allows for
specific specimens to be linked to the species names within the checklist and thus serve as vouchers.
Specimen vouchers are proof that the species actually occurs in the given area. If there is any doubt, one
can inspect these specimens for verification or annotate the identification when necessary.
symbol opens the species list as an interactive key.

source: openbmb/Ultra-FineWeb


Ancient Macedonian language recognized as Greek dialect
Ancient Macedonian language has been recognised as a Greek dialect.
Specifically, the ISO XMK has the following specification:
Language Name: Ancient Macedonian
Alternate Name(s): Macedonian
Once Spoken in: Greece F.Y.R.O.M
Language Code: xmk (Former code: XMK )
Status: Extinct
Family: Indo-European
Subgroup: Macedonian
Subgrouping Code: Indoeuropean Greek Branch
Brief Description: The ancient language of the Macedonian kingdom in N. Greece and modern Macedonia during the later 1st millennium BC. Survived until the early 1st millennium AD. NOT to be confused with the modern Macedonian language, which is a close relative of the Slavic Bulgarian.


text:
Economic analysis of biogas adoption technology is investigated in rural areas.
Different sizes of biogas plants are analyzed using multiple models/methods.
Small farmers with 4m3 plant size are in greater benefit than large farmers.
Biogas adoption is economically, socially and environmentally feasible in rural areas.
This study attempts to estimate the economics of biogas plants in Faisalabad District and identify the factors affecting the adoption of biogas technology. The key stakeholders of the biogas plant are farmers. Primary data from 160 respondents having biogas plants of 4 m3, 6m3, 8 m3, 10 m3, 15 m3, 20 m3 and 25 m3 from villages in Faisalabad was collected through stratified random sampling, using questionnaires. A benefit-cost ratio (BCR) is employed to estimate the financial benefits. A Logit model is used to analyze the factors affecting adoption of biogas plants. Results showed that BCR values are greater than 1 for biogas plants of all sizes. The most feasible size for a plant is 10 m3 because it fulfills the cooking needs of an average family. However, small farmers with plant size of 4 m3 benefit more than large farmers. Moreover, biogas adoption is not only financially feasible but environment-friendly as well. We conclude that biogas technology can be popularized by developing effective motivation strategies such as awareness through public service advertizing, through print and electronic media and by adoption of models of biogas plants best suited to the conditions of rural people in Pakistan. This further highlights the demand for the required policy framework to promote such renewable energy adoption technologies by local government and agricultural institutions, researchers, and policy makers.
- Adoption technology;
- Benefit-cost analysis;
- Economic analysis;
- Rural farmers;
- Sensitivity analysis
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.


This function displays the number of bars visible on a chart.
Users have the functions GetAppInfo(AiHighestDispValue) and GetAppInfo(AiLowestDispValue) to determine the highest and lowest values that are currently displayed on a chart. These are useful for positioning custom text on the chart, and also to determine which indicators are close enough to the price action to warrant their display on the chart. With the highest and lowest values known, users can code the vertical position of text as a percentage of total vertical height, to maintain the relative position of the text as the price range on the chart varies.
Similar functions GetAppInfo(AiLeftDispDateTime) and GetAppInfo(AiRightDispDateTime) are available to determine the leftmost bar and the rightmost bar DateTime. However, these are more awkward for use in positioning text horizontally on a chart, since the position must be converted to an "offset" number of bars for the functions Text_New(Date(Offset), Time(Offset), Price, "Text To Display") and Text_SetLocation(Text_ID, Date(Offset), Time(Offset), Price).
If the number of bars displayed on the chart is known, then the offset for the leftmost bar is also known. Once the offset of the leftmost bar is known the user could position text on a chart as a percentage of the horizontal time range as conveniently as the vertical position can now be specified. This would allow the text to maintain it's relative hozontal position if the chart were resized or the density of its bar spacing were altered.
The indicator custom text displays the input parameters used to generate the Bollinger ribbons. The input parameters of this indicator have specified that this custom text should be positioned at the 50% horontal time range of the chart. After function _BarsDisplayed calculates the number of bars displayed in the above chart, the horizontal midpoint bar offset is easily calculated so the custom text can be correctly displayed.
This text will automatically maintain a center position on the horizontal axis, regardless of the size of the chart or the bar spacing density.
Function Method
Function GetAppInfo(AiLeftDispDateTime) is called to determine the DateTime of the leftmost bar of the chart. Once the chart is loaded and a LastBarOnChart condition occurs, a loop walks toward the left from the rightmost bar until the DateTime of the loop's target bar equals the leftmost bar DateTime, and counts the associated offset to the leftmost bar.
Although a binary search method would be faster, it is questionable whether the additional complexity would be warranted, as the _BarsDisplayed function is called once and only once when the chart is either loaded or refreshed.
This method works for all time frames: monthly, weekly, daily, intraday (minute) and tick bars. It produces the correct result regardless of short trading days, holidays, or session length. It's simplicity makes it easy for users to understand and also to modify for other purposes.
 Initially posted version: 05/07/09
Latest Update: 05/17/09
*.ELD files are compiled for TS 8.6
All ELD and code text files packaged here:
Users of earlier versions fo TradeStation may compile the code
from the text files included in the above *.zip file.
The code may be visualized here:
Indicator BarsDisplayed
Function BarsDisplayed


text:
Jongens, Adrian W.D. Application of Cepstrum Techniques and Guard Tube to the Measurement of the Normal Incident Sound Power Absorption in situ. MSc Dissertation. Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town, 1993.
The work described in this thesis was directed towards studying signal processing techniques that could best be incorporated in an apparatus that was to measure the plane wave sound power absorption coefficient of road surfaces in-situ.
Road traffic noise has been identified as the greatest noise pollutant in the industrialised world with the tyre/road interaction being the major source of noise for traffic speeds in excess of 50 km/hr. Open pore bitumen asphalt material has been found to present a sound absorbing surface that is able to contribute to the mitigation of road traffic noise. This has generated research into the production of sound absorbing road surface materials which, in turn, has generated a need for an apparatus that is able to measure the sound power absorption coefficient of such materials both in the laboratory and in the field.
It was considered that the development of an easily transportable apparatus was needed which would enable a single, non-skilled operator to measure rapidly the normal incident sound power absorption coefficient, over a broad frequency band, of road surfaces, in situ. This included, for example, the measurement of the absorption coefficient of open-pore asphalt materials developed in the laboratory, the measurement of newly laid surfaces, the comparison of different experimental surfaces, as well as determining the effect of contamination, over time, of the pores of open-pore asphalt by ingress of dust.
After considering various potential signal processing methods the work described in this thesis was primarily directed towards the study and application of cepstral signal processing techniques suitable for incorporation in the development of such a system. A prototype system for use in the laboratory was developed which generated a suitable sound signal which insonified the material under investigation, separated the reflected signal from the total signal received at a single microphone position and presented a complete spectrum of the sound power absorption coefficient within a short space of time.
Specifically, the sample impulse response was extracted from the power cepstrum of the combined signal containing the direct sound and the sound reflected from the sample. The extracted impulse response was Fourier transformed to produce the reflection coefficient from which the absorption coefficient over a frequency range of 100Hz to beyond 200Hz was derived.
Laboratory measurements were conducted on several material samples with different sound absorbing properties. The results of these measurement correlated closely with theory and with measurements conducted on the same samples using a standard impedance tube method.
The work was directed at the adaption of the well-known impedance tube method to permit the measurement of the material surface under investigation without disturbance of the surface. An important consideration was that field measurements were to be obtained without the removal of core specimens or the need to drive the tube into the surface which could otherwise alter the properties of the material. Measurements conducted with an outer "Guard" tube surrounding the measuring tube indicated that such a condition could be met.
The prototype apparatus consisted of two 2 metre long concentric tubes with a loudspeaker located at one end and open at the other end for placement on the measurement surface. Sound from the loudspeaker propagated down the inner and outer tube. The purpose of the outer "guard" tube was to provide an equilibrium of sound pressure on either side of the inner tube walls at the measurement surface thereby minimising the errors that would otherwise be introduced due to sound pressure leakage between the end of the inner measuring tube and the material being measured.
Laboratory measurements performed with microphones placed within porous material placed at the end of the tubes showed there to be no significant difference in pressure amplitude and phase over the frequency range of interest. This provided confidence in the expectation that extended material surfaces could be measured with normal incident plane waves insonifying the material.
For the majority of experiments only the inner tube was used with the material to be measured being placed in a sample holder attached to the open end of the inner tube.
The results of the work conducted in this thesis showed that, of various methods studied, the cepstrum method was the most suitable for implementation in a portable, in-situ measurement system. The plane wave sound power absorption coefficient of a material could be accurately determined over a wide frequency range within a very short period of time. The measurement procedure was several orders of magnitude quicker than existing procedures. It was shown that this could be achieved automatically, with relatively small apparatus and without the need for calibration.


How 18 Wheeler Air Brakes Work
Semi Truck
Anyone that has ever driven a commercial truck, bus, trailer, or semi-trailer understands that air brakes are often utilized. This is often for a very specific reason, as the nature of an air brake system allows for increased reliability and efficiency.
The major advantage is that air is an infinite resource and will never run out; because of this, with a leak the system is still functional and does not need to be replenished. Additionally, research will also show that air brakes also allow multiple vehicles to be coupled. Thus, when all of the units must break, it can also mean that this can be controlled from inside the cab.
Heavy trucks are also notable for using a dual air brake system, which is comprised of two air brake systems combined, yet only has one set of brake controls. This allows for the ability to retain braking, even if one of the systems fails. Additionally, there is also the ability to ensure a steady supply of compressed air, and as mentioned, this ensures that the braking system will continue to be operational; no matter what.
All of these measures work to ensure that safety is maintained. As one can imagine, when operating a heavy vehicle, braking can often mean that one is spared from an accident, which not only affects the driver of the heavy vehicle, but also other drivers on the roadway as well.
3 main Types of Air Brakes
One should also be aware of the three types of brakes:
 - Service Brakes: Not only are service brakes activated when they are supplied with air, but they are activated whenever the driver pushes down on the brake pedal. Once the air is pushed through the brake chamber, a pushrod is forced out, which then pushes a slack adjuster. This then turns the camshaft, which twists the S-Cam and forces the brake lining to make contact with the brake drum. Due to the friction, the vehicle is then forcibly slowed.
 - Spring Brakes: These brakes are typically utilized in order to meet parking and emergency brake standards. While driving, springs are held back by a great deal of air pressure. When pressure is then removed, the springs put on the brakes. Remember, it is important to know that these brakes are different than service brakes. Generally, when these brakes are released this is done through approximately 60 psi.
 - Emergency Brakes: These brakes are contained with a steady stream of airflow inside the brake chamber. Additionally, this also holds a spring, which is kept restrained by the air system. When this air in the system is not of a viable quantity, the spring, and by default the brakes, will automatically engage. Typically, this is done when there is a drop of a 20-45 psi range.
When driving heavy vehicles, it is very important to understand how these mechanisms work in order to ensure that all of the components are working efficiently. When these mechanisms do not correctly, it can not only cause the braking system to work incorrectly, but could also potentially cause accidents in various degrees of severity. Some of the worst truck accidents in Texas occur when the brakes are out of service or the driver is not paying attention to traffic ahead.
If you or a family member have been injured in a large truck accident, call the Texas truck accident attorney Greg Baumgartner.
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text:
|Data Structures and Algorithms|
|9.3 Optimal Binary Search Trees|
Up to this point, we have assumed that an optimal search tree is one in which the probability of occurrence of all keys is equal (or is unknown, in which case we assume it to be equal). Thus we concentrated on balancing the tree so as to make the cost of finding any key at most log n.
However, consider a dictionary of words used by a spelling checker for English language documents. It will be searched many more times for 'a', 'the', 'and', etc than for the thousands of uncommon words which are in the dictionary just in case someone happens to use one of them. Such a dictionary needs to be large: the average educated person has a vocabulary of 30 000 words, so it needs ~100 000 words in it to be effective. It is also reasonably easy to produce a table of the frequency of occurrence of words: words are simply counted in any suitable collection of documents considered to be representative of those for which the spelling checker will be used. A balanced binary tree is likely to end up with a word such as'miasma' at its root, guaranteeing that in 99.99+% of searches, at least one comparison is wasted!
If key, k, has relative frequency, rk, then in an optimal tree,
We make use of the property:
Thus the problem is to determine which key should be placed at the root of the tree. Then the process can be repeated for the leftand right-sub-trees. However, a divide-and-conquer approach would choose each key as a candidate root and repeat the process for each sub-tree. Since there are n choices for the root and 2O(n) choices for roots of the two sub-trees, this leads to an O(nn) algorithm.
LemmaSub-trees of optimal trees are themselves optimal trees.
ProofIf a sub-tree of a search tree is not an optimal tree, then a better search tree will be produced if the sub-tree is replaced by an optimal tree.
An efficient algorithm can be generated by the dynamic approach. We calculate the O(n) best trees consisting of just two elements (the neighbours in the sorted list of keys).
|In the figure, there are two possible
arrangements for the tree containing F
The cost for (a) is
Thus (b) is the optimum tree and its cost is saved as c(f,g). We also store g as the root of the best f-g sub-tree in best(f,g).
Similarly, we calculate the best cost for all n-1 sub-trees with two elements, c(g,h), c(h,i), etc.
There are O(n2) such sub-tree costs. Each one requires n operations to determine, if the cost of the smaller sub-trees is known.
Thus the overall algorithm is O(n3).
Code for optimal binary
Note some C 'tricks' to handle dynamically-allocated two-dimensional arrays using pre-processor macros for C and BEST!
This Java code may be easier to comprehend for some! It uses this class for integer matrices.
The data structures used may be represented:
After the initialisation steps, the data structures used
contain the frequencies, rfi,
in cii (the costs of single element trees),
max everywhere below the diagonal and zeroes in
the positions just above the diagonal (to allow for the
trees which don't have a left or right branch):
In the first iteration, all the positions below the diagonal (ci,i+1) will be filled in with the optimal costs of two-element trees from i to i+1.
In subsequent iterations, the optimal costs of k-1 element trees (ci,i+k) are filled in using previously calculated costs of smaller trees.
Optimal Binary Search Tree Animation
This animation was written by John Morris and (mostly) Woi Ang
||Please email comments to:|
|Continue on to Matrix Chain Multiplication||Back to the Table of Contents|


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Ohio University is open
Why does accreditation matter?
Like physicians and attorneys, all engineers in the United States are licensed or registered, unless exempt by the laws of a particular state, because their work affects public welfare, health, and safety. The first step in becoming a registered or licensed engineer is to hold a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
The primary accrediting body for engineering and technology is ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The Russ College's undergraduate programs in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and chemical engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, The computer science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET,
The engineering technology and management program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.
The aviation flight curriculum is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.


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Storage overview
The storage APIs present in Arm Mbed OS are:
 - KVStore: a common interface for components presenting set/get API.
 - File system: a common interface for using file systems on block devices.
 - Block device: a common interface for block-based storage devices.
Additionally, the following PSA-compliant APIs are present in Mbed OS:
The KVStore API is a common get/set API implemented by several classes. It gives you the flexibility to build a storage solution by allocating several combinations of objects.
Classes that implementing the KVStore API are:
 - Tiny Database Storage (TDBStore).
 - FileSystemStore.
 - SecureStore.
The KVStore static global API is the only API applications should use to access the instances of KVStore components allocated by the selected configuration.
Declaring a file system
The FileSystem class provides the core API for file system operations. You must provide a block device to back the file system, which provides the raw storage for the file system. When you declare a file system with a name, you can open files on the file system through the open and fopen functions or through the File class's open function.
File systems
File systems are the strongest persistent storage solutions in Mbed OS, providing an extensive POSIX API. We highly recommend using the little file system for embedded applications because of to its resilience to power failures.
 - LittleFileSystem - The little file system (LittleFS) is a fail-safe file system we designed for embedded systems, specifically for microcontrollers that use flash storage.
 - Bounded RAM/ROM - This file system works with a limited amount of memory. It avoids recursion and limits dynamic memory to configurable buffers.
 - Power-loss resilient - We designed this for operating systems that may have random power failures. It has strong copy-on-write guarantees and keeps storage on disk in a valid state.
 - Wear leveling - Because the most common form of embedded storage is erodible flash memories, this file system provides a form of dynamic wear leveling for systems that cannot fit a full flash translation layer.
 - FATFileSystem - The FAT file system is an established disk-oriented file system that you can find on most operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS and Mbed OS.
 - Portable - Due to its support across operating systems, the FAT file system provides access to storage from both the embedded system and your PC.
 - Embedded - Built on the ChanFS project, the FAT file system is optimized for embedded systems.
 - LocalFileSystem - The LocalFileSystem is a symbiotic file system that connects to the Mbed board's interface chip if the interface chip has built-in storage. The features available on the LocalFileSystem is dependent on the board's interface chip. Note: The LocalFileSystem is only available on the LPC1768 and LPC11U24.
Note: Some file systems may provide a format function for cleanly initializing a file system on an underlying block device or require external tools to set up the file system before the first use.
The LittleFileSystem
Microcontrollers and flash storage present three challenges for embedded storage: power loss, wear and limited RAM and ROM. This file system provides a solution to all three of these problems.
Power loss resilience
Microcontroller-scale embedded systems are usually without a shutdown routine, rely on power loss to shut down and notably lack a user interface for recovery. With a file system that is not resilient to power loss, you rely on luck to not end up with a corrupted file system. The combination of persistent storage and unpredictable power loss creates bugs that are difficult to notice and ruin the experience of unlucky users.
We built this file system with a structure that is resilient to power loss. It uses checksums to limit the assumptions of how the physical storage reacts to power loss. It provides copy-on-write guarantees and keeps the storage on disk in a valid state.
Wear leveling
Flash storage presents its own challenge: wear. Flash is a destructive form of storage, and continuously rewriting data to a block causes that block to wear out and become unwritable. File systems that don't account for wear can quickly burn through the blocks that store frequently updated metadata and result in the premature death of the system.
We accounted for wear when we built this file system, and the underlying structure of the file system reactively mutates as the underlying storage develops errors throughout its lifetime. This results in a form of dynamic wear-leveling that extends the lifetime of the physical storage proportionally to the size of storage. With this file system, you can extend the lifetime of storage by increasing the size of storage, which is cheaper than upgrading the storage's erase cycles.
Bounded RAM and ROM
File systems normally target operating systems where the scale of resources available is foreign to a microcontroller. A common trend of embedded Linux file systems is RAM usage that scales linearly with the size of storage, which makes rationalizing RAM usage in a system difficult.
We optimized this file system to work with a limited amount of RAM and ROM. It avoids recursion and limits dynamic memory to configurable buffers. At no point during operation does it store an entire storage block in RAM. The result is small RAM usage that is independent of the geometry of the underlying storage.
The "little" in the little file system comes from the focus on both keeping resource usage low and keeping the scope self-contained. Aside from the three targeted issues above, there is a heavy restriction against bloat in this software module. Instead, we push additional features to separate layers in the BlockDevice API that drives the Mbed OS storage stack. This gives Mbed OS a tool for remaining flexible as technology used by IoT devices develops.
The FATFileSystem
The FAT file system is an established disk-oriented file system that you can find on Mbed OS, Windows, Linux and macOS. Due to its age and popularity, the FAT file system has become the standard for portable storage, such as flash drives and SD cards.
The primary feature of the FAT file system is its portability. With support across PC operating systems, the FAT file system lets you access storage from both the embedded system your PC. This gives users a way to get information onto and off of the device.
The Mbed OS FAT file system is built on the ChanFS project. It is optimized for embedded systems and is one of the smallest FAT file system implementations.
C++ classes
The FileSystem class provides the core user C++ API. Mbed OS provides File and Dir classes that represent files and directories in a C++ API.
Declaring a block device
The BlockDevice class provides the underlying API for raw storage that you can use to back a file system. The BlockDevice API is a standard block-oriented interface built around three modes of operation: read, erase, and program. However, the rules behind this API is flexible enough to allow support for a large range of different storage types.
Mbed OS provides standard implementations for the more common storage media, and you can extend the BlockDevice class to provide support for unsupported storage. Additionally, Mbed OS contains a handful of utility block devices, such as the SlicingBlockDevice and ChainingBlockDevice, to give you better control over storage allocation. These utility block devices can be stacked to provide relatively complex storage architectures through relatively simple components.
Block devices
Mbed OS has several block device implementations for common forms of storage:
 - SPIFBlockDevice - Block device driver for NOR-based SPI flash devices that support SFDP. NOR-based SPI flash supports byte-sized read and writes, with an erase size of about 4kbytes. An erase sets a block to all 1s, with successive writes clearing set bits.
 - DataFlashBlockDevice - Block device driver for NOR-based SPI flash devices that support the DataFlash protocol, such as the Adesto AT45DB series of devices. DataFlash is a memory protocol that combines flash with SRAM buffers for a programming interface. DataFlash supports byte-sized read and writes, with an erase size of around 528 bytes or sometimes 1056 bytes. DataFlash provides erase sizes with and extra 16 bytes for error correction codes (ECC), so a flash translation layer (FTL) may still present 512 byte erase sizes.
 - SDBlockDevice - Block device driver for SD cards and eMMC memory chips. SD cards or eMMC chips offer a full FTL layer on top of NAND flash. This makes the storage well-suited for systems that require a about 1GB of memory. Additionally, SD cards are a popular form of portable storage. They are useful if you want to store data that you can access from a PC.
 - HeapBlockDevice - Block device that simulates storage in RAM using the heap. Do not use the heap block device for storing data persistently because a power loss causes complete loss of data. Instead, use it for testing applications when a storage device is not available.
 - FlashIAPBlockDevice - Block device adapter for the FlashIAP driver, which provides an in application programming (IAP) interface for the MCU's internal flash memory.
Utility block devices
Additionally, Mbed OS contains several utility block devices to give you better control over the allocation of storage.
 - SlicingBlockDevice - With the slicing block device, you can partition storage into smaller block devices that you can use independently.
 - ChainingBlockDevice - With the chaining block device, you can chain multiple block devices together and extend the usable amount of storage.
 - MBRBlockDevice - Mbed OS comes with support for storing partitions on disk with a Master Boot Record (MBR). The MBRBlockDevice provides this functionality and supports creating partitions at runtime or using preformatted partitions configured separately from outside the application.
 - ReadOnlyBlockDevice - With the read-only block device


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In early April, the Kids Fashion Weekend Spring Festival was held at the Zagreb Zoo, where children had the opportunity to participate in several exciting workshops and activities. The event was also supported by JGL in the form of an Aqua Maris corner, where children could take part in an educational workshop titled "Plant for cleaner air because breathing means life!".
In addition to planting and sowing seeds of plants well-known for their air-purifying qualities, children and their parents learned about the importance of plants for human health. They decorated their plant pots, which they could take home as an incentive to continue caring for their plants.
The little creative minds joined a workshop on making butterflies, picture frames and jewellery from repurposed materials. This reaffirmed the idea that not all waste should be thrown away and that it can be used creatively with the ultimate goal of preserving nature and the environment.


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WHAT IS GPUZ AND WHERE CAN I DOWNLOAD IT?
GPUZ Graphic utility tool
GPUZ or GPU-Z is a lightweight utility tool created to allow users access to all information about the video card in use and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).
A video card (or graphics card, display card, graphics adapter) is an expansion card that creates an output of images to be displayed that offers a lot of functions such as accelerated rendering of 2D graphics and 3D scenes, TV output and MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 decoding. Video cards also have the ability to connect with multiple monitors. It has recently been integrated into the computers CPU, but can also be integrated into the motherboard of a computer. Modern motherboards (including those from the 90s) provide expansion ports where video cards can be attached. Among the most widely used video card brand are those made by nVidia and ATI.
nVidia has continuously improved and developed their products since they launched their GeForce 6000 series cards in 2004. Recently, their GTX series can optimize the applications and capabilities of multi-GPU processing configurations. ATI produces high performance level video cards that carries different suffixes to indicate what kind of use it can provide.
GPU is a specially designed to quickly manipulate or change memory by accelerating the building of images in a frame buffer (a video output device that allows video display from a memory buffer that contains the frame of data).
Developed by TechPowerUp, GPUZ is a freeware (as opposed to commercial software) that was first announced in 2008 as some claim, but there is no exact date as when it was released. GPUZ is a very practical freeware that lets user know what is going on with their video or graphics card.
Users who are knowledgeable about computers can easily interpret what the GPUZ interface will show since it displays technical information. Users who are not too familiar with certain computer jargon might have some difficulty interpreting the details shown in the GPUZ interface. Computer savvy individuals (not to be confused with internet savvy), may love the GPUZ tool since it constantly allows users to know what is going on with their machines/computers. Before, it is difficult to extract information featured by this utility program. But now, GPUZ allows user access to these information in a flash, without going through nail-biting traditional methods only computer specialists may know how to.
GPUZ is a program that displays the GPU specifications and memory, including its core frequency, temperature, memory frequency and fan speeds. The GPUZ tool is also convenient today since there are a lot of graphics-intensive PC games available through downloads or online.
The GPUZ installer launches automatically when GPUZ is started for the first time. Once accessed, GPUZ will display a small, tabbed, box-type interface that doesn't have any sounds like whistles or bells ringing. Upon launching, GPUZ will automatically scan the computer system and reports detailed information about the video card used, GPU, release date, ROPs, BIOS version, memory type, memory size, transistors and others. GPUZ doesn't have any "HELP" feature since it is so easy to use. Although, most users have suggested a "READ ME" file might come in handy. GPUZ can also be started manually through the GPUZ system menu. There are two additional tabs in the GPUZ interface where users can insert their name, optional e-mail and comments to validate their GPUZ versions.
Not to be confused with CPU-Z that is a freeware system profiler application or system monitor for Microsoft Windows that is designed to detect RAM, motherboard chipset, central processing unit (CPU) and other hardware connected to the personal computer (PC). The GPUZ program allows users to know their computer's GPU title, chip area, process technology, video card information, memory type, memory bandwidth, number of transistors, type of bus interface, width of tire, version driver, version BIOS, sensors, memory clock GPU, amount of memory, support for DirectX or Pixel Shader, texture filtrates, overclock, core clock GPU, 3D clocks (if available), low GPU and speed fan. GPUZ program also allows real-time GPU or GPUZ download.
GPUZ does not require installations. It can be downloaded for free from their official website or through other free software downloading sites on the internet such as CNET.
The GPUZ program also includes a GPU load test to verify PCI Express (PCIe) lane configuration, fixed clocks not showing on some systems with Catalyst 12.2, fixed OpenCL detection for ATI Fusion (Sumo and Ontario), fixed GPUZ window that doesn't get cut off by certain DPI settings, and fixed board ID reading on pre-Fermi cards. GPUZ also supports Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 (both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions). The GPUZ tool also allows users to log sensor data to a file to be able to compare with others later on. It also provides an option to disable polling for individual sensors. Since GPUZ is so simple to use, documentation is not necessary.
Apart from displaying the adapter, GPU and display information, the latest GPUZ version 0.6.0 tool has added support for NVIDIA cards (GeForce GTX 680, GT 640M, GTX 560 SE, GT 550M, GeForce 510 and NVS 2100M) and ATI cards. The available GPUZ download version 0.6.0 has an added support for AMD Radeon HD 7870, HD 7850, HD 7670M, FirePro V3900 and FireStream 9370. There are two latest GPUZ download versions available for free: TechPowerUp GPUZ version 0.6.0 and GPUZ version 0.6. with ASUS ROG Skin. Both GPUZ versions have 1.0 MB file size each. The older free GPUZ download version 0.5.3 can be used in Windows 7.
Even if GPUZ doesn't feature a wide set of information, it can be very helpful to check if the computer's video card is having problems. When the video card is acting up, the GPUZ tool may be quite useful to identify the necessary areas that needed fixing. GPUZ does what it's supposed to do and never fixed in on a single system it is used to run in.
GPUZ is a useful tool when using an unfamiliar computer. If the user doesn't want to physically dismantle the computer to know the video card information or other features of the computer, GPUZ can be a great help.

source: HuggingFaceFW/fineweb-edu


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locust bean gum or gelatin to the flavored liquid when the agar is added.
Making an agar gel takes just a few steps. First, disperse the agar in the flavored liquid you want to gel using a whisk or blender. Then bring the liquid to a boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Pour the liquid into molds and let it set at room temperature.
The gel will set at 40 to 45°C (104 to 113°F) and remain a gel as long as it stays below 80°C (176°F). Agar gels will usually range from 0.2% agar in a very soft gel to 3.0% agar in very firm gels. If you are making the gel more elastic you can replace from 5% to 15% of the agar with locust bean gum.
Carrageenan is another common gelling ingredient and has actually been used in Ireland and Europe for hundreds of years to create milk, cream, and other dairy puddings. It can also be used to make fluid gels, foams, and to thicken liquids. It works very well with dairy based products. It can be used in hot or cold preparations, though it sets much firmer when cold.
There are three different types of carrageenan: iota, kappa, and lambda. Each type of carrageenan has unique properties. The three types can also be combined with each other to create a variety of textures in gels. Iota and kappa are the most commonly used and I employ them in recipes on this site.
To make a carrageenan gel first disperse the carrageenen into a cold liquid. Heat the liquid above 70°C (158°F) and then let it cool below 35°C to 70°C (95°F to 158°F) to set. The setting temperature is affected by the ratio of carrageenan used and the amount of calcium present in the liquid, which is why there is such a wide range. It typically takes several hours to set and is usually done in the refrigerator.
Gelatin is one of the more well known modernist ingredients, mainly due to its use in Jell-O. However, gelatin has a lot more uses than simply making wiggly cubes. It can create soft panna cottas, elastic gel sheets, light foams, and even marshmallows. Without other stabilizers, gelatin has to be used for cold preparations, otherwise it will melt and lose its form.
There are two types of gelatin: powdered and sheet. They are basically interchangeable with 1 sheet of gelatin for every 1.8 grams of powdered gelatin. I've given both amounts for the recipes on this website.
To create a gelatin gel you first have to "bloom" the gelatin by letting it sit in a cold liquid for 5 to 10 minutes. This blooming process hydrates the gelatin and allows it to gel the liquid. Once bloomed, the liquid has to be heated enough for the gelatin to dissolve into it, about 50°C (122°F).
Once the gelatin is dissolved the liquid can be poured into a container or mold to set into a gel inside the refrigerator.
Most gel noodles are made with agar. It is mixed into a liquid and hydrated, then pushed into tubing to cool. Once it's cool, it is removed from the tubing and can be used as noodles or garnish. A 1% ratio of agar usually works very well but for a stronger noodle I will use 0.9% agar and 0.1% locust bean gum.
The two main ways to make gel cubes are with gelatin or agar, but any gelling agents can be used. I tend to use agar because it holds up to hot temperatures better than the other ingredients and it is firmer and easier to handle. However, the melt-in-your-mouth properties of gelatin or carrageenan can't be replicated with it.
A 1% ratio of agar usually works very well but for a stronger noodle I will use 0.9% agar and 0.1% locust bean gum. For gelatin a 2% to 3% gel is a good place to start.
Depending on the firmness of the gel being cubed, you can either make a big hunk of gel and then cut it, or gel it directly into square molds.
Gel sheets are thin sheets of gel, similar in thickness to a flour tortilla but made entirely of a gelled liquid. There are many ingredient combinations you can use for gel sheets but I usually use a 0.9% agar and 0.1% locust bean gum mixture or a 1.2% agar and 1.4% gelatin combination. Both of these result in good gel sheets.
The gel sheets are made by adding the gelling ingredients to a liquid and hydrating them then pouring the liquid onto parchment paper or a silicon mat in a very thin layer. Once the gel fully sets the sheet can be used.
Gel sheets can be used as a garnish or topper for dishes or cut into rounds and used like ravioli.
Gel pearls are made by adding agar to a liquid and hydrating it. The liquid is then dripped into a glass of very cold oil. As the liquid sinks it forms into a sphere which then gels.
Fluid gels are a special type of gel that behaves as both a gel and a liquid. They may look like a gel and taste like a liquid, or look like a liquid but suspend other particles like a gel does.
The best known example of a fluid gel is ketchup. It looks and acts like a gel in the bottle and will not come out despite your best efforts. Then suddenly, the shear forces are enough and the gel turns into a liquid and flows quickly all over your plate.
Fluid gels are made by first gelling a liquid and letting it set. Once it has fully set, the liquid is blended into a puree and this puree is a fluid gel that is ready to use.
Fluid gels have many of the same uses as thickened liquids but there are some specific differences between them.
Unlike many thickeners, such as xanthan gum, fluid gels can be made very thick without developing bad textures. This helps create sauces with the consistency of ketchup or even pudding without developing unfavorable mouthfeel. If you tried to use xanthan gum to thicken the same amount it would develop an unappealing mucus-like texture.
Because fluid gels act like a gel when they are stationary they tend to stay put on the plate better. This is nice if you have different sauces for different items, or if the sauces are a separate, decorative element. Also, unlike thickened liquids, they thin out when eaten, so the texture in the mouth can be different than the texture on the plate.
The suspension of particles can be accomplished both with a fluid gel and a thickened liquid. However, a thickened liquid will feel thick in the mouth while the fluid gel will feel thin and fluid. This is why many beverages with particles in them, such as fruit juices and flavored milks, use fluid gels instead of thickened liquids, they are more palatable.
Fluid gels are very easy to create. You first make a standard gel using one of a subset of the above gelling agents. You can adjust the initial thickness of the fluid gel by changing the concentration of the gelling ingredient. Once the gel sets you puree it in a standing blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. You can change the thickness of the pureed gel by adding xanthan gum to thicken it or liquid to thin it out.
I try to use a container that works well with my immersion blender so I can blend it directly in the container, but any container will work. If you need it to gel more quickly, try to use a container that is wide and flat, so the gel will not be as thick and will set faster.
A few of the gelling agents work well for the creation of fluid gels. I've found best results for cold gels with agar, iota and kappa carrageenan, and gelatin. For hot gels, agar is really the only ingredient in this information that can hold up to the heat. Gellan, which we don't cover in depth, is also commonly used.
If you find yourself making fluid gels on a regular basis or want to gel raw ingredients, you can sacrifice some flavor by using premade fluid gels. Simply make a gel with water and 1% agar and let it set. It will last covered in the refrigerator for a week or two.
When you want to turn a liquid into a fluid gel you puree it with some of the pre-made fluid gel. Start with a small amount and continue adding more until the liquid is the texture you prefer. Because of the water content it will dilute the liquid some but the convenience can be worth it.


Kalai, Kalaī: 2 definitions
Alternative spellings of this word include Kalia.
Languages of India and abroad
Marathi-English dictionary
Source: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English Dictionary
kalaī (कलई).—&c. See under kalhaī.
--- OR ---
kāḷāī (काळाई).—f (kālikā S) A name amongst the kāṃsāra- people and other vulgar for kāḷī or dēvī. 2 (Amongst agriculturists. From kāḷā Black, i. e. Black earth.) A term for the ground or soil. Ex. yandā kā0 nēṃ hātacēṃ sōḍalēṃ. 3 unc See kāḷavaṇḍī.
context information
Discover the meaning of kalai in the context of Marathi from relevant books on Exotic India
Hindi dictionary
Source: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionary
1) Kalaī (कलई):—(nf) whitewash; tin; tin plating; stone lime, coating; show; external grandeur; ~[gara] a tinman, tinner of pots and pans; ~[dāra] tin-plated; —[ughaḍanā/khulanā] to be exposed, to be unmasked.
2) Kalāī (कलाई) [Also spelled kalia]:—(nm) wrist; —[ghaḍī] a wrist watch.
context information
Discover the meaning of kalai in the context of Hindi from relevant books on Exotic India
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Tipsy McStagger wrote on Mar 30, 2017, 15:35:
Slick wrote on Mar 30, 2017, 15:20:
Also, how was the prologue stupid?
You also wouldn't divert the resources to make planet fall without actually looking at the planet first, even the Nexus used satellites to scan planets first. Why would you make a ship without the ability to review options in contingencies? They obviously planned for issues with having pathfinders but none of the resources to do so?
It's made clear that the ship was damaged by the Scourge and it had sapped the power of the ship. They had to get away from it before the backup power ran out, which meant physically surveying the planet they intended to colonize to determine whether to start the process (waking up the other colonists) or head for the Nexus instead.
Heading for the Nexus with all of the colonists on board, instead of after waking them up and sending them to the planet is obviously a huge decision when they've already encountered a hostile "cloud". Something happens to the ship on the way to the Nexus, well that has different weight depending on which scenario is occurring.


One Author's Perspective
nahaiGina Nahai is a best-selling author of four novels and professor of Creative Writing at the University of Southern California. Her novels have been translated into 18 languages and have been selected as "One of the Best Books of the Year" by the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.
You are credited with being the first to write a book in English about the 3,000 year-old story of the Jewish people of Iran. How can that be? The reason I wrote my first book, Cry of the Peacock, was because I realized that nothing had been written about the history of the Jews in Iran except for one book by Dr. Habib Levy. I was told by many people that the Jews of Iran had survived the rule of the mullahs by staying under the radar: they did not want to draw any attention to themselves. There were many well known Jewish poets, philosophers and writers in Iran, but they never wrote about themselves. Now, during the time of the Shah - who was very friendly to the Jews - Dr. Habib Levy wrote a book, History of the Jews in Iran, in Farsi, and he was careful not to complain about or criticize the Muslim clergy.
How did you do your research?
There was hardly any mention of Iranian Jews in the literature, and my research was conducted before the existence of Google. Consequently, I had to rely on the Library of Congress, other libraries and databases. I don't know how many tomes and volumes of travel books I had to sift through looking for some mention of a Jewish community anywhere in Iran; and the rest was seven years of interviews for the book. Cry of the Peacock pieces together the entire history of where the Iranian Jews came from and what happened to them, especially during the last century.
What was the reaction to this book? Many people said, "I didn't know that there were Jews in Iran." And at first, bookstores didn't know in what section to put my book. Is it literature? Does it belong in the travel section? Is it Judaica? Today my books can be found in the fiction literature section.
Have your books been printed in Iran? I know at least two of them have been translated. Iran does not recognize our copyright laws so they pirate the book and whoever translates it first has the rights to the book. I have no approval rights over the translation.
Do they credit you as the writer? Yes, they do.
Are there others writing in English about the Jews of Iran now? Yes. The same time that Caspian Rain was published in 2007, Dalia Sofer wrote a book about a Jewish family in Iran called The Septembers of Shiraz.
Was her style similar to yours? What everyone calls magical realism? No, and I do not consider my books to be magical realism. To me, magical realism has a sweetness to it…a sort of happy, fairy tale nature in which terrible things don't happen. My books have more realism than magic. Things happen of a magical nature, but overall there is a heaviness to my stories, a harsh reality. When Garcia Marquez, the pioneer of magical realism, won the Nobel Prize for Literature, in his acceptance speech he said that what the West calls magical realism is in fact the reality of places like South America and Asia where they have a longer and more bitter history. The point being that even the author credited with inventing magical realism doesn't think of his work as magical realism. So I've accepted this magical realism title, but I really just write about reality.
What is your process? I begin with a question. The preoccupation with the answer is the seed for the book. Then I create the characters. Once I have characters, I try to come up with a story. I go through several versions until I find it. Once I get going, I hear the voices of the characters and transcribe their voices. By the way, all of my characters are based on real people. I was once at a book signing, reading from one of my books, when I looked up and saw a mother and daughter in the front row crying. When I asked them why they were crying they told me that they were the characters in my book. And, it turns out that they were.
How did you become a writer? While I was in law school at USC, I was considering taking a leave of absence. One day on campus I passed a trailer, and I don't know what made me go inside, but I did. They were beginning a new creative writing class and I signed up. The first thing I wrote about was my maternal grandmother. My husband and others gave me so much encouragement that I kept on writing and never returned to law school.
What traits are required to be a writer? You must be persistent and have faith that you will finish the book, that someone will be interested and that what you are doing is worthwhile. You must believe there is a purpose to what you are writing.
What book do you hesitate to write? I am actually writing the book now that I have hesitated to write for the past ten years. It is about the Iranian Jews in America, mainly in Los Angeles. I hesitated because I didn't think that it would be compelling. I knew that I would be very critical, but as I write it, I find that I have some criticisms, but also great admiration.
Have your children read your books? I know my daughter has read two, but I don't think my sons have. In fact, my eighteen year old son says when people tell him that they like one of my books, he is embarrassed to tell them that he hasn't read it.
I would be interested to know what are some of your favorite books? A recent book would be White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. I enjoyed Lolita, in spite of the subject matter, because of the writing. I love the southern writers - Faulkner and Tennessee Williams. There are so many books that I have loved.
What makes a book good? Beautiful language, an unknown revealed, and when you can feel the passion of the author.


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In crystallography, the R-factor (sometimes called residual factor or reliability factor or the R-value or RWork) is a measure of the agreement between the crystallographic model and the experimental X-ray diffraction data. In other words, it is a measure of how well the refined structure predicts the observed data. The value is also sometimes called the discrepancy index, as it mathematically describes the difference between the experimental observations and the ideal calculated values. It is defined by the following equation:
where F is the so-called structure factor and the sum extends over all the reflections measured and their calculated counterparts respectively. The structure factor is closely related to the intensity of the reflection it describes:
The minimum possible value is zero, indicating perfect agreement between experimental observations and the structure factors predicted from the model. There is no theoretical maximum, but in practice, values are considerably less than one even for poor models, provided the model includes a suitable scale factor. Random experimental errors in the data contribute to even for a perfect model, and these have more leverage when the data are weak or few, such as for a low-resolution data set. Model inadequancies such as wrong or missing parts and unmodeled disorder are the other main contributors to, making it useful to assess the progress and final result of a crystallographic model refinement. For large molecules, the R-factor usually ranges between 0.6 (when computed for a random model and against an experimental data set) and 0.2 (for example for a well refined macro-molecular model at a resolution of 2.5 Ångström). Small molecules (up to ca. 1000 atoms) usually form better-ordered crystals than large molecules, for which it is possible to attain lower R-factors. In the Cambridge Structural Database of small-molecule structures, more than 95% of the 500,000+ crystals have an R-factor lower than 0.15, and 9.5% have an R-factor lower than 0.03.
Crystallographers also use the Free R-Factor () to assess possible overmodelling of the data. is computed according to the same formula given above, but on a small, random sample of data that are set aside for the purpose and never included in the refinement. will always be greater than because the model is not fitted to the reflections that contribute to, but the two statistics should be similar because a correct model should predict all the data with uniform accuracy. If the two statistics differ significantly then that indicates the model has been over-parameterized, so that to some extent it predicts not the ideal error-free data for the correct model, but rather the error-afflicted data actually observed.
The quantities and are similarly used to describe the internal agreement of measurements in a crystallographic data set.
- Morris AL, MacArthur MW, Hutchinson EG, Thornton JM (April 1992). "Stereochemical quality of protein structure coordinates". Proteins 12 (4): 345–64. doi:10.1002/prot.340120407. PMID _PHONE_.
- "R factor". International Union of Crystallography. Retrieved 2013-12-13.
- Brunger AT (January 1992). "Free R value: a novel statistical quantity for assessing the accuracy of crystal structures". Nature 355 (6359): 472–475. Bibcode:1992Natur.355..472B. doi:10.1038/355472a0. PMID _PHONE_.


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Simple math: government has three branches (executive, legislative and judiciary) and roughly two levels (national and sub-national). Hence, at least in theory, there is a minimum of six institutional settings that are the object of "open government" (see table below).
As far as I know, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) has privileged its activities in only one of these spheres, that of the national executives (area 1). In this respect, it appears that one of the next challenges for the OGP is to find ways to involve the remaining areas (2, 3, 4, 5 and 6).
From an international standpoint, some might even – and reasonably so – claim that it is precisely areas 2, 4 and 5 where the strongest potential for open government actually lies, and where most innovations in the field actually happen.
As to the judiciary (3 and 6), one could easily assert that it is the branch of government in most dire need of openness, as in most countries these are literally opaque institutions.


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In the intricate landscape of international business, sanctions compliance is a critical aspect that organizations must navigate. Sanctions, imposed by governments or international bodies, restrict or prohibit trade with certain countries, entities, or individuals. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines, reputational damage, and loss of business. Third-party vendors play a pivotal role in ensuring sanctions compliance, and in providing expertise, technology, and services that help organizations adhere to these regulations.
Understanding Sanctions Compliance
Sanctions compliance involves adhering to a set of laws and regulations that prohibit or restrict business transactions with certain countries, entities, or individuals. These sanctions are typically imposed by governments or international bodies like the United Nations or the European Union, in response to various geopolitical issues, human rights violations, or other international concerns. The complexity of these regulations necessitates a comprehensive understanding and a robust system for compliance.
The Role of Third-Party Vendors
- Expertise and Consultation
Third-party vendors, often specialists in international law and trade regulations, provide valuable expertise and consultation services. They help organizations understand the complexities of sanctions, interpret the regulations, and develop effective compliance strategies. Their knowledge and experience can be invaluable in navigating the often complex and changing landscape of international sanctions. They can provide insights into the potential risks and implications of non-compliance, and offer advice on how to mitigate these risks.
- Technology Solutions
Third-party vendors also provide technology solutions that automate and streamline the process of sanctions compliance. These solutions can include software for screening transactions, identifying sanctioned entities, and monitoring compliance. By automating these processes, organizations can reduce the risk of human error and ensure more consistent and reliable compliance. These technology solutions can also provide real-time updates on changes in sanctions regulations, ensuring that organizations are always up-to-date with the latest requirements.
- Training and Education
Training and education are another critical service provided by third-party vendors. They offer training programs to educate employees about sanctions compliance, helping them understand the regulations and their responsibilities. This training can be particularly important for organizations with international operations or those in industries with high sanctions risk. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and skills, organizations can ensure that their operations remain compliant with sanctions regulations.
- Ongoing Support and Monitoring
In addition to initial training and system implementation, third-party vendors often provide ongoing support and monitoring services. They can help organizations keep track of changes in sanctions regulations, monitor their compliance, and address any issues that arise. This ongoing support can be crucial in ensuring that organizations remain compliant over time, even as sanctions regulations evolve and change.
The Importance of Vendor Due Diligence
While third-party vendors play a crucial role in sanctions compliance, it's important for organizations to conduct thorough due diligence when selecting a vendor. This includes evaluating the vendor's expertise, reputation, technology solutions, and training programs. It also involves assessing the vendor's own compliance with sanctions regulations, as any non-compliance on their part could potentially impact the organization. Organizations should also consider the vendor's track record with other clients, their financial stability, and their ability to provide ongoing support and updates.
Third-party vendors play a vital role in sanctions compliance. They provide the expertise, technology, and training that organizations need to navigate the complex world of international sanctions. However, it's crucial for organizations to conduct thorough due diligence when selecting a vendor, to ensure they are getting the best possible support for their compliance efforts. With the right vendor, organizations can effectively manage their sanctions risk, maintain their reputation, and ensure the continuity of their business operations in the global marketplace.


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Jamaica Latitude and Longitude Map
Jamaica's latitude and longitude is 18° 15' N and 77° 30' W. Below is the map of Jamaica showing major towns, roads, airports with latitudes and longitudes plotted on it.
Search ForLatitude &
* Put South & West values with minus ( - ) sign.
|Description: Find Jamaica latitude and longitude map showing comprehensive details including cities, roads, towns, airports and much more.||Disclaimer|
The geographical alignment of Jamaica includes latitude of 18° 15' N and longitude of 77° 30' W. The particular latitude of Jamaica shows its position in Northern Hemisphere and its moderate proximity to the equator.
The country of Jamaica has an area of 10,991 square kilometers. The terrain of Jamaica is pervaded by crags and cliffs, while the shore line is broken and irregular.
The climate of Jamaica is tropical and the conditions are warm and humid. The central part is dominated by moderate weather. The latitude and the longitude of Kingston, the capital of Jamaica, are 18° 00' N and 76° 48' W respectively. The time followed in Jamaica is UTC-5 which signifies that the standard time of Jamaica is similar as Washington.
|Annotto Bay||18°17'N||76°45'W||Black River||18°00'N||77°50'W||Cambridge||18°18'N||77°54'W||Falmouth||18°30'N||77°40'W||Kingston||18°00'N||76°50'W||Lucea||18°25'N||78°10'W||May Pen||17°58'N||77°15'W||Montego Bay||18°30'N||78°0'W||Morant Cays||17°22'N||76°0'W||Morant Pt.||17°55'N||76°12'W||Negril||18°22'N||78°20'W||Pedro Cays||17°05'N||77°48'W||Port Antonio||18°10'N||76°30'W||Port Maria||18°25'N||76°55'W||Port Morant||17°54'N||76°19'W||St. Ann's Bay||18°26'N||77°15'W||Savanna-la-Mar||8°10'N||78°10'W||South Negril Pt.||18°14'N||78°30'W|


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Environmental Detections Systems
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Protection and notification about gas levels, extreme temperatures, water leaks, and more.
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Visible light spectrum
Electromagnetic Detection
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Each sensor can detect the electromagnetic exposure in a particular area to calculate real-time values and long-term averages. These are used to predict the exceeding of threshold values even before possible false alarms can occur.
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Failure, Distress and Repair of Concrete Structures
Synopses & Reviews
Understanding and recognizing failure mechanisms in concrete is a fundamental pre-requisite to determining the type of repair, or whether a repair is feasible. This book provides a review of concrete deterioration and damage, as well as looking at the problem of defects in concrete. It also discusses condition assessment and repair techniques.
Part 1 discusses failure mechanisms in concrete and covers topics such as causes and mechanisms of deterioration in reinforced concrete, types of damage in concrete structures, types and causes of cracking, and condition assessment of concrete structures. Part 2 reviews the repair of concrete structures with coverage of themes such as standards and guidelines for repairing concrete structures, methods of crack repair, repair materials, bonded concrete overlays, repairing, and retrofitting concrete structures with fiber-reinforced polymers, patching deteriorated concrete structures and durability of repaired concrete.
With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Failure and Repair of Concrete Structures is a standard reference for civil engineers, architects, and anyone working in the construction sector, as well as those concerned with ensuring the safety of concrete structures.
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To summarize the potential risk factors for postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula.
Observational studies in the English-language literature about postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula from January 1, 1970, to March 31, 2003. Studies were identified through a MEDLINE search with relevant key words; additional studies were identified through references.
We included studies about the site of primary malignancy, type of procedure, and type of closure; studies had to have been based on individual-level data, with a comparison group for each risk factor evaluated.
Data required to calculate the relative risk of fistula associated with commonly reported risk factors were abstracted from the studies, and a meta-analysis using a random-effects approach was performed to estimate a summary relative risk of fistula for each risk factor. The statistical significance of heterogeneity of effects among studies was assessed.
Of 65 studies identified, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Significant risk factors identified in the pooled analysis included postoperative hemoglobin level less than 12.5 g/dL, prior tracheotomy, preoperative radiotherapy, and preoperative radiotherapy and concurrent neck dissection. The degree of heterogeneity of effects among studies was significant for postoperative hemoglobin level, preoperative radiotherapy, concurrent neck dissection, and comorbid illness. The severity of fistula was greater in patients with a history of radiotherapy.
This meta-analysis identified several significant risk factors for postlaryngectomy pharyngocutaneous fistula. The clinical implications of these findings and the potential sources of heterogeneity of effects among studies are discussed.


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Data Center Engineering Certificate
The curriculum required for the Undergraduate Data Center Engineering Certificate prepares students to deal with the specific needs and challenges of the complex environments of modern data centers in government, industry, and academia. In particular, the program provides students with skills associated with facility planning, decision making supporting operations management, infrastructure design, and resource management for (large scale) data centers.
To earn a certificate students take 27 credit hours involving areas such as Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Students will choose two classes from each area plus management and capstone class on best practices in data center operations (new class). This program is designed to provide students with the broad foundational preparation needed for managing operations in modern data centers. This interdisciplinary combination of classes addresses the specific needs of this industry sector for a skilled workforce with knowledge in power and thermal engineering, computer science, general management, and best practices for managing large scale facilities.
Following the course outline, participating students will continue to connect with other students and professionals in this field, which will require students to develop individually and in small groups, understand and identify engineering knowledge leading them to a thorough understanding of the principles of large-scale data center management.
In addition to the capstone course, the program requires students to develop and deliver skills in the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Management fields. These are courses designed to promote this new knowledge at the proper beginning level needed for this certificate.
The central component of the Data Center Engineering program is a certificate that involves 8 classes in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Management (two in each area). These classes are organized as follows:
OIS 5670 – Managing Service Operations (prerequisites waved):
Service companies constitute the largest and fastest-growing segment of the economies of the United States and many other countries. To successfully compete in this emerging service economy, it is critical for business managers to understand the managerial issues and problems unique to designing, producing, marketing and delivering services. This course aims to develop a better understanding of best practices in the service sector through analysis of leading-edge firms and the strategies they have employed to create and maintain competitive advantage. Topics include the design and delivery of breakthrough services, managing the service encounter, and the role of technology, in particular information technology, in changing the nature of the service delivered and/or the way in which the service is delivered. The course relies on the analysis of a number of case studies, and includes a project where the principles developed in the course are applied to a real service organization
CS 5030 – Current Data Center Operational Practices (capstone class):
This course will focus on the evolving design elements and the latest operational practices employed in modern, large-scale data centers for efficient management of electric power, computational and data load, and cooling. The course will include both seminars by professionals from design firms and local data centers and reports by students who have completed internships at these facilities. We will also tour several local data centers during the term and expose students to the latest green technologies adopted in Utah data centers. Enrollment is limited to those enrolled in the Data Center Engineering program with either senior or masters student standing.
Two classes in Mechanical Engineering (Thermal Systems and Design) (7 credits):
ME EN 3650 - Heat Transfer for non-majors (prerequisites waved)
Basic mechanisms of heat transfer, law of conservation of energy, conduction, convection, radiation, heat transfer with change of phase, heat exchangers.
One class chosen among the following three:
ME EN 5800 - Sustainable Energy Engineering:
Engineering of energy collection and production systems that satisfy long-term energy needs while minimizing damage to the earth's ecosystem. Conversion of chemical and nuclear fuels to produce work or electrical energy. Solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, co-generation and direct energy conversion. Conservation, seasonal underground energy storage, and hydrogen production technologies.
ME EN 5810 - Thermal System Design:
Design of steam-power plants, feed-water heater systems, pumping systems, compressor blades, turbine blades, and heat exchangers. Equation fitting and economic analysis as basis of design decisions. Optimization of thermal systems using Lagrange multipliers, search methods, dynamic programming, geometric programming, and linear programming. Probabilistic approaches to design.
ME EN 5820 - Thermal Environmental Engineering:
Principles of design of systems for heating and cooling of buildings. Heat-load calculations, psychometrics, thermodynamic systems, and solar-energy concepts.
Two classes in Computer Science (8 credits):
CS 3810 - Computer Organization:
Credit hours 4
An in-depth study of computer architecture and design, including topics such as RISC and CISC instruction set architectures, CPU organizations, pipelining, memory systems, input/output, and parallel machines. Emphasis is placed on performance measures and compilation issues
CS 4400 - Computer Systems:
Credit hours 4
Introduction to computer systems from a programmer's point of view. Machine level representations of programs, optimizing program performance, memory hierarchy, linking, exceptional control flow, measuring program performance, virtual memory, concurrent programming with threads, network programming
Two classes in Electrical and Computer Engineering for Power Engineering (6 credits):
ECE 2210 - Electrical and Computer Engineering for Non-majors:
Fundamentals of electrical and computer engineering topics for non-electrical and computer engineers. Covers fundamentals of dc and ac circuit theory, active semiconductor devices (diodes, transistors, amplifiers), 60 Hz-power circuits and equipment (2 and 3 phase circuits, transformers, motors), transducers and actuators, safety considerations.
ECE 3600 - Introduction to Electric Power Engineering:
Introduction to AC power generation, distribution, and use. Topics will include single-phase and 3-phase power, power factors and corrections, transformers, power distribution and the grid, generation plants, and some wiring and AC motors
Professional Development Programs
The UDCC in collaboration with its partners offers several continuing education single and multiple day classes and workshops.


Sungai Long exit, Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway, Selangor Malaysia
Controlled-access highways in Malaysia are known as expressways (Malay: lebuhraya – this is also the name for highways). However, some expressways, particularly bridges and tunnels such as the Penang Bridge, do not formally use the expressway name; a small number confusingly use the term highway, which is normally the designation for limited-access roads. Route numbers of designated expressways begin with the letter E. All expressways (excluding a section of the South Klang Valley Expressway, which is a two-lane expressway) are built with dual carriageways and at least two lanes in each direction; urban expressways generally have three or more lanes in each direction.
While all expressways are grade separated at major roadways, many urban expressways in the Greater Kuala Lumpur region often have at-grade intersections, including with residential roads and shopfronts, thus do not meet the strict definition of a controlled-access highway. These expressways were previously normal arterial or collector roads that had such intersections, and were not removed when the roads were converted to expressways due to the resulting accessibility and sometimes political issues. Despite this, no expressway allows traffic to cross the median strip (apart from U-turns on a limited number of expressways) and expressways do not have at-grade traffic signals or roundabouts. Expressways have a maximum speed limit of 110 km/h (68 mph), while speed limits of 90 km/h (56 mph) or lower are typical in built-up areas.
As of 2017, expressways have only been designated in Peninsular Malaysia. There are 34 fully or partially open expressways with an approximate total length of 1,821 km (1,132 mi).[99][100] The vast majority of expressways are tolled; the North–South Expressway network, East Coast Expressway and West Coast Expressway predominantly use the ticket system of toll collection, while all other expressways use the barrier system. The construction and operation of expressways in Malaysia are usually privatised via concession agreements with the federal government, using the build–operate–transfer system.
Symbol used for motorways in Pakistan
National highways of Pakistan, showing Motorways and Expressways
Pakistan M-1.svg
The motorways of Pakistan and expressways of Pakistan are a network of multiple-lane, high-speed, limited-access or controlled-access highways in Pakistan, which are owned, maintained and operated federally by Pakistan's National Highway Authority. The total length of Pakistan's motorways and expressways is 1,670 km (1,040 mi) as of November 2016.[101] Around 3,690 km (2,290 mi) of motorways are currently under construction in different parts of the country.[102] Most of these motorway projects will be complete between 2018 and 2020.[103]
Pakistan's first motorway, the M-2, was inaugurated in November 1997; it is a 367-kilometre-long (228 mi), six-lane motorway that links Pakistan's federal capital, Islamabad, with Punjab's provincial capital, Lahore.[104] It is ranked among the world's top five speed highways/motorways. Other completed motorways and expressways are M1 PeshawarIslamabad Motorway, M4 PindiBhattian–Faislabad-Multan Motorway, E75 Islamabad-MurreeKashmir Expressway, M3 LahoreMultan Motorway, M8 Ratadero–Gawader Motorway, E8 Islamabad Expressway, M5 Multan-Sukkur Motorway, M9 Karachi-Hyderabad, Sindh and few others.[105]
E1 (Philippines).svg
Map of expressways in Luzon
Saudi Arabia[edit]
Highway 60 passing through the Hijaz Mountains
Highways in Saudi Arabia vary from eight-laned roads to small two-lane roads in rural areas. The city highways and other major highways are well maintained, especially the roads in the capital Riyadh. The roads have been constructed to resist the consistently high temperatures and do not reflect the strong sunshine. The other city highways such as the one linking coast to coast are not as great as the inner-city highways but the government is now working on rebuilding those roads. Saudi Arabia is part of the Arab-Mashreq Highway Network and connects to the rest of Asia through the Asian Highway Network.
Singapore Road Signs - Information Sign - Expressway.svg
Construction on the first expressway, the Pan Island Expressway, started in 1966. As of 2014, there are 163 km (101 mi) of expressways in Singapore.[106]
South Korea[edit]
Korea Expressway No.1.svg
Expressways in South Korea
Since Gyeongin Expressway linking Seoul and Incheon opened in 1968, national expressway system in South Korea has been expanded into 36 routes, with total length of 4,481 km (2,784 mi) as of 2017. Most of expressways are four-lane roads, while 1,030 km (640 mi) (26%) have six to ten lanes. Speed limit is typically 100 km/h (62 mph) for routes with four or more lanes, while some sections having fewer curves have limit of 110 km/h (68 mph).
 - Arterial routes are designated by two-digit numbers, with north–south routes having odd numbers, and east–west routes having even numbers. Primary routes (i.e. major thoroughfares) have 5 or 0 as their last digit, while secondary routes end in other digits.
Sri Lanka[edit]
Sri Lanka Expressway Start Sign.svg
The Southern Expressway (E01) in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka E01 expressway.svg
Sri Lanka currently has over 350 km (220 mi) of designated expressways serving the southern part of the country. The first stage of the E01 Expressway (Southern Expressway) which opened in 2011 was Sri Lanka's first expressway spanning a distance of 95.3 km (59.2 mi). The second stage of the Southern Expressway opened in 2014 and extends to Matara. The E03 Expressway (Colombo–Katunayake Expressway) opened in 2013 and connects Sri Lanka's largest city Colombo with the Bandaranaike International Airport covering a distance of 25.8 km (16.0 mi). All E-Grade highways in Sri Lanka are access controlled, toll roads with speeds limits in the range of 80–110 km/h (50–68 mph). The network is to be expanded to 518.5 km (322.2 mi) by 2024.
Operational (fully or partially):
National highways in Syria
Syria has a well-developed system of motorways in the western half of the country. As the Eastern part is underpopulated, it only has 2 lanes. Highways have been important in terms of transport for the ongoing civil war. The main motorways are:
 - M1 - Runs from Homs to Latakia. It also connects Tartus, Baniyas and Jableh. Its length is 174 km.
 - M2 - Runs from Damascus to Jdeidat Yabous, on the border with Lebanon. It also connects Al-Sabboura. Its length is 38 km
 - M4 - Runs from Latakia to Saraqib. It also connects Arihah and Jisr al-Shughur. Its length is 120 km. It continues to the Iraqi border all the way to Mosul.
 - M5 - Often describes as the most important highway, it runs through much of the major cities in Syria and runs to the Jordanian border.
Taiwan (Republic of China)[edit]
National highways of Taiwan
Thai Motorway-t7.svg
The Thai motorway network is an intercity motorway network that spans 145 km (90 mi). It is to be extended to over 4,000 km (2,500 mi) according to the master plan.
M39 Highway near Jomboy
Uzbekistan has 84,400 km (52,400 mi) of roads, about 72,000 km (45,000 mi) of which were paved. Much of the highways are in need of repair, although the condition has been improving. In 2017, the governments of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed to open a section of the M39 Highway by the Kazakh border.
Vietnam's motorway sign
Expressway network of Vietnam
At present, the expressway system of Vietnam is 895 km (556 mi) long. Under the government's plan, the national expressway system will have a total length of 6,411 km (3,984 mi). The expressway system in Vietnam is separate from the national highway system.[107]
Most of the expressways are located in the North, especially around Hanoi. Of the 21 expressways in Vietnam, 8 emanate from Hanoi and 14 are in the north, with a length of 1,368 km (850 mi). The first expressway in Vietnam is the Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong expressway, which is inaugurated and opened for traffic on February 3, 2010.
Currently, most of the expressways in Vietnam are four-lane highways, with some routes like Ha Noi -


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Liver Function Panel
A liver (hepatic) function panel is a blood test to check how well the liver is working. This test measures the blood levels of total protein, albumin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes. High or low levels may mean that liver damage or disease is present.
The liver serves several important functions in the body, including changing nutrients into energy for the body and breaking down toxic substances.
Your doctor may order a liver function panel if you have symptoms of liver disease. These symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin (jaundice), dark yellow urine, and feeling very tired. This blood test also may be done if you have recently been exposed to a hepatitis virus or are taking a medicine that may cause liver damage.
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The city of Toronto, Canada, is battered with its worst-ever snowfall on this day in 1944. Twenty-one people died as a result of the record storm, in which nearly 20 inches of snow fell in a single day.
The storm began hundreds of miles to the south near the Gulf of Mexico; it stalled after moving north over Toronto. In addition to the tremendous amount of snow, the winds from the storm were so high that visibility was reduced to nothing. The blizzard also created huge drifts that trapped people inside their homes. A streetcar on Queen Street was knocked over by the wind and snow, trapping 170 people and killing one person. All traffic and businesses in the city were shut down. Perhaps most importantly, as the storm took place during World War II, the city's ammunition factory was forced to close.
Thirteen of the 21 storm-related deaths came as a result of heart attacks caused by overexertion as people shoveled snow to dig themselves out of their homes. The Toronto Daily Star's headline the next day was "Whole City Stopped as if by Giant Hand." Mac's, a famous restaurant at the University of Toronto, had to close for the first time in its history.
Although it is difficult to measure snowfall to assess records, this blizzard was certainly close to a single-day high. In the 1998-99 winter, Mt. Baker in northeastern Washington reported its own record high—a remarkable 1,140 inches of snow. This is believed to be the all-time high for seasonal snowfall.


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Scientists have found a way to increase fermentable sugar stores in plants which could lead to plant biomass being easier to convert into eco-friendly sustainable biofuels. Their research is highlighted in the latest issue of Business, the quarterly highlights magazine of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
Using the plant Arabidopsis, Dr Paul Dupree and his team have found three enzymes responsible for the production of all detectable levels of a type of sugar called glucomannan. Their research also shows that the quantity of glucomannan can be increased or decreased in the stem with no visible detrimental effects on plant development or cell wall strength. However, the researchers found that changes in glucomannan levels had a detrimental effect on seed development.