text:
7-2. Delegates and Alternate Delegates - Credentials and Challenges
A. Certification. The County Chairperson and Secretary shall certify the names, home postal and e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of the delegates and alternate delegates to a State Convention from their respective counties. Certification shall be sent to the DPNM Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the convention, and shall include the home postal and e-mail addresses and telephone number of the County Chairperson or other person who is to serve as chairperson of the delegation.
B. Challenges. Only a Democrat registered in the county may file a challenge to a county's delegates or alternate delegates. Any challenge to the certified delegates and alternate delegates to a State Convention shall be made in writing, and delivered to state headquarters or the DPNM Secretary at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the convention. Challenges shall be referred to the Judicial Council. A challenger shall also deliver a copy of the challenge to the County Chairperson of the affected county at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to the date of the convention. The challenge shall specify the charges and identify by names and addresses the challengers and those challenged.
C. Adjudication of Challenges. If challenges have been filed, the Judicial Council shall convene no more than forty-eight (48) hours before the convention at a site designated by the State Chairperson with notice to all affected parties. After a hearing, the Judicial Council shall report to the convention the names and addresses of delegates and alternate delegates who it judges are entitled to participate in the convention. No challenged delegation may vote upon its own challenge when the convention considers the report of
the Judicial Council. Each challenge, recommendation and minority report of the Judicial Council shall be considered separately. All affected parties shall receive the results of adjudication no less than twelve (12) hours before the convention.
D. Credentials Committee. The Judicial Council shall act as the credentials committee. The committee shall have the assistance of the State Chairperson in providing facilities and staff assistance for its business.
E. Finality of Decision. There can be no appeal of the decision of a state convention on a report of the Judicial Council.


tier: cub

shelf: science-engineering

title: Photo: Ian Cutting

text:
Photo: Ian Cutting
Benjamin Wallace, driver of the #88 Team HARD Ginetta G55 GT4 in the 2018 British GT Championship, was joined by 2017 Fun Cup UK champion, Graham Roberts, for the opening round of the 2018 Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship at Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby On April 13 – 14.
Roberts will be contesting selected rounds of the Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship while Wallace is focusing on his first full-season in the premier national GT championship. The Southport-based driver, however, saw the weekend as preparation for Round Three of the British GT Championship, which visits Rockingham on April 28 – 29.
The weekend consisted of practice, qualifying and two races on Saturday April 14 – a 50-minute sprint and a two-hour race, replicating the race length for the British GT Championship.
Benjamin Wallace and Graham Roberts qualified 5th in class and finished in the same position in Race One. In Race Two the #88 Team HARD pairing finished seventh in the Endurance Classification.
Benjamin Wallace found the weekend was excellent preparation for returning to the Corby circuit in two weeks for the British GT Championship.
“Rockingham was a new circuit for me in the Ginetta G55 GT4 and finding a set-up for the track, with its high-speed banking and twisting, bumpy infield sections, is challenging,” said Wallace. “As a result, the weekend has definitely helped us to prepare for the British GT weekend. We found some set-up solutions and the track-time helped me build up my experience in the car, especially at this circuit.”
Photo: Ian Cutting
Commenting on his team-mate for the weekend, Benjamin Wallace was delighted at how quickly he formed a working relationship with Graham Roberts.
“Graham was quickly on the pace,” said Wallace. “We both had the same challenges with the Ginetta, Graham probably more so because he’s only driven the car twice. It was a new experience for us both.”
Wallace is now confidently looking forward to returning to Rockingham in two weeks with the British GT Championship.
“I’m really looking forward to the British GT weekend,” he said. “The Britcar Dunlop Endurance Championship experience was very positive. We probably found out more about the car and the circuit then we expected to so it was definitely the best preparation ahead of returning in two weeks time.”
Round Three of the 2018 British GT Championship, a two-hour race, takes place at Rockingham Motor Speedway on April 29.


shelf: software-docs

title: Ai assistant vs ai agents

text:
Contact centers across the globe are adopting AI to improve customer service, streamline operations, and reduce costs. AI within organizations is now commonplace, with 78% of all businesses saying they use AI in at least one business function.1
With the growth of AI on a global scale, there have never been more products, tools, and technologies offered to your enterprise. Though many of these tools share similar functionality that relies on Generative AI, Conversational AI with NLU, or a combination of both, they are often described in vastly different ways depending on the provider.
This is evident in comparing an AI Agent and an AI Assistant. Though both tools rely on similar technology to operate, their function and scope make them distinct. We’ll explore this in detail down below, but the headline differences are:
- AI Assistants, made popular by the likes of Alexa and Siri, are reactive and rely on user prompts to execute a task.
- AI Agents are often associated with Agentic AI. They are proactive and capable of autonomous action. They can identify tasks, plot goals, and follow them – all without human intervention.
In this article, we’ll break down the difference between an AI Agent and an AI Assistant to make sure you make the right choice when adopting AI in your contact center…
(Please note: there are often overlaps between these two terms, and many AI providers use them interchangeably. Here at Cognigy, we use AI Agent as our preferred term for both process-driven and more autonomous AI Agents.)


shelf: health

title: In this article you will find:

text:
In this article you will find:
When do baby teeth come in and when do they fall out?
Your child’s baby teeth typically begin to emerge around 6 months of age, gradually making way for adult teeth as they are shed over time. By the age of 21, most individuals have their full set of adult teeth, with the last four being the wisdom teeth.
Strong, healthy teeth enable children to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in shaping their face and ensuring proper alignment for adult teeth to come in correctly.
Prior to your child undergoing general anesthesia, you can expect a call from a scheduling nurse who will provide detailed instructions regarding your child’s dietary intake. For infants younger than 12 months there will be other specific guidelines that they will give you.
Children aged one and above should refrain from consuming solid foods or non-clear liquids after midnight the night (or 8 hours prior) before the procedure. This restriction includes milk, formula, juices with pulp, chewing gum, or candy. The nurse or anesthesiologist will give other guidelines for clear liquids, such as water, Pedialyte, Kool-Aid, or transparent juices.
Regardless of your child’s age, adherence to the provided instructions is crucial. If your child takes daily medication, administer it as instructed by the anesthesiologist or the nurse. Additionally, you might consider bringing a comforting item from home for your child to hold during the administration of anesthesia.
The provided charts outline the names of both baby and adult teeth. Accompanying visuals illustrate the typical eruption and shedding times for each tooth. However, it’s important to note that children may experience variations in the timing of tooth eruption, with some teeth appearing earlier or later than depicted in the charts.
Transitioning from baby teeth to adult teeth
Many children experience a phase known as mixed dentition, characterized by a combination of baby and adult teeth. This can result in an uneven smile, featuring a mix of big, small, crowded, or even missing teeth. Typically, smiles become more uniform once all adult teeth have fully emerged.
Around the age of 7, your child will undergo a dental “growth and development check” conducted by a pediatric dentist to ensure their adult teeth are emerging correctly and their back teeth are functioning as they should. X-rays (like a panoramic x-ray) may also be taken to assess their dental health. Early intervention is recommended if any issues with their teeth or bite are identified.
Adult teeth begin their formation beneath the baby teeth. Once the baby teeth are shed, the adult teeth will emerge through the gums.
Maintaining a healthy mouth is crucial to your child’s overall health.


shelf: finance

title: Latin american airline onboards nft ticketing system

text:
- A South American airline has announced it will issue all its flight passes as NFTs.
- The airline’s new ticketing system will use the Algorand blockchain.
- The carrier plans to offer a flexible travel experience to its passengers with its new system.
NFTs continue to find new use cases in different industries – the latest being in the aviation sector. Argentinian airline Flybondi has taken a significant step forward by adopting NFTs in its ticketing process and being the first to do so.
The air carrier looks to augment user experiences with a system never seen before.
Next Flight to NFTown
Argentinian economy airline Flybondi has announced that it is integrating a Web3-augmented ticketing process that would issue e-tickets as NFTs. The new infrastructure announced on Thursday, March 30, expands on the flight operator’s partnership with NFT ticketing company TravelX.
Flybondi’s integration will be the first time an aviation company issues NFT flight passes.
Flybondi’s NFT flight pass system, Ticket 3.0, will be built on the Algorand blockchain. It will allow passengers to change their names, transfer their tickets, and even sell their boarding passes independently on secondary marketplaces.
In an official blog post, Flybondi shared that the new system would allow for a more flexible travel experience that enables passengers to buy in advance without changing their travel plans or who gets to go. Ticket 3.0 looks to significantly reduce operating costs for the airline and increase its revenue from trading fees.
Notably, TravelX, the company behind Ticket 3.0, does not charge a fee when users initially purchase an NFT flight ticket; however, the air carrier and the ticketing company each will receive a 2% cut from secondary market trades.
Users can now book their flight tickets through Flyondi’s website using fiat currency, and TravelX will issue an NFT flight ticket on top of the regular e-ticket. Passengers can then create a Ticket 3.0 account to store digital assets through the flight operator’s website.
Mauricio Sana, CEO of Flybondi, commented:
“With this launch, we seek to generate a positive impact in the aviation industry through innovation and an application of blockchain technology. Changing the rules of the game is never easy, but we know that it is our objective to evolve and offer our passengers a new stage of the freedom to fly.
On the Flipside
- The world’s largest airline, Emirates, has shown interest in NFTs. Although it started accepting cryptocurrency payments, the airline has yet to develop a system for NFT tickets.
Why You Should Care
Flybondi’s new boarding pass system is a significant step forward for the NFT sector and aviation. The new infrastructure could level up passengers’ experience with new features and allow the company to cut costs on inefficient processes.
Emirates is accepting Bitcoin:
Emirates Airline to Accept Bitcoin and Adopt Blockchain to Attract New Users
Leading NFT marketplace Magic Eden just launched an Ethereum marketplace:
Magic Eden to Open Ethereum Marketplace with Top NFT Collections


tier: kodiak

shelf: education

title: About

text:
Medium is a home for human stories and ideas. Here, anyone can share knowledge and wisdom with the world—without having to build a mailing list or a following first. The internet is noisy and chaotic; Medium is quiet yet full of insight. It’s simple, beautiful, collaborative, and helps you find the right readers for whatever you have to say.
Ultimately, our goal is to deepen our collective understanding of the world through the power of writing.
We believe that what you read and write matters. Words can divide or empower us, inspire or discourage us. In a world where the most sensational and surface-level stories often win, we’re building a system that rewards depth, nuance, and time well spent. A space for thoughtful conversation more than drive-by takes, and substance over packaging.
Over 100 million people connect and share their wisdom on Medium every month. They’re software developers, amateur novelists, product designers, CEOs, and anyone burning with a story they need to get out into the world. They write about what they’re working on, what’s keeping them up at night, what they’ve lived through, and what they’ve learned that the rest of us might want to know too.
Instead of selling ads or selling your data, we’re supported by a growing community of over a million Medium members who believe in our mission. If you’re new here, start reading. Dive deeper into whatever matters to you. Find a post that helps you learn something new, or reconsider something familiar—and then write your story.


shelf: home-craft

title: Apple salsa with cinnamon sugar chips

text:
It's easy on certain holidays to "forget" about the kids. That is one thing I know I am good at...remembering to make something special for that party, weekend hangout or impromptu get together. I love seeing the kids around me excited at the prospect of what was made especially for them. I have a couple of friends who always make sure they include a themed craft or two for the kids based on what the closest holiday is. The kids love it!
This way the kids have their "fun", then run off to play or hang out with each other...then, the adults can have some fun ourselves!
Is it just me or do you now never ask your kids who they want to "play" with but instead ask them who they want to "hang out" with. I swear, after seeing the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie a couple of years ago, both myself, my husband and my kids were forever altered!!
Whatever you are doing this Cinco de Mayo, don't forget something fun and special for your kids like this delicious apple salsa.
The kids always go crazy for it!
As a matter of fact my daughter recently won "lunch with the principal and 9 other kids on the roof" at our annual school fundraiser...something...I kid you not...both of my kids were desperate to win...along with just about every kid in the school. My daughter however brought in "the big guns" and included that plea in her nightly prayers...and look what happened! I emailed the principal and offered to make a fun treat for the kids in addition to their pizza prize and when I asked my daughter what treat she wanted me to make...out of everything I make...THIS is what she requested. SO I send in a HUGE basket full of chips and a big container of the salsa! The kids loved it!
One thing to note...whenever I make this...it's not just the kids who gobble it up! lol
We are going to a friends house this year where we will celebrate not only Cinco de Mayo but the Kentucky Derby as well! I think it will be fun for the kids to have their own grid to choose the winner of the Derby and win something fun if they do!
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon & Sugar Chips
½ cup Sugar
Cinnamon to taste
6 apples, diced (I usually use a combo of Pink Lady and Grannie Smith)
A squeeze of lemon
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees
Mix up your cinnamon and sugar to the ratio you know your kids will enjoy...my kids like a lot of cinnamon.
Lightly butter each tortilla. Sprinkle the tortillas liberally with your cinnamon/sugar mixture. Cut the tortillas into triangles (usually 6 to 8 per tortilla, depending on the size you have). Place on baking sheets and bake for 7-10 minutes or until just crisp...you don't want them to burn.
You can make these a day ahead of time, just cool then store in airtight bags/container.
Combine your apples and lemon juice and toss. Sprinkle apples liberally with cinnamon and sugar mixture and toss well. Serve.
Note: I like to have the kids take this outside whenever possible to eat, as they get excited and "dig in". It can get a little messy.
Variations: Add in raisins or well chopped strawberries.


shelf: history-culture

title: Principal film festivals

text:
Principal film festivals
200 kmh winds, 18 cyclones, 12 countries… Andy Byatt, Cyril Barbançon and Jacqueline Farmer have teamed up with NASA and composer Yann Tiersen to bring this thrilling and immersive experience to the big screen.
Beginning its tumultuous journey as an ominous sandstorm in Senegal, heading west across the Atlantic to toss enormous ships and waves topsy-turvy, then crashing into the jungles of the Caribbean, we live inside this hurricane, and it is truly awesome, scary and incredible. Ants, lizards, bats, frogs, horses, homeless men, rivers, ocean reefs, the US Gulf coast… all bend before the power of this monsoon turned magnificent.
We see it from space, we see it through the eyes of animals, from the operations’ rooms of the emergency agencies meant to warn us and help us cope — and we see it from the ground as it explodes and unleashes its fury upon us…
Read the synopsis →Press review
Imagine if Roland Emmerich had directed an episode of Storm Chasers, and you’ll get a vague idea of what it’s like to sit through Hurricane (Ouragan), an eye-popping stereoscopic exploration into the heart of a tropical cyclone as it wreaks havoc over several Caribbean islands and parts of the American south. Featuring some of the most startling natural images in recent memory, the Franco-Belgian co-production, will be released in 2D, 3D and Imax formats, and deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. Jordan Mintzer, Hollywood Reporter
An opportunity to watch hurricanes on the big screen? Strap us in. Andy Byatt spent 1,000 days shooting global hurricanes to create this immersive experience. Watch them from space, from the eyes of animals, from the ground as they explode and unleash their fury. The Vancouver Sun
Did you see that Hurricane that blew through Vancouver? It's likely to return - in 3D - and it definitely is one to see in the safety of a theatre. The power it documents is truly incredible, a feat for the filmmakers… Dave Olsen, Reel LifeRead more →


shelf: civic-law

title: Why your business needs an email policy bl31015

text:
In the contemporary workplace, email is an essential and efficient form of communication. Whether it's used internally among staff members, or for exchanges with vendors and customers, email is a necessary business tool. At the same time, misuse of this technology can expose an organization to legal and reputational risks as well as security breaches. For this reason, it is crucial to put a formal email policy in place.
First, an email policy should clarify whether you intend to monitor email usage. It is also necessary to establish what is acceptable use of the system, whether personal emails are permissible, and the type of content that is appropriate. In this regard, the policy should prohibit any communication that may be considered harassment or discrimination such as lewd or racist jokes. In addition, the email policy should expressly state how confidential information should be shared in order to protect the business' intellectual property.
By having employees read and sign the email policy, a business can protect itself from liability if a message with inappropriate content is transmitted. Further, it personal emails are not permitted, employees are more likely to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Because personal emails tend to be more informal and unprofessional, these messages pose a risk to the company's image if they are accidentally sent to customers. Lastly, email that is used for non-business reasons is a distraction that can adversely affect productivity.
In order for a policy to be effective, it is necessary to provide training to all the employees, enforce it consistently and implement a monitoring system to detect misuse of the email system. Ultimately, establishing formal email policy and providing it to all employees will ensure a business remains productive and efficient. If an employee violates the policy, a company will also have the ability to take disciplinary action. Lastly, a well designed policy will ensure the company's image and brand is protected.


title: Best sellers

text:
Kullerbü takes the train sets you had as a kid to the next level. They’re durable, expandable, and endlessly fun to build and rebuild. They’re also designed to grow with your child, from ball track toys and dominoes that are easy to use for kids 2-3 years old to play tracks, cars, and accessories that allow children 3-5 years or older to create their own worlds.
Elevate Playtime with Open-Ended Engineering Race Track Toys!
Discover endless possibilities for open-ended play with our Kullerbu collection. Engineered to inspire creativity and critical thinking, our range of race track toys and toy car race track toys ignite young minds and fosters a love for exploration. From vibrant ball tracks to dynamic construction sets, each Kullerbu toy offers a gateway to hands-on learning and imaginative discovery.
Engage budding engineers and aspiring scientists with our toy car race tracks, designed to stimulate curiosity and problem-solving skills. With a focus on innovation and experimentation, the Kullerbu collection encourages children to explore the principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun and interactive way.
Fun and Durable Kullerbu Race Track Toys
Meticulously crafted with German engineering for utmost safety and durability, our Kullerbu race track toys are designed to ignite imagination and creativity. Our toy car race tracks offer endless hours of fun and excitement for little racers. With smooth, rounded edges and high-quality materials, parents can trust in the safety of our track systems while children enjoy immersive play experiences.
From exhilarating loops to exciting curves, Kullerbu race track toys inspire thrilling adventures and foster developmental skills in young minds.


title: 971499

text:
Apple plans to release the iOS 5 Notification Center this fall, which makes it possible to easily access information from the lock screen or anytime with a simple gesture on the task bar. Fortunately for those who have already jailbroken their iOS devices similar functionality already exists. All it takes is a properly installed and configured tweak called LockInfo.
Although LockInfo costs $7.99, the app is worth the price for the new features it makes possible right now. It also comes with a 14-day free trial so you don't have to commit before trying out the app. If you don't think it's worth the money Cydia can easily remove LockInfo before or after the free trial ends. To install and configure LockInfo follow these steps:
Open Cydia and navigate to Sections -> Tweaks -> LockInfo or find the package using Search. Tap the Install button and Confirm. Once the tweak is installed your device will display the dialog box pictured below. Touch the Settings button to configure LockInfo.
When you select Settings -> LockInfo from your device home screen during the free trial, you will be asked if you'd like to Buy Now or Continue Trial. Tap Continue Trial to enter the settings. Besides just displaying your current information on the lock screen, LockInfo can be displayed from the home screen just like iOS 5 Notification Center.
This function is called Infoshade and the feature is turned on by default. Swiping down from the task bar or tapping and holding on the task bar will bring up LockInfo. To change the gestures that bring up the Infoshade choose Settings -> LockInfo -> InfoShade -> Activation. You can even tell LockInfo to display different plugins or themes on the device lock screen vs. the InfoShade.Settings -> LockInfo -> Homescreen -> Enabled -> ON will make the LockInfo screen your default home page. To see app icons swipe left. This feature is off by default.
Newest iPhone FAQs
To further improve the functions and usefulness of LockInfo a variety of plugins and themes are available for the tweak. For current weather and forecast information to appear as in the first screen capture install and configure the Lock Weather Plugin. Incidentally, if you're wondering about the camera button next to the unlock slider you can install CameraLock.
Another key feature of LockInfo is the ability to instantly reply to text messages when they appear. To make this functionality possible install and configure QuickReply SMS. Once LockInfo is installed your iOS device will be like new and you'll forget you were even waiting for the iOS 5 Notification Center.


title: Glaucoma treatment

text:
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, you’re probably already familiar with the typical options in glaucoma treatment – eye drops, laser treatment or traditional surgery. While these are certainly effective, especially when glaucoma is diagnosed early, researchers have been working hard to offer new glaucoma treatments. Their goal is not only to improve outcomes but also reduce the treatment’s side effects and frequency of use.
Before we dive into the new options, it’s important to understand the goal of any glaucoma treatment. At present, glaucoma is not curable. However, treatment can significantly slow the progression of the disease. Glaucoma damages your eye's optic nerve. Extra fluid builds up in the front part of your eye (cornea), which increases the pressure in your eye. Reducing this pressure is the primary objective of any glaucoma treatment. This is often referred to as intraocular pressure or IOP.
Eye drops for glaucoma treatment seem like an easy option but there are several challenges that can reduce its effectiveness. It can be difficult to get all the medicine in the eye, especially for older adults with less of a steady hand. In addition, since it must be applied daily, individuals may forget. Since the drops have no perceivable benefit because early stages of glaucoma have no symptoms, patients might make it a lower priority which is understandable since it may also have unpleasant side effects like burning, red eyes.
Beyond eye drops, laser surgery is a less invasive option. The laser opens clogged tubes and drains fluid. It can take a few weeks to see the full results. If laser surgery or drugs don’t relieve your eye pressure, you may need a more traditional operation. You would have to go into the hospital and will need a few weeks to heal and recover. Although usually effective, glaucoma surgery can make you more likely to get cataracts later on. It can also cause eye pain or redness, infection, inflammation, or bleeding in your eye.
Alternatives or Improvements to Eye Drops
The Glaucoma Research Foundation reported several new developments on the horizon. These technologies focus on reducing patient error in applying eye drops which would make the medication more effective and improve the quality of life for the patient. Here are some of the products underway:
A polymer, like a contact lens, would contain the drug; it would sit under the eyelid and release the medication over several months
Microneedles would inject medication into a specific spot to be most effective
Implantable extended-release devices using engineered highly precise microparticles and nanoparticles
Polymer-based intraocular delivery technologies that would allow customizable sustained release
Drops that allow the medication to get into the eye more easily
Tear duct plugs that release medication
In addition, people with glaucoma who take more than one eye drop per day are beginning to see those medications available as a single, combined eye drop. New products include Cosopt (timolol and dorzolamide), Combigan (timolol and brimonidine) and Simbrinza (brinzolamide and brimonidine).
Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) procedures are small cuts or micro-incisions through the cornea that cause the least amount of trauma to the surrounding tissues. Doctors implant a tiny device to allow fluid to drain from the eye, reducing internal pressure. Some devices (iStent) are implanted during cataract surgery. Cataract surgery alone lowers pressure, but the combination of both is more effective and can lower the need for medication.
These new techniques minimize tissue scarring, allowing for the possibility of traditional glaucoma surgery in the future if needed. They also give doctors the opportunity to treat patients earlier and more safely than older surgeries.
An easy, accurate way to measure eye pressure is critical to monitoring the progress of glaucoma and adjusting treatment as needed. For patients that require more frequent testing of their eye pressure, there’s now an at-home tonometer called iCare HOME. There’s no puff of air and no eye drops. The patient can easily share the information with their eye doctor.
If you have a glaucoma diagnosis, you can feel confident that your glaucoma treatment options are only going to improve in the years ahead. Although the disease is not curable, it is very manageable with the right treatment.


text:
Understanding Debt-to-Equity Ratio: Analysis, Impact & Best Practices
Understanding the Debt-to-Equity Ratio
In the realm of finance, the debt-to-equity ratio serves as a critical metric for evaluating a company’s financial health and stability. This ratio unveils the balance between debt and equity utilized in funding a company’s endeavors, shedding light on its financial leverage and capital allocation strategies. Understanding this ratio is essential for investors, creditors, and business owners alike as it influences strategic decision-making and risk management.
Calculating Debt-to-Equity Ratio
The debt-to-equity ratio serves as a critical financial metric, determined by dividing a company’s aggregate debt by its total equity, offering insights into its capital structure and risk management strategies. The formula is expressed as follows:
Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Total Equity
To comprehend this ratio fully, one must grasp the components it comprises: debt and equity. Debt refers to borrowed funds that must be repaid over time, while equity represents ownership in the company held by shareholders.
Interpreting Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Interpreting the debt-to-equity ratio involves assessing whether it falls within healthy ranges. A low ratio indicates a conservative financing approach, whereas a high ratio suggests aggressive leveraging. Industry benchmarks and standards also play a crucial role in interpretation. What may be deemed acceptable in one industry, like utilities with high upfront costs, could be excessive in another, like a tech startup.
Significance of Debt-to-Equity Ratio
The debt-to-equity ratio holds significant implications for a company’s financial health and investment attractiveness. It directly impacts the company’s ability to obtain financing, its creditworthiness, and its overall risk profile.
Advantages of a Low Debt-to-Equity Ratio
A low debt-to-equity ratio signifies a conservative financial structure, which comes with several advantages. Firstly, it reduces the financial risk associated with excessive debt burdens. Secondly, companies with low ratios often enjoy better credit ratings, making them more attractive to lenders and investors.
Disadvantages of a Low Debt-to-Equity Ratio
However, maintaining an excessively low debt-to-equity ratio may limit a company’s growth opportunities. Without leveraging debt for expansion or investment, a company might miss out on maximizing its potential returns. Additionally, an extremely low ratio might signal undervaluation of the company’s assets or an inefficient use of capital.
Advantages of a High Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Conversely, a high debt-to-equity ratio opens doors to leveraged growth potential and tax advantages. By utilizing debt financing, companies can amplify their returns on investment, potentially leading to accelerated expansion and increased shareholder value. Moreover, the interest payments on debt are often tax-deductible, providing a cost-effective means of capital.
Disadvantages of a High Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Yet, a high debt-to-equity ratio also carries inherent risks. It exposes the company to heightened financial vulnerability, especially during economic downturns or periods of rising interest rates. Additionally, the burden of servicing debt through interest payments can erode profitability and strain cash flow.
Strategies to Manage Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Managing the debt-to-equity ratio requires a delicate balance between debt utilization and risk mitigation. Companies can employ various strategies to optimize their ratio, including implementing debt repayment plans, exploring equity financing options, and regularly monitoring financial performance metrics.
Real-Life Examples of Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Examining real-life case studies of companies with varying debt-to-equity ratios can provide valuable insights into its practical implications. By analyzing how different companies navigate financing decisions and manage their ratios, stakeholders can glean lessons applicable to their own contexts.
Impact of Economic Factors on Debt-to-Equity Ratio
External economic factors, such as economic cycles and interest rate fluctuations, exert a significant influence on the debt-to-equity ratio. Understanding how these macroeconomic variables interact with financing decisions is crucial for anticipating and mitigating potential risks.
Common Misconceptions about Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Clarifying common misconceptions about the debt-to-equity ratio is essential for ensuring accurate interpretation and decision-making. Addressing myths surrounding its significance and implications helps stakeholders avoid misinformed judgments and make more informed financial choices.
Best Practices for Using Debt-to-Equity Ratio
Incorporating the debt-to-equity ratio into comprehensive financial analysis and decision-making processes requires adherence to best practices. Utilizing it as one of many metrics in evaluating financial health and risk management enhances the robustness of strategic assessments. It’s important to consider industry benchmarks when interpreting the ratio, as a high ratio in one sector might be a red flag in another. Additionally, while the debt-to-equity ratio is a valuable tool, it should be used in conjunction with other financial ratios, like the debt-to-assets ratio, to get a more complete picture of a company’s financial health.
Future Trends in Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis
As technology continues to reshape the landscape of financial analysis, the future holds promise for innovative approaches to debt-to-equity ratio analysis. Here are some potential trends to consider:
- Big Data and Advanced Analytics: The increasing availability of vast financial datasets will likely lead to the development of more advanced analytics tools. These tools could leverage machine learning algorithms to identify subtle patterns and relationships within debt-to-equity ratios, potentially enabling more precise risk assessments and growth predictions.
- Automated Ratio Interpretation: Automation might play a bigger role in interpreting debt-to-equity ratios. AI-powered tools could analyze a company’s financial statements and industry context, providing real-time insights and risk evaluations based on historical data and market trends.
- Dynamic Ratio Analysis: The analysis of debt-to-equity ratios might evolve to become more dynamic. Instead of relying solely on static historical data points, future models could incorporate real-time economic indicators and future projections to provide a more forward-looking assessment of a company’s financial health.
In conclusion, the debt-to-equity ratio serves as a fundamental tool in financial analysis and decision-making. By understanding and interpreting this ratio effectively, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into a company’s financial health, risk profile, and investment attractiveness. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, so too will the methods used to analyze and leverage the debt-to-equity ratio. Staying informed about these trends can empower investors, creditors, and business owners alike to make sound financial decisions in the ever-changing world of finance.


title: Wto

text:
“World Toilet” was a trending topic on Twitter today – a great success in social media, because a trending topic is a keyword or a combination of words on Twitter which are most often used during a given time and appear in a list of the 10 most often used keywords on Twitter. With Twitter being the de facto live indicator in social media with a world wide audience, this may indeed be regarded as a success.
some of the WTD 2010 events, mapped by the World Toilet Organization
Fortunately, many activities on World Toilet Day this year also covered some less virtual protest, like the opening of the 30th school toilet in a Georgian kindergarten via Women in Europe for a Common Future and their Georgian partner RCDA:
“Not only are the new toilets indoors, as opposed to the previously used pit latrines, they are specifically adapted to children’s use, have hand washing facilities and most importantly; they do not smell.”
Right here in Germany, over 100 students from schools in Berlin together with the German Toilet Organization (GTO) drew the attention to the current situation in Haiti and reemphasised the importance of adequate sanitation. Haiti is currently experiencing a cholera epidemic which has already claimed over 1000 lives. Cholera is caused by substandard sanitation and hygiene.
Together with the German Toilet Organization (GTO), these youngsters protested at Berlin’s Alexanderplatz for a “Toiletised World”. With artistically designed toilet seats, bush toilets and other creative ideas, the students made their presence felt.
The German Federal Minister for Development Dirk Niebel applauded the students’ commitment to the World Toilet Day. Niebel explains that water and sanitation improvements remain a central focus of German international development work and goes beyond the current situation in Haiti. “Sustainable sanitation is essential, especially for children in order for them to grow up healthy and take part in education” the Minister stressed. “It is in schools where the foundations of behavioural changes in terms of hygiene and sustainable resource use are laid“.
Remember, World Toilet Day is celebrated on November 19 every year, and since EVERY HUMAN BEING HAS TO DEFECATE AND URINATE, a World Toilet Day affects all of use, rich and poor, sick or healthy.
Disclaimer: WTO, GTO and WECF are all partners of the Sustainable Sanitation Alliance.


title: Tata electronics begins full iphone assembly at hosur plant

text:
As iPhones roll off Tata’s Hosur lines, India steps up as a global manufacturing hub, with Tata assembling iPhones locally and reshaping Apple’s supply chain game.
Tata Electronics has started full-scale assembly of iPhones, including the upcoming iPhone 16, at its new unit in Hosur. This marks a milestone in the company’s effort to become a leading player in the global smartphone supply chain, traditionally led by Taiwanese manufacturers.
The company had previously been producing metal enclosures for iPhones at the Hosur facility. Assembly work was earlier carried out at the Wistron plant in Karnataka, which Tata Electronics took over.
Now, a new assembly unit at the Hosur campus is operational with two assembly lines, and plans are underway to increase this number to six. Each line is expected to employ over 2,500 workers due to the comprehensive nature of the assembly process.
Once operating at full capacity, the Hosur unit is projected to exceed the scale of the Wistron plant, signalling a significant expansion in Tata’s manufacturing capabilities. Tata Electronics has been quickly increasing its role in Apple’s supply chain, also acquiring the Indian operations of Pegatron to strengthen its position.
Industry analysts have stated that this will help the company to integrate more deeply into the electronics manufacturing ecosystem. It opens doors to wider collaboration with global supply chain partners and supports the goal of increasing value-added production in India.
For Apple, the development supports its broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing by building a more diverse supply base. This shift allows for faster production geared towards both Indian and international markets.
In addition to assembly, Tata Electronics is significantly scaling up its enclosure manufacturing at Hosur. As of late 2024, the plant had reached a production capacity of around 50,000 enclosures and is working to double that output.


title: Index

text:
Slovakian singer Katarzia recorded here her new song “Dala jsem ti život” & also shooted the video clip in the studio.
Recording session with Immaterial Possession / / honoured to be the studio & jacuzzi they stopped by on their tour while they transform audiences. Look out for their new music where gnaoua qraqab meets mysterious folk psychedelia. & Go see their gig, they currently tour with Deerhoof.
The experimentalist 070 Shake (who you can also know from one of the world's most played song last year Escapism by the singer Raye) recorded in our studio with our resident producer Rohin Brown (Walking Who, Dope Lemon) including the use of banjo.
Musicians from N.Y. psychedelic band Blac Rabbit (who also play in Lenny Kravitz's band on his current tour) recorded a few songs here (& it sounds great). Video from the session on our Instagram
We were honoured to have the band Tindersticks recording here last week. Great sessions, music & people.
Ondřej Pivec - a Grammy winning celebrated keyboardist, composer - recorded here several projects recently with Vojta Dyk and Jan Smigmator. Congrats on his two nominations for the 63rd Grammy awards for being part of two projects: Gregory Porter album We All Rise and The Baylor Project single “Sit On Down”. Video on our Instagram
has been working on his new solo album (project Shock Machine) for a couple of weeks. He used the wide range of vintage gear in the studio BLUE, mainly the analog synthesizers (ARP2600, Prophet 5, KORG MS20 and 770, Juno 6 ...) and keyboards (Steinway Grand, Wurlitzer and Rhodes 88).
Damian Marley recorded vocals to song Living It Up for his upcoming album. Here he is spotted in front of our studio evening before his sold-out concert in Lucerna.
OneRepublic released their new single Love Runs Out. Vocals, drums and bass were recorded in February 2014. Band´s frontman Ryan Tedder (also songwriter and producer for Adele, Beyoncé, Maroon 5, Chris Cornell, K'naan among others) & the band.
for more info see also facebook OneRepublic
Single Love Runs Out
Eraldo Bernocchi (Bill Laswell, Nils Petter Molvær), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree) & Ted Parsons (Swans, Killing Joke) recorded new album of the band Metallic Taste of Blood. video from the recording
The collaborative project inspired by old Prague legends. Gary Lucas (g, Cpt.Beefheart, Nick Cave), Pat Fulgoni (voc, Kava Kava, London Electricity) and Richard Mader (producer, g). Album is being released by Faust Records.
Keith Levene, Ted Parsons (Prong, Killing Joke), Leon Muraglia (Kosmische Club) recorded new album with Zachary Gene Betz´s Projection Powder.
BBC World Service recording an episode about Shahab Tolouie´s upcoming album at Faust Studios.
The guitarist of the band The Frames and longtime collaborator of Steve Albini is producing new EP of the band Tichonov in the studio Blue.
Legendary guitarist back at Faust Records ! Gary recorded new tracks for our shared project The Ghosts of Prague, also adding some haunting tones to Aleš Vejnar´s project Arp and establishing collaboration with Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra.
Newly acquired Soviet analog synthesizer Polyvox is together with Korg MS20 occupying Faust Lab. Mixing well with other vintage synthesizers ARP, Korg, Juno and co.
Chris Bondy, the experienced London soundengineer (Olympic Studios ) and producer works with the band Human Parody ( UA ) in the studio BLUE.
Aleš Vejnar´s Analog Recording Project is recording in the studio BLUE using mostly rare analog synthesizers and keyboards ( Antares, ARP 2600, Korg 770 , MS-10, Juno 6, MiniMoog XL and many others )
The World's One And Only Cosmic Beat Box Band is recording their new album in the studio BLUE.
Jaz Coleman ( voc, harmonium) and Ondrej Smeykal ( didgeridoos ) are recording in the studio BLUE their upcoming album called Black And Red Earth. The ultimate didge experimental sound with effects makes incredible grooves.
lay down vocals for their upcoming album Maximum Hedrum. Alternative funk meets Sepultura.
( Killing Joke, Paul McCartney, The Orb ...) produced new album of THE PROSTITUTES in the Studio BLUE with his soundengineer Michael Randall.
positive vibes moving on ...


title: MEET YOUR CITY COUNCIL

text:
MEET YOUR CITY COUNCIL
The City of Spanish Fort utilizes a Mayor-Council form of government. Both the Mayor and Council are elected by the people to four year terms. The Mayor is elected citywide, and five council members are elected by Districts. The Mayor sits on the City Council and has an equal vote.
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The City Council of the City of Spanish Fort holds two regular meetings each month. These meetings are held at 6:00 pm on the first and third Mondays of each month. If a meeting date should fall on a holiday, the meeting will be rescheduled. All meetings are held at the Spanish Fort Community Center unless notice is given that the meeting will be held in another public place within the month. Special meetings may be called, or meetings may be rescheduled or canceled, in which case notices will be posted under the Public Notices section of this website. The 2025 City Council meeting schedule may be viewed here. The Junior City Council meets the second Monday of each month at 5:00 at the Spanish Fort Community Center, unless the meeting falls on a holiday or is rescheduled.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDAS AND WORK SESSIONS
For effective time management, the City Council conducts meetings as efficiently as possible by following a prepared agenda. Agendas are reviewed in a work session which begins at 4:00 pm prior to the regularly scheduled City Council meeting. City Council work sessions are held in the Conference Room at the Spanish Fort Community Center unless notice is given that the work session will be held in another public place within the month. City Council agendas and agenda packets may be viewed here.
CONTACT THE CITY COUNCIL
To contact members of the Council, you may email them by clicking above on the button beneath their name or call Spanish Fort City Hall (251-626-4884) and leave a message with the Council's Secretary. To locate your district and council person, visit the Spanish Fort Zoning Map and select Voting Districts on the Layers options.
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Minutes of City Council meetings and City Council work sessions, are available for review in the City Clerk’s office.


tier: polar

text:
In a world dominated by smartphones, the perpetual quest for a longer battery life is a universal concern. Amidst the sea of charging myths, one question often sparks debates: Does overcharging a phone battery damage it? As our reliance on mobile devices grows, so does the anxiety about inadvertently harming our lifelines. In this blog post, we'll delve into the science behind smartphone batteries and explore whether the fear of overcharging is founded in reality or simply a digital-age myth. We’ll also give our suggestions on the duration of charging and some tips to effectively lengthen your battery’s lifespan. Go ahead and discover!
Does overcharging phones affect battery life? The short answer is: yes, but not in the way you would think. To understand this, we must dissect the concept of overcharging and find out what it truly denotes.
As you might have read elsewhere, most modern smartphones have gone out of their own way to combat overcharging. They do this mainly via built-in mechanisms that cut off power automatically when their batteries are nearly full, thus preemptively nipping overcharging in the bud. In this sense, there is no overcharging at all with phones armed with preventive mechanisms.
However, as phones are plugged into chargers, they are also losing power at a low rate. With time, the battery will lose a noticeable amount of power, causing the charger to start and have that lost bit replenished, and your phone will again be at 100%. This cycle, often termed trickle charging, will be repeated indefinitely and cause the phone to heat up every once in a while. It is this heat that degrades your phone battery and shortens its lifespan. So, if we interpret the term “overcharging” in this sense, then the conclusion is that overcharging can indeed do some amount of harm to your phone battery, and you may notice it in a few months or years.
The optimal charging duration for a phone depends on its battery type and current charge level. For modern lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries, which are commonly found in smartphones, it's generally advisable to keep the charge between 20% and 80% for daily use even though professionals suggest fully charging the battery from 0% to 100% approximately once a month.
So for most smartphones, you can check your phone's charge level and charge for 30 minutes to 1.5 hours according to your charging speed to have a full charge.
It is clear that leaving your phone plugged in is detrimental to the battery due to the heat generated by a series of intermittent micro-charging (also called trickle charging). To make your phone battery last longer, the following tips will be handy.
Preserve your smartphone's battery health by steering clear of complete charges. Opt for intermittent charging between 20% and 80% to alleviate stress on the battery, mitigating the cumulative impact of full charge cycles and promoting a longer lifespan.
Even for the HONOR Magic5 whose colossal 5100mAh battery can sustain two days of general use on a single charge, there will be times when you find it alarming that power is low during your travel. To solve this, a portable charger is all you need. A portable charger keeps your phone powered up mid-travel or in places far from the grid, making sure you stay connected anywhere.
Employ the built-in battery-saving mode for non-resource-intensive tasks. This feature intelligently adjusts settings to minimize power consumption, extending the time between charges and optimizing overall battery performance for sustained and reliable usage.
Efficiently manage your device's resources by routinely closing unused background apps. This proactive approach prevents unnecessary energy drain, preserving battery life, and ensuring a smoother, more responsive user experience. This tip comes with a caveat though: Clearing background apps is not necessary for iOS users. This is because iOS can automatically terminate unnecessary background activities, and manually clearing them will put an extra burden on the battery, causing it to lose power more quickly.
Shield your device from the adverse effects of bright sunlight to safeguard its battery health. Exposure to intense sunlight can elevate the device's temperature, potentially compromising the battery's long-term performance.
Conserve battery power on your device by selectively enabling GPS. Turn off location services when not in use to prevent continuous battery drain. This strategic use of GPS ensures a more enduring battery life.
The last tip is to extend your device's battery life by disabling voice control when not actively in use. Voice control features, if left running, can contribute to unnecessary power consumption, and turning them off when not needed can help preserve battery longevity.
Now you know the answer to the question “Does overcharging a phone battery damage it?”. Although most modern smartphones can effectively prevent overcharging by cutting off power when reaching 100%, it is still advised to not leave your phone plugged in once it is fully charged to prevent overheating and potential battery degradation. By adhering to the useful tips outlined in this article, you can keep your phone battery in its best shape and probably be surprised by how much capacity it still retains even after a couple of years of usage.
Overcharging a phone battery can lead to several symptoms, including increased heat during charging, a noticeable decline in overall battery life, and potential long-term damage. In extreme cases, the battery may start to swell or show physical deformities due to prolonged or frequent overcharging.
Using your phone while charging generally poses no danger, but is still not recommended. As discussed in this blog, using your phone while charging will cause the battery to drain a bit and initiate cycles of trickle charging. This will cause the battery to heat up constantly and lead to battery degradation over time.
To optimize smartphone battery health, it's generally recommended to keep the charge level between 20% and 80%. Frequent partial charging within this range can reduce stress on the battery, extending its lifespan.
Source: HONOR Club
Honor Technology (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
(Registration No.: 202101003804)
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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I install LibreOffice Portable 3.3.2 set language to "Chinese(Simplified)"
But I found the program interface is Chinese, but dialog language is English(e.g. click "Tools -> Options" pop up the dialog box's language is English)
Is LibreOffice Portable Language issue or I set up is wrong?
You are here
Hi, I am very pleased that you are also supporting LibreOffice on PortableApps.com ! And it's very nice you provide us with a multi-lingual version. But I do have some issues with it, and ofcourse they were to be expected. It's not criticism but please see it as feedback for improvements.
1) LibreOffice is much slower starting up then OpenOffice. I don't know why since it is based on OpenOffice.
I like to report on my findings while upgrading LibreOffice 3.3.1 to 3.3.2 :
I've tested this problem in both the stable version of LO (3.3.2) as well as the most recent stable PortableApps version (3.3.2). This bug is only happening in the PortableApps version.
The problem is this: LO Portable crashes when printing a Writer document with merged data to a .pdf file. The document just freezes up, for several minutes, and I have to manually close the program and use document recovery to get it back. I've looked here in the forums and haven't come across the problem. Is this a known bug? Please let me know if I need to file something beyond this point.
Some time ago I installed L.O. Portable 3.3.0 on USB.
It seems to have created a big troop of files & folders in:
I cannot delete them because they all contain "forbidden" characters like /\:*?"| and more of that.
Windows file manager says: 'Cannot delete file: Cannot read from the source file or disk'
Also their filesize and dates of modification are absurd (some are of 1601/01/01 !)
Does anyone know how to delete them ?
I tried to install the portable (3.3.2) version on my key and Norton quarantined SBASE. I downloaded the full version to install on the main machine and Norton did non let out a peap. Can someone explain what is going on?
Scrolling through Files menu sometimes lets it freeze on "Send" and begin a "Due to an unexpected error, LibreOffice crashed..." and "JRE Required" event. Unchecking the "Use Java runtime environment" in Options wasn't enough.
The bottom of the page is formatted a bit weird - nothing big.
Not keeping the "Tips" option enabled after closing.
Already 4 hours passed since started the installer and still the installation process of the "full/custom version" is not finised on my 32Gb Corsair... actually about a quarter seems done already.
I guess I will wait a little bit longer and kill the process, make the install on a hdd partition and copy the files over to the memory stick.
I downloaded the recent version of LibreOfficePortabel (3.3.2) and thought it was a great feature that I could choose which languages should be installed. The "one or all" option (i.e. either take only one language or take all of them) was very unsatisfactory for me. However I was quite disappointed to see that the new language selection only offers the options "one or two or all". Would it be possible to include a selection window in the installer where the user could choose those languages he needs?


title: LP-184 for Solid Tumors

text:
LP-184 for Solid Tumors
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot have had anti-cancer therapy within 2 weeks or within at least 5 half-lives of the anticancer agent before starting the trial, and certain other treatments like radiation must be completed 4 weeks prior.
What makes the drug LP-184 unique for treating solid tumors?
The drug LP-184 is unique because it may utilize advanced delivery systems like PEGylation, which enhances drug accumulation in tumors through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, potentially improving its effectiveness and reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments.12345
What is the purpose of this trial?
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, MTD and RP2D of LP-184 in patients with advanced solid tumors who have relapsed from or are refractory to standard therapy or for whom no standard therapy is available. The secondary objectives are to characterize the PK of LP-184 and its metabolites in plasma and assess clinical activity of LP-184.Participants will receive LP-184 infusion during Day 1 and Day 8 of each 21-day cycle, for a minimum of two cycles. Patients will be monitored for safety, PK, and clinical activity
Reggie Ewesuedo, MD
Lantern Pharma Inc.
This trial is for adults with advanced solid tumors that have stopped responding to standard treatments or have no standard options left. They should be relatively healthy otherwise, with a life expectancy over 3 months and stable brain conditions if present. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with significant heart issues, recent major surgery, or active severe infections are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Participants receive LP-184 infusion on Day 1 and Day 8 of each 21-day cycle, for a minimum of two cycles
Dose escalation with a minimum of 3 patient cohorts to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD)
Participants are monitored for safety, PK, and clinical activity after treatment
LP-184 is already approved in United States for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Lantern Pharma Inc.


title: Nabs new banking hub makes life easier for customers

text:
Customers now have access to all of National Australia Bank’s (NAB) services in one Townsville location following the opening of a new central Townsville Hub.
The Hub, located at 420 Flinders Street in the central business district, brings together NAB Townsville’s Retail and Business Banking Centres with a team of 60 employees to assist with Retail, Business Banking, Agribusiness and Private Wealth banking needs.
NAB Executive General Manager Retail Melissa Reynolds said NAB had a long and proud history in Townsville dating back to 1884 and was committed to investing in the city and region.
“Townsville is a growing community and by bringing our services together at the new central Hub we hope this will make life easier for our customers to do all their banking in one place.
“Whether you require a personal loan to buy a car, a home loan, a business credit card or advice on trade risk management, the team is equipped to help customers every step of the way,” Ms Reynolds said.
As well as bringing services together, the hub will have all of NAB’s latest customer service bank technology.
The new Hub includes an internet banking kiosk with an iPad and MacBooks, a Teller Zone and a Transaction Zone with two smart ATMs and a Business Change Machine. In addition, the Hub has a dedicated Business Conversation Banking Zone where customers can conduct business and speak to bankers for advice or guidance to suit their needs.
“The new hub is designed with both dedicated sales and transaction zones to help with more complex issues as well as self-service technology for those customers that want the convenience of helping themselves,” Ms Reynolds said.
“Our goal is to provide customers with great service, access to innovative and intuitive technology, and a team of bankers who can provide personal help, guidance and advice.”


title: Participation crash course

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The Participation Crash Course gives participants thetools to become active citizens at a local, national, and European level. To achieve this goal, the course will serve as a space for reflection on topics such as democracy andyouth participation. Based on the needs and wishes of the learning group (about 25 students aged between 14 and 18), our Europe Crash Course can focus on some of the following deep dive workshops:
It is also possible to combine both topics, either in one longer format or spread over several shorter courses.
The course is based on the approach of Peer Education. Therefore, it is our young, qualified Trainers who will facilitate the course in your school (or digitally, see below). With the aim of stimulating an open discussion, the Trainers share their personal experiences thus motivating students to do the same. This leads to a learning process that creates space for topics and perspectives that are important to the students.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our trainers have developed a digital crash course, which has already been successfully conducted in several countries across Europe. These digital sessions provided trainers with opportunities to get accustomed to the digital format and enabled us to further develop and optimize the course concept. The digital format lasts 2.5 hours and is delivered via Zoom. Access to a digital device such as smartphone, tablet or laptop is required in order to participate.
Registration for our EU Crash Course is handled by the Youth Organizations of Understanding Europe . Please refer to the organization in your country to receive further information or book a course: Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Türkiye and Ukraine.


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Kenstar Repair Service Center in C Scheme Jaipur-9587520140, 9672954331
Welcome to Kenstar Service Center in C Scheme Jaipur
Kenstar Service Center in C Scheme Jaipur (9587520140, 9672954331) for in India is one of the leading Company for all Electronic goods like Home appliance, Laptops Cctv camera, Mobile phones, Laptop repairs, Data recovery, It is a big service provider company based in Jaipur. We offer all kind of repair& services for all consumer home products like Air conditioners Kenstar Refrigerator, Fridge, Microwave oven, Washing Machine, Geyser and Water heaters, water purifiers ro systems, cctv camera & security System etc. We provide services for all major brands such as Kenstar, White Westinghouse, LG ,Whirlpool, Godrej, Electrolux, Onida, Carrier, O General, IFB, TCL, Samsung, Sharp, Sanyo, Kent etc. The company has a team of qualified and experienced Field Engineers, highly Technical, efficient coordination executives who are always available at your services promptly. Our mobile unit of service technicians are trained and kept current on the latest appliances and are well dressed They are equipped with appropriate diagnostic and repair tools, and in-house technical support. The mobile unit is complemented and supported by our shop technicians and a professional team of Customer Service Representatives. Service requests are responded to within 24 hours and our in-house technical support attempt to pre-diagnose faults in an attempt to satisfy the customer in a single trip.Our techniciancs are prepared to service almost all major brands of gas and electric home appliances whatever the age or condition. They enjoying serving others and are equipped with the appropriate tools and people skills required to give you V.I.P. service every time. Our goal is to exceed customer's expectations in the appliance repair industry. In these tough economic times we take pride in providing all of our customers with affordable and reliable service.If you are looking service or Repair at your home or business, we work with you to schedule a service call that's as quick and convenient as possible. Once your service call is scheduled, we'll be at your front door on time and ready to work.
We collect feedback from our customers through customer satisfaction surveys as appropriate to the characteristics of each business operation, and incorporate their voices into improving product development, marketing strategies, and services.We believe in having a responsibility to provide not only a service in repairing your appliance, but providing you with the knowledge and information on how to get optimum performance from your unit, whilst keeping our planet in mind, saving both you and the environment in power and repair costs.This is not Kenstar authorised service centre C Scheme Jaipur. Our repair service centre is fully private multi brand repair service center.
Kenstar AC, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Microwave Oven, TV Repair Services in C Scheme Jaipur-9587520140, 9672954331
Disclaimer - We are not authorized Kenstar service centre. we are private service provider. We deal only in out of warranty cases. This website and domain name has no relation with Kenstar Company.


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Santa Tracker: The Slip-up That Started A 70-year-old Festive Tradition
The Santa Tracker, an iconic Christmas tradition that has captivated generations, emerged from a serendipitous error, illuminating the complexities of human ingenuity, technological innovation, and consumerism within the festive landscape.
A Slip-up that Transformed Christmas Eve
In 1955, when Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup mistakenly printed the wrong phone number in a department store ad, he inadvertently sparked a phenomenon that would forever alter the way children experienced Christmas Eve. The misprinted number, meant for children to call Santa Claus, instead connected them to the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), who in a heartwarming gesture, agreed to help track Santa's journey. This serendipitous error not only led to the creation of the beloved Santa Tracker but also laid the foundation for a decades-long partnership between NORAD and the Christmas tradition.
The Santa Tracker: A Technological and Cultural Evolution
Over the years, the Santa Tracker has undergone significant technological advancements, evolving from a humble phone line to a sophisticated virtual platform that allows users to follow Santa's journey in real-time and interact with him through games and other interactive features. This technological evolution reflects the larger shifts in communication and entertainment, demonstrating how technology can enhance and reshape traditional customs.
Beyond its technological advancements, the Santa Tracker has also become deeply embedded in popular culture. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books, further solidifying its status as an indispensable part of the Christmas experience. The tracker's widespread adoption has also inspired countless imitations and spin-offs, creating a vibrant ecosystem of Santa-themed tracking apps and devices.
Commercialization and the Santa Tracker
While the Santa Tracker has undoubtedly spread joy and enhanced the Christmas experience for millions, its commercialization has also raised concerns. Over the years, various corporate sponsors have become associated with the tracker, leading to questions about the commodification of a cherished tradition and the potential for children to be exposed to excessive advertising during a time meant for family and reflection.
It is essential to strike a delicate balance between preserving the spirit of Christmas and recognizing the commercial realities that support such beloved traditions. Open and critical dialogue is necessary to ensure that the Santa Tracker continues to fulfill its role as a source of joy and wonder while safeguarding children from potential commercial exploitation.
The Psychological Impact of the Santa Tracker
The Santa Tracker has undoubtedly had a profound impact on the psychology of children and families. By providing a tangible way to track Santa's journey, it has helped to reinforce the magic and wonder of Christmas, creating lasting memories for generations. However, some experts have raised concerns about the potential for the tracker to diminish children's imagination and creativity.
It is crucial for parents and educators to encourage children to engage with the Santa Tracker as a playful and imaginative experience, rather than focusing solely on the technological aspect. By fostering a healthy balance between fantasy and reality, the Santa Tracker can enhance children's sense of wonder while fostering their critical thinking skills.
The Santa Tracker, born from a fortuitous slip-up, has become an iconic Christmas tradition, capturing the imagination of generations and evolving alongside technological and cultural shifts. Its complexities encompass human ingenuity, commercialization, and the psychological impact on children and families. As a beloved part of the festive landscape, the Santa Tracker serves as a reminder of the power of tradition, the importance of technological innovation, and the need for a balanced approach to childhood experiences. By critically examining its complexities, we can ensure that future generations continue to embrace the magic of Christmas Eve, while fostering a healthy and imaginative understanding of this cherished tradition.


title: Railways ministry formulates policy for water vending machines at stations

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Ministry of Railways has formulated a comprehensive uniform policy for installation of Water Vending Machines (WVMs) at railway stations across the country with a view to further improve the availability of potable drinking water for passengers. The objective of this policy is to lay down guidelines to make available potable drinking water of prescribed standard to willing customers at affordable price through Water Vending Machines (WVMs) at stations.
Under the policy, the installation of WVMs will be handled by Railway PSU, Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). WVMs can be installed only by reputed manufacturers or their franchisee holders or authorised agents. The WVMs will have multiple dispensing tapes to facilitate maximum passengers to avail the facility simultaneously. Priority will be accorded to provide WVMs at locations where General Coaches can have easy access. In the initial phase, those platforms of the stations which are already provided with R.O. drinking water units supplying free water may not be provided with WVMs.
Pure water will be dispensed through these highly mechanized machines for the passengers at very affordable price. Water dispensed through the vending machine will conform to BIS specifications IS10500-2012(specification for drinking water) test requirement within desirable limit. The water supplied through these machines will be frequently checked (at least once a month) through suitable device by the Health Inspector/ Medical Personnel. Water Vending Machine will be with Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology or alternate superior technology. The cost & quantity of water dispensed will be displayed in a LED display so that amount is verifiable by the customer. The selection of the franchisee/agent for installation of machines will be done by two-packet tender system so as to ensure that branded and reputed companies are engaged for this job.
The vendors will provide adequate number of eco-friendly disposable tumblers of approved quality and design and water bottles of PET. The companies providing machines will also provide adequate number of dustbins of standard design with each machine.


title: Nubias next super gaming smartphone set to arrive on july 3

text:
ZTE’s sub-brand announced over the weekend that what we believe to be the company’s last Red Magic 9 series phone, will be officially unveiled on July 3. The phone is called Red Magic 9S Pro and follows other Red Magic series 9 phones like the Red Magic 9 Pro and 9 Pro+.
Just like the previous models, the Red Magic 9S Pro will be initially introduced in China, but it’s probably going to make it to other countries soon afterward. With the upcoming 9S Pro, Nubia is trying to add a bunch of AI-related features to its gaming series.
That said, we don’t expect too many changes in terms of hardware. If Nubia follows the same strategy as it did with the Red Magic 8S Pro, then the 9S Pro should pack the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor like the 9 Pro and 9+ Pro.
Nubia 9S Pro teaser
Aside from that, the phone is probably going to boast the same stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED FHD+ display with 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
If Nubia keeps the same camera configuration too, then the Red Magic 9S Pro will feature a triple camera setup (50MP + 50MP + 2MP), and a secondary 16-megapixel front-facing camera.
The only difference might be related to the battery. While the Red Magic 9 Pro features a 6,500 mAh battery, the Red Magic 9 Pro+ comes with a much smaller 5,500 mAh battery. This means that the Red Magic 9S Pro could include either of the two.
But we’ll know more about this one next week when Nubia plans to announce it, or maybe in just a few days thanks to Chinese tipster.
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title: Database bulk operations

text:
Database bulk operations
You can employ bulk operations for databases in Brightspot. This section explains the bulk operations available to you.
The indexed methods annotation instructs Dari to index a field. Applying this annotation does not retroactively index already existing data; it only ensures that future data will be indexed.
To reindex existing data, use the Index tool. You can re-index on a single type or all types. If you select all types, all database records, regardless of visibility label, will be reindexed. However, if you select a specific type, only visible records will be reindexed.
Records being reindexed are queried for using resolveToReferenceOnly, so any indexed methods which depend on values in referenced (non-embedded) records will not be calculated correctly. You can work around this issue by explicitly resolving the references in the indexed method, or by writing your own reindexing task.
When you start the reindex process, a link appears to the background task that reindexes existing objects. Click the link to monitor the background task.
Use the Copy tool to copy data from one database to another. The Copy tool is often used when a new MySQL database is added and the Solr database needs to be created. Copying SQL to Solr populates the Solr database with the SQL data.
Another use case is to resynchronize databases that are no longer in sync.
You can copy records from a single type or records of all types. If you select all types, all database records, regardless of visibility label, will be copied. However, if you select a specific type, only visible records will be copied.
If you select Delete before copy
, all of the records of the selected type will be deleted from the destination database before beginning the copy. You will probably want to select this if you just loaded a fresh MySQL database, or if you are resynchronizing the databases. If you do not select this option in these cases, queries could return inconsistent data depending on which database is queried.
The records are saved to the destination database using saveUnsafely
, so the save life cycle will not be triggered. For more information, see Save life cycle.


title: Occupational radiation dose for medical workers in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine in makkah hospitals

text: Background: Radiation exposure poses hazards for health-care suppliers and patients in health-care facilities (HCFs). Photography imaging is very valuable as a diagnostic tool, however, radiation and computed axial tomography (CT) scans carry well-known potential risks. Personnel and radiation safety observation is a very important safety precaution within apply of radiography, in drugs, research, education, industry, and agriculture field. The mixture of improved health services related to the aging population has resulted in increased use of radionuclides and radiation in designation and treatment.One of the hazards of working in a department of nuclear medicine (NM) or diagnostic radiology (DR) is the possibility of long-term exposure to low-level radiation and any associated biological effects. Evidence of reversible and irreversible genotoxic effects during periods of radiation exposure has been reported The massive variation in exposure among employees operating with radiation in departments of NM and DR has been attributed to the character of the work the individual carries out.The as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) principle, which emphasizes utilizing techniques and procedures to keep exposure to a level as low as reasonably achievable, should be followed to minimize the risk of radiation exposure to medical professionals. Personnel shielding options (e.g., two-piece wraparound aprons, thyroid shields, and eye protection) should be used to effectively attenuate scattered x-ray levels. From the basic safety standards (BSS) recommendation the equivalent doses limits ought to apply, i) to the full-body, as drawn by the operational amount power unit; and ii) to the extremities via the operational amount power unit (0.07). The researchers calculable that the cancer risk incidence directly will increase with the absorbed dose. it's vital, for this low radiation dose to determine a model to determine the malignant neoplastic disease effects for that dose . the target of the Radiological is to produce a system and helpful standards for radiation protection as well as medical, activity, environmental, and exposure through tomography accidents while not unduly limiting the helpful practices giving rise to radiation exposure .Aim of the study: to assess, analyze and discuss the occupational exposure and safety protection radiation doses for medical workers from two departments of (NM) and (DR) in Makkah hospital during 2017 and 2018 to compare the mean doses received with the limit of 20 mSv/year of the International Commission of Radiological Protection (ICRP) .Method: The radiation exposure of each staff member working in departments of NM and DR is routinely monitored using thermo luminescent dosimeter (TLD). Generally, 2 dose quantities, i.e. Hp(10) and the Hp(0.07), are reported for each staff member . Results: the majority of participant from MAK, AL Noor . H department were constitutes (48.1%) In the Distribution of the annual average Hp(10) andHp(0.07)were calculated for each group .is no significant relation between Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) in the Sum 2018 where T= 0.993 and p-value 0.322. Distribution of the change in 2017 and 2018 in Dosimeter Use of Hp(10) and Hp(0.07) and data , paired of T-test were calculated for each group is a significant relation between Hp(10) in the Sum 2017 and Sum 2018 were difference increase from 2017 to 2018 T= 9.500 and p-value <0.001Conclusion:The annual dose Hp(10) were well below the international recommended dose limit of the ICRP. Another attention-grabbing conclusion is that the low level of overall data of radio graphical procedures among the nursing employees. Further studies should be conducted to highlight different aspects of radiation exposure dose and safety protection tools.


title: Navigating the real estate landscape buying vs renting

text:
In the realm of real estate in Kenya, the enduring debate between buying and renting continues to captivate the attention of prospective homeowners and tenants alike. With rapid urbanization, evolving economic dynamics, and shifting societal trends it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned renter, understanding the fine distinctions between buying versus renting in Kenya is crucial for making informed decisions about your housing needs.
Owning a home has long been considered a hallmark of financial stability and security. Here are some compelling reasons why buying a home might be the right choice for you:
Long-Term Investment with Potential for Appreciation: Real estate has historically proven to be a sound long-term investment, with properties generally appreciating in value over time. While short-term fluctuations may occur due to market conditions or economic factors, the overall trend tends to be positive, especially in desirable locations with strong economic fundamentals. By purchasing a property and holding onto it for the long term, homeowners can potentially benefit from capital appreciation, thereby increasing their overall net worth.
Stability and Security: Unlike renting, where tenants are subject to the whims of landlords and lease agreements, homeownership offers a sense of permanence and control over one's living situation. They have the freedom to customize their living space according to their preferences, knowing that they have a permanent residence to call their own.
Building Equity Over Time: One of the primary benefits of homeownership is the opportunity to build equity. Equity is the difference between the market value of the property and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. As homeowners make mortgage payments and property values appreciate, their equity in the property increases. This equity can serve as a valuable asset, providing financial security and flexibility for future endeavors
Tax Incentives: Kenya's government offers various tax incentives to encourage homeownership, including mortgage interest relief and capital gains tax exemptions. These incentives can translate into significant savings for homebuyers over the life of their mortgage.
While homeownership is often regarded as a symbol of stability and permanence, renting offers a distinct set of advantages, particularly in terms of flexibility and affordability. Here are some compelling reasons why you might settle on renting:
Flexibility and Mobility: One of the most compelling benefits of renting is the unparalleled flexibility it provides. Unlike homeowners who are tied to a specific property for the long term, renters have the freedom to adapt to changing circumstances with ease. Whether it's a job relocation, lifestyle change, or desire for a new environment, renters can simply terminate their lease and move to a different location without the constraints of homeownership.
Lower Upfront Costs: Another advantage of renting is the lower upfront costs compared to buying a home. While purchasing a property often requires a substantial down payment, closing costs, and other expenses, renting typically involves a security deposit and the first month's rent. This makes renting a more accessible option for individuals with limited financial resources or uncertain future plans.
Convenience of Moving: Renting offers the convenience of moving without the complexities and uncertainties associated with selling a home. Lease agreements typically have fixed terms, allowing renters to plan their moves in advance and avoid the uncertainties of the real estate market.
In the end, the decision to buy or rent a home in Kenya hinges on a variety of factors, including your financial situation, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. While homeownership offers numerous benefits in terms of investment potential and stability, renting provides unparalleled flexibility and convenience.
Ultimately, it's essential to conduct thorough research, evaluate your individual circumstances, and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision. Whether you choose to embark on the journey of homeownership or embrace the flexibility of renting, the real estate landscape in Kenya offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals seeking to fulfill their housing needs.


title: Looking to apply

text:
The official link to the 2025-2026 magnet schools' application will be open November 14, 2024 and remain open through January 31, 2025 here: https://applytomarionschools.com
Students who are not currently enrolled in Marion County Public Schools but are interested in applying to the IB at Vanguard will need an MCPS-assigned student number to complete the online application. For more information about how to obtain this, visit the School Choice Office at 1614 SE Fort King Street in Ocala, or click here: https://www.marionschools.net/enrollment.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Vanguard High School is a magnet program, meaning students come from all over the tri-county area to attend the IB at Vanguard. If you have questions about the application process, please don't hesitate to contact our IB Office at 671-4908, or email our IB Coordinator, Mrs. Stephanie DeVilling at [email protected].
Admission is based on student achievement, grades, and attendance from previous school years' records. Students in Vanguard's Pre-IB program are given the opportunity in grade 10 to decide whether or not they would like to continue in the IB Diploma Program for grades 11 and 12.
Students who are not currently in Vanguard's Pre-IB program are given the opportunity to apply during the magnet school application window set by Marion County Public Schools. Any/all students who choose to pursue the IB Diploma and who have poor/failing grades are supported and guided by his/her school counselor and the IB DP Coordinator to make sure he/she understands the academic rigor the IB DP affords.


title: Lomandra filiformis grey filly australian native plant

text:
Lomandra filiformis Grey Filly is selected for it's striking silver/grey foliage and fine foliage, from late spring to summer fragrant flower spikes emerging from the base of the plant. This tuft is excellent to use as accent contrast in the landscape and for where height restrictions are required. Other common known varieties are Lomandra Savanna Blue, and Lomandra Ice Queen.
Soil PH Conditions
Soil pH: 6.4 to 7.5 - Soil preparation: Soil can range from quite acid to alkaline in pH levels, it is important to have good soil preparation to gain the best results when planting natives. This improves the water-holding capacity of the soil and for young plants, once established, will have lower water requirements.
Grows well in both shade and full sun. It is adaptable to most well drained soils and is a versatile plant. Once this plant is established it will tolerate dry and light frost conditions, but over long periods of dry will require watering.
This plant requires little maintenance and it is best to initially feed with a slow release low phosphorus fertiliser to help first establish the plant. It is beneficial to follow up with the occasional reapplication of fertiliser and apply as required. Mulching around the base of the plant will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Height 0.3-0.4m Width 0.3-0.4m
DISCLAIMER - The information provided on this website is to be used as a guide, and the photos are for illustration purposes only. The Bush Magik plant range is based on our experience and the positive feedback from the Home Gardener, the Nursery and Landscape industry. All PBR varieties are selected from a strong genetic gene pool with vigorous growing out trials conducted alongside similar comparators. All information is believed to be correct and is given in good faith.


title: 432416 manhood will not be so easily shaven desiring god article advocating for beards met with humor criticism

text:
On Monday (August 22), Desiring God published an article titled “O Beard Where Art Thou,” wherein Greg Morse argued that growing a beard is a matter of theological significance. Morse is a staff writer for the John Piper founded media nonprofit and a graduate of Bethlehem College & Seminary, where Piper serves as chancellor.
Morse Argues for the Theology of Beard Growing
Morse began his argument for beards by recounting a story from the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel in which Joab, the general of King David, prepared for battle against the Ammonites.
The reason for the battle was the newly crowned King Hanun of the Ammonites having rejected David’s offer of a diplomatic relationship between the two nations. The manner in which Hanun rejected the offer was particularly offensive. He cut the clothes of David’s messengers in half, from top to bottom, also shaving off half their beards.
In the Ancient Near East, shaving off half a man’s beard was not merely a hurtful prank. Rather, it was symbolic of an all out assault on his very manhood. To David, this was a direct challenge to his throne, an act of war.
“First, in Israelite culture, the beard served as a sign of mature masculinity. All Israelite men grew beards; God commanded it, ‘You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard’ (Leviticus 19:27),” Morse wrote. “Beards were a facial billboard for manhood, distinguishing men, at first glance, from boys and women.”
Reflecting on the legacy of beards from the time of David onward, Morse went on to say, “The connection between manhood and unmown cheeks today has flowed down through church history, like oil running down the beard of Aaron (Psalm 133:2).”
Morse then quoted Saint Augustine, Charles Spurgeon, and C.S. Lewis, citing their love of beards as evidence for his belief that beard-growing is and ought to be normative masculine behavior. (Notably, Lewis was known as a clean shaven man.)
Conceding that even “the shaved can be saved,” Morse offered condolences and reassurance to men who are unable to grow full beards. He also made it clear that some men who grow beards are “living in basements, addicted to video games and porn.”
“But here we walk a fine line,” Morse nevertheless argued. “Does this then relegate the beard, that ancient landmark, to a matter of obsolete decoration, of mere preference?”
Morse went on to argue that beards are a vital aspect of the God-given distinction between men and women, a distinction that today’s culture all too often seeks to muddle.


title: Rmrs revises guidelines on the application of provisions of the technical code on control of emission of nitrogen oxides from marine diesel engines

text:
These Guidelines set the regulations for the survey of ship's diesel engines for their compliance with international nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission standards both at the firms (manufacturers) and on ships in service, have been approved in accordance with the established procedure and came into force on 1 July 2022.
These Guidelines have been developed on the basis of the Guidelines on the Application of Provisions of the Technical Code on Control of Emission, 2020, taking into account the requirements of the above Technical Code, adopted by IMO resolution MEPC.177(58) as amended, and the revised Annex VI to MARPOL 73/78 adopted by IMO resolution MEPC.176(58) as amended.
This document sets procedures, methods, and scope of surveys performed by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping to ensure the compliance of marine diesel engines with the international standards of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions.
The technical supervision of marine diesel engines comprises both the process of their manufacture and service on board ships.
The NOx emission standards are specified by regulation 13 of Annex VI to the International Convention for Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78), and are given in Appendix 1.
On the basis of satisfactory results of the survey, the RMRS shall issue an Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) Certificate with Supplement (forms 2.4.40 and 2.4.41).
The requirements of the Guidelines comply with the Technical Code on Control of Emission of Nitrogen Oxides from Marine Diesel Engines (the NOx Technical Code) adopted on 10 October 2024 by IMO resolution MEPC.177(58), as amended.
This document applies to the following:
.1 marine diesel engines with a power output of more than 130 kW installed on board ships;
.2 marine diesel engines with a power output of more than 130 kW, which were subjected to "substantial modifications" on or after 1 January 2025 except when demonstrated that such an engine is an identical replacement to the engine which it is replacing.
These Guidelines do not apply to the following:
.1 emergency diesel engines;
.2 lifeboat diesel engines;
.3 diesel engines driving the equipment used in emergency situations only;
.4 diesel engines installed on the ships engaged in voyages only within the waters under the jurisdiction of the state, which flag the ship is flying, provided that these diesel engines are subject to alternative control of the NOx emissions specified by the RMRS.


title: 18692d0e2e0

text:
Glass is a materials composed of many inorganic elements, primarily quartz sand, soda ash, and limestone, which are mixed together and heated to extremely high temperatures to turn them into a fluid state. While components of glass are natural and abundant, process of making glass is complex and requires significant skill and experience.
Quartz sand, also known as silica sand or silica, is primary raw material required to make glass. Quartz consists of a combination of a compound called silicon dioxide (SiO2) and oxygen. Quartz sand is an abundant material derived from weathering of rocks, specifically igneous rocks including granite, volcanic ash, and quartzite that contain trace amounts of other minerals including iron, aluminum, and magnesium. Quartz sand is then crushed and refined to a very fine consistency to meet industry standard.
Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate, is used to lower melting point of quartz sand allowing it to melt quicker when heated. This chemical is created by processing salt and limestone and is used in production of a variety of products, including glass.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of primarily calcium carbonate. It is primarily used for production of quicklime, a product used in cement, mortar, and mortar-based materials. However, limestone is also added to quartz sand and soda ash mixture to make glass. Limestone helps to adjust properties of glass, such as its clarity, color, and refractive index. It also helps reduce amount of energy required to produce glass.
The process of creating glass is complex and requires strict adherence to necessary temperature and pressure levels. Sand, soda ash, and limestone are all heated to extremely high temperatures; typically somewhere between 1500°C and 1700°C. During this process, chemicals, minerals, and rocks melt down and blend together. As particles blend together, molten glass slowly cools into shape and form desired.
Glass is a versatile material, used for everything from spacecraft construction, to windows, to furniture. The raw materials used to make glass are natural and abundant, and forging process requires careful attention to get desired results. With a little time and effort, anyone can create beautiful objects from glass.