Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Comb Jelly Facts (Ctenophora)

The comb jelly is a marine invertebrate that swims by beating rows of cilia that resemble combs. Some species have rounded bodies and tentacles like jellyfish, but comb jellies and jellyfish belong to two separate phyla. Jellyfish are cnidarians, while comb jellies belong to the phylum ctenophora. The name ctenophora comes from Greek words that mean comb carrying. Approximately 150 comb jelly species have been named and described to date. Examples include the sea gooseberry (Pleurobrachia sp.) and Venus girdle (Cestum veneris). Fast Facts: Comb Jelly Scientific Name: CtenophoraCommon Names: Comb jelly, comb jellyfishBasic Animal Group: InvertebrateSize: 0.04 inches to 4.9 feetLifespan: Less than a month to 3 yearsDiet: CarnivoreHabitat: Marine habitats worldwidePopulation: AbundantConservation Status: Not Evaluated Description As their name implies, comb jelly bodies are gelatinous. Species that live near the water surface are transparent, but those that live deeper in the water or parasitize other animals may be brightly colored. Some species have tentacles. Most species have eight strips of cilia, called comb rows, that run the length of their body. Ctenophores are the largest non-colonial animals that use cilia for locomotion. The comb rows scatter light and produce a rainbow effect. Most species are bioluminescent blue or green and some flash light or eject a bioluminescent ink when disturbed. Comb jellies display a wide array of body plans. In contrast to jellyfish, comb jellies are not radially symmetrical. Most are bilaterally symmetrical, like humans. They range in size and shape from tiny (0.04 inch) spheroids to long (4.9 feet) ribbons. Some are lobe-shaped, while bottom-dwelling species resemble sea slugs. The Venus girdle is a ribbon-like comb jelly. Ethan Daniels/Stocktrek Images / Getty Images Habitat and Range Ctenophores live all over the world, from the tropics to the poles and from the ocean surface down to its depths. Comb jellies are not found in fresh water. They live in the ocean and in brackish bays, marshes, and estuaries. Diet Except for one genus that is partially parasitic, comb jellies are carnivores. They prey on other ctenophores and on zooplankton, including small crustaceans, fish larvae, and mollusk larvae. They employ a wide range of strategies to catch prey. Some use tentacles to form web-like structures, others are ambush predators, and still others dangle sticky lures to attract prey. Behavior Although masses of comb jellies may occur, they actually live solitary lives. Ctenophores use different neurotransmitters than other animals. A comb jelly lacks a brain or nervous system, but has a nerve net. Nervous impulses direct muscles to move the animal as well as to capture and manipulate prey. It has a statolith made of calcium carbonate that it uses to sense orientation. Chemoreceptive cells near the jellys mouth allow it to taste prey. Comb jellies are usually bioluminescent and their cilia display a rainbow effect. RLSPHOTO / Getty Images Reproduction and Offspring Sexes are separate in a few species, but most comb jellies are simultaneous hermaphrodites. Both self-fertilization and cross-fertilization can occur. Gametes are expelled through the mouth. Fertilization often occurs in the water, but in Coeloplana and Tjalfiella, gametes are taken into the mouth for internal fertilization. Fertilized eggs develop directly into the adult form, without larval stages and without parental care. Comb jellies produce gametes as long as there is sufficient food. Some species regenerate if injured and reproduce asexually as well as sexually. Small parts of these animals break off and grow into adults. Little is known about most species, but the lifespan of those that have been studied ranges from less than a month to three years. Conservation Status No ctenophore species has a conservation status. Generally, comb jellies are not considered threatened or endangered. Like other marine species, they are affected by climate change, pollution, and weather. Comb jellies are prey for several species, including the endangered leatherback sea turtle. Comb Jellies and Humans Unlike jellyfish, comb jellies cannot sting. While the animals are not directly used by humans, they are important for marine food chains. Some species control zooplankton which could wipe out phytoplankton if left unchecked. Invasive comb jellies, carried in ship ballast water, diminished fish catches in the Sea of Azov and Black Sea by eating fish larvae and the crustaceans that are the food source for mature fish. Sources Boero, F. and J. Bouillon. Cnidaria and Ctenophora (Cnidarians and Comb Jellies). in K Rohde, ed. Marine Parasitology. Australia: CSIRO Publishing, 2005.Brusca, R. C. and G. J. Brusca. Invertebrates (2nd ed.). Sinauer Associates, 2003, ch. 9, p. 269. ISBN 0-87893-097-3.Haddock, S. and J. Case. Not All Ctenophores Are Bioluminescent:  Pleurobrachia.  Biological Bulletin, 189: 356-362, 1995. doi:10.2307/1542153Hyman, Libbie Henrietta. The Invertebrates: Volume I, Protozoa Through Ctenophora. McGraw Hill, 1940. ISBN 978-0-07-031660-7.Tamm, Sidney L. Mechanisms of Ciliary Co-ordination in Ctenophores. Journal of Experimental Biology. 59: 231–245, 1973.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

How Psychology Is The Scientific Study Of Behavior And...

What is psychology? The definition of psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. There are three key terms in the definition of psychology – science, behavior, and mental process. Psychology uses systematic methods to observe human behavior and draw conclusions. Behavior is anything that we do that is visible by another person, and mental processes are the thoughts and feelings that we experience but that are not noticeable by another person. For thousands of years, people all around the world have been asking the question why? Over the years, people have made up their own stories to explain to others why things are the way they are. These stories get passed on through families and make their way down the lines of each generation. These stories eventually became known as myths, or folklore tales. Greece and Rome were and still are very known for their myths and are still taught in schools present day. Though myths and folklore may be intriguing to hear, not everyone believed in them. Philosophers, those who believe that there is a natural and rational explanation for all things, then came to be. Wilhelm Wundt was a German philosopher-physician who created the academic discipline of psychology by meshing together philosophy and natural science. Wundt believed that it could be possible for a person’s mental process to be measured by the time it took for a person’s brain and nervous system to translate into action. Wundt’s main focus was discoveringShow MoreRelatedWhat is Psychology?925 Words   |  4 PagesIn 1929, psychology was defined as the study of consciousness. From about 1930 to1970, the definition of psychology changed with dealing more with the scientific study of behavior. From about 1970 on, psychology was defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. 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Saturday, December 14, 2019

Bamya- Egyptian Food Free Essays

Food and Nutrition ISP World cuisine Egypt Alex Easton The news of the Egyptian or lotus revolution has headed the media world-wide a few months ago. An uprising of the middle class Egyptians has led to overthrow the notorious Hosny Mubarak who had reigned Egypt for 30 long years. The Egyptians have overcome their fear of authority and had reached the point of no return. We will write a custom essay sample on Bamya- Egyptian Food or any similar topic only for you Order Now Unemployment, poverty, hungry and poor Egyptians now seek a better future for their country and for themselves. The Arab Republic of Egypt is a link between Africa, Europe and Asia. Egypt is located in the northeastern region of the African continent. Egypt has three major water resources, the river Nile, the longest river in the world, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red sea, however, only the river Nile provides palatable drinking water. Despite this, Egypt’s climate is arid and dry and most of the country receives less than one inch of rainfall each year. The Mediterranean Sea may offer Egypt’s northern coastline up to eight inches of rainfall each year, and keeps year –round temperatures cooler than the inland deserts. The widespread lack of rainfall makes it extremely difficult to grow crops. Egypt has no forests and only 2 percent of the land can be farmed. The river Nile runs from the south to the north of eastern Egypt and empties into the Mediterranean Sea at the delta, the most fertile land in Egypt. Around 95 percent of the countries population lives alongside the Nile River, including about 3 percent of Egypt’s population in its capital, Cairo. This overcrowding is threatening Egypt’s wildlife, recourses and water supply. The Egyptians still have a love of food inherited from their ancestors. Living on a fertile land that yields different fruits and vegetables all year round has enriched the Egyptian kitchen with a variety of food. Animals also show a variety, with different types of meat present; beef, veal, lamb, poultry and even camel meat is popular. The unique Egyptian cuisine has been influenced by other neighbouring cuisines, Middle Eastern Turkish, Greek and Roman cuisines have influenced some of the Egyptian dishes available now. The Egyptian cuisine is also affected by the season’s products. Bread and rice are present all year round as the wheat is made into flour and together with rice is a strategic grain in the kitchen. The varieties are in the selection of fruit and vegetables. Oranges, tangerines and citrus fruits are abundant in the winter starting from November, while watermelons, melons, mangoes and apples are available in the summer. The main vegetables available in summer are okra and molekheyia-a leafy green vegetable that is shredded and made as a soup. Potatoes, eggplants and other vegetables are available all year round. Despite the fertile land and the variety of crops, the Egyptians mostly are in poverty and in hunger . Food prices are at record levels partly due to population growth and increased demand from a recovering global economy, tight supplies, high oil prices, and weak agricultural planning and production attributable to climate change-induced natural disasters and crop loss in key producing nations. The Egyptians are now trying hard to change the policies that were available in Mubarak’s regime. The Egyptian revolution was ignited by a poor mans own will to burn himself in front of parliament as he could not feed his family anymore. Thirty years of government corruption, bribery and suspicious alliance with outside nations caused the Egyptians to rebel as they repeated â€Å"enough, enough†. The previous policies of Mubarak’s government had impovered the Egyptian farmer and peasant, abolishing wheat farming, and accepting wheat from the USA, caused this uprising as bread prices had raised. In 1999, agriculture made up approximately 16 percent of Egypt’s economy, employing about one-third of all Egyptians. However, Egypt’s agriculture is also contributing to the slowing of economic growth. A shortage of arable land (land that can be farmed) has become a serious problem. The lack of farmable land has caused Egyptian farmers to move to other countries. Egypt, struggling to consolidate a revolution that deposed President  Hosni Mubarak  in February, now faces what could be even worse turmoil because the country is running out of food as well as the money to buy it. Food prices went up 10. 7 percent in April compared to the same month in 2010, government statistics indicate. According to Al-Ahram, Egypt’s leading daily, hoarding of rice by wholesalers has pushed prices up by 35 percent this year. Egypt is reported to have only four months’ supply of wheat on hand and only one month’s supply of rice. Egypt faces daunting challenges as it prepares for broad presidential and parliamentary elections within a year. Ongoing volatility in global food prices will strain resources during this critical transitional period. Still quite vague what the new government will do, the present change to democracy and the upcoming parlimental and presidential election is giving the Egyptians hope to a better future. Egypt is entering a new era, an era of real democracy and the will of its people, especially the youth to transform their country and create a new environment for prosperity. How to cite Bamya- Egyptian Food, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Financial Technologies and Innovations

Question: Discuss about the Initial Coin Offerings (ICO). Answer: Introduction: ICO is an illegalized means through which the funds are obtained for new illegal currency project. This way of raising fund is very popular for the block chain projects. This method is used by the starters to evade the regulated and rigorous procedure of raising the capital required by banks or venture capitalists (Elendner et al., 2016). When any block chain starter firm wish to obtain money through ICO, they normally generate a plan that explains details about the project, the requirement of the project after completion, the money required for taking-up the venture type of money that will be acceptable and the duration of the ICO campaign (Ren, 2014). Every project needs to be started at some point, and at the same time it requires funds for setting up. ICO is a great approach to obtain funds for these business developments. During the campaigning of ICO, supporters and enthusiasts purchase some cryptocoins that are same like share of the company offered under Initial public offering (IPO) (Selgin, 2015). This way of funding new projects not only help the new business to set-up, but also assist in allocation of initial coins in a fair and orderly manner. ICO removes various difficulties involved the process of fund raising and permits to shortened the procedure of presenting the business idea to the probable customers. Another advantage associated with ICO is that due to the open nature of the project, the possibilities of creating same projects with small changes can be marketed to the customers and the viability of the project can be assessed in advance (Desan, 2014). Discussion: The chosen ICO is Edgeless Edgeless is the smart Casino based on the contract and offers a house edge of 0% and solves all the questions related to transparency. They offer various gambling games like 0% black jack edge, 0% edge video poker, sports betting and Dice. In 2016, the online industry for gambling was worth at USD $45 billion. The main issues with the gambling business were the transparency and the gambling price as the source of funds for gamble are from the user rules like big house edge (Reynolds, 2014). Moreover, the happenings of casino and the programmed mechanisms are also not transparent. However, Edgeless has its own advantages for the selection: Transparency: The random generation of number are completely based on the Ethereum Smart Contract that is fully public. It means each person can observe what is going on inside the casino servers. 0% house edge: They offer the games that are completely based on luck and skill. If the games are perfectly played, then the player will experience 0% edge for gambling. However, if the player makes any mistakes, in that case the casino will gain the profit over a long-term period (Gainsbury et al., 2014) Full anonymity: Generally, crypto currency wallets are unidentified and their casino does not require any registrations or log-ins, which in turn provide complete anonymity. Immediate options for deposits and withdrawals of money: Cost-effective and immediate transfers of money offer immediate money deposits withdrawals for the players. On the other hand, other casinos hold the amount of players for at least 1-3 days before making the payment to the players (Anderson, 2017). Moreover, the 40% profit of the Edgeless is allocated to the Edgeless Lounge Pot that can be accessed by the shareholders of EDG tokens. The shareholders of EDG can believe that in every 30 days, they can win the profit from Edgeless Lounge Pot. Financial Performance: It can be seen from the above table that the goal set of the company for selling the edgeless token is quite high, that means the company is targeting to earn a significant profit to sustain in the long-run. If the targets of 50,000 ETH are not met then the money will be returned back to the investors. Edgeless casino has various opportunities for earning profits. Their games are basically based on sports betting and skill + luck. There are only two options, either the player will play well or play poorly. On an average the player player does not play perfectly and therefore the casino earns earns high profit in the ling-run. The other way of earning profit is through sports betting. The method connects the participants against each other and charges rake / juice / vig from the participants. From this the casino normally charges 4% on the wagered amount (Edgeless Crowdsale, 2017). There are more than 10,000,000 EDG tokens offered to Edgeless bounty program and the cost of EDG token was 1000 EDG that is 1 ETH. Looking at their sustainability it can be said that ICO will be able to achieve a valuation of USD billion-dollar in future. Conclusion: It can be concluded from above discussion that ICO is a great platform for the developers from which they can avail the tools of Edgeless to develop their own casino that will be fully transparent. It will help in making the block chain and crypto currency business to set a standard in the industry of casino. The business regulation of Edgeless will assist other casinos to carry on the business with lower edge and transparency. References: Anderson, W. (2017). Edgeless ICO: An Ethereum casino with no built-in house edge - Smith + Crown. Smith + Crown. Retrieved 27 February 2017, from https://www.smithandcrown.com/edgeless-ico-ethereum-casino-no-built-house-edge/ Desan, C. (2014).Making Money: Coin, Currency, and the Coming of Capitalism. Oxford University Press, USA. Edgeless Crowdsale. (2017). Edgeless.io. Retrieved 27 February 2017, from https://edgeless.io/bounty.php Elendner, H., Trimborn, S., Ong, B., Lee, T. M. (2016).The Cross-Section of Crypto-Currencies as Financial Assets: An Overview(No. SFB649DP2016-038). Sonderforschungsbereich 649, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany. Gainsbury, S., Hing, N., Delfabbro, P. H., King, D. L. (2014). A taxonomy of gambling and casino games via social media and online technologies.International Gambling Studies,14(2), 196-213. Ren, L. (2014). Proof of stake velocity: Building the social currency of the digital age.Self-published white paper. Reynolds, A. C. (2014). Youth gambling and its association with casino proximity. Selgin, G. (2015). Synthetic commodity money.Journal of Financial Stability,17, 92-9