Facility managers oversee maintenance and repair of buildings and facilities, requiring formal training and experience in building maintenance. They must be mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and have good communication skills. Career advancement opportunities are limited, but salaries and benefits are typically good. Facility manager jobs vary by location, but can generally be divided into maintenance and […]
Horizontal engines have cylinders that travel horizontally with the ground, like the Volkswagen Beetle’s air-cooled four-cylinder engine, which Porsche and General Motors also used. A flat-plane crankshaft allows for high-performance operation, but overheating can be a problem. Aircraft and motorcycles also use horizontal engines, but external oil coolers are recommended for severe service. A horizontal […]
Pork tenderloin mignon is a cheaper alternative to beef tenderloin, and can be cooked in similar ways. It is a lean and tender cut of meat that can be roasted, grilled, or stuffed with various fillings. Using pork and filet mignon in the same sentence might initially conjure up an image of crispy bacon wrapped […]
Surface mining, also known as strip mining, is used to recover materials like coal and tar sand. It is controversial due to its impact on the environment, but proponents argue it is more efficient, cost-effective, and safer than traditional underground mining. Critics are concerned about the destruction of natural ecosystems and the potential for environmental […]
Tractors are heavy machinery used for various tasks depending on size, attachments, and design. They are commonly used for agricultural, excavation, and construction purposes. Personal tractors are smaller and versatile with horsepower ranging from 20 to 200. Attachments such as front loaders, mowers, and trailers can be added. Tractor enthusiasts also collect and restore antique […]
Sweden offers up to 480 days of parental leave, with fathers receiving two months of paid leave. Parents can also reduce working hours by 25% until their child is eight years old. The government provides a monthly allowance and free education and meals for children. In some cities, parents with strollers can use public transport […]
Ketosis and acidosis often occur together in the body, but have different symptoms and metabolic pathways. Ketosis is the burning of fatty acids for energy, while acidosis occurs when acids build up in the body due to prolonged ketosis. Ketosis can be reversed by consuming carbohydrates, while acidosis may take longer to recover from and […]
A free trade zone allows the importation of goods without import duties and taxes. It can be used for storage, display, or manufacturing, and goods can be exported without tax. It is often established in underdeveloped areas to stimulate the local economy. A free trade zone (FZ) is a geographic location that allows the importation […]
Rudders are used to steer boats, planes, ships, hovercrafts, and submarines by cutting through fluid and forcing it through the body. Ancient Egyptians and Chinese used oars as rudders, while Romans developed the sexille rudder. Modern rudders can be installed outside or inside, and aircraft rudders are called control surfaces. Without rudders, controlling planes and […]
Sugarcane is a tropical plant used to make sugar, molasses, ethanol, and rum. It is grown in many countries, with Brazil and India being the largest producers. Sugarcane processing is environmentally friendly, and its by-products can be used as fuel and in paper production. Sugarcane is the only source of natural cane sugar and is […]
Masonry cement is a strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing mortar used for various types of masonry. It is produced in controlled conditions with additives for durability and color. The ASTM classifies it into three types, and workability is important for good application. Proper workmanship and grouting are also important for masonry durability. Masonry cement is […]
Emissions from fuel combustion and other processes, mainly from automobiles, power plants, and industrial companies, lead to poor air quality, global warming, and heavy pollution. Humans contribute the majority of emissions, but clean energy solutions like solar and wind energy can combat the problem. Emissions are gases and other particles that are released into the […]
A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation in the blood by sending light through a finger or earlobe. A reading between 96-100% is normal, while below 96% indicates hypoxia. However, the device may not be accurate in certain situations, and physical signs of hypoxia should also be evaluated. Normal oxygen saturation can be determined using a […]
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet captured an image of lava flowing from Mount Etna while aboard the International Space Station in March 2017. The volcano experienced powerful eruptions that year, resulting in lava visible from space for the first time. The International Space Station is primarily used for research and its imaging system has helped with […]
Consumer sovereignty theory claims that consumers drive manufacturing and consumption, and rational behavior will resolve inequalities. Critics argue that advertising creates artificial desires, leading to excessive consumption and negative effects. John Kenneth Galbraith disagreed with the theory, stating that interactions involve cultural elements and require government influence. The theory has roots in neoclassical economic theory […]
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of car accidents, with tired drivers having slower reaction times and reduced alertness. Symptoms include yawning, tired eyes, and difficulty concentrating. To prevent fatigue, drivers should rest before long trips, avoid driving at night, and take breaks. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that 20% of accidents involve fatigued drivers. […]
Battenberg cake is a British cake with four sections of sponge cake, two pink and two yellow or white, held together with jelly or apricot jam and covered in marzipan icing. It was created for a royal wedding in 1880 and is popular on St. George’s Day. It can be difficult to find outside the […]
Coil springs are cylindrical or cone-shaped devices with varying numbers of coils used to absorb impact or resist compressive or tensile forces. They are made of specially hardened wires and can be used as compression or tensioning elements, or for percussive impact in various applications. A coil spring is a coiled mechanical device that stores […]
A solenoid plunger is a ferrous metal rod that moves linearly when an electromagnetic field is created in the pocket of a solenoid coil. It is used to control various equipment and is usually spring-loaded. Solenoid plungers can be solid or made up of thin plates. A solenoid piston is the moving part of a […]
Lake Baikal is the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume, located in Russia near the Mongolian border. It is the deepest and oldest lake and contains enough water to hydrate the global population for 50 years. The lake is on a continental rift zone and recedes 2 cm each year. The crescent-shaped Lake Baikal, located […]