Sijo is a three-line Korean poetry form with 14-16 syllables per line and a pause. It has a narrative and thematic style, often with an unexpected twist in the last line. Sijo is similar to Japanese tanka and haiku and is often performed as a song. The focus is on creating well-constructed pairs of phrases […]
Artificial life refers to human attempts to create systems with biological properties, commonly associated with computer simulation. John von Neumann first studied and popularized artificial life in the 1940s. The field is still in development and has recently been included in leading scientific publications. The cost of computing power will likely lead to the growth […]
A management services organization (MSO) provides non-medical and administrative services to healthcare practices, freeing physicians from basic tasks. MSOs can be specialized or all-in-one providers and can help doctors save money and stay current with changing regulations. A management services organization (MSO) is a business that provides non-medical and administrative services to physicians, hospitals, or […]
A trading analyst conducts stock market research, communicates with clients, creates reports, advises clients, and does company analysis. They must possess excellent math skills and communication skills, and have a degree in economics or a related field. The job involves identifying customer needs, conducting research, creating reports, and advising clients on which stocks to buy […]
Inflation is a sustained increase in the cost of goods and services, which can lead to a loss of purchasing power for consumers. It can be caused by rising costs such as labor and energy, and can become a vicious circle as consumers ask for wage increases and employers raise prices. While some inflation is […]
Laissez-faire is a philosophy that advocates for minimal government intervention in economics, including international trade and domestic policies. Proponents argue that it leads to a more efficient use of resources, encourages creativity and growth, and reduces dependence on the state. The philosophy has historically been associated with opposition to import tariffs and is based on […]
“By the by” is a British English idiom meaning “by the way” or “beside the point”. Its origins are unclear, but it may be related to the word “byway”. It is commonly used to slightly change a topic of conversation or add personal insight. Idioms can cause confusion and should be avoided in certain situations. […]
“A cut above” is an English idiom used to describe something of superior quality. It can be positive or negative and requires justification. Its origin is unclear, but it has been used in literature since the 19th century. “A cut above” is a popular English saying that conveys a sense of superior quality. Typically, the […]
Actinides are elements 90-103, including uranium and plutonium, which are all radioactive and have varying oxidation states. They have been present on Earth since its formation and drive plate tectonics and volcanism. Some actinides have practical uses, such as thorium in gas cloaks and americium in smoke detectors. Actinides is the collective name given to […]
Sore throats and nausea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, environmental allergens, diseases, and medications. Chemotherapy and radiation for cancer can also induce these symptoms. Strep bacteria and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum are common bacterial causes, while pneumonia and bronchitis are the main viral causes of nausea. If symptoms last longer than 72 hours, it is recommended […]
A home builder specializes in building homes, from custom homes to large real estate developments. They coordinate the construction site, manage contractors, and handle tasks like ordering supplies and managing waste. Services offered can vary, and it’s important to confirm licenses and reputation. A homebuilder is a builder who specializes in building homes. Also known […]
The needs approach is a strategy used in finance and estate planning to determine the amount of life insurance needed to maintain an equitable standard of living, manage end-of-life expenses, and pay off debts. It differs from the human life approach, which focuses on maintaining the status quo. The needs approach considers various expenses, including […]
Facilitators coordinate and manage meetings to ensure they are effective and efficient. They can mediate disputes and keep communication open. Companies may keep facilitators on staff or hire third-party facilitation services. Qualifications vary, but many have industry experience or counseling/facilitation degrees. A facilitator is a person who coordinates and manages a meeting or event to […]
The saying “on the dot” refers to a side stitch, which can be caused by laughter. The term comes from Old English and means to puncture. Shakespeare used the phrase “in stitches” in Twelfth Night. Today, it is commonly used to describe something that is funny, but it is an example of hyperbole. Being “on […]
Personality adjectives describe a person’s character and can be positive or negative. They are important in job applications and interviews. Strong adjectives should be used whenever possible. Negative adjectives should be precise. Some adjectives describe characteristics rather than personality. Personality adjectives are words frequently used to describe the character of people, although they can describe […]
The optical axis is a line through a point of rotational symmetry in a lens or crystal, which can impact performance. Dome magnifiers have a symmetrical axis, while other optics may have an offset axis. Biaxial crystals have two axes, and mechanical tests can determine the position of an optical axis. Lens grinders and synthetic […]
The absolute neutrophil count (ANC) measures the number of neutrophils in a blood sample, providing information on a patient’s immune status. A count above 1,500 is normal, while counts of 500 or less indicate high risk of infection. Patients with low counts should take precautions to avoid infection, and doctors may order the test to […]
A head cashier supervises tellers and provides customer service and general banking services. Becoming an ATM starts with being an entry-level teller and excelling in customer service. To become a cashier, one must work well with people and stay calm in stressful situations. An interview process is required for an accountant position, and it’s important […]
TeleTax is a free, 24/7 automated telephone service provided by the IRS, offering pre-recorded messages on 150 tax topics. Callers can listen to as many tracks as they want and choose topics by entering a three-digit code. Topics range from IRS assistance to tax credits and refunds. TeleTax is the name of a telephone service […]
Cold canvassing is a sales technique used to find potential customers without prior qualification. It can be done through phone calls or visits, and the purpose is to introduce the company and its products. Outsourcing to telemarketing firms can save time and money, and it can also be used as a tool for deal making. […]
