COPD is a lung disease caused by inflammation from long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which restrict airflow and cause symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue. Smoking cessation is crucial for slowing disease progression and preserving lung function. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the umbrella […]
A winch motor powers the cable, rope, or chain and determines the pulling and lifting capacity of the winch. Electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, the motor works through a series of reduction gears to convert high speed into torque and tractive force. Large industrial winches use large electric motors, while smaller vehicle-mounted winches use direct drive […]
Heavy equipment includes civil engineering, construction, agricultural, and forestry vehicles. Many use hydraulic components and advanced electronics. Applications vary from military to infrastructure and construction projects, requiring specialized maintenance by trained technicians. Heavy vehicles and large machinery are generally referred to as heavy equipment. This term includes civil engineering vehicles, utility vehicles from construction equipment […]
REM sleep disorder causes violent physical movements during dreams due to a lack of nocturnal paralysis. It is more common in adult males and those with Parkinson’s disease, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, or insomnia. Treatment involves medication and close monitoring by a doctor. Most people experience a state of deep sleep, known as rapid eye movement […]
A marketing audit reviews all tactics and their results, including consumer response, cost, and sales. It also analyzes external and internal factors, such as competitors, economic health, and operations. Common audit report formats include SWOT, five forces, and PEST. To ensure that a marketing plan performs as expected, companies often complete a marketing audit. This […]
Train surfing is the illegal act of riding on top of train carriages, which is dangerous and can cause death or injury. Hidden dangers include low wires, loose handrails, and slack between connected train cars. Attempting to jump off a speeding train can also lead to death. It is illegal and can result in serious […]
Crab paste is a salty and flavorful condiment made from preserved crabmeat, commonly used in Asian cuisine. It can be used in soups, stews, curries, and sauces, and can substitute for anchovies and fish paste. Crab paste is made by salt-drying or wet-fermenting fresh crabmeat, and it has a high salt content that keeps it […]
Shear walls resist lateral forces in earthquakes and are mandated by building codes. They are constructed with heavily braced panels and metal brackets to provide stiffness and strength. In multi-story buildings, they support floors and prevent collapse. Homeowners should consider their immovability when building or remodeling. A shear wall is a wall designed to resist […]
Shear walls resist lateral forces in earthquakes and are required by building codes. They are constructed with heavily braced and reinforced panels and support multiple floors. They must be both strong and stiff, and cannot be moved or opened. Homeowners should consider their placement before building or remodeling. A shear wall is a wall designed […]
A shaman is an intermediary between the natural and supernatural worlds, responsible for physical and spiritual health. They use various methods to gain power over spirits and possess diverse abilities, depending on cultural context and knowledge. Shamans operate independently and are found in many tribal cultures. A shaman is a person who interacts with both […]
Structural change in an economy can be intentional or unintentional, caused by factors such as technological advances, labor mobility, natural disasters, and government policies. It can have positive or negative effects on individuals and companies, and can lead to a more profitable or less profitable economic system. A structural change is a fundamental change in […]
Polystyrene is a thermoplastic polymer made from styrene and is used to produce a variety of industrial and consumer products. It is a liquid hydrocarbon and is produced via free radical polymerization. Different types of polystyrene are used for various applications, including insulation, packaging, and crafts. When burned, it produces black carbon particles or soot, […]
A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of a lung artery, often caused by a blood clot from the legs. Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Treatment includes blood-thinning drugs or surgery. Regular check-ups are important for those at risk. A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of a pulmonary artery or of […]
Corporate spread durations affect the price response of a bond to economic conditions. Investors and issuers monitor this response to determine whether to exercise options or call bonds early. A 100 basis point change in corporate spreads over LIBOR is used to track the response. Corporate spread durations have to do with the price response […]
The USMLE is a three-part exam for individuals who want to practice medicine in the US. It tests clinical, problem-solving, and patient management skills, and is required for independent practice. The first phase is after the second year of medical school, the second is at the end of the fourth year, and the third is […]
Automakers are building zero-emission vehicles due to dwindling fuel supplies, rising gasoline prices, and pollution concerns. Zero-emission vehicles can be powered by electricity or hydrogen, but true zero-emission vehicles are powered by solar or wind energy. Hybrids are not true zero-emission vehicles. Solar-powered cars need sunlight to run, and there are waiting lists for hydrogen […]
Rugelach is a Jewish pastry with various spellings and fillings, originating from Eastern European Jewish culture. It can be made with or without dairy and is popular year-round, particularly around holidays. The pastry can be found in many bakeries and grocery stores and is often brushed with an egg white glaze and coated with nuts […]
Drill chucks hold rotating bits and can hold other rotary tools, with keyed or keyless options. Keyed chucks require a removable key, while keyless chucks use a sleeve. Chucks can have up to six jaws, with self-centering chucks being common for home power drills. Self-centering chucks use a rotating collar to move the jaws together […]
A chamfer is an angled cut used in various industries, from woodworking to jewelry cutting. The term comes from the Old French baivel, meaning “to yawn,” and is often used to create soft edges and bridges in ornamental finishes. In architecture and design, a chamfer or sliding bevel is a tool used to measure and […]
A genome browser is a web interface for viewing the physical map of a chromosome, including schematic representations of entire chromosomes and individual genes. They allow users to zoom in on certain locations and display other useful information such as mRNA and DNA sequences. Genome browsers vary between genomes sequenced and some have gene pickers […]
