Two focuses of my blog are Business/Entrepreneurship and STEM. A farming business can be quite lucrative if you know how to operate it properly. There will always be the need for food. The following contributed post is entitled, 5 Benefits Of Starting A Farming Business.
If you have recently come into a substantial amount of land and don’t know what to do with it, starting a small farming business could be the perfect answer. Even if you never consider yourself a farmer, the industry offers an array of benefits that could encourage you to consider a career change. If you’re still unsure, don’t forget these key farming benefits that will help you and the wider world.
It Is Good For Your Health
Farming work is tough, but it can be immensely rewarding physically and mentally as long as you prepare for it. The long hours provide exercise and contribute to improved mental well-being, especially since you spend so much time outdoors. Of course, you need to have the right attitude to tackle the highs and lows of farming, but if you approach your responsibilities with the right mindset, you will reap the health and fitness benefits.
It Is Challenging And Stimulating
Part of the joy of farming is that it can push you to your limits, which is why it is not a career for the faint-hearted. If you’re ready for early days and long work, you will revel in the challenging and stimulating experience. It doesn’t need to be all back-breaking labor, though. Resources like AKRS Equipment offer used and new parts and machinery to help you manage your farm throughout the year.
It Helps Rural Areas
Farming work can boost the income of rural areas that may have been neglected by the government and councils. A prosperous farm provides a steady stream of income for a variety of farm produce, whether you grow crops or operate with livestock. A dedicated farm can cultivate a high-end and bespoke service by selling high-end produce and meat to local customers and customers from further afar.
It Can Benefit the Next Generations
Farmers are renowned for having an excellent work ethic. They are dedicated and passionate about what they do, which is ideal for inspiring the next generations. If you have kids, they may see how much you put into your farm, and they will be inspired to follow in your footsteps by undertaking farming education to prepare them to take over the farm. Since you will struggle to manage even a small farm all by yourself, this extra set of hands will ease some of the pressure and give you the chance to bond with your kids.
It Helps To Improve the Environment
Prioritizing sustainable agriculture has become more common throughout the farming industry. Many farmers are searching for ways to plow the land without damaging the environment. This can include advanced equipment or adjusted practices that focus on protecting habitats and giving wildlife other options to maintain biodiversity in the area. As much as you want (and need) to make a profit, you must also ensure the environment remains stable and healthy because you won’t have anywhere else to farm, otherwise.
Farming Success
Farming isn’t for everyone. But if you have the tools and resources to make it a success, you can enjoy these many benefits and discover something important that you never thought would be a crucial part of your life.
Two focuses of my blog are Career Discussions and STEM. There are many options in the medical field aside being a medical doctor. If you want to get into the field, it’s important to think about all the options. The following contributed post is entitled, Exploring Different Career Paths In The Medical Field.
The medical field is a broad and varied industry with many career paths and opportunities. From doctors and nurses to surgeons and pharmacists, there are various options available to those looking to pursue a career in the medical field. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch up your current job, exploring different career paths in the medical field can help you find the path that’s right for you. With the proper education and training, you can find rewarding and fulfilling roles in the medical field that match your skills and interests. This article will explore the different career paths in the medical field and the options available to you.
Vaccine Research
Vaccine researchers study and develop new vaccines to protect against infectious diseases. They also monitor the safety and efficacy of vaccines and help make sure they’re accessible to the people who need them. Vaccine researchers work in various industries, such as government, academia, and the biopharmaceutical sector. Vaccine researchers typically need a Ph.D. in immunology, microbiology, or other related fields. A master’s degree may also be sufficient, depending on the employer and the type of work you’re doing. Most researchers work in a lab setting, conducting experiments and studying samples. There are several types of careers within the vaccine research field. For example, you could work in vaccine discovery, development, testing for Polio Eradication, regulation, or safety. Most researchers also assist with educating the public about vaccines and working with doctors and other healthcare providers to determine which vaccines are needed and how they should be administered. To help with funding, you can find many grants and donors, such as from the Dwoskin Family Foundation, to help you fund your work and find new vaccines, methods in administration, and breakthroughs you might be working on.
Cancer Researcher
Cancer researchers study cancer’s causes and developmental processes and the effectiveness of different treatments. Cancer researchers examine human and animal tissues, looking for patterns and connections that may help us understand the disease better and develop new therapies. Cancer researchers typically need a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, such as oncology, genetics, microbiology, or immunology. A master’s degree may also be sufficient, depending on the employer and the type of work you’re doing. Most researchers work in a lab setting, conducting experiments and analyzing data. Some researchers even do fieldwork, studying samples outside a lab setting. This may include examining soil, water, or air samples to see if they contain any traces of cancer-causing agents.
Lab Technician
Lab technicians help scientists conduct experiments in various settings, including university and commercial research labs. Lab technicians typically need an associate’s degree in laboratory technology. Certification programs are also available for technicians interested in advancing in their field. Lab technicians help scientists conduct experiments, maintain lab equipment, and prepare samples for analysis. They may also help with the design and implementation of experiments. Most lab technicians work in a lab setting, but some also work remotely (often via video conferencing). In a lab setting, technicians typically work with small experiments and samples. However, they may occasionally assist with large-scale experiments as well.
Cytotechnology
Cytotechnologists help diagnose and treat health issues related to the body’s cells and tissues. They’re often found in pathology labs, conducting microscopic slide tests and analyzing samples to look for signs of disease. Cytotechnologists also often assist pathologists during autopsies and other medical procedures. Cytotechnologists typically need a two-year associate’s degree in cytotechnology and certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Many employers also prefer that cytotechnologists complete continuing education courses throughout their careers. Cytotechnologists usually work in a pathology lab setting, with samples and slides to look for signs of disease. This may include preparing samples, making diagnoses, and assisting in treating diseases.
Clinical Researcher
Clinical researchers examine the effectiveness of new treatments, analyze clinical data from trials, and design protocols for drug studies. Clinical researchers are typically fully licensed medical doctors with years of experience, like Hanid Audish DO. They typically are specialists in medicine or a related field and have experience working with large-scale clinical trials and studies. Clinical researchers usually work in hospitals, research institutes, universities, or private companies. They analyze data from clinical trials, create protocols for drug development and testing, and provide advice to doctors on the best treatments for patients.
Conclusion
With the proper training and education, you can explore a career in the medical field and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. No matter which medical field you choose, there are various factors to keep in mind, such as work environment, salary, and job outlook. You may also want to consider your interests and skills to help you decide which career path is best for you.
Three focuses of my blog are Career Discussions, General Education and STEM. In our ever evolving economy, there will always be a need for engineers. One critical area in which they work is in our infrastructure – building and maintaining it. The following guest post is entitled, The Power of Engineering in Making the Road Safer.
* * *
When it comes to road safety, engineering plays a vital role. Engineers are responsible for designing safe and efficient roads and reducing the risk of accidents. But what exactly do engineers do to ensure roads are safe? Take a closer look at the crucial role of engineering in making the road a safer place for everyone.
1. Road Construction
Road safety engineers focus on designing roads that reduce potential risks and prevent serious accidents. This involves factors such as implementing rumble strips along the edge of highways to alert drivers if they drift off course, using wider lanes for more visibility, and using guardrails to protect vehicles from going over cliffs or embankments. Engineers may also be tasked with creating barriers between opposing traffic lanes to minimize head-on collisions.
They also design intersections and roundabouts, which help direct drivers safely through areas where multiple roads converge-an essential element for keeping drivers and pedestrians safe from harm’s way. They design these intersections to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of collisions.
2. Traffic Signals
Engineers are also responsible for installing traffic signals, which aid in the coordination of vehicle movement. Signals are used to control traffic when a conflict between different users of the road arises-such as pedestrians crossing streets or vehicles merging into busy lanes. They also manage road line marking projects that indicate lanes and provide visual guidance for drivers.
Some engineers even work to design intelligent traffic control systems, which employ advanced technologies such as sensors and cameras to detect traffic flow patterns and optimize signals’ timing for maximum efficiency. Although many of these systems are still experimental, they have the potential to improve road safety in the future drastically. Many of these systems are already being deployed in cities worldwide.
3. Structural Design
Engineering plays an even more significant role in constructing bridges and tunnels. Engineers must ensure these structures are built with solid materials that can withstand ever-changing weather conditions. Before construction begins, they must consider the weight limits of any given bridge or tunnel to accommodate all kinds of vehicles-from small cars to large trucks-without any problems. Depending on the location, they may even need to design bridges or tunnels with unique features to protect against natural disasters such as earthquakes.
They are also responsible for bridging drainage systems to prevent flooding and keeping roads free from potholes or other damages. Engineers do this by using a combination of advanced materials, effective drainage systems, and innovative applications of engineering know-how. They may also need to consider any seasonal changes in the environment that could have an impact on the construction.
4. Roadside Safety
Pedestrians and cyclists often share the roads with motorists, and to keep them safe, engineers must take into account factors such as visibility, traffic speed, and road width. This could include the installation of special lighting fixtures, widening roads to accommodate bike lanes, or even creating separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
In some cases, engineers may develop more innovative techniques, such as embossed road markings that alert bikers and walkers when approaching a street with high-speed traffic. This technology is currently being tested in some parts of Europe and could potentially help reduce the number of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. Not to mention a drastic rise in the rights and the law when it comes to safe driving, and how to handle accidents with firms like GJEL ready to help.
5. Road Maintenance
No road is perfect. Engineers must regularly inspect and repair the road surface to ensure its longevity to prevent potholes, cracks, and other damages. In some cases, they may also maintain existing roads and bridges by checking and replacing broken or worn parts. They are also tasked with designing more resilient and efficient road materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions better.
Of course, they also play a part in redirecting traffic when these road maintenance activities occur. This usually involves the installation of temporary traffic lights, signage, or road markings to guide drivers around any closures or detours. They may also be required to coordinate with local authorities to minimize disruption. Road maintenance can be completed faster and more effectively when traffic is managed correctly.
Engineering plays a vital role in ensuring road safety for everyone on the streets today. By designing safer roads with features such as rumble strips, stronger bridges and tunnels able to handle all types of vehicles, traffic control systems like traffic lights and signs, as well as intersections and roundabouts – engineers are helping make sure our roads stay safe for everyone who uses them! Ultimately, this helps reduce congestion while simultaneously increasing efficiency – key elements necessary for keeping everyone safe while traveling on the road.
Two focuses of my blog are Health/Wellness and STEM. One of the most significant biological processes in the living world is birth. While child birth is for the most part celebrated, there are difficulties associated with it. The following contributed post is entitled, Coping With Difficulties During And Following Birth.
When we plan children and learn about aspects of pregnancy and birth, we tend to be fed information regarding ideal situations and situations where everything goes well and expected. Of course, hopefully, every baby will be born problem free. But the truth is that, often, there are difficulties and complications that can result in your little one’s journey into this world being difficult, either for baby, parent or both. The lack of information in this area means that if you happen to experience something outside of the norm during late stages of pregnancy, the birth itself or following birth, you can quickly feel lost and unsure of what’s happening or what to do. This can add extra pressure and leave you feeling overwhelmed during a time that is already causing a major shift in your entire life dynamic. Here’s some information that may be able to help you should you need it.
Follow Doctors’ Advice
First and foremost, if there have been difficulties during or post birth that require treatment for you or your baby, you need to make sure that you fully understand what has happened, what the consequences are and what you need to do to make sure that you can fully care for yourself or your child in the wake of the incident. You should have a good understanding of what medicine needs to be taken, what actions need to be taken and what therapy or other follow up treatment you or your baby may need to maximise recovery and improve quality of life. You can never ask too many questions. It’s much better to be sure of what you’re doing to ensure that everyone is as well cared for as possible.
Seek Compensation
You may find that issues during birth were the result of neglect or malpractice. Of course, this isn’t fair. You can always look to seek compensation for issues that impacted you or your baby. This is particularly true for instances that are major, such as brain damage during birth. Compensation can help to reduce chances of the same situation happening to another person, as well as providing you with a means of financial support that can go towards ongoing treatment or care for yourself or your child. You shouldn’t have to deal with major debt due to someone else’s mistake or poor conduct.
Create a Support Network
Some conditions can make raising a child more difficult than the average person experiences. You need to make sure that you have a strong support network around you to help you in a number of easy. Whether that’s friends or family who can help with raising your child or giving you rest now and then, or others who have been impacted in a similar way and can give specific advice that will help you in your routine.
Each of the steps above can help you to cope with any difficulties you may experience as a result of issues during or following birth. Hopefully, they will come in useful if you need them!
A key focus of my blog is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I key component of medicine is toxicology which has both clinical and research aspects. If you’re on the clinical testing side, there are certain principles involved. The following guest post is entitled, 4 Principles of Toxicology Testing in Clinical Labs.
* * *
Toxicology testing in clinical laboratories is essential for monitoring and evaluating the impact of toxic substances on human health. It plays a crucial role in helping us understand how our environment affects us and providing information to healthcare professionals about possible risk factors associated with specific exposures. The four principles of toxicology testing provide vital insight into the practice of toxicology testing.
1. Collection
The first step in any toxicology test is collecting a sample from the tested person. This can be done using various methods, such as blood or urine sampling. In some cases, tissue samples may also be necessary for more specific tests. Depending on the type of sample being collected, additional steps may need to be taken to ensure that the sample is adequately preserved and handled.
Once the sample is collected, healthcare professionals must test it with clinical laboratory equipment and supplies. Equipment suppliers for clinical labs provide a wide range of solutions for any testing need, from test kits to specialized instruments for measuring sample toxins. These suppliers also offer a variety of consumables, such as reagents and disposables, that are essential for testing samples. In addition, they provide training and support to ensure that tests are accurate and reliable.
To get the most accurate results, it is vital to use the correct type of equipment for a given test. For example, a specialized laboratory oven might be needed for specific tests, while a microscope might be necessary for others. Knowing what equipment is required can help ensure accurate testing and results.
2. Analysis
Once the sample has been collected, it must then be analyzed to determine what substances are present and how much of each substance exists in the sample. This can be done through various tests, such as chromatography or spectrophotometry. The results from these tests will indicate which specific chemicals or other elements are present in the sample.
The analytical techniques used to analyze the sample can vary depending on what it is being tested for. For example, if a sample is being tested for pollutants, then methods such as fluorescence spectroscopy may be employed. This technique measures the amount of light absorbed by different substances to identify them. Similarly, gas chromatography may be used to analyze samples for volatile compounds. This technique separates the components of a sample based on their boiling points and allows for highly accurate quantification of them.
Once the results from the analytical techniques have been obtained, these can then be compared to various standards to determine if any issues are present with contamination. Standards may vary across different jurisdictions, depending on the regulations in place. For example, if a sample is being analyzed for heavy metals, the results must compare to the accepted levels set by environmental protection agencies. It is essential to ensure that any substances present in a sample are within acceptable limits so as not to pose a risk to health or the environment.
3. Interpretation
Interpreting test results is essential for determining if any health risks associated with specific exposures exist. Toxicologists use various techniques to assess the toxicity of the substances found in a sample. This includes looking at the amount of each substance present and its potential effects on humans or animals.
Several factors must be considered to interpret a sample test’s results accurately. Factors such as the dose-response relationship, environmental fate, and bioavailability should all be examined. Additionally, healthcare professionals must consider potential synergistic effects to understand the full implications of the test results.
The dose-response relationship is an essential factor to consider when interpreting toxicity test results. This relationship describes the rate at which exposure to a substance increases or decreases its associated health risks and can be used to determine if specific exposures are safe or not. Environmental fate refers to how long a substance persists in a particular environment. At the same time, bioavailability describes the amount of a substance that enters the body and the rate at which it is absorbed.
Synergistic effects refer to interactions between substances that can cause adverse health effects. For example, exposure to low levels of two chemicals may not result in any adverse effects individually, but when combined, could lead to serious health risks. Toxicologists must consider these factors when interpreting test results to ensure accurate and comprehensive interpretation.
4. Communication
Once the results from a toxicology test have been interpreted, it is essential to communicate any findings to those involved in the testing process. This includes notifying healthcare providers about any significant health risks associated with exposures to certain substances, as well as informing laboratory personnel about how to handle any hazardous materials present in samples properly. Additionally, communication between different laboratories may be necessary when coordinating multiple tests related to the same exposure event.
When communicating results to healthcare providers or laboratory personnel, it is vital to be clear and concise. The report should include all relevant information and recommendations for further action or follow-up testing. The report should also be backed up by documentation such as case history forms or chemical analysis reports ensuring accuracy. Healthcare professionals should also provide reference materials to facilitate further understanding.
Before disseminating any results, it is essential to review the material for accuracy and completeness. Quality assurance procedures should be followed to confirm that all necessary steps have been taken before disseminating information. Relevant personnel should also be consulted where possible, as this can help identify potential issues or discrepancies.
In Summary
The principles outlined here provide an overview of the various steps involved in toxicology testing and how they all work together to keep individuals safe from adverse health effects associated with exposure to hazardous materials. By following these guidelines, clinical laboratories can play a vital role in keeping patients informed and protected from potential risks.
Two focuses of my blog are Business/Entrepreneurship and STEM. The pharmaceutical sector is an important sector modern healthcare systems. Not every company gets this right while some do. The following guest post is entitled, The Dos and Don’ts of Preclinical Trials for New Drugs.
* * *
Preclinical trials are an essential step in the process of bringing a new drug to market. They help scientists gather imperative data about safety and efficacy and allow them to assess whether a new medication is ready for human testing.
But preclinical trials are not without their challenges. This article will explore critical things to consider when planning and conducting preclinical trials for new drugs.
Do your homework
Before starting any preclinical trial, you must do your homework and ensure that the new drug is safe and effective. This means conducting extensive research on the new drug’s active ingredient (or ingredients) and any potential side effects. It is also essential to consult with experts in the field to get their input on the trial.
Partner with the right pharmaceutical company
To ensure success, partnering with a reputable pharmaceutical company with preclinical trial experience is essential. This company should have a proven track record of conducting successful preclinical drug trials and will be able to provide vital support throughout the entire process.
Ensure you comply with regulations if conducting a preclinical trial in another country. Preclinical trials abroad can be risky, as different countries have rules and regulations regarding drug testing.
Before partnering with anyone, research to ensure they know about legal matters. For example, if you are doing a preclinical trial in the Philippines, you should choose a reputable Philippine pharmaceutical company that understands the local laws and regulations.
Follow safety protocols
Safety is always the highest priority when conducting preclinical drug trials. Before beginning any trial, it is essential to ensure that all participants are safe. Make sure to follow best practices for testing and adhere to strict safety protocols throughout the trial.
These protocols vary depending on the type of trial being conducted. Generally, they include measures such as screening participants for health conditions that could put them at risk, providing safety training for all trial participants, and monitoring participants closely for any adverse reactions.
Create a data analysis plan
Data analysis is key to assessing the safety and efficacy of any new drug, so it is essential to have a plan in place before starting a preclinical trial. Create a detailed data analysis plan outlining how to collect, store, and analyze data. This plan should also include methods for monitoring the safety of participants throughout the trial.
Use good experimental design
Good experimental design is critical for any preclinical trial. This includes selecting the right cell line, properly setting up the experiment, and ensuring that all variables are controlled. Poor experimental design can lead to inaccurate results, so it is vital to be meticulous when designing the trial.
Keep it small
When designing a preclinical trial, it is crucial to keep the number of subjects small. This will help you minimize risk and obtain more accurate results. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 50 subjects per group.
Be realistic about timelines
It is essential to be realistic about timelines when planning a preclinical trial. Many factors can affect the timeline, such as the trial design’s complexity and funding availability. Make sure to allow plenty of time for unforeseen delays so that you do not end up rushing the trial or cutting corners.
The following is a general timeline for conducting a preclinical trial:
• Phase 1: Planning and Research – 6-12 months • Phase 2: Preclinical testing – 12-18 months • Phase 3: Clinical trials – variable, depending on drug and disease • Phase 4: Regulatory approval – variable, depending on drug and country
Don’t forget to document your results
You should appropriately document preclinical trials to track progress and assess potential side effects or risks associated with the new drug.
Record all key findings and document any adverse events during the trial. This data will be used to assess the safety and efficacy of the new drug before it enters human testing.
Make sure you have enough funding
Funding is another important consideration when planning a preclinical trial. The costs can add up quickly, so ensure you have enough money to cover all expenses, including salaries, lab space, equipment, and supplies. You may also need insurance if something goes wrong during the trial.
There are several ways to secure funding for a preclinical trial. One option is to apply for grants from government or private organizations. You can also seek funding from pharmaceutical companies or venture capitalists. However, securing funding can be difficult, so it is important to have a well-developed proposal and a detailed budget.
Another option is to set up a crowdfunding campaign. This involves soliciting donations from the general public to help finance the trial. Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise money quickly, but it can also be risky, so make sure you have a solid plan in place.
Preclinical trials are essential in developing new drugs, but they are challenging. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can set your trial up for success.
Two focuses of my blog are STEM and Technology. An important sector in our country and our world is the agricultural sector. Generating the food is one thing but making sure that it is safe and secure are critical as well. The following guest post is entitled, Technologies That Enhance Food Safety and Security.
* * *
The food business is a tricky one. On the one hand, you have to worry about food spoilage, contamination, and waste. On the other hand, you have to worry about keeping up with the latest trends and technologies to stay competitive. It’s a delicate balancing act, but luckily there are some tools out there that can help. Here are a few technologies that can help enhance food safety and security in your business:
Temperature-controlled shipping containers
You’re probably familiar with the images of refrigerated 18-wheelers hauling perishable food items across the country. But did you know that those same trucks often rely on temperature-controlled shipping containers to keep their cargo safe and fresh?
Most perishable goods, including meat, dairy, and produce, must be kept at a certain temperature to prevent spoilage or contamination. That’s where temperature-controlled shipping containers come in. Investing in a few temperature-controlled shipping containers ensures that your perishable items remain fresh and safe during transit. Plus, you’ll be able to stack other non-perishable items in the same container, making your shipments more efficient and cost-effective.
Cargo tracking and monitoring solutions
Even though you already have temperature-controlled shipping containers, you might still be worried that something might happen to your products as they’re being delivered to various markets. That’s why you should get cargo tracking and monitoring solutions.
These trackers help you keep your perishables fresh by monitoring their temperature and location and giving you data about their condition. They also help you track your shipments, giving you peace of mind as your products make their way to your customers. In the event of a problem, cargo trackers give you notifications, so you can quickly resolve any issues before they turn into costly delays.
Robotic food processing technologies
As your business grows and your distribution channels expand, you may find that your food production is simply too labor-intensive to keep up with demand. But robotic food processing technologies can help.
With robotic food processors, you’ll be able to streamline your production processes and make sure that every step of the process is done at optimal speed and accuracy. From packaging to slicing, these automated systems can help reduce labor costs while ensuring consistent quality and quantity in your final products.
Smart labels
Smart labels are a type of food labeling that uses RFID tags to provide information about a product. The tags can be read by special scanning devices, which can then provide information about the product’s origins, manufacturing date, expiration date, and other important details. Smart labels have several advantages over traditional food labeling methods.
First, they allow businesses to track products more effectively, which can help to reduce waste and improve inventory management. Second, they provide consumers with more information about the products they purchase, which can help them to make better-informed choices. Finally, smart labels are more durable than traditional labels and are not affected by changes in temperature or humidity. As a result, they are an increasingly popular choice for food producers and retailers.
Blockchain technology
Blockchain is a distributed ledger system that allows businesses to securely track and store data. And while it was initially developed for use in the finance industry, more and more food businesses are now using blockchain to keep their data secure and easily accessible.
For example, many food producers now use blockchain to track their products from farm to fork. This ensures that every step of the process is transparent and tamper-proof, which can help reduce food waste and improve product quality. Additionally, food businesses use blockchain for supply chain management, inventory management, and more.
Automated food waste management systems
More and more businesses are looking into implementing automated food waste management systems. And for a good reason – these systems can help to reduce landfill waste, lower disposal costs, improve worker safety, and increase recycling rates. But how do they work?
Automated food waste management systems typically have three components: a waste segregation unit, a compactor, and a baler. The segregation unit allows workers to separate food waste from other types of refuse. The compactor then crushes the food waste, reducing its volume by up to 90%. Finally, the baler compresses the compacted food waste into tightly-wound bales that are easy to store and transport. With an automated food waste management system in place, businesses can efficiently manage their food waste while doing their part to reduce environmental waste. The key to any automated management system is keeping data accurate, up-to-date, and secure. Furthermore, the processing and interpretation of the available data are extremely important to ensure that automation efforts are applied in the right areas and that they are working effectively. By making use of IT specialists like Wete and Company, businesses can ensure that their automated systems are always performing at peak efficiency.
So, if you’re looking for ways to better manage your food business and keep your customers safe and satisfied, then these technologies are definitely worth exploring. From temperature-controlled shipping containers to robotic processors to smart labels and beyond, they can help you streamline your operations, improve your bottom line, and enhance your products’ overall quality and safety. And that’s something every food business owner can get behind.
Two focuses of my blog are General Education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). While STEM Education is potentially the most important set of subjects at this time, they still must be taught in a special way, particularly in the form of a story. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Storytelling Matters In STEM Education.
* * *
Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with people, particularly young people. When done well, storytelling can engage your audience and make them feel something. It can also help you connect with people from different backgrounds or teach important lessons.
If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard that reading to your children is one of the best ways to encourage their love for reading. And of course, reading aloud plays an important role in helping children develop the skills necessary to enjoy reading. Storytelling plays a similar role in the world of STEM education. Scientists, engineers, and mathematicians may not typically think of themselves as traditional “storytellers,” but they can use the power of storytelling to connect with young people and inspire them to pursue careers in STEM. Here are just a few ways you can start telling stories to inspire young people in your life and make a bigger impact with any STEM educational program.
Storytelling is a natural human activity. People use stories to better understand the world and connect with others. When people tell stories, they use words, images, and other elements to create a narrative and make connections between people.
Scientists use storytelling as a way to communicate with the public. They can use simple stories as a way to explain scientific concepts in magazines, or they can create more complex stories to explain a hypothesis. Engineers use storytelling to explain how things work and how they impact the world around us. Scientists and engineers can also use storytelling to inspire the next generation of STEM educators, helping to cultivate a love of STEM in young people. From Popular Science to Nature, using the lessons from literary traditions can make any finding infinitely more compelling, especially to a young or lay public.
Use Videos and Screenshots
Videos and screenshots are excellent ways to connect with young people. You can use these to demonstrate how things work, how things are used in everyday life, and even how the subject is used in games or other media. It might sound corny, but there’s a reason TikTok dominates social media in youth circles.
Showcase Practical Uses of STEM
When people talk about STEM education, they often focus on the importance of facts and science. But what if you don’t have time to research facts, or what if you just don’t feel like doing the science experiment? This is when showcasing practical uses of the subject can be incredibly helpful.
This can be done in a number of different ways. You can share stories of engineers who have solved real-world problems. You can talk about engineers who have made inventions that have changed people’s lives. You can even do field trips that show how scientists are working to tackle issues in real-time. These types of experiences could inspire a traditional STEM career, but the combination with storytelling reveals their real power. The diversity of the fields can become clearer with exposure, giving a young person dreams of being a science journalist or a technology risk consultant.
STEM education is important. It can help students build skills that are valuable in the workplace, and it can inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. But stories are powerful tools for connecting with others, so it’s no surprise that STEM educators should use storytelling to engage their audiences. When you want to use storytelling to inspire young people to pursue careers in STEM, you can use these tips and techniques.
Two key focuses of my blog are General Education and STEM. While education seems to be more so now favoring the hard sciences, there is still an important role played by the arts. Not only do the arts make us ‘whole’ in a way, but they can also help with our education in mathematics and the sciences. The following contributed post is entitled, Why Practicing An Art Can Help Your Math Skills.
Most things in life are numbers. Paychecks, TV channels, passwords, and shopping are just a few of the times we are faced with numbers. Math is at the basis for most things including the arts. Using the creative part of your brain is just as important as using the more cerebral (no pun intended) part of your brain. When you exercise both, your brain is more healthy, but the bonus is that your math and even science skills can be greatly improved by doing things like drawing, playing an instrument, and even dancing.
Here are a few artistic outlets you can try to balance your brain and improve your numbers game.
Take Up an Instrument
As entertaining as it is to see a musician feel the music and rock out on stage, music is really math. Each note you hear has a numerical value, and just like any scientific equation, the values all come together to make a melodious sound that is music to your ears. Notes have values like quarter notes, whole notes, and half notes that change value according to the time signature the music is composed in changing the beats and equation of the music. You will need some great math skills to be a good musician and playing music is also a great creative break from all your normal thinking.
Draw a Picture
Any architect will tell you that drawing is all inches and centimeters. To draw a great picture is all about perception and shapes, which will not only help your numbers game, but it will also help your geometry game as well. Knowing shapes like parallelogram, rhombus, or decahedron will come in handy when putting together your next great piece of art. Drawing is total perception, so knowing angles will help your artwork look like it should be hanging in a museum. Go to the store and get some art supplies and start flexing your numbers, your angles, and shapes before they get weak.
Let’s Dance
Athletes have been known to take dance because it helps them with agility and stamina on the field or on the court. Dance not only helps stimulate your physical agility, but dance can also stimulate your mental agility as well, especially in the realm of mathematics. Dance, as beautiful as it is to watch and experience, is all math. Every dancer keeps count as they dance in order to keep to the rhythm. Without music, a dancer can still perform and create a beautiful piece of art simply by using counting. By taking a dance class, you can release from the tension and stress of the world while using math to stay on the beat and move your body. If you have a science background in human physiology, dance is one of the best ways to feel the movement and workings of the body.
It may seem that art is for the artists, but little do they know, as a mathematician, without you there would be no art.
As many of my readers and YouTube subscribers know, here on the Big Words Blog Site, most of the content published is now coming from collaborators and customers in the form of shorter informational pieces. With multiple YouTube channels and now another blog for more literary writing, I only have time to write and publish a few pieces of my own here. While others opted for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, I took the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine within the last month and as a scientist, I wanted to write something about it.
As described in my initial submission on the new ScoonTV publication, one of the videos on my science and technology YouTube channel was taken down for ‘violating community guidelines’. I have since been hesitant to talk about the vaccines in any way, but with this platform belonging to me, I can discuss whatever I want to. Whether or not the social media platforms allow it to be shared, remains to be seen.
As you know there was a lot of controversy surrounding the Covid-19 vaccines, in addition to the pandemic itself. When talking with a good friend, I pondered that the pandemic may have been the younger generations’ World War 2 or Vietnam, in addition to maybe the 911 attacks. That is no disrespect to anyone who lived through those wars and tragedies or participated in them, but none of the younger generations have lived through a crisis like this.
My Reasons For Getting Vaccinated
I decided to take one of the Covid-19 vaccines for a number for reasons. As described, for a period I uploaded several videos on the pandemic on my science and technology YouTube channel. In short, I honestly was not one of the individuals who was in a rush to get vaccinated. In my opinion there were some very peculiar circumstances surrounding the pandemic which I will not go into here, but to some degree, the need to vaccinate everyone did raise my antennae along with those of other people. In short, I wasn’t going to be one of the first to get vaccinated and took a “wait and see approach”.
In that regard, seeing my relatives get vaccinated with no adverse reactions helped allay some of my concerns. Other individuals who were close to me received their vaccinations was also another line of evidence for me. Ultimately, like most everyone else, I wanted to be able to move about freely without concern and get back to a level of normalcy.
Returning To Normalcy
On that same vein, the featured image for this story is from my trip to the Albany area for Father’s Day 2021. Prior to the pandemic, I made two to three trips a year to New York State’s Capital Region to visit my father via train. During the pandemic, I defaulted to making the five-hour drive to the Albany area and the eight-hour drive to Buffalo to see family. Needless to say, that driving is more work than simply closing one’s eyes, or looking out of the window and daydreaming on a train or an airplane.
Going back to the featured image, it was taken trackside next to my Northeast Regional Train in Alexandria, VA. Amtrak did not mandate its passengers to be vaccinated, though we did have to wear masks once boarded, a rule that was respected by some and not by others. The first leg of my trip from Washington, DC to the New York City area got a little more crowded than I was comfortable with. The second leg from New York City to Albany was relatively empty though. The same was true for the return trip.
What’s In The Three Vaccines?
Now in terms of the vaccines themselves, having backgrounds in Pharmacology and Toxicology, my focus was always on what was in the vaccines in terms of ingredients (active and inert). I wanted to get a feel for their “pharmacodynamics” and potential side effects. In today’s information age, there were lots and lots of rumors and theories floating around about nanotubes and microchips being injected into us. My mother told me that someone in her circle believed that the vaccines would ‘magnetize’ our bodies. It was like the hysteria surrounding 5G technology when people attempted to make it the cause of the pandemic.
While many people are skeptical about the work done of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), their mission from the regulatory context is to protect the health of the nation and to make sure that the foods and medications we take are safe. The vaccines thus had to go through the FDA for approval for “emergency” usage. To determine the safety of the vaccines, I pulled the memoranda for each of the three vaccines approved in the United States from the FDA’s website to ascertain what was in the vaccines.
The following are the ingredients contained in the vaccines. The verbiage and characterization were lifted directly from the FDA memoranda which are hyperlinked in case readers want to go and look for themselves. The “efficacy” and side effects are also characterized in each memorandum.
The Moderna Vaccine
The Moderna vaccine is an off-white, sterile, preservative-free frozen suspension for intramuscular injection. The vaccine contains a synthetic messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding the pre-fusion stabilized spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 virus. The vaccine also contains the following ingredients: lipids (SM-102, 1,2-dimyristoyl-rac-glycero- 3-methoxypolyethylene glycol-2000 [PEG2000-DMG], cholesterol, and 1, 2-distearoyl-sn-hocholine [DSPC]), tromethamine, tromethamine hydrochloride, acetic acid, sodium acetate, and sucrose.
The Pfizer Vaccine
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is a white to off-white, sterile, preservative-free, frozen suspension for intramuscular injection. The vaccine contains a nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (modRNA) encoding the viral spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine also includes the following ingredients: lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2- hexyldecanoate), 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-distearoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.
The Johnson And Johnson Vaccine
The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a colorless to slightly yellow, clear to very opalescent sterile suspension for intramuscular injection. The vaccine consists of a replication-incompetent recombinant adenovirus type 26 (Ad26) vector expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein in a stabilized conformation. The vaccine also contains the following inactive ingredients: citric acid monohydrate, trisodium citrate dihydrate, ethanol, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HBCD), polysorbate 80, sodium chloride.
Getting My Shot
Assuming none of the ingredients were intentionally omitted, nothing I read personally in any of the vaccines alarmed me. I chose the Johnson and Johnson vaccine because I liked the mechanism of action more (a DNA Adenovirus vs micro RNA), and I just wanted to take one shot and be done with it. I was discouraged, though, after the Johnson and Johnson vaccine was initially pulled for a rare side effect, blood clots, I believe. When I decided to get vaccinated, I could not find it initially and then one day when doing a random search online, I saw that the CVS pharmacy that I frequent at Pentagon City was, in fact, offering it. After making a reservation, I went and got it on a Friday around noon.
I was cautioned from the nurse or pharmacist that I might experience symptoms of some sort over the next 48 hours. There was the inevitable pinch/sting from the needle and then I felt a sensation in my shoulder which radiated up towards my neck. That went away quickly. I hung around in the pharmacy area for the next 15-20 minutes as instructed. I then took my complimentary 20% off coupon, purchased something and left the store. I did not expect any adverse reaction(s) as I keep myself healthy and have faithfully taken vitamins C, D, E and Magnesium since the pandemic started.
Abandoning Our Masks?
And that was my vaccine experience. I did not write this to sway anyone. Again, as a member of the science community, I just wanted to share my story. I am happy that I got the vaccine I wanted, though I saw an article on Yahoo that said that the Johnson and Johnson vaccine has not rebounded from the initial pulling in terms of popularity. I do not know if this means that it will be abandoned altogether, but I hope not, especially if it has efficacy against the new “Delta Variant”.
I have not completely abandoned my masks. I honestly will have to get used to not using them again. As described earlier, Amtrak insisted on its passengers using them and at least initially and when I fly, I am certain the airlines will also err on the side of caution. For the type of mask I had, it was not that bad for the seven hour ride.
Some stores and proprietorships are still mandating mask. Interestingly, before making my Father’s Day trip, New York State, one of the most vigilant of all the states during the pandemic, lifted all its restrictions. I met up with some old friends at Latin Dance Night in Albany, and no one wore masks as they danced up a storm, respired all over the place and socialized that night.
Do you have a vaccine story? Please feel to leave some comments below this piece. Also please subscribe to my science and technology YouTube channel to hear more science-related discussions like this. I am about 225 subscribers away from the holy number of 1,000.
