#60 days of voltage

[reasonsforhope]

Scientists have developed a new solar-powered system to convert saltwater into fresh drinking water which they say could help reduce dangerous the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.

Via tests in rural communities, they showed that the process is more than 20% cheaper than traditional methods and can be deployed in rural locations around the globe.

Building on existing processes that convert saline groundwater to freshwater, the researchers from King’s College London, in collaboration with MIT and the Helmholtz Institute for Renewable Energy Systems, created a new system that produced consistent levels of water using solar power, and reported it in a paper published recently in Nature Water.

It works through a process called electrodialysis which separates the salt using a set of specialized membranes that channel salt ions into a stream of brine, leaving the water fresh and drinkable. By flexibly adjusting the voltage and the rate at which salt water flowed through the system, the researchers developed a system that adjusts to variable sunshine while not compromising on the amount of fresh drinking water produced.

Using data first gathered in the village of Chelleru near Hyderabad in India, and then recreating these conditions of the village in New Mexico, the team successfully converted up to 10 cubic meters, or several bathtubs worth of fresh drinking water. This was enough for 3,000 people a day with the process continuing to run regardless of variable solar power caused by cloud coverage and rain.

[Note: Not sure what metric they're using to calculate daily water needs here. Presumably this is drinking water only.]

Dr. Wei He from the Department of Engineering at King’s College London believes the new technology could bring massive benefits to rural communities, not only increasing the supply of drinking water but also bringing health benefits.

“By offering a cheap, eco-friendly alternative that can be operated off the grid, our technology enables communities to tap into alternative water sources (such as deep aquifers or saline water) to address water scarcity and contamination in traditional water supplies,” said He.

“This technology can expand water sources available to communities beyond traditional ones and by providing water from uncontaminated saline sources, may help combat water scarcity or unexpected emergencies when conventional water supplies are disrupted, for example like the recent cholera outbreaks in Zambia.”

In the global rural population, 1.6 billion people face water scarcity, many of whom are reliant on stressed reserves of groundwater lying beneath the Earth’s surface.

However, worldwide 56% of groundwater is saline and unsuitable for consumption. This issue is particularly prevalent in India, where 60% of the land harbors undrinkable saline water. Consequently, there is a pressing need for efficient desalination methods to create fresh drinking water cheaply, and at scale.

Traditional desalination technology has relied either on costly batteries in off-grid systems or a grid system to supply the energy necessary to remove salt from the water. In developing countries’ rural areas, however, grid infrastructure can be unreliable and is largely reliant on fossil fuels...

“By removing the need for a grid system entirely and cutting reliance on battery tech by 92%, our system can provide reliable access to safe drinking water, entirely emission-free, onsite, and at a discount of roughly 22% to the people who need it compared to traditional methods,” He said.

The system also has the potential to be used outside of developing areas, particularly in agriculture where climate change is leading to unstable reserves of fresh water for irrigation.

The team plans to scale up the availability of the technology across India through collaboration with local partners. Beyond this, a team from MIT also plans to create a start-up to commercialize and fund the technology.

“While the US and UK have more stable, diversified grids than most countries, they still rely on fossil fuels. By removing fossil fuels from the equation for energy-hungry sectors like agriculture, we can help accelerate the transition to Net Zero,” He said.

-via Good News Network, April 2, 2024

[writing-reference-redux]

Whump Prompts

60 ideas for writers and artists!

Either choose your own prompt, or ask your followers to choose for you by sending you a character or ship and the number or emoji. Also, let people know if you welcome combos (combining two prompts into a single story or art piece)!

Be aware! Some of these prompts may be triggering! Proceed with caution if you have sensitivities to certain whumpy subject matter!

🤢 - It was probably something you ate

🤒 - Fever dreams

😢 - Where's the comfort?

😷 - Better safe than sorry

🥶 - We have to get you warmed up

🌡️ - Heat exhaustion and other summer fun

🌊 - Heavy surf

🏊🏼‍♀️ - Against the (rip) tide

🛟 - Overboard!

🔆 - You forgot to put on sunscreen, didn't you?

🏖️ - It would have been safer to stay in the water

👂 - Auditory issues

👀 - Eye scream

🐺 - When animals attack

🌳 - Why were you climbing a tree in the first place?

🍄 - You ate a wild what?

🌼 - I didn't know you were allergic!

🔦 - Whumped in the darkness

⚡️ - High voltage

🔥 - Where there's smoke...

🏈 - Tackled

🛹 - I told you you couldn't do a kick flip!

🍽️ - Cooking accidents

🍗 - Slow down before you choke

🎲 - The most unlucky day

🚗 - Road hazards

✈️ - Is there a doctor onboard?

⛺️ - Whumped in the woods

🍴 - We'll find food soon

🥤 - There has to be water somewhere

⛈️ - A storm's a'coming!

🌪️ - When the wild wind blows

🏠 - Most accidents happen in the home

🔪 - Getting stabby with it

🔫 - Bang!

🏹 - Bows and arrows

🩸 - That's a lot of blood

🪤 - It's a trap!

💊 - Did you take your medicine?

🦠 - The virus

🫁 - Just breathe!

🫀 - What does a heart attack feel like?

🧨 - Firecrackers are dangerous

🎢 - Having "fun" at the fair

🪜 - Watch that first step

🪟 - Destination defenestration

🛁 - Tub slippage

🕳️ - Down, down, down...

🩺 - Worst bedside manner ever

💀 - It's (just) a (mild) concussion

💉 - I know you hate needles, but you need this!

🪡 - You need stitches

🩹 - Quick fix

🦴 - It's definitely broken

🩼 - You really should stay off your feet

🛌🏼 - Stuck in bed

💤 - Just try to stay awake

💬 - Keep texting until I get there!

🫂 - You're safe now

💋 - I'll kiss it better

[eightyonekilograms]

I'm not, like, a super-experienced international traveler, but one thing I have found after a couple recent trips is: don't even bother trying with voltage converters, especially "universal" ones (those giant cubes which can adapt any socket). I've tried two and they both just didn't work at all: they'd either do nothing or "cycle" on and off continuously in a way which couldn't actually provide power.

Instead, do this:

bring only devices which can charge over USB-C. Which is most things these days, so replace/upgrade anything which can't.

get a multi-port USB-C charger which can accept both major voltages (110 and 220 V) and frequencies (50 and 60 Hz). It will say in all that tiny print near the plug whether it can do this. All of Anker's GaN chargers qualify, for example.

once you have a charger which can accept any voltage/frequency, then you just need to get a plug adapter instead of a voltage converter. These are cheaper, smaller, and more reliable - they don't even do anything, they're just inert pieces of metal which turn one plug shape into another. You also don't need to bother with "universal" ones: adapters are so small and cheap it's better to just get one for each plug type you plan to encounter.

Take this advice and save yourself a lot of frustration.

[fishenjoyer1]

Fish of the Day

Today's fish of the day is the Southern blue ring octopus!

The Southern blue ring octopus, also known by scientific name Hapalochlaena maculosa, is well known for how venomous they are, and the vivid colorations that warn of it! The Southern blue ring octopus is one of the four species of blue ring octopi on this earth, the Southern blue ring octopus in particular is the only lesser blue ring octopi, as opposed to the other greater octopi, which are smaller in size but have far larger blue rings when threatened. Despite the differences between the Southern blue ring and the other, greater blue ring, they all live in the same general area. With the entirety of their genus spread out across the Eastern Pacific and Indian oceans, the Southern blue ring is no different, living along the Southern coast of Australia. In this environment, the octopus lives and hides within the crevasses and cracks of the rocky Australian reef.

Camouflage is very important to blue ring octopi, and this is the same thing that allows them the bright colors to warn off predators. Like many other species of cephalopods, blue ring octopi take advantage of dermal chromatophore cells, which respond to stimuli to create different colors on the skin of the animal. When threatened, the octopus will make an average of 60 bright blue rings across its form, taking as little of a third of a second. This is done by the relaxing and tensing of muscles around the shape of the ring. In greater blue ring octopi this muscle contraction also has layers of iridophores light reflectors, allowing for the blue marks to be projected further in the water. These are the only warning of the great venom these animals contain, tetrodotoxin, a neurotoxin which binds to voltage-gated sodium channels, preventing action signals from the brain to be transmitted to the body. This is because the body uses many cells which contain a certain voltage to them, and when sodium enters the cell in large amounts (as happens anytime you voluntarily move) when the voltage in the cell rises to the correct level, it triggers for the sodium channels to open in the cell next to it. This is how signals travel in the body, and how tetrodotoxin paralyzes by binding the chanels. We still don't fully understand how the poisoning works fully, as this toxin is stored in a small salivary gland in the octopus and is present in the bloodstream, this is either injected into the water or transmitted via bite. At this time there is no antivenom, but it is relatively easy to not be injured by this squid! So long as you leave them alone, they do not attack!

With all the coolest features of this animal covered, let's discuss the more mundane things. The diet of the Southern blue ring is made up of various curseceans and small fish, many of which they can hunt when the greater blue ring can not. This is because the Southern blue ring is the largest blue ring, with a whopping size of 5cm long mantle and 20cm arm-arm, a full 5-10cm larger than all other blue rings! Hunting is done by releasing the venom as a mist into the water, paralyzing prey before eating it. Their lifespan is incredibly short, lasting only 7 months on average, and mating only once in their lifetimes. The first 6 weeks of their lives will be spent growing rapidly, already nekton, as unlike most invertebrates blue rings have no planktonic stage. After these 6 weeks the blue rings can begin appearing when threatened, but the venomous trait is there from birth even without the rings presence. Mating will begin sometime with 3-5 months, and females will collect and store sperm from several partners, later choosing which male she will fertilize her eggs with. Then, there is a two month long period where she carries the eggs with her constantly, spending most of her time hiding, and moving only with 2 tentacles across the sea bed. Once these eggs hatch, the mother will pass away, leaving only her children behind to begin the cycle anew.

That's the Southern blue ring octopus, everybody! Have a wonderful day!

[seven-meds]

A few interesting Letters to the Editor published in various adult magazines between the 50s and the 90s. Transcripts and sources below:

1: Future Sex (Issue 6, March 1994)

I love your magazine. The articles are well-written, and it's refreshing to see adjectives other than the words "throbbing" and "turgid" being used. Bless you and your thesaurus as well.

I particularly enjoyed Kim Teevan's essay, "Self-Service" (Issue 4), but some of the terminology was used improperly. One woman commented on the power of her 12volt vibrator being powerful enough to bore her with men. Well, that may or may not be true, but it's not voltage that determines the output power of vibrators. (I am an electrician by trade so I'm quite familiar with how vibrators work.)

The "vibes" or "pulses" that come from a vibrator are dependent on its rate of electrical cycles, expressed in hertz. A really good vibrator will have a "rate of fire" of about 60-180 pulses per minute. That translates to about

1-3 hertz. Other good rates lie in the 3003,000 pulses per second range. If this sounds a little fast, don't worry about it. Three hundred to 3,000 hertz is the average frequency of the human speaking voice. It's a nifty little vibration but it doesn't carry as far as the electrically generated vibrations due to limitations in the body's ability to maintain a sustained tone.

If I can make a personal recommendation to heavy vibrator users, you can get about a 40% increase in output power on your vibrators by bypassing the resistors that send power into the vibrator itself. Just solder a little wire around them and you'll soon be able to come so hard you'll shatter windows all up and down your block.

Charles Harris San Francisco , CA

--

2: Night and Day (November 1952)

Dear Sir:

It's wonderful to pick up your magazine a letter from a fellow uniped such as Beth O. I, too, think it is about time we were being heard from. 1 am 27 years old, blonde and not bad looking at all. I lost my left leg at mid thigh in an automobile wreck. Also I have never been able to wear an artificial limb. I use one special crutch, and my boy friend says I get about as well as a girl with two legs. I wear a 6B shoe and would like to swap with any girl that wears that size. Maybe Beth O. wears that size.

I have been walking on crutches for over ten years, I play tennis, dance and bowl. Can anyone top that? I don't believe there is a one-legged girl in the world that can get about better on crutchés than me. I challenge all comers. It is quite a nuisance being one-minus, but as Beth said, it has its compensations. I haven’t bought any hose in years as my friends give me all their odd stockings. I am waiting with bated breath for your picture spread of us one-legged girls — might even send in one of mine if I can find a good one.

E.C. CONCORD, N. C.

--

3: Eqqus Eroticus (Spring 1997)

Dear Sir,

I’m a middle aged white male living in the Cleveland, Ohio area. I took an early retirement from the Federal Government over a year ago. But I stay in good physical condition by doing my exercises such as walking, bike riding and playing golf. So I can keep up with if not ahead of just about everyone my age and usually guys who are years younger.

I want to be a cart pony and I could be a cart pony, if only I knew of someone who could train me.

I have almost always been in control. I usually am in charge of what¬ ever I am involved in. At work, I was always the boss. Usually when I joined any club and social activities at some point I became the leader. That may sound great, but it is not easy being the one who has to make the decisions, to be the person people wait to hear from, to always be the responsible one.

Through it all or maybe because of it all, I have always had a suppressed interest in bondage. To “be” in bondage, that is. To be tied strapped, shackled or whatever into complete submission. But there was no one who could or would control me, and I still yearn for bondage. I want to know at the deepest level what it is like to be controlled, forced to respond to any whim of the person who controls me.

In my spare time I found a newsgroup that had all kinds of photos of people in bondage. What attracted my interest most was the pony girls, especially the cart ponies. They were totally controlled, physically and mentally. They weren’t just in bondage; they weren’t held in one position. They were forced to behave and obey just as their masters or trainers instructed them. They were in body harnesses, stiff high collars, with a bit in their mouths, and harnesses holding their heads just right. You might see them in a corral, practicing their gait. They might be shown in a stall, chained to a wall by their neck or ankle or pulling a cart with the whip ready to give them extra incentive to obey. They were always total slaves with no will or choice.

I want to be the one who is being trained as cart pony boy. Held by my reins in a stable or my bit secured above me, holding me straight as my trainer works on my gait. To know that the littlest mistake would be rewarded with a crack or two of the whip. A whip crack I have yet to feel. Taught patience by being left chained naked in my stall, to wait for whatever would come next. I even long to be the one locked to the cart, my head held high by collar and head harness, reins telling me where to go, proudly pulling my trainer. To know that when the trip was done I‘d be back secured in my stall, left alone to await my trainer’s next pleasure.

I’m not interested in appearing in public, or being in competition. I just want to experience what it is to live the training of a cart pony. Maybe out there somewhere is a trainer who would give me what I am looking for. I want this experience so much and I would be forever grateful. I’d prefer female, but since sex isn’t the object, a male would be acceptable. If there is anyone who would train me, they can reach me at my e-mail address shown below. Please help me fulfill my desires.

PonySlaveX@aol. com

--

4: Eroticon (Fall 1980)

Dear friends of Eroticon,

I read porno magazines secretly, because my husband would not like having such “dirty” things in the house. Couldn’t you show more close ups of the male models muscular buttocks? I also would like to see cocks being soft and nice before the erection. I would really love that!

Finally! A lady with desire. We shall try to get some of the models to overcome their vanity and show “him” in a relaxed state. I definitely agree with you — not only womens asses are tempting.

--

5: Divinity 7 (1994)

I am enclosing a cutting from the DAILY TELEGRAPH of the 8th September. This indicated the flogging of a bishop.

There are no details and I would be very interested to know more about it, there is no doubt that it was a severe thrashing, but the culprit did not need to have hospital treatment afterwards, and he was fit to sit and walk next day, therefore no real injury.

I think that many of us would like to have details, such as how was he dressed for the flogging, did he have pants and shirt on? Was he standing or laying down?

It would also be interesting to know the conditions for flogging in other countries like Pakistan, Arabia and Turkey, with descriptions of the faults for which one can be flogged.

A photo or two would be interesting or better still a video of an actual flogging in public or in private.

This being an item siutable [sic] for the DAILY TELEGRAPH, and the true record of a news event I would think that a video or photos would be quite OK and legal imports, am I right?

As you are In touch and a publisher, I would like to hear from you on this subject, you may already have information or know of videos available.

Douglas Finlayson Essex

--

6: Transformation (Issue 6, 1994)

Dear TRANSFORMATION,

| recently picked up your Magazine #2...it’s great! | like what I’ve read in your magazine, especially a story titled “Dominant Lady Turns Boyfriend into Crystal” on page 10. | have this fantasy...about a dominant lady dentist who has a thing about a trampy TV, and fetish PVC or latex clothing.

Sometimes | am the patient, all dressed in shiny PVC. Other times I’m the nurse, in a white PVC uniform, long blond hair and a shiny nurse’s cap. The dental equipment is an old belt-driven drill and a sit-up chair.

If possible, I'd like to get in touch with Karyn R. and Crystal. But anyone...please write me!

K. Johnson

--

7: High Heels (Vol. 2 No. 7, 1965)

Dear High Heels.

I would like to see more pictures of handicapped girls in high-heels... I am enclosing some of mine, showing my 6" heel—some also show my peg. I have other pictures showing me in 7" heels...

Thank You,

U.N.A.

[beardedmrbean]

Scientists have developed a new solar-powered system to convert saltwater into fresh drinking water which they say could help reduce dangerous the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.

Via tests in rural communities, they showed that the process is more than 20% cheaper than traditional methods and can be deployed in rural locations around the globe.

Building on existing processes that convert saline groundwater to freshwater, the researchers from King’s College London, in collaboration with MIT and the Helmholtz Institute for Renewable Energy Systems, created a new system that produced consistent levels of water using solar power, and reported it in a paper published recently in Nature Water

It works through a process called electrodialysis which separates the salt using a set of specialized membranes that channel salt ions into a stream of brine, leaving the water fresh and drinkable. By flexibly adjusting the voltage and the rate at which salt water flowed through the system, the researchers developed a system that adjusts to variable sunshine while not compromising on the amount of fresh drinking water produced.

Using data first gathered in the village of Chelleru near Hyderabad in India, and then recreating these conditions of the village in New Mexico, the team successfully converted up to 10 cubic meters, or several bathtubs worth of fresh drinking water. This was enough for 3,000 people a day with the process continuing to run regardless of variable solar power caused by cloud coverage and rain.

Dr. Wei He from the Department of Engineering at King’s College London believes the new technology could bring massive benefits to rural communities, not only increasing the supply of drinking water but also bringing health benefits.

“By offering a cheap, eco-friendly alternative that can be operated off the grid, our technology enables communities to tap into alternative water sources (such as deep aquifers or saline water) to address water scarcity and contamination in traditional water supplies,” said He.

“This technology can expand water sources available to communities beyond traditional ones and by providing water from uncontaminated saline sources, may help combat water scarcity or unexpected emergencies when conventional water supplies are disrupted, for example like the recent cholera outbreaks in Zambia.”

In the global rural population, 1.6 billion people face water scarcity, many of whom are reliant on stressed reserves of groundwater lying beneath the Earth’s surface.

However, worldwide 56% of groundwater is saline and unsuitable for consumption. This issue is particularly prevalent in India, where 60% of the land harbors undrinkable saline water. Consequently, there is a pressing need for efficient desalination methods to create fresh drinking water cheaply, and at scale.

Traditional desalination technology has relied either on costly batteries in off-grid systems or a grid system to supply the energy necessary to remove salt from the water. In developing countries’ rural areas, however, grid infrastructure can be unreliable and is largely reliant on fossil fuels.

Creating a low-cost ‘battery-like’ desalination technology removes the reliance on battery technology for using intermittent solar energy in off-grid applications, enabling affordability to rural communities in developing countries like India.

“By removing the need for a grid system entirely and cutting reliance on battery tech by 92%, our system can provide reliable access to safe drinking water, entirely emission-free, onsite, and at a discount of roughly 22% to the people who need it compared to traditional methods,” He said.

The system also has the potential to be used outside of developing areas, particularly in agriculture where climate change is leading to unstable reserves of fresh water for irrigation.

The team plans to scale up the availability of the technology across India through collaboration with local partners. Beyond this, a team from MIT also plans to create a start-up to commercialize and fund the technology.

“While the US and UK have more stable, diversified grids than most countries, they still rely on fossil fuels. By removing fossil fuels from the equation for energy-hungry sectors like agriculture, we can help accelerate the transition to Net Zero,” He said.

“The next step for us is to apply this low-cost technology to other sectors, including wastewater treatment, and producing alkaline to make the ocean more alkaline to help it absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere. By taking this approach not only can we decarbonize agriculture, but wider environmental and climate benefits as well.”

[thefiery-phoenix]

YANDERE DENKI KAMINARI HEADCANONS

1. Denki is the type of yandere who will stalk you (like Izuku). He'll go through ALL your things (yes, creepy, I know), read your diary, steal some small stuff from you like your pencils and your stuffed animals and things which you won't notice that they're gone. If you write about some guy who confessed his feelings to you or if you write about ANY guy for that matter in your diary, they'll ''mysteriously'' disappear the next day 

2. This dude has a FREAKING GOD DAMN SHRINE for you and will treat you like an anger descended from the heavens or a god/goddess. He thinks you're too PURE and good for this world and literally WORSHIPS you 

3. He may seem and look like an idiot but as people always say, 'don't judge a book by it's cover'. Likewise, don't get fooled by his flirty dumb attitude. He is skilled when it comes to planning murders and getting rid of his rivals without leaving any traces of evidences

4. Things will get 'shocking' for you if you try to escape from him. You better be ready to eat some voltage from him if he finds out that you left him. He will be an angry scary monster at that point but, eventually, he will cool down and will comfort you and nuzzle into your neck and cuddle with you, whispering sweet things in your ears, rocking you back and forth gently 

5. He likes giving you small gifts like plushie animals and books and whatever you want 

6. He thinks you look cute when you wear an onesie, so don't be surprised when you find out that you'll have to wear onesies at least 60 percent of the time 

7. If you behave like a brat, he will electrocute the HELL out of you till you pass out and then, a sobbing and crying Denki will carry you to your bed and let you rest for a while. Don't worry, it won't be THAT drastic 

8. Just humor him and his cheesy corny pick up lines he'll drop on you every now and then and things will be all right. 

9. If there are any rivals, he will take care of them by just literally frying their brains out

10. Overall, he isn't SO insane but... don't push him over the edge or things will end up badly for you

''I'm doing this all for you my cute little buzzy sunshine nugget. Trust me, you'll enjoy your stay here''

[kafus]

doing my 10 contests of the day and since i finished contest ribbons on raven the absolute yesterday i had to prep a new pokemon… decided to go with umbreon cause why not

turns out though. the only move available to my umbreon that has the double score next turn effect is psych up. which is a lategame one use TM that i’d rather not waste on a contest moveset that i’m not even gonna keep after i finish contests. but double score moves are so important for my usual strategy so it’s annoying not to have it

for the first time in over 60 contests i actually lost a master rank contest 😭 so i guess i’m gonna save and SR before master rank contests for fantina on umbreon moving forward (i just beat cool master rank)

+2 for going first, go first next turn, score for low voltage and +2 for going last respectively…

[siplatform]

Twinkle Star 360 LED Icicle Lights Review: Are They Worth It?

 Are you searching for eye-catching outdoor Christmas lights to brighten up your home this holiday season? We've recently tried out the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights, and we're excited to share our thoughts with you.

This set of lights features 360 warm white LEDs with 60 drops, measuring 29.5ft in length with an additional 16.5ft extension cord. These outdoor curtain lights are UL588 certified for safe use and have a low output of 30V through a plug-in transformer.

One of the standout features of these lights is the ease of use. Simply hang them on the eaves, handrail, or anywhere you desire, and plug them in for power on and off. The set comes with a controller featuring eight lighting functions to fit any occasion, including Combination, In waves, Sequential, Slow Glow, Chasing/Flash, Slow fade, Twinkle/Flash, and Steady on.

These lights are also connectable, with each set featuring an end-to-end plug that can connect up to three sets together, allowing you to customize your lighting area with the desired length.

Bottom Line

Overall, we highly recommend the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights for your outdoor holiday decor. With their warm white LEDs, eight lighting functions, and connectable design, they are sure to brighten up any space and add a festive touch to your home.

Don't wait any longer to elevate your holiday decor! Click here to purchase the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights today!

Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights Overview

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights, and we were impressed with their performance. With 360 warm white ice cycle lights and 60 drops, these outdoor curtain lights measure 29.5ft in length with an additional 16.5ft extension cord. The lights are easy to hang on the eaves, top of hall, handrail, or anywhere you want. Simply plug them in and unplug them for power on and off using a US standard outlet with a voltage of 110V.

The lights come with eight different lighting functions to fit different occasions, moods, feelings, holidays, festivals, anniversaries, etc. These include Combination, In waves, Sequential, Slow Glow, Chasing/Flash, Slow fade, Twinkle/Flash, and Steady on. Adjusting the lighting modes is easy, just press the round button on the transformer.

These lights are connectable, and each set comes with an end-to-end plug, allowing you to connect up to three sets together, extending the lighting range to your desired length.

Overall, these lights are perfect for both indoor and outdoor decorations, including Christmas, parties, Valentine's Day, weddings, home, window, bathroom, festival, holiday, shows, restaurants, hotels, commercial buildings, shopping centers, and more. They are waterproof (IP44) and certificated for safe use of UL588 whole lights.

LED Christmas Icicle Lights

We recently tried out the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights and were impressed with their quality and performance. These outdoor curtain lights come with 60 drops and are 29.5ft long, with an additional 16.5ft extension cord. They are easy to use and can be hung on eaves, handrails, or anywhere else you want to decorate.

One of the best features of these icicle lights is their 8 different lighting modes, which can be adjusted by pressing the round button on the transformer. These modes include Combination, In waves, Sequential, Slow Glow, Chasing/Flash, Slow fade, Twinkle/Flash, and Steady on. We found that these modes allowed us to customize the lighting to fit different occasions and moods.

Another great thing about these lights is that they are connectable. Each set comes with an end-to-end plug, which allows you to connect up to 3 sets together and customize your lighting area with the desired length. They are also waterproof (IP44), making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor decorations.

Overall, we highly recommend the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights for anyone looking for high-quality and customizable outdoor decorations.

Easy to Use

We found the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights to be incredibly easy to use. The lights are simple to hang on the eaves, top of hall, handrail, or anywhere you want. You can directly plug in and unplug it for power on and off from a US standard outlet with a voltage of 110V. The lights come with a controller that allows you to adjust the lighting modes by pressing the round button on the transformer.

We were pleased to find that the lights come with end-to-end plugs, which means that you can connect up to 3 sets together, allowing you to customize your need for larger range lighting and festival decorations. It is important to note that you should not cut the nylon cable ties as they are used to fix the lights line.

Overall, we found the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights to be a breeze to set up and use. Whether you are looking to decorate for Christmas, party, Valentine's Day, wedding, home, window, bathroom, festival, Holiday, shows, restaurant, hotel, commercial building, shopping center, these lights are perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

8 Mode Functions

We were impressed with the Twinkle Star 360 LED Christmas Icicle Lights' 8 different mode functions. With a simple press of a button on the remote control, we were able to switch between modes such as steady on, slow fade, and twinkle. The different modes added a fun and dynamic touch to our holiday decorations. We particularly enjoyed the "chasing" mode, which created a wave-like effect that looked great on our outdoor trees. The modes were easy to cycle through and we appreciated the variety of options available. Overall, the 8 mode functions added a lot of versatility to the Twinkle Star lights, allowing us to customize our display to our liking.

Connectable Feature

We were impressed with the Twinkle Star LED Christmas Icicle Lights' connectable feature. Each set comes with an end-to-end plug, which allows you to connect up to three sets together and customize your lighting area with the desired length. This feature is perfect for larger range lighting and festival decorations.

Additionally, the lights are easy to use. You can hang them on the eaves, top of hall, handrail, or anywhere you want. Directly plug in and unplug it for power on and off US standard outlet, voltage 110V. However, it is important to note that you should not cut the nylon cable ties as they are used to fix the lights line.

With 8 lighting functions to fit different occasions, moods, feelings, holidays, festivals, anniversaries, etc., the Twinkle Star LED Christmas Icicle

[nippon-nomad]

日本へようこそ！

So you’ve decided to take that leap of faith and book a ticket to Japan have you? Congratulations; You’re in for a treat! Whether you’re drawn to the Island nations plethora of ancient Temples and Sacred spaces or the hustle and bustle of the cityscape, Japan and the Japanese people will leave a lasting impression on you that you will undoubtedly carry with you for all your days.

Japan, as we know it today, has a long history of being known for its distinct culture and traditions, some of which extend back to 300BC, what is referred to as the 'Jomon period'. Many elements of the Japanese culture developed fully undisturbed by outside influences and continue to be practiced with the utmost precision and dedication to the ways of old.

A finely balanced mix of unyielding tradition and ever evolving state of the art technologies, there are numerous other reasons why Japan is considered to be one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

So what exactly can you expect to find in Japan? Here’s a basic breakdown to make planning your trip that bit easier.

Language: The national language of Japan is Japanese. English wayfinding is widely available in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto however sparingly found in smaller, countryside towns. Other languages commonly found include Chinese and Korean, with a smattering of other Foreign languages also available.

My advice, no matter how short or long a stay you have planned, is to learn even the most basic of Japanese. You’ll be amazed how accommodating the Japanese people can be when even the most basic of attempts at speaking Japanese is made and who knows, you might just end up making some new friends simply just by trying!

As the saying goes, you’ll never know if you don’t go!

Currency, Credit Cards & ATMs: The official currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).

In Japan, cash is still very much king. While payment by card is becoming more widely accepted in restaurants and stores, my strongest recommendation is to carry a fair amount of cash with you. This applies to travel in major cities (where thankfully ATM’s are more widely accessible; hello 7-11 cash withdrawals!) as well as smaller, less well-appointed country towns.

At the time of posting 100 Japanese Yen (basically the equivalent of our dollar) buys $1.08 AUD and 69 US cents.

Banking: For cash withdrawals majority of Japanese banks will accept foreign cards (though be prepared to be stung by nasty transaction fees if you don’t have a bank card with 0 transaction fees on international withdrawals (hello Citibank!) with some exceptions.

Things to be aware of when your stash of cash starts to dry up is that not any and all ATM’s will accept International bank cards. I mean this literally; I have been stuck in a situation where my Australian bank card would not physically fit into the card slot of an ATM machine. Don’t be like me. Don’t be that person.

Other things to note is that some ATM’s as well as the cards themselves may have a restriction on what time of day money can be withdrawn. Not only that, but often, ATM’s located in banks are only available during banking hours (typically 9AM to 3PM) and not the full 24 hours some of us are used to.

Additionally, depending on your bank and card type, you may incur a daily cap (often￥300,000 which is equivalent to about (at time of posting) just over $3000AUD) on the amount of money that can be withdrawn from your card and account.

Power Plugs: Power plugs in Japan are type A and B. Plug type A is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and plug type B is the plug which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.

The standard voltage is 100 V, and the standard frequency is 50 / 60 Hz for those wanting to know.

To save yourselves suffering from having a dead phone or no charge in your camera battery (the literal worst thing for photography enthusiasts) I can’t stress how lifesaving a universal adapter is. Using a universal adapter takes the hassle out of having to purchase dedicated Japanese plugs for your devices and what not.

Just make sure that whatever plug and or adapter you go for has surge protection and a converter for hairdryers and hot tools. Let’s not be causing the entire hotel to experience an electricity surge now.

Safety: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and is perfect for solo travellers.

Being a woman and one that enjoys solo travel, I can personally attest for the safety of Japan. While not recommended (let’s use some common sense here people), the chances of getting mugged while meandering around the streets at 3AM are pretty much zero to none.

It goes without saying that it pays to be aware of your surroundings and do what you must to keep yourself safe, day or night-time. If travelling in groups, be sure to keep an eye out for one another and organise a dedicated time and meeting spot in the case that one of you does get lost (it happens to the best of us!).

In the case of an emergency, you can reach emergency services on the following numbers:

Police: 110

Coast Guard: 118

Ambulance and Fire Services: 119

Emergency telephone numbers can be called from home phones, mobile phones and public phones. When making an emergency call from a public phone, neither money nor a pre-paid telephone card are necessary.

Although there are a few operators who speak English, if you do happen to find yourself in a situation where you need to call upon emergency services, you should be prepared to explain your situation in Japanese, so that the operator can assist you in the best way possible. It is advisable to speak slowly and specify if you need an ambulance (救急車です,  kyuu-kyuu desu) wish to report a fire (火事です, kaji desu), or need to report a crime to the police (犯罪です, hanzai desu). 

[aecswitchgear]

Schneider Surge Arrester A9L40100

AEC switchgear Provided Schneider Surge Arrester A9L40100 for reliable protection against surges in 1P installations. This Acti9 iPRD40 surge arrester features a Type 2 device for high-risk applications and incoming panel boards. With a quick cartridge replacement feature, you can easily maintain peak performance.

The Acti9 iPRD40 can accommodate phase/neutral/earth cables entering from the top or bottom, making installation flexible and convenient. With an Isc breaking capacity of up to 50kA, this surge arrester is designed for maximum protection. Compatible with TT and TN-S earthing systems, it offers a Uc maximum continuous operating voltage of 350VAC and a Up voltage protection level of 1.4kV in common mode.

In a sleek white finish, the Acti9 iPRD40 has a compact design measuring (W) 18mm x (H) 85mm x (D) 69mm and weighs only 110g. With an IP20 and IP40 degree of protection in a modular enclosure, this surge arrester operates in temperatures ranging from -25°C to 60°C and can be stored in temperatures from -40°C to 85°C. Compliant with EN 61643-11 and IEC 61643-11 standards, this Schneider surge arrester ensures peace of mind for your electrical equipment.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/aec-ahmedabad-electric-corporation/mycompany/

[head-post]

Romania ready to support Moldova during energy crisis

Romania would help Moldova overcome the energy crisis, according to Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja.

The statement came after the Moldovan parliament declared a 60-day state of emergency in the energy sector at the request of Prime Minister Dorin Recean. The measure was announced following the cessation of imports of Russian transit gas through Ukraine.

The transit cut-off also jeopardised the power supply to Transnistria, which depended on imports from Russian giant Gazprom. Meanwhile, Romanian energy companies Nuclearelectrica and Hidroelectrica have already been in talks with Moldova’s Energocom to explore options for supplying additional power.

Burduja added that Romania was “prepared to consider priority extraction options” to mitigate the impact on Transnistria. In case the Cuciurgan thermal power plant stops producing power, Romania would help the estimated 600 MW shortfall.

Meanwhile, Moldovagaz announced the purchase of the natural gas needed for the heating season from October 2024 to March 2025 for the rest of the country. Recean also voiced optimism about breaking energy dependence on Russia.

We will put an end to energy blackmail with the completion of the high-voltage power line under construction between Chișinău and Romania.

Read more HERE

[cytgen]

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the optimization of electroporation of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (Hnf-1α) in murine mesenchymal stem cells (mBM-MSCs). mBM-MSCs were phenotypically observed and confirmed by positive expression of stemness markers with differentiation capacity into osteocytes. Hnf-1α plasmid DNA was transfected via Neon electroporation system into the mBM-MSCs. The cells were maintained in a complete DMEM medium. Following single 0.5 μg Hnf-1α electroporation the differences in viability of mBM-MSCs were statistically insignificant at 24 h, 72 h, and post-21 days. Fluorescence imaging of turbo green fluorescence protein (tGFP) was detected for the efficiency of transfection. The transfection efficiency was detected at parameters of 1000 pulse voltage (V), 10 pulse width (ms), and at 3 pulse number at 24 h (***p-value < 0.001, 66.5 ± 12.2%) in mBM-MSCs. The efficiency of transfected 0.5 μg Hnf-1α was decreased at 72 h (40.2 ± 10.9%) and 21 days (31.7 ± 5%). 250 μg/mL G418 Sulfate was used for the selection of Hnf-1α transfected positive cells. TaqMan-qRT-PCR results of independent experiments revealed significant fold differences in Hnf-1α expression with above mentioned defined parameters. Therefore, 0.5 μg Hnf-1α plasmid into 2.5 × 105 mBM-MSCs with a pulse voltage of 1000 V, pulse width of 10 ms, and pulse number of 3, was optimized, which was not reported before. These parameters can be considered for transfection with cell viability of 65–96% from 24 h to 21 days and 60–70% transfection efficiency after 24 h. Hence, this optimized procedure with efficient transfection rates can be applied for further gene functions and differentiation studies in the liver, pancreas, kidney, intestine, and for other tissues in specialized niches.

[smnycman]

Empty Train Cars Time Travel Series (Final Dystopian Sketch Images + Bonus Image)

I chose the dystopia theme as my final project of empty train cars to convey a time travel series from early 20th century to present day. Upon my visit to the Transit Museum in Brooklyn, the old train cars provided a sense of abandonment, retirement, and history provided by the cars especially with the erie, dark and bland colors the empty train cars have. Starting from the earliest train cars from early 20th century, the Lo-Voltage trains that started the subway service. We jump ahead to the mid-60s with the recently retired rolling stock 32 manufactured by Budd Company serving New York City Transit for almost six decades. Following, the soon to be retired rolling stock 44/46 train fleets (75 footers) made in the 70s, then the rolling stock 62/A fleets in the 80s. We finish the series with the late 90s-early 2000s fleets R142 train and the present day train cars the R211 to resemble the current and future trains in service.

[atplblog]

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[romaholistichealth]

At Roma Holistic Health, we're excited to offer PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, a cutting-edge treatment that works with your body's natural electromagnetic fields to promote healing and wellness at the cellular level. This FDA-approved therapy has been used by NASA for astronaut health and is gaining recognition for its wide range of therapeutic benefits. Understanding PEMF Therapy PEMF therapy uses controlled electromagnetic pulses to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration. Think of it as a "cellular exercise" that helps optimize your body's natural healing processes. The Science Behind PEMF - Every cell in your body has an electrical charge - Healthy cells maintain a charge of about -70 to -80 millivolts - Damaged or diseased cells often have lower charges - PEMF helps restore optimal cellular voltage - Enhanced cellular function leads to better overall health How PEMF Therapy Works Cellular Level Benefits - Increases cellular energy (ATP production) - Enhances cell membrane permeability - Improves oxygen utilization - Supports natural detoxification - Accelerates tissue repair - Reduces cellular inflammation Body System Benefits - Enhanced circulation - Improved nerve function - Better muscle performance - Stronger bone health - Optimized immune response - Enhanced brain function A Client's PEMF Experience Sarah, an athlete recovering from a knee injury, shares her experience: "Traditional therapy was helping, but progress was slow. After adding PEMF sessions to my recovery plan, I noticed significant improvements in pain levels and mobility. What surprised me most was how much better I slept and how much more energy I had during the day." To protect client confidentiality, this case study is fictional but relevant. Common Applications of PEMF Therapy Physical Health - Chronic pain management - Sports injury recovery - Bone healing - Arthritis relief - Muscle recovery - Joint inflammation Wellness Support - Sleep improvement - Stress reduction - Energy enhancement - Mental clarity - Immune system support - Overall vitality The PEMF Treatment Experience Before Your Session - Health assessment consultation - Treatment plan development - Discussion of goals and expectations - Equipment introduction During Treatment - Comfortable positioning on the PEMF mat - Selection of appropriate frequency protocols - Gentle pulsing sensations - Typical session duration: 15-60 minutes - Relaxing, non-invasive experience Different Types of PEMF Applications - Full-body mats for general wellness - Targeted applicators for specific areas - Localized pads for joint treatment - Specialized probes for precise application - Various frequency settings for different conditions Research-Backed Benefits Scientific Evidence - NASA studies on tissue healing - Clinical research on pain management - Studies on bone density improvement - Research on cellular regeneration - Evidence for improved circulation Frequently Asked Questions About PEMF Is PEMF therapy safe? Yes, PEMF therapy is FDA-approved and has been used safely for decades. The electromagnetic fields used are similar in strength to the earth's natural magnetic field. However, people with electrical implants should consult their healthcare provider before treatment. How many sessions will I need? Treatment frequency depends on your specific condition and goals. Acute conditions might require daily sessions initially, while chronic conditions often benefit from 2-3 sessions per week. We'll create a customized treatment plan based on your needs. What does PEMF therapy feel like? Most people experience a gentle pulsing sensation. Some report feeling warmth or tingling. The treatment is generally very comfortable, and many find it relaxing. The intensity can be adjusted to your comfort level. When will I notice results? Some people experience immediate benefits, while others notice gradual improvements over several sessions. Acute conditions often respond quickly, while chronic conditions may require more consistent treatment for optimal results. Are there any contraindications? PEMF therapy is not recommended for people with electrical implants (such as pacemakers), during pregnancy, or for those with active cancer. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting PEMF therapy. Integrative Treatment Approach At Roma Holistic Health, we often combine PEMF therapy with other modalities for enhanced results: - Harmonic Egg® sessions for energy balancing - Reiki for emotional well-being - Acupuncture for enhanced energy flow - Nutritional support for cellular health - Movement recommendations for sustained benefits Preparing for PEMF Therapy To optimize your treatment results: - Stay well-hydrated before and after - Wear comfortable clothing - Avoid heavy meals before treatment - Get adequate rest - Follow recommended treatment protocols Begin Your PEMF Journey PEMF therapy offers a scientific approach to cellular health and overall wellness. Whether you're dealing with specific health challenges or seeking to optimize your well-being, PEMF therapy can provide valuable support for your healing journey. Ready to Experience PEMF Therapy? Contact Roma Holistic Health today to schedule your consultation. Let us show you how PEMF therapy can support your path to optimal health and vitality. Read the full article