#biological treatment plants

[farmerstrend]

Termite Management in Hass Avocado Farming in Kenya

Hass avocado farming in Kenya has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, establishing the country as one of the leading exporters of this popular fruit. In 2024, Kenya’s avocado industry is thriving, driven by favorable climatic conditions, fertile soils, and a growing global demand. The country’s small-scale and large-scale farmers have increasingly dedicated their efforts to avocado…

[myspineisthebassline]

oh yeah

[threepandas]

The Vod's List: Yandere Clones

The Galaxy changes, thanks to spit.

It's not even the first time it's happened, in my peoples history. But it's... kinda weird it happend? Twice? The FIRST time we actually PLANNED for it to happen. It was biological warfare. But this? This was just an accident. One that could have KILLED somebody.

Cause, see, the Techganic people? Are... well to put it lightly, we are the result of centuries of an ideological and spiritual holy war, that nearly tore our plant apart. The two sides don't really "talk" to each other any more. Or... you know... ACKNOWLEDGE the other.

They are waiting for the other to "inevitably die off, due to their own hubris".

Yeeeeeah. Fun times. You can see why I wanted OFF that dirtball.

At least on other planets? The politics aren't PERSONAL... is what I naively thought. Forgot about empathy! You know, like an idiot! Kark. Where was I? Right! Galaxy, changed, spit. Okay, sooo... here's the thing? My family was part of the bloody bone-sucking Holy Naturalist Empire. (Translated to Basic, the word "Naturalist" has more of a specific to the body? Meaning? Not so much "nature of the world" as "nature of the Self" you know? And in THIS case, the word they are using for "holy" in ancient means less strictly "divine" and more "pure like the divine"? It's Complicated.)

And the Progress Collective was ORIGINALLY this whole project, supposedly, that got WAY out of hand, became a cult, then a religion, and tore the planet apart? It was a technological hive mind that want to "perfect" the planet to a "higher state of being". And then extend its reachs to the stars.

We held the karking LINE. Died in legions. Refusing to give our bodies to be made machines. Droids and puppets. Refused to give our freedoms, our homes, our planet. Any of it. But it was at the cost of our original bodies. The only way to truely fight BACK? Was to become... poison.

The Jedi who eventually came, some how FEELING our distress, dispite the blockade the Collective created on the interplanetary transmitters? Our planet's holonet connection? Said that the creator of Our Salvation was guided by the Force. None of us could really argue. The Salvation treatment was madness. A machine so ahead of it's time, we STILL aren't sure how it works, just that it DOES.

We had a choice.

It was no choice at all.

And now? NOW? Kriffing CENTURIES later? I am STILL a biological weapon! Not do much to non-human adjacent races, but anyone human or human modified? Human descended? Kriff, even a few humanoids! If they're CLOSE enough!

I have to take neutralizers if I plan to be swapping any sort of bodily fluids with ANY race that isn't on the "verified Safe" list. For MONTHS. So it can build up in my system properly. And the side effects? Ugh. Stars and Bone, is it AWFUL! Like I GET why people do it. You love who you love. But the nausea! All those meds just to counter the side effects of other side effects!

It made me kinda glad to be single. Stars, poor cousin Tango.

Of course, I AM responsible. I always carry a FULL kit of emergency neutralizers with me. Just in case, Bones and Blood forbid it, the worst should occur. I have some for accidental blood mixing, some for plasma, a couple for bile, and the majority of the rest? Saliva. The most common accident reported. My kit even has an emergency medical guide on a lil piece of flimsy, on the inside lid!

...I feel like I'm getting distracted agai- OH! Right!!

I work in the senate building, now! Astral, right?! Center of the GALAXY! First step to making a DIFFERENCE! Granted, I am basicly the assistant nobody of no one... but STILL! It's a start! I'm ON Coruscant! That's more then most people can say! I go to work passing THE jedi temple each day! You can see them coming and going from your airspeeder!

Unfortunately? Rent is BRUTAL. I live in a glorified closet with barely a bunk and a sonic shower to my name. Not even a proper 'fresher! It's not like we're traveling. Or my species needs to avoid water! No, I literally just CAN'T AFFORD IT! And if you saw the prices? Droids be carting you off to the medcenter before you know it! Where do they GET their water? The outer rim?! Do they deliver it by HAND?!

.....I haven't had my Caf. Ignore me. I just miss feeling proper CLEAN. Sonic showers just... I know it's a psychological thing, but it doesn't FEEL as clean, you know? I am pouting. Pouty me. Unhappy.

Wait... what time is i- OH KARK!!!

See, on Coruscant there is no real "beating" the traffic. But there ARE certain steps you can take to cut travel time. Like making sure you're on the Senatorial speeder. It has right of way and is pretty comfy. And? If I get ON it early enough? Blend in with the walls? I not only can't get kicked off by some plasbone slimeball of a "I think I'm better then you" senator's aid... but they'll run their mouths!

I have learned SO MUCH that way~!

Unfortunately for me? The Caf merchant was REALLY popular today. So dignified I am NOT.

"Hold the 'LIFT!"

It more a desperate plea then an order, but two seperate armored hands immediately reach out and stop the turbolift's doors from closing. Out of breath behind my Goverments mandated mouth gaurd, I struggle to catch my breath as I finally make it. The kriffing thing makes running almost impossible. It makes most things karking near impossible.

"Tha... thank! You!" I manage to pant, trying not to double over. I am a bit light headed. It's hard to remember what I'm supposed to do when I'm like this. "Kriff! I hate running. Can.. never breathe! Afterwards!"

The lift is full of Coruscant gaurds, their mysterious gazes presumably locked onto me. I could only assume, given how their helmets were turned towards me, but ultimately it was impossible to tell. The gaurd standing next to me was more heavily painted then the others. I still couldn't for the life of me figure out what the marks MEANT. Rank maybe?

"Should we be requesting a medical droid?" Came the mechanized voice of... I was fairly sure the one to my left? I turned to address the one I was preeeeetty sure had spoken. It was a small, echo-y lift.

"No, no. It's just the mask. Makes it kinda hard to breathe. Gover-"

I never got to finish explaining. Just as we reach the Speeder platform. As the doors began to open. An explosion ripped the world apart. The very mask I disliked so much, likely saving my lower jaw from being ripped completely off. The turbolift slammed back, crashing, durasteel screeching as supports ripped apart and gave way.

Rapid fire, more explosions. The Gaurd next to me grabbed me, tucked me tight as they braced. Away from the exit. As.. the world... slowly LEANED.

All I could do was stare, terrified, down at the sheer drop of the now frantic Coruscant traffic below. Commuters desperately trying to avoid falling debris. I could hear alarms. The transparasteel below my face cracked.

Wait.

Below?

The 'lift had leaned. MORE then leaned. It was half unmoored. Hanging out into open air. I clung to the gaurd that held me, my caf dropped long ago, now seeping like dark blood through the cracks to drip... drip... drip... out into that terrible drop.

I.. I couldn't breath. My heart was pounding. Too fast. Too hard. Oh Stars that take us in the End, oh Bones and Blood, that we are! C-can't BREATHE! I managed to make a hand unseize. Rip the glorified muzzle from my face, so I could suck in air. I was drooling. Like a mad hunt beast. A panic response, I remembered distantly.

So far down. Oh Stars. We were going to fall so far down!

A creak. A snap. We jerked and swung downwards. I think... I think I sobbed. Pressed as tight as I could make myself to the red heavy gaurd. He was sturdy. Hold strong. I could hear the other gaurds working quickly and in tandem behind me. But... but I was frozen. Useless. N..nothing but dead weight.

I must have started babbling. Apologizing. Because the helmet near my head turned slightly, the arm around my waist tightened just a bit.

"You have nothing to apologize for ma'am. We were trained for this. Made for this. Not you. You're going to be just fine, all right? We'll get you out of here. Just stay calm and try not to move."

We are almost out. Almost free. When the next attack hits. The cheap duracrete crumbles and we DROP. Gravity releasing us for a few, brief, and terrifying moments.

I do not face them with dignity. I am terrified. A fractured, strangled, scream trying to rip its way free of me. Fear too great to let it. Some stars blessed 'Lift cord catches, arresting our fall violently. We slam into the side of the building the Senatorial Speeder pad is on. Throwing gaurds around the lift pod. Smashing us all together.

The man holding me has his helmet knocked off in a violent bounce that leaves his jaw sporting a shallow but painful looking scrape from someone's boot. Two panes of the transparensteel are just... GONE. Howling wind a deadly reminder of what waits below, should anyone fall through those holes.

"Hammer, Tricks! Get those doors open NOW! I don't care if you have to BLAST them open! We are running out of time and I'd prefer not to learn what the low levels taste like at SPEED." Growled a commanding voice in my ear. Then the voice turn reassuring. "We got you. You're not dying here. We're getting out, okay? Just hold on."

I managed to nod. Drool had long ago overwhelmed my mouth, now painting my chin, smearing everywhere. A mess. It mixed with my tears and some part of me was screaming. Dangerous, dangerous! But... but all I could see was that DROP. Gonna fall. Oh Stars, gonna fall! Please. Scared. Don't let go!

I pressed closer. Ignorant of the way my drool wet cheek pressed against the still bleeding wound on his his face. Ignorant of how I was doing the ONE THING I had been warned time and time again to NEVER EVER do.

The turbolift door gave a screeching clunk as they were force out of place. Toppling away. The gaurds ignored it, immediately getting into action. There was a patrol speeder clearly waiting to get into position. One by one the jumped into it. Careful not to destabilize the already precarious lift any further.

Finally it was our turn. And? With a gut turning drop as I was carried down? We were safe. The Speeder immediately making room. I cried. Clung. It took me entirely too long to remember that something might be amiss. It was only when the gaurd I was clinging to stumbled. Admitted to a "bit" of a headache. That everything came crashing back.

Like ice water to the soul.

Oh Stars! What have I DONE!?

I scramble for my neutralizers. The full anti-spectrum kit. Oh Stars! It's in his BLOOD! I stared in horror at the damning sheen of my own spit against his cheek, my hands shaking, trying to rip open the pack. A medic takes it from me. Opens it for me and reads the flimsy guide in side. Curses.

There is no way to REALLY know who was exposed to me. So everyone has to go to the medcenter. Immediately. Get emergency shots just in case. Then follow up with medical droids for a couple weeks afterwards. BARE MINIMUM.

Why? Because my spit carries organic nanites. They hunt and DESTROY anything they deem "non-native" to the body... as defined by MY species. They ignore obviously alien races but human adjacent ones? They were DESIGNED to destroy augmented humans. "Purge" them of their enhancements. They can't tell they difference. Alien humanoid? Augmented Techganic? Same thing, right?!

Without the neutralizers? The nanites will RIP PEOPLES BODIES APART. And even WITH them? All it does is soft reset them to whatever current race their in. They still cause massive problems and medical trauma as they go about "fixing" any perceived damaged. Like, you know, medical devices. Or shrapnel.

They are meant to break and cannibalize what they can. Fix indiscriminately. If it causes YOU unimaginable agony? So be it. At least you will be "whole". Die Technoganic. Pure. The pain has KILLED people. The nanites? Dumb enough to attack VITAL STSTEMS they deem "wrong". Killing their hosts before they themselves can FIX anything. They were a WEAPON. And... and I infected an innocent man.

I am a monster.

All I can do, is apologize. Again and again and again. Stare in horror, into the eyes of the man who SAVED me, and know that I returned the favor by poisoning him horribly. If there was room? I would grovel. This is... this is unforgivable.

He grimaced past the building headache. Pats my shoulder.

The worst part is... is no one is blaming me.

T-they SHOULD be...

The hand on my shoulder spasms, grip turning crushing as my savior's body violently seizes. His hands shoot to his head, limbs twitching and lashing. Blood trickles from his nose. Eyes shut tight against some terrible pain. They've GIVEN him the shot! It should be countering the nanites! The only reason he should be in this much pain would be if there was something lodged in his brain!

All at once... like a doll with his string cut... he relaxes. Just in time for us to arrive at the Medcenter. They try to usher me away from the gaurds. Push them off towards some "take care of it yourself" corner of nowhere.

I throw a FIT. Loudly.

I am prepared to sit on the floor and scream and cry like a youngling, and it must SHOW, because they hurriedly rush us along. People GET their kriffing bacta. Their technoganic poisoning shots. Yes, I had to harrass the nurses it digging the shots out of storage. NO it couldn't KARKING WAIT!

I learned my saviors name was "Fox". That he's actually stationed in the same building as where I work. The Senate.

Thankfully? "I got BOMBED" is a valid excuse not to show up to work. I was allowed to head home. Fox even escorted me. Showed me where the Gaurds all get their off duty meals. Pretty spicy! But good! I don't really notice how clear headed Fox seems. Surely he always was, right? I can't have CHANGED anything, right?

I don't notice him bracing for headaches that never come. Having thoughts that don't slip away. Seeing the world and for once... REALLY seeing it. Being about to trace all the changes back to one person. The smiling, laughing, soul who NEEDED him so much.

He...he was MADE to be needed. To serve and protect. But does everyone DESERVE his service?

Huh... a strange new thought, that one.

But THIS one... this one might make The List. He really hopes she does. Nodding to a passing vod, his eyes drift back to her. She was warm. Stands as a rare bit of bright in Coruscant's filthy everything. He'd... He'd really like to keep her. Feels too soon, but it's true.

Everyone else have their generals. What do the Gaurds have?

Maybe this? Might be nice.

He hopes she makes the List.

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles on Patreon!

1. The slowest of trailblazers: Better DNA testing means trafficked turtles can go home

““You don't want to just get a turtle and just throw it anywhere,” says Rodrigues, especially because box turtles have a big range, spanning numerous states. So [after they’re confiscated from black market animal traffickers] they wind up stuck in captivity. However, DNA testing has gotten cheap enough and good enough that individual box turtles can finally be traced back to the state where they came from.”

2. New progenitor cell type discovered, may aid in tissue repair and generation

“A team of SAHMRI scientists has discovered a completely new type of cell that […] could be used to boost healing in conditions like diabetes, where the body struggles to repair itself properly. Crucially, these cells don't express typical "self" markers, meaning they could be ideal candidates for stem cell transplantation as they're much less likely to be attacked by the recipient's immune system.”

3. How a Children’s Playground Is Helping With Flood Mitigation

“[This park sits above] a below-ground tank capable of holding hundreds of thousands of gallons of stormwater that city officials say would have otherwise spilled onto the streets or streamed into the basements[….] Others increase resilience with newly planted trees that can absorb carbon dioxide and airborne pollutants; once they mature, those trees also provide shade cover that can reduce the heat island effect of urban areas[….]”

4. Transforming agriculture from carbon source to sink

“The study results indicate that by 2050, these agricultural practices [using cover crops, biochar, and agroforestry] could reduce as much greenhouse gas emissions as planting new forests[….] Carbon sequestration on agricultural land is not only important for climate change mitigation efforts but can also enhance agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change[….]”

5. Rewilding success for long-lost bird population

“Conservation charities have successfully completed the second round of rewilding of a long-lost bird breed in Dover [… after working] over 40 years to restore a suitable grassland for the birds. […] Earlier this year, 108 choughs fledged successfully in Cornwall, according to charity Cornwall Birds.”

6. Over 30 celebrities join auction to put LGBTQ+ books in classrooms

“Pride and Less Prejudice is hosting its fourth annual #BannedTogether virtual auction this weekend with the goal of raising $20,000 to send 1,600 free LGBTQ-inclusive books to elementary schools across the United States.”

7. Advancement of Indian Buffalo Management Act Underscores Bipartisan Support for Tribal-led Buffalo Restoration

“The advancement of [this Act] reaffirms bipartisan support of Tribal sovereignty, self-determination and capacity building for bison restoration on Tribal lands. […] The Indian Buffalo Management Act would secure funding for Tribes and Tribal organizations that have an established buffalo herd and management program, as well as provide resources for Tribes to establish new herds.”

8. Anti-inflammatory drug shows promise in boosting motivation for patients with depression

“Growing evidence suggests one potential cause of low motivation may be persistent inflammation, which suppresses activity within key circuits in the brain. […] Patients who received infliximab demonstrated a greater willingness to exert effort in pursuit of rewards compared to those who received the placebo. […] "By targeting inflammation, we're not only addressing the biological underpinnings of these deficits but also offering new hope for more effective treatment options."”

9. Pig transplant research yields a surprise: Bacon safe for some people allergic to red meat

“Some people who develop a weird and terrifying allergy to red meat after a bite from a lone star tick can still eat pork from a surprising source: Genetically modified pigs created for organ transplant research. […] The company that bred these special pigs shares its small supply, for free, with allergy patients.”

10. Brussels tries out a novel rooftop wind turbine suitable for cities

“Just like solar panels, the Renewind mini wind turbine can be installed on the roof of a building[….] Renewind's invention is designed to make the most of wind acceleration at the edge of the roof, a phenomenon that could produce between 1 and 3 MWh per year.”

September 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[world-of-horrors-au]

"What is with you and dogs?" Eyeless Jack said afterwards, as they stripped off their bloody clothes. "It's like your mind shuts off when you see them."

Jeff shrugged, examining the stains on the dark hoodie - one of EJ's, not his own. He only wore his white ones for special visits now. And they were all in the wash anyway.

"I just like them," Jeff said. "They make me happy."

"But why?" Eyeless Jack said, following Jeff from the front room, clothes in hand. "Is this a human thing? Because demons don't do this shit - right Jack?" He called down the hall towards the looming shadow passing by. The clown flipped him the middle finger from around the corner and kept floating. Sometimes Eyeless forgot his name-brother wasn't also a demon.

"Could be a human thing," Jeff admitted. Someone strung up the laundry lines through the big washroom, letting their clothes dry despite the rain outside. Electricity was too precious for BEN's survival to be used on unimportant things. "Humans have always liked animals, especially cute ones."

"So it's a cute thing." Eyeless Jack narrowed his empty sockets at Jeff, but Jeff just laughed.

"Not that kind of cute. Cute like babies." Not even looking at his mate, Jeff opened the many cabinets and examined their supplies.

"So it's biological." Jack said. "Reproductive."

"And dogs are just cool." Jeff said, opening up a bin to look at the powder within.

"Cool."

"Have you seen a dog?" Jeff said, finally looking towards the other.

"I've been bitten by them plenty of times," Eyeless Jack said dryly.

"They're just..." Jeff thought about it. Set the bin back down on the counter. His smile faded. "Man's best friend. They loved wolves so much, they broke them, right down to their genes."

Eyeless Jack didn't answer, watching as Jeff chewed on his bottom lip.

"Says something about dogs," Jeff said. "That they still love humans. You can do so much shit to a dog, bad shit, and a lot will just take it and take it and take it until they die."

"Because they're loyal?"

"Because they don't know any better."

Jeff picked up one of his clothes from the pile on the floor, his bloody shirt, took down the bottle of blood stain treatment they made, and squirted it on.

"I read stories, when I was a kid," he said, rubbing the liquid in, but not seeing it. "About dogs standing between abusers and their victims. Never biting. Just getting between them. I guess those ones, they knew better. Knew they'd be put down if they bit." He laughed. "Don't you know, how smart dogs are?"

"Too smart," Eyeless Jack said.

"I think they're even more manipulative than cats," Jeff said, "But in ways humans don't understand. Would humanity love them if they didn't work so hard to be lovable?"

Eyeless Jack thought about it, and hissed between his teeth.

"It was a husky." He said. "The one that got between you and that human."

Jeff smiled. "I thought it was Smile, but she was too small. But such a good girl, wasn't she? Such a sweet girl."

His smile drifted away. In silence he put the shirt into the wash bin. Eyeless Jack caught his hand as he reached for another one. Jeff looked up, eyes wide. Jack's chest muffled Jeff's grunt as the taller, bigger demon pulled the post-human into a hug. It took a moment, but Jeff's arms wrapped around the other, and hugged back tight.

Rocking Jeff back and forth, Jack smiled into the dark fluffy hair. And against his body, he felt Jeff's smile too.

"We don't need another dog," a voice protested from the speaker nearby. "We've already got Briar!"

Eyeless Jack planted a kiss on top of Jeff's head. "Shut up BEN."

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this Truthout story:

Local officials, academic researchers, and volunteer responders have raised concerns about chemical and biological contamination brought by the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene in the southeastern U.S. last week, which potentially threaten the safety not only of drinking water but also the quality of soil — leading experts to call for tighter regulations on stored pollutants.

The biological and chemical threats posed by floodwaters are typically manifold, often containing, for example, e. coli from overflowing sewage systems.

While it’s not yet clear what bacteria or chemicals Helene’s floodwaters may have contained, the storm passed through hundreds of industrial sites with toxic pollutants, including paper mills, fertilizer factories, oil and gas storage facilities, and even a retired nuclear plant, according to three researchers at Rice University, writing in The Conversation this week.

The researchers called for tighter regulations on the storage and release of chemical pollutants.

“Hazardous releases remain largely invisible due to limited disclosure requirements and scant public information,” they wrote. “Even emergency responders often don’t know exactly which hazardous chemicals they are facing in emergency situations.”

“We believe this limited public information on rising chemical threats from our changing climate should be front-page news every hurricane season,” they added. “Communities should be aware of the risks of hosting vulnerable industrial infrastructure, particularly as rising global temperatures increase the risk of extreme downpours and powerful hurricanes.”

The devastation of infrastructure and the lack of drinking water in cities such as Asheville, North Carolina, has rightly received national media attention following the storm. In North Carolina alone, more than 700,000 households lost power, and 170,000 still didn’t have it as of Thursday.

Yet the National Weather Service warns that while floodwaters can create clear-cut devastation, “what you can’t see can be just as dangerous.” Helene also brought with it public health concerns that are less obvious, including to other, non-public sources of drinking water.

Helene’s floodwaters overran many wells, rendering them unsafe to drink, at least until treatment and testing can be done. North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services advised residents not to use contaminated well water earlier this week.

One problem following Helene is that most studies of flooding’s impact on drinking water have been done in coastal areas, and it’s not clear how they apply to the mountainous areas of North Carolina that took the worst hit from the storm.

[rupalic]

Growth Strategies Adopted by Major Players in Turf Protection Market

In the dynamic landscape of the turf protection industry, key players like Syngenta Crop Protection AG (Switzerland), UPL Limited (India), Corteva Agriscience (US), Nufarm (US), Bayer AG (Germany), and BASF SE (Germany) are at the forefront of innovation and market expansion. These industry leaders are driving growth through strategic initiatives such as partnerships, acquisitions, and cutting-edge product developments, solidifying their positions as influential forces in shaping the future of the turf protection industry. Their efforts not only enhance their global presence but also set new benchmarks for industry standards and customer expectations. The global turf protection market size is estimated to reach $8.1 billion by 2028, growing at a 4.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The market size was valued $6.4 billion in 2023.

Top Global Turf Protection Leaders to Watch in 2024

· Syngenta Crop Protection AG (Switzerland)

· UPL Limited (India)

· Corteva Agriscience (US)

· Nufarm (US)

· Bayer AG (Germany)

· BASF SE (Germany)

· SDS Biotech K.K. (Japan)

· AMVAC Chemical Corporation (US)

· Bioceres Crop Solutions (Argentina)

· Colin Campbell (Chemicals) Pty Ltd (Australia)

· ICL Group Ltd. (US)

Investments and Innovations: Key Strategies of Top Turf Protection Companies

🌱 Syngenta Crop Protection AG: Leading the Way in Integrated Pest Management

Syngenta Crop Protection AG, a global agribusiness based in Switzerland, operates prominently in the crop protection and seeds markets. The company offers a comprehensive range of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and seed treatments, helping growers worldwide enhance agricultural productivity and food quality. With a presence in over 90 countries, Syngenta’s reach is truly global. In October 2020, Syngenta further strengthened its position by acquiring Valagro, a leading biologicals company. Valagro’s strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America complements Syngenta’s existing crop protection chemicals. This acquisition allows Syngenta to offer more integrated pest management strategies that reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, while Valagro’s expertise in plant nutrition promotes healthier turfgrass growth and improved soil health.

Know about the assumptions considered for the study

🌍 UPL Limited: Innovating Turf Management Solutions Globally

UPL Limited, formerly known as United Phosphorus Limited, is a global agrochemical company based in India, providing a wide range of agricultural solutions, including crop protection products, seeds, and post-harvest solutions. UPL is a key player in turf management, offering innovative solutions for golf courses, sports fields, and other turf areas. Their product portfolio includes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and plant growth regulators, all designed to enhance turf quality and health while effectively controlling pests and diseases. Operating in over 130 countries across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, UPL has 28 manufacturing sites worldwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the global turf protection market.

🏆 Bayer AG: Streamlining for a Focused Future in Turf Protection

Bayer AG, a multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company headquartered in Leverkusen, Germany, operates across three business segments: Pharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, and Crop Science. The company’s Crop Science division caters to the turf protection market, offering products such as herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. With operations in over 90 countries, including regions like North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific, Bayer maintains a strong global presence. In March 2022, Bayer sold its Environmental Science Professional business, which includes turf protection products, to private equity firm Cinven for USD 2.6 billion. This strategic divestment is part of Bayer’s ongoing efforts to streamline its portfolio and concentrate on core businesses, ensuring a more focused approach to its future operations.

[retroactivebakeries]

great apes can have little a self-medication. as a treatment.

[ecargmura]

The Apothecary Diaries Episode 8 Review - Early Morning Poison Case

Even when Maomao returns home, she has to treat poisoned patients. Being an apothecary is a lot of work. While she doesn’t solve the case, she does try to figure out what the cause is due to her innate curiosity. The poison case also shows how the pleasure district is like underneath the glam.

I find it interesting how Maomao does cure patients, but she cannot track down the culprit or take action on someone in some scenarios. Like with Lihua’s case, she slapped the lady-in-waiting for doing something stupid like using the banned poisoned makeup powder, but she cannot solve cases like sleepwalking or track down the color-changing fire culprit. Those cases are far beyond her capabilities and status, which makes sense and it’s nice on the writer’s part to not make Maomao solve everything. Like in this case, Maomao treats the poisoned patients, but she cannot confront the culprit because she got hush money from the brothel’s madam and got treated to some fancy snacks usually reserved for customers. Maomao’s job is to treat poison, not solve mysteries.

It does show how dirty the pleasure district can be underneath all of the glam. Problematic customers take courtesans for granted and if they have money, everything can be resolved. Even if the problematic guy was rich, handsome and had women falling for him left and right, killing him means that it’d be a huge problem for the brothel itself due to the power imbalance his family has compared to a place for entertainment.

However, I also like how Maomao does have a bad habit of overthinking. Even if she cannot be too involved in poisoning cases other than doing the treatment process, she still has time to think about what has transpired and what sort of items were used in these situations. Luomen, her father, tells her to not make assumptions, but she still does. It’s a flaw she has, but it’s a good one for someone like her. She figures out that the little girl who sought for the apothecary knew the poisoning wasn’t too life-threatening so she went to the apothecary and not a doctor; she also notices how the little girl got Luomen to come to their brothel, but was considerate enough to walk at his pace as he is crippled. She also figures out that the person who caused the situation was the courtesan who was also poisoned, but not as severely as the male customer. Maomao makes a really good detective in addition to being an apothecary.

Speaking of Luomen, I do like the relationship he has with Maomao. Despite being father and daughter, they are also teacher and student. He goes over the case with her and asks her about certain plants like tobacco leaves and what it can do as a poison and how it can affect someone. Maomao realizes that while tobacco leaves were found in the room, none of them were regurgitated. While she is talented, she still makes slip ups every now and then, and takes her mistakes to heart and makes sure to not make the same one twice in the future. This scene shows that Maomao does take her job seriously and she loves learning above all else.

I have this feeling that Maomao and Luomen aren’t truly father and daughter. I had that feeling last episode but that theory protrudes more this episode. Why I think that is because once Meimei mentioned her going to the Verdigris House’s annex, there’s a scene of her in the corner of the room with a bed-ridden woman. She doesn’t mention this person to Luomen, meaning that Luomen and Maomao aren’t related by blood, most likely. If they were biologically family, she would’ve mentioned that woman’s condition if that was his wife. Given that she said nothing, the bed-ridden woman isn’t his wife; this means that Luomen isn’t married and that Maomao is his adopted daughter. I hope my theory is correct. I do wonder who that bed-ridden woman could be; given how somber the scene is and how serious her eyes looked, I have a feeling that might be Maomao’s mother. If so, I’m surprised that she has a mom and that she’s still alive.

Maomao’s return to the Jade Pavilion was hilarious. Jinshi shows off his jealous side and when he asks about her homecoming and about Lihaku, the context behind Maomao’s words flies over Jinshi’s head. While it’s true that Lihaku did take her out and that she gave him a night of pleasant dreams, it wasn’t sexual on her part, but Jinshi takes it as if they had sex and makes the most hilarious face he has produced by far. Surprised Jinshi face could give Pikachu’s a run for his money. The way Gyokuyou was being a tease and laughing through all of this was hilarious. The reactions from Hongniang and Gaoshun were hilarious to with the former being fed up and the latter tired.

This was a good episode! I did like that the homecoming wasn’t just one episode and that it was a two-parter of sorts. Since she did get two more hairpins, maybe there will be another chance for her to go out again and take Jinshi with her next time so that he’d stop being petulant. Now that Maomao has returned to the rear palace, what sort of cases will she solve now? What are your thoughts on this episode?

[transmutationisms]

Epigenetics anon, just to say you answered it 👍 by "alternatives" I meant in explanatory power, but it seems we agree both that it's the best for "how organisms work" broadly, & that recognizing it doesn't suddenly mean we can better target genetic "improvements" (ie, increase an organism's profitability). But now I'm curious about the Yellow Wallpaper critique? High school taught it was an epic clap-back against hysteria diagnoses and views of (upper-class) women as fragile.

gotcha. but yes this is a great post from najia gothhabiba about the yellow wallpaper:

it's important i would say for anyone to learn to recognise these ideas and contextualise them as eugenic, but esp if your work bumps up against ideas of heredity, epigenetics, biological improvement, &c. the idea of changing an organism thru action on its environment, for example, has a history; there's clear transposition from animal and plant breeding in the 18th century to schemes for social control and improvement in the 19th and onward. this sort of discursive & cross-disciplinary slippage absolutely still occurs today; it is never politically neutral when we start hearing about ways to improve organisms, whether thru crispr-style genetic engineering, or cross-breeding, or efforts to control bodies thru environmental meddling (u can see this latter in, for example, theories of the 'obesogenic environment' in public health/nutrition sci).

& i also have to say here: yea, this story IS a response to the hysteria dx and the idea of white female 'fragility'; it IS ALSO a eugenic argument. those two things are not in contradiction; again there is a massive history here of feminist (& socialist!) eugenic projects. feminist discourses are not only capable of engaging with eugenic and racist logic, some have historically and presently grounded their arguments on these very points. in fact part of the argument of gilman's feminism was always an appeal to white men that it would be in their interest to improve their own racial stock and position in the social hierarchy by attending to white women's biological betterment, such as by turning against things like locking their wealthy wives up in the attic. the demonstration of the 'barbarity' of such treatment is an appeal to the fear of degenerating the race thru mistreatment of wealthy, otherwise respectable / capable women. the story is both feminist and eugenicist; the two don't contradict. this is a really good example of how 'white feminism' is not just a feminism that 'lacks' attention to race and racism; rather, it is feminism that makes its appeal for women's liberation explicitly on racist & racialising grounds, & at the direct expense of racialised people.

[tendingtotheherbs]

One of my favorites that I call my forest herb.

Chimaphila maculata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate.

Other names are Spotted Wintergreen and Pipsissewa.

Native to Eastern N. America - Illinois to Michigan and Ontario, south to Texas and Georgia.

The plant is analgesic, antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic. The plant has an antiseptic influence on the urinary system and is sometimes used in the treatment of cystitis. An infusion of the plant has been drunk in the treatment of rheumatism and colds. A poultice of the root has been used to treat pain whilst the plant has also been used as a wash on ulcers, scrofula and cancers. All parts of the plant can be used, though only the leaves are officinal. The plant is loaded with the biologically active compounds arbutin, sitosterol and ursolic acid.

[beikonsims]

Violet ended up watching a TV program about the miracle fertility treatment developed in Strangetown. It made him really want his own child and even though he knew he could easily just sprout a new Plant Baby whenever he wanted, he remembered how long it took for Herb to accept him as his son.

He brought the idea of having a real baby to Gordon, who was completely confused about it. He had no idea about the "miracle treatment" and couldn't imagine how either of them could carry a child from a biological point of view. It did make him curious, though.

Just to make sure he doesn't run away and change his mind, Violet dropped the bomb and proposed. They've been living together for some time and he didn't want to waste time pondering on possible future, when he knew he wants Gordon on his side.

[tarragonblack1235813213455]

THE TREE OF NATURAL SCIENCE

LIFE SCIENCE -> Any science concerned with the study of living organisms

THE BRANCHES OF LIFE SCIENCE:

BIOLOGY

This branch of life science will study living organisms, and it will be divided into many specialized branches that cover their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution.

THE BRANCHES OF BIOLOGY:

CONSERVATION

This branch of biology will study environmental conservation and biodiversity on Earth.

■Wildlife Management is a branch of conservation that will specialize in the concern for the management process influencing the interaction between wildlife, its habitat, and people in order to achieve the pre-defined impact.

ECOLOGY

This branch of biology will study how organisms interact with the environment around them.

■Autecology is a branch of ecology that will specialize in studying a specific organism of a species.

■Synecology is a branch of ecology that will specialize in studying an ecosystem.

EVOLUTION

This branch of biology will study any evolutionary process with its regard to diversification and adaptation over many years.

GENETICS

This branch of biology will study genes, genetic variation, and heredity.

MARINE BIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study marine organisms.

■Ichthyology is a branch of marine biology that will specialize in studying fish.

MEDICINE

This branch of biology will study managing the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention, treatment, palliation of an injury or disease, and promoting the health of a patient through such mentioned practice.

■Psychiatry is a branch of medicine that will devote itself to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of deleterious mental conditions.

□Addiction psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will focus on the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of people who have one or more disorders related to addiction.

□Forsenic psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will be applied in a legal context involving any civil, criminal, correctional, regulatory, or legislative issues.

□Neuropsychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will examine both organic and psychological aspects as a cause for illness.

□Occupational psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will use the extension of psychiatric knowledge and skill to the day-to-day functioning of individuals in the workplace and their organizations, with the goal of helping both function better.

□Geriatric psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will center itself on prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in the elderly.

□Child psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will be concerned with the study and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders of childhood.

□Adolescent psychiatry is a branch of psychiatry that will be interested in the diagnosis and the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling, and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families.

MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study the chemical structure and any biological process of a molecule.

PHYSIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study how the human body functions.

BOTANY

This branch of biology will study plants.

■Mycology is a branch of botany that will focus on the study of fungi, including their taxonomy, genetics, physiology, and any ecological role.

ZOOLOGY

This branch of biology will study the entire animal kingdom.

■Anthrozoology is a branch of zoology that will study the interaction between any human and another animal.

■Arachnology is a branch of zoology that will handle the study of spiders and any related species known as arachnids.

■Cetology is a branch of zoology that will be interested in the study of marine mammals.

■Entomology is a branch of zoology that will focus on the study of insects.

1. COLEOPTEROLOGY is the sub-branch of entomology that will concern itself with the study of the beetle.

2. DIPTEROLOGY is the sub-branch of entomology that will study all types of flies.

3. ISOPTEROLOGY is the sub-branch of entomology concerned with the study of the termite.

MICROBIOLOGY

This branch of biology will study any microorganism.

CHEMISTRY ->

The study of the identification of the substances that which matter is comprised; the investigation of their properties and the methods in which they interact, combine, and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances.

THE BRANCHES OF CHEMISTRY:

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that's concerned with the study of an organic substance and compound.

INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will examine the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds, which would include any metal, mineral, and organometallic compound.

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry concentrated on the application of technique and theory of physics to the study of the chemical system.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry interested in obtaining, processing, and communicating information about the composition and structure of matter.

STEREOCHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry illustrating the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms and molecules and its effect on the chemical reaction.

BIOCHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will evaluate the chemical and physicochemical processes and substances that occur within the living organism.

GEOCHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will study the chemical composition of the earth and its rocks and minerals.

FORENSIC CHEMISTRY

The branch of chemistry that will use the application of chemistry to help law enforcement catch their criminal.

PHYSICS ->

The study of the structure of matter and how the fundamental constituents of the universe interact.

THE BRANCHES OF PHYSICS:

OPTICS

The branch of physics that will study the sense of sight and the behavior of light, or the properties of transmission and deflection of other forms of radiation.

ELECTROMAGNETISM

The branch of physics that will investigate the interaction of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields.

RELATIVITY

The branch of physics that will examine special relativity and general relativity. For example, special relativity will apply to all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity, but general relativity will explain the law of gravitation and its relation to any force of nature.

THERMODYNAMICS

The branch of physics that will illustrate the energy and work of a system.

ACOUSTICS

The branch of physics that will vocalize the study of sound for us to hear it.

QUANTUM PHYSICS

The branch of physics that will focus on the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level.

MECHANICS

The branch of physics that will examine the relationship between force, matter, and motion among a physical object. To define this, this force, when applied to an object, will result in the displacement or change of an object's position relative to its environment.

EARTH SCIENCE ->

See previous post regarding this topic.