How to initiate a distance education course? Once you’ve decided it would be a good idea to improve your knowledge or qualifications in a particular area, that’s the question facing you if you’ve never pursued one before. Here are nine things to consider:

1. Have a really good think about what you want to achieve. It may sound obvious, but there might be a temptation to pick a course you don’t really need. If, for example, you just want to visit Shanghai because you saw the skyline in Mission Impossible 3, you might decide you need lessons in Chinese. But do you need Mandarin or Cantonese? Do you want to know a set of traveler’s phrases (enough to ask directions, order meals and go shopping) or do you want something a little deeper? The answers will determine what courses you should look at.

2. Find the program you need to follow. Where to look for your distance education course? Online is an obvious contender. Magazines devoted to the subject you’re interested in are another. Such courses will appear in the classified advertisement section, or, if they’re really popular, somewhere among the editorial. They’ll usually be smallish box ads (though not necessarily: Linguaphone have been known to take out much larger display adverts)

3. Ask yourself if accredited distance learning programs are what you should be considering. Accreditation may be important, depending on what you’re setting out to achieve.

4. Consider how you’ll plan and manage an e-learning program or correspondence course. You will be making a commitment of time and money, and on top of that, you’ll be putting in some work. If you’re following an e-learning program, will you have access to a computer when you need it? These things will need some thought on your part.

5. Arrange the money. You may have to arrange a loan via your bank, or, if the course is a long and expensive one (and depending on your status), a student loan.

6. Arrange the time. YOu can’t just decide you’ll lock yourself away for two hours a week and study: if other people share your life, they’ll probably want to impinge on your time. Family members in your immediate household will need warning.

7. Approach your boss if the course is work-related. If you’re studying to improve your work prospects, let your boss know and ask if there’s any chance of help with the costs, some free time at work to study (a couple of hours a week, say), or perhaps a little leeway in your attendance if you need to be elsewhere for exams and the like (you’ll make the time up later, obviously)

8. Take the plunge! Sign up for that course!

9. Have some counter-measure in place for when enthusiasm dips. No article on how to initiate a distance learning course would be complete without mentioning that after about four weeks of hard work, you’ll experience the occasional dip in enthusiasm. It’s important to have some means of to keeping motivated. A good trick is to write out your goals (see point 1 above). Next to each goal, write why it’s important to achieve it. Then, when you feel enthusiasm flagging, get out your list and remind yourself why you’re doing this.

And there you have it: nine tips to get you off to a flying start in your distance-learning program. Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

Emission of Energetic Jets from Subtle Bioplasma Bodies

The absorption of charged energetic particles by plasma vortexes (or chakras) within the subtle bioplasma body has been discussed in the author’s article Bioplasma Bodies: Formation of Plasma Vortexes and Nodes along the Spine (Absorptive State). These vortex or chakra systems have also been known to emit beams or jets of particles and electromagnetic waves.

Scientific researchers at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, using sophisticated scientific equipment, have shown that subtle energy has the properties of an electromagnetic current when flowing through acupuncture meridians but takes on the properties of coherent particle streams, similar to laser light, when projected out from the body through the hands of master Qigong healers who cure diseases by beaming their energy into the patient’s body. There are important vortexes (chakras or acupoints) on the palms of the hands. Jets or directed beams of light have been seen in photographs taken during events where subtle energetic practices take place (for example: Reiki, Qigong and Christian “Praise and Worship”). There are also Hindu, Taoist, Buddhist and Christian images showing jets of light issuing-out from the palms of saints or deities. One of the seers of the Fatima apparitions of “Mary” in 1919, “Lucia”, revealed that during one of the apparitions, “Mary” opened her hands and “rays of light” issued from them.

Jets may also be issued from other chakras or acupoints – for example from the heart chakra. For example, when “Jesus” appeared to Saint Faustina in 1931, two beams of light issued from the area where the heart is located – one beam was blue and the other was red. Interestingly, some jet formations in cosmic objects such as galaxies also show two beams of light – one blue and the other red!

Emission of Energetic Jets in Space

From the surface of the sun to the violent cores of quasars, many astrophysical objects shoot plasma in sharply defined streams, guided by magnetic fields. We know that active galactic nuclei in space emit energetic jets. As far back as 1918, astronomer H D Curtis noticed a jet from the centre of the galaxy M87, describing it as a “curious straight ray” emanating from the galaxy. Taking the form of a huge flashlight beam in space, a jet of electrons and protons traveling at near the speed of light can be seen in NASA’s image of the galaxy. The jet is a highly collimated plasma beam (i.e. like coherent laser light). Energetic astrophysical jets, with velocities approaching the speed of light, are seen on a variety of scales emerging from active galactic nuclei and young stars. These cosmic jets are remarkably similar in appearance to jets issued out of bioplasma bodies as seen in religious images. Are the physics of both similar?

Acceleration of Plasma and Plasma Thrusters

The acceleration of charged particles to very high energies is of interest in the study of both cosmic rays and of hot plasma. Basically, such acceleration requires an electric field. It is known that if charged particles are subjected to an electric field which is perpendicular to a magnetic field, they will be subjected to a force or thrust perpendicular to both fields. This force is called the “Lorentz force”. The streamwise momentum acquired by the charged particles is transmitted to the other particles through collisions to obtain a continuous acceleration of particles.

The Plasma Focus Device and Plasma Gun

The coaxial plasma accelerator is a simple device that utilizes the Lorentz force to accelerate plasma to very high velocities. The “plasma focus device” is one type of coaxial plasma accelerator where the plasma is accelerated between two cylindrical coaxial electrodes. The inner and outer electrodes are electrically insulated and the space between the electrodes is filled with plasma. A bank of electrical capacitors is used to provide a sudden burst of power to the system.

Once the plasma leaves the electrodes it is transformed into a characteristic structure that resembles the shape of an open umbrella within which the electric current propagates. This current generates a magnetic field, which compresses the plasma into a very dense, lineal formation, called a plasma focus. The dense plasma focus rapidly “pinches”, undergoes instabilities and breaks up – becoming a multi-radiation source for intense electromagnetic waves and particle bursts.

The plasma focus device therefore produces, by electromagnetic acceleration and compression, a short-lived magnetically-confined, hot spot or plasmoid (i.e. the plasma focus) that is so hot and dense that it becomes a copious multi-radiation source. These plasmoids emit intense beams of accelerated ions and electrons. The plasma focus device is similar to the plasma gun which is a magnetically driven shock tube that ejects plasma in the form of a plasmoid, without pinching it. The plasma gun is the real-life equivalent of the “ray gun” often seen in science fiction movies.

The Chakra System acting as a Plasma Focus Device

It appears that active energetic chakras can operate as plasma focus devices.

It was noted in the author’s article (cited above) that the vortexes on the surface of the bioplasma body are connected to nodes along the central vertical channels by flux tubes. Like the central vertical channels, these flux tubes have the geometry of coaxial cables with helical currents twining around (straight) axial currents. Each coaxial flux tube consists of a helical current which represents the anode (or cathode) twined around the cathode (or anode) and is immersed in the plasma within the bioplasma body.

There will be two coaxial or pairs of helical-axial currents in a bioplasma body where the kundalini current is also activated, together with the pranic current. This means that there will be two areas in the chakra where collimated beams of light can be issued by individuals who have developed their kundalini channels. A close look at the image of “Jesus” in the Saint Faustina’s apparition shows two beams of light issuing out of the usual location of the heart chakra.

The plasma focus device is powered by banks of capacitors. In electrical circuits, capacitors store electrical energy which can be discharged or released in an instant. It has already been discussed and noted in the author’s article Spontaneous Human Combustion and Electrical Discharges in the Subtle Body that bioplasma bodies contain capacitors within them.

Plasma focus devices are therefore already embedded in bioplasma bodies, with the sites of chakras acting as delivery systems of intense collimated beams of energetic particles that are seen in many religious depictions of deities. The similarities in the image when we look down the barrel of the dense plasma focus device and the image of the throat chakra as depicted by Leadbeater are obvious.

Conclusion

Active galactic nuclei and highly energetic active chakras in an emissive state operate in a similar way to the dense “plasma focus device” that allows them to issue-out collimated beams of energetic particles.

Copyright © Jay Alfred 2007

Chinese cooking recipes for the American homes are just an adjusted recipe of the original Chinese recipes. They taste good and marvelous. The original recipes are favorites for many across the world as they taste delicious. For example, let's consider the process of making Chinese recipes. They are seasoned with a combo of sugar and chilies to produce a dish with a real flavor. The addition of few more nice spices and the cooking of the recipe over the flame are the specific characteristics of the Chinese cooking recipe and this has brought fame to it thought America. It is very easy to prepare the recipes and they are generally made in pieces as per the Chinese manner of food preparation.

There are various elements or ingredients in the list of the Chinese manner of food preparation. Chinese soups, noodles and rice are the most popular among them. One can easily point out the Singapore Noodles as the most popular of the Chinese cooking recipe when it comes to talking of the famous recipes across the world. It is prepared by roasting shrimps or pork with noodles. Bean sprouts, noodles, steamed rice, garlic, shredded Napa cage and soy sauce are the important contents of the recipes and they can added with ingredients of their choice. The vegetables and the ingredients are cooked in the flame and the noodles are fried deeply in oil. Then they are both mixed in the end. Chinese food lovers throughout America prefer the Szechwan and Shanghai type of noodles.

A Chinese green fried with shrimps is the other popular recipe that is made by the combination of Chinese mushrooms and greens with marinated shrimps. The preparation of the recipe details the deep frying of the fish along with the vegetables to get the particular flavor. When they are served with rice it can be considered as full meals for two persons. The Manchurian recipe is the other well known of the Chinese cooking recipe. A mixture of chicken, noodles and vegetables constituent the Manchurian. Extra care should be taken in adding the correct quantity of vegetable, sauces, spring onions, and spices for the preparation of the Manchurian. The vegetables and the chicken are well mixed and made rolled into small balls which are then fried deeply in oil to get a crunchy product. The fried balls are provided with gravy to get the exact flavor. Spring comments are decorated alongside to make it colorful.

Making of the dish and adding spices alone does not sum up the Chinese cooking recipe. In truth these recipes are nutritional and healthy too. The recipes involve the cooking of both the vegetarian and the non vegetarian items. These recipes have attracted a lot of food lovers because of the addition of various kinds of spices. These recipes are listed in almost all restaurants. The Chinese culture is very well propagated to the foreigner as well.

It maybe possible to apply a rogue wave theory and some mathematical formulas of fluid dynamics to the problem of superplumes (theory) of volcanic activity to get them to erupt outside areas of high populations. This would be done by triggering events into the liquid magma underneath the surface. Would it be worth setting off four or five 50 Megaton nuclear detonations, if we knew we could save a Tokyo, Shanghai, Seattle or Mexico City? Well know you see the validity of the debate.

About Rogue Waves:

http://www.math.uio.no/~karstent/waves/index_en.html

It maybe possible to spike four or five points at the top of a volcanic super plume some 250 miles apart along the points of an artificially drawn square or pentagon, then set off a disruption underground, forcing the center to erupt. This could be done by finding an old volcanic vent, which is away from populations, and then causing the eruption there. Making sure the trade winds or localized winds aloft were in fact drifting away from areas of dense populations. One could use the example of a teenager popping a zit. As the pressure builds up under the earth and threatens to take out a large populated area such as a Mt. Renier exploding near Seattle or causing lava flows into Tacoma and then the ocean, we might be able to choose our preferred spot and save the population from tragic loss of life, limb and property.

We know from prior years and volcanic events from tree trunks and various means of paleoclimatelogy that such events did reshape the landscape to a large degree and were major disruptions to the ecosystem in those periods. Today mankind belongs to that ecosystem and we have a lot at stake. If we look at a Mexico City, Manila, Hawaii, Tokyo, Seattle, we see huge populations very near very active volcanoes, which are at severe risk. We also see in areas of known volcanic activity that there are more than one volcano, often somewhat active at similar times, perhaps due to high water flows, seismic events, plate tectonics, Earth’s normal cycles of wobbling, electromagnetic energy, etc. When such conditions are right we notice activity and as we study these things we get better at predicting what will happen.

Now that we are nearly to the point of prediction, perhaps intervention is possible, which allows the earth to do it’s thing without overly impacting our needs as dwellers of the surface of the planet. One possibility is to cause an eruption under the ocean, which will certainly cause gas plumes to emerge and cause heating of the water and even perhaps causing increased surface temperatures of El Nino effects, which are something we know we can deal with. Covering all of Seattle with 10-18 inches of soot, maybe good for the car washing industry but it will also fowl the water supplies, cause serious disease to our species, destroy hundreds of square miles of civilization and render much of an area unable to support populations for years to come. This of course is a severe volcanic eruption, which can happen on a not so close timeline interval. We have super computers to track super plumes and a research branch already set up to do it; The USGS.

If we go back and study the most devastating volcanoes of all time we may find that many small seismic events triggered rogue waves within the earth causing a superplume which may have slowly dwindled back down to size on it’s own, to erupt with such violent forces that it reshaped continents or caused large permanent changes in one of the Continental Shelves. It appears that there have been many such events which have virtually changed the entire globe and there may even be a cycle of 700,000 years, the last one occurring 74,000 years the prior. So we are not expecting such a big event however many smaller events do occur from time to time. We see major volcanoes every 5-10 years and have written records of huge events on Earth every 500-1000 years. Some recent Volcanoes in our Hemisphere near Mexico City, have warned us we are not invincible on the surface of Earth. Mexico city and the Southwestern Mountainous terrain of Mexico is in a region of the world which has had much climactic unrest in the past 40,000 years which is quite evident from the signs of the topography.

With the population of Mexico City pushing some 20 plus million people and watching the city closely and taking serious all seismic and volcanic activities, how can we protect such large populations from catastrophic Earth Events? Is the rogue wave fluid dynamic effect a way to do this? By sending disruptions on the perimeter of where we wish an eruption to occur we maybe able to force the rising liquid and pressure to let off it’s energy away from populous regions. Imagine a Jacuzzi where there are four or five jets, which are pushing water into the round pool, connect those jets by a line and you have the shapes perimeter, now figure out the center. Now watch the huge waves created there in the center of the Jacuzzi. By sending one, two, three pulses simultaneously at each jet you can increase the pressure in the center an cause an eruption. If you pick a volcanic vent of known eruption or weak point you can send the magma skyward and alleviate the pressure in those volcanoes near population bases. This is possible with our current technology, through large discharges of explosives, pulsating radio waves or nuclear discharges under the earth.

The Super Plumes when they erupt can cause huge warming of the water, changing global climates if under water, or can discharge huge clouds of CO2, which could cover entire continents for years. The Department of Applied Science at New York University has done a study on the Carbon Dioxide release which would come with a Super Plume associated with a mid-Cretaceous size event. There is some evidence of this occurring previously. This would have caused global warming. They have developed a carbonate-silicate cycle model to try to quantify the possible climatic effects of such insanely huge CO2 gas releases. They say;

“utilizing four different formulations for the rate of silicate-rock weathering as a function of atmospheric CO2. We find that CO2 emissions resulting from super-plume tectonics could have produced atmospheric CO2 levels from 3.7 to 14.7 times the modern pre-industrial value of 285 ppm. Based on the temperature sensitivity to CO2 increases used in the weathering-rate formulations, this would cause a global warming of from 2.8 to 7.7 degrees C over today’s global mean temperature. Altered continental positions and higher sea level may have been contributed about 4.8 degrees C to mid-Cretaceous warming. Thus, the combined effects of paleogeographic changes and super-plume related CO2 emissions could be in the range of 7.6 to 12.5 degrees C, within the 6 to 14 degrees C range previously estimated for mid-Cretaceous warming. CO2 releases from oceanic plateaus alone are unlikely to have been directly responsible for more than 20% of the mid-Cretaceous increase in atmospheric CO2.”

Super plume CO2 releases are only one problem associated with such events the devastation to those regions where eruptions occur are in immediate danger of annihilation, from poisonous clouds, Earthquakes, lava flows, etc. If those areas are within high-density populations the issues for loss of life and property make this last Florida’s Hurricane Season look like a pussycat. Perhaps we ought to open our minds and imagination and see what we can do to control our environment and provide protection to Earth’s populations.

There are many hotels in this world that pride themselves on their beautiful architecture. The Dolder Grand in Switzerland, The Langham Chicago, Hotel ME London, and the Hongta Hotel in Shanghai, China are all examples of stellar design that simply takes your breath away. But there's yet another reason that makes all these establishments unique – they've managed to do something that was thought to be impossible before – balance form with function and marri operational efficiency with eye-catching design, without compromising on class or style in any way .

But what exactly is operational efficiency?

Operational efficiency comes in several forms, and is not limited to intelligent design that streamline staff and service movement. It also has a lot to do with internal energy efficiency, waste management, use of smart equipment and efficient layouts, design that avoids clash of guest and services movements and using the right materials that provide massive returns on your hard-earned investment.

Let's take a look at a few aspects of designing an operationally efficient hotel.

The Future is Now

If you simply prioritize small term gains in terms of cheap, more expendable materials, you're in for a hard time. You may have significantly less investment, but this will eventually be a maintenance nightmare. This approach neglects the long-term health of the building, and you'll spend way more than you would have initially.

Hard-surface elements are highly favorable. For example, consider using a wood-grain vinyl flooring as compared to carpeting. Not only is it more efficient, durable, and easy to maintain, it also has a classier feel to it. Carpets tend to get dirty faster, require more cleaning, generates a high equipment cost and occupations more manpower.

Another great way to save up on space is preferred showers as compared to tubs in the bathroom space – this results in no vacuuming, and smaller space to clean.

Over that, hard-surface elements can always be renovated with the help of textiles, that add color and vibrancy depending on your design choices. This type of renovation is also easier out on the pocket.

Minimizing case goods (furniture made of hard materials) is also prudent. When you are deciding to change-up the soft-goods, this option makes it cheaper and results in less downtime.

Lighting and HVAC upgrades

Traditional light fixtures may give you an ornate look, but they require more maintenance since they typically have glass coverings that are prone to debris, dirt, and insect collection. Also, the energy consumption is higher and waste disposal is a nightmare due to hazardous materials found in these lights.

LEDs nowdays have incredibly versatile designs, and save costs when it comes to construction and operations. They also average just 20 per cent of the electricity costs associated with traditional lighting. While we understand that the effects of incandescent lighting are hard to achieve with LED, some areas like the signage, guest rooms, lobbies and conference spaces can be optimized to use energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Occupancy sensors are also great, since they save you a lot of money by turning off the ventilation and lights when nobody is in the vicinity. Since lighting is required 24/7 due to security and other measures, minimizing costs when needed is necessary. Night-light alternatives are great, particularly for backup.

HVAC needs constant monitoring, and you need to remove rigid points for supplying air and water at the desired temperatures. Switching to an IoT-based, centrally managed system that is responsive and dynamic may be expensive to begin with, but it will result in tremendous savings. IoT also allows you to monitor units for maintenance and upkeep, which if neglected, can bring in a slew of other costs.

Other recommendations in this area include:

• Equipping vending machine lights with sensors
• Retrofitting backroom lighting with low-watt alternatives
• Reducing marquee lighting

Versatile Spaces

Use hotel spaces in a dynamic manner so that you do not have to construct additional structures, or decommission existing ones.

For example, communal tables can work as bars during the night and can serve breakfast during the day. Hilton's 'Tru' in Virginia has used all its spaces for multi-functionality. They have a huge lobby called 'The Hive', which they divide into four zones:

1. The work zone with desk space, and cubes for focus
2. The lounge area, for communal activity
3. A play zone, for indoor games
4. An eating zone which is circular, so it also doubles up as a front desk with space for light meals and snacks.

Keeping such considerations in mind, aesthetic, yet functional, design can easily be implemented.

The Tech Edge

Keeping guest preferences in mind can be hard. What is even harder is keeping abreast of all the changes in preferences, and wrapping your head around technological upgrades.

While rooms themselves have a lifespan of years, tech can get obsolese within a short span of time – sometimes months, if not years. This is a problem many are trying to work around, and the only tangible solution is to indulge in agile architecture that can easily accommodate these changes.

In addition, using analytics and big data will help you get a better understanding of your consumer base, which, in turn, will not give you rude shocks when it comes to implementing a design or new fixtures.

Individualism

New travelers are mostly millennial. Companies like AirBnB are witnessing a stellar rise in their business because of how personalized their listings are, and the kind of hyper-local experiences that they've been curating.

Branded hotels face a challenge in this regard, and retrofitting design to reflect this is highly recommended. When using materials, for example, pick locally sourced materials that foster local ties with craftsmen and other providers. Having a strong network helps amplify your atmosphere to reflect that local element.

Do not limit your hotel experience to the space you possess. Yet other tie-ups with experiences that are regional will help you personalize further. From every branded property you have, a different experience should ensue to eliminate the monolithic feeling.

The element of 'geographic' design is also essential. Your design should exhibit variance. In cold weather, walls that insulate better can result in immense savings in the form of energy consumption required to heat the property up. The same goes for disaster liberty areas that need adaptive structures.

This also comes into its own when differentiation is put into the picture. Design elements need to act as differentiators, echoing a versatile brand identity. Design for different segments of your guests, and act according to them, otherwise it may look absurd. For businessmen and corporates, the vibe of the room needs to be more streamlined and centered on minimal occupancy. For families, accommodations need to be more child-friendly. For travelers seeking a truly unique experience, research the latest functional quirks in design.

Do note that the segments also bleed into one another, so being on top of your game will be essential.

When it comes right down to it, operational efficiency is not difficult to achieve. You need to act with foresight and keep the bigger picture in mind. It is not enough to fulfill only your short-term goals and take measures that are not cost-effective in the long run. Sustainable existence has to become a priority for hotels and they have to factor it into their game plan from day one. Once operational efficiency is driving all your decisions, you are unintentionally to be lead astray.

The popularity of Online MBA is soaring but some are diploma mills, making recruiters wary of virtual degrees. This article will outlines some tips for picking up a good program. Many businessmen, entrepreneurs and those who work for international businesses today are on the frequent moves; they may attend a meeting in Tokyo, Japan yesterday, meet up their customer at Shanghai, China today and need to host an important conference tomorrow at Chicago, USA. While maintaining a hectic travel schedule but wishing to advance their careers with an MBA, but they are tough to attend on-campus courses; since, getting the degree online can be the only option.

"RIPE" for Fake Online Degree Courses Many online MBA programs are designed to suite for busy people to get the advanced education without the need to put aside their careers for a year of two and attend the campus-based MBA. But, as in many growing fields, cautions abound. Concerns about fake Online MBA or "diploma mills" without proper accreditation are growing. With so many online MBA programs popping up, it is estimated that nearly a million people fall for fake programs every year. What are the criteria for choosing an online MBA? The criteria for choosing an online program differ from that of the more traditional full-time one. Here are some guidelines for selecting the cyber-course that's right for you:

• Accreditation The mandatory first step in choosing an online MBA is to find out if it's accredited and by which organization. If it's not accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), the oldest and most well-known accreditation organization, then you should look for regional accreditation. This means that the organization examining the program is approved by the US government.

• Interaction It's the high level of interaction between students and faculty that separates a solid program from a poser. Good online programs are the ones that offer virtual classroom with guidance from lecturers. The professors must be available for online discussion and the students could also call them on the phone to discuss coursework. Some online MBAs do offer brief in-class periods where the students need to travel to a school's physical camp for a short period.

• Resources and support It's especially important to have a large online library to conduct research for papers. The best programs will go beyond that and even have an online service to help students with their writing. To find out if such resources exist, call institutions to ask about the faculty's credentials, as well as the students. The qualities of both sets of people will help determine how much you're getting for your money.

• Cost Just how much money you'll pay for an online MBA program can vary widely, it may cost $ 5,000 to $ 10,000 for unaccredited programs to $ 45,000 for Kelley MBA. The best deals are often found at state universities.

In general, wherever you choose to go for that top-tier Online MBA program or your neighborhood institution, seek the right fit. And always check the credentials of the online programs and confirm the accreditation before your register the Online MBA program.

Abstract:

This paper actually came from personal experience with IVF and the hundreds of couples striving to have a child by artificial means in a Chinese hospital in Shanghai. At the same time I was being asked to give a psychologists view of IVF procedures from a tele-health company with a subscription channel to 1,000’s of parents and potential parents. The outline of the content is not about the procedure of IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) but the stress of going through the process from wanting a baby to the actual birth. All the tribulations and disappointments along the way until the eventual success of a pregnancy leading to an eventual birth or not! Also a case for psychological care of IVF patients.

Introduction:

IVF treatment along with other artificial ways of getting pregnant are becoming more and more common for couples who cannot wait for nature to takes its course through normal reproductive sexuality. The Stressors come from many areas to the couple who wish to make this their chosen route to a family. In most Western countries IVF is offered to childless couples and older couples who have tried for some time to get pregnant normally. However in many other countries it is a way to ensure the birth of a boy (cultural assertiveness) effectively by sexing the fertalized eggs for gender (even though illegal in most countries). In China young couples who feel under family pressure to have a child (potential grandparents not willing to wait), choose IVF as a fast track method to pregnancy and fulfilling their traditional roles. The one child policy to control over-population was relaxed in 2017 and now there is a two child policy in force. Most couples who have one child already did not want a second as the expense of bring up a child in China is enormous. However especially where the one child was a girl, the family pushed the wife to commit to the second child in order to get a boy. The birth if a second girl would be seen a shameful. It is quite amazing to attend a maternity hospital in China and see the huge amount of young couples under 30 years old trying to get a second child. Those there trying for their first are also trying to avoid divorce. Women who cannot produce for the family would certainly be shamed by the family and the mother in law on the boys side would be pushing for a divorce in order to find a more suitable child bearing girl for her son.

Lets look however at where it all starts – not getting pregnant normally through sexual contact. In a lot of cases the blame game begins with who’s fault is it? Men often feel it must be the wife’s fault as they cannot face the embarrassment of knowing they are the ones with a problem – medically or psychologically. So initially it is often the wife (or partner) that goes to the doctor and has all the checks – internal – blood tests – scrapes and more – all leaving a feeling of inadequacy to the woman. If however all is well and no medical or biological reason can be found for her not being pregnant then the next step of course is the male. For men given a little cup and a room with a few suggestive pictures on the wall and asked to ejaculate sperm is not the easiest thing to do. However with a little imagination and sometimes a little help from the wife things move along and the cup has a spoonful of sperm and semen to hand into the hospital laboratory. It is actually discouraging to watch the nurse throw most of it away (they only need a minute specimen) as you had a time producing it. A sense of humour is often the best protection against embarrassment. At this point after the agonizing wait – the results come in the form of a print out that you cannot understand and told to take it to the doctor for analysis. The man quietly hoping that his sperm are strong active swimmers and so he can relax.

All being well with both parties then the procedure starts in earnest with most the females going for many (and I mean many) appointments over a period of months to go through the complex process of preparing her body, womb and eggs for the inevitable fertilization by the males collected sperm. (Often frozen and waiting for the right moment).

Stress Along the Way:

1. Blaming – the initial who’s fault is it. The stress of the unknown cause of the lack of pregnancy – the need to follow complex monthly cycles that still do not seem to produce the desired results. Blaming can happen at many stages of IVF mostly about the female partner’s inability to give the family the desired outcome.

Fear – fear of failing to produce the baby everyone is asking you for! Fear that there is something wrong with you. Fear that you might end in divorce or separation. Just like blaming – fear is a constant throughout the time of IVF treatment. At any point you can be asked to start all over again from the beginning as something has not take properly or a missed moment was not taken.

2. Disappointment – despite several tries the pregnancy is not happening – the cost and economics of chasing a baby has become no longer affordable. The risk of stopping – and trying again later – the cultural outcome of being a failed woman and poor wife.

3. Failure – as above the moment when the doctor tells you that is never going to happen and that you should think of alternatives such as adoption or being childless. For many this is the ultimate failure and again can lead to the blaming game and the end of the marriage. This can also effect the persons self esteem in that I am not normal – I am a failure as a woman or man. It may also mean after a divorce for non-fertilization that your chances of re-marriage are practically nil.

4. Success – you would think a successful implantation would be the dream come true but you are in the same position as any pregnant couple – what else can go wrong – many IVF insertions can be aborted, rejected by the body and have medical problems in the womb bring other decisions about birth or aborting.

5. The baby is finally born – now parenthood begins – the stress of being a new mother of an IVF child – the stigma of secrecy – pretending everything was normal. Family pressure to start again for the second child.

6. Multiple births – the idea was one baby to start a family and ending up with twins and triplets even – the financial burden alone in some countries increases the stress felt by everyone.

All the above points are a common experience of IVF couples – and more so the younger the couples are (under 30) as older couples tend to be more realistic of the chances and outcome from the start. For every 100 couples (at a decent hospital) only 18 are successful to bring the procedure to birth. Of those age makes a huge difference to your success. Between age 22 to 34 an average of 30% have a live birth, from there the statistics go down rapidly from 38 to 42 about 20% after age 46 only 1% are successful. (1. Division of Reproductive Health USA 2001)

Another aspect of IVF is the increase of multiple births for older couples – aged 38 to 40 each try increased the chances of multiple births for twins to 25% on average. (2. USA Government Health statistics 2001). It is very hard to gain meaningful statistics in China in any form.

Summery:

The procedure is long – from 6 months for a lucky few first try, to several years and many failed attempts to succeed. To giving up at some point with all the cultural and social risks involved or to keep going and the inevitable financial burden of each attempt and failure.

Even a successful outcome can bring its stress such as being new parents of one baby or two or three even! It also unfairly can come down to just good luck that everything seems to go OK – as in the case of the Irishman of 62 and his Chinese wife of 31 – he had a vasectomy in his late 20’s and so had to have the sperm extracted from his testicles (without anesthesia) and implanted 9 sperm into her eggs – 7 took and 2 where implanted – and bingo the wife is pregnant with twins – eight months later – a healthy boy and girl fraternal twins are born. (3. Myler 2017) This would be a dream outcome for many young couples who fail over and over again.

The Role of Counselling:

It is important to note that not once in all the hospitals or clinics that did IVF offered any form of counselling to the couples going through the stress of the procedures. Yet clearly there is a very important need for such support – understanding the procedures from the medical doctor can help understand what will happen to your body and the outcome chances – but that cannot prepare you for the ups and downs of the emotions you feel from blame, failure, self esteem issues and fear of the future – these issues need a listening caring supportive counsellor or psychologist. It is a well known fact that stress hormones and psychological stress can greatly effect the outcome of medical procedures in all sorts of areas. Psychology should not be seen as a luxury but an essential part of all IVF procedures.

References:

1. Division of Reproductive Health USA 2001

2. USA Government Health statistics 2001

3. Myler S F (2017) Irish / Chinese Twins – Case History

There is a fortune out there in property deals waiting to be made by real estate agents in Chicago, New York, London, Mumbai, and Shanghai. This group is a very talented group when it comes to making money. The huge gap in property supply and demand is what is driving the increasing importance of real estate brokers in these markets. There is a great shortage of quality properties in these cities and it is coupled with the large increase in disposable income of the highly-paid professional classes. This has resulted in a large increase in interest in real estate.

Real estate agents function as go-betweens, assisting both a property’s purchaser and its seller. They do that by displaying to the potential purchaser properties which fulfill his or her requirements at a satisfactory price. Concurrently, the agent is assisting the seller by displaying his or her property (including advising on ways to show the property to its best advantage) and by working to ensure that the seller is properly compensated. The broker comes to be considered truly indispensable when the deal turns out to be in everyone’s best interest.

If you are working in any big metropolis like Chicago, and you have the right resources at your disposal; you would certainly want to invest in Chicago real estate such as a new house. Such an investment ensures that you beat inflation through price escalation of property and at the same time affords you the opportunity to live in a better apartment in a better location.

You can search for real estate agents in any metropolitan city like Chicago through dedicated web sites dealing with the real estate industry. You must check the background of such real estate agents before making use of their services. This also facilitates that you land up getting a good deal as when you compare the services of a number of real estate agents, you can have a wider option of choosing the best deal.

A wise consumer will make a point of learning real estate law in a certain area so that he can evaluate the offers real estate agents make to him. Like in any other profession, there are unscrupulous real estate agents who promise their customers anything just to make a sale. It is far better to study property laws than to be conned by an agent into a transaction which isn’t honest and aboveboard. A little time spent in research can save you thousands of dollars and a huge amount of stress

Remember that your chances of securing a good real estate deal gets enhanced by employing the services of real estate agents, subject to your smartness in dealing with them and your ability to sieve through their talk.

In June of 2018, the journal Environment International reported on a study showing a link between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), molecules used as flame retardants, and Gestational diabetes. Investigators at Nanchang University and several other research institutions in China compared 439 pregnant women over a two-year period. They measured the women's PBDE blood levels during the first trimester or three months of their pregnancy. At 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, the women were routinely screened for any signs of elevated blood sugar and diabetes. A total of 77, or 17.4 percent of the women, developed Gestational diabetes …

• three types of PBDEs were found to be linked with the disease, and
• one category was linked with a higher than four times risk.
• two PBDEs were linked with blood sugar levels.

From these results, the researchers suggested further studies needed to be instituted with a different and a more intensive number of pregnant women.

PBDE flame retardants are used in …

• cloth,
• electrical equipment,
• electronics,
• boats,
• airplanes,
• motor vehicles,
• plastics,
• construction,
• coatings, and
• furniture padding (polyurethane foam).

Older furniture padded with polyurethane that has been treated with PBDE are thought to leach dust, which we then inhale. Burning household goods is another way the molecules can enter the atmosphere.

In 2011 the Journal of Environmental Sciences reported on the chemicals in the air and soil near a production site in Shanghai. In 2017 the journal Atmospheric Pollution Research published a study performed in Istanbul, Turkey …

• air samples from 19 homes and offices as well as three outdoor sites were tested. All samples were positive for PBDEs.

That same year workers at the Aristotle University of the Thessaloniki reported finding PBDEs in the air around the Aegean Sea.

PBDE molecules determine from the air into dust and dirt and from there they enter rivers, lakes, and the ocean from rainstorms. They come into the marine food chain, including fish eaten by people. They also enter into the land food chain through the air, dirt, and freshwater. PBDEs can be found in …

• beef,
• chicken,
• fish, and
• milk.

Vegetarians have been found to have lower levels of PBDEs than meat eaters.

In 2004 the United States phased out the manufacture and importation of some types of PBDEs, but loopholes permitted others. The European Union also banned PBDEs in 2004. Australia did not manufacture PBDEs and banned their import in 2005. Unfortunately, they persist in the environment and were still being produced in China as late as 2015.

Is exporting products overseas really so difficult?

Did you know? According to Businessweek, almost 46% of businesses abroad do not export their products to foreign markets because they do not know how? Considering the ever growing buying capacity seen in some foreign markets, this is a disappointing fact. But the truth is, if you are well-prepared, motivated, and confident, exporting your products to overseas businesses is not so difficult. Here we will look at 5 elements you may consider to help you get started exporting products.

CONNECTING WITH CHINESE CUSTOMERS

Visiting trade fairs is an excellent way to introduce your business and products to other business abroad. Thousand of business representatives and people attend trade fairs providing excellent opportunities and fast networking. You can meet and talk to many business representatives and immediately begin forming relationships and trading company information. The time and effort in attending these trade fairs, we believe is an investment. The majority of trade fairs in China are close to large cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing. So, if you are worried about the language difference or transportation, you can take comfort in the fact that most business people in these cities will be able to communicate to you in English and transportation options are readily available. Some businessmen take up the practice of booking a flight and hotel to Hong Kong and taking a train to Guangzhou or one of the large cities where the trade fair is held. (As more planes leave and enter Hong Kong, the opportunity to shop for cheaper flights is increased.) Finally, do not forget to apply for a visa at least one month prior to your departure.

However, if visiting a trade fair is not an option for you and your businesses, a second option is connecting to businesses similar to your own and seeing if they have any recommended connections or leads overseas. It might take time to find some overseas connections this way, however, if you are committed, it's very possible to find some overseas buyers through networking.

CONTACTING A DISTRIBUTOR

Some companies recommend using a distributor to help with the exporting process. Although this option comes with a price, it can be a good option for businesses new to the exporting process. (It's also a useful method for companies who may not have the time or people designated to handle the exporting side of your business.) A distributor will know the overseas market well and can offer advice and assistance on customers clearance, packaging and documentation, importing regulations, and export certificates needed (it varies from country to country). Most distributors offer help in many different areas including marketing guidelines, trademark regulations, etc. Even if you just use the help of a distributor to help you get started, the fee you pay the distributor could be an investment.

CHINA'S CCC MARK

To export most products into China, your products must comply with the standards and regulations issued in China's Compulsory Certification (CCC). This certification is issued by China's Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA)

There are 21 product categories that require the CCC mark.

– Electrical wires and cables.
– Switches for circuits, Installation protective and connection devices.
– Low-voltage Electrical Apparatus.
– Small Power motors.
– Electric tools.
– Welding machines.
– Household and similar electrical appliances.
– Audio and video apparatus.
– Information technology equipment.
– Lighting apparatus.
– Telecommunication terminal equipment.
– Motor vehicles and safety parts.
– Motor vehicle tires.
– Safety Glasses.
– Agricultural Machinery.
– Latex Products.
– Medical Devices.
– Fire Fighting Equipment.
– Detectors for Intruder Alarm Systems.
– Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) systems.
– Toys.

To get the CCC mark your company must go through a process. First, there will be an inspection of your factory / company. Second, there will be a follow-up inspection of your enterprise. Finally, your products will be sent to authorization laboratories in China. No matter where your business is located, you must receive the CCC-mark if your products will be marked in China. If you export products that do not have the CCC-mark, your products will be held-up in customers and sometimes located or destroyed.

TRADEMARK REGISTRATION

Finally, we strongly recommend you register your trademark in China before you start exporting your products. China's trademark registry process is based on first-come-first-serve standards. So, it's recommended you to register your trademark before you ship your goods. It's not required that you register your trademark, however, it's recommended as this can protect your product and company's name / reputation.