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Widespread Applications of Countercurrent Chromatography in the Life Sciences Industry

April 17, 2020 by

Solid-liquid chromatography techniques are the workhorses of the chromatography industries. The industry uses it widely, and the adoption rate has been increased tremendously in the last ten years.

However, the usages of liquid-liquid chromatography by the medical professionals and researchers have highlighted the essentiality and benefits of liquid-liquid chromatography. It is also known as countercurrent chromatography.

The adoption rate of countercurrent chromatography had been increasing at a languid pace in the previous decade. This was due to the poor engineering of instruments, chromatography columns, and other accessories.

Also, countercurrent chromatography was mostly used in academic research, and decidedly less in purification techniques for the life science industries.  

Broad Scope in the Healthcare Industry

There are several applications of this type of chromatography separation technique in the laboratory scale and on an industrial scale. It includes separation of macromolecules, isolation of target molecules, and separation of enantiomers, fractionation, and others.

It indeed has a broad range of applications in several industries, such as chemicals and materials, food and beverage testing, and life sciences.

In the life science industry, this type of technique is mostly used in purifying several compounds. This owes to the high level of scalability of countercurrent chromatography. A compound of a milligram to a kilogram quantity can get purified through the technique.

In addition to that, it also accommodates the complex samples containing undissolved particulates. This separation technique is useful during the manufacturing of several compounds such as:

  • Deoxyribonucleic Acids
  • Protein Compounds
  • Cannabidiol (CBD)-Based Products Made from Cannabis Sativa
  • Vitamins
  • Antibiotics
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Pesticides
  • Natural Products
  • Metal Ions
  • Enantiomers
  • Active Enzymes 
  • Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons Obtained from Environmental Samples
  • Carbon Nanotubes

CBD and Countercurrent Chromatography

CBD has attracted the interest of several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies as it can act as a therapeutic medicine for conditions such as inflammation, cancer, chronic pain, and epilepsy.

The purification of the cannabidiol compound from the resin, on the surface of the Cannabis sativa plant, is carried out using countercurrent separation.

This purification technique has a substantial role in the potency of the final product, as it is essential to avoid any contamination with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Countercurrent Technique in Drug Discovery

During the drug discovery process, the functionality of receptor binding assays can be hampered owing to the non-specific binding of active compounds. Therefore, a fractionation step is vital to keep these non-specific compounds at bay.

Countercurrent chromatography, along with the multichannel fractionation process, can result in the fractionation of various types of extracts and compounds.

Countercurrent in Enantiomer Separation Process

Technically, for enantiomer separation, high-pressure liquid chromatography is highly used to obtain results. However, countercurrent is also being useful nowadays to scale up the preparative scale. Some of the compounds used include warfarin, chlorpheniramine, and gemifloxacin enantiomers. 

Apart from these, countercurrent chromatography has successful applications in the preparation of pesticides, herbicides, and many more synthetic pharmaceutical products.

This type of chromatography can augment the productivity of a chemist in terms of the development of compounds that were previously uneconomical to isolate and produce.

Also Read- 5 Common Myths Surrounding the COVID-19




Skill Sets That You Can Learn During Social Isolation

April 13, 2020 by

The whole world has taken a massive hit because of the current coronavirus pandemic. So far, the best solution to prevent the deadly spread of COVID -19 is to stay at home and practice social distancing. In other words, Total Lockdown. 

While the world has come to a halt, a lot of netizens have set upon utilizing this free time to rifle through their Netflix and Prime accounts, but we are here to present you with some skill sets that you can acquire during this period of self-isolation. 

Check them out!

1. Music Theory and Production

Music is a part of our daily lives. Some people even sleep with their earphones plugged in. Not saying that it’s an excellent habit to do so, but you can definitely turn your passion for music into something worthwhile during this lockdown. 

The requirements are pretty basic. All you need is 

  • Either a laptop or a desktop
  • Good internet connection 
  • The willingness to learn. 

Many of the online academies like Shaw academy already offer one of their courses for free. There you can select “Diploma in Music,” and your journey of learning begins. If you have already used up the free course, don’t get disheartened. There are plenty of YouTube channels offering step by step lessons on music theory, for free. 

logic pro
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Now, the more advanced music enthusiasts, who have already learned sufficient theory and want to experience hands-on production work, can try out the Free trial version of Logic Pro by Apple. However, even if you don’t own a Mac, you can alternatively opt for a 90-day free software trial offered by “Ableton Live,” one of the most reputed DAWs (Digital Audio Workstation). 

Music allows you to bring something into existence out of thin air, and it’s almost like magic. Use this time to indulge your inner musician and freely share it with the world.

2. Learning a Foreign Language

This growing pandemic has forced everyone to stay inside their homes, but of course, we all have dreams of traveling. Walking the unknown yet enchanting streets of a foreign destination, having brand new experiences, tickling the taste buds with new exotic dishes, and having meaningful conversations with strangers around the globe, are some of the things that every one of us desires.

However, not only the conversations but an entire trip can go a lot smoother if we can communicate in the native tongue of a place while traveling. So, wouldn’t learning a new language be far more beneficial than binge-watching “Friends” for the tenth time? 

To start right away with this goal, you can check “Duolingo,” a language learning app available for both android and iOS. Another such app is “Memrise,” which has the benefit of customized learning available. These apps provide you with a basic understanding of the vocabulary and grammar. Although they are best for learning how to speak the language casually, but a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!

So, what’s stopping you? 

3. Health, Fitness, and Nutrition

Fitness is a really tricky domain. It takes a lot to understand the intricacies of staying fit. Contrary to popular belief, being fit doesn’t only mean staying within a prescribed weight range but also encompasses maintaining a balanced state of mind and subsequent conscious approach towards a healthier body. 

Knowing how to achieve it is even trickier as there are different ways to deal with varying types of bodies and various states of mind. 

medicate
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We cannot forget the importance of nutrition as well. Take nutrition out of the picture, and all of the hard work that you just put in during the workout goes in vain. Only by going through reputed overall fitness expert channels on YouTube like “AthleanX,” you can learn pretty much all that you need to stay fit at home.

But if you want to go further and learn professionally, then there’s nothing better than the diploma courses being offered by several online academies. 

They not only provide you with a scientific process of understanding the intricacies of health and fitness but also lets you complete the entire course at your own pace. Moreover, you can get certified to help and train others as well.

A healthy body not just enables you to look better, but it has also been proven to boost immunity levels along with alleviating stress. So, use this time productively to get yourself and your family a more robust and healthier future!




Problems Caused by an Improperly Sized HVAC System

April 8, 2020 by

When it’s time to install a new HVAC system, many homeowners make the mistake of focusing too much on the price of the unit. Without fair consideration of other factors, you could end up acquiring an incompatible system for your home, either too small or too big. There are a variety of problems to be aware of when selecting a new unit or upgrading your current one to avoid creating a dangerous environment with the wrong HVAC equipment.

Using Too Much Power

An HVAC system that uses too much power is too big for your home. If your home is quick to cool or heats up too quickly, the thermostat powers down because it has reached the desired temperature. However, systems are designed to run for a pre-determined time, so a system that shuts off too quickly due to fast temperature changes has not run its full program. This is known as short-cycling and it greatly increases the wear on your HVAC system. You may think more power is a good thing, but you’ll wind up spending more on repairs and may even have to replace the system earlier than its expected lifespan.

Not Providing Comfort

Power issues on an oversized unit can cause your home to have wider temperature swings and much more humidity. HVAC systems are designed to take 10 to 15 minutes to get cold enough to condense water vapor. In a short cycle, it doesn’t reach that phase and less moisture is removed from the indoor air. Consequently, your home will feel more humid, which also increases the feeling of heat. Conversely, a unit that is too small for your home will experience the opposite problem and cause dryness, which could lead to chronic dry skin and respiratory issues.

Skyrocketing Energy Bills

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Image via Flickr by Laura Taylor

If your HVAC unit is too small, it will work harder to meet your desired temperature, thereby using more power. Even though it is using extra power, it may still be too weak to send conditioned air to all areas of your home. Undersized units can cause some rooms in your home to not receive proper cooling, especially when fighting against opposing temperatures, like near windows or where sunlight is abundant.

Decreased Property Value

Potential homebuyers don’t want the expense of upgrading an HVAC unit. If your unit does not run efficiently, it can decrease the value of your property. Even if you aren’t planning on moving soon, choosing the right-sized unit will help when it is time to sell and increase the enjoyment of your home now.

Finding the right size HVAC equipment includes reviewing the size of your home, number of windows and doors, how many people can comfortably live in your home, and installation levels. Determine ideal temperature ranges for inhabitants and discuss your needs with a certified HVAC specialist. New HVAC technology like thermal air conditioning and sensor-based ventilation might be worth considering to help you find the right balance of comfort and efficiency for your entire family.




5 Common Myths Surrounding the COVID-19

April 6, 2020 by

If you are not living under a rock, you would know by now that the COVID-19 has got most countries in the world in a headlock. Economies are hitting rock bottom, unemployment is rising worldwide, and our very freedom to roam around has been challenged. 

The coronavirus is a highly infectious respiratory disease that has taken over the world. Interestingly, this is not the first of its kind outbreak. SARS came around 2002-03, and the H1N1, which originated around 2009, caused over 18,000 deaths. 

So what has changed this time around? 

Why does it feel very different, almost apocalyptic? 

One of the more obvious answers is COVID-19 is more global than any of the previous viruses. We are traveling more frequently than ever before. Another reason is the social media age we are living in; no longer is the traditional media our only source of News. Although this has a lot of advantages, one of the most dangerous byproducts of social media is the myth spreading. 

corona myths

Some of the most common myths around the coronavirus pandemic are:

1. High temperatures Can Kill the COVID-19 Virus

Even after several governments pleaded people to exercise social distancing, surprisingly, a lot of people headed to the beach to enjoy their day. When confronted, a lot of them pointed out that exposing one’s body to the heat will kill any virus. 

This is one of the most common myths, to lay it out more clearly, you can catch the coronavirus no matter how hot the weather is. 

2. Drinking Alcohol Can Cure the Coronavirus

The alcohol in our hand sanitizer can kill the coronavirus, then consuming alcoholic beverages should free your body of the virus, right? Wrong! 

The consumption of alcohol does not kill the virus. On the contrary, consumption of too much alcohol can lead to other issues such as kidney failure. With the hospitals running on full gas trying to treat people with COVID-19, going to the hospital with self-induced problems is the last thing you want to do. 

3. Being Able to Hold Your Breath for 10 Seconds or More Without Coughing or Discomfort Means You Don’t Have Coronavirus

This is a slightly less obvious but pretty common myth. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that the one and the only way you can determine whether you have coronavirus is through a laboratory test. There are many ways to get tested, the most accurate of which is the PCR test. However, this test takes 1 – 3 business days to return results. If you need same-day answers, a rapid PCR Covid test in Charlotte NC and other cities can provide highly accurate results within several hours of your test.

Since the COVID-19 virus symptoms are varied from person to person and some positive cases even reporting being asymptotic, this myth can be very dangerous. People without severe symptoms might ignore the isolation and might end up causing a threat to more vulnerable people.

4. There is a Cure or Vaccine Out There

This myth might sound obvious to some, but when people get vulnerable, they clutch at straws. Even though the world is united against the COVID-19 and people are tirelessly looking for a vaccine or cure, the disappointing truth is that there are none out there currently. 

While the world is desperate, there are moralless people out there who are trying to sell their “miracle medicines” for a profit. It is very important for people to realize when a cure comes out, they will get to know through trustable sources, in the meanwhile, it is very important to stay away from such scams and inform vulnerable people about them.

5. The Coronavirus is Just Like the Flu

There is a growing belief that the COVID-19 is not very deadly and should not be taken this seriously. Although there is a similarity in the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19, such as coughing, fever, and body ache, Influenza or “the flu” has been around for longer with the mortality rate much lower than that of the COVID-19. 

The official mortality rate of COVID-19 is still being looked after and the guess is anywhere between 1-3%, Influenza, however, is 0.1%. It is best to leave the judgment of how severe the disease is to the experts.

Final Thoughts

These are trying times and people are scared, but it helps no one to spread myths. If something comes along your way, act responsible and research about it before forwarding it or believing it. Just like coronavirus, these myths spread from people to people.




Top 6 Questions to Ask Your Contractor During an HVAC Installation

April 1, 2020 by

If your HVAC system is not performing the way it should or is in constant need of repair, it may be time to consider a replacement system. There are many things to consider when selecting a new system to keep you comfortable throughout the year. Here are the questions you should ask before you begin.

1. Are You Licensed?

Before beginning your process, be sure the contractor you select is licensed in your state and understands any pertinent municipality requirements. Some cities may have ordinances that need to be addressed.

2. What Is Included With Your Service?

A good contractor will provide a free estimate for your system and installation, discussing your various options and needs. Your contractor should detail the labor costs, prices and other specifications in your estimate. You might also want to ask about maintenance plans they offer. HVAC systems last longer and perform better when regularly maintained. Ask your contractor about scheduling regular maintenance to extend the life of your HVAC.

3. What Are the Most Recommended AC Types?

AC type

Image via Flickr by jackiebese

There are many options from which to choose, including forced air heating and cooling, radiant heat systems, dehumidifying air conditioning, zoned systems, and smart units. Have your contractor discuss the pros and cons of various systems to find the best fit. You’ll also want to ask about the warranty. Discuss the various warranty options available for the available HVAC units. HVAC manufacturers provide different lengths and coverages for warranties. A more expensive unit may have a better warranty.

4. How Can I Reduce My Utility Bills?

Finding the most efficient HVAC unit for your building can help reduce your utility bills. While a smaller unit may be less expensive, it may not be as efficient as some units, meaning it works harder and uses more energy to provide heating and cooling. This translates into higher energy bills and less sustainable usage. A newer system not only uses less power than older systems, but they may also offer other ways to reduce your bills. Smart HVAC units, for example, can be controlled from your mobile device and allow you to monitor your usage and make adjustments.

5. What Size System Do I Need?

Your contractor should measure the square footage of your building and consider the number of people using it to determine the appropriate unit size. While an undersized unit will have to work harder to provide comfort and may be inadequate, a system that is too large may work too fast, which is also a negative. Units are meant to work on timed cycles. Shutting off before a full cycle is complete can wear out a system much quicker, and it can provide inconsistent results.

6. Are There Any Special Offers or Rebates?

Your state may offer special tax credits when you replace an older, less energy-efficient HVAC unit, which can help keep down costs. Manufacturers often provide special offers and rebates that can also help you afford a unit that might otherwise be out of your price range.

Replacing your HVAC unit can be costly, but as with any investment, if you find the right contractor you can trust to walk you through the process, it can be an easy home improvement.




How to Glam Up Your Walls – Decor + Function

March 30, 2020 by

When decorating a place, walls are often ignored. People let go of the vertical space and start filling up the floor space, which makes the proportion for the decor look all wrong. The floor looks cramped, and the clutter draws your eyes to the floor.

Even if you have tall, beautiful walls, they will be ignored. To tie the room together, it is important to pay attention to the walls as well. Walls are often used to create a statement or a center of focus in the room. Accent walls have become very popular recently.

Room color

Spicing up your living room walls is also one of the easiest ways to re-do your space and give it a new vibe. What you choose to put up on the walls, doesn’t need to be only decorative, you can add function and storage as well.

Decor

Spice Up the Living Room Walls

There are lots of DIY tutorials available on the internet, and you can use those to learn how to add some flavor to your living room without emptying your pockets. Use bold colors to create patterns on lighter paint by using home-made stencils. 

You can even paint the furniture in your living room to create a more coherent design and change the overall vibe. You can buy stylish decals from online merchants or have some stencils from A Maker’s Studio painted to adorn one of the walls, and that will make your living room look fancy and expensive.

Neon Wall Signs

Neon wall signs are a great way to attract attention in any retail space. By combining eye-catching visuals with strong branding, they can draw customers inside businesses while creating a lively, unique atmosphere. They bring an artful touch to any display and can help businesses outshine the competition.

Neon wall signs are not only stylish and dramatic – they’re incredibly durable, with long lifespans that keep their bright colors glowing for many years. Some versions can be dimmed or switched on and off at the flip of a switch, making them even more energy efficient and cost-effective than alternatives such as LED lighting or regular bulbs.

Buy Artwork from Online Merchants

Everyone wants their living room to look expensive and beautiful. Framed art is a staple of nearly every beautiful home. A couple of those can set the tone for the whole space. 

Instead of buying art from galleries and exhibitions, consider buying art directly from artists from websites like Society6, eBay, or RedBubble or ElephantStock, where you can find them for as little as $25. 

Art doesn’t need to be expensive to be beautiful, and this can be a really effective way to reduce the cost of decorating your living room.

Decor + Function

Wall Storage

When you have a small space, every corner is important in terms of storage. Instead of getting bulky furniture that sits on the floor, you can choose sleek and modern designs that can hang on the wall.

Shoe storage or file cabinets in the accordion-style are popular for taking up less space and providing you with much-needed storage. They also look add to the vibe with clean lines and sleek vibes.

Floating Bookshelves

Floating bookshelves are another way to add storage and decor to your wall. It doesn’t have to be a bookshelf if you do not read, you can just use the shelves to display your prized possessions that you would like to show off and that can add to the decor of the room.

Final Thoughts

Your wall doesn’t have to stay bare or doesn’t have to just be decor; you can add function while at it. Make smart choices and combine function, storage, and design to glam up your walls to make your room shine.




Confused by Felonies and Misdemeanors? This Guide will Help

March 18, 2020 by

When you’ve been accused of a crime, there’s a whole host of issues and problems that suddenly take over. When can you get a lawyer? What will court be like? Can you afford to pay a fine? Will you go to jail? Will you lose your job? What will your family think? But amidst all these perfectly legitimate questions is often confusion and misunderstanding over what exactly you’ve been arrested for. 

Legal terms are bounded around all over the place, making it difficult to get your bearings before you’re fully understanding of what’s going on. Of course, your lawyer will be able to assist you with anything related to your case that you don’t understand, but for many people, even the simplest of legal terms such as felonies or misdemeanors can cause confusion. What is the legal definition for a misdemeanor? Click the link to find out more. 

Want to know more? Read on for a simple guide to felonies and misdemeanors. 

drive

Disturbing the peace

Disturbing the peace is classed as a misdemeanor. This charge comes in many variations including:

Theft

The classification of this crime usually depends on the severity of the theft itself and how much was taken. It’s this information that will determine whether or not this crime is classed as a felony or misdemeanor. Criminal charges could result in everything from a fine to jail time depending on the state you’re in and the severity of the theft.

Indecent exposure

Again, the crime of indecent exposure can vary between being classed as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances of the crime. If you’ve exposed yourself to someone in public then this would usually be considered a misdemeanor. Indecent exposure has the potential to be raised to a felony if the crime was committed against a child. However, the age of the child in question varies per state. 

Traffic violations 

These are probably the most common of all misdemeanors and you’ve probably heard of some of them before:

  • Speeding
  • Running a red light
  • Driving under the influence of drink or drugs
  • Driving without a license
  • Driving with no insurance

There are driving felonies which of course are much more serious. These can include:

Of course the punishment e.g. jail term, fine etc depends on the severity of the crime that has been committed.

Assault

Assault is another crime that can cause confusion, again, it is the severity of the crime that determines whether or not it is a misdemeanor or a felony. If the defendant in question threatened violence against someone but didn’t follow through with their threats, then this is usually classed as a misdemeanor – it can still come with jail time and a significant sentence. If the assault actually took place and actual bodily harm is confirmed, then it would then be classed as a felony. 




Bring Country Life to the Interior of Your Home

March 12, 2020 by

Are you decorating your house and aren’t quite sure of the style and design with which to decorate? Maybe it’s time to bring the outdoors inside so that you will feel the freedom of country life every day. Here are some fun ideas that can help bring beauty, class, and wide-open spaces to your home.

Barn Doors

Nothing says country quite like barn-style doors. Barn doors have a rustic charm that you just don’t find in the city. Unfortunately, barn doors are rather hard to come by when shopping for house doors. This means many people have to settle for less than what they have been dreaming. However, occasionally you can find one or two sites that offer barn-type doors that still have a modern, daring appearance. Here is the link to one company that offers a mirrored barn door. These barn doors have the country charm and are perfect for the inside of your home. If you are looking for a little country personality, these doors have it all.

Home decor

Rustic Wood

If you really want to add some country style to your home, you can see about finding old barn wood. This wood looks both stylish and majestic. Think about how amazing your kitchen could look with pots and pans hanging from barn rails that are hung across the ceiling. Find a carpenter with a flair for beauty, and they should be able to help you make your outdoor inspired home come to life. Be sure you have the beams sanded and varnished before they are hung; they will be easier to keep clean and look even prettier than plain wood. Another great idea would be to have a short rock wall placed at the base of your walls so that visitors would be given the impression of rocks in waterfalls or rocks stacked together to form a bench.

Holidays

You can easily trim you house for the holidays if using this country style of decorating. Use burlap and lacy white bows and ornaments along with the traditional red and green as often as possible. Decorated in these rustic colors mixed with traditional Christmas greenery, you should have a winter wonderland. If you are interested in ideas for holiday decorations, here is a great blog post.

Tire Swing

If you have kids and are looking to decorate the house using a country theme, you might consider bringing a tire swing into your living room or child’s bedroom. This will both enhance the beauty of your home and add a fun play space. Be sure to hook the swing with a strong hook and hang it to a sturdy beam in the room. Find a decorative tire online so that you can be sure it will be both functional and fun for your little person.

Front Porch Swing

Another idea you could use to furnish your house would be to hang a porch swing in place of your couch. This would be relaxing, and beautiful. You could hang a throw over the arm and swing comfortably for hours. The area you will design using a porch swing will be the perfect atmosphere in which to read a book or talk with loved ones.

Shop Small

It might be hard to find items that fit your decorating tastes. For this reason, it is so important to shop around. There are many small stores that offer modern farmhouse style decorations. These charming little shops are not only fun to visit, but when decorating your home, you will be on a mission. These shops also keep families’ bills paid. When you decorate your house using these little unknown shops, you are helping to build your community. Here is an article from The New York Times that might also help you with your decorating plans.

Bring Nature Inside

If you are looking for country, you can’t beat things found in the great outdoors. If you take a walk and keep in mind that you are looking for decorations, there is no end to the things you might find. Keep an eye out for ivy that will fit your house’s interior. Ivy might be easy to find online for your home. Find tree limbs that match your house’s style. You can sand and varnish tree limbs and branches to make beautiful decorations and center pieces. Perhaps you can find a bird’s nest that will seem designed with your taste in mind. Try to make sure each item you bring in has a beautiful story behind it, so that your house can be filled with beloved memories.




Do you need Emergency Financing? Check these things Before Applying for a Loan

March 6, 2020 by

No matter how well you organize your finances, life can always throw unexpected expenses at you and catch you off-guard. A roof that started leaking, an emergency surgery, or an impromptu family trip, all of these things can put a financial strain on your family and force you to make important money decisions under pressure.

The good news is that the lending market has never been more flexible. From banks to online lenders, there are probably hundreds of institutions that can get you out of that tight spot and help you address financial emergencies like a calculated adult. The not-so-good news is that the sheer number and diversity of lending services can make it difficult for you to make the right call. As difficult as it might seem to make a pros and cons list when you’re under pressure, try not to make a rash decision and take a few minutes these details. You’ll thank yourself later.

Are you eligible for the loan?

Applying for loans has never been easier and thanks to the latest advancements in finance, you no longer have to gather unreasonable amounts of paperwork. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to save your effort and only apply for those loans that you realistically qualify for. Use services like Credit Raters to analyze eligibility criteria and know what to expect. For example, if one lender specifically mentions that it doesn’t accept applicants with low credit scores and you have a low credit score, look into other options, such as alternative online lenders or payday loans. Sure, you can always apply anyway, but keep your expectations realistic and your options open. 

How quickly can you get the money?

In general, almost all financial institutions have shortened the time required to approve the loan and send the money. However, some lenders are faster than others, and when you have an emergency on your hands, time is of the essence. Getting your loan approved by a bank is great, but if they can only send you the money one week after your deadline, then what’s the point? Instead, look at lenders who offer quick loans because yes, in 2020 you can find reliable lenders who send you the money to your account in less than 24 hours. Sometimes, there might be trade-offs for this speed, but if you learn to balance out the strengths and weaknesses, you’ll be fine.

What about the terms and the interest rate? 

Last, but definitely not least, always check the terms and conditions of a loan before signing the deal. That fine print is notorious for a reason, you know. Look for hidden fees, high interest rates and always ask what will happen if you can’t repay the loan in time. Most lenders who offer quick cash loans for applicants with low credit scores usually have severe penalties if you don’t pay back, so if this isn’t a risk you’re willing to take, then consider other options. 




IG Intro

March 4, 2020 by

Since the smart thermostat was invented in 2007, the heating and cooling game has completely changed. Now you can access your home’s HVAC system via smartphone app, turning down the air conditioning when you’re away on vacation or turning up the heat when you’re on your way home from work. Smart thermostats also aim to conserve power, with features that can tell you exactly how much energy you’re using to heat or cool your home. With that information at your fingertips, you can make sure your monthly power bill stays well within your budget.

Before smart thermostats, the 1980s introduced programmable thermostats. You’d think that since this technology has been around for so long, that most people would be making good use of it. However, of the 85 percent of American households that utilize thermostats to control their heating system, only 37 percent of those are actually programmable. The same goes for air conditioning systems. While 60 percent of American households use thermostats to access their AC systems, only 29 percent of those are programmable.

The thermostat has a long and varied history. In ancient times, the Greeks invented indoor heating, using furnaces and the power of the sun to heat their homes. The ancient Egyptians used systems of wet reeds to cool the air, creating rudimentary air conditioners. It wasn’t until about a thousand years later that inventors introduced variations of the thermostat, starting with a mercury-based thermostat in 1620. The first electric thermostat came into being in 1883, invented by American professor Warren Johnson. 




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