You may consider yourself a generally positive person, or you may be a little bit grumpy. Surprisingly, though, these attitudes may affect how you age. Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that when adults have a positive attitude toward aging, they tend to be more resilient in stressful situations.
The researchers gave a daily questionnaire to participants between ages 60 and 96 for eight days. At first, they asked people questions about their childhood. Then they asked questions about the participants’ general attitudes in their adult lives, such as whether they felt useful or happy. Finally, researchers measured the participants’ responses to stress. They also measured negative emotions like anger, irritability, and fear.
The researchers concluded that the participants who had positive attitudes about aging also responded better to stress. They didn’t feel the same big increase in negative emotion that people with negative attitudes did.
Though these results are interesting on their own, they could have even bigger implications. It suggests that for older people, quality of life is affected by attitude. Other studies have linked stress with physical health risks.
Your body’s natural stress response is a chemical reaction that increases your heart rate, tightens your muscles, and causes you to breathe quickly.
Over time, this stress response can have a negative impact on your body. In addition to panic attacks and anxiety, stress can cause depression. You may even have symptoms like headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, and chest pain.
This resonates with the study, as researchers linked the more extreme emotional responses with increased heart health risks.
If you do suffer from stress, know that you’re not alone. Forty-three percent of all adults have negative stress symptoms. It isn’t easy to flip a switch and be positive all the time. However, trying to stay positive can help you reduce and manage stress. Additionally, try to remember that you can’t control everything that happens. Try taking up a relaxing hobby and getting plenty of sleep at night.
If stress or fears about aging persist, you may want to talk your doctor about it. Remember, retirement should be a time for relaxation, not stress!


Transition words are a “part of speech” used to link words, phrases, or sentences. So, transition words help to build up coherent relationships within the text. In simple words, transition words help to enhance the readability of your content. This post shares with you the transition words list.
What are Transition Words?
The goal of any sort of writing (be it academics or professional) is to convey information clearly and concisely. Transition words help you achieve these goals by establishing logical connections between phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your writing.
In simple words, transition words are those words that link words, phrases, and sentences in your content. They prepare your readers for what’s coming up in your text.
Some examples of transition words are as follows:
- As well as
- Above all
- Last but not least
- First and foremost
- It should be noted
- On the other hand
- As a matter of fact
- Even so
Transition words help your readers to follow what you’re saying. So, transition words are fundamental and invaluable in building for establishing coherent relationships within texts.
They impart a greater level of readability to your content. Transition words greatly help your readers to understand how your suggestions and thoughts are connected.
It means that transition words are essential for maximizing the SEO potential of your content.
Here, we give you an example from Yoast SEO to clarify you about Transition words:
“I pushed the domino. As a result, it fell over.”
Here, the term “As a result” has been used as transition words. It informs the reader about two things:
- Firstly, that something has happened (within the sentence) which has caused something
- Secondly, the second half of this sentence will bring the effect.
In the above example, the transition words (“As a result”) have effectively combined two separate sentences into one flowing process. So, it informs the reader what’s about to come next.
Now, you can easily make out that transition words act as “glue” to hold texts together. They combine individual parts in your content to form one whole.
It should be noted that transition words don’t always have to be used at the start of sentences.
Let’s consider one more example from Yoast SEO:
“I enjoy his company because he always tells interesting stories.”
Here, the term ‘because’ has been used as a transition word to link two different sentences.
In this age of Search Engine Optimization, websites and blogs are rewarded for their user-friendliness and readability.
So, the use of transition words has become very important nowadays. If you use very few transition words and phrases, the chances are that the reader will immediately perform a bounceback.
It’s worth pointing out that transition words influence your SEO. They enhance your site’s readability and the quality of your SEO.
Transition Words List
Transition words “sew” your paragraphs together.
They help you to connect one idea to the next.
So, transition words make your writing flow better.
Here, we have shared the transition words list with you so that you can use them in your writing.
However, a word of caution for you.
You should not overuse transition words in your writing. Instead, make use of transition words wherever appropriate to spice up your writing.
Here, we have put together a list of transition words & phrases. Let’s have a look at them:
- Above all
- In summary
- In the first place
- In the meantime
- In this case
- So then
- For example
- For instance
- Such as
- As a result
- As a rule
- As an example
- To begin with
- In addition to
- To summarize
- In brief
- By the way
- To the left/right
- Compared to
- In comparison to
- Together with
- In conclusion
- Over there
- In particular
- In short
- Coupled with
You should make sure that transition words fall naturally into your composition to make your writing flow better.
Transition words tie your thoughts together more cohesively. Here, we have shared some sentences without and with transition words to show you the difference the transitions words make in your writing.
“Last night, I had a vivid dream I was living in Paris. I went online and booked a trip.”
“Last night, I had a vivid dream I was living in Paris. As a result, I went online and booked a trip.”
Transition words: “As a result.”
“The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. All agreed it was worth it.”
“The trip through the desert was long and tiring for the crew. Afterward, all agreed it was worth it.”
Transition word: “Afterward.”
“Joy couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. She needed an extra-large cup of coffee before work.”
“Joy couldn’t sleep the night before her big presentation. Therefore, she needed an extra-large cup of coffee before work.”
Transition word: “Therefore.”
“Joseph decided to stop doing her homework. She failed freshman English.”
“Joseph decided to stop doing her homework. Consequently, she failed freshman English.”
Transition word: “Consequently.”
“John, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 15 minutes. Fill up the car with gas, please.”
“John, we’ll be ready to leave for the trip in 15 minutes. In the meantime, fill up the car with gas, please.”
Transition words: “In the meantime.”
So, you see that you can smooth out rough edges in your writing by using transition words & phrases. However, moderation is key here too. You should use transition words in your writing where your sentences or paragraphs could benefit by using cohesive transition words.
One final note for you:
- A comma mostly follows transition words.
It is used to include a brief pause between these words and the connecting idea.
Well, that’s all we have for you in this post on the Transition Words List. We hope it would have benefited you immensely.
Now, it’s your turn to use transition words & phrases in your composition so that your writing becomes more cohesive, clear, and meaningful to the reader.


Research programme Paul Schulze-Lefert
I. Structure and functions of the Arabidopsis root microbiota (supported by ERC advanced grant ROOTMICROBIOTA)
Remarkably little is understood about plant-microbe interactions that are, at first glance, ‘symptomless’. These poorly studied plant microbiomes harbor an unknown reservoir of probiotic and plant protective associations. One gram of soil typically contains ~108 to 1010 bacteria. Microbial DNA fingerprints from plant roots or aerial organs uncover microbial communities thriving on the surface of, or within, healthy plant tissue. Rhizosphere microbiomes attached to, and in the first few millimeters away from, the root surface are distinct from bulk soil, suggesting specific colonization events. Organic carbon flux from roots promotes the growth of microbial decomposers that, in turn, recycle plant nutrients for root uptake by transpiration-driven water fluxes. Seedlings exude 30-40%, and adult plants 20%, of photosynthetically fixed carbon into the rhizosphere in the form of poorly characterized rhizodeposits.
We have developed and applied bacterial 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to characterize and compare soil and root-inhabiting bacterial communities of Arabidopsis thaliana. We show that roots of Arabidopsis, grown in different natural soils under controlled environmental conditions, are preferentially colonized by Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria, and each bacterial phylum is represented by a dominating class or family. Soil type defines the composition of root-inhabiting bacterial communities and host genotype determines their ribotype profiles to a limited extent. The identification of soil type-specific members within the root-inhabiting assemblies supports our conclusion that these represent soil-derived root endophytes. Surprisingly, plant cell wall features of other tested plant species appear to provide a sufficient cue for the assembly of ~40% of the Arabidopsis bacterial root-inhabiting microbiota, with a bias for Betaproteobacteria. Thus, this root sub-community may not be Arabidopsis-specific but saprophytic bacteria that would naturally be found on any plant root or plant debris in the tested soils. In contrast, colonization of Arabidopsis roots by members of the Actinobacteria depends on additional cues from metabolically active host cells (Bulgarelli et al., Nature 488, 91-95, 2012).
Garrido-Oter, R., Nakano, R. T., Dombrowski, N., Ma, K.-W., The AgBiome Team, McHardy, A. C. and P. Schulze-Lefert: Modular traits of the Rhizobiales root microbiota and their evolutionary relationship with symbiotic rhizobia. Cell Host & Microbe 24, 155–167 (2018). abstract
Hacquard, S., Spaepen, S., Garrido‐Oter R. and Schulze‐Lefert, P. Interplay between innate immunity and the plant microbiota. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 55, 55, doi: 10.1146/annurev-phyto-080516-035623 (2017). abstract
Dombrowski, N., Schlaeppi, K., Agler, M., Hacquard, S., Kemen, E., Garrido Oter, R., Wunder, J., Coupland, G. and Schulze-Lefert, P., Root microbiota dynamics of perennial Arabis alpina are dependent on soil residence time but independent of flowering time. ISME Journal 11, 43–55 (2017). abstract
Zgadzaj#, R., Garrido-Oter#, R., Jensen, D.B., Schulze-Lefert* P. and Radutoiu* S. Root nodule symbiosis in Lotus japonicus drives the establishment of distinctive rhizosphere, root, and nodule bacterial communities. PNAS 113 (49): E7996–E800, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616564113 (2016). #joint first authors, *co-corresponding authors abstract
Hacquard, S., Kracher, B., Hiruma, K, Münch,P. C., Garrido-Oter, R. Thon, M. R., Weimann, A., Damm, U., Dallery,J.-F., Hainaut,M., Henrissat, B., Lespinet, O., Sacristán, S., Ver Loren van Themaat,E., Kemen, E., McHardy, A.C., Schulze-Lefert, P.*, O’Connell, R.* Survival trade-offs in plant roots during colonization by closely related beneficial and pathogenic fungi. Nature Communications 7: 11362, doi: 10.1038/ncomms11362 (2016). *Corresponding authors absctract
Hiruma, K., Gerlach, N., Sacristán, S., Nakano, R. T., Hacquard, S., Kracher, B., Neumann, U., Ramírez, D., Bucher, M, O’Connell, R.* and Schulze-Lefert, P.* Root endophyte Colletotrichum tofieldiae confers plant fitness benefits that are phosphate status-dependent. Cell 165, 464-474 (2016), published online 17 March 2016, doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.02.028. *Corresponding authors
- This work was featured in: Cell 165, 269-271 (2016) by Louisa M. Liberman and Philip N. Benfey: A Friend in Need (of Nutrients) Is a …
- This article has been recommended by Faculty 1000:
Bai, Y., Müller, D. B., Srinivas, G., Garrido-Oter, R., Potthoff, E., Rott, M., Dombrowski, N., Münch, P.C., Spaepen, S., Remus-Emsermann, M., Hüttel, B., McHardy, A., Vorholt, J.A., and Schulze-Lefert, P. Functional overlap of the Arabidopsis leaf and root microbiota. Nature 528, 364-369 (2015), doi:10.1038/nature16192.abstract
Hacquard, S., Garrido-Oter, R., González, A., Spaepen, S., Ackermann, G., Lebeis, S., McHardy, A. C., Dangl, J. L., Knight, R., Ley, R., Schulze-Lefert, P. Microbiota and Host Nutrition across Plant and Animal Kingdoms.Cell Host & Microbe 17 603-616 (2015). abstract
Bulgarelli, D., Garrido-Oter, R., Münch, P.C., Weiman, A., Dröge, J., Pan, Y., McHardy, A.C. and Schulze-Lefert, P. (2015) Structure and functions of the bacterial root microbiota in wild and domesticated barley. Cell Host & Microbe 17, 392-404 (2015). abstract
Schlaeppi, K., Dombrowski, N., Garrido Oter, R., ver Loren van Themaat, E. and Schulze-Lefert, P. (2014) Quantitative divergence of the bacterial root microbiota in Arabidopsis thaliana relatives, PNAS, 111(2), 585-592. abstract
Bulgarelli, D., Schlaeppi, K., Spaepen, S., Ver Loren van Themaat, E. and Schulze-Lefert, P. Structure and Functions of the Bacterial Microbiota of Plants. Annual Review of Plant Biology Vol. 64 (2013). abstract
Bulgarelli, D., Rott, M., Schlaeppi, K., Ver Loren van Themaat, E., Ahmadinejad, N, Assenza, F., Rauf, P., Huettel, B., Reinhardt R., Schmelzer, E., Peplies, J., Gloeckner, F., Amann, R., Eickhorst, T., and Schulze-Lefert P. Revealing structure and assembly cues for Arabidopsis root-inhabiting bacterial microbiota. Nature 488, 91-95 (2012). abstract
Lebeis, S.L., Rott, M., Dangl, J.L.* and Schulze-Lefert, P.*: Culturing a plant microbiome at the cross-Rhodes, New Phytologist 196, 341–344 (2012). abstract
Bisseling, T., Dangl, J. and Schulze-Lefert, P. (2009), Next Generation Communication, Science Editorial, Science 324, p.691, 8 May (2009). abstract
Current and future work
We have begun to systematically purify Arabidopsis bacterial endophytes on the basis of the aforementioned culture-independent 16S rRNA gene survey. We also examine presumed probiotic functions of the root microbiota for plant growth using defined bacterial communities under laboratory conditions.
Stijn Spaepen (post-doc), Yang Bai (post-doc), Stéphane Hacquard (post-doc), Rafal Zgadzaj (post-doc), Ryohei Thomas Nakano (post-doc), Masayoshi Hashimoto (post-doc), Ruben Garrido Oter (PhD), Paloma Durán Ballesteros (PhD), Amine Hassani (PhD), Thorsten Thiergart (bioinformatician), Petra Köchner (technical assistant), Simone Remmel (technical assistant), Brigitte Pickel (technical assistant), Wolfgang Schmalenbach (technical assistant).
II. Non-self perception and signaling by intracellular immune sensors
One class of immune receptors, designated NB-LRR proteins, detects isolate-specific pathogen effector molecules inside plant cells. The Mla locus in barley encodes coiled-coil (CC) domain, nucleotide-binding (NB) site, and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing receptor proteins and mediate isolate-specific immunity to the grass powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei). Genetic studies identified a large number of allelic variants at the Mla locus each recognizing a cognate race-specific B. graminis effector (AVRA). We have shown that barley MLA partitions between the cytoplasm and nucleus. We have also shown that nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of the receptor results in a bifurcation of MLA‐triggered host cell death and disease resistance signaling in a cell compartment‐dependent manner. MLA-mediated host cell death signaling is initiated in the cytoplasm whereas disease resistance signaling takes place in the nucleus. Recognition of B. graminis AVRA effectors by MLA induces nuclear associations between the receptor and WRKY transcription factors. These WRKY proteins act as repressors of MAMP (also called PAMP-)-triggered basal defense. MLA appears to interfere with the WRKY repressor function in the nucleus, thereby de-repressing MAMP-triggered defense. Collectively, our findings imply a mechanism by which the polymorphic MLA immune receptors integrate distinct pathogen signals and initiate a bifurcated signal transduction cascade. Our structural and biochemical work revealed a CC domain-dependent homodimerization of the immune sensor that is necessary for receptor function. Notably, the CC homodimer module defines a minimal functional unit, which is sufficient to activate host cell death signaling.
Lu, X., Kracher, B., Saur, I.M.-L., Bauer, S., Ellwood, S.R., Wise, R., Yaeno, T., Maekawa, T., and Schulze-Lefert, P.: Allelic barley MLA immune receptors recognize sequence-unrelated avirulence effectors of the powdery mildew pathogen. PNAS 113 (42), E6486–E6495, doi: 10.1073/pnas.1612947113 (2016) abstract
Jacob, F.; Vernaldi, S. and Maekawa, T: Evolution and conservation of plant NLR functions. Frontiers in Immunology 4:297, doi 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00297 (2013). abstract
Bai, S., Liu, J., Chang Ch., Zhang, L., Maekawa, T., Wang, Q., Xiao, W., Liu, Y., Chai, J., Takken, FLW., Schulze-Lefert, P., Shen, QH. (2012) Structure-Function Analysis of Barley NLR immune Receptor MLA10 Reveals Its Cell Compartment Specific Activity in Cell Death and Disease Resistance. PLoS Pathogens 8(6), e1002752
Maekawa, T., Kracher, B., Vernaldi, S., Ver Loren van Themaat, E. and Schulze-Lefert, P. (2012), Conservation of NLR-triggered immunity across plant lineages. PNAS 49, 20119-20123 (2012). abstract
Maekawa, T., Cheng, W., Spiridon, LN., Töller, A. Lukasik, E., Saijo, Y., Liu, P.; Shen, Q. Micluta, MA., Somssich, IE., Takken, FL., Petrescu, A.-J., Chai, J. and Schulze-Lefert, P. (2011) Coiled-coil domain-dependent homodimerization of intracellular MLA immune receptors defines a minimal functional module for triggering cell death. Cell Host & Microbe 9, 187-199.
Shen, Q.-H., Saijo Y., Mauch S., Biskup C., Bieri S, Keller B, Seki H., lker B., Somssich I.E., and Schulze-Lefert P. (2007): Nuclear Activity of MLA Immune Receptors Links Isolate-Specific and Basal Disease-Resistance Responses. Science 315: 1098-1103.
This work was featured in:
- Cell 128: 823-824, 2007. Jen Sheen and Ping He: Nuclear Actions in Innate Immune Signaling
- Science 315: 1088-1089, 2007. Jeff L. Dangl: Nibbling at the Plant Cell Nucleus
Bieri S, Mauch S, Shen Q-H, Peart J, Devoto A, Casais C, Ceron F, Schulze S, Steinbiss H.-H., Shirasu K, and Schulze-Lefert P (2004) RAR1 positively controls steady state levels of barley MLA resistance proteins and enables sufficient MLA6 accumulation for effective resistance. The Plant Cell 16, 3480-3495.
Shen Q.-H., Zhou F., Bieri S., Haizel T., Shirasu K., and Schulze-Lefert P. (2003) Recognition specificity and RAR1/SGT1 dependence in barley Mla disease resistance genes to the powdery mildew fungus. Plant Cell 15: 732-744.
Current and future work
We aim at a deep understanding of MLA immune receptor function and evolution. Our recent experiments revealed that MLA is fully functional in Arabidopsis which diverged from barley ~150 My ago, thereby enabling comparative studies on MLA function in the model plant Arabidopsis and the crop barley. We aim to resolve the structure of individual MLA domains and of the full-length receptor in collaboration with the structural biology group of Jijie Chai, Beijing. We explore cytoplasmic and nuclear functions of MLA and wish to understand how this immune sensor reconfigures host transcription upon recognition of powdery mildew effectors in barley and Arabidopsis (in collaboration with Imre Somssich). We will also clarify whether MLA receptors detect AVRA effectors directly or indirectly.
Takaki Maekawa (Senior scientist), Xunli Lu (post-doc), Isabel Saur (post-doc), Makoto Yoshikawa-Maekawa (post-doc), Barbara Kracher (bioinformatician), Florence Jacob (PhD), Saskia Bauer (PhD), Petra Köchner (technical assistant), Sabine Haigis (Technical assistant).


Quantum computing gives us an unprecedented opportunity to begin to solve intrinsic security problems in today’s internet protocols and architecture. With a sprawling internet built on classical computers, it’s practically impossible to rebuild that infrastructure from the ground up. However, attackers keep expanding their activity. The need to fight back has never been so strong, but there will always be a limit to the effectiveness if the underlying protocols have flaws.
Quantum computing has security advantages that do not exist in classical computing, such as truly random numbers and intrinsic abilities to detect interference. Those capabilities are becoming real today. There are hardware components that harness this power of quantum computing to make our systems more secure.
Just as exciting, since we are at the beginning of defining conventions and protocols in the quantum world. Though we are still far from full-featured quantum computers or a fully quantum internet, we are at an exciting place as those technologies take clearer shape. We can begin by laying a more secure foundation, improving on the methods that have tried and failed in the classical world. If we think about security now, we can re-architect the quantum internet of the future to be more useful and more secure than ever.
What Is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a new, faster paradigm for computing. Instead of using traditional binary bits (like typical classical computers do) and electronic logic gates that process those binary bits, quantum computers process data using quantum bits (qubits) and quantum properties of those qubits. This new type of computing has the potential to perform operations up to 100 million times faster than classical computers. This speed is particularly attractive for complex computing problems that involve questions such as factoring, search algorithms, or scientific simulations.
Quantum computers have been part of the future of computing since a 1980 paper by Paul Benioff that proposed a quantum model for a Turing machine. Since then they have been a fertile ground for research, though many people in the industry have continued to view them as the purview of academic and research computing. It is true that quantum computers are not yet a replacement for all of our classical computers. However, the goal is that quantum computers will be able to replace more functions of classical computers, and be able to do so more energy-efficiently.
What Is the State of Quantum Computing?
Quantum computers have not yet reached the point of general application and replacement of classical computers. Due to the properties of quantum mechanics, quantum computers need a sterile, supercooled environment to function. Qubits can also be easily disturbed by things as classically innocuous as attempting to observe them.
Even with these limitations, we are already beginning to see the dawn of practical applications of quantum mechanics in computing. In some specific circumstances, quantum technologies are already coming to market and providing useful results. And, several of these applications tie into making our world even more secure.
Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG)
In the classical world, we often use pseudorandom number generators for authentication, encryption, and key management. Classical computers have a difficult time extracting truly random numbers, and discerning the patterns behind pseudorandom numbers can lead to the compromise of data encryption built with those non-random numbers.
However, quantum mechanics gives us the ability to generate truly random numbers based on physical processes like light beam scattering or quantum fluctuations in a vacuum. Unlike pseudorandom numbers generated by classical algorithms, these physical processes return truly unpredictable numbers. We are seeing quantum random number generators on the market already. This includes randomness-as-a-service platforms that provide quantum-generated random numbers. There are also QRNG chips on the market, and the Samsung Galaxy Quantum phone has adopted such a chip to strengthen its encryption.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
The properties of quantum mechanics mean that observing or measuring a quantum system actually disrupts the system. Therefore, if an eavesdropper attempts to read a key created and disseminated via Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the creator and intended recipient will be able to detect that the key has been compromised, meaning quantum properties offer a built-in way to determine whether a key has been transmitted securely enough to use. This requires dedicated equipment and circuits, but is possible in the present day and several companies do offer commercial QKD services.
Quantum as a Service (QaaS) Platforms
Even though quantum computers are beyond the reach of many companies and individuals,
Quantum as a Service (QaaS) platforms allow people to both learn about quantum computing and experiment with designing and running quantum code. Though quantum computers are not widely available, open-source SDKs such as Qiskit allow people to use their classical computers to write code intended to run on quantum computers. Then, they can rent time on a quantum computer via a QaaS platform to run that code on an actual quantum computer.
Quantum Computing Security Concerns
As quantum computing’s practical abilities expand, the question becomes more pressing: what quantum computing security implications must we consider?
Post-Quantum Safe Cryptography
One of the main concerns is cryptography. Quantum computing is an exciting frontier for designing stronger cryptography, but its position on the horizon also raises questions about the security of cryptographic methods currently being used. After all, its more powerful ability to factor large numbers will eventually compromise the integrity of cryptographic algorithms that are currently secure against classical computers.
NIST is actively working to identify a standard for post-quantum safe cryptography, and some companies are already testing post-quantum algorithms. Whether your company is on the brink of adopting quantum technology or not, you will need to make plans to adopt post-quantum safe cryptography.
One of the most exciting parts of quantum computing is its potential as a new paradigm. Commonly adopted protocols, design patterns, languages, and operating system safety features are so common in the classical computing world to seem almost intrinsic, since so many people and companies depend on them to communicate.
Quantum computing, on the other hand, is still new enough that there are not agreed-upon or default design patterns. It is still at a very low level compared to fully realized classical computing systems, and the classical internet. Quantum computing is not yet at a point where its design patterns are as developed as classical ones. There are not yet full quantum analogues to packet structures, communication protocols, or even things as classically low-level as the operating system safety features that lie at its interaction with hardware. In the classical world, attackers look to these places as fertile grounds for attack. As quantum computing capabilities grow, attackers will begin to look to these places in quantum systems, as well.
As technology allows quantum computing to extend to more real-world problems, those who are creating and implementing that technology need to keep in mind the security shortcomings from the world of classical computing. Taking care to ask tough security questions now can lead to a stronger, more secure future in quantum computing.
Some quantum devices are already beginning to improve the state of security. QRNG chips are improving random number creation for cryptography, and QKD systems are providing a key distribution option with built-in detection of snooping and tampering. However, vulnerabilities are already being discovered in QKD implementations. This underscores the fact that even with the exciting security possibilities of quantum computing technologies, we must think about the architecture and implementation of these technologies.
Future Benefits of Quantum Computing for Security
Even in the classical world, security teams are having an increasingly difficult time tracking the security landscape. New vulnerabilities are coming out every day. And, it is not just a question of new instances of familiar vulnerabilities. As technology changes, new categories of vulnerabilities arise, and the learning curve for security professionals gets ever steeper.
One of the most exciting things about quantum computing is its ability to process more data more quickly than classical computers, while using less energy. As quantum computing capabilities increase, security teams can put this to good use. Quantum data processing technologies have the exciting possibility to help security teams make sense of massive amounts of security data more quickly than ever, and could make quantum computers an important tool to help keep pace with the sprawling threat landscape.
The possibility of more securely designed protocols in a quantum future is an exciting one for security teams in the future, too. With the possibility of improving upon classical protocols and software design patterns in the quantum world, well designed quantum computing could help put systems and networks on a more secure footing than classical ones. This is both an exciting possibility for quantum computing, and an exciting reason for security researchers to get involved in research and design from the ground level of quantum computing.
Prepare for a Quantum Future
As your company evolves, emerging technologies can give you a competitive advantage. However, as you adopt them, you need the expertise and confidence to make sure you are embracing them securely. This is the case with quantum computing.
Though it has exciting applications, and its power and speed make it a great fit to work alongside other emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, 5G, Internet of Things, and cloud computing, it is unwise to jump in without thinking about quantum computing security. Thinking about that now, while quantum computing is still young, can both make sure you are implementing technologies in the safest way possible, and help make sure that your influence on this still-young technology is positive.
When choosing an emerging technology security partner, it matters to work with a partner with a proven history of both researching and securing new technologies. Kroll has a long history of software and enterprise security, at the forefront of research into emerging technologies. Our Emerging Technology practice brings that experience to your business, helping you adopt, implement, and secure what will keep you ahead of the competition.


This standard explains the use of hi-visibility fabrics and retroreflective materials. It specifies the chromaticity levels to which fabrics need to be dyed in terms of performance and atmospheric pressures in order to comply safety standards. Natural fibre garments have a lower chromaticity level due to the nature of the fabric. However, only when a polyester garment is deemed a risk to the wearer in certain applications, should cotton or wool be worn in its place.
Class F = Daytime fluorescent
Class R = Retroreflective material
Class RF = Retroreflective and fluorescent
Class NF = High daytime visibility NON Fluorescent
This standard refers to how a garment is constructed using fabrics compliant to 1906.4 above.
There has to be over 0.2m2 of unbroken fluoro fabric on both the front and back of a garment in the upper torso (not including the sleeves). The fluoro must not be broken with non fluoro fabric within the 0.2m2 area on both the front and back from the top of the shoulders to the waist and MUST encircle the body up to that measurement, so no full side panels up to armpit level are permitted. This standard also explains the position of the retroreflective tapes on the garment and the width and quantity used. These tapes should not detract from the 0.2m2 measurement required.
This standard refers to the capability of a fabric to protect skin against solar ultra violet radiation (known as UPF = ultra violet protection factor). This standard is an additional bonus to the garment rather than an essential requirement for hi-visibility standards but often specified from specific industry users.


The Science and Ethics of Data for Good’s New Frontier
Combining data from multiple sources can yield the multi-dimensional insights that policy challenges really require. Here’s a look at the changemakers shaping this new frontier of Data for Good.
As we’ve seen in previous posts, a single donation of data can reveal an entire dimension of a public health or development challenge that’s never before been seen. If data donated from just one source can open a whole new angle for public policy, imagine the kind of big picture understanding researchers could piece together with data from multiple sources—or even from multiple sectors. That’s the promise of combining data from a variety of private and public organizations. “In general, data combining has an incredible upside potential,” says Claudia Perlich, Chief Scientist at Dstillery and adjunct at NYU’s Stern School of Business where she teaches a course on data mining. As an example, Perlich cites how, taken separately, education records and medical data might each tell one story, but together can reveal how attendance issues are actually the result of a pressing issue in public health. “The more complete picture you have, the better your chances are of adequately interacting with people,” Perlich said.
To see how big a difference this can make, look no further than the pioneering work of UN Global Pulse, a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General. Dedicated to yielding new, comprehensive insights into human risks and resilience in the face of on global challenges, UN Global Pulse has led projects like combining official statistics with social media data to show correlations with spikes of food and fuel prices. Now, as part of its Data for Climate Action Challenge, UN Global Pulse is calling on private companies in the finance, energy and communications sectors to donate anonymized, aggregated data sets that can be used for analysis in projects that seek to understand how people are adapting to climate change. By combining data from different sectors and geographies, it is possible to gain a better understanding of how people see risk and evaluate economic opportunities, which, in turn, can aid in developing better-targeted solutions for local contexts in the face of climate change.
Yet the potential of data combining to offer a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view on an issue also presents a risk: exposing individuals to identification, even when their data have been anonymized by the organizations donating them. To understand why, think of the old game Guess Who?: One identifying characteristic might not narrow the field very much, but each detail narrows the likelihood of who it might be. Except, of course, real-world privacy is no game—it’s a deeply serious matter that requires rigorous safeguards to ensure that we can maximize data’s potential for good while also maintaining legal and privacy standards.
As a leader in this new frontier of Data for Good, UN Global Pulse is joining with private sector and social sector partners to actively shape an ethical and practical roadmap for navigating such challenges. That’s essential to the evolution of Data for Good as a field, says Mila Romanoff, Legal & Data Privacy Specialist at UN Global Pulse. “A lack of clarity about why, when and how to share big data responsibly can hold back use of the data for justifiable purposes—such as long-term research that could lead to positive economic or social improvements or in emergency situations where use of anonymized metadata could potentially save lives.”
As Robert Kirkpatrick, UN Global Pulse, Director once commented in an interview with SciDev.Net, “Legal frameworks are barely able to keep pace with technology.” In that vacuum, companies and organizations often develop their own practices, and fixes are developed ad hoc. Romanoff stresses the importance of “communities of practice” in a field so new that the landscape is highly fragmented. That’s why progress begins by bringing together diverse representatives— from privacy and legal officers to data engineers and policymakers—as UN Global Pulse does with its multi-disciplinary Data Privacy Advisory Group and regular events such as last month’s workshop on data security and privacy.
Bringing together UN agencies, nonprofits, academics and the private sector, this workshop offered an opportunity to help shape principles to guide the field, with discussions that parsed the differences between data privacy and protection and the meaning of user consent. Discussing the event’s importance, Romanoff commented: “Nuanced ideas and values are rightfully being raised by researchers, innovators. We hope that this type of dialogue will help inform organizational guidelines and data security practices and, eventually, regulatory discourse.”
Consider this a call to arms to engage.


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Chocolate is a food made from the seeds of a cacao tree. It is used in many desserts like pudding, cakes, candy, and ice cream. It can be a solid form like a candy bar or it can be in a liquid form like hot chocolate.
See the fact file below for more information about chocolate or alternatively you can download our comprehensive worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.
- Chocolate grows on the tropical tree called the Theobroma cacao, or simply, “cacao.” Theobroma is Greek for “food of the gods.”
- Cacao is native to Central and South America, but it is grown commercially throughout the tropics.
- About 70% of the world’s cacao is grown in Africa.
- A cacao tree can produce close to two thousand pods per year.
- The cacao pod is shaped like a football and grows straight out from the branches.
- The pods, which mature throughout the year, encase a sticky white pulp and about 30 or 40 seeds. These seeds are very bitter.
- After the beans are picked they are allowed to ferment and dry. These can take several weeks. After they are dried, they are sent to the factory where they are made into chocolate.
- Once the beans are at the factory they are cleaned, sorted and weighed. Every manufacturer knows exactly which beans make which kind of chocolate. Sometimes it takes 12 different kinds of beans to make a certain kind of chocolate.
- The process of making a chocolate bar can sometimes take a week once the cacao beans have reached the manufacturer because there are so many steps involved in the process.
- Cacao, the stuff that chocolate is made from, is quite good for you. It is a powerful antioxidant. However, chocolate also includes sugar which isn’t so good for you. It’s important to find chocolate that has a high cacao content.
This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Chocolate Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about Chocolate which is a food made from the seeds of a cacao tree. It is used in many desserts like pudding, cakes, candy, and ice cream. It can be a solid form like a candy bar or it can be in a liquid form like hot chocolate.
Download includes the following worksheets:
- Chocolate Facts
- The Chocolate Tree
- Match the Kinds of Chocolate
- Yummy Treats
- Chocolate Comes to Mind
- Chocolate Brand Search
- Chocolate Fill in the Blanks Scramble
- Chocolate Poem
- How to Make Chocolate
- Decode the Choco-code
- Love, Chocolate
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Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.


By Kim Primicerio
Most businesses and organizations recognize the importance of diversity in the workforce and deem it crucial to success, but without proper training, problems can arise.
Grace Guo, associate professor of management and MBA academic faculty director, came to these conclusions after conducting research in 2014 with Akram Al Ariss from the Université de Toulouse in France. In their published work, Job Allocations As Cultural Sorting in a Culturally Diverse Organizational Context, they explore the challenges and issues associated with managing a culturally diverse workforce. They interviewed 50 employees who worked in managerial positions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), some of whom were native to the region and others who were international employees with roots all over the globe. The research was published in International Business Review in 2016.
When employees move to a new country to work, they’re typically there for about two years, Guo explained. However, she said, when these employees begin working abroad, there’s typically no support or training.
“People have problems adjusting. They don’t feel embedded and they don’t feel like they’re adapting well. They’re in culture shock. There’s no training for the employees who have been there or for the new people. If there’s no training, certain culture cues are ignored and not understood. People can’t assume diversity breeds creativity and innovation without proper management strategy,” Guo said.
Through the 50 interviews, Guo realized that, while organizations saw the value in a diverse workforce, they did not manage it well. Neither UAE employees or international workers going there received training to better understand each other’s cultures or strengths and weaknesses. Instead, she said, employers made decisions based on stereotypes and allocated jobs based on where international employees were from.
“Certain job positions were, in practice, only available to employees of a certain nationality or cultural background. For example, Americans were perceived to be suitable working in sales roles and generally assigned to work in top management teams; the French were perceived to be most effective working in hospitality management and the fashion industry; Indians were perceived to be good at working in media; and Arab employees were largely influenced by commonly shared stereotypes of comparative advantages of international employees’ home countries in certain industries or specialties,” the study reported.
“Organizations can’t afford to use culture stereotypes,” Guo said. “They have to know the talent in all their employees and what they can bring and contribute.” Otherwise, she said, international employees begin to feel left out and not respected. Training must take place on both sides so employees can recognize differences, she added.
Guo’s passion for this research stems from her own experience as an international worker. Born in China, she came to the United States when she was 21 years old for her master’s degree in business administration. She studied at Oklahoma State University and, while she said she was fortunate and didn’t face discrimination, she still had to deal with cultural differences and struggles. She later received her doctorate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and then worked at Merrimack College before coming to SHU in 2010. She teaches freshmen, seniors and graduate students.
“This is so close to my heart,” Guo said of her research. “Without proper management, talent gets wasted—it’s a downhill, vicious cycle.”
The Jack Welch College of Business is highly diverse, and faculty works together to ensure everyone’s skills are utilized, Guo said. The University and College integrate everyone’s knowledge and ensure professors are teaching in their skill area, she added, noting that the same measures must be followed in other diverse workplaces.
Besides training, another way to help international and native employees feel welcomed is to invite everyone to discussions. “Are there monthly forums inviting people to join in on conversations? Different people bring different knowledge, but if you don’t reach out to them and invite them to a discussion, you’re never going to know,” Guo said. Employees from the UAE expressed a desire to learn about their peers and wanted the opportunity to talk about their cultures, but no such opportunities came about, she related.
Guo will continue her research with trips this summer to California and China to conduct more interviews, with the belief that spotlighting the need for training will only enhance companies, make employees feel welcome and allow for success.


Backup generators are essential equipment for homeowners and businesses alike, providing a reliable source of power during power outages or other emergencies. However, like any machine, they require regular maintenance to ensure they operate efficiently and last for many years. Here are some tips on how to properly maintain them for longevity and efficiency.
– Read the Owner’s Manual
The first and most important step in maintaining your backup generator is to read the owner’s manual thoroughly. The manual will provide you with all the necessary information on how to operate and maintain it, including the recommended maintenance schedule, the type of fuel to use, and troubleshooting tips.
– Regularly Check and Change the Oil
Just like any other engine, your backup generator needs clean oil to run smoothly. You should check the oil level at least once a week and change it after the first 25 hours of use, and every 100 hours thereafter. Be sure to use the recommended oil type and grade specified in the owner’s manual.
– Replace the Air Filter
The air filter in your generator is responsible for keeping dirt and debris from entering the engine. Over time, the air filter can become clogged, reducing the efficiency of the generator. You should check and replace the air filter every six months, or more frequently if it is used in a dusty environment.
– Inspect the Spark Plug
The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine. If the spark plug is dirty or damaged, the generator may not start or may run poorly. You should inspect the spark plug every six months and replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
– Keep the Fuel Tank Clean
Contaminated fuel can cause serious damage to your generator’s engine. To prevent this, you should keep the fuel tank clean and avoid using old or stale fuel. If it is not used for an extended period, you should drain the fuel tank and refill it with fresh fuel before use.
– Test the Battery
Many backup generators have a battery that is used to start the engine. You should test the battery every six months and replace it if it is not holding a charge or shows signs of damage.
– Clean the Generator
Dirt and debris can accumulate on the generator over time, reducing its efficiency and lifespan. You should clean it regularly using a soft brush or cloth. Be sure to avoid using water or harsh chemicals, which can damage the generator.
– Run the Generator Regularly
A backup generator is designed to be used occasionally, but it still needs to be run regularly to keep its components lubricated and prevent them from seizing up. You should run it at least once a month for 30 minutes, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
– Store the Generator Properly
If you need to store your generator for an extended period, you should take some precautions to prevent damage. Drain the fuel tank and carburetor, disconnect the battery, and store it in a cool, dry place.
In conclusion, a backup generator is a valuable investment that can provide peace of mind during power outages or other emergencies. However, proper maintenance is essential to ensure it operates efficiently and lasts for many years. By following these tips, you can keep it in top condition and ready to use when you need it.


- Does heating kill botulism?
- What percent of honey has botulism?
- Does pasteurized honey contain botulism?
- Does cooking kill botulism?
- Can you see botulism?
- How do you know if honey has botulism?
- Can bacteria grow in honey?
- What foods can cause botulism?
- Does vinegar kill botulism?
- What is the white stuff on top of honey?
- Can you survive botulism?
- Can raw honey have botulism?
- Does cooking kill botulism in honey?
- Is raw honey unsafe?
- Can raw honey go bad?
- Why do adults not get botulism from honey?
- Can honey kill a baby?
- Can you inhale botulism?
Does heating kill botulism?
Despite its extreme potency, botulinum toxin is easily destroyed.
Heating to an internal temperature of 85°C for at least 5 minutes will decontaminate affected food or drink..
What percent of honey has botulism?
According to microbiologic testing, up to 25 percent of honey products have been found to contain spores. 11 A history of honey consumption is seen in 15 percent of the botulism cases reported to the CDC.
Does pasteurized honey contain botulism?
How is it caused? Infant botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum spores, which are sometimes found in both pasteurized and unpasteurized honey. When an infant ingests honey, bacteria from these spores can grow and produce toxins that could lead to paralysis.
Does cooking kill botulism?
The toxin that Clostridium botulinum produces is among the most deadly food toxin known. Fortunately, heat destroys the toxin and cooking is the best way to control botulism.
Can you see botulism?
You cannot see, smell, or taste botulinum toxin – but taking even a small taste of food containing this toxin can be deadly. Click on the following tips for details on how to protect yourself and the people you feed. When it doubt, throw it out!
How do you know if honey has botulism?
Signs that you may have botulism include: trouble speaking or swallowing. dry mouth. facial drooping and weakness.
Can bacteria grow in honey?
Most bacteria and other microbes cannot grow or reproduce in honey i.e. they are dormant and this is due to antibacterial activity of honey. … It is only the spore forming microorganisms that can survive in honey at low temperature.
What foods can cause botulism?
The source of foodborne botulism is often home-canned foods that are low in acid, such as fruits, vegetables and fish. However, the disease has also occurred from spicy peppers (chiles), foil-wrapped baked potatoes and oil infused with garlic.
Does vinegar kill botulism?
The spores that cause botulism will not germinate in a strongly acid environment. … Low Acid foods can be made safe for Water Bath Canning if they are pickled (that is, made much more acidic) with the addition of strongly acid things like Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Citric Acid or (in the case of fermentation) Lactic Acid.
What is the white stuff on top of honey?
What you’re looking at is ‘honey foam,’ which is a result of the tiny air bubbles in the honey escaping to the top. This is due to air bubbles trapped in the honey during processing and packaging. When the packaged honey rests, the air bubbles work their way up to the top of the container, creating the foam.
Can you survive botulism?
Although botulism can cause severe and prolonged symptoms, most people recover completely from the illness. Early treatment reduces the risk of permanent disability and death. However, even with treatment botulism can be fatal. Without treatment, more than 50% of people with botulism would die.
Can raw honey have botulism?
Intestinal botulism is most commonly associated with eating raw honey. This form of botulism is rare and occurs when bacterial spores in soil or gravel get into an open wound and reproduce, then release toxins.
Does cooking kill botulism in honey?
Bacterial spores in food are destroyed by high temperatures obtained only in the pressure canner (240°F–250°F). More than 6 hours is needed to kill the spores at boiling temperature (212°F). The toxin is destroyed by heating to 176°F or boiling for 10 minutes to 20 minutes.
Is raw honey unsafe?
Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. … Summary While raw honey is safe for healthy adults, it can be dangerous for infants. It may contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can grow in the gut of developing infants.
Can raw honey go bad?
While honey is certainly a super-food, it isn’t supernatural–if you leave it out, unsealed in a humid environment, it will spoil. As Harris explains, ” As long as the lid stays on it and no water is added to it, honey will not go bad.
Why do adults not get botulism from honey?
The bacteria can get on surfaces like carpets and floors and also can contaminate honey. That’s why babies younger than 1 year old should never be given honey. These bacteria are harmless to older kids and adults. That’s because their mature digestive systems can move the toxins through the body before they cause harm.
Can honey kill a baby?
Honey can contain a bacteria called C. botulinum. When this bacteria enters a baby’s digestive system it can cause a serious illness called infant botulism. Babies with infant botulism can develop muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and other symptoms.
Can you inhale botulism?
Inhalation botulism is rare and does not occur naturally, for example it is associated with accidental or intentional events (such as bioterrorism) which result in release of the toxins in aerosols. Inhalation botulism exhibits a similar clinical footprint to foodborne botulism.