structure of chinese culture

Structure of chinese culture

 

Main article: Social structure of China
Since the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors period, some form of Chinese monarch has been the main ruler above all. Different periods of history have different names for the various positions within society. Conceptually each imperial or feudal period is similar, with the government and military officials ranking high in the hierarchy, and the rest of the population under regular Chinese law.^[7] From the late Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) onwards, traditional Chinese society was organized into a hierarchic system of socio-economic classes known as the four occupations.
However, this system did not cover all social groups while the distinctions between all groups became blurred ever since the commercialization of Chinese culture in the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE). Ancient Chinese education also has a long history; ever since the Sui Dynasty (581–618 CE) educated candidates prepared for the Imperial examinations which drafted exam graduates into government as scholar-bureaucrats.
This led to the creation of a meritocracy, although success was available only to males who could afford test preparation. Imperial examinations required applicants to write essays and demonstrate mastery of the Confucian classics. Those who passed the highest level of the exam became elite scholar-officials known as jinshi, a highly esteemed socio-economic position. A major mythological structure developed around the topic of the mythology of the imperial exams. Trades and crafts were usually taught by a shifu. The female historian Ban Zhao wrote the Lessons for Women in the Han Dynasty and outlined the four virtues women must abide to, while scholars such as Zhu Xi and Cheng Yi would expand upon this. Chinese marriage and Taoist sexual practices are some of the rituals and customs found in society.

Air strikes on Iraq dam 'to protect US interests'

The failure of Mosul dam may put US staff and facilities, including the US embassy in Baghdad, at risk, Barack Obama warned Congress in a letter.
It comes after the US sent bombers for the first time to help Kurdish forces expel Islamic State (IS) militants.
Kurdish officials now say they have near complete control of the dam.
If the recapture is confirmed, it will be the biggest reverse for IS since they launched their offensive in Iraq in June.
The strategically important facility, seized by IS militants on 7 August, supplies water and electricity to northern Iraq
Critical services President Obama notified Congress that the widened mission in Iraq would be limited in scope and duration, the White House said in a statement on Sunday.
In addition to citing concerns over US facilities in Iraq, he said the failure of the dam could "prevent the Iraqi government from providing critical services to the Iraqi populace".
It comes amid fears that IS, formerly known as Isis, could have used it to flood areas downstream.
The US military said it had conducted 14 strikes on Sunday, damaging 19 vehicles belonging to IS militants as well as a checkpoint near the dam.
Kurdish Peshmerga forces were still trying to clear mines and booby traps from the area round the dam on Sunday, a process which could take several hours, Kurdish officials said.
They said US special forces had been on the ground to help co-ordinate the air strikes.

Ek parcham ke saye

mangoes

The mango is a juicy stone fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera, consisting of numerous tropical fruiting trees, that are cultivated mostly for edible fruit. The majority of these species are found in nature as wild mangoes. They all belong to the flowering plant family An acardiaceae. The mango is native to South and Southeast Asia, from where it has been distributed worldwide to become one of the most cultivated fruits in the tropics. The highest concentration of Mangifera genus is situated in western part of Malesia (Sumatra, Java and Borneo) and in Burma and India. While other Mangifera species (e.g. horse mango, M. foetida) are also grown on a more localized basis, Mangifera indica—the "common mango" or "Indian mango"—is the only mango tree commonly cultivated in many tropical and subtropical regions. It originated in India and Burma. It is the national fruit ofIndia, Pakistan, and the Philippines and the national tree of Bangladesh. In several cultures, its fruit and leaves are ritually used as floral decorations at weddings, public celebrations and religious ceremonies.

third world war

World War III (WW III, W W 3 or the Third World War) is a term used to describe a hypothetical worldwide conflict following World War II. The most common scenario, an imagined nuclear war between the superpowers, the Soviet Union and the United States, is widely used as a premise or plot device in books, films, television productions, and video games. However, some writers have applied the term instead to the Cold War, arguing that it met the definition of a world war even though there was no direct conflict between the superpowers.

World War I (1914–1918) was regarded as the "war to end all wars" and it was believed there could never be another global conflict. World War II (1939–1945) proved that to be false, and with the advent of the Cold War (1945–1991) and the use of nuclear weapons, the likelihood of a third global conflict became more accepted. It was anticipated and planned for by military and civil authorities in many countries. Scenarios ranged from conventional warfare, to limited or total nuclear warfare leading to the destruction of civilization.

the black scorpion

The answer to the scorpion question may lie to the east of Pakistan

As soon as the sun sets in Sindh, along the coast of southern Pakistan, scorpion hunters leave their homes looking for their fortune. The black scorpion has become one of the country’s most valuable commodities with large specimens going for thousands of dollars.

To date nobody has been able to explain the demand for the animals, and nobody seems to have any idea where the scorpions are going once they leave the sand. According to Pakistan’s The Tribune Express the trade in scorpions began to pick up about twelve months ago, but the country’s media still has no good explanation for the phenomenon.

Scorpions don’t cure cancer

The most common explanation for the demand for scorpions is that the animals are being used in order to treat cancer. There is only one well-known treatment for cancer which uses scorpion venom, and it’s in an experimental, and controversial phase.

The deathstalker scorpion, which is actually a yellow scorpion, is being used by Jim Olson, but he gets his venom from medial facilities, not from scorpions sold on eBay. The widespread capture of black scorpions in Pakistan probably has little to do with Olson’s research.

Another piece of research is being done in Cuba where doctors believe they have discovered a vaccine for several types of cancer using the venom of the blue scorpion. The research is yet to be verified by authorities in the European Union or the United States.

With prices being offered for larger scorpions, with those of over a hundred grams bringing in thousands of dollars, it’s no wonder that the people of Sindh, Pakistan have set themselves the task of capturing the venomous animal, despite the danger to themselves.

Running out of scorpions

Some Pakistanis in the area are beginning to report a shortage of the animals and no wonder. One online auction site has several ads from people looking to buy Black Scorpions with one ad offering to “buy a black Scorpio on any cost.”

The high prices being offered for the animals, and the apparent reduction in numbers being caused by the hunt for them, brings similarities with the trade for Rhino horns to the forefront. The illegal gathering of rhino horns in Africa began because of the high price being paid for the appendage in China. The same thing happened with shark fins in the East Asian country.

Scorpion venom was an important part of medicine in ancient China and vestiges of its use have remained until this day. The country may be responsible for the rise in the price of the black scorpion, and Pakistanis may be the unwitting first link in a chain leading back to Beijing.

As Western Europeans drove animals like The Galapagos Giant Tortoise to near extinction out of love for its flesh and disregard for its habitat, China’s new found economic power may be causing trouble for scorpion species in Pakistan as it did for the Rhino in Africa.

tips for healthy body

Want to become a healthier person? It's all about making gradual changes. Following the tips in this article offer several benefits for you: lower risk of several cancers and diseases, a possibly leaner frame, and the chance to live a long and happy life. Health is a very important priority in life so what are you waiting for? Follow these steps and you'll be on your way to becoming a better person.

1

Get lots of sleep. In order to maintain a healthy body, you will need 8-10 hours of sleep every day. This keeps you awake and alert, so you don't have to drink caffeine and sugar-loaded energy drinks. If you are a kid and have early school times, go to sleep earlier on school nights

Laugh and smile! Smiling a lot makes your face look younger and it feels great. If you laugh a lot, it has been scientifically proven to keep you healthier.

3

Do nothing. Staying in a dark, quiet place without having any stressful thoughts for about ten minutes will leave you feeling refreshed. Focus on the energy field inside of you or try to focus on your body from the inside. If you just relax, you will feel better and probably keep feeling good through the day. Just do this a couple of times a day.

4

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. Try to get at least 5-9 servings a day.

5

Drink water! It is key in making you run throughout the day. Try drinking 8 eight-ounce glasses of water each day. It helps you re-energize and keep going. Not drinking enough fresh water leads to acne, headaches, and even dehydration. Do this, and you'll stay in good condition.


   6 Feel good about yourself! There is always going to be someone in the room who does at least one thing better than you, so don't compare yourself to other people! Find things you are good at, and use your talents!

7 Get some exercise everyday, even just a little. This will not only make you feel better, and make you look better, but help you to get through the day. Research has proven that exercising regularly helps you feel better because endorphins released by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus during exercise produce a feeling of happiness and well being.

cardiovascular disease

cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (also called heart disease) is a class of diseases that involve the heart, the blood vessels (arteries, capillaries, and veins) or both.

Cardiovascular disease refers to any disease that affects the cardiovascular system, principally cardiac disease, vascular diseases of the brain and kidney, and peripheral arterial disease.The causes of cardiovascular disease are diverse but atherosclerosis and/or hypertension are the most common. In addition, with aging come a number of physiological and morphological changes that alter cardiovascular function and lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even in healthy asymptomatic individuals.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths worldwide, though, since the 1970s, cardiovascular mortality rates have declined in many high-income countries. At the same time, cardiovascular deaths and disease have increased at a fast rate in low- and middle-income countries.Although cardiovascular disease usually affects older adults, the antecedents of cardiovascular disease, notably atherosclerosis, begin in early life, making primary prevention efforts necessary from childhood.There is therefore increased emphasis on preventing atherosclerosis by modifying risk factors, for example by healthy eating, exercise, and avoidance of smoking tobacco.

eye diseases and disorders

56 Causes of Eye Disorders




















See How the Eye Works

Nearsightedness (myopia)

Farsightedness

Astigmatism

Presbyopia

Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Allergic conjunctivitis

Foreign object in the eye

Cataract

Eye floaters

Corneal abrasion

Eyelid inflammation (blepharitis)

Eye redness

Dry eyes

Visual disturbances

External eyelid stye (hordeolum externum)

Watery eyes

Eye pain

Eyelid turned in (entropion)

Eye burning accompanied by itching and discharge

Eyelid twitch

Glaucoma

Eye and vision development

Dry eye syndrome

Black eye

Bleeding under conjunctiva (subconjunctival hemmorhage)

Retinal detachment

Lazy eye

Pterygium

Diabetic retinopathy

Night blindness

Eye emergencies

Visual impairment

Hypertensive retinopathy

Strabismus

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Bulging eyes

Color blindness

Blindness

Uveitis

Hazy vision

Scleritis

Corneal ulcer

Photophobia

Hyphema

Cone-rod dystrophy

Ophthalmoplegia

Ocular migraines

Sarcoidosis

Retinitis pigmentosa

Retinal vascular occlusion

Problems with eyes and ears in the premature baby

Optic neuritis

Myasthenia gravis

Usher syndrome

Coloboma

Adie's pupil

The eye is an amazingly complex organ that brings the outside world to life.

Get an inside look at all its moving parts and how they work. »

Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a very common condition in which nearby objects are visible but faraway objects are out of focus and difficult to see.

Understand this condition. »

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is a common vision impairment in which you are able to see things that are far away, but have trouble seeing things that are up close.

Recognize the signs. »

Astigmatism is a common vision problem that causes distorted, fuzzy, or blurry vision as a result of an irregular curve in the eye's lens or cornea.

Learn about how it's diagnosed. »

Presbyopia causes people's eyes to be unable to focus as quickly on close-up objects. It naturally affects everyone's eyes as they age.

Heed the early warning signs. »

Conjunctivitis, or "pink eye," is an infection or swelling in the eye area that causes inflammation of the conjunctiva, giving the eye a red or pink color.

Determine treatment options. »

Allergic conjunctivitis is when exposure to allergens (such as mold spores or pollen) cause your eyes to become watery, red, and itchy.

See what you can do. »

A foreign object in the eye is anything that enters the eye from outside the body and does not belong there. It causes immediate symptoms, but may or may not be serious, depending on the object.

Discover the causes. »

Cataracts are dense, cloudy areas that slowly form in the lens of the eye. They are common in older people, but can also be present at birth or caused by medications, disease, trauma, or radiation.

Look out for the signs. »

Specks and strings may appear in your field of vision. These are called eye floaters, and are most commonly caused by age-related changes to the eye.

Read more on this condition. »

A minor scratch to the eye's cornea, which the thin layer that covers the iris and pupil, is called a corneal abrasion. It can be caused by dust, contact lenses, or other foreign objects, and can sometimes develop into a serious eye condition.

Establish the cause. »

Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelash follicles. Its cause is unclear, but allergies, mites, dandruff, and certain medications may increase the likelihood of this form of inflammation.

Be aware of possible risk factors. »

Eye redness occurs when the vessels of the eye become irritated or swollen. It can occur due to dry air, dust, allergies, or as a result of a more serious condition.

Identify the potential causes. »

When the eyes do not produce enough tears, this results in dry eyes. It can be caused by environmental factors, dry eye syndrome, medications, and other causes as well.

Manage your symptoms. »

When a condition or disorder temporarily or permanently interferes with the normal sense of sight, this is called a visual disturbance.

Understand possible complications. »

A red, painful bump or inflamed area on the eyelid is called a stye or hordeolum. It's typically caused by bacterial infection of the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes.

Learn how to avoid styes. »

If the eyes produce too many tears, the tear ducts become overwhelmed and the eyes become watery. Watery eyes can be caused by strong emotions or laughter, weather, or a range of different conditions.

Find out the causes. »

Eye pain, or ophthalmalgia, is a common form of discomfort that can occur inside the eye (orbital pain) or on the surface of the eye (ocular pain). It is rarely a result of a serious condition, and usually resolves on its own without treatment.

See if it's serious. »

Entropion is when your eyelid rotates inward, causing irritation, abrasion, and redness. It is common in older people, but it can also be congenital or caused by chemical burns, tracoma, or herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

Get control of this condition. »

Eye burning accompanied by discharge and/or itching is usually a sign of infection, and should be looked at by a doctor immediately. It can also be a sign of a foreign body in the eye or an injury to the eye.

Recognize the warning signs. »

An eyelid twitch, or blepharospasm, is when the eyelid muscles spasm involuntarily and repeatedly. These are usually minor, but can become chronic in some cases, or can accompany serious brain and nerve disorders.

Separate severe and common symptoms. »

Glaucoma refers to a number of diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss. It is usually caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye.

Weigh treatment options. »

The human visual system is very complex and takes a while to fully develop. This system's development is a very important health consideration.

Discover how the visual system develops. »

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes are unable to produce a sufficient amount of tears, which can lead to irritation and redness in the eyes. It has a number of potential causes, including medications, allergies, and hormone replacement therapy.

Explore possible causes. »

A black eye is when the capillaries beneath the skin around the eyes have broken, blood enters the surrounding tissue and discolors it, giving the appearance of bruising.

Understand the effects. »

If blood has collected under the conjunctiva, the transparent tissue that covers the white of the eye, this is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is not a dangerous condition, and tends to go away by itself within a few weeks.

Recognize the signs. »

When the retina separates from the back of the eye, this is known as retinal detachment. It is a medical emergency that can cause partial or total vision loss.

Seek medical attention right away. »

When the brain does not properly acknowledge the information it receives from one of your eyes, this results in a lazy eye, or "amblyopia." This condition normally occurs only in children and usually affects just one eye, which may "wander" around. It can cause serious vision damage if it goes untreated.

Learn exactly what this condition does. »

Pterygium is a benign, noncancerous growth that develops on the mucous membrane on the white part of the eye. Although they usually don't need treatment, they can be removed if they cause vision problems.

Determine the best treatment for you. »

Diabetic retinopathy causes vision problems as a result of type 1 or 2 diabetes, which can damage the blood vessels of the eye's retina. It may start as minor visual problems but it can eventually cause blindness.

Reduce your risk. »

Night blindness is a form of vision impairment that causes affected individuals to have difficulty seeing in the dark or in dim lighting. It is usually a result of eye conditions such as nearsightedness or cataracts.

Find out what might be causing it. »

An eye emergency is when chemicals or a foreign object gets in the eye, or an injury affects the eye area. Emergencies require immediate medical attention to help prevent permanent vision damage.

Know when to seek emergency treatment. »

If glasses or contact lenses cannot correct someone's vision, this is known as a visual impairment. Impairments range from low vision and color blindness to total blindness.

See the range of possible problems. »

Hypertensive retinopathy is a condition in which high blood pressure causes vision problems by limiting the retina's function and increasing pressure on the optic nerve.

Control your vision and blood pressure. »

Strabismus, or "crossed eyes," causes the eyes to not line up in the same direction. It tends to develop in children who are very young, and is often treatable.

Address your child's condition. »

Macular degeneration is the most common form of vision loss in people age 50 or older. It occurs when the macula, an important part of the retina, becomes damaged.

Take note of vision changes. »

Proptosis and exophthalmos, or bulging eyes, are when the eyes protrude out of their normal position. It can be caused by a number of different conditions, including Graves' disease, glaucoma, and leukemia.

Learn the different causes. »

Color blindness is an inherited or acquired condition in which the patient has difficulty telling apart certain colors or cannot see any colors at all. It is more common in men than in women.

Know when to get checked. »

Blindness is the inability to see anything, including light. It can be partial or complete, and can be caused by a number of different diseases, or be present at birth.

Gain insight into blindness. »

Swelling of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, is called uveitis. It is often associated with infections or autoimmune diseases, and can cause blurry vision, eye pain, and floaters.

Recognize what's going on. »

Hazy vision is a problem that makes it difficult to see clearly. It can be caused by a number of different factors.

Assess your symptoms. »

Scleritis is severe inflammation of the sclera, the eye's outer protective layer. It usually causes pain, and can sometimes cause vision loss.

Get relief. »

A corneal ulcer is a open sore that forms on the cornea, the clear layer on front of the eye. It is usually caused by infections but can also results from small eye injuries.

Check with your doctor. »

Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is when bright lights hurt your eyes. It can be associated with a number of conditions, ranging from minor to very serious.

Find out whether it's serious. »

A hyphema is a collection of blood in the eye, between the cornea and the iris. It is painful, and requires immediate medical attention.

See a doctor immediately. »

Cone-rod dystrophy is an uncommon inherited condition that causes the cones and rods of the eye's retina to deteriorate over time, often leading to blindness.

Analyze your symptoms. »

Certain neurologic disorders can cause ophthalmoplegia, which is weakness or paralysis of muscles that control the eye's movement.

Learn about related disorders. »

An ocular migraine, or migraine with aura, is a migraine that is accompanied by a visual disturbance.

Pinpoint your triggers. »

Sarcoidosis causes granulomas, which are clumps of immune cells, to form in organs such as the eye. Symptoms of sarcoidosis in the eye include dry, itch eyes, discharge, burning sensation, and vision loss.

Spot the symptoms. »

Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of conditions that are inherited and gradually bring about blindness. These conditions result to abnormal aspects of the retina, particularly the rods.

Read more about these conditions. »

A retinal vascular occlusion is when a blockage or blood clot forms in the veins or arteries transporting blood to or from the retina. It can get in the way of the eye's ability to filter light properly, and can cause vision loss.

Discover the possible effects. »

Certain eye problems can form in premature babies, including retinopathy of prematurity, nearsightedness (myopia), and lazy eye (strabismus).

Get more information. »

Optic neuritis is a condition in which the optic nerve becomes inflamed and causes vision loss, usually in one eye. Vision can return after the inflammation goes away.

Understand the effects. »

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromusclar disorder. It results in weakness of the skeletal muscles, and can cause double vision and drooping of the eyelid.

See the full list of symptoms. »

Usher syndrome is an inherited condition that causes both hearing loss and retinitis pigmentosa, a type of vision loss that gradually causes blindness.

Find out the stages. »

Coloboma is a condition present at birth in which a part of the eye's structure is missing. Usually the missing part is the iris, retina, or optic nerve.

Read more on this condition. »

Adie's pupil, or Adie syndrome, is a rare neurological condition that causes one eye's pupil to be bigger than the other.