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2019年4月30日星期二

灣仔街市

Bauhaus, in full Staatliches Bauhaus, school of design, architecture, and applied arts that existed in Germany from 1919 to 1933.

www.britannica.com

歷史館出版刊物

https://hk.history.museum/zh_TW/web/mh/publications/list-of-publications.html

HK Museum of Medical Sciences


The bubonic plague (腺鼠疫) occurred in 1894. Two pathologists came from Japan and Switzerland discovered and isolated the bacteria. Old Pathological Institute commemorates their achievement. This heritage is now the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences. The museum is an Edwardian (愛德華時代) building with brickwork and arched verandahs (陽台). It has exhibitions on local medical history including SARS. There is a herb garden outside the museum displaying some basic ingredients of both Western and Chinese medicine.


Paragraph modified from:
Spurrier, P. (2016). The Heritage Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Form Asia.

為何車輛轉彎時會傾斜?

In the diagram above, the school bus is turning right and tilts outward.
Total friction given by tyres and road provides centripetal force for circular motion.

C.M. : center of mass
N : Newton due to action-reaction pairs
f : friction
CW : clockwise
ACW : anti-clockwise

Before flipping over of the school bus,
f1 + f2 +N1 = N2
N2 > N1

Therefore, the car tilts outward during the circular motion.

Image source:
https://xmdemo.wordpress.com/2014/06/29/044-circular-motion-of-cars-and-motorcycles/

黃包車

rickshaw
[ˋrikʃɔ:]

拼音

Shǐyòng wēixìn zhīfù hěn wéixiǎn ?

常遇春

明朝開國軍事大將

為《倚天屠龍記》中的角色,明教成員。

2019年4月24日星期三

店舖軼事

今天終於體會到什麼是「蠻橫無理」。
兩大兩小的客人到店購物。
不想再描述他/她們是什麼國籍、膚色、性別,
因為直接陳述都曾被人罵我 racism (種族歧視)。

她問我獅頭匙扣有沒有金色或紅色,
我找到一個金橙色的給她選購。
當時看到她的幼女在地上玩店內貨品,
我只是說了 sorry 一字,用手勢表示 no,
她便對我說︰「不想顧客把玩產品,就應該用膠箱全部封好。」

我執拾好,她也移步繼續選購。
她拆開搖鼓的包裝,給她朋友的兒子玩弄。
我對她說︰「Please buy the product before opening it.」
她直接了當道,"I will buy it."
小孩繼續搖到全場都聽到。
I told her, "It could disturb other customers."
心想,雖然我們主要賣紀念品,但還是有人在看書。
她說你們賣搖鼓、風鈴,為何不被人弄出聲來。
更甚的是她將風鈴的 price tag 拔走,
然後將風鈴、搖鼓交給朋友離開店鋪。
當時她還未付款,我便提醒客人返回店內。
好在她的朋友十分合作。
她對我說︰「既然你覺得嘈吵,即是叫我朋友連同貨品離開店鋪。」

她表面上說到合情合理,其實全是歪理。
最主要的是態度的問題。
她做不到身教,不懂教不肯教,只會累人累物。
幸好,比較「火爆」的同事今天沒有上班。
我好聲好氣,卑躬屈膝也至此。
如果有人跟她講理,不堪設想。

2019年4月23日星期二

double digestion

Fortunately, we have come a long way since Metchnikoff's musings (若有所思的) on the large intestine. We recognized decades ago that, at the very least, this organ also absorbed crucial vitamins, synthesized by its colony of microbes.

Some of the foods we eat are digested by the enzymes coded (for) by our own genome, and then absorbed in the small intestine. But many food molecules - mostly the "indigestible" ones - are left over. These go on to the large intestine, where they meet a large and eager crowd of microbes, ready to break them down using their own enzymes. In the process of feeding them themselves, the microbiota release another set of leftovers.

Prevotella and Xylanibacter harbor genes coding for enzymes that allow them to break down xylan and cellulose.

The plant-eaters saw a rapid increase in bacterial groups that break down plant cell walls, whereas the meat-eaters lost their plant-degrading bacteria and gained species that break down proteins.

If fiber bolsters (supports) microbes that strengthen the gut wall's defence, lipopolysaccharides cannot get into the blood, the immune system can keep calm, and fat cells will become more numerous rather than filling up.

Rather than coming down to simply balancing calories-in with calories-out, the link between diet (particularly fiber), microbes, short-chain fatty acids, gut permeability and chronic inflammation makes obesity seem rather more like a disease of energy regulation than a simple case of overeating.

Human's use of fire to cook food prompted our transition as a species into being big-bodied, and even bigger-brained. Cooking both animal and plant food changes the chemical structure and makes nutrients available to the body that were inaccessible when it was raw. The same is true of cooking's effect on the nutrients available to the microbiota.

Collen, A. (2015) 10% Human: How Your Body's Microbes Hold the Key to Health and Happiness. London: William Collins.

香港取景

Utada - Addicted to You

郵品種類

https://stamps.hongkongpost.hk/chi/philatelic_story/stamp_product/index.htm

HKU as a heritage


Loke Yew Hall is a graceful Renaissance-style building which has become a symbol of the university as a whole. It is named after an overseas Chinese benefactor (贊助人) who operated tin mines in Malaya (馬來亞).


Eliot Hall and May Hall are red-brick student hostels (宿舍) that built in 1914 and 1915, and were pressed into service as emergency hospitals during the Japanese invasion in 1941.

Spurrier, P. (2016). The Heritage Hiker's Guide to Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Form Asia.


本部大樓

《號外》

鄧小宇《女人就是女人》

尋找歷史感

盧老師︰「尋找歷史感,不在學術論文裏,不在強制考試中。從生活中切入,從感情中切入,就植了切割不斷的根源。」

香港娼妓歷史

鄭宏泰, 黃紹倫《婦女遺囑藏著的秘密——人生、家庭與社會》

杜葉錫恩

Elsie Elliot

大躍進

catastrophic Great Leap Forward
(1958-1961)

2019年4月22日星期一

擁有

人心不足
知足常樂

zytzb.gov.cn

統戰即係統一戰線,英文 United Front,先係列寧諗出嚟,然後毛澤東喺1939年「共產黨人」雜誌發刊詞上面話「統一戰線」係中共「三大法寶」之一。 統戰意思,即係話喺政治競爭入面,要掌握「聯合次要敵人,打擊主要敵人」嘅原則。

zh-yue.wikipedia.org

中共在2006年11月新頒《關於鞏固和壯大新世紀新階段統一戰線的意見》文件,是這一時期統一戰線繼續作為中共重要政策的範例。特別是文件中提到下面的意見:

「要切實做好新的社會階層人士統戰工作。改革開放以來出現的新的社會階層,主要由非公有制經濟人士和自由擇業知識份子組成,集中分布在新經濟組織、新社會組織中。他們作為中國特色社會主義事業的建設者,在促進共同富裕、構建社會主義和諧社會、全面建設小康社會中發揮著重要作用。新的社會階層人士是統一戰線工作新的著力點,要最大限度地把他們團結在黨的周圍,充分發揮他們的作用。」

zh.wikipedia.org

嘴臉

對於現在的我來說,
漂亮的嘴臉算什麼。

紅太陽

延安整風運動是深刻影響二十世紀中國歷史進程的重大事件,這是由毛澤東親自領導的中共黨內第一次大規模政治運動,也是建國後歷次政治運動的開端。

毛澤東在延安整風中運用他所創造的思想改造和審幹、肅反兩種手段,全面清除了中共黨內存留的五四自由民主思想的影響,徹底轉換了中共的「俄化」氣質,重建了以毛澤東為絕對主宰的上層結構,奠定了黨的全盤毛澤東化的基礎,其間所產生的一系列概念、範式在1949年後改變了億萬中國人的生活和命運。

本書作者歷時十餘年,搜尋考辨大量歷史資料,在此基礎上,從實證研究的角度,詳細剖析了延安整風的前因後果及運動所涉及的各個方面,力圖再現當年這場運動的歷史真貌,是目前海內外唯一一本全面研究延安整風運動的歷史著作。

Information from www.amazon.com

N95 I use

1862














Image: waytosafe.com

American English

Gonna
Going to
Is going to

Be going to is commonly used in informal styles.

We use be going to to talk about future plans and intentions. Usually the decision about the future plans has already been made.

We use be going to to predict something that we think is certain to happen or which we have evidence for now.

We use be going to when we give commands or state that something is obligatory (強制性的). [for example: parent to a child]

We use gonna instead of going to in informal contexts, especially in speaking and in song lyrics.

Will is often used in a similar way to be going to. Will is used when we are talking about something with absolute certainty. Be going to is used when we want to emphasize our decision or the evidence in the present.

dictionary.cambridge.org

carcinogenic and inducing hypertension

官方根據燒味及鹵味配製步驟,和與其他肉類和家禽食品比較,燒味及鹵味所含的鹽分比其他肉類和家禽食品為高。

modified from cfs.gov.hk

燒味汁及薑蔥油的脂肪及鈉質含量高,攝取過量鈉質會令身體積水,增加血壓及心 臟負荷。而燒焦部份更可能含有致癌物,建議少食為妙。

information from esdlife.com

消委會稱,醬汁可影響食物的鈉含量,建議消費者養成「少汁」甚至「走汁」的習慣。研究發現,有汁叉燒飯樣本平均含1000至1500毫克鈉。走汁叉燒飯樣本則含460至1100毫克鈉,比有汁叉燒飯樣本減少鈉26%至56%。

information from topick.hket.com

2019年4月16日星期二

小事四樁

(1)
大家有沒有見過電動輪椅風馳電掣的情況?
板主認為應該立例限制速度。
在兔仔模式下 (反之是龜速),對行人的確構成危險。

(2)
今日小弟到游泳池暢泳,完全不在狀態。
根本上做不到帶氧運動 (aerobic exercise),
五十米停一停,只做到 anaerobic exercise.
可能因為近來天氣較熱,人開始多。
只熟識自由式 (捷泳) 的我,本身已經較難減慢速度,
避開別人更需要突然轉向,加重體能負擔。
因為每個星期二都去該游泳池,有位救生員大叔已經認得我。
他對我說︰「左手提上去時不夠高。」
手腳不太協調的我有少許進步,他便道︰「改善了很多,繼續!」
在現今社會,從陌生人到有交流,已經算是難能可貴。
今日真是不在狀態,等上水踩水時左腳四頭肌 (quadriceps) 輕微抽筋。

(3)
家中有長輩本來早晚服 2 mg Artane.
醫生勸告他/她晚上吃少一粒,以減輕口乾的副作用。
她/他近日時常提不起勁,想睡想睡。
家人問我為什麼,但是我摸不著頭皮。
Artane (Benzhexol) 是用來減輕手震 (hand tremor).
我粗略估計它是 trigger parasympathetic system (副交感神經系統)。
減少服用應該會 enhance sympathetic system,應該會讓人抖擻精神。

Benzhexol is in the class of anticholinergics that opposes the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Artane inhibits the transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses, therefore it reduces spasm of smooth muscles. (modified from medicinenet.com)

Acetylcholine is the chief neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system which contracts smooth muscles, dilates blood vessels, increases bodily secretions, and slows heart rate. (modified from britannica.com)

Artane helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva. (Information from webmd.com/drugs)

得到的結論是事實和估計正好相反,此藥會令人有睡意的標籤也許亦是錯誤的。

Medications particularly prone to inducing or exacerbating (加劇) tremor are those that stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

Crawford, P. (2011). Differentiation and Diagnosis of Tremor. America Academy of Family Physicians, 83(6), 697-702. Retrieved from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0315/p697.html

(4)
今日看到長春花開,又想起它與癌症的關係。

為您,千千萬萬遍

卡勒德‧胡賽尼
Khaled Hosseini

2019年4月15日星期一

碗布含菌

母親大人常對我說碗布清潔得很,每天都洗,不過只是用洗潔精洗滌。
正確做法是每週用熱水和消毒劑清洗洗碗布兩次,定期還要更換碗布。
另外,洗碗後把碗擦乾是錯誤習慣,因為碗布的細菌會轉移至碗碟。
布一定要專布專用,洗碗用碗布,清潔檯面用檯布。

Content modified from m.sina.com.hk/news















Image from hk.news.appledaily.com

2019年4月12日星期五

Interstellar and fifth dimension


Scientists believe that the fourth dimension is time, which governs the properties of all known matter at any given point. Along with the three other dimensions, knowing an objects position in time is essential to plotting its position in the universe.

According to Superstring Theory (known less formally as string theory), the fifth and sixth dimensions are where the notion (概念) of possible worlds arises. If we could see on through to the fifth dimension, we would see a world slightly different from our own that would give us a means of measuring the similarity and differences between our world and other possible ones.

In the sixth, we would see a plane of possible worlds, where we could compare and position all the possible universes that start with the same initial conditions as this one (i.e. the Big Bang). In theory, if you could master the fifth and sixth dimension, you could travel back in time or go to different futures.

String theory, in particle physics, a theory that attempts to merge quantum mechanics with Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. The name string theory comes from the modeling of subatomic particles as tiny one-dimensional “string-like” entities rather than the more conventional approach in which they are modeled as zero-dimensional point particles. The theory envisions (想像) that a string undergoing a particular mode of vibration corresponds to a particle with definite properties such as mass and charge.

In the 1980s, physicists realized that string theory had the potential to incorporate all four of nature’s forces—gravity, electromagnetism, strong force, and weak force—and all types of matter in a single quantum mechanical framework, suggesting that it might be the long-sought unified field theory. While string theory is still a vibrant area of research that is undergoing rapid development, it remains primarily a mathematical construct because it has yet to make contact with experimental observations.

https://phys.org/news/2014-12-universe-dimensions.html
https://www.britannica.com/science/string-theory
image: http://www.planetary.org/blogs/mat-kaplan/20141109-interstellar-the-movie.html

2019年4月9日星期二

「水過鴨背」的科學詮譯














游泳中的鴨子不會產生單一波長的水波。 相反,它會發出波長略有不同的水波,繼而產生複雜疊加 (superposition)。 因此,我們需要討論這些波群 (groups of waves) 如何在水面上傳播。

Translated from https://www.phikwadraat.nl/duck_wakes/











由於波動能互相干擾,鴨子在不同時間 (如A和B點) 產生的波動 (藍色圓圈) 只有在特定位置(如紅線上)才不被抵消。

Because of interference, waves (blue circles) generated by the duck at different times (e.g. points A and B) will not be cancelled out only at specific positions (e.g. red lines).

只要符合足夠水深的要求,這條「尾巴」的形狀和角度不受波動源頭的質量、速度或地點影響。

As long as water is deep enough, the shape and angle of this wake is independent of the mass, speed or location of the wave source.

Information from https://www.hko.gov.hk/education/article_e.htm?title=ele_00387

無言老師背後的支持者

陳寶儀︰「嗱,呢個世界有樣東西稱為『愛』。『愛』的偉大之處,就在於︰你唔使做偉大的事,而係做小而對,又有心去做(的事)。明白了嗎?」

2019年4月3日星期三

相似字

乞丐
夏丏尊

Electron spin

2n square rule



https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Quantum_Mechanics/09._The_Hydrogen_Atom/Atomic_Theory/Electrons_in_Atoms/Electron_Spin

2,8,8,1

https://terpconnect.umd.edu/~wbreslyn/chemistry/electron-configurations/configurationPotassium.html

immunology, vaccination, N95 respirator and fit test

Correlation of antibody titres to the various phases of the vaccine response.
The initial antigen exposure elicits an extrafollicular response (1) that results in the rapid appearance of low IgG antibodies titres. As B cells proliferate in germinal centers and differentiate into plasma cells, IgG antibody titres increase up to a peak value (2), usually reached 4 weeks after immunization. The short life span of these plasma cells results in a rapid decline of antibody titres (3), which eventually return to baseline levels (4). In second immune responses, booster exposure to antigen reactivates immune memory and results in a rapid (<7 days) increases (5) of IgG antibody titre. Short-lived plasma cells maintain peak antibody levels (6) during a few weeks --- after which serum antibody titres decline initially with the same rapid kinetics as following primary immunization (7). Long-lived plasma cells that have reached survival niches in the bone marrow continue to produce antigen-specific antibodies, which then decline with slower kinetics (8). Note: This generic pattern may not apply to live vaccines triggering long-term IgG antibodies for extended periods.

MMR is an attenuated (weakened) live virus vaccine.

MacLennan (2003) stated that, "In adaptive antibody responses, B cells are induced to grow either in follicles where they form germinal centers or in extrafollicular foci as plasmablasts (a precursor of a plasma cell)."

"The most abundant class of immunoglobulins in the blood is IgG (73%)...IgG is present in plasma and external secretions and is expressed on the B-cell membrane. (Schwartz, 2018)

Plasma cells are not really a distinct cell line but differentiate from a particular set of lymphocytes (the B lymphocytes) during immune response...The major function of plasma cells is to synthesize and secrete antibodies. (Widmaier, 2008)

1. Cup the respirator in your hand, with the nosepiece at your fingertips, allowing the handbands to hang freely below your hand.

2. Position the respirator under your chin with the nosepiece up. Pull the top strap over your head resting it high at the top back of your head. Pull the bottom strap over your head and position it around the neck below the ears.

3. Place your fingertips from both hands at the top of the metal nosepiece. Using two hands, mold the nose area to the shape of your nose by pushing inward while moving your fingertips down both sides of the nosepiece. Pinching the nosepiece using one hand may result in improper fit and less effective respirator performance. Use two hands.

4. Perform a User Seal Check prior to each wearing. To check the respirator-to-face seal, place both hands completely over the respirator and exhale. Be careful not to disturb the position of the respirator. If air leaks around nose, readjust the nosepiece as described in step 3. If air leaks at the respirator edges, work the straps back along the sides of your head. If you cannot achieve proper seal, do not enter the isolation or treatment area. See your supervisor.

Removal Instructions
See step 2 of Fitting Instructions and cup respirator in hand to maintain position on face. Pull bottom strap over head. Still holding respirator in position, pull top strap over head and remove respirator.

Fit Test

MacLennan, I.C., & Toellner, K. M. (2003) Extrafollicular antibody responses. Immunological Reviews, 194:8-18. Retrieve from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12846803/

Widmaier, E.P., & Raff, H. (2008). Vander’s Human Physiology: The Mechanisms of Body Function. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

2019年4月2日星期二

讀音

紅磡
Hóngkàn

mentor
IPA[ˈmentɔː(r)]

恪守不渝
陳寅恪
(音確)

紅耳鵯 (音卑)
image: sites.google.com/site/taiwanaisstop

盧老師憶錢先生

「俗世太多戀戀不捨的牽繫,能『捨』所愛,那非大徹大悟者不能。」

「眼看世道愈來愈亂,背離正道、似是而非的聲響,變成最強音。」

象齒焚身

大象因為有珍貴的牙齒而遭到捕殺,
比喻人因為有錢財而招禍。

idiom.wlps.kl.edu.tw

貞觀之治

「人以銅為鏡,可以正衣冠;以史為鏡,可以知興衰;以人為鏡,可以明得失。」

Unequal treaties

Treaty of Nanjing
Treaty of Beijing
Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory

新華社

Xinhua News Agency
New China News Agency

CCP

The Communist Party of China
The Chinese Communist Party