The Concept of Adverse Selection Explained

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Adverse selection can be defined as a phenomenon in the market, that arises due to asymmetric information between buyers and sellers, which leads to a loss for either of the two. This article explains more about this concept with some examples.
Did You Know?
In 2001, George A. Akerlof was awarded a Nobel Prize for analysis of markets with asymmetric information (shared with other two winners). He is famous for his article 'The Market for "Lemons": Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism' (1970), that talks about adverse selection in the market of used cars.
When we buy something new from the market, often, we are slightly skeptical of the seller. Why is it so? We are worried that the seller might know something which we do not know. Thus, you're scared that asymmetric information might seep in. It is only after a good experience that we instill confidence in the seller. However, if you make a wrong selection due to concealment by the seller, you might be a victim of adverse selection. Also known as anti-selection, it is very common in the insurance sector.
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Note: Asymmetric information is a situation wherein, one of the parties to the transaction has more knowledge regarding the transaction than the other. He may exploit this information for his advantage.

Definition of adverse selection in economics: It is nothing but the potential loss that can be incurred by the buyer or the seller due to asymmetric information in the market. The following are a few examples that will explain this concept further.

Examples of Adverse Selection
Adverse Selection in Insurance

► This case occurs when the insurer conceals a vital parameter in the insurance, that puts the insurer at loss. Thus, the insurance premium is lesser, since the insurer has not factored the risk while calculating the risk potential, due to asymmetric information. As such, the insurance will be less profitable for the insurer, since he is not aware of a critical information that might increase the chances of the insured event happening.

► How adverse selection affects the health insurance market: This sector is most prone to adverse selection. Typically, those who are at a higher risk to health hazards will find it beneficial to buy an insurance coverage, than a healthy person who is at much lower risk. Those who are healthy will find the premiums too high to pay, hence, they will avoid taking an insurance cover. Also, the insured might hide vital data that might threaten his health or life, and choose not to disclose the information to the insurer. For example, a smoker is at more risk to health hazards, and hence, he will tend to buy an insurance policy to mitigate the risk, than a non-smoker. That means, even non-smokers have to pay high premium, hence, that dissuades them from buying the insurance policy. This is a huge loss to the insurance company. Sometimes, the insurance company might not be able to distinguish between high-risk and low-risk investors, due to which, it might be difficult for them to compute the insurance premium.

► To curb such a situation, the insurance company might make different plans, and accordingly, the potential insurance investors will choose from the plans. Of course, those who wish for a higher recovery amount will go for a plan, even if it has a high premium, and those with lesser requirements will go for a plan that has lesser insurance premium, though it implies lesser insurance coverage.

► The other alternative for the insurance company can be to incur costs in making a background check and collecting information about potential insurance investors, thereby making it easy to factor the risk areas, if any.

Financial Market

► The stock market is subject to a lot of speculation, and there are high chances that buyers make losses due to adverse selection. Adverse selection will occur due to the difference in knowledge of the informed and the uninformed traders, respectively. Those who are better informed will make more trading benefits than the less-informed.

Lending

► If a lender does not do a proper verification of the financial position of a firm to which it is lending money, and accordingly, does not charge higher interest rates to high-risk borrowers, it will lead to adverse selection. To mitigate risk, if the lender increases the interest rates, the good parties who cannot afford high interest rates will automatically be driven out.

Dangers of Adverse Selection
Adverse selection, if unchecked, can create a lot of financial problems. Following are the risks associated with it.

With lesser investments due to adverse selection, firms may suffer, as without investments, there will be lesser capital for expansion and development activities.

If high-risk investors are more, insurance company's revenue will decrease considerably.

Asymmetric information may lead to a lot of financial losses. For example, if you buy a used car which does not give performance as much as what is expected, your investment in that car is not getting optimum returns.

In case of the banking sector, if a bank lends to a high risk borrower, unknowingly, without charging appropriate interest, and failing in party scrutiny beforehand, there are chances that he will default in the payment. Of course, a bank has other risk mitigation options, such as, they can sell the mortgaged property, etc. However, it is very important that the bank exercises due diligence before lending money.

Adverse selection is one of the reasons for market failure. In this case, even the good brands suffer due to the presence of bad products, since the buyer or the seller cannot distinguish between the two.

'The Market for "Lemons": Quality Uncertainty and the Market Mechanism'
In this paper, George A. Akerlof gave a simple example to understand the impact of asymmetric information and adverse selection on the market. 'Lemon' is an informal word to describe a car that has turned out to be a defective piece after buying it, whereas, 'good car' refers to a well-maintained car. In the market of used cars, both, the lemons and good cars are pooled together, and it is not easy for any buyer to distinguish between them. This leads to asymmetric information, since the sellers have more knowledge of the car than the buyers. That is the reason that the buyers are skeptical before buying the car, and know there is a possibility that the car may turn out to be a lemon. Hence, buyers reduce their reservation prices, which discourages the owners of the good cars. They are driven out of the market, and hence, essentially, only the lemons remain in the market. Instead, the lemons get a higher price than what they deserve. Thus, this asymmetric information leads to adverse selection by the consumers.
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Thus, as mentioned above, adverse selection is a market failure than can lead to financial losses for either the buyer or the seller. As long as there is lack of adequate information in the market, adverse selection will continue to happen.

Why Do Marriages Fail?

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When 'until death do us apart' so commonly changes to 'until divorce do us apart', there is a need to keep calm and look back. Indeed, understanding the various reasons why a marriage fails can help you save yours. From lack of trust to the lack of intimacy, here are all the reasons you need to know.
Marriages are made in heaven, they say. It takes you years of dating and tons of heartbreaks to find that special someone; the one you think you can happily spend your entire life with; the one whose hand you think you want to hold all the time; the one who you want to see when you open your eyes; the one in whose arms you want to cuddle up all night.
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Then what goes wrong? Why do people drift apart even when everything seems so perfect? Is it that love eventually dies out? Why is it that marriage starts feeling like a baggage you have to carry around all the time? As per the Enrichment Journal on the divorce rates in America, 41% of all first marriages end in a divorce! It rises to 60% when it comes to second marriages, and 73% for third marriages!!! Why? Let's find out.

10 Reasons Why Marriages Fail

♥ 1. "Of course, I trust you ... but I won't stop checking your messages!"
A marriage or in that case any other relationship which lacks trust can never survive. Trust is the foundation of a marriage. The minute you start losing faith in your spouse, you will start facing problems. Keeping a check on his/her mails or who he/she meets, questioning or doubting his/her intentions can really put a person off. Try talking to your spouse if you have any doubts in your mind. If in case, your partner is losing faith in you, try finding out the reason. Are you going wrong somewhere? If yes, try to work out ways to change yourself or do things that will help build the trust again. The bond that you two share needs to be very strong to survive a marriage. If not, there's nothing much that can be done to save it.

♥ 2. "It's you who chose to end it ... I just kissed someone else!"
Cheating on your partner is the worst you can do. An extramarital affair is just a way of escaping the reality. Though it will seem like a lot of fun initially, you will end up losing both - your current fling and your spouse. It is natural to get attracted to people, but, if you weren't ready for a commitment, why did you get married anyway? The feeling of betrayal is very hard to get over. Expecting your partner to understand and still be with you after you have cheated on them is just unfair. Would you do the same had you been in his/her place? If you have issues with your partner, sit and discuss it with them. Finding someone new behind your partner's back is definitely not the way out.

♥ 3. "Honey, we need to talk ... after the game!"
Another reason for a failed marriage ... lack of communication. You know your marriage is hitting the rocks when it has been a lifetime that you have spoken to each other or spent some quality time together. Innumerable problems are so trivial that they can be resolved by talking alone. But it becomes very difficult to resolve disputes if there is a lack of communication between a couple and even smaller problems start looking like big issues. Lack of communication makes way for doubt and mistrust in a marriage. It is when you fail to understand the other person that problems start to arise. To avoid this, not only do you need to talk about your problems with your spouse, but you also need to listen to them and understand them, too.

♥ 4. "You were beautiful when I married you ... now I tell people you're my Mom!"
Finding your partner unattractive can cause serious intimacy issues. It is often seen that you start finding a person unappealing who you once had the hots for. If you think your partner is losing interest in you, either because you have put on weight or because you have been sporting the same look since forever, get in shape or get a makeover done. If it is your way of dressing that your spouse doesn't like or vice versa, you could take them shopping with you.

♥ 5. "Of course we can talk ... after you initiate!"
Ego can be very disastrous for a marriage. Many of us have so much pride that we think no end of ourselves and go to the extent of trampling our spouse's emotions. If you have had a fight, one of you has to take the initiative to talk and resolve the issues. If neither of you wants to pull back, it results into ego clashes. It is obvious that there is going to be a difference of views and opinions. Arguments and fights are a pack and parcel that come along with marriage, but you should learn to let go of your ego. If your partner doesn't take an initiative, you should go and talk as soon as you feel okay, especially when you realize that you have hurt the other person's ego. But, if it is always you apologizing in spite of the other person's fault, it's time to let the other person know that.

♥ 6. "Why should I be responsible? It was you who wanted to have kids!"
After having a baby, many couples start facing problems like intimacy and financial issues along with the stress of adjusting to the new life. Does that mean having a baby is always bad for the marriage? Definitely not! You have to be sure that both of you are ready for it before planning to have a baby. Discuss all the changes that you will have to face as a couple. You should understand that you just need to give yourself as well as your spouse some time to accept the change. Though it may take a lot of effort, there are many ways to work it out. So, instead of falling apart, face the challenges together and use this time to make a stronger bond with your partner. Also, make sure that it is not just one of you who is burdened with the responsibilities. Both of you should carry out your respective duties towards the baby; be it financially or emotionally.

♥ 7. "What if I still hang out with my ex ... Not that I can get back with him/her, now that I'm married to you."
One of the most common reasons why a marriage fails - unable to move on from your past relationship. Sometimes, people keep comparing their spouse with an ex and put them under the pressure of not having met their expectations. In this case, what you need to understand is that every individual is different and you cannot expect someone to be like someone else. You need to accept the person who you are married to, just the way he/she is. If there are any flaws, you just have to deal with them, keeping in mind that you are not perfect either. It is completely okay to be friends with your ex, if you share a healthy friendship and if your partner doesn't mind. But it would be better to stop, in case it invites unnecessary trouble into your married life.

♥ 8. "Obviously I respect you ... even if I make fun of you in front of my friends!"
Making fun of your spouse in front of your friends or family is very disrespectful. Light jokes which won't hurt their ego are okay, but you definitely can't expect them to have a sense of humor when it comes to their family members or the way they look. At first, it might seem playful, but once your partner has reached a saturation level, it can pave the way for daily fights and arguments. And don't forget that your spouse will respond to it in the same way. It is always important that you speak well of your spouse. Not only will it strengthen your spouse's best qualities, it will also help them develop a feeling of gratitude towards you.

♥ 9. "Let's get married ... because you are rich!"
Of course money is important! And everyone needs money to live. But should it be the reason to get married to someone? Would you get married to someone just for their money? Just because they have fancy cars and a huge bungalow? I am sure many of you are saying "yes" to these. But trust me, once you realize that the person you married is not the one for you, it can make you feel really miserable. Being married to a person without a real connection can be the worst thing one can ever experience. Same goes if you marry someone for their looks. Sooner or later, you are bound to realize it was a mistake, ruining it for both, you and your spouse.

♥ 10. "Oh! Come on, we are in love ... Who cares if we are 18!"
Getting married early is the worst of all. When you are young and in love, you might think that getting married is the only thing left to do. What you don't realize is that, with marriage comes a lot of responsibility. Instead of having to deal with it at such a young age, you should enjoy these days having fun with your friends. It is unlikely that either of you are financially or even emotionally stable. If you are unable to handle your duties as a spouse, it will result in frustration. You might start wondering if things would have been better had you not chosen to settle down so quickly. This feeling of regret can be very traumatizing. And in case, it is your partner who wants to get married early, make him/her understand what you feel and why it is not such a good idea. If he/she loves you, I am sure he/she'll wait.
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Every marriage has to go through its share of ups and downs. But that doesn't always mean it has to end. You can always try talking to your partner, discuss the problems and come up with a solution. If in case you can't, you can always turn to your family and friends for help. And if nothing else works, you can still seek the help of a marriage counselor.

Cytokines: Function, Structure, and Properties

What are cytokines? Well, they are a group of molecules that act as messengers in inter-cellular communication. They are released mainly to stimulate an immune response when the cells detect any foreign substances in the blood.

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Cytokines function
Cytokine Storm!
It is a life-threatening immune response in which the cytokines signal to make abnormally large number of antibodies to combat an infection. Medical conditions like acute pancreatitis are typically marked by cytokine storm.
Cytokines refer to a large group of cell-signaling molecules that essentially consists of proteins, peptides, and glycoproteins. They either have short or long chain structures. They are primarily released by immune system cells in order to initiate cell-to-cell interaction in order to generate an immune response. For instance, when white blood cells come in contact with pathogens they immediately release cytokines, which in turn communicate and activate other white blood cells to attack the foreign invader.

Thus, the immune response of alerting and recruiting more number of white blood cells (WBCs) to combat the infection is done by these chemical messengers (cytokines). In fact, cytokines are crucial in regulating the function of the immune system. Cytokines work in a similar manner in response to an injury or wound. In such circumstances, cytokines signal to increase the population of white blood cells at the injured site to speed up healing.

Cytokines are also mediators of inflammatory response that occurs after a living tissue is damaged. Inflammation caused by cytokines is a defense mechanism, which helps to keep the injury localized.

How Cytokines Initiate Cell-to-Cell Signaling?
When cytokines are released from a cell, they attach to the receptors located on the outer cell membrane of target cells. This binding action triggers a chemical signal that is sent to the receptor cell, inducing it to perform a given activity. For instance, when a cell comes in contact with bacteria, it signals other cells of an imminent infection so that the immune system can work to combat the infection.

The effect of cytokines is many times visible on the cells that produce them. This is known as autocrine action. When nearby cells are affected by cytokine release, it is referred to as paracrine action. However, when secretion of cytokines has an impact on far away cells, it is referred to as endocrine action.

Cell-to-Cell Communication

Types of Cytokines
Depending on their function, cytokines are classified into the following types:

Chemokines
Chemokines are primarily involved in stimulating white blood cells, particularly leukocytes, in response to the detection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Their main job is to send a signal to draw the white blood cells at the infected area. Chemokines alert the immune system about the site of infection, which is targeted by the infection-fighting cells to kill the pathogens.

Colony-stimulating Factors (CSF)
CSFs assist the body to increase the WBC count. They signal the white blood cells to multiply in order to defend the body of infections. CSFs are of two types: granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSFs) that signal bone marrow to make more number of neutrophils, the most prominent type of WBCs, while granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factors (GM-CSF) stimulate the bone marrow to increase production of two types of WBCs that include neutrophils and macrophages.

Interferons
Interferons do the job of activating natural killer (NK) cells, primarily to clear viral infections. NK cells are also expert at destroying tumor cells and considered as the primary mechanism to defend the immune system against cancer.

Interleukins
Interleukins play a key role in generating inflammatory response. They signal proliferation of T lymphocytes, which helps to contain the infection. Over 36 different interleukins have been identified that help regulate the immune response. Interleukins are named numerically starting from interleukin-1 (IL-1) to interleukin-36 (IL-36).

Transforming Growth Factors (TGFs)
They are a group of proteins that are primarily involved in generation of healthy cells. TGF-alpha, a type of transforming growth factor is secreted by macrophages brain cells. It helps in generation of epithelial tissue that lines the internal cavities of the body. TGF-beta, apart from cellular growth, are also involved in cellular differentiation, a process by which one cell type changes to another.

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)
TNF are a group of proinflammatory cytokines secreted by macrophages. These cell signaling proteins play a key role in systemic inflammation. They also induce fever in response to an infection and are also involved in combating carcinogenesis and viral proliferation.

Depending on the type of cell involved in the production of cytokines, they are classified into two major types; monokines and lymphokines. The former are secreted only by monocytes, while the later are released by lymphocytes. Both monocytes and lymphocytes are a type of WBCs, that help in regulating immunity.
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Cytokines can also be classified as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory. While the pro-inflammatory ones induce inflammation in response to tissue injury, the function of anti-inflammatory cytokines {(IL-4), (IL-10), and (IL-13)} is exactly the opposite. Their purpose is to lower the inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis, is harmful to the health, hence to mitigate this inflammatory action, anti-inflammatory cytokines are released into the body.

FileMaker Pro Vs. Microsoft Access: Which is Better?

For small to medium businesses that wish to make a choice between the best database management system, we give you a comparison between FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access.
Difference between FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access

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Did You Know?
FileMaker was going to be a part of Microsoft Office, but was bought by Apple as part of their word-processing suite.
Databases are used for storing data that is synchronized with a server to retrieve it easily. It serves as an online inventory, and software companies protect it with an overzealous attitude in order to safeguard the privacy of users. Database management has evolved from a single server to a server-based database system that serves multiple users, and finally a web-integrated database the allows the updation and removal of data from almost anywhere. So, the question arises as to what features do we look for while choosing one? The two most popular database management systems currently trending are FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access.

FileMaker Pro Vs. Microsoft Access

FileMaker is a database management software that began as an MS-DOS based program, but now runs successfully on the Mac platform. It has a GUI-interface with drag-and-drop options for easy management of data. It is available on a variety of platforms, and the latest version has more themes and templates for the creation of iOS databases. It can connect to SQL databases, such as SQL Server and Oracle by installing an Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) driver. But the software has gone through major updates, and currently has an app that lets you manage data. One of the improved features is the Popover button, which pops over if a user taps or clicks it. FileMaker Pro occupies only 26MB on the disk. It has the capacity of storing data up to 8TB in a single file. It has 3 different versions according to your uses, namely, FileMaker Pro, FileMaker Pro Advanced, and FileMaker WebDirect to access your database from web browsers.

Microsoft Access has been available as part of the Microsoft Office suite, in conjunction with the Jet database engine, and has provided support for all programs such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc. It works well as a front-end application, while getting back-end support from databases such as Oracle, Sybase, etc. The application size on the disk is 160MB. Access allows data storage of 1TB on the SharePoint server, but only allows 2GB storage in a single file. In order to make a better decision, we take a look at the features of each.

Operating Platform
FileMaker is a cross-platform database system, compatible with Windows, OS X, and iOS.

Microsoft Access, from here on called Access, is suited to run on Microsoft Windows, and better adapts to the Microsoft Office suite.

Database-building
FileMaker Pro has objects such as layouts, layouts with summaries, scripts, and plug-ins to build the database. It uses scripts and third-party plug-ins to access the database.

In Microsoft Access, you can include a number of objects, such as tables, queries, forms, reports, data access pages, macros, and modules. Access uses a Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) as its development language, which is a subset of Visual Basic.

Number of Users
Access can support 255 users concurrently.

FileMaker Server, in conjunction with FileMaker Pro, can support 250 users at once.

Number of Modes
FileMaker Pro has 3 modes: design view to edit the design of the layout, the find view to search for records, and the browse view to display records.

Access has an Automated Safe mode to detect any problems within the file, and the User-Initiated Safe mode which makes it possible to run the file even if it's corrupted.

Security
FileMaker Pro has AES-256 bit encryption to secure data on a desktop or a server, used to protect classified information by the US government.

Access files can be secured by transferring to Microsoft SQL server. It gives additional protection by providing workgroup security, which requires a username and password, that can be used to specify if the particular person is given read-only or read-and-write privileges.

Cost
For a single user of FileMaker Pro, it charges USD 9.00 per month on an annual basis. For a single user of FileMaker Pro Advanced, it charges USD 15.00 per month annually. To manage a database server, you can employ the services of FileMaker WebDirect, which charges on the basis of its users. It charges USD 54.00 per month annually for 5 users, and USD 279.00 for 50 users. It charges differently for volume licenses, which can be installed on more than one computer.

Microsoft Access users can enjoy the full benefits of this software as well as the rest of the Office Suite for USD 6.99 per month, or USD 69.99 for the whole year. For households, you can enjoy it for USD 9.99 per month, or USD 99.99 per year. For business users, it charges USD 5.00 for Office 365 Business Essentials, USD 8.25 for Office 365 Business, and USD 12.50 for Office 365 Business Premium, according to the different versions.

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Looking at the advantages and disadvantages of FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Access, it can be summarized that, users with a paid license of FileMaker Pro can access the FileMaker Server for free. To run your solution on an iPad or iPhone, you can download the FileMaker Go app, which can be downloaded at no cost from the Apple Store. Microsoft Access is for programmers who are used to MS Office and its applications, while FileMaker can be used by non-programmers who are novices to database programming, due to its drag-and-drop interface.

Panacur C for Dogs: Uses and Side Effects

Administering Panacur C is a common remedy to eliminate intestinal worms in our canine friends. It is a multi-purpose parasiticide that can destroy a variety of worms. Side effects, if any, are rarely a cause for concern, unless of course the dog is allergic to the medication.

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Use of panacur C for dog
Caution!
Dogs who have not crossed 6 weeks of age should not be given Panacur C to treat worm infection.
It is observed that dog owners tend to feed almost anything to their pet, sometimes putting their canine's life at risk. This often leads to infestation of intestinal parasites, a common health issue in a variety of dog breeds. Diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, drastic change in appetite, and dull coat are some of the symptoms indicating that the dog is infected with worms. Putting your dog on a prescribed course of Panacur C is an easy way to get rid of these intestinal parasites.

Uses
Panacur C is essentially a deworming medication in dogs that is effective against a wide range of parasites. So, whether your pet is infected with roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms or hookworms, treatment with Panacur C will surely work to eliminate the parasites. It is a canine broad-spectrum anti-parasitic therapy, hence is lethal against multiple parasites. It is not an off-label drug, but is specifically formulated for dogs, and moreover, has received approval from the USFDA.

Mechanism of Action
The primary constituent of Panacur C is fenbendazole, which targets the proteins that the parasites use for their survival. Fenbendazole attaches itself to the protein, which prevents the parasite from absorbing food and generating energy. This eventually causes the parasites to die. The safety of fenbendazole has been evaluated in pregnant dogs. There is absolutely no risk of fetal damage when the medication is given in the right dosage to the dog.

Dosage
Panacur C is essentially a granular formation that can be easily administered to your pet. The granules are palatable, and all you have to do is mix them in your pet's favorite food. Just sprinkle it in the prescribed dose, and within a few days, you will notice substantial improvement in your pet's health. The anti-parasite medication is available in 1 gram, 2 gram, and 4 gram sachets. Usually, 1 gram of the medication contains 0.22 grams of fenbendazole. The medication is sold in packets, with each packet containing 3 sachets.

The dosage prescribed will differ according to the weight of your dog. For instance, dogs that weigh less than 10 pounds are prescribed a daily 1 gram dose, which is administered for 3 successive days. On the other hand, medium dog breeds weighing between 60 to 80 pounds are prescribed a daily dose of 8 grams for consecutive 3 days. So, you will be advised to mix a 4 gram sachet twice a day in your pet's meal. A 3-day deworm treatment is usually enough to get rid of the parasitic infection.

Side Effects
In clinical studies conducted in the United States, among the dogs that were put on Panacur C, just about 1% suffered from a serious side effect that occurred in the form of vomiting. There also have been sporadic instances of dogs suffering from loose stools when treated with Panacur C. On the whole, side effects as such, from this parasiticide, are rare when taken in the right dose. However, allergy to this medicine is a cause for concern as it can cause an adverse reaction that may manifest in the form of hives, facial swelling, and breathing problems.

Precaution
Feeding raw or undercooked meat that often contain worm larvae, is one of the most common causes of worm infections in dogs. So, during treatment and to prevent recurrence of parasitic infections, make sure you feed hygienic, well-cooked food to your pet. Also, since the infection can spread to humans, through contact with dog feces, sanitation and personal hygiene is extremely important. For instance, wearing protective gloves while cleaning up the dog feces and washing the hands properly before having meals is a prerequisite to avoid infection from dogs.
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A point to note here is that Panacur C is available without prescription, yet you need to consult your vet when using this deworming treatment. Your vet alone can decide the dose and the duration of treatment that works best for your dog.

How to Take Care of Your Female Dog Post-whelping

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A postpartum period or postnatal period is the time starting immediately after the birth of a puppy or a baby. It continues for about six weeks. Read to know about the postpartum care for the dog.
Agalactia
It is a condition when the mother dog is unable to bring down milk or produce milk. It is therefore important to seek vet attention within 24 hours of whelping. In cases, where the dam cannot produce milk, the puppies will have to be bottle-fed.
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If your female dog or dam has given birth to a litter of puppies, all you need to do is take care of the mother, as she will be taking care of the puppies. The dam needs a helping hand for at least the first few weeks since this is the time when she is prone to acquiring diseases. Read to understand what to expect in a postpartum period, and how to take care of the dog post-whelping.

Postpartum care for your dam


▸ As soon as the puppies are born, the dog should clean her puppies. If she is taking a longer than 3-4 minutes, help her clean the puppies.

▸ It is recommended that the dog and puppies get checked with a vet within 24 hours of the dog having whelped. This is to ensure that they are healthy and the dam is not keeping any unborn puppy or placenta inside the uterus, which may put her at a risk of developing serious uterine infections. Also, the puppies need to be examined for infections or other health problems.

▸ Ensure that the whelping box is always clean. Remove any soiled things and change the bedding frequently. This will maintain a hygienic atmosphere for the dog and its puppies and prevent any bacterial infections.

▸ Avoid bathing your dam immediately after she has given birth. Instead, clean her gently and regularly with a warm moist cloth to remove any blood, fluids or placental tissues. This will reduce the possibility of bacterial growth and infection in her and the pups. After a few weeks, she can be bathed with a mild dog shampoo.

▸ Keep a part of the whelping box warm about 90° Fahrenheit for the puppies and dam for the first few weeks after birth. The temperature can be reduced gradually as the pups begin to grow and the mother gets healthier and stronger.

▸ The mother's appetite will increase to two to four times her normal food intake. The vet can be consulted regarding the appropriate diet. High quality puppy food should be fed to the dam because it contains high proteins and other rich nutrients. Avoid giving large breed puppy formulas, as they are usually lower in proteins, minerals and other nutrients. The dam can also be fed with a specially made lactation diet, which can provide extra calories to it needed to produce more milk. Also, feed your dog with water as it will maintain her weight and health. Food and water should be given every two to three hours.

▸ Arrange a quiet and calm surrounding for the dam and puppies. Keep them away from all noises as much as possible for the first two weeks. Excitement or disturbances may cause many health problems.

▸ The dam should rest quietly and sleep for several hours post-whelping.

▸ The dam will want to be with the puppies for at least the first three weeks. Allow her to stay with them and get exercise as and when she wants.

▸ The mammary glands of the dam should be examined regularly for signs of redness, inflammation, or discharge.

▸ The nails of the puppies should be cut every week to prevent scratches on the dog's mammary glands.

▸ The dam should appear happy, content and relaxed with her puppies. If not, contact your veterinarian.

▸ As your pet eats more during this time, your dam will need to relieve herself more often. The stools are soft for the first few days.

▸ The dam will be unwilling to leave the whelping box or to go to the bathroom for the first few days. So it is the owner's responsibility to get her to urinate and defecate normally. It is also important to keep food and water closer to the dam. The food and water dishes should be kept full always so that she gets enough nutrients to keep herself healthy and feed her puppies.

▸ The dam may shed heavy coat during this period. It should be brushed on a timely basis and the vet should be called in case bald spots are seen.

▸ It is normal if the dog loses a little weight, but see your vet in case the mother looks very thin.

▸ Occasionally, take the dam out to relieve herself, and give her some fluids. It can be fed with chicken broth or mammalac to meet her nutritional requirements.

▸ Consult your vet if the dog has a change of temperament or if nervousness or tremors occur.

▸ Measure the dam's temperature daily during the first two weeks post-whelping.


Possible Complications


If your dog is strong and healthy, it will have no problems post-whelping. However, you should be aware of the complications that can occur after the dog gives birth.

Unwillingness to Eat
The mother will feel tired and unwilling to take food a few hours after giving birth, which is normal. However, it should start eating within 24 hours of giving birth to the last pup.

Exhaustion and Panting
Panting is a normal thing for the dam who has just given birth as her body gets exhausted after labor. However, check with your vet if the panting persists for a long time.

Lochia
She will have a discharge of fluids and tissues called lochia from her vulva. The discharge is heavy for several days. The lochia can be greenish-black, brown or reddish-brown in color and does not have any odor. This occurs due to the clearing of the inner uterine lining. The discharge will decrease and will be almost gone within a few weeks. If this goes on for a longer time, and is smelly, you may need a vet intervention.

Metritis
The infection of the uterus is called metritis, which may be caused by retained placenta, fetuses or other reasons. It usually occurs within a week after giving birth. The symptoms of this condition are fever, extreme tiredness, heavy vaginal discharge, dehydration, loss of appetite, continued panting, vomiting and diarrhea. The vet should be consulted if these symptoms are seen.

Eclampsia
Eclampsia is a condition when calcium in the blood decreases. It usually occurs within two or four weeks after giving birth. It may also develop before the birth of puppy or during lactation. The symptoms include restlessness, sluggishness, limb rigidity, elevated temperature, increased panting, lack of interest in puppies, muscle tremors and seizures.

Mastitis
The color of the dam's milk is white and of normal consistency. If it is thick or the color is pink, red, green or yellow, seek the vet immediately, as these may be signs of serious bacterial infection called mastitis. The symptoms of the condition are elevated temperature, pain upon feeding, and lack of interest in pups. The puppies need to be bottle-fed. Consult your vet immediately if these symptoms occur.
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Taking care of your female dog should not be taken lightly. Though the process is time-consuming, messy, expensive, you should give the dog the best care possible. Always talk to your vet for more details on post-natal veterinary care.

Jobs Working with Children

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The careers working with children, apart from providing a source of income, offer you an opportunity to make a difference in their lives. For taking up jobs that involve working with children, you must possess qualities like dedication, compassion and patience. Here is more information about this type of job.
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Working with children is both fun and challenging. There is nothing like making a contribution to the well-being of a child. Teaching and healthcare are some of the fields through which you can work in close association with children. However, you may find many such careers through which you can work with kids. Daycare jobs are a product of today's fast-paced life where working-parents need a support system to ensure the safety and well-being of their kids. There are many such careers out there, which allow you to work with children.

Careers Working with Children
The jobs mentioned below offer you an opportunity to bring about positive changes in the lives of children during their developmental phases.

School Teacher
It is one of the major careers that allow you to work with kids. A school teacher works with children in their early stages of growth. Having a Bachelor's degree is the basic requirement to become a teacher. While you work as a teacher you get to known more about the psychology of children. Spending most of the day's time in the company of kids gives you a better idea of the mentality of kids; thus, teaching is a great learning experience for teachers themselves. Every child is different and therefore, exhibits a unique behavioral pattern and way of thinking. Teachers need to be extremely careful and empathetic while dealing with kids. In fact, a teacher's job requires a highly skilled professional, capable of fulfilling his/her responsibilities with great caution.

Salary of a high-school teacher ranges from $93,000-$460,000.

Pediatrician
It is one of the high-paying careers working with children. A pediatrician is a professional who deals with medical problems that affect infants, children and adolescents. Having a college degree (duration: 4 years) and a medical school degree is a prerequisite to becoming a pediatrician. After completion of formal education, one needs to apply for a residency program or internship before taking up actual practice. Pediatricians can further specialize in emergency medicine, adolescent medicine, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, etc. A pediatrician is responsible not only for looking after a child's physical well-being, but also the behavioral problems and developmental disorders. A pediatrician treats all patients below the age of 21. A pediatrician's patients can be placed into following groups,
Newborn: Up to 1 month
Infant: 1 month-2 years
Child: 2-12 years
Adolescent: 12-21 years
Salary of a pediatrician ranges from $85,000-$190,000.

Child Psychologist
The job of a child psychologist is quite different from that of a physician - focuses on physiological/pathological aspect of health problems. Psychologists deal with problems related to mental and social development in children. There are a variety of problems which prove to be a hurdle in the mental development of children; such problems are dealt with by child psychologists. These professionals also help children in recovering from traumatic events of past. It is necessary to have good communication skills to become a child psychologist. Those who have prior experience working as a teacher, care worker or learning support assistant, etc., can seriously think about this career option. Having a Ph.D. in psychology opens many career opportunities which allow you to work with children.

Salary of a child psychologist can range from $40,000-140,000.

Childcare Worker
Childcare workers are professionals who take care of children in the absence of their parents. They handle a lot of responsibilities however, the most important one is to keep the child safe. Playing with kids, reading books for them, bathing them, dressing & feeding them and changing diapers are some of the routine tasks they have to perform. Childcare workers need to be creative in a sense they must find ways to help children acquire new skills. Those interested in working as a childcare worker can start immediately after graduating. You need a state license for working as a childcare worker. Having a childcare certificate gives you an edge over other candidates in the process of finding a job.

The salary range for childcare workers is $15,000-28,000.

Child Advocate
The work of a child advocate is associated with supporting neglected or abused children and carrying on legal proceedings if necessary. Judges are responsible for choosing a suitable advocate for a child. Providing assistance in finding a support service for treatment of substance abuse and for prenatal care are also the responsibilities of a child advocate. These professionals offer counseling to children and parents in matters of childcare, health, physical abuse, etc. Having a high-school diploma is sufficient to start working as a child advocate. The minimum age limit for becoming a child advocate is 21 years.

The average salary of these professionals is $44,000.

Play Therapist
These professionals assist children in dealing with psychological problems by means of play therapy. Play therapists teach the kids how to express themselves through leisure activities and playing with toys. They have an expertise in symbolic communication. Weekly sessions of 50 minutes-1 hour are conducted for dealing with psychological problems. The idea behind conducting such sessions is to reduce internal conflict and to make the child insightful. In order to work as a play therapist, you need to at least have a master's degree. Students of psychology, occupational therapy, education, nursing, etc., can work in this field.

The salary range for play therapists ranges from $45,000-$50,000.

Camp Director
The duty of a camp director is to oversee the smooth running of a camp. Organizational skills and decision-making ability are the qualities required for working in this field. Recruiting camp counselors, coaches, supervisors, musicians, magicians, etc., is part of their work profile. Certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the requirements for this job. A Bachelor's degree in administration proves to be of great help when you are searching for a job of camp director.

Average salary of a camp director is $45,000.

Pediatric Nutritionist
A pediatric nutritionist does the work of preparing nutrition programs for children as well as teens up to 18 years of age. To work as a pediatric nutritionist, you need to have a Bachelor's degree in nutrition. You must have good communication skills because, a nutritionist is required to extract as much information about a child's dietary habits as possible. Parents often get defensive while speaking about their child's food habits. In such cases, it becomes necessary to communicate tactfully to obtain the necessary information.

Average salary of a pediatric nutritionist is $50,000.

Speech-Language Pathologist
These professionals work with people who suffer from speech-related disorders. Inability to speak fluently, not being able to produce certain sounds while speaking and inability to maintain a proper rhythm are the main issues that speech-language pathologists have to deal with. Most speech-language pathologists are employed in educational services. They also work in social assistance and healthcare facilities. A degree in speech-language pathology is required for working in this field.

The median salary figure for speech-language pathologists is $63,000.

Summer Jobs
Taking up a babysitting job is considered as a good option when you are thinking about working in summer. This job offers enough money to students to fulfill their monthly expenses. Conducting summer classes for kids who are interested in learning music is another option to consider. Arranging tours to museums, zoos and other such places are the part-time jobs that prove to be a good source of money. Summer camps for children are the best places where you can look out for temporary jobs.

Working with Disabled Children
The different services needed by disabled children include regular health assessments/checkups, provision of necessary equipment, etc. Some of the careers working with children with disabilities are listed below.
Disability Support Worker
Disability Social Worker
Occupational Therapist
One can also specialize in a particular disability on the basis of majors taken up at school. Patience and compassion are the qualities needed for working with children with special needs. It is a rewarding job, provided that one loves to spend time with children. Ability to understand the needs of children is a must because most children with disabilities find it difficult to communicate clearly. Even with a high-school diploma, you become eligible for such jobs. It is however, necessary to undergo a background test and drug test before taking up such jobs.
Prom-Dresses
Given the rise in social and psychological problems in children, all the above-mentioned careers are in demand. One has to be sincere and dedicated in order to handle responsibilities associated with such kind of jobs.

Party Ideas for 15-Year-Olds

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When it comes to planning a party for 15-year-olds, you need to take special care, as these kids can be treated as young adults. Hence, the party should be arranged keeping in mind their age and requirements. Here are some ideas for the same.
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Party ideas for 15 year olds
Birthday parties are no more just for kids, even teenagers need to celebrate their birthday in a memorable way, specially when it is their 15th birthday. 15-year-olds are quite grown up children and arranging a party for them can be a tough task. So, if your son or daughter is turning 15, and you are planning to throw a wonderful party, here are some ideas for you.
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Party Themes for 15-Year-Olds

Once you are done with the planning for the party, it is time to decide on a theme. There are innumerable birthday party themes for 15-year-olds, and these may differ for boys and girls. A few of such popular themes are given below. Have a look!

Halloween Party
party

If the birthday is somewhere around the Halloween day, you can arrange a Halloween party. Ask the guests to come in Halloween costumes or Halloween masks, whichever is convenient for them. Arrange for some decorations that will give an eerie effect, similar to that in a haunted house. You can go a step further by adding scary Halloween treats to the menu, to surprise your little guests! This party can be arranged inside the house or even in the outdoors.
Hollywood Party
party

This can be a great coed party, where you can ask the guests to dress like their favorite Hollywood actor or actress. For this theme you may need to inform the guests well in advance, as they will require time to arrange for the appropriate outfit, accessories and makeup. Spread out a red carpet at the entrance and interview the guests as they enter the premises. Collect some posters of famous Hollywood movies and hang/stick them at appropriate places. You can arrange for a photographer to take keepsake photos. Arrange for party foods that are elegant and rich, and serve variety of tropical juices.
Spa Party
party

Spa party is an exclusive birthday party idea for girls. Girls love to care for their skin and moreover, they also like to get pampered. So, you can book a spa for a day for your daughter and her friends. Arrange for manicures, pedicures and massage sessions. This birthday party theme is the best you can offer to your little queen.
Game Party
party

Teenagers love to play sports and if you have a boy who is turning 15, you can arrange a game party with some interesting games to play. Games can bring in a lot of excitement to the party. Get every guest involved in the party games, as this can be a good way of socializing. There is no limit to the number of games that can be played at such a party. Choose the ones which will suit your budget, venue and number of guests. Arrange for some great music to enhance the fun at the party. This can be the best birthday party idea for a 15-year-old boy.
Beach Party
party

A beach party can be fun and your 15-year-old and his/her friends are sure to love this outdoor party idea. If you have a beach in your city, you need not plan much beforehand. You can choose a beach theme to design the invites. For the food, you can set up a barbeque or order sandwiches and hot dogs. A game of beach volleyball is all that's required to make this party a success. The kids can also dance to some peppy music and chat around a bonfire after the party.
Limo Party
party

There are parties and then there are ones that make you feel really special, and an evening out on a grand limousine will do just that for your kid and his/her friends! However, you need to plan well in advance for this one, and it can be a little hard on the pocket as well. Make arrangements for hiring a limousine on the day of the party, and see the kids' eyes light up with joy on seeing the grand vehicle parked at the doorstep. When you design the invites, just make sure that you inform your little guests to come dressed up in evening attire. You can drive the kids to a food joint they love, and have a fun evening.
Masquerade Party
party

Even though masquerade parties are common, they can be fun! Decorate the house with lights for a mysterious look, or book a hall at the local club. You can choose theme colors for the party and choose the cutlery in these colors. Also, keep a collection of songs that the kids can waltz to. This can be a great opportunity for the kids to dress up in evening attire and dance through the evening. As for the masks, you can either send them with the invites, or hand them over to the kids at the entrance to the venue.
Pirate Party
party

This is one idea inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean, and can prove to be real fun if executed in the right way! To begin with, decorate the house to make it resemble a pirate's den. This can go a long way in creating the right feel. Treasure hunting games can be great way to take up the fun quotient a few notches higher.

Planning for the Birthday Party

Here are some tips to plan for your 15-year old kid's birthday party ...

    The first thing that should be considered before deciding the theme of the party is, the budget. Some birthday party themes are quite budget-friendly, while some may be too expensive.
    Decide the number of guests that you will be inviting. One of the important considerations that needs to be taken of, when planning a party for young teenagers is, whether you want it to be coed party or not.
    Decide whether you will require some professional help during the party.
    Chalk out the events that will be taking place during the party. Decide if you want it to be a overnight party. If you do not want it to be a overnight party, decide the duration of the party.
    Party menu is a very important element, which needs to be planned properly. You can hire a caterer or prepare the food by yourself.
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Given above were some of interesting party ideas for 15-year-olds. Keep in mind, that a teen birthday party mostly comprises entertainment. And don't forget talk to your child before deciding the party theme, and include his/her interests. With the help of these ideas, you can plan the birthday party and add fun to the party.

Orthopedic Surgeon Salary

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An orthopedic surgeon operates on the parts of the musculoskeletal system. The salary of an orthopedic surgeon is outlined in the Buzzle article below, along with details about his profession and educational qualifications.
Confusion, is it?
Bear in mind, that both, neurosurgeons as well as orthopedic surgeons operate on the spine. Depending on the specific nature of the problem, either of them may operate on the spine.
One of the most specialized medical designations is that of a surgeon. These skilled professionals operate on the different parts of the body. There are several categories - neurosurgeon, cardiovascular surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, plastic surgeon, etc. An orthopedic surgeon (or orthopedic, as he is popularly called) is the one who works with the parts of the body, like the hands, feet, joints, knees, shoulders, spine, etc. They help rectify the complications, like arthritis, bone fracture, ligament injury, etc. They may or may not use surgical methods in treating the complications. The article below enlists the salary range of these skilled professionals.
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Job Profile

An orthopedic surgeon operates on the musculoskeletal system.
He has to first diagnose the extent of injuries of the patient.
He has to scan X-rays and other reports to assess the problem.
As mentioned before, not all surgeons operate. Many of them recommend non-invasive procedures.
They work in conjunction with physiotherapists and neurologists and other general practitioners.
When they do operate, the procedure depends on the body part.
Generally, they cut open the layers of the skin, plate bones, install new joints, attach ligaments, etc.
After the procedure, they close up the patient.
They follow-up after surgery too, because they need to estimate the success of the operation.
They prescribe accurate medication and suggest physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Requirements

No mincing words here; the career path for an orthopedic surgeon is long and arduous, though it is completely worth the wait.
Your pre-requisite should be a bachelor's degree in biology or related subjects.
Post graduation, you need to enroll for a 4-year medical degree.
Orthopedic surgery requires a residency period of 4 to 5 years, to say the least.
If you wish to specialize in a particular discipline, you need to complete a fellowship program after your residency. This may last for about 2 years.
You can start your career in general hospitals or trauma care centers. With sufficient experience, you may go in for private practice.

Salary

Orthopedic surgeons are among the highest-paid individuals in medicine. However, as mentioned before, the salary varies as per a number of factors.
A median salary range, as of today, would fall in between USD 100,000 to USD 500,000.
Even at an entry-level, these surgeons are paid lucratively, as compared to their counterparts.
The approximate salary distribution is given in the paragraphs below.

Geographical Location

As per statistics, the salary is on a rise in highly urbanized states, like New York and Connecticut.
States like Arkansas and California fall in a medium level.
Hawaii and Idaho have comparatively lesser salaries.

Alabama USD 156,000
Alaska USD 113,000
Arizona USD 126,000
Arkansas USD 157,000
California USD 165,000
Colorado USD 137,000
Connecticut USD 177,000
Delaware USD 135,000
Florida USD 143,000
Georgia USD 176,000
Hawaii USD 95,000
Idaho USD 101,000
Illinois USD 175,000
Indiana USD 148,000
Iowa USD 151,000
Kansas USD 141,000
Kentucky USD 133,000
Louisiana USD 138,000
Maine USD 136,000
Maryland USD 158,000
Massachusetts USD 185,000
Michigan USD 156,000
Minnesota USD 135,000
Mississippi USD 161,000
Missouri USD 151,000
Montana USD 129,000
Nebraska USD 113,000
Nevada USD 117,000
New Hampshire USD 152,000
New Jersey USD 166,000
New Mexico USD 134,000
New York USD 186,000
North Carolina USD 147,000
North Dakota USD 137,000
Ohio USD 147,000
Oklahoma USD 142,000
Oregon USD 149,000
Pennsylvania USD 149,000
Rhode Island USD 140,000
South Carolina USD 152,000
South Dakota USD 116,000
Tennessee USD 143,000
Texas USD 149,000
Utah USD 120,000
Vermont USD 136,000
Virginia USD 155,000
Washington USD 159,000
West Virginia USD 145,000
Wisconsin USD 137,000
Wyoming USD 19,000
Source: Indeed.com as of March 13, 2015. Figures are in US Dollars.

Experience

This is an important factor in deciding the salary.
At an entry-level, the pay falls between USD 95,000 to USD 150,000.
An experience level between 1 to 4 years fetches a salary between USD 200,000 to USD 350,000.
Surgeons with an experience of 5 to 10 years earn between USD 400,000 to USD 600,000.
An experience of 10 to 20 years qualifies for a pay of more than USD 650,000 to as high as USD 800,000.

Specialization

Orthopedics is a vast field with a myriad specialties and sub-specialties. Salaries vary heavily as per the specialization.
Surgeons specializing in hip, joint, and shoulder replacement earn more than USD 580,000.
Spine surgeons earn more than USD 700,000.
Pediatric orthopedic surgeons earn between USD 400,000 to USD 600,000, depending on the complexity of the case.
Knee replacement surgeons earn more than USD 750,000.
Surgeons who operate on the hand, foot, ankles, and arms earn more than USD 650,000.

Employment Sector

Those who work in sports medicine and related fields earn more than USD 600,000.
Some professionals specialize in trauma units and emergency care, and earn more than USD 580,000.
Surgeons with multi-specialty groups earn more than USD 500,000.
It is observed that those in private practice earned the most; approximately, USD 700,000 to USD 900,000.
Surgeons in regular hospitals earn more than USD 600,000.
Some of the professionals, after considerable experience, share offices with their peers as medical consultants. They earn more than USD 560,000 as well.
Experienced professionals enter the academic field as well, and may earn around USD 400,000.
Prom-Dresses
The field of orthopedics offers great career opportunities. Qualified and skilled surgeons are a necessity in every orthopedic department. If you are considering a career in orthopedics, you have to work really hard, but rest assured, your efforts will be handsomely rewarded. All the best!!

Understanding the Eating Habits of Goats

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Goats are reared for their milk, meat, and coat. Therefore, a good product requires a good goat, which obviously requires good feed to produce these products. So, what do goats eat? This article has the answer.
Goats Discovered Coffee?!
Story has it that in Ethiopia, a goat herd observed goats behaving more active and energetic than usual after eating a particular type of bush. He took the hint and tried it on himself after which he got his first caffeine high, thus discovering the mystical powers of coffee.
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Contrary to popular belief that goats eat anything and everything in their path, they are picky eaters. They despise wet and unclean fodder, especially if it has a foul odor to it. They also require clean water to drink every day. Old or stale water is just not acceptable.

A goat's nutrition depends on the purpose of their breeding, whether they are bred for their milk, meat, or hair/hide. It also varies if the doe is pregnant or if it is a kid. Quality goats require quality feed that will ensure quality products out of these goats. The following sections will brief goat owners on what do these ruminants eat, what to feed them to gain weight, how often to feed, and a gist of the dietary needs and eating habits.

Eating Habits of Goats

Goats require diversity in their diet. If you observe their eating, you will notice that they will eat a plant's leaves and flowers but not the stem and/or roots. They often choose the right plants to nibble on; however, if you have kept them as pets or if you are herding them, you would like to keep them away from Lily of the Valley, yew trees, cabbages, castor beans, wilted leaves of wild cherries, avocado leaves, foxglove, black walnut, holly tree/bushes, lilacs, mountain laurel, nightshades, oleander, rhubarb leaves, azalea, red maples, rhododendron, silage or green corn, forage that is cut and fermented, hydrangea, etc., which can be quite toxic for them. Apart from poisoning, it is safer to keep an eye on what they eat as the milk of doe, who has eaten plant toxins, can cause the milk to be contaminated with the same toxins. Plants such as buttercup, mustard, chamomile, cow parsley, onion, garlic, bitterweed can taint the milk.

You can provide them with legume hay such as alfalfa, lespedeza, clover along with ryegrass, timothy, bluegrass, orchard grass, etc. Do keep in mind that the hay should be chemical-free.

Classification of a Goat's Feed
A goat requires a balanced diet containing adequate minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins, and of course, clean water to drink. Even though they drink less water, it is necessary to provide them with ample clean and fresh water to drink. Their food is divided into 3 main categories.

Grainy Feed
Feed mixes or grainy feed are easy on their stomach and provide the goats with their daily dose of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This is provided to them through agricultural byproducts, grams, corn, mustard cakes, molasses, pea, pulses, rice, sesame cakes, oats, barley, wheat, etc.

Feed Additives
Natural foods may skip certain types of nutrients that are essential. You will require to mix different vitamins and minerals in their grainy feed. These will improve the quality of their products like milk, meat, and coat. However, this cannot be substituted for their daily roughage and grainy feed. This type of food will increase their taste of food and improve their digestive system.

Fiber
Goats can consume 3 - 5% of their body weight in dry matter. However, consuming this type of food is quite difficult. Their daily quota of roughage contains around 18% of fiber and less than 60% of digestible nutrients, which contain 70 - 95% water. They get this from grasses, guava leaves, jackfruit leaves, corn, mango leaves, pulses, etc.

Dietary Needs

Each stage of a goat's life requires different food requirements in processes to aid it. A particular diet will help a pregnant goat, but will not help a dairy goat, meat goat, or a kid. For instance, a meat goat requires 2.5 - 3% of their body weight in dry material, whereas a milk goat requires 4 - 8% of dry material, 300 grams of energy, and 70 grams of crude protein to provide 1 liter of milk. On the other hand, a kid requires 3 grams (per kg of body weight) of energy to grow and 7 - 8 grams per kg of body weight for daily survival. Goats require little water in comparison to their food. One that weighs around 18 - 20 kg will require around a liter of water every day. Following is an estimate of what a goat's diet should ideally consist of.

Kid
As a growing body, a kid requires around 20% of grams, 22% of corn, 2.5% of minerals, 35% of nuts or sesame cake, 0.5% of salt, and 20% of wheat powder for it to grow healthy.

Pregnant Goat
Like any pregnancy, a goat's body requires some extra nutrients to support both the bodies. Thus, a pregnant doe will require around 50% of grams, 20% of corn, 2.5% of minerals, 20% of nuts or sesame cake, 0.5% of salt, and 7% of wheat powder.

Dairy Goat
It takes a good amount of nutritious feed to produce good-quality milk. A healthy goat provides with healthy milk; thus, she requires 15% of grams, 37% of corn, 2.5% of minerals, 25% of nuts or sesame cake, 0.5% of salt, and 20% of wheat powder.

Meat Goat
A goat's meat has less fat content, and it is thus easier to digest. Goats that are bred specially for its meat require 20% of grams, 23% of corn, 2.5% of minerals, 30% of nuts or sesame cake, 0.5% of salt, and 20% of wheat powder.

A Few Points to Remember

► Goats need to be fed at least 3 times a day.
► Place some feed on a rack or hang it somewhere for them to nibble on at night.
► If you are feeding molasses to your goats, it is advisable not to add a lot of molasses to the feed as it will get sticky very quickly and ultimately go to waste as they are finicky eaters.
► Provide the goats with mineral lick, to provide them with extra nutrition.
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You also need to know that a goat's diet intake varies from breed to breed. Larger breeds will require higher intake. Therefore, it is advisable that you consult a veterinary doctor for their ideal feed requirement.

Going Away Party Games

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Having a party for a colleague, friend or a classmate who's going away and need some ideas for the going away party games? That is exactly what we are giving you in this piece that follows. Read on and take notes.
A going away party, more commonly referred to as a farewell party, works in both ways -- it can either be arranged by the friends and colleagues in honor of the person who is leaving, or it may be arranged by the person himself for the others, as a gesture of his appreciation. It's an emotional affair for both, the person who's leaving and the others there. The combination of leaving for something better and yet leaving behind all those friends, colleagues and memories, makes it a bittersweet moment. That is why it becomes even more important that you host a great party and turn it into something that will leave only a trail of happy memories and thoughts in its wake. And a great party needs going away games -- which is exactly what we are giving you in the sections to follow. Read, read.
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Those That Focus on the Guest of Honor

This section essentially consists of those games that are used when a party is being arranged in honor of the person leaving, it thus has a unique theme running through it which is that all the games center around the guest of honor in one way or the other. Let's take a look at the games, shall we?

1. Passing the Parcel ... With a Twist

To play this game, make all the guests sit in a circle. Next, ask them to pass a container amongst them when the music starts. As soon as the music stops, the person in whose hand the container is, opens it and retrieves a chit. This chit will have a small anecdote about the guest of honor and the guest has to read this aloud to the others. To make this game more interesting, make sure that you write a variety of things about the guest of honor. There should be some funny, some touching and some serious episodes of his life.

2. Quiz Anyone?

Draw up a list of questions that focus on the guest of honor, then hold a quiz contest to determine who knows him really well. Use questions like:

How many cats does Sam have?
When is Sam's birthday?
Which accident was Sam in last year?

You can give this game a twist by using "true or false" questions as well. In these, you add some fake funny questions and see if the guests can identify the same. Try questions like these:

Sam was dumped by three gals on the same day!
Sam has been bitten twice by cats in his life.
Sam has a tattoo of a butterfly on her ankle.

The questions can change depending on the setting of the group -- is it a colleague or a college friend etc.

3. Guess Who

As everyone enters the party, ask them to write the most vivid, funny or introductory memory of the person involved. No names will be written. Collect all the papers and put them in a bowl. The guest of honor has to then open each paper and read the memory out loud, and then guess who the person is. For every wrong guess, they have to do a task (make it as embarrassing as possible) or have a shot of any drink (only if it is that kind of a party).

4. Can of Sardines

This game cannot be played in an open area. It will require a proper setting so that the guest of honor can hide. The game is simple. Choose about 5-8 people who will participate in this game along with the guest of honor. The guest of honor hides in, and the other guests have to find him. Give each of them clues on where he is hiding. Simple enough? The twist is that every time someone finds him, they have to hide in with him. The last person to find him, loses the game.

5. Blindfolded Guessing

Have everyone form a circle with the guest of honor in the center. Blindfold him and turn him around in both directions, then let him into the circle and ask each guest to put out his/her hand. The guest of honor is given two attempts to guess who the person is. For the first attempt, he has to try to guess who the person is by holding his hand; if he can't get it right, then a chit will be read out and he has to try to guess from the clue given in the chit. The chit will have some information about the person -- it could be anything that will help distinguish the person, like so and so has frames of his two family dogs on his desk.

The General Games

So what happens if you're the one leaving and want to throw a party for the others? You sure can't have games that center around you without feeling awkward, so what you do then is host some general party games. Of course, you can also use these games for when you're honoring someone.

1. Three-legged Race

Pair up all the people at the party and tie their opposite feet at the ankle, thus making it three legs. Draw in a start and a finish line and get them to race. The pair that manages to cross the line first, wins. If there are huge number of pairs and less space, have it in batches and get the winners of each batch to compete against each other in a final race.

2. Balloons and Buckets

Pair all the people at the party and give them two buckets, one empty and the other that has a packet filled with balloons in it. At the blow of the whistle, everyone has to start blowing the balloons and placing them in the empty bucket. Give them a stipulated time for completing the task (say a minute). At the end of the minute, the pair that has managed to blow the maximum number of balloons, wins.

3. Flour Run

Arrange a row of plates filled with flour and place them on a table or the ground. Hide a candy inside each. Let a referee look over the game. Have all the guests stand in a line with their hands folded behind their backs. At the blow of the whistle, they have to run to the plates and retrieve the candy inside their plate using only their mouths. When the candy is retrieved, they have to run to the referee and show them the proof. The first 3 people who manage to do this the fastest, win the first, second and third prizes. It is a game full of energy and laughter, as you can imagine -- what with all the guests stuck with flour on their mouths.

4. Water Balloon Toss

Pair all the people up and make them stand facing each other in the center of the room. Give them a balloon that has been filled with water. Mark spots on the ground behind each person, going all the way till the back of the room. Have a referee watch over each game. At the blow of the whistle, the person standing on the first mark in the center of the room has to throw the balloon to his partner and move back a step, onto to the next mark. His partner catches the balloon and moves back one step to the mark, then throws the balloon to his partner, thus increasing the distance between them with every step, and increasing the difficulty level. Those pairs whose balloons burst while passing them to each other are disqualified. The game continues till a pair reaches the last mark successfully without bursting their balloon. If there is more than one pair to reach the last mark, the shortest time taken by a pair to reach the last mark will determine the winner.

5. Mittens and More

Tape a thick pair of oven mittens over both hands of each person, then have them stand at a table which has a neatly wrapped gift. The aim is to try to open the gift the fastest, without taking the mittens off. To make things fair, wrap all the gifts in a single paper sheet and tie them together with a ribbon, or a tape that merely runs from the right to left and top to bottom.
Prom-Dresses
Now you tell me that these going away games won't keep the guests in high spirits throughout the party. Of course they will. Then all you have to do is play these games and watch the fun that

18th Birthday Party Ideas for Guys

Prom Dress

Are you looking for 18th birthday party ideas for guys? Well, you are in the right place as we have some interesting ideas put together just for you. Pick one!
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18 for guys, is the official age for being responsible, getting a driver's license, having a personal bank account, picking a college and going on road trips! With so much independence, I am sure all boys wait to turn 18 years old. Turning 18 is definitely a reason that calls for a party, probably the biggest, guys have ever had before. So, if you have a brother, son, best friend or a boyfriend who's hitting the "legal age" soon you need to throw him the grandest party he's ever been to. There are many ideas you can come up with, depending on his favorites to make it a day, he will never forget. But if you are running out of them, we are here to help you with some interesting 18th birthday party ideas for guys.

Best Ideas for a Boy's 18th Birthday Party

Right from finding the most perfect venue and decorating it, making a guests list and sending out invitations, to picking and arranging the menu as well as the cake! There's so much to do when you have to throw a birthday party for your friends and family. But when there are occasions like an 18th birthday, I am sure none of you would mind going through the effort of making the day special for your loved ones. Well, the arrangements can be made later, but it all starts with a simple idea. We have come up with a few easy to arrange party ideas for a boy's 18th birthday celebration. Keep reading.

House Party
Teenage boys who are about to turn 18, are not very fond of a fancy party with themes and decorations. They would expect a simple house party with just a few friends from school and family members to make their day memorable. A house party is convenient, cheap and can be as much fun as you want. You don't have to bother about hunting for a venue and the guests can be comfortable with no deadlines to stop the party! All you have to take care of is the decoration, music, food, cake and the gifts.

Theme Party
If you are looking for a bigger party idea, and wouldn't mind expanding your budget, theme parties can be a fun option. Theme parties can be arranged at home as well as other venues, but they are more exciting than a simple house party. You have a variety of party ideas, where you could decide a dress code, and arrange the food, cake, music, etc. depending on these themes. 18th birthday party themes for guys can be as varied as; cowboy, rock-star, Hollywood, sports, etc. as these would attract most guests. You can have related party games and activities to make the environment more exciting and enjoyable. I am sure all the guests would love to attend an exciting theme party, where they get to wear colorful costumes.

Water Party
Pool and beach parties are a rage among youngsters of this age, for the simple reason that they are fun! If you have a pool at home, you can arrange for a pool party with a Hawaiian theme for guests. You can very easily create the effect of the beach at a pool party with decorations and music. However, if you want to give the "birthday boy" his perfect birthday, well, I would suggest nothing other than a beach party. The combination of sea food appetizers, summer cocktails, sound of splashing waves and great music, is the perfect birthday for a young man who wants a happening party with his friends.

Club party
Another 18th birthday party idea for guys is to throw him a party at his favorite dance club! This is also one of the easiest birthday parties to arrange, since you have a ready to use party venue and you don't have to bother about arranging for food, decoration or music. Also, everyone can have the best time ever dancing with friends! However, this idea could get slightly expensive thus it is a suggestion for small and personal parties. Clubbing with friends is always fun and when you don't have to pay for it, the birthday boy is surely going to have a bash. Of course, don't forget his extra cool cake!
Prom-Dresses
These were some ideas on ways to celebrate a guy's birthday in a grand way. Make sure you give him the biggest and the best birthday as he is going to turn 18 only once in his life.

If you happen to have any doubt about the fact that anime is better than a whole lot of other animated productions out there, here's a list of the best anime movies of all time which will help you get rid of it.
Did You Know?
The first Japanese feature-length animated film was Momotaro's Divine Sea Warriors (Momotarō: Umi no Shinpei), which was released on April 12, 1945.
Since its origin in 1917, anime has come a long way to gain wide popularity all over the world and not just in Japan. The high degree of variation in the artistic features and story telling of anime and its western counterpart is pretty obvious. It is even believed that the anime movies are far superior when it comes to story telling and showcasing intense emotions.

Evening Gowns

Without further ado, here are some anime masterpieces which you cannot afford to miss out on if you call yourself a fan of this genre, or if you have just started taking interest in it; the best anime movies of all time.

Akira (1988)

Original Title: Akira

Director: Katsuhiro Otomo

Plot: Akira is based on a manga by the same name. Set in the year 2019 in a city called Neo-Tokyo, it follows the teenage biker Tetsuo Shima, who has psychic abilities. Tetsuo becomes the target of the authorities, police, and biker gangs, when they realize that his psychic abilities have striking resemblance to those of Akira, a small boy, with god-like abilities whose destruction had invariably destroyed Tokyo years ago.

Akira scaled the popularity charts in Japan as well as rest of the world, receiving 'A' rating from most of the critics (plus the coveted Thumbs Up from Roger Ebert) and went on to become a cult film. It also made it to the TIME magazine's list of top 5 anime DVDs in 2005.

Ghost in the Shell (1995)

Original Title: Kōkaku Kidōtai

Director: Mamoru Oshii

Plot: An adaptation of the manga series by the same name, Ghost in the Shell follows officer Motoko Kusanagi and Bateau of Section 9 unit of the Japanese police in their pursuit of a hacker known as the Puppet Master. It's not long before Kusanagi, who herself is a half human-half cyborg, realizes that there is more than what meets the eye, as she and her team are drawn into a web of intrigue.

One of the best animation movies of all times, Ghost in the Shell received wide critical acclaim on its release in 1995. It is believed to have inspired a number of filmmakers, with some people even going to the extent of drawing parallels to James Cameron's Avatar.

Spirited Away (2001)

Original Title: Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Plot: Spirited Away follows the adventures of Chihiro Ogino, a ten year old Japanese girl who enters the spirit world with her parents when they are moving to a new town in the countryside. The film traces her attempts to save her parents, who have been transformed into pigs by a witch, and regain her identity.

Spirited Away earned critical acclaim and also became the highest-grossing movie in the history of Japan. The icing on the cake came when it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003, becoming the first anime movie to win the coveted award.

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Original Title: Hotaru no haka

Director: Isao Takahata

Plot: Set in the Japanese city of Kobe, Grave of the Fireflies tells the heart-wrenching story of Seita and Setsuko, the siblings who struggle to survive during World War II, after their mother is killed in bombing by the Allied Forces. It is difficult to put Grave of the Fireflies in words, because it is one of those films wherein it's more about feeling the story rather than listening or watching it.

Grave of the Fireflies received universal acclaim with film critics going all out to praise it. Roger Ebert, for instance, called it one of the most powerful anti-war films of all time, gave it five stars, and also included it on his list of Great Movies.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Original Title: Tonari no Totoro

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Plot: My Neighbor Totoro is the story of two sisters, Satsuko and Mei, who chance upon a friendly spirit―whom Mei names Totoro―when they move to a new house to be close to their ailing mother. From thereon, the film follows their interactions with their new friend; the simple, but heart warming experiences they have.

In spite of being a children's film, My Neighbor Totoro features in virtually every single list of best animes. The film's central character, Totoro became so popular that a species of velvet worm, Eoperipatus totoro was named after it in 2013.

Ninja Scroll (1993)

Original Title: Jûbê Ninpûchô

Director: Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Plot: Ninja Scroll follows wandering ninja, Jubei Kibagami's tryst for survival, when he is targeted by the Eight Devils of Kimon and a monster from whom he saves Kagero, a poison taster. While on the run, the duo gets to know about an evil plan plotted by Lord Gemma, the man who controls the Devils, and decide to thwart it.

Other than critical acclaim, Ninja Scroll also won several awards and got 100 percent 'Fresh' rating on film review aggregator, Rotten Tomatoes. The strong story line and great animation make it one of the best movies in this category.

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Original Title: Mononoke-hime

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Plot: Set in the late Muromachi period of Japan, Princess Mononoke follows the story of young Emishi warrior, Ashitaka, who sets out on a journey to find the cure for a curse which would eventually kill him. In course of this, he ends up getting caught in the struggle between supernatural guardians of the forest and humans who rely on the resources derived from the forest.

On its release, Princess Mononoke became the highest-grossing movie in Japan. Additionally, it won a whole lot of prestigious awards and just missed out being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Original Title: Kaze no Tani no Naushika

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Plot: Based on Miyazaki's 1982 manga by the same name, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is the story of peace-loving princess Nausicaä, which revolves around her attempt to save the forest from the people of Tolmekia, who are planning to use deadly weapons to eradicate giant mutant insects that inhabit this forest.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind opened to positive reviews and also won the Ōfuji Noburō Award, which is named after Japanese animator, Noburō Ōfuji. More importantly, it laid the foundation of several anime studios, including the famous Studio Ghibli.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

Original Title: Toki o kakeru shôjo

Director: Mamoru Hosoda

Plot: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is based on the time travel fantasy. It is the story of Makoto Konno, a teenager who gains the power of time travel and uses it like any normal teenager would, getting good grades, reliving karaoke sessions, and so on, until she realizes that her actions are affecting others and she can only use this power for a limited number of times.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time swept the Tokyo Anime Awards 2007 winning in six different categories, including the Animation of the Year. Besides the whole lot of awards, it also had positive reviews and festival circuit success coming its way.

Perfect Blue (1997)

Original Title: Pafekuto Buru

Director: Satoshi Kon

Plot: Perfect Blue is the story of Japanese pop idol, Mima Kirigoe, whose life takes a turn for the worse when she decides to quit singing to pursue a career in acting. She has to deal with persistent threats, a website which puts in public domain the details about her personal life as they happen, and worse of all, a murderous stalker.

Perfect Blue made it big in the festival circuits, with some critics going to the extent of relating it to Alfred Hitchcock's films. However, commercial success eluded the film, which justifies its presence in the Entertainment Weekly's list of 50 Best Movies You Have Never Seen.

Other noteworthy mentions from the world of anime include Howl's Moving Castle, The Wind Rises, 5 Centimeters Per Second, Paprika, Lupin the Third: The Secret of Mamo, Panda and the Magic Serpent, Digital Monster X-Evolution, Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Cowboy Bebop - The Movie.

Evening Gowns

The tremendous popularity of anime movies across the globe highlights the fact that the anime industry has seen a significant growth over the last few years, not just in Japan, but outside the country as well. Now that shouldn't really come as a surprise; not after going through this list at least.