Coral, which people often collect as decoration, is the hard, dried skeleton composed mainly of calcium produced by colonies of small animals very similar to anemones. The polyps of living coral live in tiny cups in the skeleton and are continually adding to its mass. The coral grows into a variety of shapes. Some species produce numerous branches and in …
Read More »What is confessionalism?
The word confessionalism occurs in the fields of religion, politics and poetry, each having a different meaning. In religion, particularly in Christianity, confessionalism refers to the belief that a truly religious person should accept the entire teaching of the religion, both its values and rituals. It lays a lot of emphasis on religious dogma and does not allow for alternative …
Read More »What is collateral debt obligation?
Collateral Debt Obligation (CDO) is the cause of the sub-prime crisis and recession. European banks and investors bought sub-prime housing loan portfolios from original US lenders to diversify their investment portfolio before the sub-prime crisis. At that time, it seemed a lucrative investment avenue. These are known as Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS). Most of these loans were bought as part …
Read More »What is cliff diving?
Cliff diving is the act of diving from a high cliff into a river, lake or ocean below the cliff. It has been practised as an unorganized activity both for recreation and other purposes. It is an organized sport, with large-scale competitions held in several places of the world. Cliff diving is classified as an extreme sport because of the …
Read More »What is Chi-x?
Chi-x Europe Limited has received recognition as a Multilateral Trading Facility (MTF) from the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and is authorized to provide services to firms throughout Europe. Established in response to clients’ demands for a faster, cheaper and higher capacity alternative to trading, Chix is the first order-driven, pan-European matching engine and central limit order book. It is up …
Read More »What is Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US?
A case filed under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is commonly referred to as a ‘reorganization or restructuring bankruptcy’. Chapter 11 is a part of the US Bankruptcy Code under which an insolvent company is allowed to reorganize and is not liquidated. It is not shut down and sold off.
Read More »What is chamois?
It is a goat-like mammal found in the mountain ranges of Europe and Asia minor. It belongs to the Bovidae family and the Rupicapra species. Chamois is brown in colour with dark patches running through the eyes. It can be grow up to a height of 80 cm and weighs between 25 and 50 kg. Both the sexes have closest …
Read More »What is bruxism?
Bruxism is the involuntary gnashing of teeth. Some people with bruxism — originating from the Greek word ‘brychein’ — clench their teeth during the day when they are tense. This is different from tooth grinding or clenching that occurs at night, which is called sleep bruxism. Mild bruxism may not require treatment, but in severe cases, can lead to jaw …
Read More »What is Biological Significance of Holi?
It is interesting to note that the festival of Holi is significant for our lives and body in many other ways than providing joy and fun. We also need to thank our forefathers who started the trend of celebrating Holi at such a scientifically accurate time. And, also for incorporating so much fun in the festival. As Holi comes at …
Read More »What is benthic zone?
The benthic zone is the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water such as an ocean or a lake, including the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers. Organisms living in this zone are called benthos. They generally live in close relationship with the substrate bottom; many such organisms are permanently attached to the bottom. The superficial …
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