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laziness, impatience, and hubris | |
PerlMonks |
hagenby hagen (Friar) |
on Nov 14, 2001 at 08:46 UTC ( [id://125246]=user: print w/replies, xml ) | Need Help?? |
Finally... I got 'round to uploading my image. Yes, this really is Hagen. He just has me do the typing 8-) He's my beloved Great Dane aka Ch Telstadt Talk 'O the Town and he'll be 10 on 16th November 2003. Sadly a very good age for a Dane heh heh... last para just recently caused a ripple in the CB with some learned Monks - ybiC, dhoss, tye and others. "Am I the oldest Monk" they asked? I was born in the first half of last century - 1947 specifically. I've spent all but 3 months of my working life (beginning Nov 1967) getting paid to do things with and to (business) computers - or their early antecedants 8-). However, it's easy gathering age, you just avoid dying 8-); gathering skill and wisdom is something that requires a bit of effort, hence my continued avocation in the Monastery More recently... IDMS (OS/390) and Oracle (Unix&NT) DBA. Bought the camel book May 2000 (just missed 3rd edition, rats!) but didn't `get it'. Got Learning Perl from our library. Now have Perl in a Nutshell, Perl Cookbook, Programming the Perl DBI and Perl Debugged. Now I think I `get' a little of the Perl tao. Perl experience mainly limited to DBA/Sys Admin scripts. Have written (for money) remote monitoring suite for Oracle on NT, and a few other 'one-offs'. Avid lurker on beginners-digest. Fan of `japhy's' posts, despite the fact I've just found out he's about 1/3 my age! And I am looking out for his book. |

subset: commoncrawl


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Building an Inclusive Workplace for Employees
Building an Inclusive Workplace for Employees helps build the business case for diversity and inclusion based on participants' individual experiences and goals. Participants will explore several scenarios and apply skills for building an environment where everyone's ideas and perspectives are welcome.
The course is anchored in the organization's values and positive business and personal outcomes. Specific tools and models will be provided that will help employees maintain diverse, inclusive workplaces long after the course has ended. Topics covered:
- What is Diversity and Inclusion
- How diversity and inclusion benefit both the organization and individual team members
- Impacts and examples of non-inclusive behavior
- What is Unconscious Bias
- Speaking up to and receiving feedback from team members in a positive manner to resolve Diversity and Inclusion issues
- ELI behavioral models incorporated: Inclusive Workplace Guidelines & POINT Feedback Model
Course Date:
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Course Location:


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Bry-Air, a Pahwa group company, is a global solution provider for complete environmental control with a specialization in humidity control, dehumidification, drying, storage, preservation, gas phase filtration and plastics auxiliaries supported by state-of-the-art facilities, worldwide operations and customers in almost every industry .... |
Technical Drying Services (TDS) a Pahwa Enterprise provides rental solutions for short term humidity related problems. TDS provides all the required equipments to maintain the desired conditions along with technical manpower. The organization is geared for quick response & has substantial capacity to meet any moisture and water damage related problem. |
Delair India, a Pahwa Enterprise, is a technology leader in compressed air drying, ISO 9001:2008 certified. Delair is a associate group company of Bry-Air Asia and is of approved list of all leading consultants. Delair's range of products are energy efficient and Eco Friendly. |
Desiccant Rotors International . . . DRI, an ISO certified company is a global provider of components, products and systems for energy recovery, IAQ, fresh air treatment, evaporative cooling, humidification, RH control and green buildings. |
Based in Baroda, Puriflair India, formerly a SPX-USA company, manufactures and markets compressed air dryers and accessories. SPX Air Treatment, headquartered in Occala, Florida, is owned by SPX Corporation, a Fortune® 500 global leader in Technical Products and Systems, Industrial Products and Services, Flow Technology and Service Solutions. |
Accentium Web Pvt Ltd is a young and dynamic Internet company in India with a competent business and technical and a vision to be one of the leading players in the Consumer Internet space in India. |
Bry-Air PROKON has developed a unique range of products for industrial applications,focused on the measurement of moisture content in a wide-range of bulk materials: organic and synthetic. |
FoodPro India is a first such professional consultancy service which will fulfill the longstanding need for acquiring know-how and techniques for a well-organized system of collecting, handling, forwarding and processing of fruits & vegetables.. |


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WIKASKOKISEYIN (also written Wee-kas-kookee-sey-yin, called Sweet Grass), ABRAHAM, chief of the Plains Cree Indians of the Saskatchewan country; place and date of birth unrecorded; d. c. 11 Jan. 1877 in a shooting accident on the plains, presumably at Saint-Paul-des-Cris (Alberta).
Wikaskokiseyin's mother, a member of the Crow tribe of the Missouri area, had been kidnapped during a war with the Crees, and Wikaskokiseyin was born in the Cree camp. As a young man, he was called Apistchi-koimas (Le Petit Chef). It was in his youth that he undertook the daring exploit which accounted for his later name and recognition as a brave. Alone he penetrated into Blackfoot territory where he killed one of his enemies and captured over 40 horses. Upon his return, amidst shouts of triumph, he held up a tuft of grass dipped in the blood of his victim; the whole camp took up the cry, "Sweet Grass!" By 1870 he was the principal chief in a large area of the central part of the Prairies (Alberta and Saskatchewan), and in that year he was converted to Roman Catholicism and baptized with the Christian name, Abraham, by Father Albert Lacombe*, who had founded the mission of Saint-Paul-des-Cris in 1865.
After the acquisition of the Hudson's Bay Company territory by Canada in 1870, Wikaskokiseyin communicated his concern for the condition of his people to Governor Adams George Archibald* at Upper Fort Garry (Winnipeg). "Our country is getting ruined of fur-bearing animals, hitherto our sole support," he said in 1871. "We have had great starvation the past winter, and the small-pox took away many of our people, the old, young, and children. We want you to stop the Americans from coming to trade on our lands, and giving fire water, ammunition and arms to our enemies, the Blackfeet." He requested that representatives be sent to treat with the Crees and that they receive assistance from the government.
Wikaskokiseyin was the leading spokesman for the Indians in the negotiation of Treaty No.6 at Fort Pitt (near present-day Lloydminster), and was the treaty's first signatory at that place, 9 Sept. 1876. Although he died a few months later, his name is perpetuated in the Sweet Grass reserve established for his band near present-day Battleford, Saskatchewan.
Annales de la propagation de la foi pour la province de Quebec, no.2 (juin 1877), 115–19. Canada, Sessional papers, V (1872), pt.7, no.22; X (1877), pt.7, no.11. Morris, Treaties of Canada with Indians, 168–245. Le Métis (Saint-Boniface), 11 janv. 1877. P. E. Breton, The big chief of the Prairies; the life of Father Lacombe ([Montreal, 1956]). Katherine Hughes, Father Lacombe; the black-robe voyageur (3rd ed., Toronto, 1920).
Allan R. Turner, "WIKASKOKISEYIN (Wee-kas-kookee-sey-yin), ABRAHAM (Sweet Grass)," in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 10, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–, accessed July 25, 2024, https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/wikaskokiseyin_abraham_10E.html.
Permalink: | https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/wikaskokiseyin_abraham_10E.html |
Author of Article: | Allan R. Turner |
Title of Article: | WIKASKOKISEYIN (Wee-kas-kookee-sey-yin), ABRAHAM (Sweet Grass) |
Publication Name: | Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 10 |
Publisher: | University of Toronto/Université Laval |
Year of publication: | 1972 |
Year of revision: | 1972 |
Access Date: | July 25, 2024 |


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China said Wednesday that it plans to increase defense outlays by more than 12 percent, to nearly $132 billion, this year in the face of what a top military official described as increasingly severe security challenges for Beijing.
The proposed 12.2 percent boost exceeds last year's 10.7 percent increase. It comes amid continuing maritime tensions with China's neighbors, including Japan and the Philippines, mostly over disputed islands in the East China and South China seas. The increase comes as Chinese officials said the country targeted economic growth at a steady 7.5 percent.
As we reported last month, a senior U.S. military official said he believed that Beijing was preparing for the possibility of a "short, sharp" war with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, a tiny island chain in the East China Sea. Beijing's announcement follows Tokyo's own plans for increased defense spending and China's unilateral declaration of an Air Identification Zone in the region.
"The rapid growth in defense spending is another sign of the country's goal of becoming a dominant military presence in the Pacific, with a navy able to project power across the region. ...
"Foreign military analysts say China's actual annual military spending is higher than the official figure. IHS Jane's, a defense industry consulting and analysis company, estimated that China would spend $148 billion this year, but such estimates can vary widely. The unofficial estimate is still much less than the military budget of the United States, which is officially $526.8 billion for fiscal year 2014.
"Dennis J. Blasko, a former military attaché at the American Embassy in Beijing and a retired Army officer, said the 2014 Chinese military budget 'won't break the bank, but it says to the troops, "Thank you for your service, you are important to us, we support you.' "
" 'A significant portion likely will be used for more pay raises,' he added. 'You may recall hearing some talk about how P.L.A. officers should be paid more than civil servants.'
"The buildup of the People's Liberation Army [PLA], which also includes navy and air force branches, is considered by many analysts to be consistent with the size of China's economy — the second largest in the world — and its global political influence. Nevertheless, the military expansion is being closely watched by other nations in the region and by the United States, the supreme military power in the Pacific."
A spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said the modernization of Beijing's forces is "nothing to get fussy about."
"China's PLA aren't like scouts carrying spears," said the spokesman, Qin Gang.
State-run Xinhua paraphrases (Rear Admiral) Yin Zhuo, director of the Expert Consultation Committee of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, as saying that China's military spending "is still far from the level it needs to be as the country faces increasingly severe security challenges."
The news agency also quotes Chen Zhou, a researcher with the Academy of Military Sciences and a deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC), saying that China's current defense spending is "reasonable and balanced."
"Compared with major powers in the world, China's spending in national defense is considerably low either in terms of its share in the GDP or in per capita terms," Chen says, according to Xinhua.
Even with the increase, the U.S. outspends China, Russia and the next 10 countries by rank of military outlays, the BBC reports.
Copyright 2020 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.


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What type of orchid? There are thousands, each with its own cultural requirements.
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I have it for four years and the last year it's not flowering. This year two bods came out but dried without growing farther. The is another one growing but I don't know if it will give the flowers
Can someone help?
What type of orchid? There are thousands, each with its own cultural requirements.
Agree with Ray. That said, nine times out of ten it is lack of sufficient lighting that keeps an orchid that is of blooming size from not blooming. Try increasing the quality of light. Go slowly so that you do not burn the leaves. The leaf color should be a very light green in most cases.
If your plant is a phalaenopsis, light is not really a factor, as they love deep shade.
They also grow best if kept really warm, but many will no reliably initiate a flower spike until they have seen an average growing temperature of about 10-15F lower than the average they have been experiencing, for about ten days to two weeks.


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In the Holy Quran, God speaks about the stages of man's embryonic development:
"We created man from an extract of clay. Then We made him as a drop in a place of settlement, firmly fixed. Then We made the drop into an alaqah (leech, suspended thing, and blood clot), then We made the alaqah into a mudghah(chewed substance)…" (Quran 23:12-14)
Literally, the Arabic word alaqah has three meanings: (1) leech, (2) suspended thing, and (3) blood clot.
In comparing a leech to an embryo in the alaqah stage, we find similarity between the two[1] as we can see in figure 1. Also, the embryo at this stage obtains nourishment from the blood of the mother, similar to the leech, which feeds on the blood of others.[2]
Figure 1: Drawings illustrating the similarities in appearance between a leech and a human embryo at the alaqah stage. (Leech drawing from Human Development as Described in the Quran and Sunnah, Moore and others, p. 37, modified from Integrated Principles of Zoology, Hickman and others. Embryo drawing from The Developing Human, Moore and Persaud, 5th ed., p. 73.)
The second meaning of the word alaqah is "suspended thing." This is what we can see in figures 2 and 3, the suspension of the embryo, during the alaqah stage, in the womb of the mother.
Figure 2: We can see in this diagram the suspension of an embryo during the alaqah stage in the womb (uterus) of the mother. (The Developing Human, Moore and Persaud, 5th ed., p. 66.)
Figure 3: In this photomicrograph, we can see the suspension of an embryo (marked B) during the alaqah stage (about 15 days old) in the womb of the mother. The actual size of the embryo is about 0.6 mm. (The Developing Human, Moore, 3rd ed., p. 66, from Histology, Leeson and Leeson.)
The third meaning of the word alaqah is "blood clot." We find that the external appearance of the embryo and its sacs during the alaqah stage is similar to that of a blood clot. This is due to the presence of relatively large amounts of blood present in the embryo during this stage[3] (see figure 4). Also during this stage, the blood in the embryo does not circulate until the end of the third week.[4] Thus, the embryo at this stage is like a clot of blood.
Figure 4: Diagram of the primitive cardiovascular system in an embryo during the alaqahstage. The external appearance of the embryo and its sacs is similar to that of a blood clot, due to the presence of relatively large amounts of blood present in the embryo. (The Developing Human, Moore, 5th ed., p. 65.)
So the three meanings of the word alaqah correspond accurately to the descriptions of the embryo at the alaqah stage.
The next stage mentioned in the verse is the mudghah stage. The Arabic word mudghah means "chewed substance." If one were to take a piece of gum and chew it in his or her mouth and then compare it with an embryo at the mudghah stage, we would conclude that the embryo at the mudghah stage acquires the appearance of a chewed substance. This is because of the somites at the back of the embryo that "somewhat resemble teethmarks in a chewed substance."[5] (see figures 5 and 6).
Figure 5: Photograph of an embryo at the mudghah stage (28 days old). The embryo at this stage acquires the appearance of a chewed substance, because the somites at the back of the embryo somewhat resemble teeth marks in a chewed substance. The actual size of the embryo is 4 mm. (The Developing Human, Moore and Persaud, 5th ed., p. 82, from Professor Hideo Nishimura, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.)
Figure 6: When comparing the appearance of an embryo at the mudghah stage with a piece of gum that has been chewed, we find similarity between the two.
A) Drawing of an embryo at the mudghah stage. We can see here the somites at the back of the embryo that look like teeth marks. (The Developing Human, Moore and Persaud, 5th ed., p. 79.)
B) Photograph of a piece of gum that has been chewed.
How could Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, have possibly known all this 1400 years ago, when scientists have only recently discovered this using advanced equipment and powerful microscopes which did not exist at that time? Hamm and Leeuwenhoek were the first scientists to observe human sperm cells (spermatozoa) using an improved microscope in 1677 (more than 1000 years after Muhammad). They mistakenly thought that the sperm cell contained a miniature preformed human being that grew when it was deposited in the female genital tract.[6]
Professor Emeritus Keith L. Moore[7] is one of the world's most prominent scientists in the fields of anatomy and embryology and is the author of the book entitled The Developing Human, which has been translated into eight languages. This book is a scientific reference work and was chosen by a special committee in the United States as the best book authored by one person. Dr. Keith Moore is Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. There, he was Associate Dean of Basic Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine and for 8 years was the Chairman of the Department of Anatomy. In 1984, he received the most distinguished award presented in the field of anatomy in Canada, the J.C.B. Grant Award from the Canadian Association of Anatomists. He has directed many international associations, such as the Canadian and American Association of Anatomists and the Council of the Union of Biological Sciences.
In 1981, during the Seventh Medical Conference in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Professor Moore said: "It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Quran about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Muhammad from God, because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until many centuries later. This proves to me that Muhammad must have been a messenger of God."[8] (To view the RealPlayer video of this comment click here).
Consequently, Professor Moore was asked the following question: "Does this mean that you believe that the Quran is the word of God?" He replied: "I find no difficulty in accepting this."[9]
During one conference, Professor Moore stated: "….Because the staging of human embryos is complex, owing to the continuous process of change during development, it is proposed that a new system of classification could be developed using the terms mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah (what Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said, did, or approved of). The proposed system is simple, comprehensive, and conforms with present embryological knowledge. The intensive studies of the Quran and hadeeth (reliably transmitted reports by the Prophet Muhammad's companions of what he said, did, or approved of) in the last four years have revealed a system for classifying human embryos that is amazing since it was recorded in the seventh century A.D. Although Aristotle, the founder of the science of embryology, realized that chick embryos developed in stages from his studies of hen's eggs in the fourth century B.C., he did not give any details about these stages. As far as it is known from the history of embryology, little was known about the staging and classification of human embryos until the twentieth century. For this reason, the descriptions of the human embryo in the Quran cannot be based on scientific knowledge in the seventh century. The only reasonable conclusion is: these descriptions were revealed to Muhammad from God. He could not have known such details because he was an illiterate man with absolutely no scientific training. By: The religion of Islam.com


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LAWN&GARDEN 32:1 2-Cycle Oil – 6/8 Oz Pak
LAWN&GARDEN 2-Cycle Oil is a high performance formula, specially designed for AIR-COOLED 2-cycle engines. This oil promotes engine cleanliness and prolongs spark plug life. It also reduces carbon deposits and protects pistons and cylinders from scuffing and wear.
- Description
- Additional information
- Product Inquiry
A combination of select solvent refined base oils and special additives, carefully chosen and tested, to meet the lubrication requirements of pre-mix, two-stroke gasoline engines, operating in moderate to severe conditions.
A special low ash additive package contains detergent dispersant, corrosion-oxidation inhibitors, and anti-wear additives to prevent ring sticking, piston varnish, and wear; while minimizing exhaust port deposits.
Mix One (1) 3.2 Oz with Two (2) Gallons of Gasoline for 32:1 mix ratio.
Rated ISO-EGB, JASO FB, API TC.
Recommended for use in chain saws, lawn mowers, snow throwers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, brush cutters, some snowmobiles, portable pumps and generators, high-performance motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, ATV's, golf carts, and many other 2-cycle engines.
CAUTION: The major cause of engine failure is improperly mixed fuel. Use care and your engine will last longer and run better.
Where engine manufacturer require TC-W, TC-WII or TC-W3 oils, use SHIPMATE Outboard 2-Cycle Injector Oil.
Additional information
Brand | Lawn & Garden |
Industry | Small Engine Bar & Chain |


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I was in Orlando last week on business. On Wednesday, after we finished working, our cameraman, Dan, asked if he could borrow the rental car to drive over to the coast and watch the shuttle launch. The boss said yes and I decided to ride along.
We didn't know what to expect, except that we had been checking during the day to make sure it was still go. We were only about 45 miles away. We had a GPS so we just set it for Kennedy Space Center and went. We figured the closer we got the more likely we'd be able to see something. They say you can see it from Tampa when it's clear, but it wasn't that clear. A little hazy.
Part of the fun of it was the group experience. When we got to the entrance of Kennedy Space Center (the tourist part), everyone was pulling off and parking by the side of the road so we did too. It was probably 15 minutes to lift-off at that point. We followed the crowd and stopped where the security people wouldn't let us go further. We were on the left side of the road, which is just open land. The Space Center is on the right side. There were lots of people there, too, inside a fence, and security wasn't letting anyone else in.
Naturally, Dan took the camera and tripod, a professional-grade HD DV camera at that. He's freelance and it's his camera, so no clients were harmed.
We were on the mainland side of the causeway that leads to the cape itself, so although we were about 12 miles away from the launch pad, most of it was open water.
Dan also had a small AM radio and was listening to a local station that was covering the launch. As we stood and waited in the 90+ degree heat (no shade available), we chatted with our neighbors. Some do this every time there's a launch. Others were like us, doing it on the spur of the moment. We were told that the people allowed to cross the causeway, which gets you within six miles, get there in the morning and stay all day. There was a very elderly man next to me, with his family. They brought a chair for him, but he stood up when it got close.
Because Dan had the radio, we were doing the countdown for the people around us, but when we thought there were 30 seconds left, a voice came on the radio to mention that the NASA feed was delayed by 30 seconds, and in fact the shuttle had just launched. Sure enough, the crowd screamed. Our view was slightly blocked by a distant palm tree, so we didn't see it until about two beats later. The most striking thing was how bright it is. We could barely see the vessel, mostly just this very bright flame, followed by gigantic clouds of smoke.
As soon as we saw it, the elderly man next to me started saying, under his breath, "wait for the sound wave, wait for the sound wave." It took maybe 20 seconds until we heard anything, then this roar started very softly and grew. It was loud but not explode-in-your-chest loud, as I guess it is when you're closer.
We saw it for about a minute, maybe, before it disappeared into the clouds, and the sound faded out as well. Everybody turned around and went back to their cars. Show's over.
Traffic was heavy going back, as the group we were in was soon joined by traffic from the causeway. We drove through a very severe thunderstorm, just to add to the Florida experience. All in all it worked out great, since we spent most of the time in the air conditioned car and probably no more than 20 minutes out in the sun. We basically drove there, saw it, and drove back, but it was totally worth it.
And on the anniversary of the moon landing no less.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
3 comments:
- Kickert said...
I just wrote on my blog that one of my 10 life goals is to see a shuttle launch.
- July 20, 2009 at 8:39 AM
- sku said...
Cool post.
- July 20, 2009 at 9:33 PM
- Oscar said...
Spur of the moment events can be the most fun and this one surely sounds like it was worth it.
- July 21, 2009 at 7:45 AM
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Regular price $190.00 Sale
All window vents are made to order. Please allow up to 7-10 business days for your window vents to ship out. All sales are final and no refunds are offered unless the shipping date has exceeded the estimated wait.
These window vents for your 2011-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 can be used in several ways. Camping to prevent insects from entering the cabin with our mesh screen insert, daily driving to eliminate wind turbulence or if you have pets in the back seat, or stand out from the others at a show.
Window Vents are made of high quality ABS plastic. Vents will come with a choice of Black, Silver, or Brass colored rivets.
(If mesh is chosen with order, filter screen cannot be removed and is permanent within the product).
The window vents are NOT permanent when installed. They easily slide into the factory window track, the window slides into a channel along the bottom of the vents for stability, and to remove you simply lower the window and angle the vent downwards and out. Installation instructions included.
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text:
Shri Angalamman College of Engineering and Technology was founded by A.D.S. Education Trust, Triuchirappalli, with the approval of the Government of Tamilnadu Vide G.O.Ms.No.388 (Education) dated 01.04.1991 and approved by All India Council for Technical Educational (AICTE), New Delhi.
Trust which is dedicated to the cause of promoting technical education to the student community of Tamil Nadu, has purchased a vast area of 155.22acres Land in the Trichy-Chennai National Highways.
The campus is developing rapidly, under the able administration of the Chairman Er. M.Subramaniam with the help of able faculty of the institution. This College has an excellent Faculty. Technical Assistants, with well equipped laboratories. Library etc., The College is functioning from the academic year 1991 – 1992.
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Args to macro are available in _margv list if you need them.
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text: The resort of Magalluf in the south of Majorca offers a buzzing and vibrant holiday destination for those looking for a party atmosphere with many like minded holiday makers. Even though many people think Magalluf is only for the 18 to 30's crowd, a variety of age groups actually visit the resort. The nightlife is the main attraction of a holiday in Magalluf and the neighbouring resort of Palma Nova. You will find cafes, bars and clubs open until the sun rises, with a variety of music to suit all tastes.


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Might I also add, the decorating is minimal because
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I love mixing rustic with a little glam.
It is not really traditional, but not really modern...
it is eclectic and...it is just us!
at Goodwill, I just had to have them.


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Game of Thrones
In the mythical continent of Westeros, several powerful families fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms. As conflict erupts in the kingdoms of men, an ancient enemy rises once again to threaten them all. Meanwhile, the last heirs of a recently usurped dynasty plot to take back their homeland from across the Narrow Sea.
Movie time
57 min
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Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington
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Species rich benthic communities have been reported from some seamounts, predominantly from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, but the fauna and habitats on Indian Ocean seamounts are still poorly known. This study focuses on two seamounts, a submarine volcano (cratered seamount – CSM) and a non-volcano (SM2) in the Andaman Back–arc Basin (ABB), and the basin itself. The main purpose was to explore and generate regional biodiversity data from summit and flank (upper slope) of the Andaman seamounts for comparison with other seamounts worldwide. We also investigated how substratum types affect the megafaunal community structure along the ABB. Underwater video recordings from TeleVision guided Gripper (TVG) lowerings were used to describe the benthic community structure along the ABB and both seamounts. We found 13 varieties of substratum in the study area. The CSM has hard substratum, such as boulders and cobbles, whereas the SM2 was dominated by cobbles and fine sediment. The highest abundance of megabenthic communities was recorded on the flank of the CSM. Species richness and diversity were higher at the flank of the CSM than other are of ABB. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (nMDS) analysis of substratum types showed 50% similarity between the flanks of both seamounts, because both sites have a component of cobbles mixed with fine sediments in their substratum. Further, nMDS of faunal abundance revealed two groups, each restricted to one of the seamounts, suggesting faunal distinctness between them. The sessile fauna corals and poriferans showed a significant positive relation with cobbles and fine sediments substratum, while the mobile categories echinoderms and arthropods showed a significant positive relation with fine sediments only.
Citation: Sautya S, Ingole B, Ray D, Stöhr S, Samudrala K, Raju KAK, et al. (2011) Megafaunal Community Structure of Andaman Seamounts Including the Back-Arc Basin – A Quantitative Exploration from the Indian Ocean. PLoS ONE 6(1): e16162. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0016162
Editor: Martin Solan, University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Received: September 8, 2010; Accepted: December 8, 2010; Published: January 31, 2011
Copyright: © 2011 Sautya et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Funding: The CenSeam (Global Census of Marine Life on Seamount) provided the financial support to identify the benthic invertebrates and publish the data. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
The exploration of the fauna associated with seamounts, underwater mountains of mostly volcanic origin, began over 50 years ago, after their initial discovery in the 1940s [1]. Originally, only structures of at least 1,000 m in height were included in the term seamount, but today the smallest topographic features termed seamount are merely 50–100 m in height [2]. Some studies have suggested that seamounts evolutionarily and ecologically 'function as island groups' [3], and potentially show a high degree of endemism. However, although different seamounts have been shown to harbor different and species rich faunas, observed endemism may be an artifact of undersampling [4], [5]. Few large studies that compare data from a wide range of habitats on seamounts and non-seamount areas have been conducted so far. For brittle stars, an abundant benthic group, O'Hara [6] found no difference in species richness and rates of endemism between seamounts and non-seamount areas in the Pacific Ocean. He found that, while seamounts vary in their faunal composition, in species richness and endemism, probably due to differences in their environment, as well as their geological and biological history, the same is true for the continental slope. The marine fauna in general is extremely undersampled, with an estimated 70–80% of marine species remaining to be discovered [7]. Thus, claims of endemism should be made with great caution, but the species rich environments on seamounts offer an opportunity to sample and study rare species with wide distributions. Since seamount summits are found at shallower depths than the surrounding bathyal sea floor, they are more accessible for research.
Seamounts function as hotspots for pelagic organisms, mainly fish, which has lead to overexploitation [8]. The benthic communities, which attract these fish, and the interactions between pelagic and benthic organisms, are little understood. An increase in knowledge on seamount ecology is thus vital for the management of a sustainable fishery and the protection of these vulnerable habitats.
Due to volcanic and hydrothermal processes, seamounts build up metal deposits that are potentially interesting for high-technology industries [9]. Large scale mining on seamounts may have severe consequences for the ecology of a whole region. Documentation of the faunal communities living on these seamounts, and the study of the biological processes controlling them are therefore essential for conservation.
Biological data are available for a small percentage of the ∼12,000 known seamounts [2], mainly from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Of the Indian Ocean seamounts, 15 have been explored biologically, but only four are well documented with regard to benthic biology, from the others single records are known [10]. Particularly the seamounts of the Andaman Sea have not been explored before and are one of the geographic gaps that need to be filled, as recommended by Clark et al. [5]. In the present study we aim to explore the megafaunal community structure of the Andaman Sea seamounts using a quantitative approach.
Seamounts differ widely in environmental conditions and habitat properties, which is reflected in the observed differences in species richness and diversity [4], [5], [6], [11]. Among the important environmental factors, temperature is correlated to species richness, but to a lesser extent also depth, current velocity and other factors may affect the fauna on seamounts [11]. McClain [4] suggested that hard substrate seamounts have received considerably more attention than soft bottom ones, which may result in biased datasets. It is well known that hard bottoms promote the development of communities associated with sessile organisms, such as corals and sponges, whereas soft bottoms are typically inhabited by more or less motile fauna. Based on geomorphological features and geology, we aim to investigate how substratum types and shape affect the community structure within and between the seamounts. We assumed that hard substratum types such as boulders and cobbles will be species richer than fine sediment types on Andaman seamounts along with the basin region.
Materials and Methods
Study area
The volcanic-arc trench system of the Andaman Sea represents a submarine extreme boundary of the Indian plate in the northern Indian Ocean (Figure 1). The plate margins have several unique geophysical provinces, which include the arc-volcanoes, seamounts, deep sea valley, and the back-arc basin. The water depth varies from a few hundreds of meters to more than 3000 m, thus marking different ecological set-ups in the deep sea.
All the transects were located in the Back-arc Basin region only. The TVG-9 and TVG-10 were located on the cratered seamount (CSM) off Nicobar Island, TVG-11 and TVG-12 were located on the back-arc spreading ridge segments, while TVG-13 and TVG-14 were located on the rift valley of the basin floor and on the off-axial highs of the back-arc basin.
The Andaman Back-arc Basin (ABB) is an active marginal basin in the northeastern Indian Ocean, marking the eastern boundary of the Indian plate, sub-ducting beneath the Southeast Asian plate. Convergence of the plates leads to formation of several geomorphological features, like the Andaman-Nicobar island-arc, the Andaman back-arc spreading center, the seamount complex, and the back-arc basin [12], [13] (Figure 1). Recently a submarine volcano (crater seamount-CSM) with crater (160 m deep) on its summit was discovered in the Nicobar Earthquake Swarm area (07°55′N, 94°02′E) [14]. This seamount is conical in shape and has a steep slope, similar to aerial stratovolcanoes in the Andaman-Sumatra region. The SW-NE-trending, Andaman spreading center is characterized by a well defined rift valley in the NE part (maximum depth 3500 m) and is actively spreading at a spreading rate of 38 mm/year, this features bisects the basin [12]. Two underwater video surveys and sampling (TVG-9 and TVG-10) were carried out on the CSM off Nicobar Island. The flank of the CSM was surveyed during TVG-9 (average depth 594 m), while TVG-10 (average depth 434 m) was deployed inside the summit crater to investigate the crater-floor. Another seamount (SM2 at 10°N, 94°E, [12]), which is not a volcano but flat topped and part of the arc-parallel seamounts chain in the Andaman Sea, was explored with two more TVG operations and samplings. TVG-12 was deployed on the summit (average depth 1336 m) of the SM2, while TVG-11 (average depth 1357 m) was operated on the flank of this seamount. TVG-13 was deployed along the rift valley floor (average depth 2897 m) while TVG-14 was on the off-axial high (average depth 1791 m) of the Andaman spreading center.
Data collection
Collection of megafaunal (video) data from six transects in the ABB was undertaken during November 2007 with the scientific research vessel RV Sonne. The details of sampling locations and depth are given in Table 1. Video sampling transects were selected using the EM120 multi-beam system data. We used the global seafloor topography from satellite altimetry and ship depth soundings data [15] for seamount mapping.
Seamount benthic communities were sampled using video transects collected with the TeleVision guided Gripper (TVG) system (0.6 m3). It was operated from the starboard side of the vessel. The system integrated 4 X ROS QL 3000 spotlight, 1XDSPLMSC 200 color, and 1XOSPREY OE 1390 black and white digital video telemetry systems, which provided a real time video link to the surface for maximum quality, digital through a fiber optical LWL cable. These video images were collected on DVD for further examination. The minimum length of the TVG tow was 389 m while the maximum was up to 1664 m. The vessel speed was approximately 0.7 knots during the TVG operations. The drop frame was towed in the water column between 1 and 3.5 m (dependent on bottom substratum types) above the seabed. The width of coverage of a single frame was approximately 2.5 m, but varied with distance from the bottom and angle of tilt. This width of the video has been used to calculate the total area covered by TVG during each transect sampling.
All megafauna was identified to lowest possible taxon during the underwater video observation or later by the taxonomists (see acknowledgement). Although every effort was made to identify the fauna to the lowest possible taxon, assignment to species was not always possible. For organisms that were morphologically distinct, but not sampled, and therefore not identified to species level, we used the higher taxon name with respect to different 'Tag' number such as Octocorallia sp.1, Octocorallia sp.2 or Actiniaria sp.1 etc. Several groups such as spider crabs, lithodid crabs, galatheidae, corals, sponges, feather stars, and sea stars, could not be confidently identified to species level from the video images and were grouped into larger categories. Other species were confidently identified to genus or higher taxon level. However, we collected some specimens using the hydraulic arms of the TVG for proper taxonomic identification. The locations were selected based on the video image and the TVG can be closed from onboard by transmitting a command to the arms. Samples were collected from the end point of each TVG location. Sessile fauna such as sponges and corals were carefully brushed from the rocks. Preliminarily, all collected fauna was preserved in 30% ethanol, but subsequently transferred to 70% ethanol. We also collected some bird nest sponges from the flank of the SM2 seamount, separated them carefully from the sediment and immediately preserved them in 70% ethanol. In the laboratory, all samples were washed carefully and the entire faunal community associated with sponge spicules was sorted out and preserved in 70% ethanol for further identification.
Videos were reviewed and megafaunal communities were identified and quantified. Bottom substratum types were determined by estimating the percentage of boulder, cobble, or fine sediment present, following the description of Hoff and Stevens [16]. The substratum types were classified by size, approximating the Wentworth grade scale [17], with boulders being defined as large rocks (>0.2 m diameter) to complete bedrock; cobble was rocks of 0.2–0.5 m diameter, and fines a bottom type of similarly sized gravel, sand and finer sediments of <0.05 m diameter. These groups were attributed an alphabetic code between #1 and #14 on overall composition of the bottom types (Table 2).
We defined each habitat patch as a video observation of about 5 minutes duration, which covered 108 m length. We used these habitat patches to calculate and quantify the substrate types and megafaunal abundances of each transect. The area of each habitat patch was determined by multiplying the transect width (average 2.5 m) with the length of the habitat patch. Then we compared the community composition within and between the seamounts.
Categories of motility were assigned to all observed taxa and analyzed to determine the functional role of dominant members of the seamount communities and the basin area. Organism motility was classified as sessile (e.g. sponges, corals), mobile (e.g. arthropods, chordates, ophiuroids, echinoids and holothuroids) and functional sessile (e.g. crinoids).
Statistical analysis
Only those species that could be confidently identified from up to 3 m off the bottom were included in the analysis. The data were subjected to univariate analyses to study the benthic community structure, using Margalef's index [18] for species richness (d), Pielou's index [19] for species evenness (J'), and the Shannon-Wiener index [20] for species diversity (H' by using loge).
To investigate how similarity among assemblages changes with the substratum types and bathymetric gradients in the ABB, several multivariate analyses were conducted using routines in PRIMER v6 [21]. Following the general recommendations of Clarke and Warwick [22], the Bray-Curtis similarity measure was employed to assess multivariate similarity and dissimilarity between transects based on both presence/absence and log-transformed faunal abundance data. The significance of transects outlined a priori was tested with multivariate analysis (non-metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling (nMDS)) and the organisms which most contributed to the observed similarity within and dissimilarity among groups were found by means of SIMPER (similarity percentage). The habitat patches data of each transect were used for the nMDS analyses, using group averages, to explain the difference between transects for substrate types and megafaunal abundances. Using the RELATE test in PRIMER, we tested the Spearman rank correlation between the faunal similarity matrices as faunal abundance and percentage of groups, and model similarity matrix based on three different types of substratum, i.e. that faunal similarities are related to depth differences and substratum types among transects. Linear regression between biotic parameters (diversity indices) and environmental variables was tested using STATISTICA 6.
Habitat structure
Diversity of substrate types was greatest for both seamounts, varying from boulders to fines (Figure 2). The boulders varied from smooth basalt spires to jagged uplifted slabs.
Please see Table 2 for details of substratum types.
Transects located at the CSM had mostly rocky substratum, while both transect, summit and flank were dominated by boulders and cobbles. However, eight unique combinations of physical substrate were observed from a total of 20 habitat patches at the CSM. The highest percentage of boulders (23.3%; code #2) and cobbles (47.8%; code #8) were recorded from the summit and flank of the CSM seamount. A lower percentage of fine sediment was observed at both transects.
Ten combinations of physical substrate were observed on 13 habitat patches of the transects located on the SM2 (Figure 2). Fines and cobbles substrates dominated on both summit and flank. A maximum of 41.9% (code #13) and 32.3% (code #14) of fine sediments was observed at flank and summit respectively.
Other transects (off-axial highs and rift valley) located in the back-arc basin, had a fine sediment type of substrates. Particularly, the rift valley had at maximum 93.8% fine sediments.
Megafaunal community structure
A total of 948 individuals from 58 taxa, representing eight phyla, were observed in the collected samples and video images. The taxonomic catalogue is available online as supporting information (Figure S1).
Faunal abundances were highest on the seamount area and lower in the basin region (especially in deeper parts). Density counts varied from 7.4 to 345.2 ind. 1000 m−2 (mean 89.9±6.4) along the study area (Figure 3). The highest number of taxa (40) and individuals was observed on the flank of the CSM seamount (depth of 517–671 m).
Quantitative video transects at the CSM and SM2 seamounts differed in mean faunal density. Twenty habitat patches from two transects were identified between 373 and 671 m depth at the CSM seamount. These transect varied in length (497 to 1664 m) and width (1.25 to 5.8 m). Faunal density averaged 197.6±14.5 ind. 1000 m−2 (range = 50 to 345.2 ind. 1000 m−2). Thirteen habitat patches from two transects were identified between 1290 and 1424 m at the SM2 seamount. These transect varied in length (389 to 994 m) and width (1.12 to 3.2 m). The faunal density averaged 56.8±2.9 ind. 1000 m−2 (range = 25.9 to 87.7 ind. 1000 m−2).
Assemblage composition and dominant taxa
The overall megafauna was dominated by sponges (30.9%), but cnidarians (25.3%) and echinoderms (24.9%) were also important components along the study area (Figure 4).
The highest abundance (mean 345±21.5 ind. 1000 m−2) was observed at the flank of the CSM seamount, at depths between 517 m and 671 m, where the substratum was categorized mostly by cobbles mixed with fine sediments (code #8). Seven groups were found on the CSM seamount, all of them at the flank, while only five groups were represented at the flank. The sessile group porifera (48.6%) was clearly dominant on the flank, while the mobile groups echinoderms (38.4%) and arthropods (22.2) dominated at the summit (Figure 4). Among all the transects, the flank of the CSM exhibited the highest number (13) of cnidarians, although this group contributed to 18.0% of the total megafaunal abundance along the ABB. The hexactinellid sponge Euplectella sp. was well distributed and the most dominant taxon across the entire flank. It contributed with 33.6% to the total megabenthic community at the flank of the CSM, followed by demospongiae1 (10.5%) and Corallium sp. (3.2%), as the next dominant taxa in this region. Ophiura sp. (16.3%), demospongiae2 (14.8%) were the top ranked taxon at the summit of the CSM. The structure of CSM seamount and their associated megafauna is represented in Figure 5.
Megabenthic communities observed on a crater seamount in the Andaman Sea. a: Holothurid; b: Euplectella sp.; c: Gorgonian; d: Squat lobster - Galatheidae; e: Demospongiae attached to a big rock, onboard sample; f: the squat lobster-Liogalathea laevirostris; g: brittle star- Ophiophyllum sp; h: dense population of megafaunal communities (gorgonians, sponges, sea urchins, brittle stars, galatheids) lived on the big boulders and uplifted slabs; i: dense patches of corals (gorgonians); j: Ophiuroidea laid on the cobbles substratum.
The second abundant (87.7±2.6 ind. 1000 m−2) area of the megafaunal community was observed at the flank of the SM2, at depths between 1299 m and 1424 m, where the substratum mainly consisted of fine sediments with cobbles (code #13). Six groups of megafauna were observed on the SM2, the flank exhibited all groups, while only three groups were found at the summit. The sessile group Porifera was dominant at both areas of the SM2, contributing 57.1% and 37.5% at the summit and flank respectively. Further, Arthropoda was the next dominant (25.3%) group at the flank of SM2, although this group was not observed at the summit. Cnidarians were the second dominant group next to the Arthropoda at the summit (28.6%) and flank (20.4%) respectively. The bird-nest sponge Pheronema sp. was the most dominant species on both areas of the seamount SM2 and contributed with 20.6% at the flank and 28.6% at the summit to the megabenthic community. Further, demospongiae3 and Viminella sp. were the next dominant at the flank of SM2 seamount. The structure of SM2 seamount is represented in Figure 6.
a:The bird-nest sponge Pheronema sp; b: Munida sp; c: Pycnogonid; d: Arrow indicating the underwater photograph of bird-nest sponge; e: Black coral attached to the hard substratum.
Faunal abundances were poor on the basin transects. The observed abundance of megafauna on the transect on the rift valley was 23.1±2.2 ind. 1000 m−2 at depths between 2876 m and 2917 m, where fine sediments were completely dominant. Among four groups found in the basin area, all were observed on the rift valley, where off-axial highs showed two groups only. Echinoderms (especially holothuroidea5) and cnidarians (especially whip coral Viminella sp) were the dominant groups in the basin area. The most dominant group were the echinoderms (50%) at the off-axial highs, while they constituted 36% at the rift valley transect. The striking feature was that only the sponge Hyalonema sp. was observed on the rift valley located in the basin area.
Sessile and mobile organisms accounted for most of the observations, while functionally sessile fauna was rare over the entire study area (Figure 7). Sessile fauna was the largest component of the community at the SM2 seamount, but the smallest in the basin area.
Multivariate (MDS) analysis of substratum types and megafaunal community
The MDS plot based on the average percentage of substratum types found two groups with 50% similarity (Figure 8). Transects located on the flank of both seamounts formed group 1, because the substratum type cobbles mixed with fine sediments (code #8) contributed the highest similarity percentage (Table 3). Similarity of fine sediment types substratum allowed to form another group 2 between the summit of the SM2 and the off-axial highs in the basin area.
The MDS plot based on the average abundance of megafauna also revealed two distinct groups with 25% similarity (Figure 9), each restricted to one of the two seamounts. Transects located on the CSM formed group A, while group B was formed by the SM2 transects. Some echinoderms (e.g., Ophiura sp., ophiuroidea1, holothuroidea1 etc.), asteroidea1, actinaria1, galatheidae and fishes played a major role in forming group A within the CSM transects (Table 4). In contrast, the bird nest-sponge Pheronema sp. and gorgonacea sp.2 were the most important organisms for forming group B on the SM2 seamount. The dissimilarity between the groups showed by the SIMPER analysis is presented in Table 5. Among 57 taxa observed on two seamounts, 46 taxa accounted for about 91% of the dissimilarity between the seamount faunal assemblages.
Diversity indices
The highest number of species (S) (41) was observed at the flank of the CSM, while the lowest (2) was recorded in the off-axial highs area (Figure 10). Margalef's index (d) of species richness varied from 0.5 to 6.8, the higher value recorded at the flank of CSM and the lower at the off-axial highs area. Pielou's index (J') of evenness varied from 0.8 to 1.0, with both transects on the flank showing lower values than other transects along the study area. Values of Shannon-Wiener index (H') varied from 0.7 to 1.9 along the study area.
Correlation between substratum types and biotic community parameters
Specific faunal groups exhibit varying responses related to substrate composition (Table 6). Total abundances (Log x+1 transformation) of the ABB showed a significant positive relationship with cobbles only. Porifera and Cnidaria exhibited the strongest positive relation with cobbles rather than with fines sediment, whereas Echinodermata and Arthropoda showed a significant positive relation only with fine sediments. No animal group showed a significant relation to boulders. The correlation between faunal diversity and substratum types was based on Pearson's correlation analyses (Table 7). Megafaunal species richness (S), Margalef's index (d) and Shannon-Wiener index (H') were positively correlated with cobbles, while these three diversity parameters were negatively correlated with fine sediments. Again boulder did not play any significant role with relation to faunal diversity parameters. Moreover, substratum types did not show any correlation with motility categories.
Seamounts are vulnerable environments and should be protected from destruction, which requires techniques and methods of documentation that cause as little damage as possible. To this end, most studies use under-water video images to explore the seamount fauna. McArthur et al. [23] suggested that fauna associated with hard substratum (e.g., cobbles, boulder) is best explored by underwater video or images. Accordingly, we have inventoried the megafauna of Indian Ocean seamounts, using under-water video.
The analysis of the video images showed that the volcano CSM consists of a rugged rocky environment made up of large boulder fields, and various sized cobble on the flank (Figure 5). Hard substrata, typical for the deep-sea environment, are common on seamounts and may take the form of rocks or cobbles [24]. Seamounts are primarily of volcanic origin, dominated by pillow lavas and basalts, which form boulders or cobbles later [25]. Accordingly, the CSM which has been reported as a submarine volcano, also presented the largest proportion of hard substrata, formed by boulders and cobbles. Underwater video analysis of substratum types also showed the highest percentage of boulders and lowest percentage of fine sediments at the crater summit of the CSM seamount. Further, this crater summit has been suspected as a mouth of the volcano, which may be the reason for the high percentage of boulders and cobbles on the CSM.
Compared to the surrounding areas of fine sediment-covered basin area, there was a marked difference in the abundance of coral and sponges on the seamount. The higher mean faunal density found on the CSM seamount, which has a shallower summit than the SM2 seamount, is likely due to nutrient availability, which increases with depth globally in concert with an exponential decline in faunal abundance and biomass [26]. In areas of upwelling, sessile suspension feeders, such as corals and sponges and the associated fauna, find suitable conditions on hard bottoms [16]. Hoff & Stevens [16] found for the Patton Seamount (Alaska) that suspension feeding communities were most abundant in the upper 1500 m, where it is still possible to take advantage of the photic zone. We observed lower faunal abundance and species diversity for the summit of the CSM seamount that is located just beneath the photic zone, than for the flank. Further, the SM2 also showed the same results as the CSM, with higher abundances and diversity on the flank than on the summit. This may be due to (unknown) differences in current velocities, because filter feeders require relatively fast currents [5].
The MDS analysis of faunal abundances did not find any group between seamounts, because of distinctness of the seamount faunal communities. This faunal distinctness between the seamounts was caused by those species which had their highest abundance on the same seamount and contributed some percentage to the dissimilarity (Table 5). Some species, such as Euplectella sp., were dominant and found only on the CSM seamount, whereas others, such as Pheronema sp., were dominant and only seen on the SM2. Dense aggregations of the bird-nest sponge are also known to occur at depths of 750–1300 m on the slope of the Porcupine Seabight in the NE Atlantic Ocean [27] and off Morocco [28]. Species presence restricted to a specific area is a character of endemism, although the degree of endemism cannot be ascertained from this study. Further, faunal distinctness between seamounts was also caused by differences in environmental conditions, such as depth and substratum types. During the underwater observation, it was found that faunal abundance changed with changing substratum types. This was confirmed by the MDS analysis, which showed that faunal abundance and substratum types followed the same pattern, and by the RELATE analysis, which showed a significant positive relation (ρ = 0.001) between abundance and substratum types (Table 5). Further, cobbles substratum also showed up in the MDS of substratum types, with 50% similarity between the flanks of both seamounts. Abundances were also higher on flanks than on summits of both seamounts and in the basin area. These findings support our hypothesis that geomorphology plays an important role for structuring the megafaunal communities in the ABB.
During the underwater observation we noticed that categories of motility changed with changing substratum types. However, faunal motility and substratum types did not show any correlation within the study area, probably because of the presence of some sessile categories such as sponges Hyalonema sp., Demospongiae sp.1 and whip coral Viminella sp., found attached to the hard substratum, as was occasionally observed in the basin transects. A large proportion of the fauna on the ABB seamounts consists of many attached and sessile, as well as mobile suspension feeders (sponges, corals, crinoids, brittle stars and holothuroids). The shallower transect, located at the summit crater, showed a comparatively large component of mobile Ophiura sp. It was observed that attached and sessile suspension feeders were fewer in the crater area than on the flank of the CSM seamount. This may be caused by to the geomorphological setting, such as the crater formation of the area, possibly creating a weak current flow, thus limiting the effect of the productive upwelling characteristics. Many sessile animals, such as gorgonians and black corals, require hard substrata and strong currents that supply them with food and oxygen, remove waste products and continuously keep the substratum, including the corals, completely clear of sediment [29], [30]. In the deep-sea such types of conditions are observed in very few habitats, seamounts are one of them. The high abundance and diversity of sessile fauna on both seamounts compared to the basin area also support our assumption that the hard substrata of seamount habitats are more favorable for rich megafaunal diversity than fine sediments.
New insights from the present study
The degree of endemism and speciation on the Andaman seamounts is unknown, although new species (e.g., Hyalascus andamanensis Sautya et al., 2010 [31]) and new records (e.g., the epibiont Thecacineta calyx Schröder, 1907 [32]) have been reported from the CSM. Several of the ophiuroids collected by us are unknown species and will be described in a separate publication. Further, the present investigation provides additional knowledge of the seamount fauna as well as the deep-sea biodiversity of the Indian Ocean (Figure 11). Records of sponges from the seamounts of the world oceans (Figure 12) also confirm the earlier notion that the Indian Ocean is a poorly studied region. Prior to this study, there were only reports on Porifera and Hexactinellida from the Indian Ocean seamounts, while the present study not only added some more records of sponge species (e.g., Pheronema sp.; Figure 13) to the global seamount map, but also showed potential for the discovery of new species, if sampled systematically.
A: Bezrukov, B: Equator (Indian), C: Fred, D: Lena, E: Mount Error Guyot, F: Ob' Seamount, G:Shcherbakov, H: Travin Bank, I: Unnamed Seamounts – 1234, J: Walters Shoal, K: CSM - ABB, L: SM2- ABB.
The white circle indicates the new addition of Pheronema sp. from the seamounts in the Indian Ocean.
Conservation of Andaman seamounts
The present investigation demonstrates the pristine condition of benthic communities on the seamounts, with negligible evidence of human impact. The communities are found in greater abundance and better health than those found in less-optimal habitat, suggesting that seamounts may be a source, rather than a sink, for some species [33]. Deep-water black corals (antipatharians) have substantial potential as proxy records of historical oceanographic and biogeochemical changes [34]. Their long life-span, wide geographic distribution and wider depth range [35] suggest that they may provide environmental information for geographic locations and for periods of time that are not available from other sources. Thus, they can be a potential source for paleoceanographic studies. Our study suggests that the seamounts in the Andaman Sea are biologically rich, home for many new species, and an optimal habitat for benthic organisms. We suggest that the region should be conserved for future biodiversity research. Conservation of these seamounts is also expected to ensure a survival and supply of ecologically important species that can disperse to depleted areas and replenish them.
Summary and Conclusion
This study reveals several novel characteristics of the structure of megafaunal communities and their response to differences within and between the seamount habitats in the Andaman Back-arc Basin, Indian Ocean. The geomorphological settings, bathymetric gradient and substratum types in the study sites generate the habitat differences between the seamounts as follows:
- CSM: This shallower seamount demonstrated a large component of hard substrates (e.g. boulders and cobbles), with higher species abundance and diversity. The sponge Euplectella sp. was dominant on the flank which was more diverse than the crater summit.
- SM2: This seamount is characterized by cobbles and fine sediments types of substratum, with medium faunal abundance and diversity. The bird-nest sponge Pheronema sp. was dominant on the flank.
- Basin: The basin area was dominated by fine sediments and very poor faunal abundance and diversity. Echinoderms were dominant in the basin area.
Faunal composition and diversity differed within and between the seamounts which can be explained by geomorphological features and substratum types. Due to lack of extensive sampling and other environmental data, this study was unable to explain the high species diversity on the shallower seamount. Further study is required to understand the processes involved in creating a high biodiversity, and other aspects, such as biogeography and endemism of megafaunal communities at different seamounts and also at other habitats like the ridge area in the Indian Ocean. Finally, it can be concluded that this study will be useful as a baseline for the Indian Ocean seamount region, which is still poorly investigated.
Supporting Information
Figure S1.
List of megafaunal communities found along the Andaman Back-arc Basin.
The authors are thankful to Dr. S.R. Shetye, Director of NIO (Goa, India) for the facilities. We wish to acknowledge the entire 'Ridge Group' especially for excellent team work during the deep-sea cruises. We are also thankful to the captain of the cruise 'RV Sonne' and his group for help in collecting the priceless samples from the deep-sea. Our special thanks to Dr. Jaygopal Pattanayak (Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, India) for demospongiae identification and Dr. K.R. Tabachnick, Alexey Rajsky from P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow for identification of hexactinellid and Pycnogonid respectively. We also wish to thanks two anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions. This is contribution No. 4895 of NIO (CSIR) Goa.
Author Contributions
Conceived and designed the experiments: S. Sautya DR KAK AM. Performed the experiments: S. Sautya DR KS. Analyzed the data: S. Sautya DR S. Stöhr KS. Contributed reagents/materials/analysis tools: S. Sautya BI DR S. Stöhr KS KAK. Wrote the paper: S. Sautya DR S. Stöhr.
- 1. Hubbs C (1959) Initial Discoveries of Fish Faunas on Seamounts and Offshore Banks in the Eastern Pacific. Pacific Science 8: 311–316.
- 2. Wessel P, Sandwell D, Kim S (2010) The Global Seamount Census. Oceanography 23: 24–33.
- 3. Richer de Forge B, Koslow A, Poore G (2000) Diversity and endemism of the benthic seamount fauna in the southwest Pacific. Nature 405: 944–947.
- 4. McClain C (2007) Seamounts: identity crisis or split personality? Journal of Biogeography 34: 2001–2008.
- 5. Clark MR, Rowden AA, Schlacher T, Williams A, Consalvey M, et al. (2010) The ecology of seamounts: Structure, function and human impacts. Annual Review of Marine Science 2: 253–278.
- 6. O'Hara T (2007) Seamounts: centres of endemism or species richness for ophiuroids? Global Ecology and Biogeography 16: 720–732.
- 7. Costello M, Coll M, Danovaro R, Halpin P, Ojaveer H, et al. (2010) A Census of Marine Biodiversity Knowledge, Resources, and Future Challenges. PLoS ONE 5(8): e12110.
- 8. Pitcher TJ, Clark MR, Morato T, Watson R (2010) Seamount fisheries: Do they have a future? Oceanography 23(1): 134–144.
- 9. Hein J, Conrad T, Staudigel H (2010) Seamount Mineral Deposits - a source of rare Metals for high-technology industries. Oceanography 23(1): 184–189.
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Stocks K (2009) SeamountsOnline: an online information system for seamount biology. Version 2009-1. World Wide Web electronic publication. http://seamounts.sdsc.edu.
- 11. O'Hara T, Tittenor D (2010) Environmental drivers of ophiuroid species richness on seamounts. Marine Ecology 31: Suppl. 126–38.
- 12. KameshRaju KA, Ramprasad T, Rao PS, Rao BR, Varghese J (2004) New insights into the tectonic evolution of the Andaman basin, northeast Indian Ocean. Earth and Planetary Science Letter 221: 145–162.
- 13. KameshRaju KA, Murty GPS, Amarnath D, MohanKumar ML (2007) The west Andaman fault and its influence on the aftershock pattern of the recent megathrust earthquakes in the Andaman-Sumatra region. Geophysical Research Letter 34: L03305.
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Kattoju KR, Ray D, Mudholkar A, Gollu MP, Mathew R, et al. (2010) Tectonic and Magmatic Implications of the Off-Nicobar Earthquake Swarm, Andaman Sea. pp. T51B–1890. Eos Transaction, AGU, no.89 (53), Fall Meeting Suppliment, Abstract,.
- 15. Smith WHF, Sandwell DT (1997) Global sea floor topography from satellite altimetry and ship depth soundings. Science 277: 1956–1962.
- 16. Hoff GR, Stevens B (2005) Faunal assemblage structure on the Patton seamount (Gulf of Alaska, USA). Alaska Fisheries Research Bulletin 11(1): 27–36.
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Holme NA, McIntyre AD (1984) Methods for the study of marine benthos. Blackwell Scientific Publications. Second edition.
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Margalef R (1968) Perspectives in Ecological Theory,. Chicago, Illinois, USA: University of Chicago Press.
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Shannon CE, Weaver W (1963) The Mathematical Theory of Communication. 144. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press.
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Clarke KR, Gorley RN (2006) Primer. Primer-E, Plymouth.
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- 23. McArthur MA, Brooke BP, Przeslawski R, Ryan DA, Lucieer VL, et al. (2010) On the use of abiotic surrogates to describe marine benthic biodiversity. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 88: 21–32.
- 24. Raymore PA Jr (1982) Photographic investigations on three seamounts in the Gulf of Alaska. Pacific Science 36: 15–34.
- 25. Wright IC (1994) Nature and tectonic setting of the southern Kermadec submarine arc volcanoes: An over view. Marine Geology 118: 217–236.
- 26. Rex MA, Etter RJ, Morris JS, Crouse J, McClain CR, et al. (2006) Global bathymetric patterns of standing stock and body size in the deep-sea benthos. Marine Ecology Progress Series 317: 1–8.
- 27. Rice AL, Thurston MH, New AL (1990) Dense aggregations of a hexactinellid sponge, Pheronema carpenter in the Porcupine Seabight (northeast Atlantic Ocean) and possible causes. Progress in Oceanography 24: 179–196.
- 28. Barthel D, Tendal OS, Thiel H (1996) A wandering population of the hexactinellid sponge Pheronema carpenteri on the continental slope off Morocco, northwest Africa. Marine Ecology 17: 603–616.
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Grigg RW (1974) Distribution and abundance of precious corals in Hawaii. In: Cameron AM, Campbell BM, Cribb AR, Endean R, Jell JS, Jones OA, Mather P, Talbot FH, editors. 2. : 235–240. (1974) Proceedings of the 2nd International Coral Reef Symposium, The Great Barrier Reef Committee, Brisbane, Australia.
- 30. Grigg RW (1984) Resource management of precious: a review and application to shallow water reef building corals. Marine Ecology 5: 57–74.
- 31. Sautya S, Tabachnick KR, Ingole B (2010) The first record of the genus Hyalascus (Hexactinellida: Rossellidae) from the Indian Ocean with description of a new species from a seamount in the Andaman Sea. Zootaxa 2667: 64–68.
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Ingole B, Singh R, Sautya S, Dovgal I, Chatterjee T (2009) Report of Epibiont Thecacineta calix (Ciliophora, Suctorea) on deep sea Desmodora (Nematoda) from the Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean. Journal of Marine Biological Association. UK-2 Biodiversity Records - Ref.No. 6447, 1-4: published online, January 2009.
- 33. McClain CR, Lundsten L, Ream M, Barry JP, DeVogelaere AP (2009) Endemicity, biogeography, composition, and community structure on a Northeast Pacific seamount. PLoS ONE 4(1): e4141.
- 34.
Grange K, Goldberg W (1994) Chronology of black coral growth bands: 300 years of environmental history? In: Battershill C, editor. (1994) Proceedings of the Second International Temperature Reef Symposium. Auckland, New Zealand: NIWA Marine Wellington. pp. 169–174.
- 35. Grigg R (1965) Ecological studies of black coral in Hawaii. Pacific Science 19: 244–260.


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About Political Gastronomica
Political Gastronomica is a discourse on technology and online activism - how the marketplace of governing and ideas is improving with the efficiencies of the Internet.
Author Sanford Dickert, former CTO of John Kerry for President Campaign, works with political campaigns, non-profits and private companies from the Fortune 500 to startups.
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From May 18 to June 6, users can grab exclusive deals as low as ₱6 and new games that let you earn more coins!
MANILA, MAY 22, 2020 -- Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, launches two new in-app games just in time for the Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale. Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly join the roster of Shopee's in-app games where users can play, redeem prizes and earn as many points which they can use for the big sale.
Ruoshan Tao, Head of Marketing at Shopee Philippines said, "We want our users to enjoy and have fun while they are at home with their friends and family. Shopee has recently introduced two new in-app games, Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly, just in time for Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale. Shoppers can enjoy more deals and promotions as they shop and play on their mobile phones. We are committed to improving our platform and introducing new features to connect with our users in a way that is fun, positive and engaging. "
Introducing Shopee Claw and Shopee Poly
Shopee Claw
Shopee Claw is inspired by the favorite arcade claw machine whereby Shopee users can use a claw to pick up prizes. The game mechanics are simple, users just have to toggle their phones from left to right to control the claw. Press the 'START' button and the claw will move downwards to pick up the prize. Once the claw successfully picks up the prize, a prize pop-up will appear on screen to show what the user has won. Users can stand a chance to win Shopee coins, cashback vouchers, ShopeePay discount vouchers, and exciting prizes including a pair of Airpods and an iPhone 11.
Shopee Poly
Shopee Poly starts off with the user rolling a dice to determine the number of steps they will take. They either lose or earn points depending on the spot they land on. Each user is given 3 free chances to play daily and can earn more chances by using their Shopee coins, making an order, or by sharing the game. Users can stand a chance to win Shopee coins, cashback vouchers, ShopeePay discount vouchers, as well as special prizes including a Xiaomi Mi Band 4 and a Realme C2 Smartphone.
Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale
From May 18 to June 6, Shopee 6.6 Super Flash Sale is offering daily flash deals as low as ₱6, free shipping with no minimum spend, and up to 50% discounts. Look out for exclusive offers from leading brands such as Wyeth, Unilever Beauty, Shigetsu, L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, P&G Home, and Nestle.
Download Shopee for free through the App Store or Google Play.


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pppoeconf (8) - Linux Manuals
pppoeconf --- configures a PPPoE (ADSL) connectionSYNOPSIS
The pppoeconf program is user-friendly dialog based setup tool for pppd (and pppoe if needed). It will look for existing ethernet cards and look for ADSL hardware connected to one of them. You can add an interface name iface to force pppoeconf to use it. Then it will get some login info and do some minor modifications to make working settings. Note that you can use ESC key to exit program when you wan.
- -nox
- Force ncurses use.
/etc/ppp/peers/dsl-provider is pppd options file for your dsl provider.
/etc/ppp/pap-secrets and /etc/ppp/chap-secrets are described in pppd documentation. pppoeconf may add lines to theses files.
/etc/ppp/ip-up.d/0clampmss and /etc/ppp/ip-down.d/0clampmss are used to clamp MSS if needed.
/etc/network/interfaces is network interface file for your system.
This manual page was originally written by Eduard Bloch (blade [at] debian.org) and now maintained by Gregory Colpart (reg [at] evolix.fr) for the Debian GNU/Linux system (but may be used by others). This document is free software; you can redistribute it and/or modify it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by the Free Software Foundation; either version 2 of the License, or (at your option) any later version.
On Debian systems, the complete text of the GNU General Public License can be found in /usr/share/common-licenses/GPL.
pppd(8), interfaces(5), pon(1) and pppoe(8).


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This article is more than 1 year old
Google hints at native code in Chrome Web Store
Lego Star Wars goes Native Client
Google I/O Google has indicated it will offer native code browser applications from the Chrome web apps store that's due to launch later this year.
The Chrome Web Store is designed for use with Google's Chrome browser and the company's upcoming Chrome OS, and it would appear that the store will make its debut when the OS hits netbooks in the fall. Chrome OS will include Native Client, the Google add-on that verifies and executes "untrusted" native code inside the Chrome browser, and in the past, Google has said that Native Client will be an "important part" of the browser-based operating system.
Last week, when Google vice president of product management Sunder Pichai unveiled a working prototype of the upcoming Chrome Web Store, he showed it offering up the popular online game Lego Star Wars. "We were wondering what game to show this audience," Pichai told several thousand developers. "We figured that as long as it had 3D, Legos, and Star Wars, it would work well."
During a separate conference session, Google's Ian Lewis let on that Mountain View is behind Unity's port to Native Client. Lewis said his team "got the opportunity" to port the game "about five weeks ago". Four developers, he said, needed a mere four weeks porting not only the game and the runtime engine but the monocompiler and runtime. "This really isn't a super difficult thing to do," he said.
Google released a preliminary Native Client SDK earlier this month. Essentially, it lets you beef up a web app with existing libraries written in languages such as C and C++, dovetailing this native code with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. In the past, Google has claimed that Native Client executables run at about 97 per cent of the speed of unmodified native code.
When Google executives met with the press at Google I/O last week, The Reg asked about the company's specific plans for native code applications with Chrome OS, and the company merely said that Native Client would be included with the OS, just as it's included today with the Chrome browser.
If Google is now working to port third-party applications to Native Client, we can only assume — as we've assumed in the past — that the company is working to port its own applications. We wouldn't be surprised to see native code versions of the company's online office apps when Chrome OS makes its debut. ®


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Yes, I realize I spent last week complaining that there were no good Thanksgiving movies. But there's still a bunch of time off around Thanksgiving, and a lot of time to fill once the turkey dinner's done. If you're planning a trip to the multiplex, here are some of your movie options:
Arthur Christmas
The animated Christmas film comes from Aardman Animations, the delightful studio that brings you all the Wallace and Gromit shorts and movies. This offering isn't stop-motion clay animation like Wallace and Gromit (and, in my opinion, looks a lot uglier), but the behind-the-scenes look at Santa's operations — and the mission they have to undertake once a present is left behind — will hopefully bear some of Aardman's trademark British humor.
The Artist
I'm interested in this because it seems to fly in the face of everything you'd need to make a successful movie today. It's Frnech, it's silent (or near-silent), and it's not even in full widescreen. If you ever wanted to know what it'd be like to see an old silent movie, try to find this one — it's going to be in limited release.
The Descendants
Remember, circa Batman & Robin, when George Clooney movies weren't all that great? I think what turned it around for Clooney was a refusal to work with anyone but cool, interesting directors. (After Batman & Robin, he did movies with Steven Steven Soderbergh, Terrence Malick, and the Coen Brothers.) The Descendents is no exception, being directed by Sideways and About Schmdt's Alexander Payne. The subject matter is right in Payne's wheelhouse, too, being about a man going through a mid-life crisis after his wife is put on life support.
Happy Feet Two
Oh, 2005 and 2006 were happier years, when the economy wasn't so bad, and the country was caught in the grips of Penguimania after the release of March of the Penguins and Happy Feet. Happy Feet Two hopes to capitalize off mid-decade nostalgia. Only instead of being about a penguin who wants to dance in a society of penguins that'd rather sing, the sequel is about a penguin who wants to fly in a society of penguins that dance. Who knew penguin society was such a monoculture?
This is a first: Martin Scorsese is directing a full-length movie for kids (and the parents who love them). For his first foray into family entertainment, he picked good source material: the award-winning and generally beloved The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. But even though that book is fantastic, I want to go just to see how Marty can tell a story without all the cursing.
Immortals photograph by Jan Thijs © 2011 War of the Gods, LLC. All Rights Reserved. |
With few big-name stars and a heavily-male-skewing subject matter — Greek gods and Greek titans and mere mortals fight things — this movie surprised the industry when it claimed the No. 1 spot at the box office when it opened. But I'm secretly glad, because the director, Tarsem Singh, always makes visually stunning movies (this one included) and made one of my favorite little-seen films, The Fall. Oh, and since I love saving you a few bucks, I'll also say that the conventional wisdom on this one is that the 3D isn't essential — unless you like seeing 3D blood splashing in your face.
J. Edgar
The reviews for this Clint Eastwood-directed J. Edgar Hoover biopic haven't been stellar, and it won't be the Oscar movie that producers might have hoped for. But you might want to check it out if there's a history buff in your life.
Jack and Jill
You know if you're an Adam Sandler fan or not — and, to enjoy this movie, you pretty much have to be a fan. Critics found it to be pretty bad, and the box office numbers show that moviegoers pretty much agree. But it's only rated PG, so it might do the trick for a youngster that you want to steer away from the R-rated head-crushings of Immortals.
The Muppets photograph © The Muppets Studio, LLC |
The Muppets
Really, the title should be enough of an enticement. Do you know anyone in the entire universe that doesn't like the Muppets? This is where my movie-ticket money is going this weekend, and I know that I could invite anyone I'm related to or friends with and they'd want to come along.
My Week with Marilyn
If you want to get a jump on your Oscar-bait movies, we hear good buzz about Michelle Williams's portrayal of Marilyn Monroe. This one might be in limited release, though, so you might have to do some searching to find it.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part One)
Is that the clunkiest movie title you've ever heard? Well, reviews of the film are starting to trickle in and (spoiler alert) we're sure the scene in the entire series that people are most curious about — the big vampire-baby birth — happens in this film and not the next one. If that isn't enough to get you into a Twilight movie, nothing is.
What are you planning on seeing? Let me know in the comments.
» Read our other movie and film reviews
» Read more from the Poptional Reading blog


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Organic Moringa Powder
Farmberry's focus is on the prosperity of the farmers, the quality of the product and the well-being of the environment, which combined together, provides us an opportunity to deliver a superior quality product while minimizing our footprint on the environment. Our search to uncover ancient and modern healing knowledge has taken us from the exotic regions of South America, Asia and to the desert of Sahara and beyond. We are firm believers of the farm-to-table philosophy, which embraces a sustainable approach to agriculture. We prepare and package our products in small batches to ensure superior quality, freshness, traceability and above all, taste! We hope you enjoy this product as much as we do!
Ingredients: Organic Moringa Powder
We recommend that you reseal the bag and store all herbs & spices in a cool dark place to maintain freshness.
Farmberry Advantage
- Certified Organic by Pro-Cert
- Canadian
- Non-GMO
- Vegan
- No Artificial Colors or Flavouring
- Ethically Sourced
May contain traces of tree nuts, soy, peanuts. Always consult your health specialist if you are pregnant or have a medical condition prior to consuming anything you are unsure of. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.


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Is Lear Still King?
In a recent decision, the Second Circuit crowned Lear, Inc. v. Adkins, 395 U.S. 653 (1969), but a petition to the Supreme Court has the possibility of dethroning this ruling and Lear. In Lear, the Court held that a licensee could challenge the validity of patents despite an agreement to the contrary. Contract law, the Court noted, must yield to the public's interest in ensuring monopolies do not go unchecked. Lear, Inc., 395 U.S. at 670-71. Since that decision, courts have taken varied approaches to Lear. See, e.g., Licensee Patent Validity Challenges Following MedImmune: Implications for Patent Licensing,. 3 HASTINGS SCI. & TECH. L.J. 243-439 (2011).


text: The LSHD submersible low profile load cell series are hermetically sealed and have a high pressure, high temperature molded waterproof cable seal to assure long life in wet or submerged applications such as truck scales or rail scales. They are supplied with a standard length of 3 m (10') of cable, however longer lengths are available. Many standard lengths are stocked plus custom lengths are also available. Typical custom lengths of waterproof cable available for fast delivery are 20 ft, 40 ft, 50 ft, and 100 ft


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Why not write a blog post for dear old Dad?
Permanent linkGive an unforgettable gift this Father's Day. Oy!Chicago is looking for guest writers of all experience levels to contribute to our next special blog series, "World's Greatest (Jewish) Dads," a collection of stories recognizing and honoring fathers.
You could tell a specific story, or write an overall tribute to your dad or any father figure in your life. Or maybe you're a new or expectant dad reflecting on that experience. Whatever your idea, we want to help you get published!
To pitch your idea, write a paragraph describing what your piece would be about and send it to email@example.com by Friday, June 5. The only requirements are that the post should in some way relate to the theme, and that you are 21 or older. We will review your submission and let you know if we are interested in working with you and running your piece in the series, which will run the week leading up to Father's Day, June 15-19.
Please note that Oy!Chicago is a volunteer-staffed website, so we are unable to pay for published submissions at this time. If you have any questions, email them to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Thanks for your interest!
Stef & Steven


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