text:
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, but in actuality a series of strongmen ruled the country until 2003. The last was SADDAM Husayn. Territorial disputes with Iran led to an inconclusive and costly eight-year war (1980-88). In August 1990, Iraq seized Kuwait but was expelled by US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991. Following Kuwait's liberation, the UN Security Council (UNSC) required Iraq to scrap all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles and to allow UN verification inspections. Continued Iraqi noncompliance with UNSC resolutions over a period of 12 years led to the US-led invasion of Iraq in March 2003 and the ouster of the SADDAM Husayn regime. US forces remained in Iraq under a UNSC mandate through 2009 and under a bilateral security agreement thereafter, helping to provide security and to train and mentor Iraqi security forces.
In October 2005, Iraqis approved a constitution in a national referendum and, pursuant to this document, elected a 275-member Council of Representatives (COR) in December 2005. The COR approved most cabinet ministers in May 2006, marking the transition to Iraq's first constitutional government in nearly a half century. Nearly nine years after the start of the Second Gulf War in Iraq, US military operations there ended in mid-December 2011. In January 2009 and April 2013, Iraq held elections for provincial councils in all governorates except for the three comprising the Kurdistan Regional Government and Kirkuk Governorate. Iraq held a national legislative election in March 2010 - choosing 325 legislators in an expanded COR - and, after nine months of deadlock the COR approved the new government in December 2010. In April 2014, Iraq held a national legislative election and expanded the COR to 328 legislators. Prime Minister Nuri al-MALIKI dropped his bid for a third term in office, enabling new Prime Minister Haydar al-ABADI, a Shia from Baghdad, to win parliamentary approval of his new cabinet in September 2014. Since early 2015, Iraq has been engaged in a military campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to recapture territory lost in the western and northern portion of the country.
- Location
Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iran and Kuwait
- Geographic coordinates
- Area 59/257
total: 438,317 sq km
land: 437,367 sq km
water: 950 sq km
- Area - comparative
slightly more than three times the size of New York state
- Land boundaries
total: 3,809 km
border countries (6): Iran 1,599 km, Jordan 179 km, Kuwait 254 km, Saudi Arabia 811 km, Syria 599 km, Turkey 367 km
- Coastline
58 km
- Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
continental shelf: not specified
- Climate
mostly desert; mild to cool winters with dry, hot, cloudless summers; northern mountainous regions along Iranian and Turkish borders experience cold winters with occasionally heavy snows that melt in early spring, sometimes causing extensive flooding in central and southern Iraq
- Terrain
mostly broad plains; reedy marshes along Iranian border in south with large flooded areas; mountains along borders with Iran and Turkey
- Elevation
mean elevation:
elevation extremes:
lowest point: Persian Gulf 0 m
highest point: Cheekha Dar (Kurdish for "Black Tent") 3,611 m
- Natural resources
petroleum, natural gas, phosphates, sulfur
- Land use
agricultural land: 18.1%
arable land 8.4%; permanent crops 0.5%; permanent pasture 9.2%
forest: 1.9%
other: 80% (2011 est.)
- Irrigated land
35,250 sq km (2012)
- Total renewable water resources
89.86 cu km (2011)
- Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)
total: 66 cu km/yr (7%/15%/79%)
per capita: 2,616 cu m/yr (2000)
- Natural hazards
dust storms; sandstorms; floods
- Environment - current issues
government water control projects drained most of the inhabited marsh areas east of An Nasiriyah by drying up or diverting the feeder streams and rivers; a once sizable population of Marsh Arabs, who inhabited these areas for thousands of years, has been displaced; furthermore, the destruction of the natural habitat poses serious threats to the area's wildlife populations; inadequate supplies of potable water; development of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers system contingent upon agreements with upstream riparian Turkey; air and water pollution; soil degradation (salination) and erosion; desertification
- Environment - international agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Environmental Modification
- Geography - note
strategic location on Shatt al Arab waterway and at the head of the Persian Gulf
People and Society
- Nationality
noun: Iraqi(s)
adjective: Iraqi
- Ethnic groups
Arab 75%-80%, Kurdish 15%-20%, Turkoman, Assyrian, or other 5%
- Languages
Arabic (official), Kurdish (official), Turkmen (a Turkish dialect) and Assyrian (Neo-Aramaic) are official in areas where they constitute a majority of the population), Armenian
- Religions
Muslim (official) 99% (Shia 60%-65%, Sunni 32%-37%), Christian 0.8%, Hindu <.1 buddhist jewish folk religion unafilliated .1 other>note: while there has been voluntary relocation of many Christian families to northern Iraq, recent reporting indicates that the overall Christian population may have dropped by as much as 50 percent since the fall of the Saddam HUSSEIN regime in 2003, with many fleeing to Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon (2010 est.)
- Population 37/238
37,056,169 (July 2015 est.)
- Age structure
0-14 years: 40.25% (male 7,615,835/female 7,300,957)
15-24 years: 18.98% (male 3,576,740/female 3,454,768)
25-54 years: 33.49% (male 6,276,669/female 6,132,968)
55-64 years: 3.95% (male 693,629/female 771,624)
65 years and over: 3.33% (male 549,034/female 683,945) (2015 est.)
- Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 78.7%
youth dependency ratio: 73.2%
elderly dependency ratio: 5.5%
potential support ratio: 18.3% (2015 est.)
- Median age
total: 19.7 years
male: 19.4 years
female: 20 years (2015 est.)
- Population growth rate 9/233
2.93% (2015 est.)
- Birth rate 35/224
31.45 births/1,000 population (2015 est.)
- Death rate 212/225
3.77 deaths/1,000 population (2015 est.)
- Net migration rate 56/222
1.62 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2015 est.)
- Urbanization
urban population: 69.5% of total population (2015)
rate of urbanization: 3.01% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
- Major urban areas - population
BAGHDAD (capital) 6.643 million; Mosul 1.694 million; Erbil 1.166 million; Basra 1.019 million; As Sulaymaniyah 1.004 million; Najaf 889,000 (2015)
- Sex ratio
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 0.9 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 1.02 male(s)/female (2015 est.)
- Maternal mortality rate 98/184
50 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
- Infant mortality rate 57/224
total: 37.49 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 40.6 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 34.23 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
- Life expectancy at birth 111/224
total population: 74.85 years
male: 72.62 years
female: 77.19 years (2015 est.)
- Total fertility rate 34/224
4.12 children born/woman (2015 est.)
- Contraceptive prevalence rate
52.5% (2011)
- Health expenditures 170/191
5.2% of GDP (2013)
- Physicians density
0.61 physicians/1,000 population (2010)
- Hospital bed density
1.3 beds/1,000 population (2012)
- Drinking water source
urban: 93.8% of population
rural: 70.1% of population
total: 86.6% of population
urban: 6.1% of population
rural: 31.5% of population
total: 14.6% of population (2015 est.)
- Sanitation facility access
urban: 86.4% of population
rural: 83.8% of population
total: 85.6% of population
urban: 13.6% of population
rural: 16.2% of population
total: 14.4% of population (2015 est.)
- HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate
- HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS
- HIV/AIDS - deaths
- Obesity - adult prevalence rate 42/191
21.2% (2014)
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight 74/138
8.5% (2011)
- Education expenditures
- Country name
conventional long form: Republic of Iraq
conventional short form: Iraq
local long form: Jumhuriyat al-Iraq/Komar-i Eraq
local short form: Al Iraq/Eraq
etymology: the name probably derives from "Uruk" (Biblical "Erech") the ancient Sumerian and Babylonian city on the Euphrates River
- Government type
parliamentary democracy
- Capital
name: Baghdad
geographic coordinates: 33.20° N, 44.24° E
time difference: UTC+3 (8 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
- Administrative divisions
18 governorates (muhafazat, singular - muhafazah (Arabic); parezgakan, singular - parezga (Kurdish)) and 1 region*; Al Anbar; Al Basrah; Al Muthanna; Al Qadisiyah (Ad Diwaniyah); An Najaf; Arbil (Erbil) (Arabic), Hewler (Kurdish); As Sulaymaniyah (Arabic), Slemani (Kurdish); Babil; Baghdad; Dahuk (Arabic), Dihok (Kurdish); Dhi Qar; Diyala; Karbala'; Kirkuk; Kurdistan Regional Government*; Maysan; Ninawa; Salah ad Din; Wasit
- Independence
3 October 1932 (from League of Nations mandate under British administration); note - on 28 June 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi Interim Government
- National holiday
Republic Day, July 14 (1958); note - the Government of Iraq has yet to declare an official national holiday but still observes Republic Day
- Constitution
several previous; latest adopted by referendum 15 October 2005 (2016)
- Legal system
mixed legal system of civil and Islamic law
- International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
- Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Iraq
dual citizenship recognized: yes
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
- Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
- Executive branch
chief of state: President Fuad MASUM (since 24 July 2014); Vice Presidents Ayad ALLAWI (since 9 September 2014), Nuri MALIKI (since 9 September 2014), Usama al-NUJAYFI (since 9 September 2014)
head of government: Prime Minister Haydar al-ABADI (since 8 September 2014)
cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister, approved by Council of Representatives
elections/appointments: president indirectly elected by Council of Representatives to serve a 4-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held on 30 April 2014 (next to be held in 2018); prime minister nominated by the president, approved by Council of Representatives
election results: Fuad MASUM elected president; Council of Representatives vote - Fuad MASUM (PUK) 211, Barham SALIH (PUK) 17; Haydar al-ABADI (Da'wa Party) approved as prime minister
- Legislative branch
description: unicameral Council of Representatives or Majlis an-Nuwwab al-Iraqiyy (328 seats; 320 members directly elected in multi-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote and 8 seats reserved for minorities; members serve 4-year terms); note - Iraq's constitution calls for the establishment of an upper house, the Federation Council, but it has not been instituted
elections: last held on 30 April 2014 (next to be held in 2018)
election results: Council of Representatives - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; seats by coalition/party – State of Law Coalition 95, Sadrist Movement 34, ISCI/Muwatin 30, KDP 25, United for Reform Coalition/Muttahidun 23, PUK 21, Nationalism Coalition/Wataniyah 19, other Sunni coalitions/parties 15, Al-Arabiyah Coalition 10, Goran 9, other Shia parties/coalitions 9, Fadilah 6, National Reform Trend 6, Iraq Coalition 5, KIU 4, other 17
- Judicial branch
highest court(s): Federal Supreme Court or FSC (consists of 9 judges); note - court jurisdiction limited to constitutional issues and disputes between regions or governorates and the central government); Court of Cassation (consists of a court president, 5 vice-presidents, and at least 24 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Federal Supreme Court and Court of Cassation judges appointed by the Higher Juridical Council, a 25-member committee of judicial officials that manage the judiciary and prosecutors; FSC members appointed for life; Court of Cassation judges appointed for 1-year probationary period and upon satisfactory performance may be confirmed for permanent tenure until retirement nominally at age 63
subordinate courts: Courts of Appeal (governorate level); courts of first instance; personal status, labor, criminal, juvenile, and religious courts
- Political parties and leaders
note: includes political coalitions
Al-Arabiyah Coalition [Salih al-MUTLAQ]
Badr Organization [Hadi al-AMIRI]
Da`wa Party [Vice President Nuri al-MALIKI];; Da`wa Tanzim [Hashim al-MUSAWI]
Fadilah Party [Muhammad al-YAQUBI]
Goran Party [Nawhirwan MUSTAFA]
Iraq Coalition [Abd al-Salam al-HAMMUDI]
Iraqi Front for National Dialogue [Salih al-MUTLAQ]
Iraqi Justice and Reform Movement [Shaykh Abdallah al-YAWR]
Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq or ISCI/Muwatin Coalition [Ammar al-HAKIM]
Kurdistan Democratic Party or KDP [Kurdistan Regional Government President Masud BARZANI]
Kurdistan Islamic Union or KIU [Mohammed FARA]
Nationalism Coalition/Wataniyah [Vice President Ayad ALLAWI]
National Movement for Reform and Development [Muhammad al-KARBULI]
National Reform Trend [Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-JAFARI]
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan or PUK [former President Jalal TALABANI]
Sadrist Movement or Ahrar Bloc [Muqtada al-SADR]
State of Law Coalition [Vice President Nuri al MALIKI]
United for Iraq/Muttahidun Party [Vice President Usama al-NUJAYFI]
United for Reform Coalition/Muttahidun [Vice President Usama al-NUJAYFI]
note: numerous smaller local, tribal, and minority parties
- Political pressure groups and leaders
Sunni militias; Shia militias, some associated with political parties
- International organization participation
ABEDA, AFESD, AMF, CAEU, CICA, EITI (compliant country), FAO, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ISO, ITSO, ITU, LAS, MIGA, NAM, OAPEC, OIC, OPCW, OPEC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
- Flag description
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and black; the Takbir (Arabic expression meaning "God is great") in green Arabic script is centered in the white band; the band colors derive from the Arab Liberation flag and represent oppression (black), overcome through bloody struggle (red), to be replaced by a bright future (white); the Council of Representatives approved this flag in 2008 as a compromise temporary replacement for the Ba'athist Saddam-era flag
note: similar to the flag of Syria, which has two stars but no script; Yemen, which has a plain white band; and that of Egypt, which has a gold Eagle of Saladin centered in the white band
- National symbol(s)
golden eagle; national colors: red, white, black
- National anthem
name: "Mawtini" (My Homeland)
lyrics/music: Ibrahim TOUQAN/Mohammad FLAYFEL
note: adopted 2004; following the ouster of SADDAM Husayn, Iraq adopted "Mawtini," a popular folk song throughout the Arab world; also serves as an unofficial anthem of the Palestinian people
- Economy - overview
During 2015, worsening security and financial stability throughout Iraq - driven by an ongoing insurgency, decreasing oil prices, and political upheaval - decreased the prospects for improving the country's economic environment and securing much-needed foreign investment. Long-term fiscal health, a strengthened investment climate, and sustained improvements in the overall standard of living still depend on a rebound in global oil prices, the central government passing major policy reforms, and finishing the conflict with ISIL.
Iraq's largely state-run economy is dominated by the oil sector, which provides more than 90% of government revenue and 80% of foreign exchange earnings. Oil exports in 2015 averaged 3.0 million barrels per day, up from 2014, but a failed revenue- and oil-sharing agreement with the Iraqi Kurdistan Region's (IKR) autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) resulted in a loss of exports from northern oil fields. Moreover, falling global oil prices resulted in declining export revenues. Iraq's contracts with major oil companies have the potential to further expand oil exports and revenues, but Iraq will need to make significant upgrades to its oil processing, pipeline, and export infrastructure to enable these deals to reach their economic potential. The Iraqi Kurdistan Region's (IKR) autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) passed its own oil law in 2007, and has directly signed about 50 contracts to develop IKR energy reserves. The federal government has disputed the legal authority of the KRG to conclude most of these contracts, some of which are also in areas with unresolved administrative boundaries in dispute between the federal and regional government. In December 2014, the federal government and the KRG agreed to sell oil exports from Kurdish-controlled oil fields under the federal oil ministry, in exchange for the central government paying $1 billion to the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and resuming budget transfers to the KRG that amount to 17% of Iraq's national budget. However, that deal fell apart in 2015.
Iraq is making slow progress enacting laws and developing the institutions needed to implement economic policy, and political reforms are still needed to assuage investors' concerns regarding the uncertain business climate. The government of Iraq is eager to attract additional foreign direct investment, but it faces a number of obstacles, including a tenuous political system and concerns about security and societal stability. Rampant corruption, outdated infrastructure, insufficient essential services, skilled labor shortages, and antiquated commercial laws stifle investment and continue to constrain growth of private, nonoil sectors. Under the Iraqi Constitution, some competencies relevant to the overall investment climate are either shared by the federal government and the regions or are devolved entirely to local governments. Investment in the IKR operates within the framework of the Kurdistan Region Investment Law (Law 4 of 2006) and the Kurdistan Board of Investment, which is designed to provide incentives to help economic development in areas under the authority of the KRG.
Inflation has remained under control since 2006. However, Iraqi leaders remain hard pressed to translate macroeconomic gains into an improved standard of living for the Iraqi populace. Unemployment remains a problem throughout the country despite a bloated public sector. Encouraging private enterprise through deregulation would make it easier for Iraqi citizens and foreign investors to start new businesses. Rooting out corruption and implementing reforms - such as restructuring banks and developing the private sector - would be important steps in this direction.
- GDP (purchasing power parity) 37/230
$531.4 billion (2015 est.)
$531.2 billion (2014 est.)
$542.7 billion (2013 est.)
note: data are in 2015 US dollars
- GDP (official exchange rate)
$165.1 billion (2015 est.)
- GDP - real growth rate 198/225
0% (2015 est.)
-2.1% (2014 est.)
6.6% (2013 est.)
- GDP - per capita (PPP) 104/230
$15,500 (2015 est.)
$15,500 (2014 est.)
$15,800 (2013 est.)
note: data are in 2015 US dollars
- Gross national saving 107/179
16.2% of GDP (2015 est.)
23.3% of GDP (2014 est.)
28.3% of GDP (2013 est.)
- GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption: 55.5%
government consumption: 21.5%
investment in fixed capital: 16.5%
investment in inventories: 2%
exports of goods and services: 40.8%
imports of goods and services: -36.3%
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 5.2%
industry: 49.7%
services: 45.1% (2015 est.)
- Agriculture - products
wheat, barley, rice, vegetables, dates, cotton; cattle, sheep, poultry
- Industries
petroleum, chemicals, textiles, leather, construction materials, food processing, fertilizer, metal fabrication/processing
- Industrial production growth rate 12/202
8.8% (2015 est.)
- Labor force 57/233
8.9 million (2010 est.)
- Labor force - by occupation
agriculture: 21.6%
industry: 18.7%
services: 59.8% (2008 est.)
- Unemployment rate 153/207
16% (2012 est.)
15% (2010 est.)
- Population below poverty line
25% (2008 est.)
- Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 3.6%
highest 10%: 25.7% (2007 est.)
- Budget
revenues: $61.09 billion
expenditures: $86.57 billion (2015 est.)
- Taxes and other revenues 52/219
37% of GDP (2015 est.)
- Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-) 214/220
-15.4% of GDP (2015 est.)
- Fiscal year
calendar year
- Inflation rate (consumer prices) 100/226
1.8% (2015 est.)
2.2% (2014 est.)
- Central bank discount rate 65/156
6% (December 2012)
6% (December 2011)
- Commercial bank prime lending rate 130/184
6% (31 December 2015 est.)
6% (31 December 2014 est.)
- Stock of narrow money 47/192
$61.81 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
$62.31 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
- Stock of broad money 59/193
$80.83 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
$78.65 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
- Stock of domestic credit 189/191
$-179,700 (31 December 2015 est.)
$-359,300 (31 December 2014 est.)
- Market value of publicly traded shares 90/121
$4 billion (9 December 2011)
$2.6 billion (31 July 2010)
$2 billion (31 July 2009 est.)
- Current account balance 187/197
-$20.92 billion (2015 est.)
-$6.208 billion (2014 est.)
- Exports 50/224
$54.65 billion (2015 est.)
$83.98 billion (2014 est.)
- Exports - commodities
crude oil 84%, crude materials excluding fuels, food and live animals
- Exports - partners
China 23.8%, India 18.4%, US 15.7%, South Korea 7.7%, Greece 5.9%, Italy 4.9% (2014)
- Imports 54/223
$42.94 billion (2015 est.)
$45.2 billion (2014 est.)
- Imports - commodities
food, medicine, manufactures
- Imports - partners
Turkey 23.3%, Syria 17.3%, China 16.6%, US 4.5% (2014)
- Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 37/170
$57.07 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
$66.85 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
- Debt - external 61/206
$58.13 billion (31 December 2014 est.)
$59.5 billion (31 December 2013 est.)
- Exchange rates
Iraqi dinars (IQD) per US dollar -
1,247.6 (2015 est.)
1,213.72 (2014 est.)
1,213.72 (2013 est.)
1,166.17 (2012 est.)
1,170 (2011 est.)
- Electricity - production 45/220
62.3 billion kWh (2013 est.)
- Electricity - consumption 46/219
53.41 billion kWh (2013 est.)
- Electricity - exports 153/218
0 kWh (2013 est.)
- Electricity - imports 27/219
8.201 billion kWh (2013 est.)
- Electricity - installed generating capacity 53/214
11.2 million kW (2013 est.)
- Electricity - from fossil fuels 70/214
92% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
- Electricity - from nuclear fuels 115/214
0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
- Electricity - from hydroelectric plants 121/214
7.6% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
- Electricity - from other renewable sources 185/212
0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
- Crude oil - production 7/214
3.368 million bbl/day (2014 est.)
- Crude oil - exports 6/214
2.39 million bbl/day (2013 est.)
- Crude oil - imports 207/214
0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
- Crude oil - proved reserves 5/215
144.2 billion bbl (1 January 2015 est.)
- Refined petroleum products - production 29/214
590,400 bbl/day (2012 est.)
- Refined petroleum products - consumption 26/212
750,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)
- Refined petroleum products - exports 105/214
2,153 bbl/day (2012 est.)
- Refined petroleum products - imports 28/213
242,700 bbl/day (2012 est.)
- Natural gas - production 62/216
1.18 billion cu m (2013 est.)
- Natural gas - consumption 88/215
1.179 billion cu m (2013 est.)
- Natural gas - exports 121/215
0 cu m (2013 est.)
- Natural gas - imports 213/214
0 cu m (2013 est.)
- Natural gas - proved reserves 11/212
3.158 trillion cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
- Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy 38/212
130.7 million Mt (2012 est.)
- Telephones - fixed lines 59/219
total subscriptions: 1.95 million
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 5 (2014 est.)
- Telephones - mobile cellular 36/217
total: 33 million
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 92 (2014 est.)
- Telephone system
general assessment: the 2003 liberation of Iraq severely disrupted telecommunications throughout Iraq including international connections; widespread government efforts to rebuild domestic and international communications through fiber optic links are in progress; the mobile cellular market expanded rapidly to some 27 million subscribers by the end of 2012
domestic: repairs to switches and lines destroyed during 2003 continue; additional switching capacity is improving access; 3 GSM operators since 2007 have expanded beyond their regional roots and offer near country-wide access to second-generation services; third-generation mobile services are not available nationwide; wireless local loop is available in some metropolitan areas and additional licenses have been issued with the hope of overcoming the lack of fixed-line infrastructure
international: country code - 964; satellite earth stations - 4 (2 Intelsat - 1 Atlantic Ocean and 1 Indian Ocean, 1 Intersputnik - Atlantic Ocean region, and 1 Arabsat (inoperative)); local microwave radio relay connects border regions to Jordan, Kuwait, Syria, and Turkey; international terrestrial fiber-optic connections have been established with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iran; links to the Fiber-Optic Link Around the Globe (FLAG) and the Gulf Bridge International (GBI) submarine fiber-optic cables have been established (2011)
- Broadcast media
the number of private radio and TV stations has increased rapidly since 2003; government-owned TV and radio stations are operated by the publicly funded Iraqi Media Network; private broadcast media are mostly linked to political, ethnic, or religious groups; satellite TV is available to an estimated 70% of viewers and many of the broadcasters are based abroad; transmissions of multiple international radio broadcasters are accessible (2015)
- Radio broadcast stations
55 (station frequency types NA) (2009)
- Television broadcast stations
28 (2009)
- Internet country code
- Internet hosts 218/232
26 (2012)
- Internet users 87/217
total: 2.8 million
percent of population: 7.8% (2014 est.)
- Airports 55/236
102 (2013)
- Airports - with paved runways
total: 72
over 3,047 m: 20
2,438 to 3,047 m: 34
1,524 to 2,437 m: 4
914 to 1,523 m: 7
under 914 m: 7 (2013)
- Airports - with unpaved runways
total: 30
over 3,047 m: 3
2,438 to 3,047 m: 5
1,524 to 2,437 m: 3
914 to 1,523 m: 13
under 914 m: 6 (2013)
- Heliports
16 (2013)
- Pipelines
gas 2,455 km; liquid petroleum gas 913 km; oil 5,432 km; refined products 1,637 km (2013)
- Railways 67/136
total: 2,272 km
standard gauge: 2,272 km 1.435-m gauge (2014)
- Roadways 70/223
total: 59,623 km
paved: 59,623 km (includes Kurdistan Region) (2012)
- Waterways 22/107
5,279 km (the Euphrates River (2,815 km), Tigris River (1,899 km), and Third River (565 km) are the principal waterways) (2012)
- Merchant marine 142/156
total: 2
by type: petroleum tanker 2
registered in other countries: 2 (Marshall Islands 2) (2010)
- Ports and terminals
river port(s): Al Basrah (Shatt al-'Arab); Khawr az Zubayr, Umm Qasr (Khawr az Zubayr waterway)
Military and Security
- Military branches
Ministry of Defense: Iraqi Army (includes Army Aviation Directorate), Iraqi Navy, Iraqi Air Force; Counterterrorism Service (2015)
- Military service age and obligation
18-40 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2013)
- Military expenditures 2/132
8.7% of GDP (2014)
3.4% of GDP (2013)
2.88% of GDP (2012)
3.27% of GDP (2011)
2.88% of GDP (2010)
Transnational Issues
- Disputes - international
Iraq's lack of a maritime boundary with Iran prompts jurisdiction disputes beyond the mouth of the Shatt al Arab in the Persian Gulf; Turkey has expressed concern over the autonomous status of Kurds in Iraq
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees (country of origin): 16,637 (Turkey); 11,053 (Iran); 9,246 (West Bank and Gaza Strip) (2014); 245,022 (Syria) (2016)
IDPs: 4,244,438 (since 2006 due to ethno-sectarian violence; includes 3,290,310 displaced in central and northern Iraq since January 2014) (2016)
stateless persons: 120,000 (2014); note - in the 1970s and 1980s under SADDAM Husayn's regime, thousands of Iraq's Faili Kurds, followers of Shia Islam, were stripped of their Iraqi citizenship, had their property seized by the government, and many were deported; some Faili Kurds had their citizenship reinstated under the 2006 Iraqi Nationality Law, but others lack the documentation to prove their Iraqi origins; some Palestinian refugees persecuted by the SADDAM regime remain stateless


text:
Victorian jewelry
What is costume victorian jewelry?
Each of us at least once in his life, but wore jewelry, victorian jewelry. For us, jewelry is an integral part of the image. With their help, we are happy to construct new images, bring the style to the perfect. Jewelry, victorian jewelry, should be a lot. Agree, it is unlikely that the same earrings will fit under the style of rock hardcore and say, under strict classical.
Help victorian jewelry
With the help of jewelry, victorian jewelry, due to its small price, you can successfully achieve the desired number of favorite satellites of the order and, if not daily, then on a constant basis to replenish your stock. I think for each of us, it is important to understand that he wears, at least in order to exploit it with the highest quality, and for general development, it doesnt hurt.
Where did the victorian jewelry come from? What it is?
Going into a brief insight into the history of jewelry, victorian jewelry, there is no unequivocal answer to the question about the years of its appearance. It is known that it exists for centuries and even millennia. Costume jewelry is victorian jewelry made from simple, inexpensive materials. Unlike jewelry, they are made of non-precious metals and stones. In such works, you can find a variety of alloys and metals, rhinestones, crystals, colorful and transparent glass, ceramics, enamel, natural pebbles, leather and much more. It also happens such costume victorian jewelry that in appearance does not differ from jewelry, while their cost is much lower.

subset: commoncrawl


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KLUDI has been honoured with well over 20 international design prizes in past years. We are especially proud of the Plus X Award "Most innovative Brand". The award "Most Innovative Brand of the Year 2015" is the highest one given out in the Plus X Awards, honouring a company's innovative capabilities.
Contemporary and classy, light and graceful – this is the effect KLUDI A-XES gives. The accessories are the ideal addition to the KLUDI fi ttings. Their distinct use of form with cylinders and cubes makes it possible to combine them with every bathroom design.
Find a suitable store in your area easily!


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In the shifting alliances that are characteristic of politics, the presumed closeness of Republicans and Wall Street may be increasingly tested.
The notion of these political bedfellows was probably always more myth than reality. After all, Wall Street stiffed Republican John McCain, heavily supporting President Barack Obama in the 2008 election. Big Finance switched sides in 2012, losing its bet on Mitt Romney.
Also, Republican financial ties to Wall Street did not always match conservative ideological opposition to government support, via bailouts, of large financial institutions.
And similarly, populist liberals assailing large banks has often been at odds with Democratic support for regulations, such as the Dodd-Frank Act, which critics have argued have the effect of ensconcing the largest banks in their dominant position.
Exhibit A for the changing relationship between Wall Street and Republicans is Jeb Hensarling's assuming the chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee.
The conservative Texan lawmaker is on record as supporting increased capital requirements for large financial institutions, something that liberal foes of Wall Street like Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) have long supported. But, then again, Brown's principal ally in boosting bank capital ratios has been Sen. David Vitter (R-La.).
Exhibit B in this changing relationship is a Washington Post column published in February by conservative columnist George Will urging conservatives to enthusiastically support "relentlessly liberal" Sherrod Brown. Writes Will:
"By breaking up the biggest banks, conservatives will not be putting asunder what the free market has joined together. Government nurtured these behemoths by weaving an improvident safety net and by practicing crony capitalism."
All senators of both parties supported a Brown-Vitter symbolic measure that calls for eliminating economic advantages enjoyed by large banks, though the partisan breakdown of a full legislative package on breaking up big banks, currently being drafted by Brown and Vitter, remains to be seen.
Exhibit C in the conservative campaign against banks—again, always present ideologically if not always in terms of votes—is an issue brief from the conservative Heritage Foundation, published this week.
In it, senior research fellow James Gattuso called breaking up the big banks the right question, if the wrong answer. The think tank's regulatory expert says the thrust of the argument for breaking up too-big-to-fail banks is that regulators, fearing a collapse of the economy, will rush to shore up failed institutions, putting taxpayers on the hook.
Gattuso doesn't want to expose the public to this risk, but views proposals to cap bank size as overly simplistic and ineffective at avoiding bailout risk.
He points out that a small bank that is highly interconnected could theoretically present greater systematic risk than a big bank, and quotes former Obama official Steve Rattner to the effect that the most spectacular failures in 2008 (e.g. Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, AIG and Fannie and Freddie) were not deposit institutions yet presented serious systemic threat.
Gattuso's solution: Modify bankruptcy law to allow independent judges, rather than regulators, to restructure failed financial institutions.
Read JPMorgan, Wells Fargo See Double-Digit Q1 Profits but Shares Fall on Low Revenue on AdvisorOne.


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Fresh new screen shots to help us celebrate the release o... Read more
Mass Effect cosplay group including kick-ass Asari at Ani... Read more
Win A Mass Effect N7 Logo wall plaque! (or another of you... Read more
Check out this photo of Mark Meer as Commander Shepard wi... Read more
By now you may have seen the latest trailer for Mass Effe... Read more
FUNimation Entertainment's Executive Producer Chris M... Read more
BioWare just announced the Mass Effect Trilogy. All three... Read more
The Krogan Blood Pack currently lay siege to the Alliance... Read more
The full-length feature film is coming to select theaters... Read more
As part of our countdown to N7 Day, we're ... Read more
As part of our countdown to N7 Day, we're featuring b... Read more
As part of our countdown to N7 Day, we're ... Read more
In celebration of N7 Day, we're featuring behind-the-... Read more
After battle with the Blood Pack, Vega has a debriefing w... Read more
Asari Scientist Treeya Nuwani discovers unknown arti... Read more
We had a chance to sit down with the team at Production I... Read more
Lead by James Vega, the Delta Squadron discovers an unkno... Read more
See the process of animating a scene for Mass Effect: Par... Read more
In this clip, Vega proves that everyone's just trying... Read more
See the process of animating the scene for the Fehl Prime... Read more
The release of Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is getting close... Read more
We have 60 minutes of bonus features in the Blu-ray and D... Read more
We're less than ten days away from the launch of
It's all come down to this. Do or die. Suicide miss... Read more
Our Mass Effect: Paragon Lost Sweepstakes is now over!&nb... Read more
Any music aficionados here? We're giving our fa... Read more
Any music aficionados here? We're giving our fans a chance to win a Mass Effect: Paragon Lost prize pack featuring: a custom skinned Fender Squier VINTAGE MODIFIED JAGUAR® Guitar, a copy of the Mass Effect: Paragon Lost DVD, a set of the Mass Effect game trilogy (on the game system of your choice), and a copy of THE ANIX - Sleepwalker Album.
How do you win this awesome prize pack? Since "Warning Signs," performed by THE ANIX, is featured in the movie, we're asking fans to submit photos of themselves with various warning signs. Here are some examples:
Where do you submit these photos? Just follow this link to our Facebook page and follow the directions! You have from now until the end of January.
Love the song "Warning Signs" by THE ANIX? Download it now on iTunes!
Congratulations to Benjutsu McNinja, winner of our Mass Effect: Paragon Lost "Warning Signs" contest! See his winning photo here.
"The real stars of the film though is composers David Kates and Joshua R. Mosley really steal the show with their fantastic score" –Mike Gencarelli, MediaMikes.com
"If you are a fan of the Mass Effect series and have played 1 and 2, then this is great way to great introduced into 3" –Mike Gencarelli, MediaMikes.com
"captures the spirit of the games, including a tense Moral Choice that Vega must make at the end" –Theater For Nerds
"Fans of the games will certainly enjoy the emphasis on authenticity that this movie uses. " –Theater For Nerds
"Paragon Lost has wisely chosen to focus on one of Shepard's teammates, James Vega" –Theater For Nerds
"Even if you had never played the game and knew nothing of the Mass Effect world leading into it, the film could stand on its own." –Metalmachine.net
"Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is the answer to the void that has been left in heart of all fans." –Metalmachine.net
"Even if you just like seeing sh*t get blown up, buy this film. It's worth the watch." –Metalmachine.net
"It's a fun and enjoyable flick with good performances that made for a good evening of entertainment." –Chris Beveridge, The Fandom Post
"This is the story that brings James Vega full circle and shows the impact he had on the galaxy before he joined Commander Shepard." –Mike "The Birdman" Dodd, This Week in Geek
"Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is a winner" –Mike "The Birdman" Dodd, This Week in Geek
© 2012 EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. Mass Effect, Mass Effect logo, BioWare and BioWare logo are trademarks of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. EA and the EA logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. © Mass Effect Project. All rights reserved by FUNimation Entertainment/T.O Entertainment | privacy policy


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Cafe and Restaurant WordPress Theme
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January 04, 2015This template is very nice, the option to switch the position of the header logo would be nice.Helpful Useless
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Cherry Framework Version: 1.2 WordPress Compatibility: 3.5.x, 3.4.x WordPress Engine: 3.5.x Additional Features: Advanced Theme Options, Sliced PSD, Back To Top Button, Calendar, Custom Page Templates, Dropdown Menu, Favicon, Google map, Google Web Fonts, Social Options, Tabs, Tag Cloud, Tooltips Additional Info: Well Documented Animation: HTML plus JS Bootstrap Version: 2.3.1 Coding: CSS 3, HTML 5, JQuery, LESS Features: Admin Panel, Bootstrap, Cherry Framework, Responsive, Search Engine Friendly, WPML ready Functionality: Blog, Portfolio Gallery Script: Accordion, Carousel, Isotope, Slider Installation: Installation and set up instructions are attached (look for Documentation folder). Layout: 2 columns Media: Audio Player, Video Integration Web Forms: Contact Form Width: 1920px WordPress Custom Post Types: Our Team, Portfolio, Services, Testimonials WordPress Page Templates: Archives, Default Page, FAQ, Filter Pholio Page, Full Width Page, Home Page, Testimonials
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The Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a must-have for any serious project manager. PMP certified Project Managers on average earn over 20% more than those without the certification. The PMP certification can help you get the job, keep your job and earn more money. In addition, many organizations have recognized that properly trained project managers are fundamental to business success. Here at Project Management Academy® we pride ourselves on making sure that you are prepared to pass the project management certification exam on your first attempt, whether you take a course in a classroom or live virtually. After our 4-day online PMP Exam Prep training you will have all the knowledge and tools needed to take the next step in your career. Each online bootcamp is taught by a live instructor and comes with all the same guarantees and materials as our in-person course. So, if you prefer to take a course from the comfort of your home or office, book your online course today.
Below are just a few of the benefits that we believe make our PMP certification training course offering the best in the industry:
When choosing a PMP certification training course provider, remember, not all PMP certification training courses are equal. The quality of competing PMP exam prep courses can vary widely, and some may not fully prepare you for the exam. When investing in your career you should never sacrifice quality for a lower price. If you weigh the key decision factors, we believe Project Management Academy provides the best value.
We stand behind our product. Unlike other companies, we provide a true 100% money-back pass guarantee. Our promise is simple:
All we ask in return is that you study hard and take full advantage of the extensive PMP exam prep study aids we provide.
All PMP exam prep courses are 100% guaranteed to run on the dates listed. Yes, even if there's only one student. While other providers often postpone courses due to low enrollment, we promise to never do that.
"I had an excellent experience and passed the PMP (exam) on the first try. I know I would not have been able to do that without this essential course, and all of the resources PMA offers. 100% recommend!"
Virtual Classroom: 4 days of web-based eLearning with a live instructor. You will receive immediate access to the PMP exam prep training materials with 6-months access to our online training portal.
4 days from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
This course is intended for individuals who wish to obtain their Project Management Professional (PMP)® or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® credential. Prior to taking the PMP exam, PMI® requires you to prove you have 3+ years of project management experience and 35 contact hours of project management education (see also PMP certification requirements). Our PMP certification training course is designed to help you earn your PMP certification, from PMI, the easy way. However, this course can be taken by anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of project management.
We offer live PMP Certification Training courses in over 60 convenient locations.


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Pressure House Learning in Real Time
A version of this article appears in the July/August 2010 issue of Home Energy Magazine.
July 01, 2010
New York State adds trainers and new facilities - including a virtual house - to meet the increasing demands on weatherization programs.
In the fall of 2008, the New York State Weatherization Directors Association (NYSWDA) dedicated its 3,800 ft2 energy training center, located in East Syracuse, New York. The center had already been in use for three years as a centrally located training facility for New York's 65 weatherization agencies. With the completion of the heating lab, with its 17 heating systems, and a 600 ft2 pressure diagnostics house within the facility, NYSWDA was prepared to scale up its training program to full speed. Little did we know that a few months later, a newly elected president would stimulate us into warp speed.
To read complete online articles, you need to sign up for an Online Subscription.
Once an order has been placed there is an automatic $10 processing fee that will be deducted with any cancellation.
The Home Energy Online articles are for personal use only and may not be printed for distribution. For permission to reprint, please send an e-mail to email@example.com.


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Big Horn County
Photos of Fort Smith, MT
The only time we'd say it's O.K. to judge a book by its cover is when you're selecting a best place to live. Thankfully, we've got plenty of great photos of the area that we think will help you decide whether or not it's the best place for you.


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Phenobarbital and its relative phenobarbitone are sometimes used to control seizures.
Phenobarbital can reduce folate levels, perhaps by increasing the rate of breakdown of the vitamin. 1–6 Over time, such a decrease can cause anemia. Taking folate supplements can correct this anemia. 7 Anticonvulsant-induced folate deficiency might also cause birth defects. Women who plan to become pregnant while on phenobarbital should be sure to take a supplement to prevent deficiency. 8,9
Phenobarbital appears to interfere with the normal absorption or metabolism of vitamin D. 10,11 In turn, this can impair calcium absorption. 12 Making sure to get enough vitamin D (and calcium) should help prevent any problems from developing.
Children born to women taking phenobarbital while pregnant may be deficient in vitamin K. 13,14 This might lead to bleeding disorders and facial bone abnormalities. Supplementing with vitamin K during pregnancy should help; however, physician supervision is recommended.
Many antiseizure medications, including phenobarbital, are believed to interfere with the absorption of biotin. 15,16 For this reason, individuals taking phenobarbital may benefit from extra biotin. Biotin should be taken 2 to 3 hours apart from your antiseizure medication. Do not exceed the recommended daily intake, because it is possible that too much biotin might interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
Phenobarbital has been reported to cause increased sensitivity to the sun, amplifying the risk of sunburn or skin rash. Because St. John's wort and dong quai may also cause this problem, taking them during treatment with this drug might add to this risk.
It may be a good idea to wear a sunscreen or protective clothing during sun exposure if you take one of these herbs while using this anticonvulsant.
The herb ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used to treat Alzheimer's disease and ordinary age-related memory loss, among many other conditions.
This interaction involves potential contaminants in ginkgo, not ginkgo itself.
A recent study found that a natural nerve toxin present in the seeds of Ginkgo biloba made its way into standardized ginkgo extracts prepared from the leaves. 17 This toxin has been associated with convulsions and death in laboratory animals. 18,19,20
Fortunately, the detected amounts of this toxic substance are considered harmless. 21 However, given the lack of satisfactory standardization of herbal formulations in the United States, it is possible that some batches of product might contain higher contents of the toxin depending on the season of harvest.
In light of these findings, taking a ginkgo product that happened to contain significant levels of the nerve toxin might theoretically prevent an anticonvulsant from working as well as expected.
The herb kava (Piper methysticum) has a sedative effect and is used for anxiety and insomnia.
Combining kava with anticonvulsants, which possess similar depressant effects, could result in "add-on" or excessive physical depression, sedation, and impairment.
Because of the potentially serious consequences, you should avoid combining these herbs with anticonvulsants or other drugs that also have sedative or depressant effects, such as phenobarbital, unless advised by your physician.
Because phenobarbital works (at least in part) by blocking glutamate pathways in the brain, high dosages of glutamine might possibly overwhelm the drug and increase the risk of seizures.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board
- Review Date: 12/2015 -
- Update Date: 12/15/2015 -


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A stimulating series of talks by artists, critics and curators as well as film screenings, portfolio courses, art workshops and drawing classes take place in the Hugh Lane Gallery on a regular basis.
Lectures and film screenings are free and open to the public unless otherwise stated. Early arrival is recommended as places may be limited.
Please go to http://www.hughlane.ie/lectures/forthcoming-lectures to see details of current and upcoming lectures, films and art workshops.


text: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 New Workers' Compensation Resources Now Available APTA has developed new workers' compensation resources for members. The resources include a market basket comparison of maximum fee schedule rates in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as state summaries of workers' compensation regulations pertinent to physical therapy services. The link to the map can be found on APTA's Workers' Compensation webpage. If you have any questions, comments, or corrections regarding your state's workers' compensation page, contact email@example.com.


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A pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This space is called the pleural space. Thoracentesis is a procedure to remove fluid from this area.
There are 2 types of thoracentesis:
- Therapeutic thoracentesis—to relieve the symptoms of fluid buildup
- Diagnostic thoracentesis—to test for the cause of the fluid buildup
Reasons for Procedure
There is always a small amount of fluid in the pleural space. The fluid helps to lubricate the area. When too much fluid builds up in this space, it can make it difficult to breathe.
Some of the fluid may be tested after it is removed. The buildup of fluid can be a symptom of diseases or disorders, such as:
- Heart failure
- Lung infections
- Kidney disease
- Pulmonary embolism —a clot that travels to the lung
- Cancer
- Collagen vascular disease like sarcoidosis or lupus
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Asbestos exposure
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Collapsed lung
- Fluid building up again
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to the lung, liver, or spleen
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect
A local anesthetic will be used. It will numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
Description of the Procedure
You may be asked to sit upright on the edge of a bed or chair. Your arms will be resting on a nearby table. If your procedure involves a CT scan, you may be asked to lie on a table. Try to avoid coughing, breathing deeply, or moving during the procedure.
A small patch of skin on your back, chest, or under your armpit will be sterilized. Anesthesia will be applied to this patch. It will help numb the area.
Ultrasound or CT scan images may be used to guide the needle and monitor the fluid. A needle or thin plastic catheter will be inserted between your ribs. The needle or catheter is then passed into the pleural space. Some or most of the fluid will be drawn into the syringe.
How Long Will It Take?
About 15 minutes
Will It Hurt?
You may feel slight pain or a stinging when the needle is first inserted. As the fluid is being extracted, you may feel a sense of pulling. Tell your healthcare team if you feel extreme pain, any shortness of breath, or lightheadedness.
Post-procedure Care
If the thoracentesis is being done for diagnostic reasons, the fluid will be sent to a lab for testing. Often, another chest x-ray will be done to ensure that the fluid has been removed and that there is no sign of a collapsed lung.
Treatment may be started for the cause of the fluid buildup.
You may have your activity restricted during your recovery.
If a diagnostic thoracentesis was done, ask your doctor when to expect the results.
Follow your doctor's instructions.
Call Your Doctor
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the insertion site
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Pain when taking a deep breath
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 03/2018 -
- Update Date: 03/15/2013 -


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Set of 2 - Hans Wegner Replica Wishbone Cord Dining Chair - Natural Beech
Sold Out
Product Details
Hans Wegner designed the original Wishbone Cord dining Chair in 1949 and is a timeless piece of Danish mid-century furniture design. Often referring to his designs as organic functionality, our replica has that warm and natural look that will surely enhance your seating comfort as well as improve the overall ambiance of your living space.
- Made of solid beech wood frame
- Hand woven natural cord seat
- No assembly required
- Commercial grade quality
- W 54cm X D 57cm X H 75cm
- Seat Height: 42cm
|Dispatch Timing
|Normally dispatched within 3 business days
|This item is not applicable for change of mind policy
Customer Reviews
Thrilled with the Hans Wegner chairs I bought. service first class They arrived undamaged which is a first for me as most things from the internet that I buy are usually damaged.big tick from me
Let customers speak for usfrom 169 reviews
Really nice chess pieces. Very happy with them and they go beautifully with the board. Great communication and service.
First class chess board. Really happy with it.Great communication and service.
Very fast delivery and a good looking product. time will tell how well it lasts but overall pleased with the whole process. only one very minor issue : some of the bolts were very difficult to start in their threads, this could be remedied with a tapered lead in thread
I bought this coat rack for my bedroom which is predominantly white and to keep my bag, coats & shoes in an easily accessable place. It fits perfectly in it's alloted space and my bedroom is now well balanced & complete. I am a very happy customer! I think it was a great price too.
Very happy with Cabinet it was easy to assemble and is a nice looking piece of furniture.
Fast delivery. Chairs are excellent. Thank you.
Love this print, the colours are subtle and tone beautifully with my decor. I have a few in the Gygi collection and this one is gorgeous! Hope Nestz stock more of the Gygi prints as they mix and match extremely well!
Very happy with everything. Delivery was fast and assembly easy. Looks great.
It's a stunning reproduction of the famous iconic Isamu Noguchi design. Excellent quality tempered glass top on beautifully shaped base. Highly recommended.
We ordered an illuminated 70cm mirror. It arrived promptly and very well packaged. The product was as advertised. Overall well satisfied.
Very easy to deal with and delivery to suburb on outskirts of metropolitan area was no problem. Very happy all round. Desk is great and easy to put together.
Just as picture, great colour for my existing furniture. Nice and sturdy and happy with the item.
Arrived the day after I ordered it!!!
Great item
I'm very happy with this entertainment unit. I loved that I didn't have to put it together as it came fully assembled. The construction seems to be really solid. It looks very contemporary and has lots of storage. I would highly recommend this piece of furniture.
Really happy with the item. Nice an sturdy, exactly as described. Delivery was exceptional! Arrived within 48 hours of placing my order. Thank you for the great service.
Excellent quality and easy to put together thank you
Excellent looking ottoman - very modern and compact - good workmanship. Thank you. Highly recommended.
Table was true to picture. Legs were a lovely colour and the glass was flawless. The overall size is quite large, but this is what we wanted to fill our space. Would definitely recommend.
I brought 2 in different sizes and colours as gifts for a friends nursery decor.
She was very happy with them.👍
Great service.... fast delivery.
Exactly as expected - swift delivery.
Ordered a clock which arrived quickly but found clock to be defective, lost 1.5 hours over 24 hours then stopped completely. NESTZ team worked quickly and resent me a replacement which arrrived promptly (this clock worked as expected)
Great work and brilliant customer service. ALSO thoroughly enjoying the new clock
Sturdy, nice looking and easy to assemble
Great product.
Looks great in our appartment hallway, very pleased.
Excellent service.
Looks great, is sturdy even without fixing to the wall, was easy to assemble and arrived pretty quickly after purchase. And I was able to change the delivery details while it was being shipped hassle free.
Only downside is I wish it came in a natural oak colour
Great product and excellent customer service (responds quickly to queries). Highly recommend
Received the table really quick and it everything we expected. Will definitely use Nestz again and recommend them to anyone.
Gorgeous chairs and super sturdy. And very fast shipping got them 2 days after i ordered. Thank you!
I like the finish of my filing cabinet it does not look like a filing cabinet but an elegant piece of furniture.
Delivery was fast as well.
Difficult to have something better made. A treasure.
An excellent product. Hollow painted bust of Dante came as appears in the pictures. Exactly as it was described. It has certainly some weight to it and makes a wonderful addition to my office.
I was really impressed by this product. I saw the same item in a shop for double the price. The item arrived in lightning time.
Much better than expected! We purchased 3 which were delivered in great time. The desks are solid and look really good, also size was perfect, not too big, but definitely ample space and storage. Only suggestion, when building, don't get ahead of yourself and put it together as you go... follow the instructions, otherwise you will be dismantling it again later on haha.


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Musik - Sprache der WeltIn February 1954, as part of a promotional campaign, Deutsche Grammophon produced a now legendary 10 inch LP titled Musik . . . Sprache der Welt (Music - the Universal Language), that presented selections of its then current recordings.
That LP, now a rare collector's item, consisted of extracts of works by the great composers. Each selection had a brief spoken introduction and was intended as a marketing tool for salesmen, to give - as Deutsche Grammophon wrote - "an impression of the breadth and quality of our repertoire . . . a kind of calendar in sound." It offered something different from the usual sales information sheets and record catalogues.
By reviving the title (and using the original Musik . . . Sprache der Welt cover art), we have developed this series to recreate the flavour and the spirit of those times at Deutsche Grammophon.
The 10 CD set of chronologically ordered orchestral works - from Haydn to Bruckner - features familiar iconic recordings (such as Furtwängler's Schumann Fourth) that appear alongside recordings completely new to CD (e.g. Lehmann's Schubert and Sanderling's Beethoven Second). In fact, over half of these recordings appear internationally on CD for the first time. In many cases the recordings on the original LP are complemented by bonus material from the same conductor. In some cases, two LP sets have been put onto a single CD. The reproduction of original artwork and the illustrative material contained here evoke the look and feel of that period, and serve as a testimony to the cultural and aesthetic values of another era.
Full Discography


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Puzzle Levels
Puzzle Categories
Download a FREE Solution for your puzzles!
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Comic Cube Puzzle - Frank & Ernest
Product Information
|Level 5 - Easy
|Family Games
|Other Wood Puzzles
|Total Pieces
Product Description
Age: Adult
Players: 1
Difficulty Level: Medium
Six of your favorite 'Frank & Ernest' comic strips have been faithfully reproduced by laser-engraving them onto 12 wooden cubes, creating a 3D comic conundrum. When jumbled up, the blocks must be rearranged to create the 6 comical scenes. With 72 sides to choose from, this puzzling pastime is certain to amuse as well as confuse all those who play with it.
In English only.
12 wooden laser-etched cubes, 1 wooden frame.
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What to expect once your observations are in the queue
You are here
Your proposal was accepted, your observations have been defined, checked and set to "ready", and your program is now available for scheduling. What should you expect next? This page outlines what happens once your observations are in the queue, how to monitor their progress, and what to do if things aren't going as you expected.
- Queue planning and nighttime operations
- Monitoring the progress of your observations
- What to do if you're not getting as much data as you expected, or as soon
- Data checking and quality assessment
Queue planning and nighttime operations
Every day a plan is made for the night's observing, with variations for different sets of weather conditions. The queue planning follows a set of principles aimed at making sure that programs are completed and telescope time used efficiently. More detail is given on this page, along with a description of a typical night's observing.
Monitoring your observations
If desired, the progress of a Gemini observing program can be monitored quite closely. There are several ways of doing so:
- By default, PIs are signed up to receive automatic email notification the morning after each night that data are obtained for a given program. These emails are sent before any quality assessment is performed on the data.
- The Gemini Science Archive can be queried for data sets belonging to a program. Raw files usually go into the archive shortly after being written to disk (see this page for more details).
- The archive also sends periodic emails notifying PIs that data sets are available for collection. No sign-up is needed for these emails. These emails go out once Gemini staff have created a data package for the program, usually on Friday of each week for programs with data obtained during the preceding week.
- The PI (or, in fact, anyone with the program "key") can fetch the program and see how it is progressing. As observations are executed, their status changes in the OT, time is charged to the program and/or partner country, and an "observation log" is created inside each observation. An example of a program with observations in progress can be found here.
- Various pages in the Queue and Schedules section of the website give program execution statistics. See for instance the "Queue Summary", "Execution Log" and "Database Snapshots" links.
You thought you'd have (more) data by now. What's going on?
We make every effort to obtain as much data as possible of as high a standard as possible. After all, everybody benefits when a good publication is written based on a Gemini data set. However, sometimes programs aren't started, aren't completed, or take longer to complete than the PI anticipated. Recent improvements to the software used by the ITAC to create the queue for the semester mean that the available programs are now more balanced in terms of observing condition requirements and RA distribution, but (for example) a long period of poor weather coinciding with an instrument being on the telescope for a limited time can have a large effect on program execution nonetheless. Similarly, the queue scheduling software is quite effective in ensuring that time-critical programs are observed as requested by the PI, but mistakes and misunderstandings can still occur. If you are concerned about progress on your program, you are welcome to contact your NGO support, Gemini contact scientists or the Head of Science Operations at the relevant site (contact details on this page).
The following information may be useful:
- Band 1 programs with rollover status will automatically stay active for three semesters (e.g., an 11B rollover program will be available for scheduling through the 12B semester).
- Semester boundaries are treated as flexible at both sites. To make best use of telescope time, we will start a new semester's observations before the start of that semester, and "balance" that by keeping some (non-rollover) programs active after the end of the current semester.
- Non-rollover programs not used for this balancing time are deactivated shortly after the end of the semester. Occasionally, programs from previous semesters may be reactivated to fill gaps in the queue. This is unusual, however.
- Band 3 programs overfill the queue and not all of them will be started. See this page for advice on maximising the likelihood of getting data for your band 3 program, such as choosing a GMOS grating that is commonly in the instrument or relaxing your observing condition constraints. This information may also be useful for PIs of higher- ranked programs in semesters with high weather loss, for example.
- It is possible to make changes to your program once the semester has started, as long as this does not substantially alter the science approved by the TAC. Certain changes, such as target swaps or improvements to observing conditions, require approval from the local head of science operations. However, if you wish to relax the IQ constraint for your program in order to increase the chances of getting data, for instance, this can normally be easily accommodated. The people mentioned above will be happy to advise.
Data checking, quality assessment and repeat observations
Until the end of the 2012B semester, all files were checked during the days following the acquisition of the data. Starting in 2013A, the daytime data checking is limited to band 1 observations plus other data sets that may be requested by the queue coordinator. The data checking usually takes place the day after the observations are taken, but can take longer if there's a backlog of data after a long weekend, for example. The data checking is described in more detail here, but it includes making sure that the PI's requested observing condition constraints were met, checking for missed calibrations, and looking for signs of possible instrument or telescope issues that could affect the data. Data quality states are set in the file headers and can also be seen in the OT; see here for an example OT screenshot and more explanation.
If a problem is found, then often a replacement observation will be set up by the queue coordinator and made available to be repeated at the next opportunity (NB this does not apply to band 4 programs). This is generally the case for simple issues such as an IQ70 observation taken under IQ85 conditions, does not require PI interaction, and does not affect the program's chances of being completed. If you see new observations in your program that you didn't put there, this is probably why; look for a yellow note or comments in the OT observation log (see above) for the explanation. For more complex or ambiguous cases the queue coordinator or another staff member may get in touch with the PI to ask for more information about how to proceed. A prompt response to such emails helps ensure that data can be retaken in a timely manner, if that is what is needed.
The aim of the nighttime observer and many other observatory staff is to ensure that PIs receive data that meet their requirements. However, if you feel that this is not the case with your data, please get in touch with your NGO support, Gemini contact scientists or the Head of Science Operations for the site in question. If we are at fault we will endeavour to correct the mistake.


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Veronica Vase Small
A stunning vase featuring a matt antique brass finish. Pairs beautifully with our Veronica Large Vase.
- Antique brass material
- Matt finish
- Embellished edges
- L360 x H160 x D20 mm
|Veronica Vase Small
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Principal Proposed Uses
Other Proposed Uses
Native to southern Asia, ginger is a 2- to 4-foot-long perennial that produces grass-like leaves up to a foot long and almost an inch wide. Although it is called ginger root in the grocery store, the part of the herb used is actually the rhizome, the underground stem of the plant, with its bark-like outer covering scraped off.
Ginger has been used as food and medicine for millennia. Arabian traders carried ginger root from China and India to be used as a food spice in ancient Greece and Rome, and tax records from the second century AD show that ginger was a delightful source of revenue to the Roman treasury.
Chinese medical texts from the fourth century BC suggest that ginger is effective in treating nausea, diarrhea, stomachaches, cholera, toothaches, bleeding, and rheumatism. Ginger was later used by Chinese herbalists to treat a variety of respiratory conditions, including coughs and the early stages of colds.
Ginger's modern use dates back to the early 1980s, when a scientist named D. Mowrey noticed that ginger-filled capsules reduced his nausea during an episode of flu. Inspired by this, he performed the first double-blind study of ginger. Germany's Commission E subsequently approved ginger as a treatment for indigestion and motion sickness.
One of the most prevalent ingredients in fresh ginger is the pungent substance gingerol. However, when ginger is dried and stored, its gingerol rapidly converts to the substances shogaol and zingerone. If any of these substances has medicinal effects remains unknown.
What Is Ginger Used for Today?
Some evidence suggests that ginger may be at least slightly helpful for the prevention and treatment of various forms of nausea, including motion sickness, the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and postsurgical nausea.
Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do not self-treat with ginger except under physician supervision.
Scant preliminary evidence suggests that ginger might be helpful for osteoarthritis . And, one small study suggests it may beneficial for high cholesterol . 43
Ginger has been suggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions, including atherosclerosis , migraine headaches , rheumatoid arthritis , ulcers , depression , and impotence . However, there is negligible evidence for these uses.
In traditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign of a cold is believed to offer the possibility of averting the infection. However, once more, there is no scientific evidence for this use.
What Is the Scientific Evidence for Ginger?
The evidence for ginger's effectiveness in various forms of nausea remains mixed. It has been suggested that, in some negative studies, poor-quality ginger powder might have been used. 2
In general, while most antinausea drugs influence the brain and the inner ear, ginger appears to act directly on the stomach. 3,26,28,42
The evidence for ginger's effectiveness in various forms of nausea remains mixed. It has been suggested that, in some negative studies, poor-quality ginger powder might have been used. 2
In general, while most antinausea drugs influence the brain and the inner ear, ginger appears to act directly on the stomach. 3,26,28,42
Ginger has shown inconsistent promise for treatment of motion sickness. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 79 Swedish naval cadets at sea found that 1 g of ginger could decrease vomiting and cold sweating, but without significantly decreasing nausea and vertigo. 4 Benefits were also seen in a double-blind study of 36 individuals given ginger, dimenhydrinate, or placebo. 5
However, a 1984 study funded by NASA using intentionally stimulated motion sickness found that ginger was not any more effective than placebo. 9 Two other small studies have also failed to find any benefit. 10,11 The reason for the discrepancy may lie in the type of ginger used, or the severity of the stimulant used to bring on motion sickness.
Four double-blind, placebo-controlled studies enrolling at total of 246 women found ginger more effective than placebo for treatment of morning sickness36 For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 70 pregnant women evaluated the effectiveness of ginger for morning sickness. 12 Participants received either placebo pills or 250 mg of powdered ginger capsule four times per day for four days. Those that received ginger reported lower nausea scores and fewer incidents of vomitting than those who had placebo. No adverse effects on the pregnancies were noted.
At least 3 studies have compared ginger to vitamin B 6 , a commonly recommended treatment for morning sickness. Two studies found them to be equally beneficial, 38,39 while the third found ginger to be somewhat better. 40 But, since the effectiveness of vitamin B 6 for morning sickness is not solidly established—the evidence rests largely on one fairly old study 41 — these findings are of questionable value.
Note: Despite its use in these studies, ginger has not been proven safe for pregnant women.
Although there have been some positive studies, on balance, the evidence regarding ginger for reducing nausea and vomiting following surgery is discouraging. 30
A double-blind British study compared the effects of ginger, placebo, and metoclopramide (Reglan) in the treatment of nausea following gynecological surgery . 14 The results in 60 women indicated that both treatments produced similar benefits as compared to placebo.
A similar British study followed 120 women receiving elective laparoscopic gynecological surgery. 15 Whereas nausea and vomiting developed in 41% of the participants given placebo, in the groups treated with ginger or metoclopramide these symptoms developed in only 21% and 27%, respectively. Benefits were also seen in a double-blind study of 80 people. 27 A study of 60 people found marginally positive results. 37
However, a double-blind study of 108 people undergoing similar surgery found no benefit with ginger as compared to placebo. 16 Negative results were also seen in another recent study of 120 women, 17 and another of 180 women. 31
The bottom line: If ginger is effective for post-surgical nausea at all, the effect must be very slight. 30
One study failed to find ginger helpful for reducing nausea caused by the cancer chemotherapy drug cisplatin . 34 In a second study, ginger did not add to the effectiveness of standard medications to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. 44
A large double-blind study (more than 250 participants) found that a combination of ginger and another Asian spice called galanga (Alpinia galanga) can significantly improve arthritis symptoms. 24 This study was widely publicized as proving that ginger is effective for osteoarthritis. However, the study design makes it impossible to draw any conclusions on the effectiveness of the ginger component of the mixture. Ginger alone has only been tested in two very small double-blind studies, and they had contradictory results. 1,32
In a review of 5 randomized trials, ginger was associated with a reduction in pain and disability in patients with active osteoarthritis compared to placebo. The trials had several limitations, including high dropout rates and small sample sizes. These limitations can affect overall results.49
Some migraine sufferers experience a mild headache before the onset of their full blown migraine. A randomized trial involving 60 such patients found that a sublingual (placed under the tongue for rapid absorption) combination of feverfew and ginger taken at the onset of this early headache helped to reduce or eliminate pain for at least 2 hours. 45
Ginger powder taken at the onset of a migraine headache (without aura) had the same effect as sumatriptan in a randomized trial of 100 adults. People in both groups saw more than a 90% reduction in headache severity within 2 hours. 46
Ginger was shown to have some benefit in helping reduce fasting glucose and HbA1c in patients with long-term type 2 diabetes. The randomized trial with 88 participants compared 3 grams of ginger per day to placebo for 8 weeks.47
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Ginger (250 milligrams, 3 times daily) was associated with a significant decrease in mean monthly bleeding volume in a randomized trial of 92 girls aged 15-18 years old with heavy menstrual bleeding when compared to placebo. Ginger or placebo was taken one day before menstrual bleeding started and continued for 4 consecutive days. The trial evaluated 3 consecutive menstrual cycles. Each cycle had similar results.48
For most purposes, the standard dosage of powdered ginger is 1 to 4 g daily, divided into 2 to 4 doses per day.
To prevent motion sickness, it may be best to begin treatment 1 or 2 days before the trip and continue it throughout the period of travel.
Safety Issues
Ginger is on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list as a food, and the treatment dosages of ginger are comparable to dietary usages. No significant side effects have been observed.
Like onions and garlic , extracts of ginger inhibit blood coagulation in test tube experiments. 18-20 European studies with actual oral ginger taken alone in normal quantities have not found any significant effect on blood coagulation, 21-23 but it is still theoretically possible that a very weak anticoagulant could amplify the effects of drugs that have a similar effect, such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin , clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine Ticlid, pentoxifylline Trental, and aspirin . One fairly solid case report appears to substantiate these theoretical concerns: Use of a ginger product markedly (and dangerously) increased the effect of an anticoagulant drug closely related to Coumadin. 33 However, a double-blind study failed to find any interaction between ginger and Coumadin, leaving the truth regarding this potential risk unclear. 35
The maximum safe doses of ginger for pregnant or nursing women, young children, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Interactions You Should Know About
If you are taking:
- Strong blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin , clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), pentoxifylline (Trental), or even aspirin : Ginger might possibly increase the risk of bleeding problems.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board
- Review Date: 09/2014 -
- Update Date: 10/14/2016 -


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The purpose of screening is early diagnosis and treatment. Screening tests are given to people who do not have current symptoms, but who may be at high risk for certain diseases or conditions.
In the case of chickenpox, screening can be done to see whether you've acquired an immunity to the disease.
Blood tests—A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab. Levels of antibodies are measured in the blood to see if you have developed immunity to chickenpox from an unrecognized previous infection or a forgotten immunization.
People who have had chickenpox usually develop immunity to it. Since 1995, a chickenpox vaccine has been available. For this reason, the National Immunization Program recommends that if you are unsure if you've ever had chickenpox or been vaccinated, you should talk to your doctor about having a blood test to determine whether or not you have immunity. If the tests are negative, you are not immune. In most cases, you should then receive the chickenpox vaccine to protect you from getting chickenpox. Vaccination is particularly important for adolescents and adults, for whom infection with chickenpox may be severe or life threatening.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review BoardJames P. Cornell, MD
- Review Date: 03/2018 -
- Update Date: 03/15/2015 -


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The answer is JAMES -- Joint Action for Multimodal Embodied Social Systems, the work of the Munich Research and Transfer Institute for Software Intensive Systems (fortiss GmbH) in collaboration with a number of other European research institutions in Germany, the UK, and Greece.
While the robot does indeed fetch drinks, that's not the main reason for his development. Researchers designed the robot -- which stands about 4 feet tall, has a yellow, cat-like head, and greets his customers in English -- to experiment with robots interacting with humans in public spaces. JAMES can take orders and hand out drinks and also, like many human bartenders, deliver the occasional wisecrack.
To do these things, researchers built the robot with artificial intelligence that can fulfill specific tasks while also being aware of the social needs of the humans he serves, according to fortiss. This requires a programmed ability to analyze situations and come up with the correct behavior, particularly in dealing with more than one human at once.
Fortiss has posted a series of videos showing JAMES at work on YouTube. In one, he greets a customer with a friendly, "Hello, how are you today?" and responds to requests to deliver both a generic drink and a specific beverage of a customer's choice. He also encourages the customer to "enjoy" the drink after putting it on the bar.
In another video, JAMES shows an ability for more sophisticated interaction, letting one customer know he'll be with him in a minute before serving a drink to his friend who also approached the bar. He then addresses his other customer and serves the proper drink to him (watch the video below).
JAMES joins China's noodle-making Chef Cui, the Toyota Human Support Robot, and Rethink Robotics' Baxter as a new breed of robots that are designed to work alongside humans as helpers or to take over different tasks. While sometimes they may put employees out of jobs, many times they are taking jobs people don't necessarily want or are being designed to work with, not to replace, human counterparts.
JAMES likely won't be slinging drinks at an actual bar anytime soon, but researchers will continue to use the robot to observe and record how he interacts with humans to inform their current and future work, they said.
Related posts:


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Are Humans The Only Hygienic Species?
There are several animals that practice clean living by removing parasites and grooming etc, but does that make them a hygienic species?
TestTube Plus is built for enthusiastic science fans seeking out comprehensive conversations on the geeky topics they love. Host Trace Dominguez digs beyond the usual scope to deliver details, developments and opinions on advanced topics like AI, string theory and Mars exploration. TestTube Plus is also offered as an audio podcast on iTunes.