#Motor State Distributing

[maddyvast]

Top 3 Contenders: EPARTRADE's Favorite Cast Iron Engine Blocks

For racing teams, car parts retailers, automotive professionals, and car mechanics, understanding the nuances of engine blocks is crucial. Enter the robust world of cast iron engine blocks, prized for their durability and strength. Let us explore the top three cast iron engine blocks that have set the standard in performance and reliability.

The Essential Role of Engine Blocks

Engine blocks are the foundational piece of any vehicle's powertrain, ensuring smooth engine operation. In racing, where every fraction of a second counts, the quality of an engine block can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, cast iron engine blocks are a staple in racing circuits and garages worldwide.

The Top 3 Cast Iron Engine Blocks

1. MOTOR STATE DISTRIBUTING

With decades of experience in the performance automotive industry, Motor State Distributing offers a wide range of cast iron engine blocks from renowned brands such as Dart Machinery and World Products.

2. PLATINUM RACING PRODUCTS

Platinum Racing Products specializes in high-performance engine components, including top-of-the-line cast iron engine blocks designed for extreme racing applications.

3. WORLD PRODUCTS

World Products, Inc. has been a trusted name in the performance engine industry for over 40 years, known for their durable and reliable cast iron engine blocks.

Advantages of Cast Iron Engine Blocks

1. Durability and Strength

Cast iron engine blocks are revered for their durability and strength. Unlike their aluminum counterparts, cast iron blocks can withstand higher levels of heat and stress, making them ideal for high-performance applications. Their heavy-duty construction means they can endure the rigors of racing and everyday driving with ease.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

When it comes to cost, cast iron blocks offer significant advantages. They provide a cost-effective solution without sacrificing performance. For racing teams and automotive professionals working within budget constraints, cast iron engine blocks deliver the best of both worlds—affordability and reliability.

3. Material Comparison

Compared to other materials, such as aluminum, cast iron blocks maintain their shape and structure better under extreme conditions. While aluminum is lighter, it lacks the same level of heat resistance and stability, which are crucial in high-performance settings. This makes cast iron a preferred choice for many professionals in the automotive field.

All in All

In racing and automotive engineering, choosing the right engine block is crucial. Cast iron engine blocks are known for their durability, performance, and cost-effectiveness, exemplified by models like the Dart Big M Sportsman and Ford Racing Boss 351.

Exploring cast iron options can enhance engine capabilities, with platforms like EPARTRADE providing valuable resources. Whether a racing professional or automotive enthusiast, understanding cast iron engine blocks helps optimize performance.

[afriblaq]

african.echo

Two Years of President Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso: A Report Since Assuming Leadership of the Nation 1. Burkina Faso’s GDP rose from around $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion. 2. He declined loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, stating, “Africa doesn’t need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America.” 3. He cut the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians by 30% while raising civil servants’ salaries by 50%. 4. He cleared Burkina Faso’s domestic debts. 5. He established the country’s first-ever tomato processing plants. 6. In 2023, he launched a modern gold mine to strengthen local processing capacity. 7. He halted the export of unrefined gold from Burkina Faso to Europe. 8. He constructed Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant, adding to the single existing one. 9. He inaugurated the National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing, the first of its kind, to aid local cotton farmers. 10. He prohibited the use of British legal wigs and gowns in local courts, replacing them with traditional Burkinabé attire. 11. He prioritized agriculture by distributing over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles to enhance production and support rural communities. 12. He facilitated access to improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to maximize farming yields. 13. Tomato production grew from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024. 14. Millet production increased from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024. 15. Rice production rose from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024. 16. He banned French military operations in Burkina Faso. 17. He prohibited French media from operating in the country. 18. He expelled French troops from Burkina Faso. 19. His government is building new roads, expanding existing ones, and converting gravel roads into paved surfaces.

[ptseti]

This is what LEADERSHIP looks like in Africa.....FVCK the COONS

Two Years of President Ibrahim Traoré 🇧🇫

1. Burkina Faso's GDP grew from approximately $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion.

2. He has rejected loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He said, "Africa doesn't need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America."

3. He reduced the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians by 30% and increased the salaries of civil servants by 50%.

4. He paid off Burkina Faso's local debts.

5. He established two tomato processing plants, the first-ever in Burkina Faso.

6. In 2023, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art gold mine to enhance local processing capabilities.

7. He stopped the export of unrefined Burkina Faso gold to Europe.

8. He built Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant. Previously, the country had only one.

9. He opened the first-ever National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing to assist local cotton farmers.

10. He banned the wearing of British legal wigs and gowns in local courts and introduced traditional Burkinabé attire.

11. He prioritized agriculture by distributing over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles to boost production and support rural stakeholders.

12. He provided access to improved seeds and other farm inputs to maximize agricultural output.

13. Tomato production in Burkina Faso increased from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

14. Millet production rose from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024.

15. Rice production increased from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

16. He banned French military operations in Burkina Faso.

17. He banned French media in Burkina Faso.

18. He expelled French troops from Burkina Faso.

19. His government is constructing new roads, widening existing ones, and upgrading gravel roads to paved surfaces.

20. He is building a new airport, the Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

www.theafricanhistory.com

[arinzeture]

Two Years of President Ibrahim Traoré 🇧🇫

1. Burkina Faso's GDP grew from approximately $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion.

2. He has rejected loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He said, "Africa doesn't need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America."

3. He reduced the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians by 30% and increased the salaries of civil servants by 50%.

4. He paid off Burkina Faso's local debts.

5. He established two tomato processing plants, the first-ever in Burkina Faso.

6. In 2023, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art gold mine to enhance local processing capabilities.

7. He stopped the export of unrefined Burkina Faso gold to Europe.

8. He built Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant. Previously, the country had only one.

9. He opened the first-ever National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing to assist local cotton farmers.

10. He banned the wearing of British legal wigs and gowns in local courts and introduced traditional Burkinabé attire.

11. He prioritized agriculture by distributing over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles to boost production and support rural stakeholders.

12. He provided access to improved seeds and other farm inputs to maximize agricultural output.

13. Tomato production in Burkina Faso increased from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

14. Millet production rose from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024.

15. Rice production increased from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

16. He banned French military operations in Burkina Faso.

17. He banned French media in Burkina Faso.

18. He expelled French troops from Burkina Faso.

19. His government is constructing new roads, widening existing ones, and upgrading gravel roads to paved surfaces.

20. He is building a new airport, the Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 25, 2025

Opponent control of reinforcement by striatal dopamine and serotonin. Cardozo Pinto, D. F., Pomrenze, M. B., Guo, M. Y., Touponse, G. C., Chen, A. P. F., Bentzley, B. S., Eshel, N., & Malenka, R. C. (2025). Nature, 639(8053), 143–152.

Emergence of a Dynamical State of Coherent Bursting with Power-Law Distributed Avalanches from Collective Stochastic Dynamics of Adaptive Neurons. Chan, L.-C., Kok, T.-F., & Ching, E. S. C. (2025). PRX Life, 3(1), 013013.

Fear conditioning modulates the intrinsic excitability of ventral hippocampal CA1 neurons in male rats. Ehlers, V. L., Yousuf, H., Smies, C. W., Natwora, B. R., & Moyer, J. R. (2025). Journal of Neurophysiology, 133(3), 853–867.

Separating cognitive and motor processes in the behaving mouse. Hasnain, M. A., Birnbaum, J. E., Ugarte Nunez, J. L., Hartman, E. K., Chandrasekaran, C., & Economo, M. N. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(3), 640–653.

Neural mechanisms of learned suppression uncovered by probing the hidden attentional priority map. Huang, C., van Moorselaar, D., Foster, J., Donk, M., & Theeuwes, J. (2025). eLife, 13, e98304.3.

Robust encoding of stimulus–response mapping by neurons in visual cortex. Jonikaitis, D., Xia, R., & Moore, T. (2025). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 122(9), e2408079122.

Long-term memory facilitates spontaneous memory usage through multiple pathways. Kumle, L., Kovoor, J., Watt, R. L., Boettcher, S. E. P., Nobre, A. C., & Draschkow, D. (2025). Current Biology, 35(5), 1171-1179.e5.

Error prediction determines the coordinate system used for the representation of novel dynamics. Leib, R., & Franklin, D. (2025). eLife, 14, e84349.

Statistical learning re-shapes the center-surround inhibition of the visuo-spatial attentional focus. Massironi, A., Lega, C., Ronconi, L., & Bricolo, E. (2025). Scientific Reports, 15, 7656.

Hair Cells in the Cochlea Must Tune Resonant Modes to the Edge of Instability without Destabilizing Collective Modes. Momi, A. S., Abbott, M. C., Rubinfien, J., Machta, B. B., & Graf, I. R. (2025). PRX Life, 3(1), 013001.

Decision cost hypersensitivity underlies Huntington’s disease apathy. Morris, L.-A., Horne, K.-L., Manohar, S., Paermentier, L., Buchanan, C. M., MacAskill, M. R., Myall, D. J., Apps, M., Roxburgh, R., Anderson, T. J., Husain, M., & Le Heron, C. J. (2025). Brain, 148(3), 861–874.

Integration of Euclidean and path distances in hippocampal maps. Ottink, L., de Haas, N., & Doeller, C. F. (2025). Scientific Reports, 15, 7104.

Aversive generalization in human amygdala neurons. Reitich-Stolero, T., Halperin, D., Morris, G., Goldstein, L., Bergman, L., Fahoum, F., Strauss, I., & Paz, R. (2025). Current Biology, 35(5), 1137-1144.e3.

Compartmentalized dendritic plasticity in the mouse retrosplenial cortex links contextual memories formed close in time. Sehgal, M., Filho, D. A., Kastellakis, G., Kim, S., Lee, J., Shen, Y., Huang, S., Lavi, A., Fernandes, G., Davila Mejia, I., Martin, S. S., Pekcan, A., Wu, M. S., Heo, W. Do, Poirazi, P., Trachtenberg, J. T., & Silva, A. J. (2025). Nature Neuroscience, 28(3), 602–615.

Adaptive chunking improves effective working memory capacity in a prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia circuit. Soni, A., & Frank, M. J. (2025). eLife, 13, e97894.3.

Attention to memory content enhances single-unit spike sequence fidelity in the human anterior temporal lobe. Sundby, K. K., Vaz, A. P., Wittig, J. H., Jackson, S. N., Inati, S. K., & Zaghloul, K. A. (2025). Current Biology, 35(5), 1085-1094.e5.

Acetylcholine modulates prefrontal outcome coding during threat learning under uncertainty. Tu, G., Wen, P., Halawa, A., & Takehara-Nishiuchi, K. (2025). eLife, 13, e102986.2.

The effect of fasting on human memory consolidation. Yang, X., Miao, X., Schweiggart, F., Großmann, S., Rauss, K., Hallschmid, M., Born, J., & Lutz, N. D. (2025). Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, 218, 108034.

Neural Correlates of Perceptual Plasticity in the Auditory Midbrain and Thalamus. Ying, R., Stolzberg, D. J., & Caras, M. L. (2025). Journal of Neuroscience, 45(10), e0691242024.

Hippocampal neuronal activity is aligned with action plans. Zutshi, I., Apostolelli, A., Yang, W., Zheng, Z. S., Dohi, T., Balzani, E., Williams, A. H., Savin, C., & Buzsáki, G. (2025). Nature, 639(8053), 153–161.

[science-lover33]

Unraveling the Wonders of the Neuron and Brain (Part 1)

Hey there, Tumblr fam! Today, let's dive deep into the intricate world of neurons and the brain. 🧠✨

Anatomy of a Neuron

Neurons are the building blocks of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information throughout your body. They have a unique structure, consisting of three main parts:

Cell Body (Soma): This is like the neuron's control center. It contains the nucleus, which houses the cell's DNA and controls its activities.

Dendrites: These branch-like extensions protruding from the cell body are the neuron's antennae. They receive signals from other neurons or sensory receptors, transmitting these signals to the cell body.

Axon: Think of the axon as the neuron's transmission line. It's a long, slender, cable-like structure that carries signals away from the cell body, toward other neurons or target cells.

At the end of the axon, you'll find axon terminals, where neurotransmitters are released to communicate with the next neuron or target cell.

Physiology of a Neuron

Neurons are all about transmitting information through electrical impulses and chemical signals. Here's a quick rundown:

Resting Membrane Potential: Neurons have a resting state where the inside is negatively charged compared to the outside due to the uneven distribution of ions (like sodium and potassium) across the cell membrane. This creates a potential difference called the resting membrane potential.

Action Potential: When a neuron receives a strong enough signal (usually from dendrites), it can generate an action potential—a rapid change in membrane potential. This electrical signal travels down the axon like a wave.

Synaptic Transmission: When the action potential reaches the axon terminals, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters into the synapse, the tiny gap between neurons. These chemicals bind to receptors on the next neuron, initiating a new electrical signal.

The Marvelous Brain

Now, let's shift our focus to the brain—the command center of your entire nervous system. 🌟

Your brain consists of various regions, each with specific functions. Here are a few key areas:

Cerebrum: This is the largest part and is divided into two hemispheres, each responsible for various cognitive functions like thinking, memory, and sensory perception.

Cerebellum: Located at the back of your brain, it plays a crucial role in balance, coordination, and fine motor skills.

Brainstem: Situated at the base of the brain, it controls basic life-sustaining functions like breathing and heart rate.

Hippocampus: Essential for memory formation and storage.

Amygdala: Involved in processing emotions and emotional memories.

And there's so much more to explore!

References:

Bear, M. F., Connors, B. W., & Paradiso, M. A. (2016). "Neuroscience: Exploring the Brain." Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Purves, D., et al. (2017). "Neuroscience." Sinauer Associates, Inc.

Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2012). "Principles of Neural Science." McGraw-Hill Education.

These references will provide you with in-depth insights into the fascinating world of neurons and the brain. Remember, your brain is a universe waiting to be explored! 🌌💡🔬

Stay curious, Tumblr pals! 😊🧠

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Analysis: East of Eden (Cultural References)

IWW: IWW stands for the Industrial Workers of the World, an international union which achieved the height of its membership and power in the early 1920s. Colloquially, they were known as the Wobblies and were primarily focused on promoting the interests of the world’s growing class of industrial workers.

Woodmen of the World: fraternal organization founded in 1890 which also functions as a private insurance company for its members.

Bindle-stiffs: colloquial for migrant workers; hoboes.

Paregoric: 18th and 19th century home remedy with varied uses (diarrhea, cough suppressant). Main ingredient is opium. Was available as an over-the-counter drug in the United States until 1973, when it was classified as a narcotic and is now only available by prescription.

Iron Wine Tonic: a tonic used to regain strength. Contained wine and iron citrate.

Lydia Pinkham: an herb and alcohol based tonic name after its inventor. Used to alleviate menstrual pains.

Carbolic Acid: also known as phenol. In small doses, is used in the production of many common cosmetic products. In large doses, it is a poison.

Epsom Salts: magnesium and sulfur compound. Can be used as a laxative, but is also used for bath salts.

Castor Oil: odorless and tasteless oil from the Castor plant. Was a popular home remedy for constipation.

Model T: first mass produced American automobile by Henry Ford’s Ford Motor Company. Fifteen million Model Ts were produced between 1908-1927.

Magneto: an electrical generator. For the Model T, a flywheel magneto produced alternating currents of electricity to a coal and could be considered the equivalent of a modern day alternator.

Quartermaster Corps: a logistical branch of the U.S. Army providing service support, such as material (including ammunition) and food distribution, and field services such as repairs for showers/laundry/clothing.

Faro: a card game.

Fan-tan: popular Chinese casino game similar to roulette.

Hayburner: slang name for a horse.

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[altaqwaelectric]

Understanding the Role of Busbars, Circuit Breakers, and Relays in Switchgear

In the world of electrical distribution and control systems, switchgear plays a pivotal role in managing, protecting, and isolating electrical circuits and equipment. Within a switchgear assembly, components like busbars, circuit breakers, and relays are essential for ensuring efficient operation and maximum safety. Understanding the role of each of these components can help professionals and businesses make better decisions when designing or upgrading their electrical systems.

What Is Switchgear?

Switchgear is a general term that encompasses a wide range of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, circuit breakers, and associated equipment used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. These systems are critical for both high-voltage and low-voltage applications and are commonly found in industrial plants, commercial buildings, power plants, and substations.

1. Busbars: The Power Distribution Backbone

Busbars are metallic strips or bars — typically made of copper or aluminum — that conduct electricity within a switchgear or distribution board. Their main function is to distribute electrical power to multiple circuits from a single input source.

Key Functions:

· Efficient Power Distribution: Busbars act as a central hub for distributing power to various outgoing circuits.

· Compact Design: Helps in reducing the overall footprint of the switchgear.

· Heat Dissipation: Designed to handle high currents while minimizing heat build-up.

Applications:

· Power distribution panels

· Switchboards and MCCs (Motor Control Centers)

· Panelboards and switchgear cubicles

2. Circuit Breakers: Protection from Overcurrent

Circuit breakers are automatic electrical switches designed to protect electrical circuits from damage due to overcurrent or short circuits. Unlike fuses, circuit breakers can be reset manually or automatically after tripping.

Key Functions:

· Fault Interruption: Instantly disconnects the circuit during faults to prevent damage or fire.

· Manual Switching: Can be used to manually turn circuits on or off during maintenance.

· Safety Compliance: Ensures that systems meet international safety standards (IEC, ANSI, etc.)

Types of Circuit Breakers:

· MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker): Used for low-power applications

· MCCB (Molded Case Circuit Breaker): Handles higher loads than MCBs

· ACB (Air Circuit Breaker): Used for high-current circuits in industrial settings

3. Relays: The Sensing and Control Brains

Relays are electromechanical or solid-state devices that detect faults and send signals to circuit breakers or other control devices to disconnect the circuit. They are the “brains” behind the automatic protection mechanism of the switchgear.

Key Functions:

· Fault Detection: Monitors voltage, current, and other parameters to detect anomalies.

· Triggering Action: Sends signals to trip the circuit breaker when necessary.

· Automation and Coordination: Works in coordination with other protection devices to ensure selective tripping.

Types of Relays:

Overcurrent Relays

Differential Relays

Distance Relays

Earth Fault Relays

Why These Components Matter

Together, busbars, circuit breakers, and relays form the core of any switchgear system. When properly selected and configured:

· Downtime is minimized

· Equipment lifespan is extended

· Operational safety is enhanced

· Energy efficiency is improved

In an era where electrical reliability is non-negotiable, understanding these components isn’t just for engineers — it’s essential knowledge for decision-makers in any industry reliant on power.

Conclusion

Whether you’re designing a new electrical panel or upgrading an old one, choosing high-quality busbars, circuit breakers, and relays is critical to the safety and efficiency of your entire system. At AL Taqwa Oman, we specialize in premium-grade switchgear accessories that meet global standards and deliver unmatched performance.

Need help finding the right accessories for your panel? Contact our experts today and power your systems with confidence.

[stefanelectric]

Low Voltage Relays Explained: Types, Functions, and Applications

In the complex world of electrical systems, relays play a crucial role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and automation. Among these, low voltage relays stand out as versatile components that manage and protect circuits operating below 1000 volts. Whether in industrial automation, residential power distribution, or commercial infrastructure, these devices act as the nerve center of electrical control and protection.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down what low voltage relays are, explore their types, explain their functions, and highlight their diverse applications across industries.

What Are Low Voltage Relays?

A low voltage relay is an electrically operated switch that uses a small control voltage (typically below 1000V AC or DC) to switch larger electrical loads on and off. These relays act as intermediaries between control circuits and power circuits, providing isolation, control, and protection.

Unlike manual switches, relays automate the process of circuit management, responding to electrical signals, fault conditions, or system commands without human intervention.

Types of Low Voltage Relays

Low voltage relays come in several forms, each tailored to specific tasks within an electrical system. Here are the main types:

1. Electromechanical Relays (EMRs)

· Use a coil and a movable armature to open or close contacts.

· Provide physical isolation between input and output.

· Common in traditional control panels and basic automation.

2. Solid-State Relays (SSRs)

· Use semiconductors (like thyristors or triacs) instead of mechanical contacts.

· Offer silent operation, faster switching, and longer lifespan.

· Ideal for high-speed applications and environments requiring low maintenance.

3. Overload Relays

· Specifically designed to protect motors and equipment from sustained overcurrent.

· Available as thermal overload relays (using bimetallic strips) or electronic overload relays (using sensors and processors).

4. Time Delay Relays

Provide a deliberate time lag between the relay receiving a signal and switching.

Used in motor control circuits, lighting systems, and sequential operations.

5. Overcurrent and Short-Circuit Relays

· Detect and react to current exceeding preset thresholds.

· Essential for system protection against faults and overloads.

6. Voltage Monitoring Relays

· Monitor voltage levels and trip when voltages fall below or rise above safe limits.

· Protect sensitive devices from under voltage and overvoltage conditions.

Functions of Low Voltage Relays

Low voltage relays serve multiple vital functions in electrical systems:

1. Switching and Control

Relays control the opening and closing of power circuits in response to low voltage signals from controllers, timers, or sensors. This enables remote and automated control of large electrical loads.

2. Protection

Relays detect abnormal conditions like overloads, overcurrent, under voltage, and phase failures. When such conditions arise, they disconnect the affected circuit to prevent equipment damage or fire hazards.

3. Isolation

They electrically isolate control circuits (usually low voltage, low current) from power circuits (high voltage, high current), ensuring safety and reducing interference.

4. Signal Amplification

A small control signal (from a PLC, sensor, or microcontroller) can trigger a relay to switch much larger loads, effectively amplifying the control power.

5. Automation and Sequencing

In complex systems, relays help sequence operations by ensuring that processes occur in the correct order and at the right time intervals.

Applications of Low Voltage Relays

Low voltage relays are the backbone of automation and protection in various industries. Here are some key application areas:

Industrial Automation

· Control of motors, pumps, conveyor belts, and production lines.

· Use in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and distributed control systems (DCS).

Power Distribution Systems

· Protect electrical panels from overload and short circuits.

· Monitor voltage and current levels in distribution boards.

Building Automation

· Lighting control systems.

· HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.

· Elevator and escalator controls.

Renewable Energy Systems

· Manage and protect solar inverters, battery banks, and wind turbines.

· Automatically disconnect faulty sections to prevent system-wide failures.

Data Centers and IT Infrastructure

· Ensure stable power supply to servers and networking equipment.

· Protect sensitive electronics from voltage fluctuations.

Transportation

· Railways, metros, and automotive applications for control and safety circuits.

Home Appliances

· Found in washing machines, microwave ovens, and HVAC units to automate functions and provide protection.

Advantages of Using Low Voltage Relays

· Enhanced Safety: Isolate control and power circuits, reducing electrical shock risks.

· Automation Ready: Easily integrated into automated systems for smarter operation.

· Cost-Effective Protection: Safeguard expensive equipment from damage due to electrical faults.

· Versatile: Available in many forms to suit different voltage levels, currents, and response times.

· Reduced Maintenance: Especially with solid-state relays, which have no moving parts.

Future Trends: Smart Relays and IoT Integration

As industries move toward smart grids and Industry 4.0, low voltage relays are also evolving:

· Digital relays offer programmable settings, self-testing, and event recording.

· IoT-enabled relays can send status updates and alerts to centralized monitoring systems.

· Energy-efficient designs reduce power consumption while providing reliable protection.

Conclusion

Low voltage relays are indispensable in modern electrical engineering, seamlessly combining protection, control, and automation. From safeguarding your home appliances to managing the power in a sprawling industrial plant, these devices ensure that electrical systems run smoothly and safely.

Understanding the different types, functions, and applications of low voltage relays empowers system designers, engineers, and even DIY enthusiasts to build safer and more efficient electrical setups.

As technology advances, the role of these small but mighty devices will only grow, driving the future of safe, smart, and automated power systems.

[enzaelectric]

The Role of Relays and Timers in Industrial Automation Systems

In the world of industrial automation, efficiency, safety, and precision are crucial. Among the many components that contribute to a well-functioning automated system, relays and timers play a foundational role. These devices act as control elements that manage the flow of electricity, signal processes, and coordinate timing sequences — ensuring that operations run smoothly and safely.

In this article, we’ll explore how relays and timers work, their types, applications in automation systems, and how high-quality products — like those offered by Enza Electric — can enhance performance and reliability in industrial settings.

What Are Relays?

A relay is an electromechanical or electronic switch used to control a circuit by a separate low-power signal or multiple signals. In industrial automation, relays act as a bridge between the control system and the equipment being operated — allowing machines to be turned on or off automatically.

Types of Relays Commonly Used in Automation:

Electromechanical Relays (EMRs): Use physical moving parts; reliable and easy to maintain.

Solid-State Relays (SSRs): No moving parts; faster switching, longer lifespan, and better for high-speed applications.

Thermal Overload Relays: Protect motors and equipment from overheating.

Control Relays: Designed for controlling multiple contacts simultaneously in automation systems.

What Are Timers?

Timers are devices used to delay or repeat electrical signals at predetermined intervals. They help synchronize tasks, automate sequences, and provide controlled outputs over time — critical for complex industrial processes.

Common Timer Functions:

On-delay and off-delay timing

Interval timing

Cyclic or repeat cycle operation

Flashing and sequencing operations

Types of Timers:

Analog Timers: Manual dial settings, simple and cost-effective.

Digital Timers: Offer precise programming, displays, and flexible timing ranges.

Programmable Timers: Ideal for complex automation routines requiring multiple sequences.

Key Roles in Industrial Automation Systems

1. Process Control and Sequencing

Relays and timers enable automated machines to follow a specific sequence — turning motors, lights, or pumps on and off in a logical order. For example, a conveyor system can use a relay-timer combination to control material flow with millisecond precision.

2. Safety and Protection

Relays protect systems by interrupting circuits in case of faults. Combined with timers, they can ensure delay before activating emergency stop functions, preventing false triggers and increasing worker safety.

3. Load Management

In high-demand industrial environments, relays help manage load distribution by selectively energizing or de-energizing machinery. Timers assist in staggered starts, reducing power surges.

4. Energy Efficiency

By automating start/stop functions and managing operation durations, timers help reduce unnecessary energy use. Relays ensure only the necessary loads are powered, minimizing wastage.

5. System Monitoring and Feedback

In smart automation, relays provide feedback signals to the control system. Timers assist with diagnostics by creating intervals for testing or data collection.

Benefits of Using High-Quality Relays and Timers

Choosing the right components significantly impacts system performance and longevity. Enza Electric’s relays and timers are engineered with:

High durability for tough industrial environments

Precision timing for reliable operation

Easy installation and compact designs

Compliance with international safety and quality standards

By integrating Enza’s low-voltage solutions, businesses in the GCC, MENA, and Africa regions benefit from cost-effective, scalable automation that supports both current needs and future expansion.

Common Applications in Industrial Sectors

Manufacturing Plants: Control of motors, robotic arms, and production lines.

HVAC Systems: Timed control of fans, compressors, and dampers.

Water Treatment Facilities: Sequenced operation of pumps and valves.

Packaging Machinery: Relay and timer-based coordination of packing, sealing, and labeling.

Food and Beverage Industry: Process automation with hygiene-compliant controls.

Final Thoughts

Relays and timers are the silent operators behind the success of industrial automation systems. From process optimization to enhanced safety and energy management, these components are indispensable.

When sourced from a trusted manufacturer like Enza Electric, businesses are not only investing in reliable hardware but also in the longevity, scalability, and safety of their entire operation.

Ready to Power Your Automation?

Explore Enza Electric’s wide range of relays, timers, and other low-voltage switchgear solutions designed to meet the evolving demands of modern industries. Visit www.enzaelectric.com to learn more or request a quote today.

[dzamie]

Detecting AI-generated research papers through "tortured phrases"

So, a recent paper found and discusses a new way to figure out if a "research paper" is, in fact, phony AI-generated nonsense. How, you may ask? The same way teachers and professors detect if you just copied your paper from online and threw a thesaurus at it!

It looks for “tortured phrases”; that is, phrases which resemble standard field-specific jargon, but seemingly mangled by a thesaurus. Here's some examples (transcript below the cut):

profound neural organization - deep neural network

(fake | counterfeit) neural organization - artificial neural network

versatile organization - mobile network

organization (ambush | assault) - network attack

organization association - network connection

(enormous | huge | immense | colossal) information - big data

information (stockroom | distribution center) - data warehouse

(counterfeit | human-made) consciousness - artificial intelligence (AI)

elite figuring - high performance computing

haze figuring - fog/mist/cloud computing

designs preparing unit - graphics processing unit (GPU)

focal preparing unit - central processing unit (CPU)

work process motor - workflow engine

facial acknowledgement - face recognition

discourse acknowledgement - voice recognition

mean square (mistake | blunder) - mean square error

mean (outright | supreme) (mistake | blunder) - mean absolute error

(motion | flag | indicator | sign | signal) to (clamor | commotion | noise) - signal to noise

worldwide parameters - global parameters

(arbitrary | irregular) get right of passage to - random access

(arbitrary | irregular) (backwoods | timberland | lush territory) - random forest

(arbitrary | irregular) esteem - random value

subterranean insect (state | province | area | region | settlement) - ant colony

underground creepy crawly (state | province | area | region | settlement) - ant colony

leftover vitality - remaining energy

territorial normal vitality - local average energy

motor vitality - kinetic energy

(credulous | innocent | gullible) Bayes - naïve Bayes

individual computerized collaborator - personal digital assistant (PDA)

[fox-from-fairytale]

Some of my personal considerations regarding Lilly in The Final Season.

⚠️ Warning: this is a long post ⚠️

Before going on I want to say that, while it's obvious that the teams working on the series must have changed for every season (or even in the middle of them), I have absolutely no idea if there are some people that were there for Season 1 as well as The Final Season. Each game feels different from the previous, and so I'm going to treat the writer teams accordingly.

While replaying these four games I was torn about Lilly's return. I did miss her through the other seasons, and I actually couldn't wait to see her again, even if I was aware already that the way she was written in the last one wasn't... the best, to say the least. This annoys me a lot because, as we see with what they have done with Clementine, AJ, their relationship and the new characters, Lilly's poor writing then clearly isn't due to the writers being incompetent, since they aren't.

Now I've completed the whole series, and while I do prefer the concept of The Final Season to Season 2 and The New Frontier (this is simply because of personal preference, of course; I do like all four games), it's also the one that disappoint me the most, and mostly because of what they have done with Lilly.

Long story short: not only I believe that the writers didn't understand Lilly's character, but that they didn't even try to.

First of all, I think they made her come back not because there is more to tell about her character (and there is more to tell about her; her arc didn't feel finished when she leaves/is abandoned in Season 1, and for what they have done with her, it remains incomplete), but because they needed someone who is still alive from The Season With Lee, so that they could make as many references as possible. I know that Christa was the other option for filling that role, and I don't know if they stated why they decided to go with Lilly in the end, but I wouldn't be surprised if they based their choice just on how much Lilly is (unrightfully) hated among the players and considered "crazy" by them; people can't deny that they must have easily put her in the antagonist's role since players already think she's one.

Honestly, what I hate isn't even the fact that she's the antagonist of this season (even if it does annoy me that this is the way they made her return, and maybe I'm "okay" with it simply because I'm used to her being treated like one). What these games have always shown with all their characters, Clementine especially, is that while this apocalyptic world can bring the best out of people, it can also (and more often) bring out the worst. Because of this, every single character of this game is morally grey, but while the male characters are often praised and in some cases their actions are even justified, what happens with the female characters is the opposite, Lilly included.

The players love to pretend that Lilly is some sort of "crazy evil bitch", but she isn't. In Season 1 she is a tough and strict leader of the motor inn's group, and she doesn't take any bullshit lightly, but why should she? They're in a deathly situation, and even a small mistake can cost their life. She's also the only one who took the responsibility to distribute food, but just because she doesn't want more mouths to feed it doesn't mean she'd survive at the expense of other people: she doesn't like that Kenny/and Lee uses a girl screaming in pain to keep the walkers at bay, and she doesn't want to take the stranger's supplies. Moreover, just because her father says or do something, it doesn't automatically mean that she is on his side, like she explains far from Larry. Speaking of which, regardless if her relationship with her father is idyllic or awful, losing him in such a brutal way, and when she firmly believes she can actually save his life, can traumatise anyone. She is left with nothing, the only family she had is gone, and then she loses the only other thing she is trying to defend so desperately, and again because of someone within her own group. I'm not saying that killing Carley/attempting to kill Ben was a good thing to do, but you can't seriously consider her an "evil bitch" solely for a single action, which she has done as a result of a mental breakdown. From her point of view she has been betrayed two times from the same people she actively tried to help doing one of the most stressful tasks, and none of these same persons seems to care about what happened both times.

After that she's abandoned/leaves the group, and apparently she remains alone for years, until she finds the Delta. It shouldn't be too unbelievable for Lilly to be willing to do anything to defend her home, especially considering what happened the first time and what she must go through before joining the Delta; a solitary life in that type of world can make anyone become ruthless, and again, we see it with Clementine especially, and apparently her new community is at risk because of a group "worse than hers". However, while Clementine does have a "turning point" from this path (killing Helen at the ranch), Lilly clearly doesn't.

So it's not exactly what she does, but the way she behaves while doing it that I don't like. They wrote Lilly too over the top: certain lines she can say are even childish, while her actions in the third episode are vicious. That's not her anymore.

My problem with the way she was written doesn't start immediately. In Suffer The Children (second episode) there are moments where it feels like the Lilly from Season 1 is there. We don't have much time with her though, just a few phrases about the past and then we run to move the plot forward. I don't think she was well written here either, considering what she says about Lee with whom she could have had a good relationship and even possibly cared only about him and Clementine by the third episode (as stated by other characters), it's simply better than the other episode.

The first time I've played Suffer The Children I was hopeful for the way they could have handled things with Lilly in the next ones though, only to be disappointed. Based on the interactions in this one (remembering her or not/taking her hand or not/telling her we were family once or whatever the other two options says) I expected two paths: one where she becomes fully the antagonist of the season and a "redemption arc". This seemed to me what Telltale was going for, and maybe it was the original intention, and because of what happened to the studio it's already a miracle if they completed the game at all, but this doesn’t make me feel any less disappointed in the final result to be honest.

Broken Toys (third episode) is the one I have most issues with. Not only there isn't a single moment where she resembles the Lilly from the first season, but here she doesn't even remind me of the Lilly from the previous episode. They switched her character with a cartoonish type of villain basically; if she seems to have depth and layers it's because she's supposed to be a character that already has depth and layers, not because the writers of this season gave them to her, nor because they were able to use what the writers of Season 1 created.

With this episode the writers fully embraced the distorted version of Lilly players created, the "monster" who is "crazy since the beginning" that killed Carley/Doug simply because things didn't go the way she wanted. They removed from her every bit of humanity she had, and catered to the crowd that claims she's evil. The way she talks about Minerva and Sophie specifically, and how pleased she looks when Minerva reveals that she killed her own sister, is something that actually makes me hate the writers; they turned Lilly from someone who do what she does solely for her community's survival to this manipulative bastard who takes pleasure into others' suffering. Honestly? What they did it's vile; turning her into that and making her treat kids like that was vile.

If you spare Lilly you can have a miserable little conversation that gives nothing to the player. Her whole presence in this game, in the end, gives us nothing: we learn nothing more about her (other than the fact that it's confirmed that Larry was an abusive father, and they've done it in the worst way possible, making it sound like the stupidest thing), and her being in this season only ruins her character.

I wish they didn't ruin Lilly. I wish they actually cared about her character. In a possible redemption arc scenario she could have helped Clementine, who could have been her "turning point", making her realise what she was doing, what she was becoming.

With this I'm not saying I wish they created a flawless version of her, but that they maintained her flaws instead of creating more and more until she became someone else entirely, going from morally grey to a villain, even. Also, like they made sure you could have a good relationship with Kenny in Season 2 (where regardless of everything you do and say they force the characters to be in good terms), they could have given us the same possibility with Lilly in the last season (where regardless of everything you do and say they force the characters to despise each other).

I wanted Lilly's return not only because, along with Clem, she's my favourite, but also because she has much more to give. Instead they took such a complex character just to strip her of all her humanity and depth so that they could have a flat villain everyone already hate.

[sifu-kisu]

The secret of Xingyiquan standing practice: stretching the tendons and bones, and the internal energy of Dantian

Ma Yisong's Traditional Internal Xingyiquan

The Xingyiquan practice system consists of Zhuanggong, Wuxingquan, Twelvexingquan and actual combat confrontation. Zhuanggong is a relatively static practice of internal alchemy. Zhuangzhuang includes practicing six forces, stretching tendons and bones, and Dantian internal energy. Eight methods and Wuxingquan are to find five kinds of strength, and Twelvexingquan is to imitate the inspiration of animals. The six forces are found in Zhuangfa, the eight methods are the movement laws of forces, and the twelvexing are the movement forms of forces (imitating animals). The key to getting started with Xingyiquan is how to find the six-sided forces from Zhuanggong. Finding the six-sided forces will find the fist strength (Zhuangjin), and you will understand the difference between practicing internal boxing and doing exercises. The secret to finding the fist strength is to stretch the tendons and bones in the body and form internal energy.

1. The connotation of Xingyiquan's stretching of muscles and bones and Dantian internal energy, mainly explaining stretching of muscles and bones.

1. The difference between internal and external tendon stretching and bone pulling

The tendon and bone stretching in Xingyiquan is different from the tendon stretching in leg stretching, splits, lower back bending, etc., which is done by bending and deforming the limbs in a large range, fast rhythm, and mechanically. It is done in a relatively static (peristaltic) standing state, through the training of inner vision and breathing, and the stirring of internal energy, so that the tendons expand and the bones are propped up. It is like an "open" umbrella, with tendons like keels, bones like umbrella handles, and skin like raincoats. The bones are stretched and the tendons are propped up, and the bones and flesh are separated. The stretching force is the internal force of Dantian, which is the superior martial arts that martial artists dream of - internal strength.

2. The state of stretching the tendons and bones in Xingyiquan

Practicing stretching the muscles and bones requires "loose but not slack, tight but not stiff", neither "slack" nor "stiff" is too much, because if it is "slack" it can only push forward, and if it is "stiff" it can only retract. They have only one-way movement space and lack changes. The half-stretched state leaves ample room for maneuver, and they can be retracted or stretched, advanced or retreated, and they can be sent and received freely.

3. The relationship between bones, muscle fibers and tendons during the state of stretching and bone pulling in the body

The main objects of Xingyiquan's internal muscle stretching and bone pulling training are bones and skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles are mainly composed of muscle fibers and tendons (tendons and connective tissue in the muscle), and there are abundant nerve tissues and blood vessels distributed in the muscle fibers and tendons. The function of muscle fibers is to generate tension through contraction, while tendons and bones play a role in regulation, support and elasticity. Muscle fibers must be supported and connected by tendons in order for muscles to attach to bones and exert their motor functions.

Xingyiquan Zhuanggong is manifested as "tight tendons and loose flesh" under reasonable support of bones; that is, stretching tendons, pulling open the gaps between bone joints (stretching bone joint tendons), and muscle fibers are relatively relaxed. Only when muscle fibers are relatively relaxed, creating conditions for their own contraction and the stirring of qi and blood, can they be ready to go and have uninterrupted explosive power; so relaxing muscle fibers is the difficulty and core of internal cultivation of tendon support and bone pulling. In martial arts training, internal qi is stirred, tendons are tight to produce expansion, and loose flesh produces explosive power. The health station is drying wet clothes (muscle fibers) on the clothes rack (tendons and bones). The magic of "wet clothes" lies in the reasonable strengthening of gravity, not too heavy or too light, just right; then, under the pretext of bright sunshine and gentle breeze, the "clothes" move with the wind, feeling relaxed and happy. Under the condition of relatively relaxed muscle fibers, the struggle between bones and flesh, between tendons and flesh, and between tendons and bones is realized.

2. The practice method of stretching the tendons and bones in Xingyiquan

The "six-sided overall round force" of Xingyiquan is the core of practicing Yiquan, which is composed of three pairs of contradictory forces: upper and lower forces, front and back forces, and left and right forces. How to adjust your "intention" in the standing practice to form the above three pairs of forces and make the three pairs of forces coordinate and form a unified system is the key to learning Xingyiquan.

(I) Xingyiquan's Realization of the Six-sided Force Formation System in Zhuanggong

The predecessors of Xingyiquan emphasized that "parts plus parts do not equal the whole."

(1) Xingyiquan three-body posture. Guided by the mind, the body naturally forms, with five fingers grasping the ground, feet parallel and apart, shoulder-width apart, knees inward, forward and upward, hips wrapped inward, buttocks sitting down and upward, chest in and back straightened, empty and energetic, shoulders supporting elbows horizontally, ten fingers slightly bent, eyes looking forward, etc., and the strength of the support state; the complex and trivial requirements of standing still are achieved in one step. This is the best state for half squat jump, and it is also the state with the greatest weight on the body.

(2) The three-body standing posture: the upper and lower forces are mainly formed by sitting down and lifting up, with the chest and back pulled in; the front and back forces are mainly formed by grasping the ground with five toes and pushing forward with both knees; the left and right forces are mainly formed by bending the knees inward. The upper limbs are supported horizontally and embraced vertically, leading inside and connecting outside. The horizontal support generates front and back forces and left and right forces, and the vertical embrace generates up and down forces, which strengthens the six-sided forces. The body is a unified whole. Each group of forces is the result of the joint action of all postures, but there is a distinction between dominant and auxiliary. The above movement breakdown can help practitioners grasp the key points and learn to adjust the balance of the six-sided forces.

(II) Xingyiquan constructs a system of stretching tendons and bones in the body during standing practice

Step 1. Stand in the three-body posture to build a longitudinal internal muscle and bone stretching system. In the standing posture, first build the three-arch power-competing system of the spine arch, arm arch, and leg arch. Hold the chest and stretch the back, focus on the coccyx and Baihui, connect the spine to form a spine arch; pull the shoulders and elbows horizontally, bend the ten fingers slightly, focus on the fingertips and shoulders to form an arm arch; position the knees (inward and forward), wrap the hips inward, lift the buttocks and sit down, focus on the five toes grasping the ground, connect the legs to form a leg arch.

Notes on cultivation:

1. Xingyiquan's intention is at the force end: the formation of each bow is composed of two contradictory forces, and the intention is at the force end (the end points of fingers, toes, top of the head and coccyx). The position of the intention directly affects the effect of stretching the tendons and bones. For example, for the arm bow, if the intention is at the elbow, the wrist and finger joints cannot be relaxed and stretched; if the intention is at the wrist, the finger joints lose their function; if the intention is at the force end, the arm and fingers gradually extend, the bow becomes longer and longer, each joint is fully relaxed, and at the same time, the local force in the body is prevented from hurting the body.

2. The intention of the bow back should not be too heavy: The bow back is like a thin rubber band, which is easy to break and needs to be carefully cared for. If the intention is heavy, the qi will stagnate, and the spirit will not be empty, which will harm the body. Many practitioners are controlled by their intentions. What Yiquan practices is kung fu and physical health, not "intentions". The intention is just a boat to cross the river. After crossing the river, you have to abandon the boat. At the beginning, the intention is heavy, and the more you practice, the lighter it will be. When the intention is gone, kung fu will be practiced.

3. Xingyiquan's force ends can be combined arbitrarily to form various "bow" round systems: starting from the basic three bows, the force ends can be combined arbitrarily to form a round force system. When one end point moves, the other end points must be adjusted accordingly, and the outer three combinations are completed.

4. The spinal arch of Xingyiquan is the core of practice

To cultivate the spinal arch, we need to change the original physiological curvature of the spine. People are used to holding their heads high, chests straight, and hips up. The spine is in its original state, with two major curvatures formed at the head and chest and waist and hips. These are two major obstacles to cultivating the spinal arch. We need to loosen the spine segment by segment to form a spinal arch, while avoiding bending the abdomen, turning the pelvis, and holding the breath. It is extremely difficult to loosen each segment of the spine, and it is also a secret of each martial art. People who can loosen the segments one by one can basically do it, rarely encounter opponents, and live a healthy and long life.

3. The health-preserving significance of Xingyiquan's internal tendon and bone stretching and the formation of Dantian internal qi

Stretching the muscles and bones and activating the internal energy in Dantian are effective methods for cultivating both sex and life.

1. Adjust your posture and breathing. Life is composed of tangible substances (skin, muscles, bones, internal organs, etc.) and intangible qi. The existence of qi makes tangible substances have the life characteristics of metabolism. Qi drives blood along the internal pipes to transport nutrients to various tissues and cells, clean up garbage, and prolong life. Healthy babies are full of qi and blood, like a baby with qi rushing, because during infancy, the muscles and bones are flexible and elastic, which can completely open the pipes in the body that transport nutrients, and the qi and blood flow smoothly. With age, bones and muscles gradually age, stiffen, and atrophy, squeezing the pipes that transport nutrients, making the pipes narrower, and some pipes are even blocked. When most of the pipes are blocked, life is over. Practicing stretching muscles and pulling bones and Dantian internal qi, through the effects of "supporting" and "pulling" forces and Dantian internal qi, gradually activates the meridians, dredges the pipes, makes the qi and blood flow smoothly, nourishes the internal organs, and then makes life full of vitality and prolongs life. This is the best practice method to effectively return to the "baby state".

2. Adjust the mind. Practicing the stretching of the muscles and bones and the internal energy of the Dantian is the Taoist way of Dan, and the value lies in "Tao follows nature". In real life, many people's thoughts and behaviors violate the laws of nature. Fighting for fame and fortune, intrigue, smoking, drinking, overeating, staying up late and other behaviors accelerate the aging of the body. In the process of practice, in order to improve the power, the practitioner must overcome all kinds of physical discomfort and abnormal painful reactions, which requires the correct method and extraordinary perseverance, determination and persistence; this will force the practitioner to calm down, think deeply about society and himself, reflect on his previous work style and life habits, change unnatural thoughts and behaviors, and gradually put the body and mind on the right track of healthy development to prolong life.

[arinzeture]

Two Years of President Ibrahim Traoré 🇧🇫: A Report Since Assuming Leadership of the Nation

1. Burkina Faso's GDP rose from around $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion.

2. He declıned loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, stating, "Africa doesn’t need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America."

3. He cut the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians by 30% while raising civil servants' salaries by 50%.

4. He cleared Burkina Faso's domestic debts.

5. He established the country's first-ever tomato processing plants.

6. In 2023, he launched a modern gold mine to strengthen local processing capacity.

7. He halted the export of unrefined gold from Burkina Faso to Europę.

8. He constructed Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant, adding to the single existing one.

9. He inaugurated the National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing, the first of its kind, to aid local cotton farmers.

10. He prohibited the use of Britısh legal wigs and gowns in local courts, replacing them with traditional Burkinabé attire.

11. He prioritized agriculture by distributing over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles to enhance production and support rural communities.

12. He facilitated access to improved seeds and other agricultural inputs to maximize farming yields.

13. Tomato production grew from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

14. Millet production increased from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024.

15. Rice production rose from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024.

16. He bąnned French milıtary operations in Burkina Faso.

17. He prohıbited French media from operating in the country.

18. He expęlled French troops from Burkina Faso.

19. His government is building new roads, expanding existing ones, and converting gravel roads into paved surfaces.

[ridewithz4]

Mercedes-G580-EQ

The Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology is the all-electric iteration of the iconic G-Class SUV, blending its renowned off-road capabilities with modern electric performance.

Performance and Powertrain:

Electric Motors: Equipped with four electric motors, one at each wheel, delivering a combined output of 587 horsepower. 

Acceleration: Capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.7 seconds.

Top Speed: Electronically limited to 180 km/h.

Battery and Range:

Battery Capacity: Features a 116 kWh lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the ladder-frame chassis. 

Range: Offers a WLTP-certified range of up to 473 kilometers on a single charge. 

Charging: Supports fast charging, capable of recharging from 10% to 80% in approximately 32 minutes using a 200 kW DC charger. 

Dimensions:

Length: 4,863 mm

Width: 2,187 mm

Height: 1,983 mm 

Wheelbase: 2,890 mm

Off-Road Capabilities:

Maintains the G-Class’s legendary off-road prowess with features such as:

Independent electric motors allowing precise torque distribution.

Advanced four-wheel-drive system enhancing traction across various terrains. 

Robust construction ensuring durability in challenging conditions.

Interior and Features:

Combines luxury with technology, offering:

High-quality materials and craftsmanship. 

State-of-the-art infotainment system with intuitive controls.

Comprehensive driver-assistance features for enhanced safety and convenience. 

Pricing and Availability in India:

Price: The G 580 with EQ Technology is priced at ₹3 crore (ex-showroom) in India.  

Availability: Initial units have been sold out, with bookings for the next batch expected to commence in the third quarter of 2025.  

For the most current information on availability and to explore financing options, it is advisable to contact an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or visit the official Mercedes-Benz India website.

[compneuropapers]

Interesting Papers for Week 10, 2025

Simplified internal models in human control of complex objects. Bazzi, S., Stansfield, S., Hogan, N., & Sternad, D. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(11), e1012599.

Co-contraction embodies uncertainty: An optimal feedforward strategy for robust motor control. Berret, B., Verdel, D., Burdet, E., & Jean, F. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(11), e1012598.

Distributed representations of behaviour-derived object dimensions in the human visual system. Contier, O., Baker, C. I., & Hebart, M. N. (2024). Nature Human Behaviour, 8(11), 2179–2193.

Thalamic spindles and Up states coordinate cortical and hippocampal co-ripples in humans. Dickey, C. W., Verzhbinsky, I. A., Kajfez, S., Rosen, B. Q., Gonzalez, C. E., Chauvel, P. Y., Cash, S. S., Pati, S., & Halgren, E. (2024). PLOS Biology, 22(11), e3002855.

Preconfigured cortico-thalamic neural dynamics constrain movement-associated thalamic activity. González-Pereyra, P., Sánchez-Lobato, O., Martínez-Montalvo, M. G., Ortega-Romero, D. I., Pérez-Díaz, C. I., Merchant, H., Tellez, L. A., & Rueda-Orozco, P. E. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 10185.

A tradeoff between efficiency and robustness in the hippocampal-neocortical memory network during human and rodent sleep. Hahn, M. A., Lendner, J. D., Anwander, M., Slama, K. S. J., Knight, R. T., Lin, J. J., & Helfrich, R. F. (2024). Progress in Neurobiology, 242, 102672.

NREM sleep improves behavioral performance by desynchronizing cortical circuits. Kharas, N., Chelaru, M. I., Eagleman, S., Parajuli, A., & Dragoi, V. (2024). Science, 386(6724), 892–897.

Human hippocampus and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex infer and update latent causes during social interaction. Mahmoodi, A., Luo, S., Harbison, C., Piray, P., & Rushworth, M. F. S. (2024). Neuron, 112(22), 3796-3809.e9.

Can compression take place in working memory without a central contribution of long-term memory? Mathy, F., Friedman, O., & Gauvrit, N. (2024). Memory & Cognition, 52(8), 1726–1736.

Offline hippocampal reactivation during dentate spikes supports flexible memory. McHugh, S. B., Lopes-dos-Santos, V., Castelli, M., Gava, G. P., Thompson, S. E., Tam, S. K. E., Hartwich, K., Perry, B., Toth, R., Denison, T., Sharott, A., & Dupret, D. (2024). Neuron, 112(22), 3768-3781.e8.

Reward Bases: A simple mechanism for adaptive acquisition of multiple reward types. Millidge, B., Song, Y., Lak, A., Walton, M. E., & Bogacz, R. (2024). PLOS Computational Biology, 20(11), e1012580.

Hidden state inference requires abstract contextual representations in the ventral hippocampus. Mishchanchuk, K., Gregoriou, G., Qü, A., Kastler, A., Huys, Q. J. M., Wilbrecht, L., & MacAskill, A. F. (2024). Science, 386(6724), 926–932.

Dopamine builds and reveals reward-associated latent behavioral attractors. Naudé, J., Sarazin, M. X. B., Mondoloni, S., Hannesse, B., Vicq, E., Amegandjin, F., Mourot, A., Faure, P., & Delord, B. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 9825.

Compensation to visual impairments and behavioral plasticity in navigating ants. Schwarz, S., Clement, L., Haalck, L., Risse, B., & Wystrach, A. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(48), e2410908121.

Replay shapes abstract cognitive maps for efficient social navigation. Son, J.-Y., Vives, M.-L., Bhandari, A., & FeldmanHall, O. (2024). Nature Human Behaviour, 8(11), 2156–2167.

Rapid modulation of striatal cholinergic interneurons and dopamine release by satellite astrocytes. Stedehouder, J., Roberts, B. M., Raina, S., Bossi, S., Liu, A. K. L., Doig, N. M., McGerty, K., Magill, P. J., Parkkinen, L., & Cragg, S. J. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 10017.

A hierarchical active inference model of spatial alternation tasks and the hippocampal-prefrontal circuit. Van de Maele, T., Dhoedt, B., Verbelen, T., & Pezzulo, G. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 9892.

Cognitive reserve against Alzheimer’s pathology is linked to brain activity during memory formation. Vockert, N., Machts, J., Kleineidam, L., Nemali, A., Incesoy, E. I., Bernal, J., Schütze, H., Yakupov, R., Peters, O., Gref, D., Schneider, L. S., Preis, L., Priller, J., Spruth, E. J., Altenstein, S., Schneider, A., Fliessbach, K., Wiltfang, J., Rostamzadeh, A., … Ziegler, G. (2024). Nature Communications, 15, 9815.

The human posterior parietal cortices orthogonalize the representation of different streams of information concurrently coded in visual working memory. Xu, Y. (2024). PLOS Biology, 22(11), e3002915.

Challenging the Bayesian confidence hypothesis in perceptual decision-making. Xue, K., Shekhar, M., & Rahnev, D. (2024). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 121(48), e2410487121.