2023

December 12, 2023

What are the Winter Activewear Trends?

Hey there, winter warriors! As the temperatures drop, it's time to cozy up in style and gear up for outdoor adventures. Wondering what's hot in the world of winter activewear this season? Look no further – Cosmolle has the lowdown on the latest trends that will keep you warm, comfortable, and looking chic in the great outdoors.

Earthy Tones and Nature-Inspired Hues
Say goodbye to the winter blues with Cosmolle's palette of earthy tones and nature-inspired hues of yoga outfit sets. From deep forest greens to rustic browns, the collection embraces the colors of the season, allowing you to blend seamlessly with the winter landscape while looking effortlessly stylish.

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Layered Looks for Versatile Comfort
Winter demands versatility, and Cosmolle delivers with its emphasis on layered activewear. Picture this: a cozy base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a weather-resistant outer layer – all working in harmony to keep you warm and comfortable as you brave the winter elements. These pieces are not just about style; they're about adaptability.

Sustainable Chic for Eco-Friendly Fashion
Sustainability is more than a buzzword at Cosmolle. The winter activewear trends for this season showcase the brand's commitment to eco-friendly fashion. Expect to see recycled materials, responsibly sourced fabrics, and designs that align with a greener ethos. Now, you can stay warm and make a positive impact on the planet.

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Athleisure Aesthetics Meets Winter Wonderland

Who says you can't look chic while braving the winter chill? Cosmolle seamlessly blends athleisure aesthetics with winter functionality. Imagine sleek puffer jackets, stylish high quality yoga leggings, and insulated sneakers that effortlessly transition from the gym to the snowy slopes, ensuring you're on point wherever your winter escapades take you.

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Designs for Inclusivity

Breaking away from traditional norms, Cosmolle's winter activewear embraces inclusivity with size neutral designs. The collection is designed for every woman, regardless of size, ensuring that fashion meets function in a way that resonates with women from all walks of life.

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Timeless Classics Reimagined

Classic styles get a winter makeover in Cosmolle's latest collection. Think timeless silhouettes infused with modern flair, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. It's like wrapping yourself in a winter fashion cocoon that stands the test of time.

In conclusion, Cosmolle's winter activewear trends for this season are a celebration of style, comfort, and functionality. Whether you're hitting the slopes, strolling through a winter wonderland, or simply staying active in chilly weather, this collection has got you covered. So, gear up, embrace the chill, and step into the winter season with confidence, courtesy of Cosmolle's winter activewear wonders.

#Life@Bounty: Innovation Summit 2023

by Allan D

A few months back, I seized the spotlight at the Annual Bounty Innovation Summit, where a whirlwind of creative ideas from different divisions of Bounty Plus, Inc. filled the air.

Projects took center stage, neatly falling into three riveting categories: technology, operations, and sustainability.

My brainchild, "Biological Scavengers of Feathers", proudly found its home in the sustainability realm. Picture this: using feathers from a dressing plant as a growth substrate for the mighty Black Soldier Fly Larvae.

It was a nerve-cracking time since I was the first one to present in the category of Sustainability.

During my project presentation

This marked my second dance at this event. The previous year saw me clinching the Innovation Silver Award in the Operations Category for the groundbreaking "SaleRATus: An Alternative Rat Bait." Alas, this year didn't land me in the finalist circle, but presenting and sharing my passion for slashing solid waste, especially in the organic realm, left me feeling grateful.

Selfie time before the program proper starts.

The event was held at Oasis Hotel in Clark Pampanga on August 08-09, 2023.

Honda BeAT Makes Commuting More Fun and Cost-Effective in the Long Term

by Allan D

5 ½ years back, our trusty BeAT-oy rode with us through the bumpy roads of daily commutes. Navigating the peak of road repairs, it became our saving grace, slashing our weekly gas bill to a mere 200 PhP. Here's to the little scooter that turned our daily grind into a budget-friendly joyride!

Kuya Matthew's 8th Birthday Gift

Find out how The All-New BeAT is the perfect way students can elevate the fun of going to school

It’s clear that we are all back to normal. People are going out more. Doing more outdoor activities and travelling more often. Even schools are seeing more face-to-face classes than online ones. And this means that students are going to be busier than in the last 2 years especially for students.

What with the demands of schoolwork, extra-curricular activities, school socials. Not to mention the need to maintain certain grade point averages. Aside from this, they still need to budget properly for transportation expenses every day.

So, students need to get more creative in terms of getting to school while keeping within budget. One long-term, practical solution is getting a motorcycle. After all, having your own bike not only gives you the opportunity to better control your travel time but also control the long-term impact of rising transportation costs by public utility vehicles.

While it’s true you will need to shell out cash, but the cost you can save from taking the jeep, bus, taxi or ride-sharing arrangements will be worth in the long run since the transportation costs will add up to a lot of money one way or the other. What’s more, you cannot control how fast you can get to school.

But with all the makes and models available, choosing the best one for yourself - especially if you’re a student - can be a bit daunting.

Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, offers The All-New BeAT. This bike will help Filipino students by providing an outstanding, and cost-effective-solution to the issues of everyday commuting. But what does this motorcycle have that makes it stand out among other bikes?

Performance, performance, performance

As a student, don’t you think you deserve the best performing motorcycle? The All-New BeAT promises just that. It’s powered by a 110cc, 4-Stroke, SOHC, Air-Cooled, ESP engine equipped with PGM-FI technology capable of generating 6.63kW of maximum power @ 7,500rpm, and 9.30Nm of maximum torque @ 6,000rpm and when combined with Honda’s Combi Brake System ensure that you not only get to your classes on time but safe and sound every day.

There’s more to this bike than meets the eye. It's loaded with advanced features that’s both functional and stylish, two things that are important to any student. It has a redesigned LED headlight that modern and stylish while allowing you a better view of the road in case you need to travel at night or during the rain. It also showcases an eye-catching semi-digital meter panel, Secured Key Shutter with Integrated Seat Opener, Side Stand Switch, and Park Brake Lock for added safety while you’re at a standstill. It also has a large 12-liter luggage box to carry your book, notebooks, laptop and anything you may need in school.

What’s more, Honda knows how important it is for you to stay in touch with friends and family that’s why The All-New BeAT has an ACC Power Socket, so you can charge your mobile phone anytime.

New ACC Power Socket

But what really makes The All-New BeAT the ideal choice for students is its outstanding 58.2 Km/L fuel efficiency rating based on World Motorcycle Test Cycle (WMTC). This factor when coupled with the bike’s 4.2L capacity fuel tank means you don’t have to worry about refueling often within the week so that your weekly allowance will go a long way because you save on fuel costs.

Performance meets style

If these features aren’t compelling enough, The All-New BeAT is available in three exciting design variants, namely, Playful, Premium, and 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition. This means, you can choose the ideal bike to match your own individual style.

The All-New BeAT Playful

Starting with The All-New BeAT Playful (SRP: PhP71,400.00), this variant comes in eye-catching colors, Fighting Red, Pearl Sylvestris Gray, Pearl Nightfall Blue, and Clipper Yellow colors. These colors when combined with its unique decals make it ideal for individuals with different personas like guys with a sporty personality, artistic flair, or a gamer’s sensibility. Even the fashion-conscious individuals will love it!

The All-New BeAT Premium

Then, there’s the All-New BeAT Premium (SRP: PhP72,400.00). On the other hand, the Premium comes with a new 3D emblem and gold color cast wheel is available in Pearl Arctic White—perfect for riders with a sophisticated style, and Matte Axis Gray Metallic - ideal for those who prefer a dashing yet understated look.

The All-New BeAT Limited Edition

Finally, to mark the brand’s 50^th anniversary of making the freedom of mobility a reality for Filipinos, there’s also The All-New BeAT Limited Edition (SRP: PhP74,400.00). This is available in Special Edition Pearl Arctic White colorway as well as Honda Tri-Color decals, and blue-colored fenders. This unique variant showcases new accents, and a front position 50^th Anniversary logo to enable riders to experience a sense of exclusivity, fun, and stand-out style.

So, the next time you consider your next ride, get a unique and stylish feature such as The All-New BeAT Playful, Premium and 50^th Anniversary Limited Edition that elevates the fun and allow you to enjoy the freedom of mobility when commuting to school.

For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook (facebook.com/hondaph) and Instagram (instagram.com/hondaph_mc/), YouTube (HondaPhilippines_Motorcycle) and Tiktok (tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines) or contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.

#Life@Bounty: Loyalty Award

by Allan D

I embarked on my journey with Bounty immediately after graduating 20 years ago. Joining as a Junior Laboratory Analyst, I applied the theories and ideas acquired during my college days, transitioning from simple chemical and reagent preparation to the intricate analysis of feed and feed ingredients. As I continued my tenure, my knowledge and skills continued to evolve.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the company underwent a temporary shutdown. After three years of dedicated service, I made the decision to tender my resignation. In hindsight, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, providing me with the opportunity to focus on self-review for the Chemist Licensure Exam. Balancing work and exam preparation had proven challenging, and the hiatus allowed me to dedicate more time to my studies. After three attempts, I successfully passed the board exam. Subsequently, I applied for a laboratory chemist position within the same company and was promptly rehired.

Returning to my corporate journey, I transitioned from the laboratory to operations, assuming the role of a Quality Assurance professional responsible for ensuring the quality of raw materials and finished products. My scope expanded from a single location to overseeing operations across Luzon, encompassing not only Quality Assurance but also managing other systems such as quality management and hygiene and food safety. Despite numerous challenges, I effectively managed and overcame them, with invaluable support from Mommy Maye.

On February 18, 2023, Mommy Maye and I were honored as loyalty awardees in the 15-year category. The award ceremony took place at the Metrotent Convention Center in Pasig City, with a theme of "Shine Bright Like a Diamond," requiring attendees, especially awardees, to don formal wear.

In addition to the loyalty awards, there were group presentations from various divisions. Fortunately, our division secured the 3rd place, marking our inaugural participation in the competition.

As I look ahead, the prospect of a 20-year Loyalty Award looms uncertain. The future holds unknown challenges and opportunities, and only time will reveal the course of my continued #Life@Bounty.

My Graduate Studies Journey: #RoadToMSChemistry (An Update)

by Allan D

Series of problem sets and take home examinations

It has been two years since I mentioned my graduate study journey at Central Luzon State University.

Back in 2021, the online classes began, and they posed a unique set of challenges. All of my classes were scheduled for Saturdays, which happened to coincide with my weekly work meetings.

Work meetings and online class at the same time

Most of the time, I found myself juggling two gadgets simultaneously to attend both online activities. This constant balancing act defined my academic year.

Moving on to the following academic year, things took a more challenging turn. I had a laboratory class that required face-to-face sessions.

To accommodate this, our weekly work meetings were rescheduled to Tuesdays, and I was immensely grateful for the adjustment, as it allowed me to accumulate leave credits by not attending classes on Saturdays.

One of our laboratory class

Fortunately, our professor displayed great understanding and allowed me to skip Saturday classes, provided I made up for them by keeping up with the course activities.

Working on isolation of egg protein

Measuring the total protein from egg

The laboratory class was particularly significant, as it covered various aspects of my thesis work, using a plant of special interest to me—Clerodendrum schmidtii, also known as the Nodding Clerodendrum or commonly referred to as Indian Beads.

My plant of interest: Clerodendrum schmidtii or Idian Beads

Working on my thesis

As I moved into my last semester, I faced the challenge of both laboratory and lecture classes, both held in a face-to-face format. My days began at 6:30 am and didn't conclude until 5:00 pm, all for just two subjects.

Even after the last semester ended, I still had a special topic subject assigned for the mid-term. We were tasked with selecting a special topic from a journal and required to conduct a comprehensive journal review, which we then had to present in class.

My special topic in Biochemistry

Aside from the special topic presentation, majority of our subjects require a journal review and presented as a seminar to our classmates and even BSChemistry Students.

Behind the scenes in some of the seminar presentations

After enduring four semesters and one mid-term, I am pleased to share that I successfully passed all of my subjects.

Acamedic subjects: Passed, Thesis: In-progress

Currently, I am eagerly awaiting the schedule for the comprehensive exam and hope to emerge victorious. I've also taken the initiative to forward my thesis draft to my advisor, eagerly anticipating her feedback, with hopes of presenting my proposal before the semester draws to a close.

With determination and perseverance, I am steadfast in my goal to retrace the same educational pathway I embarked on twenty years ago and ultimately earn my well-deserved diploma.

I'll make a follow-up post on my journey to #RoadToMSChemistry.

Navigating Auto Loans: Your Go-To Guide for Auto Loan Calculators

by Allan D

Source

It has been 5 years since our application and approval for the auto loan. We are grateful that in two months we are able to fully-paid our auto loan.

Now, If you're are planning to make an autoloan, you are going to need few financial assistance. An auto loan calculators are nowadays available online for you to determine how much will it cost you to have your dream car.

What's an Auto Loan Calculator?

An auto loan calculator is like your financial tool, providing you with a sneak peek into what your car financing journey will look like. It takes into account important factors such as the loan amount, interest rate, loan term, and any additional charges to give you a clear picture of your car loan.

Using an auto loan calculator is as straightforward as filling in a few essential details.

How Does an Auto Loan Calculator Work?

Loan Amount

Start by entering the total amount you plan to borrow. This includes not just the car's price but also taxes, registration fees, and any extras you want to finance.

Interest Rate

Key in the annual interest rate offered by your lender, typically shown as a percentage.

Loan Term

Specify how many months you'll take to repay the loan. Auto loan terms usually range from 36 to 72 months, but some lenders might offer shorter or longer terms.

Additional Fees

If your loan includes extra charges like origination fees or insurance costs, include them here.

Once you've filled in these details, the auto loan calculator will give you several results like the monthly amortization, total interest, total loan cost, etc.

Monthly Ammortization

This is the amount you need to pay each month to clear the loan within the specified term.

Total Interest

It shows the total interest you'll pay over the life of the loan.

Total Cost

The grand total of your principal loan amount and the total interest paid.

What are the advantages of using loan calculators?

Comparing Loans

Auto loan calculators are great for comparing different loan options. Adjust the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term to find the best financing option for your budget.

Budgeting

The calculator helps you see how your car loan will impact your monthly expenses. This is invaluable for creating a budget you can comfortably manage.

Negotiation

With the knowledge from the calculator, you'll be in a better position to negotiate with lenders for a lower interest rate or more favorable loan terms.

Financial Planning

Use the auto loan calculator for long-term planning. Understand how different loan terms and down payments can influence your financial stability over the years.

Auto loan calculators are your trusted companions when it comes to car financing. They provide invaluable insights into the cost of a car loan, enabling you to make well-informed decisions and steer clear of financial surprises. By using this tool, you can take charge of your car financing, manage your budget effectively, and drive off the lot with confidence.

Always remember that when it comes to auto loans, knowledge is your greatest asset. So, before you commit to any car loan, do your homework, and put that auto loan calculator to good use. It's your ticket to ensuring you make the best financial choice for your unique needs and circumstances.

Happy car shopping!

The Impact of Overbilling in Construction Bond Programs

by Allan D

Construction contracts often require contractors to procure bid, performance and payment bonds. These bonding requirements often are a condition to receive a contractor's license. A cost-to-complete or backlog schedule is an important tool used by surety companies during underwriting to determine a contractor's open single job and aggregate bonding capacity. This is usually reviewed via a contractor's work-in-progress report.

Overbillings are a Sign of Cash Flow Issues

Construction projects often require a significant upfront investment in equipment, materials, and labor. It's no secret that cash flow can be tight in the industry, and if a contractor needs to be more careful about managing project costs and change orders throughout a build, they can quickly run into issues. While some overbilling is typical, significant amounts can create a cash flow issue for contractors that need to be more careful. This is because the profit and loss statement (P&L) will appear to have lots of money in the bank, which could lead to them 'borrowing' from future projects or spending on other expenses too soon.

The best way to avoid this issue is by having strong accounting and financial teams that closely monitor project costs, progress, and billings and structuring project billings with micro-milestones to maintain a consistent influx of cash. This will help mitigate the impact of the construction industry's notoriously slow payment cycles.

Overbillings are a Sign of Job Borrowing

Contractors can find themselves in a situation where their costs to date on a project exceed the amount of revenue recognized to date on that same job. This is a common issue in industries with slow payment turnarounds, like construction. The solution to this problem is a well-managed Work in Progress (WIP) report that ensures current cost accrual is kept on par with billings. Significant overbilling can lead to a scenario known as job borrow, where the contractor has billed revenues that they will not have the ability to bill again once the contract is completed. This liability on the balance sheet can put your company at risk of future cash flow problems.

Even though the contractors are frontloading their jobs, this may not be a good idea for long projects. Significant overbilling could lead to a snowball effect where the contractor has to use the money from new jobs to cover the costs of jobs still being worked on, ultimately depleting their working capital.

Overbillings are a Sign of Subcontractor Issues

Clearly articulating project scope, changes, and agreements helps reduce misunderstandings that often lead to overbilling. Robust project management systems that utilize automation tools with human oversight ensure meticulous tracking, curbing overbilling. Regular reconciliations that cross-reference invoices with actual completed work also help to keep tabs on progress, catching discrepancies early and eliminating overbilling before it can become problematic. While fraudulent overbilling schemes can be extremely damaging, some overbilling is common for construction contractors with slow-payment clients who want to stay ahead of the project cash runway.

However, significant overbilling can indicate a contractor is using profits from one job to fund losses on another, which can raise red flags with contract surety bonding companies. It is also important to understand the difference between overbilling and underbilling when using a percentage of completion project accounting since both can occur on projects with extended timelines. Underbillings, referred to as Costs over Billings on Uncompleted Contracts, are an asset on the balance sheet because the contractor has yet to earn the revenue but will do so at some point.

Overbillings are a Sign of Payment Issues

Overbilling occurs when the contractor invoices their customer for work completed before it is complete. This is a common construction industry practice as contractors often front load (bill higher upfront) contracts in anticipation of slow payment cycles, and it can be a useful tool for keeping cash flow stable throughout the project. The issue arises when overbilling is extensive, particularly on long projects.

A significant overbilling can cause a contractor to face job borrowing, where the estimated cost to finish the contract exceeds available cash. This is a critical issue that must be addressed. A best practice for construction companies is to stay slightly ahead of billings on all projects. This is usually achieved through a WIP schedule matching invoice and cost accounting with actual construction progress. However, a significant amount of overbilling can indicate future payment problems and should be brought to the attention of your contract surety underwriter.

The Science Behind Vape Tricks

by Allan D

Source: Vladdin

Vaping has taken the world by storm in recent years and has become more than just a popular alternative to smoking. It has also developed into an art form, with vapers able to blow vapor into intricate shapes like rings and jellyfish.

Whether or not you want to learn these tricks, you should know the science behind them.

Vape tricks are fun for showing off your skills and creating cool visual effects. The key is to use a high-quality device with a low-resistance coil to get thick clouds of vapor and the best e-liquid to match. If you have a device that can produce different colors of vapor, this is even better and can add some style to any trick.

There are a lot of different vape tricks out there, but some require more practice than others. Some more complex tricks, like vapor bending and bubbles, are not easy to master for beginners.

Vapor Ring

You’ve probably seen videos of vapers producing colorful vapor in their clouds. While technically, this isn’t a trick, it can still be an excellent way to enhance any other tricks you may do visually. You can accomplish this effect in post-production using digital editing or a mod that uses LED lighting to color your cloud.

One of the easiest tricks to master is the vapor ring, a “ghost inhale.” This trick involves releasing a ball of vapor and then pulling it back in. It’s not a trick for newbies, but it will look impressive once you get it down.

For this trick, you will need a high-VG e-liquid that can produce thick plumes of vapor. You will want to use a mouth-to-lung inhalation method, which works best for beginners and smaller vapes, or a direct lung (DL) inhalation mode for larger devices.

Scientists are still learning about vaping’s health impacts, but the aerosols produced can damage the thin layer of protective mucus that coats the nose, lungs, and mouth. These tiny changes over time could increase your risk of certain diseases.

Single O’s

One of the more challenging cool vape tricks to master requires a steady hand and careful manipulation. It involves exhaling vapor into the air, then twisting it into a tight spiral shape — similar to a smoke ring. You’ll need a lot of practice to perfect the trick, but it’s sure to impress once you do.

Waterfall

One of the most popular vape tricks, the waterfall, is simple enough for even a novice to master. Start by taking a total drag of your device to do this trick, but don’t inhale it into your lungs. Then, shape your mouth into an ‘O’ shape with the back of your tongue and the bottom of your throat flat against your mouth and lips.

Slowly push the vapor out, starting from the back of your mouth and moving down to your nose, forcing a downward flow of smoke with each breath. This trick will require a bit of practice, but once you’re comfortable with it, you can easily create four distinct plumes of vapor that will make you look like a dragon.

The tornado is another impressive vape trick that isn’t difficult to learn. It requires more skill than the waterfall but is a great way to impress your friends and stand out from other vapers. This trick works best with a powerful device and a high vegetable glycerin liquid, as it’s all about movement.

When practicing your vape tricks, try to do it in a quiet environment, without distractions like televisions or other people. This will help you keep your movements consistent, improving the quality of your finished result. Additionally, it will be easier to see if you are doing the trick correctly without being distracted by other noises.

Tornado

Vape tricks can be fun to perform and can turn some heads. However, it’s essential to be safe when performing them in public. It’s best to practice these tricks indoors, shielded from the wind and away from fans. It’s also a good idea to use a low nicotine-content e-liquid when practicing so that you don’t get too high quickly.

The tornado is a cool trick that looks like it’s complicated but is relatively easy to master. To do it, you need to isolate a flat pool of vapor and then chop at it with your hand in a chopping motion while quickly driving up your arm. This causes the vapor to swirl upward and create the tornado effect. This is one of the cooler tricks and would look great in any vape video compilation.

These are just a few vape tricks you can try, and they’re all beginner-friendly. If you want to improve your technique, it’s worth watching some tutorial videos on YouTube.

Black Soldier Fly: The Beneficial Insect

by Allan D

As I have mentioned in my previous post about Black Soldier Fly, these tiny flyiing creatures are considered beneficial rather than pests.

Here are some reasons that will answer the question, "How are the Black Soldier Fly become beneficial?"

Each of the stages of the life cycle of the Black Soldier Fly has its benefits but during the larva stage has the most contribution not only in the reduction of organic wastes but in agriculture as well medicine.

Frass

Frass is the remians of insect breeding, left-over food, feces and cuticles from metamorphosis of the larva. These hase been considered as fertilizer and a good source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for plants.

Larva Meal

Before turning into a new adult, the larva can be harvested, dried and ground or served as feeding materials to animals. It contains high percentage of protein and crude fat. Because of these high levels of nutrients, it can be used as a substitute for fishmeal and soybean meal as the main source of protein in animal feeds.

However, depending on the subtrate or food given to the larvae, the nutritional values of the larva meal can be affected.

Larva Oil

The protein content of the larva meal can still increase by concentrating the meal. Removal of other nutrients like the high amounts of oil is one way to make larva meal protein concentrate.

The extracted oil can still be used in animal feeds as larva oil. The fatty acid profile of the larva oil is comparable to palm and coconut oil.

Anti-Microbial Peptides

Many will wonder how does the larva thrive in an environment full of decaying organic matters with tons of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms and how they manage to digest these organic matters made of protein, fats and oils, and other compounds such as carbohydrates and strach.

The intestinal gut of the Black Soldier Fly Larva contains different enzymes that is used to digest and breakdown complex nutrients into a simple compounds. For example, the protease which can breakdown proteins into peptide andn amino acids. The lipase which is used to degrade oils into simple fatty acids. Starch and cabohydrates will turn into simple sugars with the help of amylase enzyme.

With regards to the microorganisms, the intestinal gut of the larva contains antimicrobial peptides that are capable of killing different pathogens including E.coli and Salmonella.

Chitosan or Chitin

As the larvae turn into adults, the shell from the pupa stage can be a good source of chitin of chitosan. These compounds are sugar complexes commondly found in the shell or skeleton of crustaceans like shrimps and crabs.

Another question that may be raised is how about the adults, are they vectors of pathogens or harmful microorganisms like the common house flies?

The answer is "NO". An adult fly does not have any mouthparts nor digestive organs. They rely their short life span (about 4-5 days) in water and the stored fats during their larva stage. Because of these, the adult Black Soldier Fly is not associated with disease transmission.

Given the different advantages that we can get from the Balck Soldier Fly, it is truly that these insects are considered beneficial.

Maximize Your Ride - Selecting the Ideal Bike Wheel Size Online

by Allan D

Whether buying an online or in-store bike, you must know the correct size wheels for your height and inseam. Stand-over height and ape index are the two most crucial bike size factors. Mashing too big a gear fatigues your leg muscles and increases your oxygen cost; spinning into the light of gear is inefficient and spikes your heart rate. Finding the right balance between these extremes is critical to raising your fitness ceiling.

Diameter

A smooth ride is one of the keys to a successful cycling experience. Riding over rough roads or even just pedaling with too much resistance takes more out of you and can leave you feeling beat at the end of your ride. While many factors go into the ride quality you'll experience, one of the most important is your bike's tires and wheels. The right bike wheels and tires will give you a more comfortable ride while allowing you to ride faster. Understanding the standard wheel and tire sizes is essential to selecting the best bike at BicycleBlueBook.com. The naming conventions can be confusing, especially with the many systems used across different countries. Luckily, there are international standards, such as ERTO (now ISO), that all manufacturers must abide by. The most common bike wheel size is 26".

These are the most common in both road bikes and mountain bikes. However, there are also more extensive options for riders who want more control. These larger wheels are usually found on high-performance racers and for people who like to ride in more extreme terrain. When deciding which size to select, using the bike fit guide with your specific bike or visiting a certified bike shop is best. This way, you can ensure that your bike will be appropriately sized and fitted.

Tire Width

Unless you're riding a fat bike or a plus-size tire, you want your new tires to match the diameter of your current ones (measured on the sidewall in millimeters). However, it is possible to get away with a slightly different width for different types of bikes. For example, consider wider tires on your mountain bike for better traction or a cushier ride. The first number in the tire size is its width, measured on the sidewall in millimeters. After the slash mark, the two digits refer to the aspect ratio, which represents the height of the tire's sidewall expressed as a percentage of its width (for example, 255/60 R16 means that the height is 60% of the tire's width).

The last number is the rim width, which measures the distance between the inner and outer rim flanges on which the bead seat on each side sits. It's essential to remember that the wheel/tire size is a factor of both rim and tire construction, as well as your riding style and discipline. For example, a racer with short arms might struggle with steering on an MTB with 26-he MTB Bike Wheel to ISO Size Chart or the Bike Frame to Rider Height & Inseam Chart for more information.

Rim Width

Some bike owners alter their wheel size to achieve specific performance goals or simply for aesthetic reasons. However, it's essential to remember that tire and rim width must match optimal ride quality.

For example, a wide tire on a narrow rim may result in the tire's lug pattern being stretched so that the lugs are no longer effectively gripping the road. Another factor in selecting the ideal wheel size is determining what's known as a rim's backspacing or offset. This is the distance between the rim's mounting surface and the tire's centerline, which can be positive or negative. The correct offset can help prevent the wheels from rubbing on brakes, fenders, or suspension components. You'll need a set of calipers or a tape measure to measure a rim's backspacing. The measurement is typically taken from the center of one wheel stud hole to the center of the opposite hole. This is typically expressed in millimeters or inches, depending on the manufacturer of the wheel. For some manufacturers, this is written on the rim sidewall. It's also helpful to know that the rim diameter and tire width are often expressed in the same way, making things more convenient for those shopping around for wheels and tires.

Weight

Consider your rider's overall weight when selecting the ideal bike wheel size. A heavier rider requires a more sturdy wheel and frame to handle rough terrain, especially on long, grinding climbs. A light rider can also benefit from a lighter wheel and tire combination, as this can reduce the amount of work the rider has to do, making climbing easier. The key is to balance this against your fitness level. Mashing too big of a gear can wear out your leg muscles, increase your heart rate, and burn out your bike's engine, while spinning a ridiculously light gear wastes energy and can lead to numb hands, stiff shoulders, and a sore saddle area. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has developed a set of measurements and sizing conventions used worldwide to make comparing bicycle parts and components easier. Riders can quickly find the perfect bike wheel size to fit their unique body type using these standards.