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China GPS competitor Beidou is now fully operational after the final satellite is launched

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China GPS competitor Beidou is now fully operational after the final satellite is launched

Until now, there have only been four major GNSS networks: GPS (US), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (European Union) and now Beidou. India and Japan operate smaller systems.

Most people are used to GPS, which is used for everything from personal navigation on your smartphone to tracking aircraft and container ships around the world.

Beidou is an alternative system for China. It is named after the Chinese word for the Big Dipper constellation, and has taken nearly two decades to complete.

There is hope in China that Beidou can become a global competitor for GPS, but the US option still has “absolute market share,” said Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert who has worked with the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Development and Reform Development Commission.

Experts say that China’s push for new navigation networks is also driven by a desire to reduce its dependence on American GPS, especially in its armed forces.

There are several other advantages for countries that have their own GNSS network over prestige, according to Andrew Dempster, director of the Australian Space Engineering Research Center (ACSER) at the University of New South Wales.

“To be honest with Beidou there is nothing unique about that,” said Dempster. “This is just the prestige that the Chinese want to say that they got it. This is the same as going to the moon, planting a flag for that purpose,” Dempster said.

GPS history

The United States and Russia first began construction on their own GNSS navigation arrangement at the height of the Cold War.

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GPS was first proposed by the US Department of Defense in 1973, while Russia’s GLONASS system began six years later in 1979. Both were declared “fully operational” in 1995.

Most systems, such as GPS, work by using four satellites at a time to measure the distance a signal needs to reach a point on land – for example your smartphone – to calculate exactly where that point fell on the map.

China began to build its navigation arrangements in 1994. Work on Galileo began much later, but the European Union network is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2020.

The US, Russian and now Beidou systems in China are partly owned or operated by the military, Song said. The Galileo network is the only purely civilian GNSS system.

The four systems consist of at least 20 satellites, according to the GPS website.

Experts say that the reach and effectiveness of the global GNSS network currently leaves little justification for additional arrays to be built.

Suelynn Choy, associate professor at the RMIT School of Science Cluster in Melbourne, said it would be useful to have an alternative if certain GNSS networks were offline offline, as did the Galileo network in July 2019.

“From a civilian point of view it’s good because we don’t rely too much on one system … it can cause the global economy a bit of a problem,” he said.

But another benefit is giving the operating country a military advantage over its competitors, said Dempster of ASCER. If opposing forces navigate using your GNSS network, you can turn off the signal.

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Military advantage

Dempster said that while debate has raged globally in recent years about the risks of using China’s internet infrastructure, such as Huawei’s 5G provider, the same concerns do not apply to the GNSS system.

“It transmits a signal, you have a receiver and unless there are other channels, you don’t communicate back to the GPS system or the Beidou system,” he said.

But there is a risk when the military uses the enemy’s GNSS system, which can be distorted by the controlling government or shut down as needed.

Writing for the China Brief in 2014, former intelligence officer and analyst Kevin McCauley said that for years, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) relied most use GPS for navigation.

“But the Beidou terminal now seems to be deployed to a greater extent throughout the PLA, while providing capabilities that were not previously available to the Chinese military,” McCauley said.

Now that the system is complete, the PLA and the Chinese government can rely on their own navigation array.

Dempster said this could important for Beijing, especially because tensions with the US are growing in various fields.

“It would make sense for them to have their own military system because there are conflicts in the South China Sea over these islands, GPS can be rejected for them and the US military can still use military signals,” he said.

“So they have satellite navigation and the Chinese don’t.”

Experts say that China might not only push Beidou as a potential civil competitor for GPS. Already, a close ally of Pakistan has given access to the Beidou network, switch from US alternatives. Experts say access can be offered to countries that sign the Beijing Road and Belt signature infrastructure initiative.

“No matter which industry, minimal errors can result in broad divergences. Beidou can guarantee perfect accuracy,” Song said. “Navigation satellites are the best military-civilian product [cooperation]The value of their applications and market space is huge. “

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– CNN Shanshan Wang contributed to this article.

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Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

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Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

  1. Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
  2. Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

  1. Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
  2. Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
  3. Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
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Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

  1. Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
  2. Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

  1. Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
  2. Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.

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Portuguese historical films will premiere on 29 December.

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Portuguese historical films will premiere on 29 December.

Method Media Bermuda will present the documentary FABRIC: Portuguese History in Bermuda on Thursday, December 29 at the Underwater Research Institute of Bermuda.

A spokesperson said: “Method Media is proud to bring Bermuda Fabric: Portugal History to Bermuda for its 5th and 6th showing at the Bermuda Underwater Observatory. In November and December 2019, Cloth: A Portuguese Story in Bermuda had four sold-out screenings. Now that Bermuda has reopened after the pandemic, it’s time to bring the film back for at least two screenings.

“There are tickets Ptix.bm For $ 20 – sessions at 15:30 and 18:00. Both screenings will be followed by a short Q&A session.

Director and producer Milton Raboso says, “FABRIC is a definitive account of the Portuguese community in Bermuda and its 151 years of history, but it also places Bermuda, Acors and Portugal in the world history and the events that have fueled those 151 years.

“It took more than 10 years to implement FABRIC. The film was supported by the Minister of Culture, the Government of the Azores and private donors.

Bermuda Media Method [MMB] Created in 2011 by producer Milton Raposo. MMB has created content for a wide range of clients: Bermuda’s new hospital renovation, reinsurance, travel campaigns, international sports and more. MMB pays special attention to artistic, cultural and historical content.

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#History of Bermuda #A photo #Portuguese

Model: Everybody, Entertainment, Movies/Movies, History, News

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CRISTANO RONALDO CAN MAKE UP A GIANT IN CARIOCA AND PORTUGUESE TECHNICIAN SAYS ‘There will be room’

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CRISTANO RONALDO CAN MAKE UP A GIANT IN CARIOCA AND PORTUGUESE TECHNICIAN SAYS 'There will be room'

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