الوسم: hours

  • Japanese Scientists Create Fast-Dissolving Seawater Plastic

    Japanese Scientists Create Fast-Dissolving Seawater Plastic

    Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Plastic That Dissolves in Seawater

    In Wako, Japan, researchers have created an innovative type of plastic that can dissolve in seawater within hours, presenting a promising solution to the pervasive issue of ocean pollution and its impact on marine life.

    While the concept of biodegradable plastics isn’t new, a team from the RIKEN Centre for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo asserts that their new material decomposes significantly faster and leaves no harmful residues.

    During a recent demonstration at their lab, a small piece of this new plastic was observed vanishing in saltwater after being stirred for about an hour.

    Although commercialization plans haven’t been announced yet, project leader Takuzo Aida noted that their findings have piqued interest, particularly among packaging industry stakeholders.

    Globally, scientists are working diligently to address the escalating plastic waste crisis, coinciding with awareness initiatives like World Environment Day on June 5.

    According to predictions from the UN Environment Programme, plastic pollution could triple by 2040, adding an estimated 23 to 37 million metric tons of waste annually to the oceans.

    Aida remarked, "Children don’t have a choice over the planet they inherit. It is our responsibility as scientists to ensure we leave them with the best possible environment."

    He emphasized that this new material possesses the same strength as traditional petroleum-based plastics but breaks down into its natural components when exposed to salt. These components can then be safely processed by naturally occurring bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of microplastics that can negatively affect aquatic ecosystems and enter the food chain.

    On land, a piece of this plastic measuring about two inches disintegrates after more than 200 hours due to the presence of salt in the soil.

    The material can be utilized like conventional plastics when treated with a coating, and the research team is currently exploring the most effective coating methods. Aida also highlighted the plastic’s non-toxic, non-flammable properties, stating that it does not produce carbon dioxide during decomposition.

  • How Many Hours for Completing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

    How Many Hours for Completing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a standout RPG that centers around a group of characters embarking on a journey to save themselves and others from obliteration. Unlike many RPGs that stretch over 80 hours with vast worlds to explore, this game offers a more linear experience, though it does include a few open areas.

    Nevertheless, it’s an RPG, so you won’t be finishing it in a handful of hours. Completing the game will take some time, especially if you aim to experience all it has to offer. This guide provides average playthrough times for both the main storyline and full completion, based on insights from HowLongToBeat.

    How Long Does It Take to Beat Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?


    If you’re focused only on the main storyline, you can complete Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in about 24.5 hours. There’s not a vast amount of side content, but enough to get sidetracked occasionally. Typically, playthroughs that mix the main quest with a few side activities will take around 29 hours.

    How Long Does It Take to 100 Percent Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?


    Maelle ready to fight Lampmaster in Clair Obscur Expedition 33.

    To fully complete Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, you’ll need to gather every journal, defeat all optional bosses, and uncover everything the game presents. This comprehensive playthrough typically takes around 37 hours.

    How Many Acts Are in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?


    Maelle ready to pick something up in Clair Obscur Expedition 33.

    Generally, a narrative consists of three acts, and this game features three distinct acts in addition to a prologue. Therefore, you could say there are actually four acts in total. Here’s the breakdown:

    • Prologue
    • Act 1 – Gustave
    • Act 2 – Verso
    • Act 3 – Maelle
  • Global Ramadan Fasting Times: Up to 16+ Hours Daily

    Global Ramadan Fasting Times: Up to 16+ Hours Daily

    Understanding Ramadan: The Sacred Month of Fasting

    Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims around the world, characterized by fasting from dawn until sunset. It is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, and community. Each year, the start of Ramadan shifts due to the lunar calendar, making it a unique experience based on the geographical location of the observers.

    The Timing of Ramadan

    This year, Ramadan is expected to commence on the night of Friday, February 28, with the first day of fasting beginning on Saturday, March 1. Unlike the Gregorian solar calendar, which has a fixed number of days, the Islamic lunar calendar has 354 or 355 days. This difference means that the Islamic months, including Ramadan, rotate through various seasons over a cycle of approximately 33 years.

    Variability in Fasting Duration

    While all Muslims observe Ramadan for the same number of days, the duration of the daily fast can vastly differ depending on geographical location.

    Fasting Hours Around the World

    Muslims observe a fast that extends from sunrise to sunset, during which they abstain from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activities. The hours of fasting therefore vary significantly:

    • Reykjavík, Iceland: In locations like Reykjavík, observers are expected to fast for up to 16 hours and 29 minutes on March 29, the longest day of fasting this year. This extensive period is reflective of the city’s high latitude, where days are significantly longer during certain seasons.

    • Melbourne, Australia: In contrast, in cities closer to the equator, such as Melbourne, the estimated fasting period is considerably shorter at around 13 hours and 16 minutes.

    This variation illustrates how significant latitude changes the fasting experience for Muslims.

    Historical Context of Fasting in Extreme Conditions

    The fluctuating dates and lengths of Ramadan can lead to diverse challenges based on climatic conditions. For instance, in 2013, Ramadan occurred during the height of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In countries like Norway, the sun set only for a brief period each day, resulting in fasts that sometimes exceeded 20 hours.

    To adapt to such extreme fasting lengths, many communities turn to a more conventional approach by utilizing the fasting timetable of Mecca, which sets the fast at approximately 13 hours and 35 minutes in 2025. This practice allows for some consistency and eases the burden on observant Muslims living in regions where daylight hours present challenges.

    The Importance of Community and Adaptation

    The diversity in fasting duration during Ramadan not only highlights the geographical influence but also strengthens the sense of community among Muslims. Many will find ways to adjust their practices, sharing communal Iftar meals (the evening meal when the fast is broken) where possible, leading to a sense of unity as they experience the ebbs and flows of the holy month together.

    Spiritual Reflection and Growth

    Beyond the physical challenge of fasting, Ramadan serves as a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and growth. The varying lengths of fasting can align with personal struggles and triumphs related to faith and lifestyle. Observing Ramadan, regardless of the challenges posed by its duration, offers Muslims a chance to deepen their connection with their beliefs, reinforce community bonds, and cultivate a spirit of compassion and generosity.

    Closing Thoughts

    Ramadan is a month rich with significance for Muslims around the globe, shaped largely by the unique experiences of individuals based on their geographic locations. The lengths of fast may vary, but the intent remains constant: to foster spiritual growth and community connection. Each year brings a new opportunity for reflection and resilience in the face of varied fasting experiences.