Dots in Notation Dots, represented by the symbol “..” (two periods), serve various purposes in computer science and programming languages. Path Traversal: * In file paths, “..” refers to the parent directory. For example, “../file.txt” would access a file named “file.txt” in the directory above the current one. Range Specification: * In sequences or arrays, “..” can be used to specify a range of elements. For instance, [1, 3..7, 9] represents [1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9]. Ellipsis: * In function declarations and type definitions, “…” indicates a variable number of arguments or parameters. For example, def myFunc(*args), where “args” can take any number of arguments. Multi-Level Access: * In object-oriented programming, “..” can access parent class members. For example, ChildClass().parentAttribute refers to the parent attribute “parentAttribute” of the ChildClass instance. Object Destructuring: * In JavaScript and other languages, “…” can be used in object destructuring assignments to gather remaining properties into a single object. For example, let { name, …rest } = user; Continuation: * In SQL, “…” can be used to indicate that a statement is continued on the next line. Shortcuts in Terminal: * In command-line environments, “..” is a shortcut for the parent directory. For example, “cd ..” would navigate to the directory above the current one. Caution: Excessive use of dots can make code difficult to read and understand. It’s important to use dots sparingly and consistently to avoid confusion.The Ellipsis: Exploring the Dot-Dot-Dot
The Ellipsis: Exploring the Dot-Dot-Dot The ellipsis, represented by three consecutive dots (…), is a punctuation mark that signifies an omission or unfinished thought. It has a rich history and diverse uses in various contexts. Historical Origins: The ellipsis evolved from a combination of the periods used to indicate pauses in ancient Greek texts and the colon used to mark a break in the sentence. In the 17th century, the ellipsis was adopted into English writing as a single dot placed on the line. Over time, it became three dots arranged horizontally. Types and Functions: 1. Grammatical Omission: Ellipsis removes words that are implied from the context, creating a sense of compression or informality. For example: “He went to the store… and bought some groceries.” 2. Indicating a Pause or Hesitation: Ellipsis can signal a pause or hesitation in dialogue or narration. It suggests an unfinished thought or a moment of reflection. For example: “Well… I’m not sure I agree…” 3. Creating Suspense or Mystery: In literature, ellipsis can create a sense of suspense or mystery by trailing off with an unfinished sentence. It leaves the reader wondering what comes next. For example: “As she turned the corner… the sight that greeted her was…” 4. Indicating a Continuation: Ellipsis can be used to indicate that a list, series, or thought is continuing beyond the current line or paragraph. For example: “Hobbies: reading… writing… painting… and more.” 5. Marking a Quotation: When quoting text, ellipsis can be used to indicate that part of the original has been omitted. For example: “As Hamlet says, ‘To be or not to be… that is the question.'” 6. Replacing a Vulgarity or Offensive Word: Ellipsis can be used as a euphemism to replace a vulgarity or offensive word. For example: “What the… are you doing here?” Usage Guidelines: * Use ellipsis sparingly to avoid making the text difficult to read. * Place ellipsis within brackets when it replaces a quotation from a source. * Use a space before and after the ellipsis, except when it replaces a full stop. * When omitting multiple words, use ellipsis after each missing word. Conclusion: The ellipsis is a versatile punctuation mark that adds nuance and depth to written communication. It can signify omission, pause, suspense, continuation, and even vulgarity. By understanding its proper usage, writers can effectively convey a wide range of ideas and emotions.
Measles Outbreak Raises Concerns in California Health officials in California are investigating a measles outbreak that has infected at least 81 people in the state. The majority of cases have been reported in unvaccinated children and adults. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, brain swelling, and death. It is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. The outbreak began in December 2022 and has spread to several counties in California, including Sacramento, Placer, and Stanislaus. Most of the cases have been linked to Disney theme parks in Anaheim. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against measles and to stay home if they are sick. Vaccination is the best way to prevent measles infection. Millions of Vaccinations Administered in Global Polio Eradication Effort More than 500 million polio vaccinations have been administered in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria, as part of a global effort to eradicate the deadly disease. Polio is a paralytic disease that can cause permanent disability or death. It is spread through contact with contaminated food or water. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is a public-private partnership that has been working since 1988 to eliminate polio from the world. In 2022, there were only 13 reported cases of polio worldwide, down from 350,000 cases in 1988. However, the virus continues to circulate in three countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. New Study Finds Exercise Can Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease A new study published in the journal “JAMA Neurology” has found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study followed more than 2,000 people over the age of 65 for an average of 10 years. Those who engaged in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week had a 40% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, compared to those who were physically inactive. The study also found that exercise may help to preserve cognitive function in people who already have Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise is a well-known way to improve overall health and well-being, and it may also be a way to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
