How to Use Shortened URLs Safely

URL shorteners like bit.ly and TinyURL make long web addresses compact and easy to share. However, shortened URLs can also be used for phishing attacks and malware distribution if you don't take precautions. Here are some tips on how to use shortened URLs safely.

Check the Full URL Before Clicking

Never blindly click on a shortened URL. Many popular URL shorteners have a preview feature to show you the full destination URL:

- For bit.ly links, add a "+" to the end of the shortened URL. For example: http://bit.ly/2mXQFlG+

- For TinyURL links, add "preview." before the URL. For example: http://preview.tinyurl.com/yckmx7n8 

- You can also use online tools like GetLinkInfo.com to reveal the full URL.

Checking the full URL gives you visibility into the actual website you'll be directed to before clicking.

Be Wary of Suspicious Short Links

Shortened URLs are commonly used for phishing, spam, and malware distribution. Some signs a shortened URL may be suspicious:

- The link comes from an unknown or untrusted source

- The URL uses a strange short domain instead of popular ones like bit.ly

- Descriptive text doesn't match the website URL 

If in doubt, don't click on a suspicious short URL.

Use URL Shorteners Responsibly

If you need to create shortened URLs, be transparent so people know it's not spam.

- Use descriptive text with the short URL to indicate the destination 

- Shorten URLs from your own trustworthy domain instead of using third-party services

- Avoid shortening URLs that require logging into accounts 

With some caution and common sense, you can safely use shortened URLS while avoiding potential risks. Taking a few extra seconds to preview the full link can protect you from phishing or malware.

Use a URL checker. These are just a few of the sites that let you enter a short URL and then see the full URL:

getlinkinfo.com

unshorten.it

urlxray.com

https://checkshorturl.com

https://urlex.org

Few key points about shortened URL security

• Check the full URL before clicking on a shortened link. Many URL shorteners have a preview feature to reveal the destination. You can also use online tools to check the full URL.
• Consider alternatives before creating or sharing shortened URLs. Use descriptive text with the full URL when possible. Let people know they'll need to login if required.
• Malicious actors use shortened URLs for phishing and malware attacks. Be extra cautious with unfamiliar shortened links.
• Some common shortened URL domains like myumi.ch, michmed.org, and umicheng.in are used by U-M units and can be trusted.
• Always look before you click on a link and enter login credentials. Criminals use shortened URLs to hide malicious destinations.

So next time you come across a shortened URL, use these tips to preview it before clicking!

Visualizing Data with Excel's Graph Options

Excel offers a variety of graph and chart types that enable effective data visualization. Selecting the right graph type can help spotlight patterns, surface insights, and communicate trends. This blog post provides an overview of Excel's main graph options including column, line, pie, bar, area, scatter, stock, surface, and radar charts. It outlines the distinct purposes and uses of each graph type along with variations like stacked, clustered, and 100% stacked. The post explains when to use certain chart types based on the type of data and relationships you want to highlight. For example, column charts are ideal for time trends and comparisons, pie charts show part-to-whole relationships, line graphs visualize continuous trends, and scatter plots depict correlations. Examples demonstrate how tailoring graph type to your data allows creating more meaningful and engaging data visualizations. The article aims to help readers master Excel's graphs in order to build customized, insightful charts that bring workbook data to life.

Excel provides a variety of graph and chart types to help you visualize your spreadsheet data. Choosing the right graph type can make trends, patterns and insights leap off the page. In this post, we'll explore the main graph options available in Excel and when to use each one.

Column Charts

Column charts use vertical bars to compare values across categories. They are ideal for showing trends over time or comparing metrics across items. Some variations include:

- Clustered column - Each category gets its own column. Good for direct comparisons.

- Stacked column - Segments in each column stack on top of each other. Useful for part-to-whole comparisons.

- 100% stacked column - Each column adds up to 100%. Compares contribution of pieces to the whole.

Line Charts 

Line charts connect data points to show a continuous trend. Use them to track changes over time and observe trends. Options include:

- Basic line - Each line represents one data series.

- Stacked line - Displays cumulative totals at each point.

- 100% stacked line - Shows percentage contribution to the whole.

Pie Charts

Pie charts depict how data slices or percentages contribute to a whole. They spotlight the size of components and comparisons between them.

Bar Charts 

Bar charts are like column charts turned horizontally. They can be used when you have long category names. Includes stacked and clustered variations.

Area Charts 

Area charts are line charts where the area under each line is shaded in. Useful for comparing quantities that rise and fall over time.

Scatter Plots

Scatter plots show the relationship between two variables as data points on an X-Y axis. Helpful for visualizing correlations.

Stock Charts

Specialized stock charts like candlestick, high-low-close, and open-high-low-close charts summarize price movements. Tailored for stock market data.

Surface Charts 

Surface charts are 3D graphs used to find optimum combinations between two sets of data. The peaks help identify values where a result is maximized.

Radar Charts

Radar charts have spokes like a radar screen to compare metrics for different items on multiple measures. Allows seeing strong and weak areas at a glance.

By mastering these graph types, you can create more meaningful and customized Excel charts to extract insights from your data. The right visualizations can make numbers more engaging and easier to absorb. Let Excel turn your worksheets into dashboards that tell a story!

how to create a consistent writing habit

# How to Create a Consistent Writing Habit

Writing on a regular basis can seem daunting, but it is one of the most beneficial habits you can develop. Whether you want to become a professional writer or simply wish to journal your thoughts, a consistent writing habit allows you to sharpen your skills and unleash your creativity. Here are some tips to help you build a sustainable writing routine:

## Start Small

When beginning a writing habit, start by setting small, achievable goals. Decide on a reasonable word count or time limit that fits your current schedule. For example, commit to writing 250 words or for 30 minutes every day. Once this becomes routine, you can gradually increase your goal over time. Small steps prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

## Set a Schedule 

Choose a specific time of day to write and stick to it. Many writers find success first thing in the morning when their mind is fresh and distraction-free. Find a time that works for you. The key is consistency, so pick a time you can commit to every day. Use reminders to help build the habit. 

## Eliminate Distractions

Unplug from the internet, silence your phone, and minimize interruptions during your designated writing time. Being disciplined will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the writing process. If inspiration strikes, let yourself go overtime. The more often you write without distractions, the easier it becomes.

## Find Accountability  

Share your writing goals with a supportive friend or join a writers group. Having someone check in reinforces accountability. You can exchange progress, give feedback, or even set shared deadlines. Collaborating with others provides motivation to continue.  

## Reward Yourself

Acknowledge your wins, both big and small. Celebrate when you meet daily goals or finish an essay. Treat yourself to something special as a reward. Positive reinforcement cements habits. Seeing your skills improve over time is the ultimate motivation to keep writing consistently.

With dedication and patience, your writing habit will soon become second nature. A regular writing practice unlocks avenues for creative expression while honing your craft. Try these tips, and you’ll be on your way to achieving writing success.

The Rising Menace of Predatory Publishing

Predatory publishing has become a plague in the world of academic research, undermining scholarly communication. In this extensive blog post, I’ll shed light on how predatory publishing works, why it has proliferated, how to identify it, who is affected, and what is being done to address this unethical practice.

What is Predatory Publishing?

Predatory publishing refers to an exploitative academic publishing model that charges authors fees to publish articles without providing the editorial services expected from legitimate scholarly journals. Predatory publishers are primarily concerned about making money from researchers desperate to publish, rather than upholding research integrity. 

These publications conduct little or no peer review, allowing the publication of low quality or even fraudulent papers. They often engage in deceptive practices like using reputable sounding journal titles, listing false editorial boards, or claiming fake impact factors to appear legitimate and attract article processing charges. Researchers receive solicitations that flatter and pressure them to submit manuscripts or serve on editorial boards of these doubtful journals.

The Rise of Predatory Publishing 

The open access publishing model, which makes research freely available online, created opportunities for predatory publishing to thrive. Questionable operators realized they could collect fees from authors rather than having to sell journal subscriptions. 

The growing pressure to “publish or perish” in academia also fueled predatory publishers, as they capitalized on researchers’ needs to build publication records for hiring, promotion, and funding. Some estimates suggest predatory publishing is a billion dollar industry publishing over 400,000 articles per year across thousands of journals.

Hallmarks of Predatory Journals

While deceptive practices evolve, some red flags can help identify predatory publications:

- Very broad journal scope lacking focus 

- Unrealistically rapid peer review and publication promises

- Aggressive email solicitations to submit and serve on editorial board

- Lack of transparency around fees and inconsistent pricing 

- Fake or misappropriated journal metrics like impact factors 

- Website and manuscript errors, plagiarized text

- False claims of indexing in prestigious databases 

Who is Affected by Predatory Publishing?

Researchers from developing countries seem most vulnerable to predatory tactics. A study found over 60% of authors in suspected predatory journals were from India, Nigeria, and other developing nations. Pressure to publish international papers combined with lack of awareness facilitates exploitation. But scholars everywhere may be duped by increasingly sophisticated deception.

Dangers of Predatory Publishing 

Predatory publishing threatens research integrity and wastes resources. Published articles lack expert critique, permitting problematic methods and findings to go unchallenged. Research based on these publications risks propagating bad science. Funders may rely on inflated publication counts rewarding quantity over quality. Time spent reviewing for sham journals also represents lost opportunity. 

Building Awareness About Predatory Practices

Academic institutions are taking steps to promote awareness of predatory tactics and uphold publishing ethics. Some have published guides to help evaluate journal legitimacy and quality. Software has also been developed to try and screen for predatory publishers, although constant vigilance is still required. Outreach to developing countries where awareness is lower can also help curb predatory publishing and its negative impacts.  

While troubling, a united front against predatory practices will enable research communities to reclaim quality, integrity, and social responsibility in scholarly publishing. This starts by putting the search for knowledge over profits, privileging substance over hollow metrics. There are no quick fixes, but a spirit of open inquiry and information sharing will help strengthen communication of rigorous, ethical research.

How has predatory publishing affected you? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Together we can advance conscientious publishing practices that serve knowledge more than the bottom line.

The Key Parts of a Research Paper

Whether you're crafting your first research paper or prepping for a doctoral dissertation, having a solid understanding of the basic structure and key elements of a research paper is essential. In this blog post, I'll walk you through the fundamental pieces that comprise a standard research paper.

Introduction

The introduction provides the foundation for the entire paper. This is where you'll state the research problem or question, provide context and background information, and briefly outline the study's purpose. A good introduction draws readers in while framing the scope and significance of your research.

Literature Review

In the literature review, you'll synthesize existing research related to your topic. The goal is to demonstrate your knowledge of the field while identifying important gaps or limitations in previous studies. An effective literature review establishes the rationale for your own research questions and approach.

Methods

The methods section details how you conducted the study. You should include information on the overall research design, subject population, sampling techniques, data collection procedures, measurement instruments, and data analysis methods. The methods should be described clearly enough to allow other researchers to replicate the study.

Results

The results section presents the key findings and analysis of your research. This is where you objectively report the study results, supported by statistics, tables, graphs, and other visuals as needed. Results should be shared in a logical order that aligns with the sequence of the methods.

Discussion

In the discussion, you'll interpret the meaning and significance of the results. Compare your findings to prior research and highlight new contributions made. Also acknowledge any limitations and explain inconsistencies in the data. The discussion should clearly explain how your study advanced knowledge in the field.

Conclusion

The conclusion summarizes the overall importance of the study findings. Restate the key results, implications for theory and practice, limitations, and recommendations for future research. The conclusion provides closure and underscores the significance of your research.

References

The reference list cites all sources utilized in the paper. This includes in-text citations and sources for any visuals or data. References must adhere to the publishing style guide requested (APA, MLA, etc.). Citations demonstrate your command of the literature while enabling readers to locate the original sources.

With these core sections, your research paper can inform readers, push the boundaries of knowledge, and make meaningful contributions to the field. Use this standard structure as a blueprint for impactful scientific communication.

-------------- Highlights ---------------------------

Title - The title clearly defines the topic and scope of the study.

Abstract - A short summary of the paper, including the purpose, key findings, and conclusions.

Introduction - Provides background information and states the research problem/questions.

Literature Review - Synthesizes previous research and establishes context for the current study.

Methods - Explains the research design, subjects, instruments, procedures, and data analysis.

Results - Presents the findings through text, tables, and figures.

Discussion - Interprets the findings, explains inconsistencies, and compares to prior studies.

Conclusion - Summarizes the overall findings, implications, and future research needed.

References - Cites all sources used in APA, MLA, or other specified format.

The major sections are the introduction, literature review, methods, results, and discussion. The title, abstract, references, and appendices are also key components that support the overall paper. Following this standard structure allows readers to easily navigate research papers across different journals and fields.

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray: A Catalyst for India's Scientific Renaissance and Educational Transformation

This essay delves into the life, contributions, and lasting impact of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, the father of Chemistry in India. Through his pioneering research in chemistry and establishment of indigenous industries, Ray not only revolutionized scientific education but also promoted India's traditional knowledge. This essay highlights the relevance of integrating ancient chemistry with modern science and aligning education with India's cultural heritage and values. As the government endeavors to update the education system, Ray's legacy serves as a beacon, inspiring a generation of learners to embrace diversity, sustainability, and innovation, while building a brighter future rooted in the nation's traditions.

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray: The Father of Chemistry in India

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, a prominent Indian scientist and educator, is widely regarded as the "father of Chemistry in India." His remarkable contributions to the field of chemistry during the early 20th century laid the foundation for the growth and development of scientific research and education in India. Born on August 2nd, 1861, in Raruli-Katipara, a small village in the then undivided Bengal, Ray's journey from a humble background to becoming a pioneering chemist is nothing short of inspiring.

Acharya Ray's early education was at the village school, followed by his enrollment in the Metropolitan Institution in Calcutta (now Kolkata). There, he displayed a natural talent for science, particularly chemistry, which led him to pursue further studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. In 1882, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree and went on to complete his Doctorate in Science from the University of Edinburgh, making him one of the first Indians to achieve such an academic feat.

Upon returning to India, Acharya Ray founded the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works in 1892, aiming to establish a chemical industry in India that could compete with the Western counterparts. His vision was to produce high-quality chemicals at affordable prices for the betterment of society. Under his leadership, the company thrived and played a pivotal role in making chemical products accessible to the masses.

Apart from his entrepreneurial ventures, Acharya Ray was also deeply involved in academia and research. He became a professor at the University of Calcutta and later served as the university's first Indian Vice-Chancellor. As a researcher, he made significant contributions to the study of mercurous nitrite and mercurous nitrate, which earned him global recognition. His work in the fields of inorganic and organic chemistry opened new avenues for scientific exploration and garnered accolades from the international scientific community.

Acharya Ray's commitment to education led to the establishment of the University Science College in Calcutta, now known as the Acharya Prafulla Chandra College, in his honor. He also founded the Indian Chemical Society, a platform to foster scientific interactions and advancements within the country.

Furthermore, his passion for scientific education extended beyond India's borders. He took part in several international conferences and used these opportunities to advocate for scientific progress and collaboration on a global scale. His tireless efforts earned him respect and admiration from scientists and scholars worldwide.

Despite facing numerous challenges and financial constraints, Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray's determination and perseverance were unmatched. His life and work exemplified the spirit of dedication and selfless service to the nation. He believed that the key to India's progress lay in promoting scientific education and research, and he devoted his life to realizing that vision.

Today, the legacy of Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray continues to inspire generations of scientists in India. His contributions to chemistry and the establishment of chemical industries in the country have had a lasting impact on India's scientific and industrial growth. His work is a testament to the power of knowledge, innovation, and dedication in transforming a nation.

Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray, the father of Chemistry in India, was a visionary scientist, educator, and entrepreneur who left an indelible mark on the scientific landscape of the country. His remarkable achievements, pioneering research, and unwavering commitment to scientific education make him an exemplary figure whose legacy will continue to shine bright for generations to come. As we celebrate his birthday on August 2nd, let us remember and honor the immense contributions of this extraordinary man to the world of chemistry and the progress of India as a whole.

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