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Ideas, terms, and mechanisms explained clearly.

A UML diagram showing class inheritance in object-oriented programming

Object-Oriented Programming

Object-oriented programming, often shortened to OOP, is a programming paradigm that organizes software around objects, self-contained units that bundle together data, called properties or attributes, and the functions that operate on that data, called methods. Rather than writing a program as one long sequence of instructions acting on separate, loosely connected data, object-oriented programming models

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A programming paradigm that organizes software around objects bundling data with the methods that act on it.

Occam’s razor

In simple terms Occam’s razor says that when two explanations account for the same evidence, the one assuming less is usually the better bet. It is not a law of nature. It is a working preference, a way of deciding where to start when the evidence alone cannot separate two ideas. How it works Philosophers

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Occam's razor is the rule of thumb that when two explanations fit the evidence equally well, you should prefer the one assuming less.

A construction worker on a job site, the kind of workplace regulated by OSHA safety standards

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, commonly known as OSHA, is the United States federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and operating within the Department of Labor. OSHA was created in response to growing concern over workplace injuries, illnesses,

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is the United States federal agency responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards.

Ocean acidification

In simple terms Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH of the ocean, meaning the water is becoming gradually more acidic, caused mainly by seawater absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. [1] It is a direct chemical consequence of rising carbon dioxide levels, separate from the warming that the same gas also causes.

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Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH of the ocean, caused mainly by seawater absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Aquaculture workboat used to service offshore fish farm sites

Offshore Aquaculture

Offshore aquaculture is fish or shellfish farming conducted in open ocean waters farther from shore than traditional coastal operations, typically in deeper water with stronger currents and greater exposure to waves and weather. It represents an effort to expand aquaculture production into new areas while reducing some of the environmental and spatial conflicts associated with

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Fish or shellfish farming conducted in open ocean waters farther from shore than coastal operations.

Population pyramid chart showing the age and sex structure of the European Union in 2016

Old-age dependency ratio

In simple terms The old-age dependency ratio compares the number of older people with the number of people of working age. In the World Bank’s version it counts people older than 64 against those aged 15 to 64, reported as dependents per 100 working-age people. A rising ratio means fewer working-age people for every older

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The old-age dependency ratio counts people older than 64 for every 100 people of working age, 15 to 64.

An enormous old-growth tree in East Gippsland, Australia

Old-Growth Forest

An old-growth forest is a mature forest ecosystem that has developed over a long period, typically centuries, without major human disturbance, characterized by large old trees, standing dead wood, and complex multi-layered canopy structure. Defining Characteristics Old-growth forests typically feature trees of exceptional size and age, a canopy with multiple distinct layers rather than a

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A mature forest ecosystem developed over centuries without major disturbance, marked by large old trees, standing dead wood, and complex canopy structure.

Paying online for a travel booking

Online Travel Agency

Overview An online travel agency operates a digital platform where travelers can search, compare, and book flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel services. Business Model Most online travel agencies earn revenue through commissions negotiated with suppliers, though some also add a markup to wholesale rates before displaying prices to consumers. Market Influence A small

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An online travel agency is an internet-based platform that allows travelers to search, compare, and book flights, hotels, and other travel services directly.

Open-source software

In simple terms Open-source software is software whose source code, the human-readable instructions behind the program, is published under a license that lets anyone view, modify, and redistribute it. [1] That stands in contrast to proprietary software, where the vendor keeps the source code private and only distributes the compiled program. How it works The

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Open-source software is software whose source code is published under a license that lets anyone view, modify, and redistribute it.