2008年1月5日星期六
Warming Up Your Car The Mazda Way
Over the years, Mazda has produced more than 100 models in certain car categories. Just two years ago, it started to produce 800,000 vehicles a year, rising above other Japanese, the European, and North American markets. Mazda has also garnered a lot of awards and recognitions through its automotive technological advancements.
It is not only technological advancements that made Mazda an authority in the industry, but the satisfaction provided to its loyal patrons. The recognitions Mazda has received are all just bonuses for the hard work. Much more than these is the quality of work and materials applied to the Mazda vehicle parts. One living proof of Mazda's quality work is the Mazda Thermostat.
In order to fully digest why Mazda puts such effort into thermostats, one should learn to understand its operations and functions. Cars naturally need a warming-up period before taking off and that is exactly what a Mazda Thermostat does it controls the engine's warm-up stage. It is responsible for allowing the engine heat up quickly to reach the appropriate degree needed. At the same time, it keeps the temperature at a fixed degree. It is nestled between the engine and the radiator and remains closed during the engine warm-up. This is because the coolant should not escape the engine and circulate the radiator, not until the desired temperature is attained. However, this spring valve would begin to open once the coolant reaches 180-195 Fahrenheit, allowing the liquid to flow through the radiator to be cooled. At 200-218 Fahrenheit, the Mazda Thermostat should have opened all the way.
With the significant function that a Mazda Thermostat has to fulfill every time the engine is turned on, Mazda has made it a point that it would serve its owners for a long time. Mazda's promise then is longevity in service; that should the Mazda Thermostat fails, it would be due to old age. When that happens, replacement is the only solution. But it must be remembered with a knot on one's finger that Mazda Thermostats should be bought only from trusted aftermarket parts dealer.
2008年1月4日星期五
VW Cooling Basics
An engine cooling system is an important component when a internal combustion engines used in vehicles. Early VW engines, particularly the early incarnations of the iconic VW Beetle, used an air-cooled system. In a nutshell, the system works by dissipating thermal energy into the air directly. However, after the second World War, most VW vehicles have adapted liquid-cooled principle and continue to do so at present. This is due to the fact that air-cooled engines have fallen out of favor for most car manufacturers, because minimizing emissions and engine noise has proven to be too difficult in air-cooled system. Air-cooling is still used in airplane engines, however, wherein the disadvantages are not that noticeable. The difference between the two applications goes beyond the medium in which heat is dispersed. In fact, the liquid-cooled principles borrows an application from its air-cooled counterpart. Liquid-cooled engines of VW vehicles use coolants (commonly a mixture of water and antifreeze, but other liquids have been known to be used), air is still needed in the process to cool the liquid itself. Another main difference is in the weight, with VW radiators, as well as other radiators of different makes for that matter, liquid-cooled engines are a lot heavier compared to air-cooled engines. One the other hand, the liquid-cooled principle has noticeably higher specific heat capacity, density and thermal conductivity. This is due to the fact that liquid, particularly water, can transfer heat farther and with less volumetric flow. At the heart of liquid-cooled vehicles is the radiator, which are obviously absent in air-cooled vehicles who use metal fins covering the outside of the engine's cylinder to increase the surface are for air to flow through. Radiators, typically located behind the car's grill, acts as heat exchanger and is connected to channels that traverse through the cylinder head and the engine. A device called the thermostat allows the coolant to circulate at a certain temperature by opening valves that releases the heated liquid to the radiator. At this point in time, the heat in the liquid is spread out via the air drawn in by the forward motion of the vehicle, augmented by a fan. It is important to note that VW radiators vary in size, this all depends on the model and size of the engine and vehicle, which in turn affects the ability of the radiator to handle extreme conditions that will the engine in question will undergo. This does not however, mean that the radiator is exempt from damage over time or use. Coolant leaking can cause the cooling system to be less effective or fail entirely. As with any other car component, proper maintenance and care is highly encouraged, as overheating problems can cause more damage to the engine itself, prompting for a more expensive endeavor. At the event of the worse case scenario, VW radiators are readily available in various shops that specialize in VW vehicles. The world wide web has also become a reliable source for such transactions, with the added security brought about by latest technologies. Either way, the necessity far outweighs economy when considering radiator replacements.
Cleaner Cars from Volvo
Environment consciousness in the global community is growing as a result of unrelenting campaign of environmentalist for the people to protect Mother Earth. In connection with this, car manufactures are in a position to help alleviate the problem with pollution, one of the primary reasons of which is the emission from vehicles.
Different companies have been developing ways to decrease the emission of their cars and at the same time lower fuel consumption. Lowering the amount of fossil fuel based products consumed by automobiles will greatly help in preserving the worlds fossil fuel reserve. Car manufacturers, most notably Toyota and Honda, have come up with hybrid vehicles which use electricity to power their car but the fuel savings is not nearly enough to protect our natural reserves of fossil fuel.
Volvo has come up with a way to help in the protection of the environment by using alternative fuel on some of their car models. FlexiFuel models are now being produced by the Sweden-based car manufacturer. These are the Volvo C30, S40, and the V50 models. These cars use an alternative fuel called E85 which is a combination of ethanol and petrol. The combination of which is 85 per cent bio-ethanol and 15 per cent gasoline. Use of the E85 alternative fuel reduces emissions of fossil carbon dioxide which is harmful to the environment by as much as 80 per cent compared to cars using gasoline only.
The models equipped with the FlexiFuel technology are equipped with a four-cylinder engine which can produce 125 horsepower. The usage of the alternative fuel does no harm to the engines performance. The bio-ethanol and gasoline combination is stored on the models 55 liter tank. To accommodate the corrosive properties of ethanol, changes have to be made to the engines construction. Fuel hoses, valves, and gaskets have been modified and fortified to take on the corrosive nature of ethanol. Injection valves have also been modified and made larger since a larger amount of fuel needs to be injected to the combustion chamber. This is due to the fact that ethanol has a lower energy content compared to pure gasoline. Aside from these changes, the engine is basically the same just like the Volvo spark plug wires which will not be affected by the corrosive nature of the fuel.
The development of the technology is just a small step but a significant one in terms of protecting our environment for future generations. Since ethanol is a renewable source of energy, the use of it as a fuel will decrease the worlds dependency on the fossil fuel reserves all over the world. Ethanol can be produced from a wide range of biomass source such as corn, wheat, sugar-beet and cellulose among others. And with increasing number of facilities that produce ethanol, the technology developed by Volvo may soon be used all over the world. Aside from using ethanol as fuel, there are also a range of renewable energy resources that are waiting to be enhanced for possible use as duel for automobiles.
2008年1月3日星期四
The Healing Effects of an Appropriate Acid Reflux Diet
Acid reflux can become very serious if it is not appropriately treated and can even lead to severe complications. The factors responsible for causing acid reflux are multiple: low pressure in the region of the esophagus, inappropriate activity of the lower esophageal sphincter (a muscular valve at the union between the esophagus and the stomach), excessive production of digestive acid or physiological abnormalities of the esophagus.
Acid reflux may also occur due to inappropriate diet, stress and unhealthy lifestyle. The best way of controlling the condition is through the means of a good acid reflux diet. An appropriate acid reflux diet greatly contributes in preventing and controlling the condition. Due to the fact that excessive production of stomach digestive fluids aggravates the condition, an appropriate acid reflux diet should contain only foods that dont add to the stomachs acidity. A good acid reflux diet should exclude: foods that are rich in fat, citrus foods, tomato products, milk, caffeine-based products, spicy foods, fried foods, peppermint, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
First of all, avoid eating large amounts of foods that contain fat. By restricting the amount of fat in your acid reflux diet, you help normalize the activity of the stomach. When large amounts of fat-rich foods are ingested at once, the stomach cant manage to digest it properly and attempts to dissolve it by secreting more digestive acids. Exclude spices and other irritants (preservatives, colorants) from your acid reflux diet and replace fast food with home-cooked meals. Although it is believed that dairy products have a calming effect on the stomach, milk can eventually increase the amount of gastric acid. Milk has a rebound action on the stomach, neutralizing the levels of digestive acid at first, only to increase the amount of digestive acid further on.
It is very important to avoid smoking and the consumption of alcohol. These factors are proved to increase the production of gastric acids inside the stomach and therefore can aggravate acid reflux. Also, try to reduce the consumption of foods and beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, cola, black tea, cocoa, chocolate). Although it is not exactly known how caffeine affects the normal activity of the stomach, it is best to exclude it from your acid reflux diet.
Foods considered to be appropriate for people who suffer from acid reflux are: apples, bananas, cabbage, carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, rice, low-fat meat, bread, pasta and cereals. Include more foods that are rich in carbohydrates in your acid reflux diet (price, pasta, bread, cereals, potatoes) and try to reduce the intake of protein. You may eat light meats such as chicken or fish, but try to place meat products on a secondary level in your acid reflux diet.
Follow a good acid reflux diet and you will quickly improve your condition. In some cases, an appropriate acid reflux diet can even be a substitute for medication.
Acid reflux may also occur due to inappropriate diet, stress and unhealthy lifestyle. The best way of controlling the condition is through the means of a good acid reflux diet. An appropriate acid reflux diet greatly contributes in preventing and controlling the condition. Due to the fact that excessive production of stomach digestive fluids aggravates the condition, an appropriate acid reflux diet should contain only foods that dont add to the stomachs acidity. A good acid reflux diet should exclude: foods that are rich in fat, citrus foods, tomato products, milk, caffeine-based products, spicy foods, fried foods, peppermint, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.
First of all, avoid eating large amounts of foods that contain fat. By restricting the amount of fat in your acid reflux diet, you help normalize the activity of the stomach. When large amounts of fat-rich foods are ingested at once, the stomach cant manage to digest it properly and attempts to dissolve it by secreting more digestive acids. Exclude spices and other irritants (preservatives, colorants) from your acid reflux diet and replace fast food with home-cooked meals. Although it is believed that dairy products have a calming effect on the stomach, milk can eventually increase the amount of gastric acid. Milk has a rebound action on the stomach, neutralizing the levels of digestive acid at first, only to increase the amount of digestive acid further on.
It is very important to avoid smoking and the consumption of alcohol. These factors are proved to increase the production of gastric acids inside the stomach and therefore can aggravate acid reflux. Also, try to reduce the consumption of foods and beverages that contain caffeine (coffee, cola, black tea, cocoa, chocolate). Although it is not exactly known how caffeine affects the normal activity of the stomach, it is best to exclude it from your acid reflux diet.
Foods considered to be appropriate for people who suffer from acid reflux are: apples, bananas, cabbage, carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, rice, low-fat meat, bread, pasta and cereals. Include more foods that are rich in carbohydrates in your acid reflux diet (price, pasta, bread, cereals, potatoes) and try to reduce the intake of protein. You may eat light meats such as chicken or fish, but try to place meat products on a secondary level in your acid reflux diet.
Follow a good acid reflux diet and you will quickly improve your condition. In some cases, an appropriate acid reflux diet can even be a substitute for medication.
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn pregnancy is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms women experience in the early trimester of the pregnancy. According to medical experts, this heartburn symptom, though, seemingly quite uncomfortable, is considered most common and harmless. Still, if you find this heartburn quite unbearable at times, then get some tips from this article to alleviate its discomforts.
What Causes This Heartburn
The heartburn pregnancy starts stinging from the bottom end of the breastbone to the lower throat. Mainly the drastic hormonal changes that take place in body during pregnancy are to be blamed for this discomforting heartburn symptom. The physical changes in response to the changes in hormonal flow in the body also cause your heart to tingle. There is more than one cause of heartburn in early stage of pregnancy. The placenta or the connecting tissue between mother and the fetus generates progesterone hormone to smoothen the muscle of the uterus. This hormone is secreted also to relax the valve, the organ to separate esophagus from uterus, with gastric acids. The presence of this gastric acid causes pregnant women to experience uncomfortable heartburn.
There is one more function of progesterone hormone that causes heartburn pregnancy. Due to this hormone, the digestion process slows down and the wave of contractions between esophagus and intestine slow down to create a burning sensation in your chest area. The fetus plants itself in your abdominal cavity by shoving the stomach acid towards the esophagus, which is why, pregnant women feel a bit upsetting heartburn. Now that you know what acts as the culprit behind your hurting heartburn sensation, let us find out the ways to reduce the pain.
How To Reduce Intensity Of Heartburn
As slow down of the digestion process leads to expecting mothers to experience heartburn pregnancy, hence they are advised to take care of their diet habits. Reduce consumption of foods that are enriched with spices and are over fried. Cut down on big meals. Divide big meals into several small ones and take them throughout the day. Spend more time eating, make sure you chew your food thoroughly to digest it properly. Stop drinking water during mealtime. Yes, drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water during pregnancy is mandatory to minimize heartburn pregnancy symptom, but at the intervals of meals, not during the meals itself.
There is another way you can try to stabilize your digestion process: that is by chewing gum. Take a chewing gum after eating, as it will spur the salivary glands to defuse the gastric acid that causes heartburn.
Pregnant women are advised not to eat close to their bedtime. Eat two to three hours prior to your bedtime. You may also sleep by elevating your upper body with the support of two pillows. Choose loose clothes to relieve your waist and tummy. Also join a smoking cessation program if you have a habit of smoking. According to doctors, smoking is strictly prohibited for the wellbeing of both baby and mother. Finally take care of your diet by consulting with your physician for advice on diet schedule to keep heartburn pregnancy at bay.
What Causes This Heartburn
The heartburn pregnancy starts stinging from the bottom end of the breastbone to the lower throat. Mainly the drastic hormonal changes that take place in body during pregnancy are to be blamed for this discomforting heartburn symptom. The physical changes in response to the changes in hormonal flow in the body also cause your heart to tingle. There is more than one cause of heartburn in early stage of pregnancy. The placenta or the connecting tissue between mother and the fetus generates progesterone hormone to smoothen the muscle of the uterus. This hormone is secreted also to relax the valve, the organ to separate esophagus from uterus, with gastric acids. The presence of this gastric acid causes pregnant women to experience uncomfortable heartburn.
There is one more function of progesterone hormone that causes heartburn pregnancy. Due to this hormone, the digestion process slows down and the wave of contractions between esophagus and intestine slow down to create a burning sensation in your chest area. The fetus plants itself in your abdominal cavity by shoving the stomach acid towards the esophagus, which is why, pregnant women feel a bit upsetting heartburn. Now that you know what acts as the culprit behind your hurting heartburn sensation, let us find out the ways to reduce the pain.
How To Reduce Intensity Of Heartburn
As slow down of the digestion process leads to expecting mothers to experience heartburn pregnancy, hence they are advised to take care of their diet habits. Reduce consumption of foods that are enriched with spices and are over fried. Cut down on big meals. Divide big meals into several small ones and take them throughout the day. Spend more time eating, make sure you chew your food thoroughly to digest it properly. Stop drinking water during mealtime. Yes, drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water during pregnancy is mandatory to minimize heartburn pregnancy symptom, but at the intervals of meals, not during the meals itself.
There is another way you can try to stabilize your digestion process: that is by chewing gum. Take a chewing gum after eating, as it will spur the salivary glands to defuse the gastric acid that causes heartburn.
Pregnant women are advised not to eat close to their bedtime. Eat two to three hours prior to your bedtime. You may also sleep by elevating your upper body with the support of two pillows. Choose loose clothes to relieve your waist and tummy. Also join a smoking cessation program if you have a habit of smoking. According to doctors, smoking is strictly prohibited for the wellbeing of both baby and mother. Finally take care of your diet by consulting with your physician for advice on diet schedule to keep heartburn pregnancy at bay.
2008年1月1日星期二
A Worthy Choice: Saturns First Midsize SUV
The crossover segment has become hot recently and the automakers have outed several new models to keep up with the pace. Since there is a wide variety of models and makes to choose from, sometimes consumers now find themselves quite confused on which model to buy. Some models coming up include the 2007 Saturn Outlook and its close rival and near clone, the GMC Acadia. Along with the 2008 Buick Enclave (which arrived in the spring) and an upcoming Chevrolet version, the Saturn and GMC models will be replacing GMs entire lineup of conventional truck-based midsize SUVs, including Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier.
Last year was the first time that the sales on crossovers were able to outsell those of the truck-based SUVs. And, the vehicles among the segment rapidly gained the interest of the customers from both urban and suburban American community. Auto makers foresee that this trend will continue to flourish this year; thats why they are now setting aside plans for the likes of the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango and other GM models.
Customers are shifting to crossovers because it offers better fuel economy much more than the truck-based SUVs. Fuel economy has become a priority for custmers what with the soaring and unstable gasoline prices.
The Saturn Outlook and Vue, of which basically focused on the Saturn Outlook XR front-wheel-drive version and priced $29,555 plus $735 freight, provided the Saturn dealers their first midsize SUV. Setting the crossover as a priority more than the aging TrailBlazer platform, Saturn is said to be far more looking to the future.
As with the Outlook and Acadia, these models are closely compared since they are made on the same architecture and assembly line. However, they have their own uniqueness when it comes to styling cues and interior packages and it is where they are differentiated. Both the models are equipped with GMs 3.6 L V6 engine with variable valve timing. Such engine has been designed to provide optimum fuel economy as well as low emissions and exceptional smoothness.
For the Outlook, two configurations of its engine are held available: The entry-level XE model (base price &27,255 plus freight) comes with a single exhaust outlet, as what has been mentioned in seattlepi.com. Such engine could produce 263 hp and 244 ft-lb of torque.
When the XR was tested, the engine ratings climbed to 267 hp and 247 ft-lb of torque as a second exhaust outlet has been added. This makes the model same as with the Acadia. And, both have an engine that connects to a six-speed automatic transmission and both also offer either front- or all-wheel drive.
The XR version of the Outlook model has a starting price of $31,555, about $2,000 greater than the XE model with all-wheel drive.
Enhanced stability has been provided for the Outlook and Acadia as both have a long wheelbase with wide tracks. Both also come with a front suspension, including MacPherson struts, a stabilizer bar and aluminum steering knuckles. And, on the rear, a compact, linked H suspension design is significant.
Aside from being equipped with premium Saturn catalytic converter, the standard features provided for the Outlook and Acadia include power rack-and-pinion steering, GMs StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with anti-rollover technology, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and OnStar navigation/communications system.
Safety features have also been provided. It includes tire-pressure monitoring system and six standard air bags (two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags covering all three rows of seating).
Both Outlook and Acadia can tow trailers weighing a maximum of 4,500 lbs, when optionally equipped with towing package.
On the inside, adjustable seats have been provided along with the roomy space for the convenience of passengers together with children for the third row. They make a total of 177 cubic feet cabin space.
A convenience package is offered for XR model which provides additional standard items such as power tailgate, rear park assist, remote start, heated wiper fluid and a 155-volt power outlet.
All characteristics hold the GM models highly competitive as a rival for the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot.
Staying In Top Condition to Serve Customers with Excellence
Here is some information to help you stay proactive - to be in control of yourself and your emotions.
1. Have a safety valve for your emotions. If you suppress your anger and emotions all the time, you are likely to blow up at the wrong time at the wrong person. Express your anger, frustrations, and emotions to your safety valve - friends and family you trust.
2. Get plenty of rest. Do not deprive yourself of sleep. If you are overly tired, you are more likely to say and do irrational things. Know how much sleep you need each night. Most people need between six and eight hours of sleep each night.
3. Learn how to relax. Relaxing requires practice. Learn to relax your body and your mind. Put worry thoughts out of your mind. Replace them with pleasant thoughts. Only about two percent of what we worry about ever comes to pass. Heed the words of Mark Twain: I have experienced many terrible things in my life, a few of which have actually happened.
4. Exercise. It is one of the greatest tension relievers. Continuous exercise that is at least 15 to 20 minutes in duration, at least three times a week, is so valuable. Something as simple as a brisk thirty-minute daily walk can help you cope with lifes tensions.
5. Prioritize your work and do only one thing at a time. People have a tendency to get very stressful when their minds are cluttered and they perceive they have too much to do in too short a period of time. If this happens to you, you may indirectly voice your frustrations in your tone of voice. If you prioritize, you will learn to work on only one thing at a time and keep your work in perspective. It is also very important to remember that so called customer interruptions are not aggravations - they are part of your job!
6. Keep a sense of humor. Laughter is another great tension reliever. See the humor in lifes situations. Learn to laugh at yourself a little. Do not take yourself or your situations too seriously. Spend time with friends who like to laugh and joke. It will help to keep difficult situations in perspective.
7. Develop hobbies. Have outlets that get your mind off work. They help you to be a well-rounded individual. Hobbies help you to relax and to focus on other aspects of your life.
8. Eat right. If you eat junk food and load up on caffeine throughout the day, you are likely to experience emotional highs and lows throughout the day. The sugar high and caffeine can make you hyper. Then when the high wears off, you may feel tired. Also, different types of foods affect people in different ways. For instance, some foods make people feed sluggish or stuffy. Listen to the signals of your body. Give it fuel that keeps it energized and emotionally sharp.
9. Give yourself quiet time each day. Have a hermit spot where you can go to be completely alone, even if it is for only ten minutes a day. You need time to yourself - to melt your tensions away.
10. Create a mental focus. Create specific goals to focus on and strive for. People who know what they want in life feel more in control of their lives. Thus, they are usually less stressful.
Great Customer Service -
The essence of excellent customer service is going beyond the expected. Anticipating a customers needs so thoroughly that you fulfill the desire before it has even been expressed. Understanding what the customer expects, then exceeding those expectations. Take the initiative. Be memorable. Bring a sense of mission and artfulness to all your interactions. The customer that leaves feeling just satisfied has not been truly served - for satisfaction is only the starting point.
1. Have a safety valve for your emotions. If you suppress your anger and emotions all the time, you are likely to blow up at the wrong time at the wrong person. Express your anger, frustrations, and emotions to your safety valve - friends and family you trust.
2. Get plenty of rest. Do not deprive yourself of sleep. If you are overly tired, you are more likely to say and do irrational things. Know how much sleep you need each night. Most people need between six and eight hours of sleep each night.
3. Learn how to relax. Relaxing requires practice. Learn to relax your body and your mind. Put worry thoughts out of your mind. Replace them with pleasant thoughts. Only about two percent of what we worry about ever comes to pass. Heed the words of Mark Twain: I have experienced many terrible things in my life, a few of which have actually happened.
4. Exercise. It is one of the greatest tension relievers. Continuous exercise that is at least 15 to 20 minutes in duration, at least three times a week, is so valuable. Something as simple as a brisk thirty-minute daily walk can help you cope with lifes tensions.
5. Prioritize your work and do only one thing at a time. People have a tendency to get very stressful when their minds are cluttered and they perceive they have too much to do in too short a period of time. If this happens to you, you may indirectly voice your frustrations in your tone of voice. If you prioritize, you will learn to work on only one thing at a time and keep your work in perspective. It is also very important to remember that so called customer interruptions are not aggravations - they are part of your job!
6. Keep a sense of humor. Laughter is another great tension reliever. See the humor in lifes situations. Learn to laugh at yourself a little. Do not take yourself or your situations too seriously. Spend time with friends who like to laugh and joke. It will help to keep difficult situations in perspective.
7. Develop hobbies. Have outlets that get your mind off work. They help you to be a well-rounded individual. Hobbies help you to relax and to focus on other aspects of your life.
8. Eat right. If you eat junk food and load up on caffeine throughout the day, you are likely to experience emotional highs and lows throughout the day. The sugar high and caffeine can make you hyper. Then when the high wears off, you may feel tired. Also, different types of foods affect people in different ways. For instance, some foods make people feed sluggish or stuffy. Listen to the signals of your body. Give it fuel that keeps it energized and emotionally sharp.
9. Give yourself quiet time each day. Have a hermit spot where you can go to be completely alone, even if it is for only ten minutes a day. You need time to yourself - to melt your tensions away.
10. Create a mental focus. Create specific goals to focus on and strive for. People who know what they want in life feel more in control of their lives. Thus, they are usually less stressful.
Great Customer Service -
The essence of excellent customer service is going beyond the expected. Anticipating a customers needs so thoroughly that you fulfill the desire before it has even been expressed. Understanding what the customer expects, then exceeding those expectations. Take the initiative. Be memorable. Bring a sense of mission and artfulness to all your interactions. The customer that leaves feeling just satisfied has not been truly served - for satisfaction is only the starting point.
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