# extract (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 10 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover extract. Page: Feed: --- ## [My other favourite new cookbook](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/my-other-favourite-new-cookbook) _2026-08-18 · India Knight · Home_ Recipes for life ## [Deciphering Date Differences with DATEDIFF](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/08/17/deciphering-date-differences-with-datediff/) _2026-08-17 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ (Try saying that 5 times quickly in a row) 🙂 There’s an old saying that’s gone around for years in IT circles which is “If you have a text parsing problem you can use a regular expression…now you have two problems“. I’d like to steal that phrase and manipulate it for the sake of today’s \[…\] ## [Weekend supplement](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/weekend-supplement-af6) _2026-08-15 · India Knight · Home_ - well, the August version ## [“Where are my patches?!?!”](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/08/13/where-are-my-patches/) _2026-08-13 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Anyone that follows me on the socials knows that I m pretty keen on security. Whilst all those other day-to-day things like performance and uptime etc etc are all important, rest assured; people will generally forgive you for being down for a while; they will forgive you for being slow for a while, but they will \[ \] ## [Preface](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/12) _2026-08-12 · Prof. Anandan Sambandam et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ It is our great honor and privilege to present this Special Issue on \`\`Chemistry of Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications'' in the Sultan Qaboos titled University Journal for Science (SQUJS). This thematic collection showcases research that highlights the important role of nanomaterials in addressing contemporary scientific, technological, environmental, and biomedical… ## [Mini supp](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/mini-supp) _2026-08-08 · India Knight · Home_ can't keep away ## [Me & My Desk: Mishal Husain](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/me-and-my-desk-mishal-husain) _2026-08-06 · India Knight · Home_ writer and broadcasting queen ## [More Gooey-ness from GUIDs](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/08/05/more-gooey-ness-from-guids/) _2026-08-05 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ I wrote a post a few years back (well, actually it was 2018!) but I ll paraphrase briefly. There are two common schools of thought when it comes to automatic generation of values for a surrogate key in the Oracle database. The first one is using a SEQUENCE, referencing it either directly in your table definition/SQL, \[ \] ## [APEX Collections – Taking More Control](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/08/03/apex-collections-taking-more-control/) _2026-08-03 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ I posted recently about the usage of APEX collections, a generic structure in APEX that lets you easily store a set of results without having to create a table in advance. It s easy to use and useful but I think it may have fallen into overuse. Good friend Jon Dixon replied on my post saying \[ \] ## [Weekend supplement](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/weekend-supplement-a95) _2026-08-01 · India Knight · Home_ free edition! ## [Fast, secure international transfers (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/HplcfquDIyDm) _2026-08-01 · **Sponsored**_ Bank transfer, cash pickup, mobile wallet — low fees and real-time tracking ## [Pharmaceuticals Acetaminophen, Cephalexin and Levofloxacin: Elimination and Toxicity Study via Carbon Nitride-Based Photocatalyst](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/11) _2026-07-31 · Faisal Al Marzouqi et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ In recent times, investigators have conducted extensive studies on carbon nitride-based photocatalytic materials. Earlier research mainly concentrated on the poly-condensation technique and the uses of the produced materials, whereas less attention was given to the starting precursors, which were broadly classified as nitrogen-rich. This research offers a complete examination of the appropriate… ## [Role of Oxygen Vacancy in Photocatalytic Water Splitting Using Ceria Bismuth Oxide Solid Solution](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/10) _2026-07-31 · Kahkashan Ansari et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ In this study, we report the successful synthesis of solid solution (SS) cerium bismuth oxide (CBO) photocatalysts via a facile combustion method using urea as starting materials at different calcination temperatures (300–900°C). The prepared CBO exhibited a nanocrystalline fluorite structure with a direct band gap of 3.02 eV, enabling efficient visible light driven photocatalytic water splitting.… ## [Green Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Carbon Capture and Clean Energy Applications](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/9) _2026-07-31 · Ranjana Rayaraddi et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ The rapid increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the growing global energy demand have intensified the search for sustainable carbon mitigation and clean energy solutions. Nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for carbon capture, energy conversion, and storage technologies due to their high surface area, tunable physicochemical properties, and superior catalytic… ## [Development and Evaluation of Electrospun PVA/Lemongrass Nanofibers as Potential Pest Control Applications](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/8) _2026-07-31 · Manjula Ramamoorthy et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ The growing demand for safe and controlled application of medicines in biological field has led to the development of using synthetic polymers. Essential oils have been used as green insecticides due to their non-toxic and eco-friendly nature. In this study, a green alternative insecticide based on PVA polymeric nanofibers and lemongrass was successfully prepared using electrospinning technique… ## [Atomistic Insights into the Adhesion of Polyurea on SiO\2\ Surfaces under Thermal Loading](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/7) _2026-07-31 · Sajid Mohammad Chhipa et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ The interfacial adhesion between polymer coatings and oxide substrates is a critical issue to improve the durability of the protective systems used in aggressive environments. Despite extensive research on polymer coatings, the atomistic understanding of the temperature-dependent adhesion behavior of polyurea on silica (SiO2) surfaces remains limited. In this study, the adhesion behavior of… ## [Assessing Amino Acids and Peptide Adsorption on Pristine Graphene in Aqueous Solution: NMR Spectroscopy](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/6) _2026-07-31 · Budoor S. Al Umairi et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ Graphene offers tremendous potential for applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical areas, ranging from molecular diagnostics, biosensors, and prosthetics to implants and drug delivery. However, realising the full potential of graphene is blocked by a limited understanding of the nature and detail of its noncovalent interactions with biological molecules in aqueous dispersion, where such… ## [Synthesis of NiO/CoO Photocatalyst for Enhanced Visible Light Assisted Photodegradation of Congo Red Dye – A Comparative Study](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/5) _2026-07-31 · Mohamed Siddiq et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ Serious health issues, including cancer, redness, skin irritation, and allergic reactions, have been linked to factories releasing Congo red dye into water supplies. Therefore, this study focused on the simple production of NiO/CoO (NCO) metal oxide nanocomposites using the reflux-assisted chemical precipitation method. Subsequently, these metal oxide nanocomposites were employed for effective… ## [BioBloom TiO\2\: Green Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Using \Clitoria ternatea\ Flower Extract for Bioremediation of Textile Dyes](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/4) _2026-07-31 · Nijasritha Jayaprakash et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ Nanotechnology is essential in many scientific disciplines, particularly materials science, where titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are widely studied for their stability and high photocatalytic performance in environmental applications. This study reports the green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) flower extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing… ## [Sustainable Microwave-assisted Casting Route for Orthopedic Plate Implant Fabrication: A Review of Current Status and Future Prospects](https://squjs.squ.edu.om/squjs/vol31/iss2/3) _2026-07-31 · Ashish Kumar et al. · Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science_ Rising need for quality orthopedic plate implants requires more efficient and sustainable manufacturing techniques. Traditional manufacturing routes for these implants includes gravity casting, forging, and powder metallurgy. Such methods often suffer from limitations such as non-uniform microstructures, high energy consumption, prolonged processing times, and environmental concern.… ## [Lucinda Chambers's picks for August](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/lucinda-chamberss-picks-for-august-fb5) _2026-07-31 · India Knight · Home_ a hint of autumn ## [Ship everywhere from one CLI (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/kjBdrofanb5U) _2026-07-31 · **Sponsored**_ One codebase, hosted runners, encrypted credentials, and automated submissions across stores ## [A Regency romance 🪭](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/a-regency-romance) _2026-07-30 · India Knight · Home_ - free extract from Henrietta, 'an official Georgette Heyer novel' ## [Database Features – The Bullet Point Myth](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/07/30/database-features-the-bullet-point-myth/) _2026-07-30 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ I have a presentation that I ve given from time to time over the years and it s called the bullet point myth . The main thrust of the presentation is that if you look at a high enough level then all databases can be considered equal. At the highest and most generic levels, it s easy to claim \[ \] ## [Tremenheere Gardens, Cornwall](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/tremenheere-gardens-cornwall) _2026-07-29 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ Art and Sculpture garden in Cornwall, with fabulous views of St Michael's Mount ## [The APEX\_COLLECTIONS crash puzzler…](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/07/28/the-apex_collections-crash-puzzler/) _2026-07-28 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ What would you do if everything in your environment looked perfectly fine, the data looked correct and yet every time you query a table, the query crashes with some sort of error? Yes, here I am back banging the drum about taking care with your data types 😊. In today s example I m going to show \[ \] ## [Saturday morning](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/saturday-morning) _2026-07-25 · India Knight · Home_ a temporary change of pace ## [Exeter University Botanic Gardens and Grounds, summer photography](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/exeter-university-botanic-gardens) _2026-07-22 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ Wildlife, Architecture and the Polytechnic of Central London ## [Snail mail](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/snail-mail) _2026-07-18 · India Knight · Home_ a stream of consciousness ## [Not the post I was expecting](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/07/16/not-the-post-i-was-expecting/) _2026-07-16 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ I m currently here in India for the Sangam conference, and I m always a fan of coming to India, because there is always an adventure. Coincidentally at breakfast this morning, I was telling one of the first-timer speakers that India is so good for repeat trips, because something is different every time. Now truth be told, \[ \] ## [The “best” tool](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/07/13/the-best-tool/) _2026-07-13 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ I had a question the other day that constantly pops up on my feed whether it s on social media or people asking Q A at a conference etc. And that question is What is the best tool I should be using for my database management and app development? And it s fair to say I generally get \[ \] ## [Weekend supplement](https://indiaknight.substack.com/p/weekend-supplement-7d5) _2026-07-11 · India Knight · Home_ a few things I loved ## [Point a Domain, Start a Pit (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/U0hfiEk46YW6) _2026-07-11 · **Sponsored**_ Point any domain to a blacked-out, poison-green coming-soon page with an email waitlist. ## [Letting Nature In](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/letting-nature-in) _2026-07-06 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ extract from my book 'A New Cottage Garden', published by Gemini Publishing 2024 ## [Tip: Expanding a SQL statement](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/07/02/tip-expanding-a-sql-statement/) _2026-07-02 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ In all recent versions of the database you can call DBMS\_UTILITY.EXPAND\_SQL\_TEXT to get the true version of a SQL that the database will run. It takes your SQL as input and returns a CLOB, which means its all a bit fiddly if you have a SQL statement already sitting in your SQLcl/SQLPlus buffer. Using a \[ \] ## [WITH clause gets a 26ai boost!](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/07/01/with-clause-gets-a-26ai-boost/) _2026-07-01 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ By way of background, a while back I did video called My New Favourite Join on the LATERAL clause. The reason I like it is that it lets you solve a problem by composing little pieces together rather than writing one enormous query. Now this post is not about LATERAL, but I ll show a quick \[ \] ## [The Goldilocks problem – Materialized Views](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/06/30/the-goldilocks-problem-materialized-views/) _2026-06-30 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ I m sure you ve all heard the tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but I d like to apply the Goldilocks principle to a database object-namely, a materialized view. You might be thinking, how does that apply to database objects when it comes to things like not too cold, not too hot, or not too heavy, \[ \] ## [Blue Sky Programming – The Optimism Trap](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/06/26/blue-sky-programming-the-optimism-trap/) _2026-06-26 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Many years ago, before I joined Oracle, I was working on a major modernisation project. We were replacing an existing non-Oracle system with an entirely new Oracle database application written from scratch. Not long after deploying a new version into our test environment, the results came back and a large number of tests had failed. \[ \] ## [Rain](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/rain) _2026-06-20 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ On garden photography in the rain ## [This one is for the 'shedfans' out there](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/this-one-is-for-the-shedfans-out) _2026-06-16 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ An extract from my book 'A New Cottage Garden', published by Gemini and available now ## [Keeping your tech ego in check](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/06/08/keeping-your-tech-ego-in-check/) _2026-06-07 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ In my usual twitter doom scrolling, I came across this post the other day Now it s pretty obvious to me that this is one of the standard engagement bait posts that are commonplace nowadays. It s designed to polarize opinions and thus the resultant discussion becomes a lot more inflammatory and thus succeeds the goal of \[ \] ## [Magnificent May](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/magnificent-may) _2026-06-03 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ and Elvis Costello ## [A New Cottage Garden on the radio](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/a-new-cottage-garden-on-the-radio) _2026-06-02 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ Toby Buckland's show on BBC radio Devon on sunday ## [First dabblings with APEXlang](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/27/first-dabblings-with-apexlang/) _2026-05-27 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Obviously there are plenty of folks in the Oracle APEX team with waaaayy more experience in APEXlang than I have, so this isn t an in-depth expose into all of the nuts and bolts of APEXlang. For that, I recommend you check out the AskTOM Live sessions where the APEX team are holding regular deep-dives on \[ \] ## [WHAT IS A COTTAGE GARDEN?](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/what-is-a-cottage-garden) _2026-05-22 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ An extract from my book 'A New Cottage Garden' published by Gemini Publishing ## [Chelsea Flower Show 2026](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/chelsea-flower-show-2026) _2026-05-19 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ Gnomes, Stones and Automobiles ## [Vanishing objects; hello ORA-08103](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/13/vanishing-objects-hello-ora-08103/) _2026-05-13 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ In the previous post we saw that even though we had done an exchange partition mid-flights through a query execution, the query kept on running to successful completion. The database managed to find the data from the exchanged partition and keep on executing. The logical next question is is that always the case? What \[ \] ## [A very robust query](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/12/a-very-robust-query/) _2026-05-12 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Some times I m blown away by how the database will try very hard to save you from yourself :-). Consider the following example: I ve got a table called T. It s got two columns, X and Y, and it s partitioned into four partitions, the values being based on X, 1, 2, 3 and 4 for the \[ \] ## [Mapperton Gardens, Dorset](https://markboltonphoto.substack.com/p/mapperton-gardens-dorset) _2026-05-11 · The Garden Photographer · The Garden Photographer_ Beautifully designed 1920's formal garden near Beaminster ## [The secret APEX performance hack](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/08/6991/) _2026-05-08 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Here s a little secret APEX performance hack if you are running on the Autonomous database. As background, I m running an Autonomous database with six CPUs and a terabyte of storage. Let me grab a good sized chunk of that terabyte with a single table. I just kept duplicating copies of DBA\_OBJECTS until my table got \[ \] ## [Signal to noise ratio – the AWR trap](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/06/signal-to-noise-ratio-the-awr-trap/) _2026-05-06 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Its never been easier to analyze an AWR report. With our new oracle skills repository, your favourite agent can do a respectable job giving some insights into the AWR report you created for your database. In my case, once codex has churned through the report using its various skills, the driving recommendation was as below \[ \] ## [The new release update experience](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/04/the-new-release-update-experience/) _2026-05-04 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ For about the last hmmm maybe decade or more, when you downloaded a release update from MOS for your database, the patch would consist of a single folder which was the patch number. You would unzip that to temporary location, download a fresh copy of OPatch and then patch your database. OPatch would take the \[ \] ## [My APEX installer / patcher](https://connor-mcdonald.com/2026/05/01/my-apex-installer-patcher/) _2026-05-01 · Connor McDonald · Learning is not a spectator sport_ Hopefully you have just seen that APEX patchset bundle 16 has just been released for 24.2. Of particular note is that a well-publicised Chrome change to deprecate the unload event created some issues in APEX. I regularly create fresh databases to handle questions on AskTOM or for demos in my videos or at conferences, and \[ \]