So a shortage that results from a supply interruption in Nigeria, or somewhere in Africa, is just as significant as a supply interruption, let's say, in the Middle East, or off the coast of Texas--because the whole market is ultimately affected by this.

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And it gives us the figures on how vulnerable gas supplies are: households would suffer interruption of gas supply if more than 60% of sources are cut off, assuming that industrial users take the first impact and cut their demand.

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"The AAP recognizes that monitors may be helpful to allow rapid recognition of apnea, airway obstruction, respiratory failure, interruption of supplemental oxygen supply, or failure of mechanical respiratory support, " the group states.

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While the plant in question makes iPads, which are already in short supply, the thinking among Apple analysts is that any interruption in production will be brief, and in any case will quickly be replaced with additional output from another Hon Hai plant in Shenzhen.

FORBES: Apple: Analysts See Limited Risks From Hon Hai Plant Explosion