Ding H & 1Triggle CR (1Equal contribution). A review of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes: A focus on the contribution of a dysfunctional eNOS. 2010. [in press Journal of American Hypertension Society].
Ding H & 1Triggle CR (1Equal contribution) Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes: Multiple sites and multiple targets for treatment. 2010. Pflugers Arch - Eur J Physiol. 459:977-994.
Aljofan M, *Ding H. High glucose increases expression of cyclooxygenase-2, increases oxidative stress and decreases the generation of nitric oxide in mouse microvessel endothelial cells. J Cell Physiol. 222(3):669-75. 2010.
Bishara NB, *Ding H. Glucose enhances expression of TRPC1 and Ca entry in endothelial cells. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 298(1):H171-8. 2010.
Potocnik SJ, McSherry I, Ding H, Murphy TV, Kotecha N, Dora KA, Yuill KH, Triggle CR and Hill MA. Endothelium-dependent vasodilation in myogenically active mouse skeletal muscle arterioles: Role of EDH and K channels. Microcirculation, May 8:1-14, 2009.
Ellis Anthie, Zhong-Jian Cheng, Yang Li, Yanfen Jiang, Pannirselvam M, Hong Ding, Morley D. Hollenberg, and Chris Triggle. Effects of Western diet versus high glucose on endothelium-dependent relaxation in murine micro- and macro-vasculature. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 601: 111-117, 2008.
*Ding, H., Aljofan, M., & Triggle, CR. Oxidative stress and increased eNOS and NADPH oxidase expression in cell cultures of mouse microvessel endothelial cells exposed to high glucose. J. Cell Physiol. 212(3):682-9. 2007.
*Ding, H., Hashem, M., & Triggle, CR. Increased oxidative stress in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic apoE-deficient mouse: Changes in expression of NADPH oxidase subunits and eNOS. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 561:121-128. 2007.
Ceroni, L., Ellis, A., Weihler, W.B., Ding, H., & Triggle, C.R. Connexin and calcium-activated potassium channel expression expression and EDHF in mouse mesenteric vasculature. Eur J. Pharmacology 560: 193-200, 2007.
Ella S.M. Ng, Zhong-Jian Cheng, Anthie Ellis, Hong Ding, Yanfen Jiang Yang Li, Morley D. Hollenberg, and Chris Triggle. Nitrosothiol Stores in Vascular Tissue: Modulation by UV Light and Acetylcholine. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 560: 183-192, 2007.
ZJ Cheng, Y Jiang, H. Ding, TJ Anderson, D Severson, CR. Triggle. Iincreased contribution of endothelium-derived contractile factor in Type 2 diabetic TallyHo mice: role for cytochrome P450 products. Can. J. Physiol & Pharmacol. 85(3-4):404-12. 2007.
Wilson, A. Swan, J., Ding, H., Wilson, A., Whitbourn, R., Yii, M., Triggle, CR., Hill, MA., Best, J., Jenkins, A. Vascular Production of CRP and the Association Between Serum Levels and Plaque Deposition of CRP in Patients. Atherosclerosis. 191: 175-181. 2007.
M. Pannirselvam, H. Ding, T.J Anderson and C.R Triggle. Pharmacological Characteristics of Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor-mediated Relaxation of Small Mesenteric Arteries from db/db mice. Eur J. Pharmacol. 551(1-3):98-107, 2006.
*Ding, H., Hashem, M., Wiehler, W.B., Lau, W., Martin, J., Ried, J., Triggle, C.R. Endothelial dysfunction in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic apoE-deficient mouse. Br. J. Pharmacol.146: 1110-1118, 2005.
*Ding H, Howarth AG, Pannirselvam M, Anderson TJ, Severson DL, Wiehler WB, Triggle CR, Tuana BS. Endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes correlates with deregulated expression of the tail anchored membrane protein SLMAP. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 289(1):H206-211, 2005.
Chris R Triggle, Andrew Howarth, Zhong Jian Cheng, & Hong Ding. Twenty-five years since the discovery of EDRF: Does a dysfunctional endothelium contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes? Can. J. Physiol. & Pharmacol. 83: 681-700, 2005.
Hong Ding & Chris R Triggle. Endothelial cell dysfunction and the vascular complications associated with type II diabetes: Assessing the health of the endothelium. Vascular Health and Risk Management 1: 55-71, 2005.
Triggle CR, Ding H, Anderson TJ, Pannirselvam M. The endothelium in health and disease: A discussion of the contribution of non-nitric oxide endothelium-derived vasoactive mediators to vascular homeostasis in normal vessels and in type II diabetes. Mol Cell Biochem. 2004 263:21-27, 2004.
Triggle CR, Hollenberg M, Anderson TJ, Ding H, Jiang Y, Ceroni L, Wiehler WB, Ellis A, Andrews K, McGuire JJ, Pannirselvan M. The endothelium in health and disease � A target for therapeutic intervention. Journal of Smooth Muscle Research. 39: 249-267, 2003.
Triggle C. R. & Ding H. Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarizing Factor: Is there a novel chemical mediator? Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology. 29:153-160, 2002.
Ding H. & C.R. Triggle. Relaxing Blood Vessels: Are there novel endothelium-derived mediators to be found and can their discovery lead to the development of new therapeutic agents? Pharmaceutical News. 8: 42-49, 2001.
McGuire J., H. Ding & C. R. Triggle. Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factors � A Focus on Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor(s). Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 79: 443-470, 2001.
*Ding H. & C.R. Triggle. Novel Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factors: Identification Of Factors And Cellular Targets. J. Pharmacol. & Toxicol. Methods. 44: 441-452, 2000.
Ding H., P. Kubes and C.R. Triggle. Potassium- and Acetylcholine-induced Vasorelaxation in Mice Lacking Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Br. J. Pharmacol. 129:1194-2000, 2000.
Ding H., J. McGuire and C.R. Triggle. The Other Endothelium-Derived Relaxing Factor � A Review of Recent Findings Concerning the Nature and Cellular Actions of Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor (EDHF). Biomedical Research. 11: 119-129, 2000.
Waldron G.J., Ding H., F. Lovren, P. Kubes and C.R. Triggle. Acetycholine-induced Relaxation of Peripheral Arteries Isolated From Mice Lacking Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase. Br. J. Pharmacol. 128:653-658, 1999.
Triggle, C.R., Ding, H., Ng, E.S.N. Ellis, A. Nitric oxide (NO): synthesis and metabolism, tissue stores and the relationship of endothelium-derived NO to endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. In: "Signal Transduction and the Gasotransmitters: NO, CO, and H2S in Biology and Medicine". Edited by R. Wang. Humana Press, 2004.
Triggle, C.R., Pannirselvam, M., Anderson T.J & Ding, H. 2004. Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor(s). Does it exist and what role does it play in the regulation of blood flow? Proceedings of the XVII ISHR World Congress of the International Society for Heart Research (Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular Disease, edited by. N.S. Dhalla, H. Rupp & A. Angel, & G.N. Pierce. Published by Kluwer Press, Boston, USA) July 06-11 2001, Winnipeg, Canada. pp341-348.
Ding, H., & Triggle, C.R. Pharmacological characterization of potassium channels in intact mesenteric arteries and single smooth muscle cells from eNOS -/- and +/+ mouse. In Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor. EDHF 2000. Edited by Paul M. Vanhoutte, Taylor & Francis, London & New York pp. 274-283, 2001.


Storytelling + Research = LoiS: Give a Cheer for Summer Reading!
It all began with a very tiny cheerleader outfit; then I found Priscilla Gorilla hanging around a Garage Sale and knew I'd found a new puppet sidekick to join me whether for National Reading Month or Summer Reading as I Give a Cheer for Heroes in the 398s!
As winter starts to punch its way in, it's always great to think ahead to summer! The multi-state library cooperative for summer reading programs in 2015 featured heroes. 2016 will continue those stories as they are all based on various sports. This is why I especially thought about those heroic aspects so often found in folklore.
Of course I always have lots of stories filled with male and female heroes from folklore, BUT that cheerleading idea started to um, er, well . . . Snowball!
Priscilla already is looking forward to her debut, but in the meantime here are cheers for libraries, reading, and especially Summer Reading. Because this also works for reading at all times of the year, some have alternate wording beyond summer.
Rah, rah, rah, and a Sis Boom Bah!
All who love reading will go far!
I'm on the (Summer) Reading Team!
Be a Summer Reading star!
LoiS-sez@LoiS-sez.com and you can see more about Summer Reading and my other programs at http://www.LoiS-sez.com -- come and look!
Love your cheers! Thanks for sharing!


When it's time for new tires, you need the best. Readington Auto & Tire only stocks the best brands in the industry, which is why we carry an extensive selection of Nokian tires. Customers in Whitehouse Station, NJ, Lebanon, NJ, and Clinton, NJ, and surrounding areas always choose Nokian tires from Readington Auto & Tire when it's time for a new set of tires.


Whether you use it as a cup, a bowl (for sugar maybe), or a catchall for your keys at the end of the counter, you should know the Masu Set has a history that stretches back 1,300 years. First introduced in Japan as an aid to measure foods like rice and soy sauce, this storied Japanese design eventually became a measure of wealth in a society that used rice as currency. Now commonly used as a sake cup, but oh-so-versatile, the Masu from Ohashi Ryoki is made from premium Japanese cypress with a scent that relaxes and refreshes and composed with nearly no glue.


text:
Business & Transactional
Family Law FAQs
Divorce Magazine Newsletters
Estate Trust & Tax
Healthcare & Elder Law
Civil Unions and Dissolution
States define "marriage" differently, leaving the issues related to same-sex marriages in a state of flux across the country. In an effort to address these issues, Illinois passed the Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act, which allows for the creation and dissolution of non-marital civil unions.
The Illinois law allows any two qualified individuals, of the same or different sexes, to enter into a civil union. The new law provides all the legal benefits and protections as are provided to married couples under Illinois law. It does not, however, extend those benefits or protections as are provided under federal law.
For example, individuals who enter into a civil union will be permitted to file a joint state tax return, but must file separate federal returns. They may seek maintenance upon dissolution of the civil union, enter into pre-civil union agreements to protect property, gain automatic rights of hospital visitation and medical decision-making for their partner, have the right to inherit in the absence of a will, and gain the right to certain spousal health insurance benefits.
These are but a few of the rights partners in a civil union have available to them under the new law. But those rights come with responsibilities as well, such as the duty to provide joint financial support and joint liability for family debts.
For advice about this rapidly changing area of the law, contact a member of ZRFM's divorce and family law team or telephone (815) 459-2050.
If you are interested in learning about the workplace and civil unions, please link to an article on our law firm's main site titled How the Illinois Civil Union Act Affects Employers. You can return to mchenrydivorcelawyers.com afterward by hitting the back button on your browser or by navigating through ZRFM's Divorce & Family Law page on the main site.
Copyright © 2021 - Zukowski, Rogers, Flood & McArdle - All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Disclaimer Se Habla Español

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Why Mitt Romney Has Turned to Lying About the Auto Bailout
Molly Ball
The 2009 rescue of the auto industry is broadly popular in Ohio -- and Republicans never came up with a coherent argument against it.
The latest round of the Auto Bailout Wars began on Friday, when Mitt Romney, campaigning in Defiance, Ohio, told the crowd, "I saw a story today that one of the great manufacturers in this state, Jeep, now owned by the Italians, is thinking of moving all production to China."
It wasn't true, according to Chrysler, the company that owns Jeep and is majority-owned by the Italian automaker Fiat: Romney had apparently misread a confusingly written Bloomberg report (or read an inaccurate summary of it), in which the company talked about making Jeeps in China in addition to the current U.S. operation.
That didn't stop the Romney campaign from making an ad based on the claim and airing it in Ohio, starting Sunday.
Obama, the ad says, "sold Chrysler to Italians who are going to build Jeeps in China." That's technically accurate, but highly misleading, especially given the following line, "Mitt Romney will fight for every American job." That strongly implies that Obama's actions allowed something to happen to American jobs, when, in fact, no U.S. workers would be affected by adding capacity in China and Jeep is in the process of adding more than 1,000 workers in Ohio. That Romney campaign put the ad on the air without issuing a press release about it, and mostly declined to defend it to reporters, implied a certain degree of sheepishness about its claims.
The Obama campaign quickly worked itself into a froth of outrage over the ad. "Flat. Out. False," campaign manager Jim Messina said Monday. "It reeks of desperation because that's what it is." By Monday afternoon, the Obama campaign was out with its own ad responding to Romney's.
The back-and-forth over the ad wasn't just the petty fracas of a late-stage campaign. It illustrated a deeper truth: The auto bailout is helping Obama in Ohio, and Romney has never managed to blunt the president's edge on the issue.
The bailout -- accomplished via executive action in 2009 using funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program -- was unpopular at the time. But now that the auto companies are thriving, the president often touts it as an example not just of a resurgent economy but of tough decision-making. One poll earlier this month found that 54 percent of Ohioans approved of the auto rescue, while just 37 percent did not -- and 79 percent thought the auto industry was an important issue.
The most obvious evidence that Obama is winning on the auto bailout comes in the way Republicans have fumbled around for a response. As they campaign in Ohio, Romney and his allies have trotted out a variety of counter-arguments, but none has stuck. The result is a hash of convoluted explanations and excuses:
* The bailout wasn't necessary. This is basically Romney's line. Though he famously wrote an op-ed headlined "Let Detroit Go Bankrupt," he was not, as Obama claims, advocating letting the industry fail; he called for the auto companies to be taken through a managed bankruptcy with the aid of private capital. (Even the most dedicated free-marketeers don't generally dare to argue that the auto companies were failing because they couldn't compete and deserved to die.) The major problem with this argument is that there was no such private capital to be had at the time; that's why the companies were begging for federal help.
* The bailout wasn't a big deal. That's the claim made by Ohio's Republican governor, John Kasich, who says it only created 400 new jobs. Kasich gives his own efforts to recruit business to the state more credit for the improving economy in Ohio, whose unemployment rate of 7 percent is below the national average. Democrats put the number of bailout-linked jobs as high as 850,000. The discrepancy comes from the fact that Kasich is using the narrowest possible definition -- jobs on the manufacturing line in auto plants -- whereas Democrats are using a more expansive metric, including jobs at industry suppliers and related businesses supported by the industry, such as stores where auto workers shop. Romney's campaign has also argued that Ohio voters are getting tired of Obama's pounding away at the bailout issue.
* The bailout was a good idea. Some Republicans' attempt to argue against the bailout is muddled by the fact that other Republicans supported it. A December 2008 precursor bill that died in the Senate was supported by 32 Republican House members, including eight Michigan Republicans, two Ohio Republicans, and Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan -- now Romney's running mate. Nine Republican senators also supported the measure, including then-Ohio Sen. George Voinovich.
* The bailout wasn't fair. Many Republicans argue that the auto rescue was little more than a giveaway to Democrats' union allies and note that the bailout had both winners and losers. Ryan points to a plant in his hometown of Janesville that the bailout failed to save; Josh Mandel, the Republican candidate challenging Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, points to an Ohio stamping plant that shut down (he also won't say what he would have done instead). Mandel and other Republicans have tried to make an issue of the fact that the parts supplier Delphi's hourly workers had their pensions saved under the bailout, but salaried workers did not. (The spurned Delphi retirees can be seen protesting outside many of Obama's Ohio events.) And then there are the dealerships that were downsized in the bailout. Ohio Rep. Jim Renacci, a Republican, was inspired to run for Congress in 2010 when his northeast Ohio Chrysler dealership was shuttered as part of the rescue effort. But even Renacci, who is now in a tough reelection battle with another incumbent, Democrat Betty Sutton, doesn't argue the bailout shouldn't have happened. He just says it should have been administered differently.
The auto rescue may or may not have been good policy. But Ohioans seem to think it worked, and they give Obama credit for it. Having cycled through so many arguments against it, all of them unsuccessful, Romney appears to have concluded the only way to win on the issue is to mislead voters about its effects.
Molly Ball is Time magazine's national political correspondent and a former staff writer at The Atlantic.


text:
Tag Archives: Canada
Canadian Nanotechnology Firm Finds Water in the Driest of Air
A Canadian startup could have a new breakthrough in pulling moisture from the driest of places. For years, researchers around the world have been looking for new technology and methods of making drinkable water out of the atmosphere.
The company Awn Nanotech, based out of Montreal, have been leveraging the latest in nanotechnology to make that water harvesting a reality. Awn Nanotech, most recently, released new information about their progress at the American Physical Society's March meeting — the world's largest gathering of physicists.
Founder Richard Boudreault made the presentation, who is both a physicist and an entrepreneur with a sizeable number of other tech-based startup companies under his belt. He said the company got its inspiration after hearing about the water crises in southern California and South Africa. While most others were looking to solve the problem by desalination techniques and new technologies, he wanted to look to the sky instead.
He also wondered if he could create a more cost-efficient alternative to the other expensive options on the market. By tapping into nanotechnology, he could pull the particles toward each other and use the natural tension found in the surface as a force of energy to power the nanotechnology itself.
"It's extremely simple technology, so it's extremely durable," Boudreault said at the press conference.
Boudreault partnered with college students throughout Canada to develop a specific textile. The fine mesh of carbon nanotubes would be both hydrophilic (attracts water to the surface) on one side and hydrophobic (repels water away from the surface) on the other.
Water particles hit the mesh and get pushed through the film from one side to the other. This ultimately forms droplets.
"Because of the surface tension, (the water) finds its way through," Boudreault explained. The water then gets consolidated into storage tanks as clean water where it can await consumption. While there's no need for power with the system, the Awn Nanotech team realized they could significantly speed up the water harvesting process by adding a simple fan. The team quickly added a small fan of a size that cools a computer. To make sure the fan also kept energy usage low, the fan itself runs on a small solar panel.
There have been some other attempts around the world to scale up water harvesting technology. In April 2017, a team from MIT partnered with University of California at Berkeley to harvest fog. They turned their attention to already very moist air and created a much cheaper alternative to other fog-harvesting methods using metal-organic frameworks.
However, unlike the small frameworks developed by the MIT researchers, Boudreault said that they've quickly scaled up their technology. In fact, the Awn Nanotech team has already created a larger alternative to their smaller scale that can capture 1,000 liters in one day. They're currently selling their regular-scale water capture systems for $1,000 each, but the company intends on partnering with agricultural companies and farms for the more extensive systems.
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged breakthrough discovery, Canada, Genesis Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology, water, Water Filtration
Ontario government scraps plan for $3.8 billion in renewable energy projects – Is this a harbinger of things to come?
The move will keep $2.45 from going on the average homeowner's monthly hydro bill.
Ontario is blowing off plans for more wind and solar power as it feels the heat over high electricity bills less than two years before a provincial election.
In its latest effort to curb prices, Premier Kathleen Wynne's government is axing plans to sign another $3.8 billion in renewable energy contracts, Energy Minister Glenn Thibeault said Tuesday.
The move — which the Progressive Conservatives have demanded for years — will prevent $2.45 from being added to the average homeowner's monthly hydro bill in the coming years.
Thibeault called it a "common sense" decision after the province's electricity planning agency recently advised there is no "urgent need" for additional supply given Ontario's surplus of generating capacity.
"I've been tasked to find ways to bring bills down," said Thibeault, who was appointed minister last June. "When our experts said we didn't need it, that's when I acted."
There may be more measures to come, Thibeault hinted in a speech prepared for the Ontario Energy Association on Tuesday night.
He pledged to "take a prudent look at every policy decision that has been made and determine if there is work we can do to reduce costs to Ontarians."
The projects scrapped Tuesday would have created up to 1,000 megawatts of power, just under one-third of the 3,500 megawatts the four-unit Darlington nuclear power station produces near Oshawa.
Progressive Conservative Leader Patrick Brown called the suspension "too little, too late" while former Liberal energy minister George Smitherman and environmentalists suggested the government should have taken aim at costly nuclear refurbishments.
"Ontario had a choice to look forward but it chose to look backwards," Smitherman said in a statement.
"The cancellation of the Large Renewable Procurement (LRP II) program makes it a scapegoat for pricing when the real culprit for oversupply is the aging Pickering nuclear plant."
Ontario is planning to keep Pickering open until 2024 to provide electricity while it spends $12.8 billion refurbishing Darlington.
Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner said "the Liberals have chosen the wrong target," echoing comments from the David Suzuki Foundation and Environmental Defence that the renewable cancellation is "short-sighted."
"If you're concerned about cost, you do more renewables and less nuclear," said Gideon Forman from the foundation, noting the suspension will cost jobs in the green energy sector.
The Canadian Wind Energy Association warned cancelling the renewables will make it harder for Ontario to meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets in the battle against climate change.
Thibeault insisted the government is not "backtracking" on green energy because previously signed renewable contracts will go ahead in the province, eventually providing 18,000 megawatts of green energy. He said 90 per cent of generation, including nuclear, is emissions-free.
Sixteen projects — five wind, seven solar and four hydroelectric — approved last winter are proceeding and expected to create 455 megawatts of generating capacity.
That means ratepayers will still be on the hook for "energy we don't need," said Brown.
"They've made a huge mistake on the energy file . . . bills are still going to go up."
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath blamed increasing privatization of the electricity system for steadily rising prices in the last decade, leaving Ontarians "paying the freight."
The Liberal government, lagging in the polls, announced in its throne speech two weeks ago that the 8 per cent provincial tax on electricity will come off bills starting in January.
Many rural homeowners who face high delivery charges for hydro will also see 20 per cent savings, and 1,000 more companies will be able to take advantage of a program that allows them to shift hydro use away from periods of peak demand in return for lower prices.
That's in addition to a hydro subsidy plan for low-income residents called the Ontario Electricity Support Program already in place.
Wynne and her MPPs were shadowed by wind farm protesters last week at the International Plowing Match and booed over hydro prices by some in attendance.
Thibeault downplayed the hostile reception.
"I was booed as a politician before. It's something that comes with the job, right? My previous experience as a hockey referee helped me with the boos," Thibeault told reporters Tuesday.
Also Tuesday, the provincial Financial Accountability Office released a report that found households in Toronto and Niagara typically spend the least on home energy costs and confirmed that northern Ontario residents spend the most, with low-income families facing the highest burden.
We want to know what YOU think. Is a "practical" decision like this, based on "which way the political wind is blowing" (pardon the pun) make sense in the short term? Long term? Leave us your Comments. We always like hearing from you! – Team GNT
Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Ontario, Renewable Energy, Solar, Wind
U of Alberta awarded $75 million for energy research – Including 'Low-Cost' Solar on Par with Hydrocarbons
Amarjeet Sohi (left), minister of infrastructure and communities, tours chemistry professor Jillian Buriak's lab after announcing $75 million in federal funding to U of Alberta through the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
Government of Canada investment establishes the Future Energy Systems Research Institute.
The University of Alberta will launch a new institute aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of fossil fuels and developing new low-carbon energy systems, thanks to a $75-million federal grant.
The U of A's Future Energy Systems Research Institute will bring together researchers across disciplines to improve energy systems related to unconventional hydrocarbon resources—tailings ponds, greenhouse emissions, water use, land reclamation, and safe, efficient energy transportation.
The institute will also build on U of A strengths in advanced materials, smart electrical grids and bioprocessing to help move Canada to a low-carbon energy economy.
The $75-million federal investment is part of the Canada First Excellence Research Fund to strategically invest in areas where post-secondary research institutions have a competitive advantage and can become global leaders.
"I thank the Government of Canada's historic investment in the Canada First Excellence Research Fund. This funding marks a major step forward for Canada and our collective ability to provide global leadership in response to a diverse set of grand challenges," said U of A President David Turpin.
Turpin said the Future Energy Systems Research Institute pushes Canadian energy and environment research "onto a new level."
"We will build on our broad historic strengths in these areas and spearhead provincial, national and international research partnerships and projects that envision and deliver solutions to the world's most urgent energy challenges—reducing the environmental footprint of today's energy system and making the transition to a cleaner, safer and more abundant low-carbon energy future."
Kirsty Duncan, Canada's minister of science, unveiled the latest round of investments Sept. 6 at the University of Waterloo. In total, the Government of Canada invested $900 million in 13 Canadian research universities.
"The Canada First Research Excellence Fund will equip Canada to respond to some of the most pressing issues it will face in the future: brain health, sustainable food and water supplies, environmental concerns, future energy supplies. The research supported through this fund will make the country stronger," Duncan said.
Low-cost solar on par with hydrocarbons
Jillian Buriak's work toward low-cost solar cells is the kind of innovative energy research that will benefit from $75 million in new federal funding announced today.
U of A chemistry professor Jillian Buriak represents the type of research innovator who could apply for funding through the new institute. Buriak is developing low-cost solar cells, including a version that uses a spray-coating technology.
Buriak said some estimates predict energy use by humans will double by 2050 and triple by 2100. The sun is the largest source of power we can access, and the cost of solar power is now on par with hydrocarbons, making it an increasingly viable alternative, she said.
"A clean, low-carbon source of plentiful energy is needed to maintain the social and economic security of humanity. From climate change to escalating conflict over energy and resources, our future is at risk unless we transition to a low-carbon future," said Buriak. "The Canada First Excellence Research Fund allows the University of Alberta to pioneer a made-in-Alberta solution to help solve the world's energy challenges, helping us to transition to a low-carbon economy."
The U of A will work collaboratively with the University of Calgary, which also received $75 million for its Global Research Initiative in Low Carbon Unconventional Resources. The U of C's initiative aims to transform the extraction of unconventional energy resources such as the oil-sands to improve efficiency and reduce Canada's carbon footprint.
Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Energy Independence, Environment, Genesis Nanotechnology, Nanotechnology, Renewable Energy, Solar energy, University of Alberta
Toronto's QD (Quantum Dot) Solar sole Canadian among five winners of solar technology challenge
Five North American solar start-up companies have been selected to receive further support in developing their technology and moving them closer to market under the SunRISE TechBridge Challenge, which had 56 team entries.
Of the five winners, one is Canadian colloidal quantum dot cell developerQD Solar, which will gain support from Greentown Launch acceleration and DSM Partnership/Investment, as well as desk and lab space at Greentown Labs in Somerville, MA, and networking and coaching to accelerate their business and networking in the cleantech community in the Greater Boston area.
QD Solar uses low-cost, nano-engineered particles to produce solar cells that can capture wasted infrared light, resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency over conventional solar panels, based on research conducted at the Nanomaterials for Energy Laboratory in the University of Toronto's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
The SunRISE TechBridge Challenge challenged companies to present innovative solutions and new materials that will lower the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for photovoltaic (PV) systems, including novel materials for existing and emerging high performance PV modules, technologies enabling non-traditional solar deployment, and business models that integrate solar PV with energy storage.
QD Solar started life at the University of Toronto and MaRS Innovation, and in March received $2.55 million from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC).
Conventional solar panels waste a large portion of available sun energy because their silicon solar cells can't capture infrared light energy, a problem that QD Solar set out to solve with their proprietary quantum dot-based solar cells using nano-engineered, low-cost materials that can absorb infrared light.
QD Solar CEO Dan Shea is a former executive with Celestica and Blackberry.
In 2009, co-founder Edward Sargent and his team at the University of Toronto received a grant from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia to advance their research into colloidal quantum dots for solar power applications.
The SunRISE TechBridge Challenge was organized by Fraunhofer TechBridge and the SunRISE Partners, which include Royal DSM and Greentown Labs.
The Fraunhofer TechBridge Challenge is an offering of the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems (CSE), which organizes several industry-sponsored annual challenges to accelerate promising technologies through targeted industry-driven validation projects, including the SunRISE Challenge, Advanced Industrial Surfaces, the Microgrid Challenge, and the Innovation Ecosystem Program.
Fraunhofer Gesellschaft is a German applied R&D organization which has 66 institutes and independent research units throughout Germany and 80 institutes and centers around the world.
Nicola Bettio, a member of QD Solar's Board of Directors, manages the KAUST Innovation Fund and anticipates the establishment of the company's presence in a significant development facility in KAUST's Research & Technology Park in the near future.
1 Comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Genesis Nanotechnology, KAUST, Nano Solar Cells, Nanotechnology, Quantum Dots, Solar energy
Canada's Grafoid Scores Another Significant JVP with China's Xiamen Tungsten
Kingston, Ontario's Grafoid Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the establishment of a strategic joint venture partnership with China's largest producer and exporter of tungsten products, Xiamen Tungsten Co. Ltd., which will see Xiamen take up to a 20% equity stake in privately held Grafoid, pending the completion of due diligence which is set to conclude on May 22, 2016.
Xiamen's equity position in Grafoid was negotiated through its parent company, Ottawa's Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS) (OTCQX:FCSMF) (FRANKFURT:FKC), through the purchase of up to 7 million Grafoid common shares currently held by Focus Graphite.
"In addition to providing Grafoid with a strategic partner, Grafoid's MOU with Xiamen, has benefits for Focus Graphite. When finalized, it will provide additional funding to allow us to advance our overall mine and transformation plant financing, and potentially open the China market to Focus Graphite for additional offtake partners and the sale of value added graphite products," said Focus Graphite CEO and Director Gary Economo.
"Specifically, this injection of funding could enable Focus Graphite to advance our Lac Knife detailed engineering and finalize the environmental permitting process" said Economo. "And, it enables us to move to the next stage in assembling our mine CAPEX financing."
Last September, Grafoid and Focus Graphite finalized two offtake agreements for obtaining graphite concentrate from a mining project at Lac Knife in Quebec for the next 10 years, one of the priorities of the Quebec government's Plan Nord initiative.
Focus Graphite, with 7.9 million shares, is currently Grafoid's largest stakeholder.
The MOU will also see the establishment of Xiamen's business office at the Grafoid Global Technology Center in Kingston, providing Xiamen with a North American base for future business expansion, as well as the establishment of a Grafoid business office in China.
Grafoid's path to commercialization lies in its patented product, a high-quality graphene trading under the name Mesograf.
Other terms of the MOU include the desire of Xiamen to introduce a clean energy technology platform and associated technologies to the Chinese market, and the opportunity for Grafoid to bring its suite of Mesograf and Amphioxide graphene based products to China.
With the Lac Knife project moving forward, Grafoid is well positioned to supply global markets with with high purity, value-added, cost-competitive graphite products while supporting the next generation battery development platform of Grafoid, Focus Graphite, Stria Lithium Inc., and Braille Battery Inc.
With annual revenue surpassing 10.143B CNY ($1.55B US), Xiamen, a publicly traded company listed on the Shanghai Exchange (SHA:600549), is a major player in that country's smelting, processing and exporting of tungsten and other non-ferrous metal products, the operation of rare earth business interests, and the supply of battery materials.
Grafoid currently has 17 joint partnership ventures with industrial and academic partners, including Japan's Mitsui & Co., Hydro Quebec, Rutgers University, the University of Waterloo, and Phos Solar Systems in Greece.
Last February, Grafoid received an $8.1 million investment from the SD Tech Fund of Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) to help automate the production of Mesograf and end-product development.
Earlier this month, Professor Aiping Yu of the University of Waterloo's Chemical Engineering department received a $450,000 Strategic Partnership Grant through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to help Grafoid develop an advanced graphene fiber based wearable supercapacitor.
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Grafoid, Graphene, Nanomaterials, Nanotechnology
Targeted drug delivery could help fight tumors and local infections
Some drug regimens, such as those designed to eliminate tumors, are notorious for nasty side effects. Unwanted symptoms are often the result of medicine going where it's not needed and harming healthy cells. To minimize this risk, researchers in Quebec have developed nanoparticles that only release a drug when exposed to near-infrared light, which doctors could beam onto a specific site. Their report appears in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
For years, scientists have been striving to develop localized treatments to reduce side effects of therapeutic drugs. They have designed drug-delivery systems that respond to light, temperature, ultrasound and pH changes. One promising approach involved drug-carrying materials that are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light. Shining a beam in this part of the light spectrum causes the materials to release their therapeutic cargo at a designated location. But UV light has major limitations. It can't penetrate body tissues, and it is carcinogenic. Near-infrared (NIR) light can go through 1 to 2 centimeters of tissue and would be a safer alternative, but photosensitive drug-carriers don't react to it. McGill University engineering professor Marta Cerruti and colleagues sought a way to bring the two kinds of light together in one possible solution.
The researchers started with nanoparticles that convert NIR light into UV light and coated them in a UV-sensitive hydrogel shell infused with a fluorescent protein, a stand-in for drug molecules. When exposed to NIR light, the nanoparticles instantaneously converted it to UV, which induced the shell to release the protein payload. The researchers note that their on-demand delivery system could not only supply drug molecules but also agents for imaging and diagnostics.
The above post is reprinted from materials provided by McGill University. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.
Ghulam Jalani, Rafik Naccache, Derek H. Rosenzweig, Lisbet Haglund, Fiorenzo Vetrone, Marta Cerruti.Photocleavable Hydrogel-Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles: A Multifunctional Theranostic Platform for NIR Imaging and On-Demand Macromolecular Delivery. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2016; DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b12357
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Cancer, Drug delivery, McGill University, Nano-Bio and Bio-Medicine, Nanotechnology
The Promise Of Canada's Nanotechnology Industry – Analysis
The term 'nanotechnology' entered into the public vernacular quite suddenly around the turn of the century, right around the same time that, when announcing the US National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) in 2001, President Bill Clinton declared that it would one day build materials stronger than steel, detect cancer at its inception, and store the vast records of the Library of Congress in a device the size of a sugar cube. The world of science fiction took matters even further. In his 2002 book Prey, Michael Creighton wrote of a cloud of self-replicating nanorobots that terrorize the good people of Nevada when a science experiment goes terribly wrong.
Back then the hype was palpable. Federal money was funneled to promising nanotech projects as not to fall behind in the race to master this new frontier of science. And industry analysts began to shoot for the moon in their projections. The National Science Foundation famously predicted that the nanotechnology industry would be worth $1 trillion by the year 2015.
Well here we are in 2015 and the nanotechnology market was worth around $26 billion in last year, and there hasn't even been one case of a murderous swarm of nanomachines terrorizing the American heartland.
Is this a failure of vision? No. If anything it's only a failure of timing.
The nanotechnology industry is still well on its way to accomplishing the goals set out at the founding of the NNI, goals which at the time sounded utterly quixotic, and this fact is increasingly being reflected in year-on-year growth numbers. In other words, nanotechnology is still a game-changer in global innovation, it's just taking a little longer than first expected.
The Promise of Nanotechnology
We know the hype, but what's the reality of nanotechnology? Simply put, the field involves the manipulation of matter on an extremely small scale – that of less than 100 nanometers – in order to create new materials and devices. Just as nanotechnology itself is a broad interdisciplinary pursuit across the sciences, so too are the technology's real-world applications, which span several industries: biomedical, electronics, energy, and environmental just to name a few. The largest sub-sector of nanotechnology is nanomaterials, which accounted for nearly 80% of the industry in 2013. These materials can be used for anything from water purification to self-cleaning walls to anti-microbial surfaces in a hot zone, and they are already being applied in a wide variety of industrial contexts.
The promise of nanotechnology is alive and well, and the possibilities remain endless. Science & innovation occupy a unique position in their potential to change the world for the better. When grappling with transnational risks to the environment and human life, national governments and international institutions can easily be derailed by internecine conflict. In the few cases where interests are aligned, bureaucratic inefficiency can further thwart a swift and effective response. Science transcends these challenges as nothing else can, and in this nanotechnology is the cutting edge. It's the difference between having to organize, fund, and coordinate tens of thousands of volunteers across three states to clean up the Deepwater Horizon spill and dispersing the oil quickly and painlessly using nanomaterials, which would also be a far safer alternative than the chemical-based dispersants used in the Gulf of Mexico.
Nanotechnology also represents economic promise, something that a handful of far-sighted governments were quick to identify. Through 2012, the United States has invested $3.7 billion, China $1.3 billion, the EU $1.2 billion, and Japan $750 million into their respective domestic industries. All are hoping that these early investments will pay off by creating jobs and a solid R&D base in one of the last uncharted frontiers of the global innovation economy.
The Canadian Connection
Although the Canadian government is not among the world's top spenders on nanotechnology research, the industry still represents a bright spot in the future of the Canadian economy. The public-private engine at the center of Canada's nanotech industry, the National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT), was founded in 2001 with the stated goal of "increasing the competitiveness of Canadian companies; creating technology solutions to meet the needs of society; expanding training programs for researchers and entrepreneurs; and enhancing Canada's stature in the world of nanotechnology." This ambitious mandate that NINT set out for itself was to be accomplished over the course of two broad stages: first a 'seeding' phase of attracting promising personnel and coordinating basic research, and the then a 'harvesting' phase of putting the resulting nanotechnologies to the service of Canadian industry.
Recent developments in Canadian nanotechnology show that we have already entered that second stage where the concept of nanotechnology transitions from hopeful hypothetical to real-world economic driver.
This article was published by Geopolitical Monitor.com
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Nanotechnology
Energy storage: It's Canada's moment
Canada has a chance to add a new dimension to its energy economy – one that is clean, profitable and globally groundbreaking.
The opportunity is electricity storage, which until now has been limited by technology to a relatively modest scale. That's about to change. And it means that Canada – and specifically Ontario – can become an ideal seedbed for storage technology, because there are ready markets for both large- and small-scale storage systems.
First, the large scale. Ontario has a fleet of nuclear generators that operate around the clock, and come close to filling the demand for power at off-peak hours. In addition, Ontario has developed a large renewable energy sector of wind and solar generation (in addition to its traditional hydro stations.) Problems sometimes arise when the natural weather cycles that drive wind and solar production are out of synch with the market cycle. On a sunny, breezy Saturday afternoon in May, with the nuclear plants running flat out, the hydro stations churning out power with the spring runoff and solar and wind systems near peak production, Ontario may have more electricity than it needs.
Our electricity system operators have a solution, of course: Sell the excess electricity to our neighbours. But since our neighbours are often in the same boat, Ontario must cut the price close to zero – or in extreme situations, even pay neighbouring states or provinces to absorb our overproduction.
Wouldn't it make far more sense to store that excess energy, knowing that it will be needed in a matter of days, or even hours? What's been lacking is the technology to do the job.
That's changing however, as Ontario's current program to procure 50 megawatts of storage capacity demonstrates. Companies with a variety of approaches are working hard to bring their solutions to market – many of them clustered at the MaRS centre in Toronto. Some, such as Hydrogenics Corp., convert electricity into hydrogen, which can be used to supplement natural gas.
My own company, NRStor, has partnered with Temporal Power and is operating a flywheel storage system in Minto, Ont., that helps the market operator to maintain consistent voltage on the grid.
Of course, businesses around the globe are looking at the same opportunities as we are, and here lies the opportunity for Canada to rebrand its energy economy.
A recent report by Deutsche Bank calls battery storage the "holy grail of solar penetration," and believes that with the current rate of progress in improving efficiency, mass adoption of lithium ion batteries at a commercial/utility scale could occur before 2020.
Analysis by Prof. Andrew Ford of Washington State University calculates that a 1,000-megawatt air storage system from U.S.-based General Compression Inc. could deliver $6- to $8-billion of value to Ontario – in the form of lower energy costs to local utilities – over a 20-year period. All this is of interest to large-scale electricity system operators, big utilities and their customers.
But there is another reason for us to pay attention to energy storage – a reason grounded on a much more human scale. There are still large rural areas around the globe where there is no reliable electrical grid – including Northern Canada.
There is great potential for these communities, including remote First Nations communities, to improve their standard of living by installing microscale renewable generation in combination with storage, and relying less on carbon-spewing diesel generators, powered by fuel that must be transported long distances at great expense.
Storage is the key to making renewable energy a fully competitive component of any electrical grid. It can make our grid cleaner and more efficient, for the benefit of all consumers – large and small, urban and rural. We have the chance, in Canada, to become world leaders in developing this technology. Let's seize it.
Annette Verschuren is the chairwoman and CEO of NRStor and on the board of MaRS Discovery District.
Annette Verschuren is speaking at the Cleantech Canadian Innovation Exchange (CIX Cleantech) conference in Toronto on Oct. 15.
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Energy storage, Nano Energy Storage, Nanotechnology
A Failing Grade for Canada's Climate Policy
The Canadian government is failing when it comes to reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions, and isn't on track to meet reduction goals set for 2020 and 2050, according to professor and environmental analyst Mark Jaccard, of Simon Fraser Univ.
"I find that in the nine years since its promise to reduce Canadian emissions 20% by 2020 and 65% by 2050, the Canadian government has implemented virtually no policies that would materially reduce emissions," he writes in his climate policy report card. "The 2020 target is now unachievable without great harm to the Canadian economy."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, in 2009, changed the 2020 target from 20% to 17% of 2005's emissions, which was 749 Mt. In 2014, the country produced 726 Mt of carbon dioxide.
Emissions have been steadily increasing since 1990, fluctuated between 2005 and 2008 and notably declined in 2009, according to the Canadian government. Since then, emissions have been slightly rising.
Jaccard credits the global recession of 2008 and 2009 with the cause of temporary reductions in Canada's emissions. Additionally, Ontario reduced its emissions by 80% after closing or converting its coal-fired power plants over a 10-year period, between 2004 and 2014. According to Jaccard, this was possible due to coal providing only 25% of Ontario's electricity.
Speaking with The Globe and Mail, a spokesperson for Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq said Canada has a proven track record in reducing greenhouse emissions, including a major investment in clean energy in Ottawa.
"The Harper government did pass regulations to phase out traditional coal-fired power, but those won't have an impact for the next 10 to 15 years," the media outlet reports. "As well, Ottawa has matched U.S. moves to impose increasingly tough fuel efficiency standards on vehicle, but, again, those regulations will yield little result before 2020."
Exploring reasons behind inactivity regarding regulations, Harper suggests the dynamic between immediate costs and long-term benefits may deter politicians from imposing regulations. Further, some may view the issue as to much for a single country to handle, and will stave off action until a near-universal global effort occurs.
For Canada, "a failing grade is obviously the result," Jaccard writes.
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged Canada, Carbon Emmisions, Environment
MIT & University of British Columbia: Nano-Supercapacitors Tiny wires could Provide a Big Energy Boost
Yarns of niobium nanowire can make supercapacitors to provide a surge of energy when it's needed
Wearable electronic devices for health and fitness monitoring are a rapidly growing area of consumer electronics; one of their biggest limitations is the capacity of their tiny batteries to deliver enough power to transmit data. Now, researchers at MIT and in Canada have found a promising new approach to delivering the short but intense bursts of power needed by such small devices.
The key is a new approach to making supercapacitors — devices that can store and release electrical power in such bursts, which are needed for brief transmissions of data from wearable devices such as heart-rate monitors, computers, or smartphones, the researchers say. They may also be useful for other applications where high power is needed in small volumes, such as autonomous microrobots.
The new approach uses yarns, made from nanowires of the element niobium, as the electrodes in tiny supercapacitors (which are essentially pairs of electrically conducting fibers with an insulator between). The concept is described in a paper in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces by MIT professor of mechanical engineering Ian W. Hunter, doctoral student Seyed M. Mirvakili, and three others at the University of British Columbia.
Nanotechnology researchers have been working to increase the performance of supercapacitors for the past decade. Among nanomaterials, carbon-based nanoparticles — such as carbon nanotubes and graphene — have shown promising results, but they suffer from relatively low electrical conductivity, Mirvakili says.
In this new work, he and his colleagues have shown that desirable characteristics for such devices, such as high power density, are not unique to carbon-based nanoparticles, and that niobium nanowire yarn is a promising an alternative.
"Imagine you've got some kind of wearable health-monitoring system," Hunter says, "and it needs to broadcast data, for example using Wi-Fi, over a long distance." At the moment, the coin-sized batteries used in many small electronic devices have very limited ability to deliver a lot of power at once, which is what such data transmissions need.
"Long-distance Wi-Fi requires a fair amount of power," says Hunter, the George N. Hatsopoulos Professor in Thermodynamics in MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering, "but it may not be needed for very long." Small batteries are generally poorly suited for such power needs, he adds.
"We know it's a problem experienced by a number of companies in the health-monitoring or exercise-monitoring space. So an alternative is to go to a combination of a battery and a capacitor," Hunter says: the battery for long-term, low-power functions, and the capacitor for short bursts of high power. Such a combination should be able to either increase the range of the device, or — perhaps more important in the marketplace — to significantly reduce size requirements.
The new nanowire-based supercapacitor exceeds the performance of existing batteries, while occupying a very small volume. "If you've got an Apple Watch and I shave 30 percent off the mass, you may not even notice," Hunter says. "But if you reduce the volume by 30 percent, that would be a big deal," he says: Consumers are very sensitive to the size of wearable devices.
The innovation is especially significant for small devices, Hunter says, because other energy-storage technologies — such as fuel cells, batteries, and flywheels — tend to be less efficient, or simply too complex to be practical when reduced to very small sizes. "We are in a sweet spot," he says, with a technology that can deliver big bursts of power from a very small device.
Ideally, Hunter says, it would be desirable to have a high volumetric power density (the amount of power stored in a given volume) and high volumetric energy density (the amount of energy in a given volume). "Nobody's figured out how to do that," he says. However, with the new device, "We have fairly high volumetric power density, medium energy density, and a low cost," a combination that could be well suited for many applications.
Niobium is a fairly abundant and widely used material, Mirvakili says, so the whole system should be inexpensive and easy to produce. "The fabrication cost is cheap," he says. Other groups have made similar supercapacitors using carbon nanotubes or other materials, but the niobium yarns are stronger and 100 times more conductive. Overall, niobium-based supercapacitors can store up to five times as much power in a given volume as carbon nanotube versions.
Niobium also has a very high melting point — nearly 2,500 degrees Celsius — so devices made from these nanowires could potentially be suitable for use in high-temperature applications.
In addition, the material is highly flexible and could be woven into fabrics, enabling wearable forms; individual niobium nanowires are just 140 nanometers in diameter — 140 billionths of a meter across, or about one-thousandth the width of a human hair.
So far, the material has been produced only in lab-scale devices. The next step, already under way, is to figure out how to design a practical, easily manufactured version, the researchers say.
"The work is very significant in the development of smart fabrics and future wearable technologies," says Geoff Spinks, a professor of engineering at the University of Wollongong, in Australia, who was not associated with this research. This paper, he adds, "convincingly demonstrates the impressive performance of niobium-based fiber supercapacitors."
The team also included PhD student Mehr Negar Mirvakili and professors Peter Englezos and John Madden, all from the University of British Columbia.
Leave a comment Posted in Nanotechnology Tagged breakthrough discovery, Canada, MIT, Nano Supercapacitors, Nano Wearables, Nanotechnology, UBC


text:
The Electric School Bus Series: An Electrifying Partnership in Fairfax County, Virginia
May 13, 2022 By Alissa Huntington
electric school bus series
In collaboration with partners and communities, WRI's Electric School Bus Initiative aims to build unstoppable momentum toward an equitable transition of the U.S. school bus fleet to electric by 2030, bringing health, climate and economic benefits to children and families across the country and normalizing electric mobility for an entire generation The Electric School Bus Series explains how superintendents and fleet managers across the United States have pursued school bus electrification in their own communities. This edition covers Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia, who is collaborating with their electric utility, Dominion Energy, to transition its fleet to electric school buses.
The Fairfax County School Board has set its sights on achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. To support this effort, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has set its own goal to completely transition its 1,625 school buses to electric or zero-carbon alternatives by 2035. With eight electric school buses in operation today and 10 more to come, the eighth largest school bus fleet in the country is on its way to electrifying trips for its 140,000 student riders and its drivers.
Fairfax County Public Schools' electric school bus charging. Photo by FCPS Office of Communication & Community Relations.
Motivation & Co-benefits
Student health and welfare are a top objective for the Fairfax County School Board and Board of Supervisors. As such, the two created a Joint Environmental Task Force (JET) in 2019 to address climate change and sustainability. In its recommendations released the following year, the JET described that diesel bus emissions cause and exacerbate respiratory diseases, such as asthma, and offered the health and climate benefits of transitioning from diesel use. In June 2021, the school board accepted the recommendation to set a carbon neutral goal.
According to Francine Furby, FCPS Transportation Director, and consultant Rebecca Peters, FCPS assesses options for reducing the environmental impact of its school bus fleet each year. Advancements in electric bus technology stood out, particularly with the availability of grant programs that could bring down the cost.
In the fall of 2019, FCPS applied for an electric bus through a program offered by its electric utility, Dominion Energy. Through the program, Dominion Energy awarded FCPS eight electric Thomas Built Buses for which the school district paid only $130,000 of each bus's $376,000 price tag. Dominion Energy covered the incremental cost of transitioning from a diesel to electric school bus ($1.968 million total for FCPS) and provided the charging infrastructure. Separately, FCPS also pursued Volkswagen Settlement funding from Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality and received $2.65 million, which covered the cost difference between 10 diesel and electric buses, while Dominion will provide the charging infrastructure. The additional 10 buses are expected to arrive in spring 2022.
Partners and Advocates
Utilities can serve as an essential partner for school districts transitioning to electric buses. Phase 1 of Dominion Energy's Electric School Bus program provided 50 electric school buses and related charging infrastructure to 15 school districts across the utility's Virginia service area, including FCPS. Phase 1 of the program is funded through the utility's current base rates, which means no increased cost to customers to implement the program. After assessing geographic and equity considerations, Dominion Energy made final decisions on school district awards based on the value the buses and their batteries would add to the grid. Through the program, Dominion Energy provides advisory services such as education and technical support, selects the electric school bus provider, covers the incremental cost between a standard and an electric school bus, and assists with and covers the cost of charging infrastructure. The company continues to explore ways to expand the program beyond Phase 1.
The program is structured so that Dominion Energy owns the bus batteries and propulsion systems and maintains the charging infrastructure for the eight buses they provide. This structure reduced initial costs and eliminated some of the charging infrastructure responsibilities. Dominion maintains the ability to utilize the buses as grid assets, and while they have not yet employed the buses for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications, FCPS's Energy Management professionals are monitoring this potential use.
Proterra power control systems. Photo by FCPS Office of Communication & Community Relations.
In addition to this utility support, Director Furby also recognized the influence that climate-conscious stakeholders — such as the school board, board of supervisors, the superintendent, the governor and local organizations like Mothers Out Front (MOF) and Virginia Clean Cities — can exert in spearheading electrification. For example, Bobby Monacella, team lead of MOF Fairfax, noted the power of moms in advocating for the future and wellbeing of their children, stating that "no one has more power to advocate for that than you."
MOF worked early with two school board members, who then brought school bus electrification to the entire board for consideration. Throughout the process, MOF provided research and data, testified on equity considerations and health impacts of diesel on their children, and spoke with FCPS' transportation team about their challenges. After the successful adoption of a long-term electrification goal in Fairfax County, MOF Fairfax used this experience to inform a state-wide strategy; the group worked closely with Virginia Delegate Mark Keam to develop House Bill 2118, which passed in March 2021. MOF and others are now working to secure funding for the Clean School Bus Grant Fund.
Electric school bus dashboard. Photo by FCPS Office of Communication & Community Relations.
Implementation Status
Dominion Energy, the School Board and FCPS agreed on a charging site owned by the school district that had high V2G potential while still meeting FCPS' transportation needs. Then, FCPS selected routes for the electric school buses based on charging availability. The district began with routes that were less than 70 miles a day, although the buses can travel more than 134 miles on a charge. Finally, the school district surveyed drivers and provided training for those interested. Drivers quickly adapted to the new technology and now enjoy the quieter bus. One driver called the experience smooth and relaxing, reducing the wear and tear on her body.
So far, around 1,200 students have ridden on the electric buses.
In the fall of 2021, FCPS issued a request for information (RFI) on available bus offerings beyond their initial 18 buses and received 20 responses from a combination of vendors, software providers, charging station providers, consulting and project management firms and turn-key providers. FCPS looks forward to exploring more bus models and evaluating other charging locations, which could help bring electric buses and the benefits of reduced pollution to other areas in the county.
Greatest Challenges
Besides minor operational issues with the charging stations, Furby reported that FCPS has not had any major challenges throughout their electric school bus adoption process. Drivers have learned operational steps — such as not charging the battery fully to 100% to protect its longevity — and adjusted along the way. To help with this transition when buses first arrived, Thomas Built Buses partnered with a local dealer and battery manufacturer to provide drivers and first responders with training and information at the maintenance facilities.
Electric school bus engine. Photo by FCPS Office of Communication & Community Relations.
FCPS has found that cold winter weather impacts bus range and makes operational adjustments necessary, particularly on days when temperatures are at or below freezing. To avoid emissions from auxiliary diesel heaters, the school district uses the bus battery to provide heat. These heaters pull energy from the battery and, in rare cases when drivers have an unplanned trip on very cold days, the state of charge has dropped below 20%, impacting performance and heat use. As FCPS advances toward full fleet electrification by 2035, it continues to develop operational best practices across seasons.
Looking ahead, funding large-scale electrification will be a substantial undertaking given the size of the school district's fleet. It will also take many years, given the annual turnover of 100 vehicles per year, and financing strategies will prove important. With an average bus lifespan of 15 years, a 15-year extended battery warranty – for which Dominion is covering the cost for seven extra years of coverage for each of the 18 buses – provides assurance that these buses will be supported in the long-term.
Advice for Other School Districts
FCPS found success thanks to the enthusiastic buy-in of the district's drivers and bus driver supervisor. Small acts like applauding drivers can go a long way: FCPS included driver names on the program at the ribbon cutting ceremony to acknowledge their vital role.
As a concluding message to school districts exploring a path to electric buses, Furby advised that they "definitely embrace it." Establishing partnerships, especially with the local utility and with community groups, and having leadership on board is critical. Bobby Monacella of Mothers Out Front Fairfax echoed this point, advising community members to identify decision-makers (e.g., the school board) and find a champion who can advocate for electric buses. Lastly, Furby suggested speaking with school districts that have started going electric to understand their experience, lessons learned and tips for better integration.
Dominion Electric School Buses
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Volkswagen Settlement Agreement
Fairfax County School Board Sets Goal for Carbon Neutral Energy Use by 2040
Go for Green: First Electric School Bus Fleet Rolled Out to Support FCPS Carbon Neutral Goal
FCPS Electric School Bus – Garage and Bus Video
Fairfax Joint Environmental Task Force
Want to learn more from the Electric School Bus Series? Explore more stories here.
Mothers Out Front is a sub-grantee of WRI.
Relevant Work
Insights November 2, 2022
The Electric School Bus Series: Progress from Our Northern Neighbors in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Update May 13, 2022
The Electric School Bus Series: How Students in Salt Lake City Helped Advance an Equity Centered Plan
Update November 29, 2022
The Electric School Bus Series: Wiring Up in Knox County
Update December 16, 2021


text:
Birmingham City blog: Why Gianfranco Zola's first Blues win is not far away
Tom Heslop reckons Zola is close to finding a winning formula - if Blues maintain their intensity
Tom Heslop
Sign up to FREE daily email alerts from BirminghamLive - Birmingham City FC
Saturday's FA Cup draw against high flying Newcastle United was a refreshing sight for many Birmingham City fans, myself included, but Gianfranco Zola must encourage his players to keep playing with the same intensity.
This weekend, Zola's men take on Nottingham Forest at St Andrews in the Championship and after admitting that it was an encouraging performance against the Magpies, the Italian will certainly be looking for a similar sort of outing on Saturday.
The former Watford and West Ham United boss is still searching for his first win as Blues boss but if the side can play with the same cutting edge and enthusiasm as they did against Rafa Benitez's team, then I believe he will be rewarded for his efforts as manager this weekend.
Blues opted for a midfield trio on Saturday and we took control with the three of them rotating perfectly throughout the game. Stephen Gleeson, Maikel Kieftenbeld and David Davis all stuck to their roles and it worked really well for us.
At one stage, Kieftenbeld was breaking forward in the build up to the goal which was encouraging to see.
He hasn't done that much this year and it was a characteristic of his that I really enjoyed watching last year, so I was pleased to see him advancing in the 1-1 draw .
Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola sees signs for optimism in change of style
Then, in the second half, Davis was the one who was going forward with pace and power as he almost set up a winner, only for Lukas Jutkiewicz, the scorer of the equaliser, to narrowly miss the target with a header five minutes before the end of the game.
Although Davis has done that a lot this season, his final product in and around the area hasn't been all that clinical so to see him producing some finesse in the final third was also encouraging as well.
With all that being said about the midfield, the introduction of Diego Fabbrini to the team was also refreshing because his cutting edge on the ball is something that I believe we have lacked so far this season.
He may not be an out and out winger but what he can do is cut inside and cause defenders problems and that is something that David Cotterill hasn't been doing this season.
Blues need to continue to progress on the pitch under Zola and if they can keep producing performances like the one against Newcastle but in the league then I am sure we will all see why Zola has been brought into the club.
Blues 1-1 Newcastle
Fabbrini watch
Rafa's thoughts
gianfranco zola
Aston Villa FC'A picture' - Aston Villa's Dean Smith provides Danny Drinkwater fitness updateAston Villa against Watford at Villa Park | The manager spoke about the Chelsea ace's match fitness ahead of the second Premier League match in just four days


WORLDSymposia, LLC reserves the right to amend the existing data protection regulations in strict accordance with prevailing legal norms at any time.
Your voluntarily transmitted personal details (through submission in the online forms) will be collected, saved and processed in accordance with the most recent legislation on data protection (EU-GDPR 2018).
Registration and/or abstract submission to the WORLDSymposium Annual Scientific Meeting is not possible without collecting, saving and processing your personal data. This is done solely for the purpose of organizing and implementing the event. Your data will only be passed on to third parties, who are directly involved in the event, when necessary – in accordance with your registration, abstract submission, hotel reservations (if applicable), airline ticketing (if applicable), and registration to receive updates about the WORLDSymposium Annual Scientific Meeting.
By registering to attend the WORLDSymposium Annual Scientific Meeting, you grant permission to WORLDSymposia, LLC to use photos/videos taken of you respectively and / or your company presence by our official photographer (team) onsite during the meeting for marketing purposes (event reporting, promotion of follow-up events & self-marketing) for an indefinite period of time. If you do not want to have any photos/films taken of you published, you may contact us at any time: info@nullworldsymposia.org.
Our online forms may contain links to other websites. WORLDSymposia, LLC is not responsible for the data you provide on other websites. Our partner companies are also bound to act according to EU-GDPR, the implementation however rests with each company individually. Our data protection guidelines are solely applicable to data controlled by WORLDSymposia, LLC.
The following information describes the type, purpose and scope of storing and processing your personal data.
The recipients only receive the data they require, not your full data record. Your data will only be forwarded when the organizational process makes it necessary – in accordance with your registration and reservations – and when a legal basis exists.
A standard clause agreement with the provider of the abstract processing software cOASIS regarding data protection according to the GDPR is in place.
Depending on your participant status, we request different declarations of consent. These are queried within the online forms or directly inquired from the affected person/group coordinator/company representative. The declarations of consent are not compulsory according to the EU GDPR.
Your personal data (comprising name, contact data, address data, organization/institute & registration category), collected by WORLDSymposia, LLC, may be passed on to the WORLDSymposium Annual Scientific Meeting organizers and third party vendors. WORLDSymposium has permission to process your personal data and to contact you directly for own purposes including email updates, promotion of topic-related events, information about activities of the event (eg: membership, awards, travel grants, etc.) and the evaluation and further development of the current event, as well as future events.
Please note: If you have your badge scanned by an exhibitor/sponsor at the WORLDSymposium Annual Scientific Meeting, you give consent that your personal data (consisting of name, contact data, address data & organization/institute), collected by WORLDSymposium, will be forwarded (via a contracted service provider) to the exhibitor/sponsor that scanned your badge, and the respective company may contact you directly for its own purposes.
Processing data of the data subject to develop the program as well as the organization and implementation of the above-mentioned event, future and topic-related events.
Processing data of the data subject for the promotion and publication of the event program via various communication channels (including website, mobile app and print media).
Processing data of the data subject in order to organize the accreditation of the scientific program and to adhere to national and international compliance regulations in the field of medical events.
Concerns the following data subject categories: WORLDSymposium, speaker & chairs, abstract presenters, industry.


text:
What Is A Popeye Marble?
How can I tell what kind of marble I have?
Is Agate a marble?
Are clay marbles valuable?
Which is the best marble in the world?
How do you know if a rock is valuable?
How do you tell if a marble is valuable?
What is a Peltier marble?
How can you tell if a marble is vintage?
What are the names of marbles?
Which is best marble for floor?
What is a transitional marble?
Are old buttons valuable?
What is the most valuable marble?
What is the most expensive marble countertop?
Is white marble rare?
Can you sell marbles?
Is Agate a type of marble?
What is the rarest marble?
What does a Pontil mark look like on a marble?
Are cat eye marbles worth anything?
If you see scratches or signs of wear on the surface of your stone, you are looking at real marble.
If you scratch a knife across an inconspicuous area or on the underside of the slab and it shows little or no damage, you are looking at the more durable granite or manufactured stone..
Agate is a colored variety of quartz that was hand-ground into marbles. They were a favorite of many marble players, especially as shooters. This is because Agates are denser than other marbles.
Clay marbles are the most common old marble that you will find. These marbles were the easiest to produce and millions still exist. Unfortunately, Clay marbles do not have nearly the eye-appeal of any other marbles and therefore are the least collectible of any marble.
Why Italian Marble Is the Finest Marble in The WorldHistory: Italian marble is steeped in heritage. … Heritage: Another reason Italian marble is considered superior is due to the stone working heritage of the Italian people. … Stone Quality: Italian marble is practically peerless in the natural stone world when it comes to its durability, purity and beauty.
The Hardness Test The harder a mineral is, the more likely it is to be valuable. If you can scratch the mineral with your fingernail, it has a hardness of 2.5 Mohs, which is very soft. If you can scratch it with a penny, its hardness is 3 Mohs, and if it takes a piece of glass to scratch it, the hardness is 5.5 Mohs.
When it comes to glass, handmade antique marbles are most valuable. They can be easily identified because they have a tiny scar, or pontil mark, where they were cut from the glass rod while being made.
Peltier Slags are single-stream marbles, as are the slags of other companies. They are a transparent colored base glass with opaque white swirled in. Peltier slags are rarer than the other companies. The most common are brown, blue or green. There are also aqua, purple, red, and yellow.
Check Their Appearance. Vintage marbles are typically more attractive and brighter than modern ones because they were individually made, compared to the new ones that were made in high quantities. This may be a little challenging for new collectors, but experienced collectors would be able to tell the difference.
Various names refer to the marbles' size. Any marble larger than the majority may be termed a boulder, bonker, cosher, masher, plumper, popper, shooter, thumper, smasher, noogie, taw, bumbo, crock, bumboozer, bowler, tonk, tronk, godfather, tom bowler, fourer, giant, dobber, dobbert, hogger, biggie or toebreaker.
White MarblesWhite marble slabs are one of the best options for flooring material due to its beautiful and pure look. … White marble is the most likely choice for homes as the white colour adds elegance and create serenity in the atmosphere.More items…
Transitional is the term used to collectively describe a variety of slag-type marbles that have pontils or shear marks on them. Amongst this type are the earliest German marbles, the earliest American-made marbles, as well as marbles from Japan and China.
But, since women's fashions in the 19th century regularly included buttons, these are common and not necessarily valuable. Vintage Buttons that are worth anything are typically from the 18th century and earlier as they are considered rare and valuable.
Agate marblesAgate marbles were chiefly produced in Germany and the US and are among the most valuable on the market.
CalacattaWhat is the most expensive type of marble? Calacatta is the most expensive type at $180 per square foot. This is because of its rarity. It is only found in one quarry, so its supply is very limited.
White Marble. Pure white marble is very rare, almost like a myth. … Some of our favorites include Carrara Marble, Calacatta Marble and Statuario Marble. However, there are only a handful of places in the world where top-quality, nearly pure marble can be found.
BUY / SELL MARBLES If you would like to sell an individual marble, a few marbles or an entire collection of marbles directly to BuyMarbles.com, we are always interested in discussing this option with you. … I sell marbles regularly at marble shows around the country as well as on eBay.
Agate is not a marble. It is two completely different stones. Agate refers to chalcedony with a ribbon structure, which is a gelatinous mineral whose main component is silica. The hardness is 6.5-7.
Single Gather Confetti Mica Marble – $10,999 The auction house it was sold at outright stated it was the rarest marble to ever enter their auction house. After the marble sold, many collectors noticed similar looking marbles floating around the market.
Examine the pontil marks that appear to be real. These lines are typically rough and extend out in a ripple-like pattern. Shear lines may appear rough depending on the machine that created them, but they will run along the marble in thin lines that look like cracks in glass.
The most valuable of these are the "St. Mary's" cat's eye of Marble King, made at their St. … Look out also for rare colors, marbles with aventurine, three color nine vane cage cat's eyes, and marbles with a colored glass base (blue is most typical).
Why Was The Mona Lisa Painted?
What happened to Mona Lisa's eyebrows? The world'
Question: What Does A Complement Mean In Maths?
What are the types of complement? Types of Complements.
Question: What Is Considered In The Public Domain?
What are the four ways material is considered public domain?
What Is Soon In Grammar?
What means promptly? Synonyms. pronto informal.
Question: Can You Write Inmates In Colored Ink?
What kind of magazines can inmates have? Channel Guide.


text:
Lake Simcoe Protection Act moves closer to approval
By Spiel, October 5, 2008 in Fishing News
Master Rod Builder
Location:The Hammer
John Slykhuis / www.simcoe.com
The Lake Simcoe Protection Act, Bill 99, got second reading in the provincial legislature last week prompting cheers from groups like the Ladies of the Lake who were responsible for raising the issue of the lake's deteriorating health.
"It was amazing. It was like this love-in for Lake Simcoe," LOL co-founder Annabel Slaight said. After watching the proceedings she said, "The Ladies of the Lake were applauded no less than 10 times as the prime movers bringing attention to Lake Simcoe, which resulted in the birth of this act and plan."
She noted other groups like the Lake Simcoe Coalition and Campaign Lake Simcoe all got kudos from the MPPs debating the second reading.
"I feel very positive. I actually feel that we're getting to the point where this lake is going to be saved. I wouldn't have said that months ago," she said.
The act now goes to committee and public meetings later this fall.
Slaight said the final draft of the act must be "tough and decisive. It's got to show real progress. Obviously the funding is of concern".
Slaight, who was on the Lake Simcoe stakeholders' advisory committee said they worked hard "to bring community, business and government together. It was interesting to see all those groups come together. Everyone was in high gear. It was just great."
She warned if the act "gets watered down, it won't work. It means some people may have to make some sacrifices, I mean everyone will have to step up to the plate."
Slaight said she hopes there will be the funding provided beyond the $30 million committed by the federal government and the $20 million committed by the province thusfar.
"There are lots of innovative ways to get the money that's needed," she said. The goal is to ensure "something really amazing happens in 10 years" for the health of the lake.
Slaight said that when she and LOL co-founder Jane Meredith first started their campaign to bring attention to the state of the lake five years ago, the issue wasn't on any elected representative's radar.
"We were told, no, it's not an issue. Well look at it now."
The bill was introduced for second reading by Environment Minister John Gerretsen, who noted the Huron name for Lake Simcoe was "Beautiful Water...It is still a beautiful water, there is no doubt about that, but sadly it has not always been treated with the respect it deserves".
Gerretsen said "Lake Simcoe is a vital resource, important to the strength of our people and of our province, yet it is not in good health. The lake is under stress and under increasing pressure from urban as well as rural development, population growth, pollutants and invasive species, as well as climate change. These pressures have affected the shoreline, the water quality of the lake and the general ecological health of the surrounding area as well." '
He added, the McGuinty government "is absolutely committed to protecting Lake Simcoe and restoring the natural balance of the ecosystem".
Liberal MPP Mike Colle said he recalled going to the De La Salle Camp as young boy, noting the radial railway would bring families up to the lake.
"So it has always been a lake where ordinary people could go and spend a weekend...because it's also very close, the problem is that there has been a byproduct of urban sprawl...subsequently a lot of feeder streams and springs that go into Lake Simcoe have been paved over". Colle also warned about "megacottages" being built. "If you come to a lake, you don't have to replicate what you have in the city".
Opposition environment critic Toby Barrett said his party leader John Tory announced last year that a Progressive Conservative government "would move quickly to clean up Lake Simcoe" charging that Primer McGuinty "turned his back on the deteriorating health of this invaluable and recreational resource for the past four years".
His colleague MPP Garfield Dunlop (Simcoe North) noted the Ladies of the Lake calendar sale raised about $240,000 and he had just purchased 100 of the latest version to sell in his riding.
He also praised the efforts of Gayle Wood, chief administrative officer of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.
York-Simcoe MPP Julia Munro questioned the government's commitment to fund the bill.
"Why do you continue to refuse to fund a cleanup of the lake? Your last budget did not provide any funding, this bill would not provide any, and we have no guarantee you will provide funding in the future," she said. "What is needed is money, not new legislation or more bureaucracy...sadly, this bill that we are debating here does not provide any money for specific projects".
The bill has been referred to the standing committee on general government.
LeXXington 20
Guess there is no hope this will pass now


text:
Regionalväg 132 är en landsväg i Finland. Vägen var den tidigare del av Riksväg 3 fram till slutet av 1950-talet. Vid södra änden av vägen finns Vandas Luhtabacka och Nurmijärvis Klövskog och vid norra änden finns Loppis kyrkoby. Vägen är 52 km lång.

Vid södra änden av vägen nära Numlax byggs en omfartsvägen runt Klövskog, på grund av att trafikstockningarna i Klövskog har ökat år efter år. Det beräknas att den nya körbanan kommer att slutföras hösten 2021.

Externa länkar

Referenser

Huvudvägar i Finland

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Human Rights organisation warns of Gaza humanitarian crisis
July 6, 2013 News
The Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights warned of deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza due to "worsening fuel shortages" in a statement on Friday.
(AFP File Photo)
The Geneva-based human rights organisation stated that they expect the ongoing political crisis in Egypt to exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the territory.
It called on the international community "to act immediately to deal with the consequences of the current crisis, open all Gaza crossings and put more pressure on Israel to lift the ongoing blockade."
Euro-Mid added that tunnels connecting Gaza to Egypt have been shut down due to Egyptian security restrictions in the border areas, and that eyewitnesses reported destruction of tunnels by the Egyptian army.
The organisation claimed that these tunnels are "the lifeline to provide Gaza with fuel supplies, commodities and goods that alleviate impacts of the Israeli siege which was imposed on the strip seven years ago."
The Gaza strip is home to over 1 and a half million people.
A military spokesman said the tunnels are illegal and violate state sovereignty, adding that the issue should not come under human rights concerns.
"Violating the sovereignty of Egypt is not allowed," he said.
He added that there are only two crossings: the Al-Auja cargo crossing, which is open at all times, and the Rafah border crossing which has been closed for the past 48 hours due to the current circumstances.
On Friday, Maher Abo-Sobha, the head of the Crossings Authority in Gaza told state-run MENA that Egypt had shut down the Rafah border crossing until further notice.
Euro-Mid says gas shortages have already reached an "alarming level," and warned of a "catastrophic situation" in hospitals and healthcare centres.
In addition to cars that might run out of fuel, the crisis threatens to stop 4,000 fishing boats.
It added that Gaza's sewage treatment plants need fuel to operate when there are power cuts. "If this fuel is not available, parts of Gaza city will sink in sewage water."
The post Human Rights organisation warns of Gaza humanitarian crisis appeared first on Daily News Egypt.


text:
Patronymie
 Alain Guédé est un journaliste français.
 Karim Guédé est un footballeur togolais-allemand.

Religion
 Guédé sont les esprits de la mort dans le vaudou.

Toponymie
 Guédé est un village du Sénégal.
 Guédé est un nom Peul qui veut dire "Le Don"


text:
Sally Beauty updating its brand — in stores and online
Sally Beauty Holdings wants a bigger piece of the beauty market.
The company is revamping its brand identify with the launch of a new campaign that positions Sally Beauty as the go-to-destination for professional-grade products to use at home. The relaunch is underscored by the brand's new motto, "Unleash Your PROtential," which is intended to communicate to customers that Sally Beauty is committed to empowering beauty enthusiasts to achieve salon-quality results from the comforts of home. For the first time, Sally Beauty is promoting its brand relaunch with national media and market activations throughout the fiscal year.
In Sally Beauty stores in select cities, shoppers will discover a new in-store experience featuring new brand messaging, improved wayfinding, additional training for associates, updated POS systems and integrated AI technology. The improvements are designed to help consumers make more confident purchase decisions.
"For the last five decades, Sally Beauty has provided customers with top-quality products so they can be their own 'pro' at home," said Chris Brickman, CEO, Sally Beauty Holdings. "We've evolved from a single-store in New Orleans to a global operation comprising more than 5,000 locations. We are proud to launch a new era here at Sally that reaffirms our authority in the hair and beauty industry."
Sally Beauty's brand relaunch extends to the digital space with the start of the #SallyCrew Influencer Program. The company is now accepting applications from beauty influencers to serve as Sally Beauty brand ambassadors. Five #SallyCrew members will be chosen, each earning a one-year, paid contract of up to $150,000, professional business coaching and spokesperson opportunities, among other benefits.
"Sally Beauty is committed to empowering consumers to take beauty into their own hands, and we're looking for influencers who can help achieve this mission and engage our audiences in compelling ways," said Carolyne Guss, group VP of marketing. "We look forward to working with inspiring artists in our industry to showcase Sally Beauty's forward-thinking approach to hair care and beauty."
Sally Beauty's brand relaunch also includes its mobile app, which incorporates innovative features of its mobile-first website and as in-app-only offers. The app also supports Sally Beauty's revamped rewards program, enabling users to track their points and access reward certificates for quick redemption.
Through the Sally Beauty Supply and Beauty Systems Group businesses, Sally Beauty Holdings sells and distributes through 5,089 stores, including 179 franchised units, and has operations throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Peru, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany.
DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION
Sally Beauty layers omnichannel foundation with BOPIS
Sally Beauty names digital leadership team


2 Family House In Maspeth On 23X100 Lot, With Additional Adjacent Vacant Land On 40X100, Total 63X100. 6 Garages In The Back. Zoning R4-1. Ideal For Multifamily Development Site.
Beautiful Corner 2 Family In Bayside, Bay Terrace Shopping Center Min Away. Ideal For Large Family Or Investment. Sun Drenched Rooms, Private Back Yard. One Car Garage. Private Drive Way For Few Cars. Won't Last!!!!
Beautiful 2 Family Corner Property In Bayside. Ideal For Large Family Or Investment. Sun Drenched Rooms, Private Back Yard, Two Car Garage, Private Drive Way For Two Cars. Near Bay Terrace Shopping Center. Conveniently Located Minutes To Transportation And Super Markets, School District 26. Won't Last!!!!
Beautiful 2 Family Corner Property On Bell Blvd Bayside. Ideal For Large Family Or Investment. Sun Drenched Rooms, Private Back Yard, One Car Garage, Private Drive Way For Few Cars. Near Bay Terrace Shopping Center Min Away, Close & Convenient To Transportation And Super Markets, School District 26. Won't Last!!!!
Penthouse Condo With 2063 Sf Featuring State-Of-The-Art Gourmet Kitchen With Granite Countertops, 2 Enclosed Balconies And A 431 Sf Patio With Riveting Open Views. Many Custom Upgrades, W/D Hook-Up, 5 Years Tax Abatement. 2 Blocks To M/R Train, Close To Fabulous Restaurants And Shopping. Immaculately Kept Building From 2006.
One Family Central Hall Detached Colonial In Kew Gardens, Queens. Very Clean-Ideal For Large Family. Mint Condition. Large Eat-In-Kitchen. 6 Bedrooms With 2 Full And 2 Half Bathrooms. 2 Car Garage. Fully Finished Basement. Near Parks, Schools, E&F Trains, Queens Blvd, Lirr. Owner Relocating. A Must See!
Large 5 Bedrooms 3.5 Bath Tudor Home In Jamaica Estates.This Home Offers A Gracious Living Room With Cathedral Ceiling, Gourmet Kitchen With Granite Counters, Large Center Island And Stainless Steel Appliances With Separate Breakfast Room, Office And Service Entrance With Access To The 2 Car Garage, Large Stone Fireplace, Hardwood Floors And More... A Must See! Won't Last!
One Family Detached In Prime Location Of Kew Garden Hills. Close To Main Street, Transportation, Shopping Area, Synagogues, Private Schools, Day Cares, Post Office, Banks And More! Ideal Home For Large Family, Has Potencial To Extend. Owners Relocating, A Must See! Won't Last!
4 Family Building In Ridgewood, Fully Occupied, Great Location, Very Well Kept Property. Owner Relocating. Won't Last!


Oil storage tanks require professional installation. If installed incorrectly, they can leak, causing thousands of pounds of damage.
To avoid expensive oil spills, install new heating oil tank systems in accordance with current building regulations and perform routine maintenance on both old and new tank systems.
The following checklist can aid you in proper maintenance of your home heating tank system. A diagram of a typical above ground home heating oil tank is provided.
Is the ground liable to subsidence?
Are the oil lines between the tank and the property enclosed in protective tubing?
Is the tank protected from falling snow or ice?
Are the areas around the fill pipe and vent pipe free of signs of previous spills?
Are you sure that you are installing the correct size of tank?
Will there be enough room around the tank to allow for regular inspection and maintenance?
Are you sure the tank is at the correct height?
Are there water pipes in the vicinity?
How close is the tank to a stream or river?


text:
Jada Pinkett-Smith and Jaden Smith Slam YouTuber Shane Dawson for 'Sexualizing' Willow Smith
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Jada Pinkett Smith and Jaden Smith defended Willow Smith against an inappropriate resurfaced Shane Dawson video.
The video in question shows Dawson making a sexual "joke" next to a poster of Willow, who was 11 years old at the time, while reciting lyrics to her song "Whip My Hair."
Both Jada and Jaden spoke out in defense of Willow on Twitter on Saturday (June 27).
"To Shane Dawson ... I'm done with the excuses," Jada tweeted.
"I'm screaming at the top of my lungs," Jaden first wrote alongside a number of angry emojis.
"SHANE DAWSON I AM DISGUSTED BY YOU," he continued. "YOU SEXUALIZING AN 11-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO HAPPENS TO BE MY SISTER!!!!!! IS THE FURTHEST THING FROM FUNNY AND NOT OKAY IN THE SLIGHTEST BIT."
Jaden also brought up Dawson's controversial past YouTube videos. "This man was also doing blackface on the regular," he added. "As the youth, we need to support creators who support us and our morals. This is not okay."
See the tweets, below.
Dawson previously released an apology video for using blackface six years ago but gave the excuse that it was for comedy. In a video posted on Friday (June 26), he explained that he should have never given the excuse in the first place.
"Blackface was something that I did a lot," he admitted in the video. "Like, I did it a lot on my channel. There's no excuse for it, there's literally no excuse."
Deleted Tweets Celebrities Wish We Never Saw
Source: Jada Pinkett-Smith and Jaden Smith Slam YouTuber Shane Dawson for 'Sexualizing' Willow Smith
Filed Under: jada pinkett smith, Jaden Smith, Shane Dawson, Willow Smith