new Astronomers from Pennsylvania State University in the United States have discovered the giant exoplanet LHS 3154b. This is a schematic view of the parent star LHS 3154 from LHS 3154b. (Pennsylvania State University)[The Epoch Times, December 04, 2023](Epoch Times reporter Chen Juncun reported) American astronomers have discovered a huge exoplanet with a mass 13 times that of the Earth. The size of the planet is too large for its parent star, enough to overturn humanity’s previous understanding of how planets and their star systems form, challenging existing models of planet formation. Pennsylvania State University (Pennsylvania State University, referred to as Pennsylvania State University) stated in a press release issued on November 30 that a recent study published by researchers at the school found that the planet named LHS 3154b orbits a The ultra-cool star LHS 3154 orbits. The star has only one-ninth the mass of the Sun. LHS 3154 is a red dwarf star. Red dwarf stars are known in the universe for their small mass and low temperature. Compared to the mass ratio of the Earth to the Sun, the mass ratio of LHS 3154b to LHS 3154 is more than 100 times greater. This means that the newly discovered planet LHS 3154b is very large. The discovery upends existing theories used to predict how planets form around small stars, and marks the first time astronomers have observed such a massive planet orbiting such a small star. Schematic diagram of the mass ratio of LHS 3154b to LHS 3154 and the mass ratio of the Earth to the Sun. (Pennsylvania State University) Suvrath Mahadevan, one of the report authors of this study and professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University, said that this discovery profoundly points out how little humans know about the universe. “We never thought before that such a heavy planet would exist around a star with such a small mass.” Mahadevan explained that stars are composed of huge clouds of gas and dust. After a star forms, this gas and dust will form a disk of material that continues to surround the newborn star and may eventually evolve into a planet. He said that the disk surrounding LHS 3154 did not contain enough solid material to form a planet, but LHS 3154b did. Therefore, they must reexamine their understanding of how planets and stars form. In this study, the researchers found LHS 3154b using a self-built astronomical spectrometer called the Habitable Zone Planet Finder (HPF). The instrument is designed to detect planets orbiting the coldest stars outside our solar system that may have liquid water on their surfaces. Liquid water is the key to life. The low temperatures of these ultracool stars mean that planets with liquid water on their surfaces would be much closer to their stars than Earth is to the sun, Mahadevan said. The short distance between these planets and their stars, combined with the low mass of ultracool stars, creates a signature that scientists can use to detect the presence of planets. Although the HPF has learned about and confirmed the existence of several new planets, the discovery of LHS 3154b exceeded all scientists’ expectations. Megan Delamer, another co-author of the study and a graduate student in astronomy at Penn State, said that based on current research with the HPF and other instruments, it is possible to detect planets like LHS 3154b. Very rare so very exciting. Drammer also said: “Our current theories of planet formation cannot explain what we see.” The above research results were published in the journal Science. (Click here to watch the relevant short film) Editor: Ye Ziwei#... — Archyde, 14h ago

new The dual-axis solar tracker market growth is aided by the escalating global focus on renewable energy sources as a substitute for fossil fuels. As nations pledge to cut down their carbon footprint and transition to sustainable energy solutions, solar energy has emerged as a solution of this movement. Further, tools and technologies that enhance the efficiency of solar power generation have gained significant attention, with dual-axis solar trackers leading the charge.Get a Free Sample Report with Table of Contents: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/dual-axis-solar-tracker-market/requestsampleOne of the significant dual-axis solar tracker market trends is the growing shift towards the integration of advanced sensors and artificial intelligence in the trackers. Such cutting-edge incorporations enable real-time adjustments to weather changes and ensure optimal alignment to the sun's position, thereby maximising energy capture. This progressive trajectory towards technologically enhanced trackers is anticipated to further boost the market's expansion in the forthcoming years.The multifaceted applications of dual-axis solar trackers also substantially contribute to the growing dual-axis solar tracker market size. They have become essential in solar farms, commercial establishments, and utility-scale solar projects. The benefit they offer in terms of energy efficiency as compared to their single-axis counterparts makes them a prominent choice for projects aiming for heightened energy outputs.Furthermore, a deep dual-axis solar tracker market analysis highlights a shift towards tracker systems that are compatible with bifacial solar panels. Bifacial panels, capable of capturing sunlight from both sides, when combined with dual-axis trackers is, offers unparalleled energy generation efficiency. As the adoption of bifacial panels proliferates, the demand for compatible dual-axis trackers is set to rise correspondingly.Read Full Report with Table of Contents: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/dual-axis-solar-tracker-marketMarket SegmentationThe market can be divided based on application and region.Market Breakup by Application• Utility... — openPR.com, 14h ago

new It’s why there are very specific temperature requirements to which you must adhere when transporting pathology samples, and they may or may not be the same as the blood products intended for transfusions. Though most cold chains and labs have quality monitoring and quality control systems in place, as well as RFID-based tracking systems, not all actively monitor the temperature inside blood transport bags. They may only keep tabs on the surrounding climate. Every member is up against the clock to get each and every sample to the testing facility and tested without it getting damaged by overly hot or cold temperatures on route. Zero to four hours is the typical window allowed from bleed to test!... — Manufacturers' Monthly, 18h ago

new Amphion believes that the beauty of passive speaker crossovers lies in their simplicity, which helps to maintain a high level of audio resolution. The One25A follows this design philosophy, but as an active speaker it is radically different. The design could be described as a line-level passive crossover, which is buffered with ultra-clean FET buffers. This gives the One25A the best of both worlds. The design also utilizes Amphion’s overload protection circuitry that’s kept separate from the audio signal path and it remains inactive until limiting is needed to ensure maximum resolution and safe user operation. Instead of placing the amplifiers and power supply inside the monitor, where they are negatively affected by physical vibration and magnetic forces of drivers, the electronic components are located on the exterior of the speaker and are well isolated from the enclosure to improve performance and allow for long life, easy serviceability and soffit mounting if desired. For room tuning and soffit mounting applications, Amphion has designed a proprietary 8-step low frequency adjustment boundary control (+/-7dB) allowing fine tuning the bass response when placing the One25A near boundaries. The adjustment is a smooth shelf-type curve mostly operating at frequencies below 150 Hz. The overall result offers an innovative, controlled monitor with speed, dynamics and emotional transfer users rely on from Amphion. — Mixonline, 19h ago

new The governor’s actions presume that EVs are a winning technology – but this is presumptuous, as there is much uncertainty over the future of EVs. Mandates carry risks. Mandates require policymakers to pick winners and losers, an almost impossible task, and often results in failure given the limited knowledge of policymakers and their propensity to serve special interests. The problem is particularly acute for new technologies with a high level of uncertainty over cost and performance. A better way to make EVs more attractive to consumers is to have them compete against gasoline/diesel-powered vehicles. When regulating or legislating away their main competition, it becomes more likely that EVs will continue to be inferior to gasoline/diesel-powered vehicles. — AIER, 1d ago

new The Skin Lightener Market size is expected to grow at an annual average of CAGR 4% during the forecast period (2023-2029). Skincare is an essential part of personal care in the modern world. Increasing awareness and knowledge about such products have recently increased demand. The niche segment of skin-lightening products has grown significantly compared to other segments. Skin brightening products aim to reduce the melanin content in the body, which is the prime driver of skin darkening. Skin-lightening products can be used to lighten the entire face of the skin or to lighten dark spots that may have appeared due to acne marks or hyperpigmentation. Skin-lightening products are used to reduce dark pigmentation that is left after a cut, nick, or wound. Glutathione is injected into the face or skin and is the most known and asked-for ingredient for skin lightening. It can be injected directly into the skin through injections. Hydroquinone is a potent ingredient used in skin-lightening products as it effectively reduces melanocytes. Similarly, Vitamin C is also used in skin-lightening products. Vitamin C has been quite popular in the past few years as an active ingredient to brighten and lighten skin. Vitamin C is also known to effectively reduce melanin synthesis in skin cells. Furthermore, glycolic acid and kojic acid are known to lighten skin effectively. These products are available in various sizes, textures, forms and packaging. They are found in the form of creams, serums, lotions etc. — openPR.com, 1d ago

new Therefore, in the first chapter of this dissertation we ask if differences in detection rates are present and unaccounted for in COVID-19 surveillance data. We find that evolving case definitions, continued improvements to diagnostic testing, and widespread changes in how and where people were detected suggest that this is likely occurring in these data. Furthermore, excess mortality estimates are a more stable and consistent data type that could be used in place of COVID-19 surveillance data. In Chapter 2, we examine whether the results of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) impact analyses change if excess mortality estimates are used in place of COVID-19 observed deaths. We find that in two of the four studies analyzed, results are reversed. In Chapter 3, we detail a number of implicit assumptions underlying COVID-19 NPI impact analyses that might not be expected to hold for emerging infectious diseases. In particular, we find a lack of pre-intervention data, the possibility of jurisdiction grouping in the pre-intervention period, challenges in modeling intervention effects, and unexpected impacts of differences in specifications of outcome variables, even when studies are all using, for example, observed deaths. Finally, in Chapter 4, we compare COVID-19 observed cases, COVID-19 observed deaths, and excess mortality when estimating the effect of lifting NPIs. We find that COVID-19 observed cases (as an outcome variable) and linear regression models (as an analysis technique) are particularly sensitive to changing detection rates and thus likely to lead to erroneous results. Taken together, this research identifies important shortcomings of COVID-19 surveillance data, especially COVID-19 cases, and details limitations of the data and methods used to measure the impact of NPIs. — Georgetown University, 1d ago

new ...deTour 2023 is presented by PMQ and sponsored by Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. This 10-day grand design festival will present various programmes for the art and design communities both in and outside Hong Kong. These programmes include creative installations and exhibitions, workshops, design dialogues, movie screenings, guided tours, and many more. 10 years of deTour at PMQ Started in 2014, PMQ's deTour celebrates the 10th anniversary this year. A unique theme has been assigned to each edition of deTour to explore how design could solve social problems and improve our lives. To commemorate this journey, a 10-year retrospect exhibition will be featured in this year's deign festival to look back on the highlighted exhibits and behind-the-scenes of the past decade of PMQ's deTour. This part of the exhibition will be held during the same period as deTour 2023 Design Festival at PMQ and admission is free, as everyone is invited to witness the road to success of deTour, as the contribution of PMQ and deTour in pushing forward the development of the local design industry. The theme of deTour 2023 – "New Know How" – the Interweaving of "Craft", "Design" and "Technology" Working around "New Know How" as the theme, deTour 2023 aims to pave the road to craft design future which takes off with appreciation of traditional craftsmanship. When working, craftsmen are laser focused, highly precise and people oriented, and these qualities are collectively deemed as the "spirit of craftsmanship", which are also regarded as "Know How". Curators of deTour 2023 stated that "this valuable artisanship ought to be applied to different industries. It, together with design thinking and advanced technology, will help take each industry to a new level. By achieving this, problems can be solved more effectively, and through analysing obstacles from a new angle and perhaps trying solutions with new materials and techniques, new creations that are more thoughtful might be possible – this is what we meant by 'New Know How'." Through this design festival, curators hope to bring the industries to re-appreciate traditional crafts from a new angle and make good use of "New Know How" in different sectors. Three Exhibition Areas with 20 International and Local Works The exhibition of deTour 2023 Design Festival is divided into three parts: International Collaboration, Feature Exhibitions and Selected Entries, which are curated under the five specific directions of New Value, Storytelling, Craft Enhancement, Innovation and Heritage. Scattered all over the PMQ premises, 20 design works from the Nethelands, Japan and local designers are open to the public for free appreciation. . In addition, over the 10 days of the design festival, there will be a fruitful programme of a total of 40 workshops, 12 design dialogues and sessions of documentary screening of "Food and Design". International Collaboration: Craft by Nature by Biobased Creations (The Netherlands) deTour 2023's International Collaboration has invited Biobased Creations from the Netherlands, which is a creative studio formed by a group of designers, researchers and artists who aim to encourage the use of biomaterials - also known as renewable eco resources - in daily lives, so as to evolve our world into a regenerative and circular one. Biobased Creations presents Craft by Nature which is an exhibit specially designed for deTour 2023. Shaped like a house, the exhibit allows visitors to find multiple designs made from biobased materials such as furniture, clothes, shoes and socks, and household items. All of these designs are eco-friendly, light in weight and with a minimalistic design, created by designers from Hong Kong and the Netherlands. Outside the house in the garden, visitors can see the "originals" of the materials used in the designs, including common reed, silvergrass and shells, something that we are familiar with. Other than that, Biobased Creations will also display 40 biomaterials that can be applied in architecture and heat insulation, and visitors are welcome to hold and feel these materials and scan the QR code to instantly learn how these biomaterials are made. Craft by Nature is an innovative installation demonstrating how materials that are ignored or abandoned can be transformed into chic designs, and this allows us to rethink our relationship with the nature and invites us to take one more step forward to make our world better. Feature Exhibitions: Exploring traditional crafts with a fresh eye... — SME Business Daily Media, 1d ago

new Arnaud Pieton, CEO of Technip Energies stated: “Rely was born out of our commitment to make green hydrogen and power-to-X a feasible low-carbon alternative for industrial-scale applications. We created Rely after carefully listening to our customers' needs and forming strong convictions about the way to break the industrial and cost barriers associated with large-scale green hydrogen. Partnering with John Cockerill will help us bring green hydrogen power-to-X to life. Moreover, we're determined to develop a portfolio of technologies that will drive down costs over the long haul. This is just the beginning of the story.”... — https://www.indianchemicalnews.com/, 1d ago

new Looking at what happens going forward, Harrignton gazes at a world where cars are more connected and more ‘computerised’—so there are more surface areas that need security solutions applied to them. “V2V comms, municipal infrastructure comms, video/radar systems for autonomous driving, app connectivity into the vehicle as well as from inside going onto the Internet. As I said, this is a rolling network of devices so a breach into one can impact the entire vehicle. The separation between the comfort and infotainment and the CAN bus is not as gapped as people think. So with any weakness within these new components and a breach into the CAN bus, the ramifications of what you could do to that vehicle could be catastrophic. Or simply malicious, not to be entirely gloomy.”... — DATAQUEST, 2d ago

new With an increase in commercial and private spaceflight comes the need to regulate it, and the FAA has had a major role in newspace flight rules to date... but should it be the primary regulator moving ahead? Many in the field say no, and some decry most attempts at what they see as unnecessary control. We at TWiS feel that, like any other form of transportation, proper and healthy regulation is needed--the question is by whom, and how. George Nield, President of Commercial Space Technologies and former Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Aviation at the FAA, joins us to work through the tangle. — Space.com, 2d ago

new 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐃𝐅 𝐎𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 : https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/146977 The increased participation in cheerleading has led to a growth in demand for various cheerleading equipment market demand. The higher involvement of cheerleaders in sports has generated a greater need for uniforms, practice wear, and accessories. Moreover, the increase in number of cheerleading participants has increased the need for safety equipment such as mats, pads, and safety gear. As safety is a top priority in cheerleading and this equipment are essential to prevent injuries during practice and performances, which can surge the cheerleading equipment market size. In addition, more participation from worldwide have resulted into higher demand for training aids and accessories that can help cheerleaders improve their skills. It includes items like pom-poms, megaphones, cheer signs, and instructional materials. Manufacturers also capitalize on this demand by offering a wider range of products.Schools and other organizations are investing majorly in cheerleading programs, which is leading to increased cheerleading equipment market share. Moreover, schools, colleges, and organizations are allocating resources for cheerleading, which increases the demand for cheerleading equipment and accessories. Investment in coaching, training, and facilities has led to safer and more proficient cheerleading. Consequently, the need for safety equipment, including mats, padding, and safety gear to enhance the safety of participants, has increased and resulted in cheerleading equipment market trends.In addition, enhanced investment has made way for professional and competitive cheerleading programs which has proven to be opportunistic for the market growth. Manufacturers have explored opportunities to expand into international markets as cheerleading has gained popularity in different regions and countries. Furthermore, the adaptation of products to meet specific needs and preferences of different regions makes way for market growth.The integration of technological advancements in the cheerleading equipment market has driven innovation, enhanced performance, and has offered unique features, which has positively impacted the industry. The manufacturers of cheerleading equipment have constantly developed new and innovative products, such as safer and more comfortable mats and uniforms. Moreover, it has also fostered technological advancements in cheerleading equipment. The incorporation of technology, such as wearable devices for performance monitoring or training aids, has led to the development of new and improved products. In addition, high-speed cameras and video analysis software have assisted in evaluation of cheerleading routines and to identify areas for improvement.The mobile apps and online platforms also offer training modules, tutorials, and interactive guides for cheerleaders to practice and learn new skills independently. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications are also utilized to create immersive training experiences for cheerleaders which has enabled the cheerleaders to practice routines and stunts in a simulated environment. The rise in technological advancement has made way for manufacturers to create safer, smarter, and more innovative cheerleading equipment to meet the evolving needs of athletes and coaches which has further boosted the cheerleading equipment market opportunities.𝐈𝐧𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 : https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/146977 The rise in customization and personalization presents a significant opportunity field for the cheerleading equipment market. Manufacturers offer customized and personalized gear to cater the unique preferences of cheerleaders and teams, to enhance their sense of identity and brand recognition. Moreover, customization allows cheerleading teams to create a distinct and unique identity as it provides ability to choose colors, logos, and designs that reflect respective school or organization, which foster team spirit and cohesion. — openPR.com, 2d ago

new The contract, which is being voted on and needs a majority of “yes” votes to come into force, was considered a victory by many and received with suspicion by others. In the initial vote, 14% of the members of the union's national board voted “no”, and that is what Portuguese actress Kika Magalhães intends to do as well. “The reason is that they don't protect actors in relation to digital replicas”, she told Lusa the actress, based in Los Angeles since 2016. “They say yes, that there is protection, but then we look between the lines and there is nothing.” Kika Magalhães, whose latest film, “The Girl in the Backseat”, has just been released reaching Amazon Prime Video and the streaming platform Tubi, points to how digital replicas can be disastrous. “An actor goes for a casting and the producers ask if he will accept their digital replica. If the actor says no, they may not give him the role,” she explains. Top-notch actors will be able to negotiate and say no without losing the role. “But small actors like us don't bring as much money to the union and they don't protect us as much”, considered Kika Magalhães. The actress doubts the solution put forward by one of the clauses, according to which if a studio uses digital replicas of an actor this You will be paid corresponding to the hours you would be filming. “This is very relative, because a scene can take a month to film. They can say it took a day to make.” Actress Justine Bateman also criticized loopholes that allow studios to use digital replicas without actors' consent when certain conditions are met. The results of the votes will be known on December 5th. If there are 50%+1 “yes” votes, this contract will come into force for the next three years. “I have heard many actors saying that they will vote no”, said Kika Magalhães. Her husband, actor Chris Marrone, said that “if the majority fully understands what they are signing, then they vote no.” Marrone considered that the SAG contract “doesn’t seem like a big victory after all” and that there should be specific language to define the actors as human beings. This is something that actress Katja Herbers also defends, in opposition to “synthetic actors”. However, the expectation is that the “yes” will win, because the industry has been at a standstill for too long and there is widespread fatigue. This is what Mário anticipates Carvalhal, who belongs to the Animation Guild, stressing that the stoppage was long and the “no” appears to be a minority. “There is a possibility that some people will vote no, but I believe that these new measures will pass and be approved,” he told Lusa. “I think it is a minority that is very right in what they are demanding, but it was practically a whole year of work stopped in this city and I think everyone is ready to move forward”. Mário Carvalhal considers that the big risk of AI will be the reduction in quality and a change in the way the environment works. “Actors have more to claim, especially when it comes to those who do voices. There have already been cases where AI can do the job,” he said. “It's an inferior job, but for many companies it's enough and doesn't cost them anything.” Carvalhal considers that actors “must maintain their rights to image, voice and everything else, their likeness.” The Portuguese also stressed that, although the strikes did not achieve all their objectives, they allowed “important steps in the right direction” to be taken and this is an aspect of which the strikers are proud. “As much as possible, I think the workers won this fight”, he considered. For screenwriter Filipe Coutinho, member of the Portuguese Cinema Academy, the unions were justified in their fight, which took longer than expected. “I'm quite satisfied for the way both the WGA and SAG acted over these six months”, he told Lusa. “It’s an unbelievable time to have an entire industry at a standstill,” he stressed. “California is one of the largest economies in the world and it is incomprehensible that it took so long for the studios to offer a fair contract to writers and actors.” Filipe Coutinho also said that, even with the agreements, “everything is a little upside down. the air”, with studios and production companies “trying to understand what the next phase will be”. The Portuguese mentioned changes in the business model, with 'blockbusters' expected to fail at the box office, cancellation of films and the dilemma of 'streaming '.“No one really knows what to invest in and under what conditions to invest, and now contracts also change the approach to content production.” Afonso Salcedo, lighting artist, who worked on the new Disney film “Wish – The Power of Desires”, considers that the strikes were difficult but important, at a time when it is not yet clear to what extent AI will affect the industry. “The agreements will last three years so I think it is a good step to see what it is like that the technologies will work in the coming years”, he indicated, noting that the animation segment will have to renegotiate the contract in 2024. “It will be interesting to see what will happen, if we are going to negotiate protections against Artificial Intelligence”, stated Afonso Salcedo. “Maybe, next year, we will get into these fights with the studios again.” The vote on the agreement reached between the SAG-Aftra union and the studios runs until December 5th. The results will be tabulated and published on the same day. — adherents, 2d ago

new Liquid-crystal (LC) phase modulators are widely used in optical systems because of their advantages of low power consumption, light weight, flexible bandwidth adjustment, and non-mechanical movements. However, most LC phase modulators are polarization-sensitive, meaning that they affect the phase of light differently depending on its polarization. This can limit their performance and functionality in some applications.There are two main approaches to realizing polarization-independent LC phase modulators. The first approach is to use polarization-independent LC materials, such as polymer-stabilized blue-phase liquid crystals (PS-BPLCs). However, PS-BPLCs require high driving voltages, which can make them impractical for some applications.The second approach is to change the alignment of the LC directors. One way to do this is to use a double-layer LC cell, which consists of two LC cells stacked on top of each other with their LC directors oriented orthogonally. This allows light to be decomposed into two orthogonal components, each of which experiences the same phase modulation. However, double-layer LC cells are complex and difficult to manufacture.Another way to achieve polarization-independent LC phase modulation is to use orthogonal photoalignment. This involves using a special photoalignment layer that creates orthogonal alignment domains in the LC. However, it is difficult to achieve precise alignment using this method.In a new paper published in Light: Advanced Manufacturing, a team of scientists led by Professor Jiangang Lu have developed a new approach to polarization-independent LC phase modulation.Polarization-independent LC phase modulation is based on a light-controlled azimuth angle (LCAA) process. The LCAA process uses the optical rotatory effect of cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) to create single-layer, multi-microdomain, orthogonally twisted (MMOT) structures.MMOT structures are composed of multiple microdomains with orthogonally aligned LC directors. The LCAA process uses a patterned light beam to control the alignment of the LC directors in each microdomain. This allows the researchers to create MMOT structures with precise alignment.LC phase modulators with a single-layer MMOT structure have the potential to be both polarization-independent and have a large phase depth. This makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, including optical communications, wearable devices, and displays.A light-controlled azimuth angle (LCAA) process can be used to fabricate a multi-microdomain orthogonally twisted (MMOT) device with low polarization dependence, high phase retardation, and a simple structure. The alignment angle between the top and bottom substrates in the LCAA process and the mask grid size of the MMOT structure can be tailored to meet the requirements of different applications.This device has the potential to revolutionize the way we use light in a variety of applications. For example, it could be used to create new types of optical communications systems that are more efficient and reliable. It could also be used to develop new types of wearable devices that can display information in a more clear and concise way. — newswise.com, 2d ago

new Integrated optical signal distributing, processing, and sensing networks require the miniaturization of basic optical elements, such as waveguides, splitters, gratings, and optical switches. To achieve this, fabrication approaches that allow for high-resolution manufacturing are required. Curved elements like bends and ring resonators are especially challenging to fabricate, as they need even higher resolution and lower sidewall roughness. Additionally, fabrication techniques with precise control of absolute structure dimensions are imperative.Several technologies have been developed for subwavelength high-resolution manufacturing, such as direct laser writing, multi-photon lithography, electron beam lithography, ion beam lithography, and domino lithography. However, these technologies are costly, complex, and time-consuming. Nanoimprint lithography is an emerging replication technique well-suited for high-resolution and efficient manufacturing. However, it requires high-quality master stamps, which are usually produced using electron beam lithography.In a new paper published in Light: Advanced Manufacturing, scientists Dr.-Ing. Lei Zheng et al. from the Leibniz University Hannover have developed a low-cost and user-friendly fabrication technique, called UV-LED-based microscope projection photolithography (MPP), for rapid high-resolution manufacturing of optical elements within seconds. This approach transfers structure patterns on a photomask to a photoresist-coated substrate under UV illumination.The MPP system is based on standard optical and optomechanical elements. Instead of a mercury lamp or a laser, an extremely low-cost UV-LED with a wavelength of 365 nm is used as the light source.The researchers developed a preceding process to obtain the structure-patterned chromium mask required in MPP. It includes structure design, printing on a transparent foil, and the pattern transfer onto the chromium photomask. They established a lithography setup for the preparation of photomasks as well. Structure patterns printed on the transparent foil can be transferred to a chromium photomask with this setup and a subsequent wet-etching process.The MPP system can fabricate high-resolution optical elements with feature sizes down to 85 nm. This is comparable to the resolution of much more expensive and complex fabrication methods, such as multi-photon and electron beam lithography. MPP could be used to fabricate microfluidic devices, biosensors, and other optical devices.This fabrication approach developed by the researchers is a significant advancement in the field of lithography for the rapid and high-resolution structuring of optical elements. It is particularly well-suited for applications where rapid prototyping and low-cost fabrication are important. For example, it could be used to develop new optical devices for biomedical research or to prototype new MEMS devices for consumer electronics applications. — newswise.com, 2d ago

new ...school administrators or the State Board of Education. An easy to implement action could be to “ develop International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW)…activities for schools.” In additional to continuing to provide and improve materials on the how and why of composting groups considered what types of new materials should be developed including testimonials from industry peers, case studies on the economics of composting, and more publicly available compost demonstration . Action could also be taken to create more resources for home composters for troubleshooting such as "create short + informative video highlighting common mistakes to avoid " and "411 type phone # or texting service for composting" (formally called the Rotline in Chicago when the city had a home composting program). Education actions were also identified to improve composting services by educating those writing and approving waste hauling contracts about what should be in the contract and increasing transparency so that everyone (municipalities, haulers, and households) can easily obtain the answer to the questions "where is the food waste going exactly?" and “what can composters accept?” A list of comments on Education Actions are displayed in Table 10, Appendix 1. INFRASTRUCTURE actions included ways to improve the composting ecosystem especially by increasing access to drop off and pick up programs , as well as ensuring that the programs are more equitable and accessible to all residents, regardless of their ability to pay. To support infrastructure, actions to be taken include increasing public awareness by creating and promoting compost maps and directories by using resources such as "Google Maps for showcasing businesses that compost," 5 holding more events like Pumpkin Smashes or compost giveback days and developing ad campaigns. It was noted that these types of efforts strengthen and support composting’s social infrastructure . To drive usage and demand for compost possible actions included encouraging increased usage on farms (either through incentives, subsidizes, or education) and in public works projects, and motivating residents and businesses to use and make compost and separate their organic waste. Policy was often viewed as a way to mobilize action for infrastructure whether it was creating "supportive equitable well written policy for farmers to be involved in compost as a business model" or to " make spray fertilizer less affordable.” Also suggested were policies to promote compost usage, the idea being that increased use will drive the expansion of compost production facilities. Comments such as “companies adding amended soil to large sites I-DOT Construction or other County municipalities, institutions universities corps" and " tax incentives for landscapers +topsoil producers to bring in compost " are examples of how policy could support infrastructure growth. Finally, streamlining the process of compost creation and improving compost products especially by working on “compost quality standard's testing .” Developing demonstration and research that compares compost products, blends, and mixes to support claims on the benefits of usage for highway construction, farms, and landscape use are also actions that could be taken to support the development of compost infrastructure. — extension.org, 2d ago

new CCA's mission is to forge new connections between science and art, people and technology. The founding director is the conductor and TUM honorary professor Felix Mayer: "The TUM Center for Culture and Arts wants to question the latest technological developments for their significance for the arts, it wants to offer students new academic teaching formats, it wants to arouse curiosity and feed and fuel the intellectual zest for life." TUM President Prof. Thomas F. Hofmann emphasizes: "With the TUM Center for Culture and Arts, we want to offer a wide-ranging, inspiring program, from music and literature to visual, performing, and digital arts. We want to support students, employees, alumni, partners, and friends in discovering previously hidden talents and to develop new inspiration and creativity through this combination of science and culture. We want to encourage creative ways of thinking and working and give people deeper access to less familiar fields of science through art and culture.“ The CCA is located under the umbrella of the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning, which is headed by TUM Executive Vice President Prof. Claudia Peus: "At TUM, it is our declared goal to attract talents in all their diversity and to give them the best opportunities to develop their potential. At the same time, we want to be servants of society and shape the progress of innovation responsibly. Art and culture offer unique opportunities to appeal to and inspire the most diverse groups of people and give them impetus for further development, including people who might not normally come to university."... — tum.de, 2d ago

new Manufacturers are changing their product branding and advertising strategies to accelerate their sales across various countries. Innovative strategies such as new product launches with natural ingredients and appealing packaging have been adopted by manufacturing companies to increase sales of their cosmetics products. As cosmetics have become an integral part of individuals’ lives, consumers, especially women, prefer to use cosmetics products, which are handy and easy to use while traveling or attending social meetings. Moreover, the use of natural ingredients for manufacturing cosmetics products, which do not have any adverse effect on the skin, is a popular strategy of manufacturers to attract more customers. This also helps in increasing the revenue of companies operating in this industry. All strategies adopted by manufacturers drive the global market. However, chemicals used in the manufacturing of cosmetic products can harm an individual’s skin or other parts of the body. However, the application of cosmetic products on a daily basis could be dangerous for the skin. Chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetic products can have many adverse side effects on the skin. Long-term and extensive use of chemical-rich shampoos, serums, and conditioners leads to heavy hair fall problems. Moreover, extensive use of color cosmetic products for eyes and lips can also cause skin diseases and consequential health hazards. Therefore, an increase in awareness of probable side effects of cosmetics and skin concerns among customers is an important factor that limits the growth of the market. — Allied Market Research, 2d ago

new Ralph Ranalli (Intro): Welcome to the Harvard Kennedy School PolicyCast. I’m your host, Ralph Ranalli. When ChatGPT and other generative AI tools were released to the public late last year, it was as if someone had opened the floodgates on a thousand urgent questions that just weeks before had mostly preoccupied academics, futurists, and science fiction writers. Now those questions are being asked by many of us—teachers, students, parents, politicians, bureaucrats, citizens, businesspeople, and workers. What can it do for us? What will it do to us? Will it take our jobs? How do we use it in a way that’s both ethical and legal? And will it help or hurt our already-distressed democracy? Thankfully, my guest today, Kennedy School Lecturer in Public Policy Bruce Schneier has already been thinking a lot about those questions, particularly the last one. Schneier, a public interest technologist, cryptographer, and internationally-known internet security specialist whose newsletter and blog are read by a quarter million people, says that AI’s inexorable march into our lives and into our politics is likely to start with small changes like AI’s helping write policy and legislation. The future, however, could hold possibilities that we have a hard time wrapping our current minds around—like AIs creating political parties or autonomously fundraising and generating profits to back political parties or causes. Overall, like a lot of other things, it’s likely to be a mixed bag of the good and the bad. The important thing, he says, is to using regulation and other tools to make sure that AIs are working for us—and even paying us for the privilege and not just for Big Tech companies—a hard lesson we’ve already learned through our experience with social media. He joins me today. — harvard.edu, 2d ago

new Consumers are opting for precautionary measures with rise in awareness about infections and diseases. They have become more health-conscious and companies are using various marketing strategies to increase consumer confidence and strengthen brand relations. These brands use different strategies to build positive perception through the use of labels and special logos on their packaging to gain recognition and make people aware of the immune health benefits which their unique products offer. Chr. Hansen uses Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG, which is a probiotic strain, used by companies for marketing and brand recognition as logo on their packaging. These strategies help in building consumer trust. — Allied Market Research, 2d ago

new Åsa Ekdahl, Head of Environment and Climate Change at the World Steel Association, said, “The steel industry is committed to continuing to reduce the carbon emissions from its production processes and the use of its products. There is no single solution to do this, which is why industry cooperation with other sectors like energy and transportation, as well as partnerships with the financial community, are crucial for the steel industry. We need to see faster development of enabling technologies, renewable energy and green hydrogen not only to ensure our own operations are aligned with the aims of the Paris Agreement, but because steel is and will be a critical material for these other sectors to achieve their own climate ambitions. Our association welcomes the launch of the ITA and looks forward to working with its wide range of partners. — World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), 2d ago

new The adoption of AI is a trend that will continue to advance in the workplace. As AI becomes more entrenched in business models and its capabilities expanded, its acceptance and utility are likely to grow as well. However, this will require organizations to address the current gaps in AI understanding and training among their workforce — contributing to greater investments in upskilling. — Allwork.Space, 2d ago

new KAREN HAO: I wanna start by unpacking the word "safety" first. And I know we've sort of been talking about a lot of different words with squishy definitions, but safety is another one of those where AI safety as OpenAI defines it, is kind of different from what we would typically think around like engineering safety. You know, there, there have been other disciplines, you know, like when we talk about a bridge being safe, it means that it holds up and it works and it resists kind of collapsing under the weight of a normal volume of traffic or even like a massive volume of traffic. With AI safety, the brand of OpenAI's AI safety, they- it is more related to this, this kind of extreme risk they have. Again, they have started adopting more of this like also focusing on current harms like discrimination, but it is primarily focused on these extreme risks. So the question I guess to to kind of reiterate is sort of like will OpenAI continue to focus on research that is very heavily indexed on extreme risks? I think so, but how are they going to change the structure to make sure that these ideological clashes don't happen again? I don't actually think that's possible, and I also think that part of what we learned from this weekend is that we shouldn't actually be waiting for OpenAI to do something about this. There will always be ideological struggles again because of this fundamental problem that we have, which is that no one knows what AGI is, no one agrees with what it is. It's all a projection of your own ideology, your own beliefs and the AI research talent pool and the broader Silicon Valley talent pool of engineers, product managers, all of those people are also ideologically split on these kind of techno-optimist versus existential-risk divides. So the, even if you try to restructure or rehire or shuffle things around, you're always going to kind of get an encapsulation of this full range of ideological beliefs within the company, and you're going to end up with these battles because of disagreements around what is actually- what are we actually working on and how do we actually get there. So I personally think that one of the biggest lessons to take away is for policymakers and for other members of the general public and consumers to recognize that this company and this technology is very much made by people. It's very much the product of conscious decisions and, and an imprint of very specific ideologies. And if we actually want to facilitate a better future with better AI technologies and AI technologies that are also applied in better ways, and it's actually up to much more than OpenAI it's up to policymakers to regulate the company, it's up to consumers to make decisions that kind of financially pressure the company to continue moving towards directions that we collectively as a society believe are more appropriate. And ultimately what this boils down to is I think like AI is such an important technology and so consequential for everyone that it needs to have more democratic processes around its development and its governance. We can't really rely on a company or a board that is, you know, tiny to represent the interests of all of humanity. — Big Think, 2d ago

new But they also have to keep up with resident expectations: “Sixty-four percent of constituents say governments need further enhancements to customer service, efficiency and accessibility, with 70 percent wanting governments to embrace advanced technologies, such as 5G for faster communication and AI for improved efficiency,” reads another finding.But these ideas aren’t necessarily in conflict. We have made a lot of progress since the dawn of the Internet, and there is still much to do. The spirit of continuous improvement that pervades public-sector IT offices is an encouraging sign that today’s leaders are committed to making incremental change in government despite what they’re up against. The mission is worth it. — GovTech, 2d ago

new Most importantly, the RISE grant helped Northeastern purchase its simulators, which include a birth simulator, a pediatric simulator and two adult simulators. Using the simulators students can do everything from listen to heartbeats and breathing sounds to insert a catheter and their patients are even able to talk to them and answer questions.Instructors shared that the simulators are invaluable because they help students grow their confidence and figure out what they still need to learn while realizing just how much they already know. Plus, it's a great place for students to apply what they've learned in the classroom.Nursing students commented that the simulators help make them more comfortable, teach them time management, provide valuable hands-on experience outside of the classroom and allow them to work on their critical thinking skills."I like simulation because it is a place for me to make errors and not have to worry about killing the patients," Brandon Williams said.Before watching a demonstration of the birth simulator, the group heard from Jennifer Garcia, a student who benefited from the RISE grant and in May will be graduating with an RN (Registered Nursing) degree. From California, she was working a dead-end job when her sister was accepted into NJC's program and encouraged her to enroll. After taking a job at Sterling Regional MedCenter as an inventory associate to make sure that healthcare was right for her, she fell in love almost immediately and went to work earning her CNA degree."Being from out of state it's been very difficult for me," Garcia said, explaining that the cost for her to attend Northeastern is much higher than a student who has lived here all of their life. "I wasn't sure I would be able to afford it and then came the RISE grant. It just lifted this great burden off me and I was able to focus all of my time and attention into preparing my skills.""I am very grateful to the RISE grant for everything it has given me because I feel that I have a purpose," Garcia added, sharing that she plans to work in the community when she graduates.Next, Giacomini shared how for years, she and Brower discussed how they could partner with students coming in, who often come from a country where they were a veterinarian or a doctor but now they need to get the skills and credentials to be able to work in the United States. Through the RISE grant, they were able to remove the financial barrier for some of the students and it also helped them create an integrated education and training program.Northeastern found a cohort of students whose language proficiency was just enough that they could have a basic conversation but they needed language skills specific to a CNA, which they got through a customized English training that was developed. The college also worked with them on workforce preparation skills like communication, time management, learning cultural differences, etc."It was great to finally pilot this program that we'd been trying for so long to get together," Giacomini said, adding that now those students are recruiting others to the CNA program.Next, was the simulation, which involved a pregnant woman who came in stable but started deteriorating with her heart rate and blood pressure showing signs of distress and her oxygen level dropping. She then experienced an eclamptic seizure due to high blood pressure and when the mother awakened it was determined she was in labor. The mother went on to deliver a healthy baby girl, who was examined for any problems and vaccinated.After the simulation, the group heard from Shelly Griffith, CEO of Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center, one of Northeastern's main clinical sites for both nursing and CNA students."We rely heavily on (NJC) to help train CNAs, individuals who are looking to pursue an entry point into the medical field," she said. "The beauty of NJC is they have been able to flex some schedules and be able to accommodate those who may need to be working full-time while they are looking to grow their career options."NJC's program is especially critical given the shortage of healthcare workers. Griffith shared Eben Ezer has a need for 20 CNAs right now,"What's happening is the demand for our service is significant and so people are having to go on a wait list, which means that many people, their needs are not being met because nursing homes throughout the rural communities are not able to meet that need because of limited staffing levels," she explained.Following her remarks, guests had a chance to try out the simulators themselves.The day ended with a panel discussion that included Tamara Durbin, executive director of Northeast Colorado BOCES; Kyle Stumpf, Superintendent of Holyoke School District; Danielle Ongart, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Education's Student Pathways; and Misti Ruthven, Director of Education and Training Innovation for the Office of Governor Polis.They talked about the importance of career connected learning as it benefits both students and the economy by opening students' eyes to career opportunities they might want to consider. Stumpf mentioned the success of his district's internship program.The group also talked about some of the barriers that exist to providing this, the biggest being cost, especially in northeast Colorado where it costs a lot to transport students from their school to another school that offers the program they're interested in. There is also the challenge of trying to ensure all students have equitable access. Durbin pointed out that students who live in northeast Colorado need to have the same opportunities available to them as those on the Front Range.During a question and answer session with the audience, Trae Miller, executive director of the Logan County Economic Development Corporation, pointed out that internships and apprenticeships sound great but the state requirements that go into those and the reporting aspects create a barrier for businesses to participate in those programs. He also shared that students need help with basic skills such as showing up on time and learning how to take instruction.Ongart suggested there needs to be a regional entity in place to help students and businesses navigate this, so it doesn't all fall on the district or the business, and Stumpf mentioned his district teaches a class an hour a day with all of those skills and they also provide businesses with funding to help offset the costs of doing an internship.State Sen. Byron Pelton asked why the state is reinventing the wheels with apprenticeships, instead of learning from what's in place now. He said his frustration with recent legislation regarding apprenticeships is "you're going to have a lot of outside forces that are going to try to do their best to send it one way or the other when we need to just worry about the entire workforce, not just a little part of it; we need to worry about the entire workforce." Pelton pointed out in two years, half of Colorado's electrical trade will be retiring, "so we've got to get more people in there," he commented.He also said would like for time in college courses to count toward credit for both college and high school, which he plans to introduce a bill to require."We realize the importance of apprenticeships and we have challenges in trying to determine those opportunities for youth in high schools and have that be seamless for them," Durbin said, adding that it's something they are working on.©2023 Journal-Advocate, Sterling, Colo. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. — GovTech, 2d ago