News Archives - Inergency https://inergency.com/amp/media/news/ An online hub for emergency and natural disaster solutions Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:08:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://i0.wp.com/inergency.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/cropped-Copia-de-inergency-logo-1.jpeg?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 News Archives - Inergency https://inergency.com/amp/media/news/ 32 32 227046876 Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, 27 September 2023 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-tourism-day-27-september-2023/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:08:19 +0000 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-tourism-day-27-september-2023/

Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, 27 September 2023

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The Optimization of the Steam-Heat-Treated Process of Rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) Based on the Response Surface Analysis and Its Chemical Changes https://inergency.com/the-optimization-of-the-steam-heat-treated-process-of-rattan-calamus-simplicifolius-based-on-the-response-surface-analysis-and-its-chemical-changes/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:06:56 +0000 https://inergency.com/the-optimization-of-the-steam-heat-treated-process-of-rattan-calamus-simplicifolius-based-on-the-response-surface-analysis-and-its-chemical-changes/ The Optimization of the Steam-Heat-Treated Process of Rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) Based on the Response Surface Analysis and Its Chemical ChangesRattan species, together with bamboo, are among the most significant non-timber forest products and components of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems. There exist 631 species, subspecies, and varieties of rattan in 11 genera worldwide [1]. China alone possesses 41 species and varieties belonging to four genera: Daemonorops, Calamus, Plectocomia, and Myrialepis [2,3]. Thanks to their […]]]> The Optimization of the Steam-Heat-Treated Process of Rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) Based on the Response Surface Analysis and Its Chemical Changes


Rattan species, together with bamboo, are among the most significant non-timber forest products and components of tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems. There exist 631 species, subspecies, and varieties of rattan in 11 genera worldwide [1]. China alone possesses 41 species and varieties belonging to four genera: Daemonorops, Calamus, Plectocomia, and Myrialepis [2,3]. Thanks to their excellent strength, toughness, and elasticity and easy modeling characteristics, rattan species are an excellent material for interior decoration applications such as furniture making or craft equipment weaving [4,5]. Yet, like other lignocellulosic materials, they exhibit some undesirable characteristics including dimensional instability and low resistance against mold and rot fungi decay in a humid environment [6,7,8]. The heat treatment has been known for its advantages (e.g., environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, and simplicity in processing), which make it currently the most widely employed method for industrial wood improvement [9]. In recent years, it has also been used for rattan processing and its derived composite materials [10,11]. Extensive research has been conducted on various impacts of heat treatment processes [12], including color alteration [13], changes in mechanical properties [14,15], durability assessment of heat treatment [16], alterations in chemical composition [17,18], and mass loss. The impact of the fiber percentage and cell wall thickness on the shrinkage–swelling and Modulus of Elasticity of the cane is already defined [19]. Also, changes in durability properties of two rattan species of different diameters were researched [20]. These property changes are closely related to processing parameters such as the temperature, duration, medium, and pressure applied during the heat treatment.
The single-factor analysis method is commonly employed to analyze the impacts of processing parameters [21]. However, this approach is time-consuming and is unable to analyze the interactions among different factors, which can be addressed by a simultaneous single-factor method in experimental design [22]. The response surface analysis or methodology (RSM), initially introduced by Box and Wilson in 1951, serves as an optimization technique based on experimental results or simulations for determining the optimal factor levels that yield the desired response value [23,24].

The raw material selected for this study is Calamus simplicifolius, an important commercial rattan species in China known for its exceptional mechanical properties. The response surface analysis was employed to determine the optimal steam heat treatment process for C. Simplicifolius cane. In the optimization process, independent variables such as steam heat treatment temperature, treatment time, and pressure were considered while designing the impact toughness of C. Simplicifolius cane as the response variable. This study is to quantify the impacts of steam heat treatment parameters (e.g., temperature, time, and pressure) on the impact toughness of C. Simplicifolius. A better understanding of the steam-heat-treated C. Simplicifolius properties will lead to a more efficient utilization of the heat-treated rattan, particularly in outdoor settings.

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The Ad Council & Brady Encourage Gun Owners to ‘Prepare for Misuse’ with help from McKinney https://inergency.com/the-ad-council-brady-encourage-gun-owners-to-prepare-for-misuse-with-help-from-mckinney/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:01:58 +0000 https://inergency.com/the-ad-council-brady-encourage-gun-owners-to-prepare-for-misuse-with-help-from-mckinney/ The Ad Council & Brady Encourage Gun Owners to ‘Prepare for Misuse’ with help from McKinneyNew York, NY, March 23, 2023 — Recently the Ad Council and Brady launch the newest addition to the life-saving End Family Fire campaign, “Prepare for Misuse.” The new public service advertisements (PSAs) evolve the campaign’s longtime focus on the dangers of unsecured guns by depicting the broad range of gun violence—including unintentional shootings, firearm […]]]> The Ad Council & Brady Encourage Gun Owners to ‘Prepare for Misuse’ with help from McKinney


New York, NY, March 23, 2023 — Recently the Ad Council and Brady launch the newest addition to the life-saving End Family Fire campaign, “Prepare for Misuse.” The new public service advertisements (PSAs) evolve the campaign’s longtime focus on the dangers of unsecured guns by depicting the broad range of gun violence—including unintentional shootings, firearm suicide, and intentional shootings—that can be prevented through safe gun storage. The PSAs, which will appear nationwide, include a series of digital and TV spots and out-of-home (OOH) created pro bono by creative and media agency McKinney.

Family fire refers to a shooting caused by someone having access to a gun from the home when they shouldn’t have it. In the United States., 42% of adults live in a firearm-owning household, with 4.6 million children living in homes with unlocked and loaded guns. Access to a firearm also triples the risk of death by suicide. As the new PSAs state, 76% of school shooters access their firearm from the home. In a moment of crisis, safe firearm storage can prevent fatal outcomes, including unintentional shootings, suicides, and mass shootings.

“This latest effort from End Family Fire taps into the wider ramifications that an unsecured gun can have in a way our campaign has never done before,” said Kris Brown, President, Brady. “For the first time, we have expanded our effort to show the impact of unsecured firearms being misused both inside and now outside of the home, like in a school. Our aim with this initiative is to motivate gun owners across the country to prevent the tragedy of family fire, and we hope these new PSAs inspire people to take action within their homes to protect their loved ones.”

In the new PSAs, a gun is shown being insecurely kept in a bedroom nightstand. Each spot explores a different scenario of how the unsecured gun in the home can result in a fatal death. Whether it be a young child unintentionally shooting a parent, a minor taking the gun to school, or an individual dying by gun suicide, the series of spots encompass all the different types of family fire — gun suicide, unintentional, and intentional shootings. To end each spot, a message on how to securely store your gun to prevent misuse is shared, stating that guns should be stored “locked, unloaded, and away from ammunition.”

This campaign brings awareness to the issue of family fire, gives owners a role in gun violence prevention, and encourages a national dialogue around safe firearm storage practices — all of which are proven strategies to prevent tragedies of family fire, which contribute to America’s gun violence epidemic. According to an Ad Council study, more than half of gun owners or adults in gun-owning households who are aware of the End Family Fire campaign report that they have taken steps to store their firearms more safely (Data source: Ad Council online survey of 1,816 United States. adults who reside in gun-owning households, fielded by Ipsos October 1, 2022-December 31, 2022).

“This campaign addresses one of the most significant public health crises facing Americans – gun violence. As a creative, I want to keep the pressure on us all to advocate for changes that will save lives because becoming numb to the issue isn’t an option,” said Alex Shulhafer, Creative Group Director at McKinney. “This campaign addresses gun safety by encouraging gun owners to protect their families and prevent tragedies by storing their guns securely and our directors, Winston and Aaron Tao, were able to speak to this authentically as gun owners themselves.”

“We all want to keep our families and loved ones safe,” said Michelle Hillman, Chief Campaign Development Officer, the Ad Council. “This new work empowers people with guns in their home to start an important dialogue around safe storage practices and take the necessary steps to help prevent the tragedy of family fire. We’re grateful to our incredible partners at Brady and McKinney for their commitment to this critical issue and lifesaving work.”

“Family fire is preventable,” said Brady advocate and Parkland father, Fred Guttenberg. “As a parent who lost my daughter to gun violence, this work is extremely important to my family and the millions of Americans impacted by gun violence each year. We must address all types of family fire and provide actionable steps to prevent these tragedies.”

This new creative will run across social, digital, online video, OOH and broadcast TV media nationwide in time and space donated by the media. To learn more about the campaign and how to promote responsible gun ownership, visit EndFamilyFire.org.

About McKinney
McKinney is a creative and media agency headquartered in Durham, NC, with locations in Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix and New York. Part of the Cheil Worldwide network, McKinney’s footprint gives us direct access to Main Street America while being steeped in the latest in entertainment, emerging trends, and innovation. We partner with clients — from the top marketers in the world to nonprofits — to help them realize their untapped potential.

We’ve been recognized by Cannes Lions, Effies, The One Show, D&AD, ANDY, CLIO, LIA, the Shortys, and The Webby Awards, among others. McKinney works with brands, across a broad range of categories, to create and implement a modern communications ecosystem. Some of our current client partners include Blue Diamond Growers, Pampers, Little Caesars, Puma Running, Stop & Shop, ESPN, Samsung, Columbia Sportswear, Sherwin-Williams and Choice Hotels International, as well as pro bono clients Urban Ministries of Durham and the Ad Council. For more information, visit mckinney.com.

About The Ad Council
The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address several of the nation’s most important causes. The Ad Council has created several of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels.

The Ad Council’s innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube.

About Brady
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and communities to fight for common-sense gun laws, hold the gun industry accountable, and push for social change to free our country of gun violence. In the spirit of our founders, Jim and Sarah Brady, we work across the aisle to bring together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common-sense solutions. Learn more about Brady at bradyunited.org, and follow @bradybuzz on social media.

About End Family Fire
End Family Fire, a joint effort from Brady and the Ad Council that first launched in August 2018, aims to encourage safe gun storage by putting a name to the preventable tragedies that occur when guns in the home are misused. “Family fire,” a term developed for the campaign, refers to a shooting caused by someone having access to a gun from the home when they shouldn’t have it. This includes children as well as those who display behavior that indicates they can harm themselves or others. The campaign aims to bring awareness to the issue of family fire, give gun owners a role in gun violence prevention, and encourage a national dialogue around safe storage practices—all of which can help prevent tragedies of family fire.



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New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals https://inergency.com/new-findings-shed-light-on-finding-valuable-green-metals/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:01:29 +0000 https://inergency.com/new-findings-shed-light-on-finding-valuable-green-metals/ New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metalsCredit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk5979 Research led by Macquarie University sheds new light on how concentrations of metals used in renewable energy technologies can be transported from deep within the Earth’s interior mantle by low temperature, carbon-rich melts. The findings published this week in the journal Science Advances may assist global efforts to find […]]]> New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals


New findings shed light on finding valuable 'green' metals
Credit: Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk5979

Research led by Macquarie University sheds new light on how concentrations of metals used in renewable energy technologies can be transported from deep within the Earth’s interior mantle by low temperature, carbon-rich melts.

The findings published this week in the journal Science Advances may assist global efforts to find these valuable raw materials.

An international team led by Dr. Isra Ezad, a postdoctoral research fellow from Macquarie University’s School of Natural Sciences, carried out high pressure and high temperature experiments creating small amounts of molten carbonate material at conditions similar to those around 90 kilometers depth in the mantle, below the Earth’s crust.

Their experiments showed carbonate melts can dissolve and carry a range of critical metals and compounds from surrounding rocks in the mantle—new information that will inform future metal prospecting.

“We knew that carbonate melts carried rare earth elements, but this research goes further,” says Dr. Ezad.

“We show this molten rock containing carbon takes up sulfur in its oxidized form, while also dissolving precious and base metals—’green’ metals of the future—extracted from the mantle.”

Most of the rock that lies deep in the Earth’s crust and below in the mantle is silicate in composition, like the lava that comes out of volcanoes.

However a tiny proportion (a fraction of a percent) of these deep rocks contain small amounts of carbon and water that causes them to melt at lower temperatures than other portions of the mantle.

These carbonate melts effectively dissolve and transport base metals (including nickel, copper and cobalt), precious metals (including gold and silver), and oxidized sulfur, distilling these metals into potential deposits.

“Our findings suggest carbonate melts enriched in sulfur may be more widespread than previously thought, and can play an important role in concentrating metal deposits,” says Dr. Ezad.

The researchers used two natural mantle compositions: a mica pyroxenite from western Uganda and a fertile spinel lherzolite from Cameroon.

Thicker continental crust regions tend to form in older inland regions of continents, where they can act as a sponge, sucking up carbon and water, Dr. Ezad says.

“Carbon-sulfur melts appear to dissolve and concentrate these metals within discrete mantle regions, moving them into shallower crustal depths, where dynamic chemical processes can lead to ore deposit formation,” Dr. Ezad says.

Dr. Ezad says that this study indicates that tracking carbonate melts can give us a better understanding of large-scale metal redistribution and ore formation processes over Earth’s history.

“As the world transitions away from fossil fuels to battery, wind and solar technology, demand for these essential metals is skyrocketing, and it’s becoming harder to find reliable sources,” says Dr. Ezad.

“This new data provides us with a mineral exploration space previously not considered for base and precious metals—deposits from carbonate melts,” she says.

More information:
Isra S. Ezad et al, Incipient carbonate melting drives metal and sulfur mobilization in the mantle, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk5979

Citation:
New findings shed light on finding valuable ‘green’ metals (2024, March 23)
retrieved 28 March 2024
from https://phys.org/news/2024-03-valuable-green-metals.html

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Do Economic and Social Satisfaction Matter Equally in Sustainable Business? Hotel Membership Types and Sales Promotions https://inergency.com/do-economic-and-social-satisfaction-matter-equally-in-sustainable-business-hotel-membership-types-and-sales-promotions/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:36:32 +0000 https://inergency.com/do-economic-and-social-satisfaction-matter-equally-in-sustainable-business-hotel-membership-types-and-sales-promotions/ Do Economic and Social Satisfaction Matter Equally in Sustainable Business? Hotel Membership Types and Sales Promotions1. Introduction Customer satisfaction undoubtedly improves business performance. Satisfaction can be differentiated into economic and social perspectives, especially in business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) transactions [1,2]. Specifically, economic satisfaction focuses on customers’ evaluations of economic outcomes, whereas social satisfaction focuses on their evaluations of psychological aspects. However, researchers have mainly investigated economic and social satisfaction […]]]> Do Economic and Social Satisfaction Matter Equally in Sustainable Business? Hotel Membership Types and Sales Promotions


1. Introduction

Customer satisfaction undoubtedly improves business performance. Satisfaction can be differentiated into economic and social perspectives, especially in business-to-business (B2B) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) transactions [1,2]. Specifically, economic satisfaction focuses on customers’ evaluations of economic outcomes, whereas social satisfaction focuses on their evaluations of psychological aspects. However, researchers have mainly investigated economic and social satisfaction from the customer relationship management perspective [1,2,3]. The underlying premise of these studies is that customers prioritize economic considerations in the initial stage of a relationship with a service organization and begin to pay attention to the importance of the social perspective in the developmental or maturity stages [2,4,5].
These studies emphasize psychological and attitude changes from a customer relationship perspective but fail to consider that a fundamental state of satisfaction with a particular object must be secured. In other words, the premise that customers’ attitudes shift to non-economic satisfaction after obtaining economic satisfaction is required, suggesting that customer satisfaction responds differently based on several conditions. For example, hotels in Korea invest significant effort in managing membership levels and promoting sales through loyalty programs [6,7,8]. However, despite these investments, some problems remain unaddressed.

Using a dataset of survey responses from hotel membership holders, we address the following research questions:

  • Do customers with memberships respond more strongly to social satisfaction than economic satisfaction when considering membership renewal?

  • Do sales promotions respond more powerfully to economic satisfaction than to social satisfaction?

Research distinguishing between economic and social satisfaction is still in its infancy within the hospitality literature, suggesting potential research gaps. Addressing these gaps will allow researchers to support sustainable business.

In line with these observations, prior work has left two fundamental issues unexamined. First, little is known about the relative influence of both satisfaction types in facilitating paid membership renewal intentions. Economic satisfaction (i.e., monetary outcomes) and social satisfaction (i.e., interactions and psychological fulfillment through long-term exchanges) are both helpful in predicting the direction of a relationship [2,9]. However, when additional moderating variables are involved in the two satisfaction types, do previous findings hold equally? For example, whether both types equally affect paid membership renewals remains unclear. Furthermore, while the existing related literature focuses on the shift from economic to social satisfaction in the importance of customer evaluations [2,10,11], these studies fail to consider that the two satisfaction types differ in their responses to sales promotions by membership type.

As such, the existence of a relationship among key determinants may help clarify hotel membership renewal performance aligned with customer typology, promotional levels, and an extension of the satisfaction theory. We are particularly interested in how these satisfaction types are affected by three-way moderating effects. If the membership type and promotional level change, is there a shift in the perceived overall satisfaction with a hotel? Specifically, this study aims to examine how membership type and promotional level affect the relative importance of economic and social satisfaction in determining a sustainable relationship between parties.

We make two fundamental contributions to satisfaction research by demonstrating a three-way interaction. First, this study examines the relative influence of both satisfaction types on paid membership renewal intentions. Satisfaction positively relates to an increase in desired behavioral intentions [12,13,14]. However, the significance and relative influence of economic and social satisfaction vary based on the evolution of satisfaction assessments. Thus, we offer a theoretical domain considering the significant distinctions between economic and social satisfaction across customer membership types.
Second, our work advances the contributions of previous studies on the relationship between the satisfaction types and their impact on sales promotions (e.g., tourist satisfaction and intentions to patronize) by demonstrating a three-way interaction [15,16,17]. Essentially, the mediated moderation effect reflects an empirical approach that investigates the indirect determinants of the satisfaction–intention mechanism by compiling existing studies and assessments of hotel customers to provide new insights on satisfaction.

The structure of this study is as follows. In the next section, we introduce the core theoretical framework of our research and develop our hypotheses based on a conceptual model. Then, we address data collection and methodological issues. Following this, we analyze the data and explain our study results. Finally, we summarize the overall results, discuss theoretical and practical insights, and suggest limitations and future research directions.

3. Methods

To facilitate a complete understanding of hotel memberships, it should be noted that most hotels provide free memberships, which differ from paid membership, at least in the Korean hotel context. For example, InterContinental Seoul operates three paid membership options. This hotel offers entirely different benefits for each level, such as club rooms, free restaurant meal vouchers, restaurant discounts, and valet parking benefits. However, the free membership provided by most hotels only allows points to accumulate through use.

3.1. Data Collection

Data were obtained from paid membership lists managed by five-star hotels in Korea. We mainly focused on (1) customers whose paid membership renewal occurred within the past three months and (2) customers with paid memberships at only one hotel. Based on these criteria, we used a purpose sampling method as a non-probability sample. As the primary rationale was the intention to renew a paid membership as a dependent variable, we assessed that collecting data on customers whose membership will expire soon was consistent with the nature of our study. Also, to maintain privacy, the hotels only provided customers’ emails. We fully accepted their policy and contacted paid members by email.

Initially, a list of 1165 paid members was obtained from the hotels. To eliminate data collection redundancy, we set the Google survey form to accept only one response per respondent. Respondents were contacted via email from late February to early March 2022, through which we collected 289 responses. We excluded 28 respondents with a significant period remaining until their renewal and 19 respondents who were skeptical of membership renewal, as indicated through the questionnaire response items. Additionally, 14 participants were excluded due to careless responses. Thus, we obtained 228 usable responses (response rate = 19.5%). All respondents were given coffee vouchers as an incentive to improve the response rate. Respondents’ demographic characteristics were majority male (69%) and older than 40 (86%). Also, 74% had renewed their membership more than once. This result is representative as it was similar to the hotel loyalty program statistics (active, habitual, and situational loyalty = 75% vs. active disloyalty = 25%).

3.2. Measures

Table 1 shows the measures applied in this survey. Economic and social satisfaction were measured using three items adapted from Geyskens and Steenkamp [9]. These items were partially modified for this study as they had been developed for a B2B context. Paid membership renewal intentions were measured using three items adapted from Lam and Hsu [56]. All items were rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree).

The two moderators, membership types and promotions, were measured as dummy variables. Respondents selected their membership type as lower-tiered (1) or premium (2) grade. Promotions were divided into price discounts (1) and coupons (2). A 10% discount on membership fees was presented for price discounts. For coupons, benefits equivalent to 10% were introduced in the form of a voucher. Respondents selected their preferred promotion from these options.

We conducted a manipulation check on sales promotions using a t-test to diagnose the effectiveness of our promotional manipulation with the promotion type (discounts vs. coupons) as a key moderating variable. Our results demonstrated that a significant difference exists between the groups (Mprice discount = 3.78 vs. Mcoupons = 3.46; t(226) = −2.68, p < 0.01), indicating an effective manipulation.

5. Discussion

5.1. Theoretical Implications

This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of the two satisfaction types based on which paid members determine their membership renewal. Contrary to the traditional findings on customer satisfaction in the B2B context, Chen et al. [1] found that in the C2C context, only economic satisfaction influences customers’ repeat purchases. Interestingly, our findings have similarities and differences with previous studies. For example, unlike Chen et al.’s findings, our results demonstrated that both economic and social satisfaction affect behavioral intentions. While conventional wisdom tends to view economic satisfaction as a determinant of social satisfaction [9,10], our results showed that these satisfaction types are independent and respond differently to membership types and marketing stimuli. In particular, Butcher [65] found that social satisfaction has the greatest influence on repurchase intentions for initial visits to a café, but this effect gradually dilutes. Our findings show that social satisfaction dramatically improves repurchase intentions, especially when coupons are provided to premium customers.

In line with these observations, our primary contribution is an exploration of how economic and social satisfaction in the B2C context significantly affect paid membership renewal intentions, helping us gain a deeper understanding of hotel membership renewal behavior. Paid hotel members tend to show more significant renewal intentions when pursuing social satisfaction, as their focus shifts from economic satisfaction to social satisfaction when the relationship with a specific partner is prolonged. This contribution extends a comprehensive understanding of satisfaction theory from the existing B2B and C2C contexts to the B2C context. In doing so, this study uncovers similarities and differences in satisfaction types that have differential relationships with membership renewal intentions, which have not been previously examined in the literature.

Furthermore, our results broaden the understanding of the effectiveness of sales promotions from a customer segment perspective, as emphasized in previous studies [66,67]. This study demonstrates that lower-tiered members prefer price discounts to coupons when economic and social satisfaction are high. In contrast, premium members prefer coupons to price discounts when economic and social satisfaction are high. Notably, regardless of the hotel membership level, customers respond eagerly to price discounts and coupons for paid membership renewals when pursuing social satisfaction. Therefore, these results provide insights into hotel customer segments, highlighting that customers seeking social satisfaction respond strongly to promotions. Thus, ensuring customer relationships endure is fundamental to successful relationship management [68].
Finally, the hospitality literature offers mixed results regarding price discounts and coupons from a customer segment perspective. For example, coupons are more crucial in motivating first-time customers to return [69], whereas mixed promotions are important in retaining repeat customers [32]. Additionally, repeat customers prefer bundled discounts to price discounts [70]. However, price discounts are consistently positive for all customer segments. Thus, we conclude that lower-tiered members show a sharp upward response to price discounts when economic and social satisfaction are positive, at least within the hotel industry.

5.2. Managerial Implications

In this section, we focus on how sales promotions affect the relationship between economic or social satisfaction and paid membership renewal intentions by customer segment. Promotions are important in helping existing customers decide whether to renew their membership and exhibit loyalty through continued hotel stays. It is critical to consider how the impact of these promotions may differ depending on the type of paid member. Choosing an effective promotion level can create opportunities and constraints for the various paid hotel membership types. For example, hotel managers can effectively design price discounts to maximize benefits for lower-tiered customers even when these customers are pursuing economic value. For this segment, coupons can somewhat increase renewal intentions; however, price discounts can reduce uncertainty regarding future visits and sharply increase membership renewal intentions.

Managers should consider what price discount level is optimal for these customers. For example, some customers may be delighted with a 5% discount, while others may find even a 10% discount insufficient. Therefore, monitoring and responding to customer experiences through purchasing characteristics, visit frequency, usage history, and light interviews with relevant department representatives may be beneficial.

Promotional strategies for premium membership customers are also essential. Although this segment responds positively to price discounts, they prefer coupons when renewing paid memberships, regardless of satisfaction type, which is consistent with previous studies [32,71]. However, a new approach is required as lower-tiered members can also be repeat customers. For example, the InterContinental Hotel provides premium customers with a free restaurant voucher equivalent to 20% of the membership renewal fee, increasing the frequency of membership renewals and hotel visits. However, as mentioned, it is necessary to utilize customer feedback to determine the coupon payment equivalent to the price discount, as some customers renew their membership without receiving coupons. Thus, determining the payment helps establish the optimal benefits of offering coupons. This is achieved by identifying the characteristics of premium customers to suggest metrics for measuring the potential needs of this group.

6. Conclusions, Limitations, and Future Research Directions

Examining the customer behavioral intention responses to sales promotions is a recent trend in hospitality research [32,72,73]. Naturally, customer satisfaction must precede this intention. However, when different types of satisfaction exist, service providers may experience confusion. Our findings show that social satisfaction has a greater direct effect on behavioral intentions than economic satisfaction.
Prior research on three-way interactions has mainly focused on the direct effect of promotions on behavioral intentions [16] and customer switching intentions [74]. However, this study shows that sales promotions positively affect members’ behavioral intentions when they are satisfied regardless of membership type. While both economic and social satisfaction directly impact paid membership renewal intentions, the satisfaction–intention linkage responds differently by membership type when varying promotional levels are involved. In the paid hotel membership context, when social satisfaction is positive, the impact of different sales promotions on paid membership renewal intentions increases dramatically regardless of membership type. More specifically, low-tier members respond more positively to price discounts when considering renewing their paid membership, while premium members prefer coupons. However, the slope of customer responses is steeper for social satisfaction than economic satisfaction, suggesting that the impact of sales promotions differs by membership type. Our findings provide evidence that the satisfaction–intention mechanism varies by membership type when promotions signal different benefits.

Meanwhile, this study’s limitations derive from the sample size and sales promotions used in our research. Although the sample was based on paid membership lists provided by hotels, it was relatively small. If future researchers do not have a sufficient sample size, comparing popular hotels in large cities with hotels in tourist areas can be an alternative.

Another limitation of our findings is the lack of variation in sales promotion levels. This study used 10% price discounts and coupons with benefits equivalent to a 10% discount to compare the choices of the two member groups. However, four- or five-star hotels sometimes offer non-monetary coupons or gifts rather than price discounts. That is, hotel managers may prefer coupon strategies that exclude direct monetary discounts and encourage frequent hotel visits. Therefore, future research should provide an alternative to how customers choose coupon promotions by comparing coupons (e.g., a complimentary buffet restaurant voucher for a weekday lunch or dinner per person) and through mixed bundling (e.g., a gift voucher with benefits equivalent to coupons or an upgrade to a room with a view), which affords the same benefits as the coupons. As mixed bundling is ubiquitous [75,76], future studies can broaden our findings to provide additional insights into satisfaction and pricing literature.
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Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-food-day-16-october-2023/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:27:08 +0000 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-food-day-16-october-2023/ Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023]]> Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023



Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023

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Association of Food Desert Residency and Preterm Birth in the United States https://inergency.com/association-of-food-desert-residency-and-preterm-birth-in-the-united-states/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:26:04 +0000 https://inergency.com/association-of-food-desert-residency-and-preterm-birth-in-the-united-states/ Association of Food Desert Residency and Preterm Birth in the United States1. Introduction Despite recent national and local efforts to expand access to healthy food in the United States., several geographic areas continue to have limited access [1,2]. Areas with limited access to retailers that offer affordable nutritious foods (e.g., supermarkets and grocery stores) are considered food deserts. Residing in a food desert has been linked to […]]]> Association of Food Desert Residency and Preterm Birth in the United States


1. Introduction

Despite recent national and local efforts to expand access to healthy food in the United States., several geographic areas continue to have limited access [1,2]. Areas with limited access to retailers that offer affordable nutritious foods (e.g., supermarkets and grocery stores) are considered food deserts. Residing in a food desert has been linked to food insecurity, which occurs “when people lack secure access to sufficient amounts of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development and an active and healthy life” [3]. Food deserts have been found to spatially co-exist with food swamps, areas inundated by retailers that primarily offer inexpensive, calorically dense, and less nutritious foods (e.g., corner stores, fast food restaurants) [4,5]. Similar to food deserts, food swamps are associated with adverse health risks such as obesity [6]. Limited healthy food access, coupled with excessive access to unhealthy foods, may promote poor dietary behaviors [7] and increase the likelihood of diet-related chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes [8,9].
National and local data have consistently shown that a lack of healthy food access disproportionately affects low-income and racialized communities. Census tract data indicate low-income Black communities often have few supermarkets but several corner stores and liquor stores [10]. Thus, they are more likely to be labeled a food desert or food swamp [10,11]. The healthy food access disparities impacting racialized communities may be more distally caused and exacerbated by systemic determinants such as racial segregation, chronic disinvestment, and poor community infrastructure, all of which have great potential to affect individuals and communities beyond health behaviors [12].
Poor, healthy food access can negatively affect maternal health outcomes within socially and economically disadvantaged populations, ultimately leading to health inequities. Inadequate food access during pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing at least one morbid condition [9]. One of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality is hypertension disorders of pregnancy (HDP) [13], which occurs in 5% to 10% of all pregnancies [14]. Health organizations have categorized HDP into four primary types: gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, chronic hypertension with superimposed preeclampsia, and preeclampsia/eclampsia [15]. Studies suggest that HDP, such as gestational hypertension (gHTN), may be significant factors in the occurrence of preterm birth [16]. Arfandi et al. (2023) reported that although preterm birth risk may differ by the type of HDP, each form of HDP carries a significant risk for preterm birth [17].
In the United States., the rates of preterm birth rose 12% between 2014 and 2022 [18]. Globally, preterm birth is the leading cause of death for children under the age of five [19,20]. It may also affect physical/neurological development and increase the risk of developing health conditions [21]. Preterm birth remains a public health concern, and racial inequities in preterm birth have not abated, with preterm birth rates 50% higher among non-Hispanic Black infants than non-Hispanic White infants [22].
The connection between geographic access to healthy food retailers and chronic conditions (i.e., obesity, hypertension, and diabetes) is well established [23,24]. Although proper diet and nutrition have been recognized in maternal and child health, proximity to healthy food has been an understudied determinant for maternal and infant health outcomes but may impact diet during the perinatal and postpartum periods as well as long before pregnancy. Racism has shaped United States. neighborhoods [25] and continues to shape both built and social neighborhood conditions, including food access and insecurity [26]. Given the pervasive racial inequities in not only maternal and infant health outcomes in the United States. but also neighborhood exposures, it is paramount that we better understand the role of these more distal neighborhood conditions in shaping these outcomes and the pathways through which that may occur.

Using a rigorously adjusted model as well as within-group and mediation analyses, this study aims to examine the association between residing in a United States. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-designated food desert and preterm birth and the mediating effect of gHTN in this association. We hypothesized that pregnant persons residing in food deserts have a higher risk of preterm birth and that this association might be explained, in part, by gHTN.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Population

An analysis was conducted using cross-sectional data including all live births in the US for the years 2018–2019, data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics. Birth records with missing geographical identifiers for maternal county of residence or births that occurred in United States. territories (Guam, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and Northern Marianas) were excluded from the analyses (n = 25,797), resulting in an analytic sample size of n = 7,533,319. As all data were deidentified, this study was deemed exempt by the Tulane University Institutional Review Board.

2.2. Exposure Variable

Food desert data were retrieved from the USDA Food Access Research Atlas (2019), which provides a spatial overview of low-income and low-access (LILA) census tract-level food access data. Included in these data is a tract-level indicator designating both LILA areas: low-income tracts where the populace of at least 500 people and/or at least one-third of the census tract live beyond a specified distance to a grocery store (>1 mile for urban communities; >10 miles for rural communities) [27]. A census tract is designated as low-income if it has a poverty rate of at least 20% or a median family income at or below 80 percent of the metropolitan area or state median income level [27]. Additional LILA tract-level indicators of food access were also examined: half mile (urban) and 10 miles (rural), 1 mile (urban) and 20 miles (rural). We counted the number and percentage for each LILA tract-indicator within each US county and operationalized county-level food desert variables to identify counties by the prevalence of LILA tracts within them (low: 0–33.4%; mid-range: 33.5–66.6%; and high: 66.7–100.0%). The food access indicator variables were linked to birth records by a geographic identifier for the maternal county of residence (Federal Information Processing System codes).

2.3. Outcome

Using the information provided on the birth record, preterm birth (occurring <37 weeks gestation) was measured as a binary outcome (yes or no), denoting whether an infant was delivered prior to 37 weeks gestation.

2.4. Individual-Level Covariates

Sociodemographic variables associated with pregnancy and birthing outcomes were retrieved from birth records and included in the fully adjusted model: maternal age (≤19, 20–34, and ≥35), education attainment (less than high school, diploma or equivalent, some college, or college degree), month prenatal care began (no prenatal care, 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, or 3rd trimester), and previous preterm birth (yes or no).

2.5. County-Level Covariates

We controlled for additional geographic and socioeconomic characteristics that differ by county, which may be associated with accessibility to health care services and maternal health outcomes. Data were obtained from the American Community Survey’s 2019 (5-year estimates) and included the percentage of families living below the poverty level, and the median household income. Additionally, we controlled for whether a county/parish was rural or urban based on the 2010 Census Urban Rural Classification Scheme.

2.6. Mediator

Gestational hypertension was defined as a blood pressure of ≥140/90 mmHg without or with proteinuria of no greater than trace levels after 20 weeks of gestation [28]. A diagnosis of gestational hypertension, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, was provided by birth record data. A binary response (yes or no) was used to indicate whether a pregnant person had the condition. We proposed a mediation pathway where gestational hypertension partially explains the relationship between food desert residency and preterm birth.

2.7. Statistical Analysis

Frequency analyses were used to describe the characteristics of the study population. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). To estimate the association between living in a food desert and preterm birth, we fit crude and adjusted modified logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations, using the PROC Genmod function, and cluster-robust standard errors to account for multiple births occurring within the same county to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.). In addition to the fully adjusted model, we conducted within-group analyses to provide insight on contributing social determinants and behaviors that may be lost in comparative analyses between racial groups [29]. This was completed by fitting the fully adjusted model for births to White and Black people separately.
A mediation analysis was examined using SAS macro statistical software that accounts for confounding between exposure, mediator, and outcome as well as interaction [30]. We were particularly interested in the natural indirect effect (NIE), or the effect of changing the mediator value given exposure is fixed, and the natural direct effect (NDE), or the effect of food desert exposure on PTB given the mediator, gHTN, takes the level it might have been under the absence of exposure. Spatial mapping and tests for global spatial clustering with Moran’s I were performed with GIS in ArcPro (v3.0.3, ESRI, Inc., Redlands, CA, USA). In general, the global Moran’s I ranges from −1.0 to 1.0, with positive values indicating the occurrence of similar values of the variable over space (either high or low values) and negative values indicating that there are areas with dissimilar values and no spatial clustering (often referred to as a checkerboard pattern).

3. Results

A large percentage of the study population (76.8%) were between the ages of 20 and 34, and 41.6% held college degrees at the time of birth. Approximately half (51.8%) identified as non-Hispanic White, with 14.7% racially identifying as non-Hispanic Black. Most (96.4%) had no previous preterm births, and 87.6% resided in urban counties. A total of 7.5% reported a diagnosis of gHTN; of those with gHTN, 55.4% identified as non-Hispanic White and 17.7% identified as non-Hispanic Black. The mean percentage of county tracts designated as low income/low access food desert indicators of 1 mile (urban) and 10 miles (rural) from a supermarket was 13.1% (Table 1).
The prevalence of high food deserts in the United States. across counties is substantial, as shown in Figure 1, with significant clustering (Moran’s I = 0.178; p
In the fully adjusted model, among persons residing in communities within 1 mile (urban) and 10 miles (rural) of the nearest grocery store, there was a slight increase in the likelihood of preterm birth for counties with a mid-range (OR = 1.04; 95% C.I. 1.03–1.05) and high (OR = 1.07; 95% C.I. 1.06–1.08) percentage of tract-level food deserts (Table 2). Similar results were seen in the fully adjusted stratified model. The food desert indicator, LILA 1 mile (urban) and 10 miles (rural), showed an increased likelihood of preterm delivery for non-Hispanic Black births as the percentage of census-tract level food deserts increased within a county; mid-range (OR = 1.06; 95% C.I. 1.04–1.08) and high percentage (OR 1.10; 95% C.I. 1.08–1.12). However, for non-Hispanic Whites, the mid-range percentage was not statistically significant. The high percentage was associated with a significant likelihood of preterm birth (OR = 1.06; 95% C.I. 1.05–1.07) (Table 3).
Prior to the mediation analysis, regression analyses were completed to determine the association between the variables (Figure 2). The level of county food desert residency for tract-levels with mid-range (OR = 1.13; 95% C.I. 1.02–1.24) and high (OR = 1.16; 95% C.I. 1.05–1.27) percentages had a significant association with gHTN. Similarly, women with gHTN were 3.0 times more likely to experience preterm birth (OR = 3.00; 95% C.I. 2.90–3.05). We also observed a significant indirect mediating effect of gHTN between food desert residency and preterm birth, both in crude (NIE = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.02) and adjusted (NIE = 1.01; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.01) models, with approximately 5% of the total effect of food deserts on preterm birth eliminated by prevention of gHTN. The natural direct effect in the adjusted model was also significant (NDE = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.09), indicating that there might be an 8% increase in PTB for those in higher food desert tracts in the absence of gHTN.

4. Discussion

Our findings add to the evidence of social and structural factors that may adversely impact reproductive health and birthing outcomes. Within our fully adjusted analysis, we determined that residing in a USDA-designated food desert increased the likelihood of preterm birth in a dose–response manner. Our results were consistent with existing studies that linked inadequate access to healthy foods to poor maternal health and birth outcomes [9,31,32]. Furthermore, residing in a food desert has been associated with health implications beyond conception health and birthing outcomes. Food desert residents were found to have decreased breastfeeding initiation rates compared to individuals who did not reside in USDA-designated food deserts [33].
In the racially stratified models, most of the food desert indicators were found to increase the likelihood of undergoing a preterm birth within both racial groups, which indicates that proximity to affordable food access is impactful on the health of all birthing persons regardless of their racial identity. Although food desert exposure was significantly associated with preterm birth within each racial group, in the adjusted model, the likelihood for preterm birth for non-Hispanic Black mothers was greater than that of their racial counterparts. This indicates that in addition to social and structural factors (medical bias, medical care accessibility, psychological stress, neighborhood infrastructure, and racial discrimination) found to contribute to the high incident rate of preterm labor among non-Hispanic Black birthing persons [34,35], the food environment should further be examined as a contributing factor for racial birthing inequities.
Moreover, there was an overrepresentation of non-Hispanic Black births in food desert areas (M =15.33; SD = 12.91); the mean for non-Hispanic White mothers residing in a food desert (M = 13.09; SD = 12.10) was the same as the national average. Researchers postulate that inequitable food access stems from systemic and structural racism [26,36]. Structural racism and biased ideologies impact infrastructure, policies, and access to resources for underserved populations. Specific to the food environment, the literature shows a clear racial disparity in food access, even when controlling for socioeconomic conditions [37]. Furthermore, the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the apparent racial inequities in food access [38]. Dubowitz and colleagues (2021) reported a spike in food insecurity among a cohort of low-income African American food desert residents during the early phases of the pandemic [39]. Crises, such as the pandemic, shed light on the vulnerabilities within the food system and underscore the importance of equitable food access. The high prevalence of preterm birth along with the overrepresentation of Black food desert residents underscores the role that structural racism plays in our social/living environment, which, in turn, affects our health and well-being, engendering inequities at the population level.
Similar to other studies, we found that food desert residency was associated with an increased risk of developing gestational hypertension. However, when additional covariates were added to the model, the association was no longer significant. When examining gHTN and preterm birth, the association remained significant in both the crude and adjusted models. This aligns with the existing literature, which has established gHTN as a potential risk factor for preterm birth [16,17,40]. It should also be noted that although there is a stronger statistical association between gHTN and preterm birth compared to food desert exposure and preterm birth, this does not minimize the primary findings of our study and the negative impact inadequate food access has on birthing outcomes. Furthermore, addressing distal factors (e.g., food deserts) may have a smaller association than proximal factors, but the impact on population health is greater. Distal factors often have effect sizes that are smaller in magnitude, but this study sheds light on the potential pathways between food deserts and preterm birth.
We also observed an indirect effect between food desert exposure and preterm birth, with a large proportion of the food desert and preterm birth association mediated by gHTN. The reported prevalence of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy in the United States is 16% [41]. Based on the current study data, the prevalence of gHTN is 7.5%, which suggests underreporting, which may be reflected in our findings. However, if the prevalence of gHTN is higher within our study population than actually reported, it might also mean that the mediation effect is an underestimation as well. Nevertheless, our analysis shows a mediated effect, and while food desert areas may also be a proxy for other meso-level conditions, we did control for the level of poverty in the area. Additional pathways between food deserts and preterm birth and other reproductive outcomes should be examined.

Inadequate food access poses a great concern for racially minoritized birthing people and those of lower income status. Health care professionals should include available survey instruments in prenatal screenings to identify food insecurity as a potential risk factor for morbid conditions and adverse birthing outcomes. Developing social support networks and discussing proper nutrition are steps health care practitioners can take to share the importance of prenatal health and weight management. Additionally, for those with pre-existing conditions, discussing ways to properly manage health conditions during pregnancy will minimize the risk of adverse health outcomes such as mortality.

However, solutions must go beyond prenatal appointments. Residents of food deserts require adequate care and resources to improve their health. Programs and initiatives have been implemented with the hope of improving access to healthy foods in underserved communities. A community food bank implemented a mobile market pilot program to sell fresh produce and other food items in low-resourced neighborhoods [42]. An evaluation of the pilot program found an increase in vegetable intake in a few of the selected neighborhoods and, on a larger scale, has the potential to reduce nutritional inequities [42]. Crowe et al. (2018) suggest improving neighborhood conditions and making smaller grocery stores and markets more affordable for food desert residents [43]. However, interventions to improve healthy food retail in underserved communities have resulted in mixed findings [44]. Dubowitz et al. (2015) found that the development of a supermarket in a designated food desert did not improve dietary intake but positively altered residents’ perception and satisfaction of healthy food accessibility within their neighborhood [45]. As food deserts point to greater structural and systemic inequities, strategies should focus on mitigating the effects of poverty, residential segregation, and their impact on disadvantaged communities. For instance, increased minimum wages, pay equity, safe, affordable housing, and investing in neighborhood infrastructure are a few examples of anti-poverty strategies to address structural and systemic issues.

Limitations

Despite the strengths of this national analysis, there are several limitations. First, it is cross-sectional, which limits the temporal interpretation of our findings. Second, although we controlled for a robust set of multi-level confounders, there are factors not included in the study that have been associated with preterm birth (i.e., structural racism, stress, physical occupation, physician–patient communications, and intimate partner violence). Moreover, chronic conditions appear to be underreported in birth records; therefore, we cannot determine the full extent to which morbid conditions contributed to birth outcomes. There is also no way to determine whether people moved during their pregnancy or if relocation impacted their proximity to food access.

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Biden administration will lend $1.5 billion to restart Michigan nuclear power plant, a first in the United States. https://inergency.com/biden-administration-will-lend-1-5-billion-to-restart-michigan-nuclear-power-plant-a-first-in-the-u-s/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:20:51 +0000 https://inergency.com/biden-administration-will-lend-1-5-billion-to-restart-michigan-nuclear-power-plant-a-first-in-the-u-s/ Biden administration will lend .5 billion to restart Michigan nuclear power plant, a first in the U.S.The federal government will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced Wednesday. Holtec International acquired the 800-megawatt Palisades plant in 2022 with plans to dismantle it. But now the emphasis is on restarting it by late 2025, following support from the state of Michigan and the Biden administration. […]]]> Biden administration will lend .5 billion to restart Michigan nuclear power plant, a first in the U.S.


The federal government will provide a $1.5 billion loan to restart a nuclear power plant in southwestern Michigan, officials announced Wednesday.

Holtec International acquired the 800-megawatt Palisades plant in 2022 with plans to dismantle it. But now the emphasis is on restarting it by late 2025, following support from the state of Michigan and the Biden administration.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said it might be the first nuclear power plant to be reopened in the United States. It still faces hurdles, including inspections, testing and the blessing of the United States. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, known as the NRC.

“Nuclear power is our single largest source of carbon-free electricity, directly supporting 100,000 jobs across the country and hundreds of thousands more indirectly,” said Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a former Michigan governor.

The Palisades plant is along Lake Michigan, a two-hour drive from Chicago. A Michigan utility, CMS Energy, owned it from 1971 until the plant was sold to Louisiana-based utility Entergy in 2007. It was shut down in 2022.

READ MORE: Texas panhandle wildfires force evacuations and brief shut down of nuclear facility

Holtec said it has long-term commitments so far from two electric cooperatives to buy power from the plant.

“The repowering of Palisades will restore safe, around-the-clock generation to hundreds of thousands of households, businesses and manufacturers,” said Kris Singh, Holtec president and chief executive.

Critics, however, have emerged. A coalition opposed to restarting what it derisively calls a “zombie reactor” has requested a hearing at the NRC.

Holtec spokesman Patrick O’Brien said it will take four to five months to finalize the financial deal with the government.

“It is a loan we have to pay back,” he said.

Nuclear energy is in the spotlight. Thirty-four countries, including the United States., last week pledged to use it to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In California, regulators in December said the Diablo Canyon plant can operate through 2030 instead of 2025 to guard against blackouts as the state shifts toward renewable power sources. Owner Pacific Gas & Electric said federal aid helped it repay a state loan.

“There is more enthusiasm toward nuclear power — in Congress, in the industry and also internationally,” said Najmedin Meshkati, an engineering professor at the University of Southern California who has inspected nuclear plants around the world.

But restarting a plant, he said, is not easy.

“It puts the onus and burden on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Holtec to double down on efforts to make sure this plant is safe enough and all the safety measures are intact,” Meshkati said of Palisades.

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Estimation of Forest Canopy Fuel Moisture Content in Dali Prefecture by Combining Vegetation Indices and Canopy Radiative Transfer Models from MODIS Data https://inergency.com/estimation-of-forest-canopy-fuel-moisture-content-in-dali-prefecture-by-combining-vegetation-indices-and-canopy-radiative-transfer-models-from-modis-data/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:53:34 +0000 https://inergency.com/estimation-of-forest-canopy-fuel-moisture-content-in-dali-prefecture-by-combining-vegetation-indices-and-canopy-radiative-transfer-models-from-modis-data/ Estimation of Forest Canopy Fuel Moisture Content in Dali Prefecture by Combining Vegetation Indices and Canopy Radiative Transfer Models from MODIS Data1. Introduction Forest fires pose significant and formidable challenges in today’s world. Countries across temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions are grappling with the menace of forest fires due to the escalating impacts of global warming and heightened weather extremes [1,2]. The accurate and efficient early warning and monitoring of forest fires pose a critical issue […]]]> Estimation of Forest Canopy Fuel Moisture Content in Dali Prefecture by Combining Vegetation Indices and Canopy Radiative Transfer Models from MODIS Data


1. Introduction

Forest fires pose significant and formidable challenges in today’s world. Countries across temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions are grappling with the menace of forest fires due to the escalating impacts of global warming and heightened weather extremes [1,2]. The accurate and efficient early warning and monitoring of forest fires pose a critical issue that governments must presently confront [3].
Forest fire events are influenced by multiple interacting factors. According to Pyne’s wildfire triangle model [4], the occurrence of wildfires is primarily determined by climate, topography, and fuels. Currently, early-warning methods for forest fires can be classified into three main categories: fire weather forecasts, forest fire occurrence forecasts, and forest fire behavior forecasts. The advancement of satellite remote sensing and internet big data technology has facilitated the integration of weather conditions, combustible materials, and fire sources, leading to a mainstream approach known as forest fire forecasting, which aims to predict the risk of forest fires [5].
Due to the complexity of the forest ecosystem, various factors in the wildfire triangle model interact with each other within the natural environment [6]. This phenomenon means that the influence of other factors on the relevant parameters of several forest areas cannot be ignored in forest fire forecasting [7,8]. Undoubtedly, this complexity and difficulty increase the challenges associated with forest fire forecasting.
Forest canopy fuel moisture content (FMC) acts as an important indicator reflecting the dryness or wetness levels of wild vegetation while also significantly contributing to evaluating susceptibility to forest fires. Previous research has demonstrated that when the FMC falls below 100%, there is a significant increase in forest fire occurrence probability [9]. The sensitivity of FMC to weather conditions and internal vegetation dynamics makes it one of an exemplary factor for forecasting forest fires among numerous others [10]. Consequently, the precise retrieval of FMC through remote sensing assumes paramount importance as a fundamental step in evaluating forest fire risk.
Traditional methods for measuring FMC suffer from several limitations, such as their high demand for manpower and resources. Consequently, they are generally inefficient and unable to comprehensively cover vast forest areas. However, satellite remote sensing technology offers a solution by providing real-time observations across extensive regions [11]. This technological advancement overcomes the inefficiencies associated with traditional physical parameter measurement methods and facilitates the prolonged monitoring of FMC in large forest regions [12,13].
The most direct approach to quantitatively inverting FMC by using remote sensing is to establish a correlation between vegetation canopy spectra and FMC. Some researchers have explored this relationship through spectroscopic and spectral analyses, aiming to construct empirical models that link spectral indices to FMC. These models rely on spectral measurements of vegetation and corresponding field data on FMC [14,15]. However, the construction of such empirical models requires a substantial number of field observations and data samples. Additionally, these empirical models are area-specific in nature. As a result, several researchers are inclined towards utilizing physical models for the quantitative retrieval of FMC. Numerous studies have indicated that FMC can be approximated by two parameters within the PROSPECT model [16] of leaf reflectance: equivalent water thickness (EWT) and dry matter content (DMC). Therefore, radiative transfer models can be employed to simulate vegetation spectral reflectance and estimate FMC [17]. Commonly used models include the two-dimensional PROSAIL model [18], the Liberty model [19], the GEOSAIL model [20], and the three-dimensional DART model [21,22,23]. The merit and demerit of the FMC estimation methods described above are presented in Table 1.
The PROSAIL model, which integrates the leaf optical model PROSPECT with the canopy radiative transfer model SAIL, is extensively employed for biophysical and chemical parameter retrieval, as well as spectral simulation. It has demonstrated high accuracy in estimating FMC for uniformly distributed vegetation. Numerous researchers have utilized the PROSAIL model to estimate FMC in grasslands and crops [24]. Previous studies have indicated significant correlations between various indices, such as NDVI, EVI, NDWI, and NDMI, and FMC, and regression models incorporating these indices along with measured FMC data achieve remarkable accuracy [25]. However, when dealing with forests characterized by tall and irregular canopy structures along with complex understory environments, the selection of suitable models for FMC estimation becomes more diverse [26,27].
Further research and analysis have shown good agreement between vegetation parameters derived from physical models or look-up table-based methods and measured data [28]. Multiple-model analyses and accuracy evaluations of inverse canopy FMC estimation further revealed that the PROGEOSAIL model outperformed the Liberty model for sparse broadleaf and mixed conifer forests [29,30].
In response to the complex forest structure, improvements are being made to radiative transfer models. For the prevalent “tall trees + low vegetation” double-layered forest structures, some scholars have proposed combining the PROSAIL model with the PROGEOSAIL model to construct a look-up table approach, approximating FMC through a loss function [31]. While estimation of FMC based on physical models enhances applicability compared with empirical models, the presence of loss functions in the look-up table method creates an error between estimated and real values of FMC.
The objective of this research is to investigate the correlation between vegetation index/water index and FMC by examining their numerical relationship to develop a model for estimating FMC. Section 2 provides an overview of the study area and data utilized in this work, and the method of combining vegetation indices and canopy radiative transfer models to estimate FMC is presented. The results are shown in Section 3, followed by a discussion in Section 4. Finally, the conclusions are drawn in Section 5.
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Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, 21 March 2023 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-international-day-of-forests-21-march-2023/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:42:56 +0000 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-international-day-of-forests-21-march-2023/ Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, 21 March 2023]]> Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023



Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the International Day of Forests, 21 March 2023

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The Effects of Urbanization on Urban Land Green Use Efficiency of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration: Mechanism from the Technological Innovation https://inergency.com/the-effects-of-urbanization-on-urban-land-green-use-efficiency-of-yangtze-river-delta-urban-agglomeration-mechanism-from-the-technological-innovation/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:41:56 +0000 https://inergency.com/the-effects-of-urbanization-on-urban-land-green-use-efficiency-of-yangtze-river-delta-urban-agglomeration-mechanism-from-the-technological-innovation/ The Effects of Urbanization on Urban Land Green Use Efficiency of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration: Mechanism from the Technological Innovation2.1. ULGUE Although the focus of studies on ULGUE has now shifted from theoretical interpretation to empirical analysis, it is still necessary to investigate its nuances. ULGUE originated from green development [12], which coincides with the concept of sustainable development and green use proposed by the Chinese government. Existing research suggests that the core of […]]]> The Effects of Urbanization on Urban Land Green Use Efficiency of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration: Mechanism from the Technological Innovation


2.1. ULGUE

Although the focus of studies on ULGUE has now shifted from theoretical interpretation to empirical analysis, it is still necessary to investigate its nuances. ULGUE originated from green development [12], which coincides with the concept of sustainable development and green use proposed by the Chinese government. Existing research suggests that the core of urban land green use consists of emphasizing the region’s access to higher economic and social development while promoting conservation and use intensification [19], reducing energy loss [20], conserving land and resources and reducing negative environmental impacts [21], and producing less pollutant emissions [22]. ULGUE has been widely used to analyze the relationship between government planning, industrial agglomeration, urbanization strategies, land-use patterns, and spatial effects. ULGUE includes resources consumed through green or non-eco-friendly pathways as well as desired and undesired urban land-use outputs [23]. While requiring beneficial economic and social outputs, ULGUE focuses on the green benefits of land-use outputs, i.e., environmental protection during land use.

Past studies have considered these green factors, and most of them have considered undesired outputs, but few have considered green desired outputs. On the basis of these outputs, this study incorporates ecological factors into the desired outputs, thus contributing to the understanding of ULGUE. In summary, this study considers ULGUE for its social, economic, and ecological output capacity and levels of urban land use under the double constraints of energy input factors and environmental pollution.

2.2. Impact of Urbanization on ULGUE

Human economic and social activities affect land use, e.g., production, recreation, and consumption, and are direct determinants of land-use patterns [22]. The impact of urbanization on land use has been discussed and consists of the following three main aspects.
First, from the perspective of socio-economic activities, urbanization drives economic and social development while inevitably having a negative impact on ULGUE. Spatial economic activities driven by urbanization are the key factor in the rapid changes in land use [24]. Urbanization puts great pressure on land use and the protection of environmental resources such as water [25] and air quality [26]. The challenge facing land use is to address the relationship between meeting human needs and maintaining the long-term capacity of the biosphere to provide goods and services [27]. Large areas of green land, including parks, green buffers, square spaces, and attached green space, are being transformed into urban and industrial areas to cater to economic growth, housing, and production [28], which decreases green outputs and creates significant undesired outputs. The spatial interaction between economies that is brought about by urbanization has benefited from the development of transport infrastructure. However, urbanization increases the number of vehicle kilometers travelled [29], which leads to increased negative externalities, including air pollution [30].
Second, from the perspective of population migration, urban population growth increases the inputs as well as the desired and undesired outputs of ULGUE. On the one hand, urbanization brings a large labor force, which together with industrialization, urbanization, and economic reform measures affects ULGUE as a factor of production [31]. The demand for various types of products and services generated by urban population agglomeration due to survival and development needs is transformed into a demand for different types of land within the urban area. This triggers the rapid accumulation of demands for land resource utilization. On the other hand, population migration from the urban fringes to cities leads to the abandonment of cultivated land in the area, which poses a greater threat to food security. A large influx of people into urban areas creates challenges for the urban living and productive land use, which negatively impacts the environment and increases undesired outputs. More seriously, in large cities, large public facilities for supplying energy and handling waste are often crowded out by residential areas, which include a wide variety of facilities, such as power plants, industrial parks, highways, and waste incinerators, which are identified as NIMBY (not in my back yard) facilities or LULU (locally unwanted land use) facilities; LULU facilities involve secondary air, water, soil, and noise pollution, which have a negative impact on the regional ULGUE.
Third, different modes of urbanization affect ULGUE in different ways. Urban sprawl leads to negative externalities such as high energy consumption [32], which reduces land-use efficiency [33,34]. Since the end of the 20th century, increasing land intensification activities have become an important factor affecting sustainable global growth. The process of urbanization in China is generally accompanied by a lack of development awareness of resource saving [35], which has resulted in the expansion of built-up areas and transport infrastructure areas and the reduction in the marginal efficiency of land use. Urban compactness is a response to control urban sprawl, but it also leads to urban problems such as traffic congestion, increased cost of living [5], and the undesired outputs of ULGUE. It has been shown that the ecological efficacy of urbanization in terms of pollution reduction and resource intensification can be better exploited through regulation and intervention by government departments [36]. As present, over-exploitation and the uncontrolled utilization of land resources in China have posed great challenges to regional sustainable development.

Taken together, there is growing evidence that urbanization has an amplifying or accelerating effect on ULGUE. Urbanization raises inputs and desired outputs while generating undesired outputs, with complex and intertwined positive and negative paths of influence on ULGUE.

2.3. Mechanisms for the Impact of Technological Innovation

Existing studies have found that technological innovations can amplify the positive effects of urbanization on land use, the mechanisms of which have been tentatively elucidated. Classical IPAT theory identifies population size, affluence, and technology as key forces shaping land use, especially technological innovation, which can trigger rapid land-use change [37]. There is a tendency for urban centers to gather and form urban clusters [38]. Influenced by the learning, matching, and sharing mechanism of the agglomeration economy [39], urbanization is conducive to exchange among technicians, which helps the spilling over, diffusion, and incubation of knowledge and technology and prompts the continuous improvement of regional technological innovation in the virtuous circle of “innovation–spillover, diffusion-re–innovation”. The agglomeration economy brings technological innovation and externalities, and in turn, technological innovation promotes economic transformation, further amplifying the role of the population as a factor of production to promote economic growth and thus enhancing ULGUE. The inflow of different types of talents and emerging technologies improve the existing industrial structure, and the technologies have a positive effect on urban land use [40] and help to reduce environmental degradation [41], while technological externalities affect land intensification [42].
However, not all types of technological innovation have a facilitating effect; some have the potential to reduce ULGUE. It has been pointed out that technological innovation has a “rebound effect” [16]; i.e., technological innovation reduces the cost of production, which lowers the price of and expands the demand for products, leading producers to generate large quantities of products, which ultimately increases both energy consumption and carbon emissions. It has been pointed out that technological innovation increases pollution when the economic level is low [43]. Therefore, technological innovation has a facilitating or inhibiting effect on the efficiency of the green economy, and the ultimate impact of technological innovation on ULGUE is uncertain; its performance depends on the allocation of the elements of science and technology innovation and the specific type of innovation [44]. Therefore, specific types of technological innovations need to be further discussed. Combining existing studies on the impact of urbanization on ULGUE and urban land-use practices in China, this study argues that green, digital, and transportation technological innovations strengthen the contribution of urbanization to ULGUE.
First, advances in green technologies increase the efficiency of land use. Green technological innovation includes both energy-saving technological innovation and technological progress in emission reduction [45]. Energy-saving technological innovation is able to reduce energy loss in production, improve urban economic efficiency [46], and reduce the cost of reducing pollution [47]. Emission reduction technology can improve clean energy and reduce pollution emissions in production, which is a key approach to alleviate the pressure on the living condition, production, and environment brought about by population urbanization and to solve the contradiction between production and pollution [48].
Secondly, digital technological innovation is thought to provide agglomeration power, sustainable food production, access to clean and safe drinking water, and green energy production and use [49]. Increasing the proportion of non-fossil energy use and optimizing industrial structures are the two mechanisms by which digital technological innovation contributes to green use [50]. More importantly, digital technological innovation has produced subversive changes in geography, boundaries, space, and time [51], which breaks down administrative boundaries, shortens spatial distances, and promotes the integration of peripheral areas into the inner-core region [5], thus enhancing the overall efficiency of urban land use.
Thirdly, the interaction between land use, transportation, and the environment has been well researched [52]. Longer travelling distances due to urban sprawl as well as urban congestion prolongs vehicle driving and idling times, leading to air pollution from inadequate fuel combustion [53]. Traffic noise and the occupation of vehicle infrastructures such as car parks and roads are detrimental to sustainable and green urban development. Technological innovations in transportation reduce urban carbon emissions through improved accessibility and energy efficiency [54]. The electrification of transportation will improve air quality in the streets [55] and alleviate the congestion pressure on the roads, achieving both economic and environmental benefits [56] and thus reducing the negative impacts of urbanization on the environment [57]. Further, transportation technological innovation has a positive impact on land-use efficiency in opening up new urban spaces for efficient use, changing the urban pattern, reallocating resources, and reducing the need for new urban land by maintaining the marginal benefits of land use while urbanizing [58].

In theory, green, digital and transportation technological innovations contribute to resource conservation and utilization, emission reduction, regional management, transportation, and agricultural production and thus increase ULGUE; however, in specific regions, these effects still require empirical evidence. Based on the above analysis, this paper puts forward the following research hypotheses for empirical testing:

Hypothesis 1.

Urbanization can promote significant improvements in ULGUE.

Hypothesis 2.

Green technology innovation, digital technology innovation, and transportation technological innovations can amplify the positive impact of urbanization on ULGUE.

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Fukushima fallout transport longevity revealed by North Pacific ocean circulation patterns https://inergency.com/fukushima-fallout-transport-longevity-revealed-by-north-pacific-ocean-circulation-patterns/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:38:40 +0000 https://inergency.com/fukushima-fallout-transport-longevity-revealed-by-north-pacific-ocean-circulation-patterns/ Fukushima fallout transport longevity revealed by North Pacific ocean circulation patternsSchematic diagram of the modeled trajectories of computationally-released radiocaesium particles, which can be split into three pattern clusters: transport along the Kuroshio-Oyashio current transition zone (a,d), the Kuroshio Extension (b, e) and the North Atlantic subtropical mode water recirculation gyre (c, f). Credit: Kim et al. 2024. Fukushima is now notorious for the nuclear disaster […]]]> Fukushima fallout transport longevity revealed by North Pacific ocean circulation patterns


Fukushima fallout transport longevity revealed by North Pacific ocean circulation patterns
Schematic diagram of the modeled trajectories of computationally-released radiocaesium particles, which can be split into three pattern clusters: transport along the Kuroshio-Oyashio current transition zone (a,d), the Kuroshio Extension (b, e) and the North Atlantic subtropical mode water recirculation gyre (c, f). Credit: Kim et al. 2024.

Fukushima is now notorious for the nuclear disaster that took place in March 2011, the second worst of its kind after the Chernobyl catastrophe of 1986. An earthquake-triggered tsunami off the Japanese coast damaged backup generators at the Fukushima nuclear plant, leading to failure of the reactors’ cooling systems. The residual heat partially melted a number of the fuel rods in three reactors, causing the release of nuclear radiation. A series of explosions further damaged containment buildings and released additional radiation to the surrounding area, leading to a 30 km radius of evacuation.

While efforts to cool the reactors and prevent further explosions were met with some success by delivering water from helicopters and using truck-mounted cannons, radiation was subsequently found to have entered the oceans (~3.5 petabecquerels of contaminated water), as well as local food and water supplies. It took until December 2011 for the nuclear plant to finally be deemed stable, but a further six years before all evacuation orders were lifted.

The long-lasting impacts of the event are the source of continued investigation, with new research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, exploring the movement and residency of Fukushima-derived tracers in the North Pacific.

Sang-Yeob Kim, senior researcher at Korea’s Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, and colleagues modeled the subsurface pathways and interannual variability of the tracers over a 22-year ocean reanalysis period (beginning prior to the nuclear event for comparison) as they subduct with the North Atlantic subtropical mode water during cooler seasons.

This ~250 m thick water mass has a higher density of ~26.9 kg/m3 and average temperature of 18 °C. It is an important store of Earth’s carbon, oxygen, nutrients and heat, being vertically homogenous to transport these variables from the surface to subsurface ocean.

In the year after the event, observation measurements of radioactive cesium isotopes recorded 6 petabecquerels of 134Cs in the North Atlantic subtropical mode water at a depth of 300 m.

Fukushima fallout transport longevity revealed by North Pacific ocean circulation patterns
Mean properties of the three pattern clusters (Kuroshio-Oyashio current transition zone, Kuroshio Extension and North Atlantic subtropical mode water recirculation gyre) over five years from each of the ocean reanalysis models. Credit: Kim et al. 2024.

The research team used Lagrangian particle tracking simulations of 100 released points of 134Cs from atmospheric deposition every three days between January 1, 1994 to December 28, 2011 to investigate computational fluid dynamics of the subtropical gyre. In doing so, they identified the path of particles along the Kuroshio Extension flowing eastward off the Japanese coast into the North Pacific, especially concentrated in the north of the region.

From here, it took four to five years for the nuclear tracers to expand across the entire subtropical region of the basin to reach the east coast of Taiwan, the Philippine islands and Japan Sea.

While 30% of modeled particles moved along the Kuroshio Extension and a further 36% flowed eastward towards the Kuroshio-Oyashio current transition zone, the remaining 34% was subducted in the recirculation gyre of the North Atlantic subtropical mode water from the upper mixed layer to lower thermocline.

Tracking oceanographic changes over this five-year spreading period, the depth and temperature of the Kuroshio-Oyashio current transition zone exhibited strong seasonal variation, with particles subducted 50 m during warmer months (April–November) and being returned to the surface during cooler months (December–March). Comparatively, the Kuroshio Extension pattern had weak seasonal correlation.

This research is significant as it highlights the length of time over which the tracers expand across a single basin, and therefore their longevity in the environment as they continue to expand across adjoining ocean basins in the years (and decades) to come.

More information:
Sang-Yeob Kim et al, A study on the pathways and their interannual variability of the Fukushima-derived tracers in the northwestern Pacific, Frontiers in Marine Science (2024). DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2024.1358032

© 2024 Science X Network

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The Ad Council and Alzheimer’s Association Promote Importance of Early Detection of Alzheimer’s in Touching New Campaign featuring NASCAR Driver Ryan Blaney https://inergency.com/the-ad-council-and-alzheimers-association-promote-importance-of-early-detection-of-alzheimers-in-touching-new-campaign-featuring-nascar-driver-ryan-blaney/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:36:24 +0000 https://inergency.com/the-ad-council-and-alzheimers-association-promote-importance-of-early-detection-of-alzheimers-in-touching-new-campaign-featuring-nascar-driver-ryan-blaney/ The Ad Council and Alzheimer’s Association Promote Importance of Early Detection of Alzheimer’s in Touching New Campaign featuring NASCAR Driver Ryan BlaneyNEW YORK, NY, March 29, 2023 – The Ad Council, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and NASCAR, launched new public service announcements (PSAs) featuring NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney sharing his family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease following his Grandpa Lou’s diagnosis. The PSAs encourage families to have a conversation with loved ones when they notice […]]]> The Ad Council and Alzheimer’s Association Promote Importance of Early Detection of Alzheimer’s in Touching New Campaign featuring NASCAR Driver Ryan Blaney


NEW YORK, NY, March 29, 2023 – The Ad Council, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and NASCAR, launched new public service announcements (PSAs) featuring NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney sharing his family’s journey with Alzheimer’s disease following his Grandpa Lou’s diagnosis. The PSAs encourage families to have a conversation with loved ones when they notice changes in cognition or behavior.

Blaney, who founded The Ryan Blaney Foundation in 2018 to support causes that personally impact the Blaney family, lost his grandfather, race car driver Lou Blaney, to Alzheimer’s in 2009.

“The opportunity to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association and Ad Council to participate in this campaign further extends the initiatives of the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation and conversations surrounding Alzheimer’s in our communities,” said Ryan Blaney. “As someone whose family has been personally affected by this disease, along with millions of others nationwide, we’re confident this campaign will inspire action to have the tough conversations as a path towards early detection.”

According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are currently more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. One in three seniors dies from Alzheimer’s or another dementia. An Alzheimer’s Association/Ad Council omnibus survey finds fewer than three in ten people with older loved ones at risk for developing Alzheimer’s (27%) say they are very likely to consider Alzheimer’s as a possibility if they noticed signs of cognitive decline in their loved one. Furthermore, fewer than half (38%) might be very likely to talk to their family member about the changes they were noticing or talk to the person about going to the doctor (42%).

In addition to encouraging families to have conversations, the new campaign stresses the benefits of early detection that include access to treatment options, an opportunity to participate in clinical trials, and more time to plan for the future.

“This new Ad Council campaign seeks to help people understand the critical importance of early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia as families nationwide are struggling to start these conversations with their loved ones,” said Michael Reich, chief marketing officer, Alzheimer’s Association. “Ryan Blaney and NASCAR are welcomed into the homes of millions of people every race weekend. Their powerful voices can make a very real difference to inspire action and bring about change.”

The campaign’s website alz.org/TimetoTalk offers tools and resources to help families recognize early warning signs of Alzheimer’s, tips for facilitating conversations about cognition, benefits of early detection and diagnosis, a discussion guide for use with doctors and health providers, and other disease-related information.

“We know that for several people, it can be difficult to raise concerns when they notice changes in a loved one,” said Heidi Arthur, chief campaign development officer, Ad Council. “But early diagnosis can make a world of difference in the lives of families. It’s our goal that this campaign will encourage family members to have a conversation when they see signs.”

The national communications campaign was created and produced by Clutch Studios. The PSA will run on television, radio, and digital sites across the country, including donated media support from NASCAR.

“It was a privilege to produce such a impactful narrative for the Alzheimer’s Association on behalf of the Ad Council and hear Ryan’s compelling story about his Grandpa Lou,” said Elliot Mabe, general manager, Clutch Studios. “It’s storytelling in its finest moment and we’re looking forward to seeing how Ryan’s heart-felt story positively influences others.”

About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

About the Ad Council
The Ad Council is where creativity and causes converge. The non-profit organization brings together the most creative minds in advertising, media, technology and marketing to address several of the nation’s most important causes. The Ad Council has created several of the most iconic campaigns in advertising history. Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. Smokey Bear. Love Has No Labels.

The Ad Council’s innovative social good campaigns raise awareness, inspire action and save lives. To learn more, visit AdCouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook and Twitter, and view the creative on YouTube.

About the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation
Founded in 2018 by NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney and his family, The Ryan Blaney Family Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 that is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for brain health causes that have directly impacted the Blaney Family, with focus on Alzheimer’s disease and concussions.

About Clutch Studios
Clutch Studios is Charlotte’s premier studio for video, film, photo and events. Clutch Studios is a spacious 20,000 square foot facility including two studios each with a Cyclorama wall, office space, green room, private parking and more. Clutch Studios sits on a 27-acre property with multiple backdrops available to fit a wide variety of production needs. For more information visit: clutchstudiosnc.com



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What is the Stations of the Cross ritual, and why do Christians still perform it at Easter? https://inergency.com/what-is-the-stations-of-the-cross-ritual-and-why-do-christians-still-perform-it-at-easter/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:28:42 +0000 https://inergency.com/what-is-the-stations-of-the-cross-ritual-and-why-do-christians-still-perform-it-at-easter/ What is the Stations of the Cross ritual, and why do Christians still perform it at Easter?A strange and eclectic range of activities takes place across these few weeks of the year. Some enjoy the season of hot cross buns and egg-shaped chocolates; others forgo such luxuries during daylight hours due to their Ramadan fast. Jews have recently celebrated Purim and remembered the bravery of Esther; meanwhile, the Hindu festival of […]]]> What is the Stations of the Cross ritual, and why do Christians still perform it at Easter?


A strange and eclectic range of activities takes place across these few weeks of the year. Some enjoy the season of hot cross buns and egg-shaped chocolates; others forgo such luxuries during daylight hours due to their Ramadan fast. Jews have recently celebrated Purim and remembered the bravery of Esther; meanwhile, the Hindu festival of Holi begins.

Elsewhere, hordes in their colours flock to the footy; others get involved in the Good Friday Appeal; and certain Christians enact a medieval tradition of walking the way of the cross around the streets of Melbourne.

So what is it, and why is it still performed?




Read more:
Jesus wasn’t white: he was a brown-skinned, Middle Eastern Jew. Here’s why that matters


To enter into the Stations or Way of the Cross ritual is to enter into the last hours of Jesus before he was crucified, just outside Jerusalem around the year 33 CE.

Those last hours included a meal with his friends, prayer in a garden, his arrest and a trial that ends in the sentence of death by crucifixion. His body was then stripped and flogged, the cross placed on his shoulders to carry to the execution place. He stumbled under the weight of the cross, then placement on the cross to which he was nailed through his hands and feet, his last words, and his death. The last two stations, usually only visited on Easter morning, celebrate his resurrection from death.

The Stations of the Cross is a devotional and contemplative exercise, as pilgrims stop and pray, hear scripture, and ponder in silence the significance of each station, getting closer to the moment of Jesus’ death each time.

The practice of memento mori (remembering death) is found in a wide variety of religious and philosophical traditions. But Jesus’ death is a bit different – at least for Christians. At one level, Jesus died in a typical manner of execution for lower class people in the Roman Empire. As gruesome as it was, it was not unique or special.

But Christians quickly imbued this particular death with much more meaning. Jesus was believed to be the incarnation of God (that is, God in human form) and to have been raised from the dead three days later. And so his death and resurrection was interpreted as an event that brought salvation, forgiveness, and a new way of life into the world. It is this mystery Christians continue to celebrate all these years later.

For Christians, the Stations of the Cross is an opportunity to reflect on every stage leading to Jesus’ crucifixion, and later resurrection.
Shutterstock

The Stations of the Cross has its roots in early Christian pilgrims visiting Jerusalem to walk in the final footsteps of Jesus. While the origins are unclear, it became popular in the late medieval period and was common across Europe by the 16th century.

The Melbourne city version of these stations include 14 bronze reliefs located at a wide variety of churches in and around the CBD. Individuals can walk these themselves or join the city churches at 10am on Good Friday, starting at St Francis’ Church. Pre-COVID, this walking in the way of Jesus attracted up to 3,000 people each Good Friday.

This public expression of faith can seem unusual in a contemporary Australian city like Melbourne. Australian culture sometimes encourages people to keep their faith private. Our religious tolerance strains at its limits when religion spills out of homes, synagogues, temples, churches, or mosques and into the public sphere. People walking around the city stopping to reflect on a violent death that took place more than 2,000 years ago can seem awkward, even embarrassing to those looking on. Others watch with interest.

This raises the question of the kind of secular society we want to live in. One version of secularism says that religion should be kept well out of the public sphere, practised in private, and should not inform a person’s participation in public life. France often tends in this direction (see, for example, repeated attempts to ban the hijab in public).




Read more:
Victim or victor? How the Easter story still resonates today


But another version of secularism says that while the state should not favour any particular religious or non-religious tradition, we are a stronger and richer society if we encourage all faiths and cultures to express themselves in public. Rather than hiding our deepest beliefs away, we should share them with each other.

On Good Friday afternoon, another tradition comes to life, as thousands gather to scream, yell and sing tribal songs as their teams fight it out on a football oval. To a non-AFL fan like myself, that gathering is equally strange. Yet, I can recognise the emotion and fervour as something familiar, something joyful, something that taps into our deepest desires and brings us together across cultural and social divides.

Good Friday will also see another ritual observed that is important to several: an AFL match.
Joel Carrett/AAP

When footy games were first scheduled on this holy day for Christians, it was not without controversy. Headlines cried “religion versus sport” and genuine questions about consumerism and work were raised.

For me, there is a certain delight in living in a society where not everyone is religious and even if they are, they are not religious in the same way. I’m glad to live in a society where such activities occur side by side, be they footy, Purim, Ramadan, Holi, or Easter. I am glad to live in a society where some yell at the footy and some pray in a city street – and some do both.

The Stations of the Cross is one more visible sign of our multicultural, multifaith society at work. We can be proud to live in a society where rituals that seem strange to some are nonetheless tolerated and even welcomed. This is something everyone can celebrate, whether religious or not.

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Alumni in the spotlight: Matt Wise https://inergency.com/alumni-in-the-spotlight-matt-wise/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:19:19 +0000 https://inergency.com/alumni-in-the-spotlight-matt-wise/ Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023Matt Wise is the Head of Strategy and Business Development at ABB in the Electrification Service division, leading the energy transition in industrial automation by supporting customers to improve the sustainability and reliability of electrical power. Read on and watch the video as he provides an overview of his time as a participant in WBCSD’s […]]]> Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023


Matt Wise is the Head of Strategy and Business Development at ABB in the Electrification Service division, leading the energy transition in industrial automation by supporting customers to improve the sustainability and reliability of electrical power. Read on and watch the video as he provides an overview of his time as a participant in WBCSD’s Leadership Program and the practical solutions he brought back to advance ABB’s sustainability journey. 

Key takeaways 

  • Since participating in the Leadership Program, Matt has taken action to ensure sustainability is not just an extension of traditional business strategy but rather an integral component, deeply ingrained in the fabric of decision-making processes. 

  • Embracing innovation and appointing a dedicated sustainability team, Matt supports ABB’s prioritization of research and development aimed at delivering sustainable products and services while optimizing operational efficiency through energy-saving measures. 

  • In pursuing sustainability, Matt emphasizes the importance of embracing progress over perfection. 

What motivated you to join the Leadership Program? 

At the time, I was looking after strategy for our electrification business area, which is a $15 billion business area with a presence in over a hundred countries, and sustainable development topics were turning from a trickle into an avalanche. Every discussion you might have with business leaders covered sustainability from all angles, from supply chain and raw material sourcing to operations and net-zero to sales and evolving customer needs around sustainability. I realized that to be able to do my job correctly, I needed to have a baseline level of familiarity with sustainability concepts, frameworks and ways of thinking, including decoding the “alphabet soup” of sustainability. The Leadership Program appealed to me to help build a foundational level of sustainability knowledge and integrate what I learned into my work.  

Before I joined ABB, I was a strategy consultant. The classic Milton Friedman doctrine of business was drilled into us from the very beginning – the imperative of shareholder value creation, the link to intrinsic value for the company, generating free cash flows and returns above the cost of capital – and that this was the sole basis to make strategic decisions. I wanted to have the chance to challenge this notion that I had of shareholder primacy and returns maximization and find a way to alter my way of thinking to incorporate stakeholder value and sustainable development concepts. 

What steps did you take at ABB after the Leadership Program? 

Around the time the program finished, I started a new role in the Electrification Service Division at ABB. As the Global Head of Strategy and Business Development, one of my top priority tasks when I joined that division was developing and defining our strategy.  

The Leadership Program helped crystalize my belief that strategy should incorporate sustainability; in a modern business, a business strategy is not just supplemented by a sustainability strategy that comes afterward. Our mindset from the beginning was that sustainability should be an embedded part of the business strategy. When looking at the market drivers that influence our resource decisions, we’re strongly taking into account how our customers think about sustainability, as well as environmental and social regulatory and organizational contexts. Sustainability is a key driver that we integrate into our development of strategic frameworks.  

Secondly, how do we capture our sustainability ambitions and how is that consistent with our other business ambitions? In addition to shareholder returns, we want to ensure that we embed sustainable development principles and have a stakeholder-oriented mindset when thinking about the strategy’s ambitions. In making resource allocation decisions and choosing where to invest, sustainability is a core part of the strategy, not something we bolt on at the end. 

Concretely, we hired a dedicated sustainability lead and we had concrete initiatives to invest in sustainability as part of the strategy, not as a tick box exercise, but to make more money generally. We’re investing more in R&D to develop sustainable solutions for our customers, developing environmental product declarations because we see an evolving customer need, looking for ways to save cost in our operations by reducing energy use and switching to cheaper electricity sources like on-site renewables, and looking for ways to grow our business aligned to these market trends of sustainability. 

A final message for business leaders who are watching 

The other mindset that I’ve tried to embed in the strategy that we have in our business is not letting “perfect” get in the way of “good.”  

ABB has a very ambitious target, for example, to switch its fleets to 100% electric vehicles by 2030. As part of the initiative, every site in ABB will have an electric vehicle charger in the next five years. In some countries and use cases, however, we can’t get battery electric vehicles yet for a whole host of reasons, including insufficient charging infrastructure, unavailability of the suitable models, etc. Instead of giving up completely, we have explored the option of getting a plug-in hybrid for these situations. We have assessed the use case for shorter distances, for example, or routes with frequent opportunities to charge.  

When faced with such challenges, we are always thinking through whether there is a way that we can make a little bit of progress rather than doing nothing because we can’t get to the furthest extent of the end goal. Let’s not let “perfect” get in the way of “good”, and continue to tick over, continue to demonstrate progress, and bring the organization and the business as long as we go. 

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The Breakthrough Institute Endorses the EMIT LESS Act, A Step Toward Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions https://inergency.com/the-breakthrough-institute-endorses-the-emit-less-act-a-step-toward-reducing-enteric-methane-emissions/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:10:34 +0000 https://inergency.com/the-breakthrough-institute-endorses-the-emit-less-act-a-step-toward-reducing-enteric-methane-emissions/ The Breakthrough Institute Endorses the EMIT LESS Act, A Step Toward Reducing Enteric Methane EmissionsWASHINGTON, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Methane has a large, but short-term impact on planetary warming. Targeting enteric fermentation in livestock production represents an opportunity to curb nearly one-quarter of United States. methane emissions. Most of the methane from beef and dairy production is caused by enteric fermentation, a natural process by which microbes in […]]]> The Breakthrough Institute Endorses the EMIT LESS Act, A Step Toward Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions


WASHINGTON, March 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Methane has a large, but short-term impact on planetary warming. Targeting enteric fermentation in livestock production represents an opportunity to curb nearly one-quarter of United States. methane emissions. Most of the methane from beef and dairy production is caused by enteric fermentation, a natural process by which microbes in the cattle’s gut decompose and ferment food. These microbes in the cattle’s gut often steal greater than 6% of the energy in the diet away from the animal while generating methane. Reducing enteric methane emissions can be both a climate win, and an economic imperative by reducing the cost of cattle feed. As people around the world are eating more meat and drinking more milk, the need for solutions to enteric fermentation emissions grows to one of national importance. 

To address these challenges, Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Crapo (R-ID), Baldwin (D-WI), and Moran (R-KS) introduced the EMIT LESS Act this week to provide much-needed support for enteric methane research and cost-sharing to enable on-farm emissions reductions. The legislation directs the United States. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand domestic capacity to develop and increase the adoption of enteric methane solutions. If enacted, it might:

  • bolster capacity to assess the safety and efficacy of enteric methane-mitigating products and practices through USDA’s Agricultural Research Service
  • enhance the understanding of baseline enteric methane emissions and impacts on animal productivity and animal health and welfare,
  • expand training opportunities at land grant institutions including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges that familiarize farmers and ranchers with practices that reduce enteric methane emissions, and
  • add practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including enteric methane, as an eligible approach for On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trial grants.

Furthermore, the bill might make enteric methane reduction products and practices eligible for cost-share under several USDA conservation programs. This might help to mitigate the financial risk for producers to voluntarily use new practices or tools to pursue lower-carbon production.

The EMIT LESS Act is a good first step in establishing the scientific infrastructure needed for farmers, ranchers, and companies throughout the livestock supply chain to reduce their methane emissions. By funding testing, measurement technology, and on-farm trials, the legislation ensures all products and solutions prove their effectiveness at reducing enteric methane, without compromising animal health and human consumption safety. These important steps are needed so producers and consumers alike can have faith in new products that come to market. These efforts will also help United States. beef and dairy producers compete in a global market as sustainability demands build. 

In addition to the proposals laid out in the EMIT LESS Act, policymakers must do more to prioritize the development of accurate, consistent, deployable, and affordable enteric methane measurement technologies. Accurate on-farm measurement at herd scale is needed to inform improved methane modeling and prediction. Furthermore, there is a lack of on-farm measurement tools that are easy to use and enable producers to observe trends, test practices they believe can reduce emissions, and continuously improve their operations. Congress and USDA should consider how new or existing federal programs can catalyze the development of measurement tools and technologies capable of supporting voluntary on-farm enteric methane emissions measurement.

Breakthrough urges Congress to carefully consider this legislation amidst ongoing farm bill negotiations. By passing this legislation, Congress can accelerate the development and adoption of cost-effective solutions to reduce enteric methane emissions, ultimately bolstering the long-term sustainability and profitability of United States. beef and dairy production. 

For media contact: 
David Hong
Federal Policy Director for Food and Agriculture
david@thebreakthrough.org

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Design of a Modularization-Based Automation Performance Simulation Framework for Multi-Vehicle Interaction System https://inergency.com/design-of-a-modularization-based-automation-performance-simulation-framework-for-multi-vehicle-interaction-system/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 11:07:44 +0000 https://inergency.com/design-of-a-modularization-based-automation-performance-simulation-framework-for-multi-vehicle-interaction-system/ Design of a Modularization-Based Automation Performance Simulation Framework for Multi-Vehicle Interaction System1. Introduction Under the background of growing market demands and stringent fuel consumption regulations, pure electric or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have emerged as a vital solution to the dual challenges of energy scarcity and environmental pollution, by virtue of their easy access to electricity, clean, and low pollution benefits [1]. HEVs signify a developmental […]]]> Design of a Modularization-Based Automation Performance Simulation Framework for Multi-Vehicle Interaction System


1. Introduction

Under the background of growing market demands and stringent fuel consumption regulations, pure electric or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have emerged as a vital solution to the dual challenges of energy scarcity and environmental pollution, by virtue of their easy access to electricity, clean, and low pollution benefits [1]. HEVs signify a developmental shift within the vehicle industry, with various configurations already in use on the roads. With the infrastructure construction of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and cloud computing [2], effective co-simulation of multiple vehicles is an important way to mine the big data of the IoV [3].
Large-scale vehicle simulation technology, leveraging traffic and vehicle simulation software, facilitates the acceleration of edge computing applications and reduces the costs associated with vehicle–road collaboration. The traffic environment plays a critical role in influencing energy consumption and drivability [4]. Under the background of the trend of electrification and networking in the automotive industry, the collaborative optimization design of traffic flow composed of various configurations of HEVs and traditional vehicles has put forward new requirements for the design of performance simulation environments. To achieve large-scale vehicle performance co-simulation, two primary objectives must be addressed as follows: firstly, the rapid and straightforward construction of vehicle models with various configurations, including the automatic initialization of model parameters, control of the running process, and postprocessing of results. HEVs involve several configurations and sub-component models, each constructed with its own unique specifications. Utilizing plug-and-play model construction technology and simulation file management methods [5], such as those proposed by Autonomie software 2019, AVL Cruise 2020, etc., enhances the reusability of simulation model files. By introducing modularity, a vehicle is divided into multiple modules, each containing different parameters and models. Those modules are combined with each other and their relationships analyzed to complete the modeling of a single vehicle, forming an automated framework for single vehicle performance simulation. Secondly, establishing an interaction channel between multiple vehicles to enable signal interaction while ensuring synchronization is crucial. This involves recording the input and output signals required by each vehicle to construct a communication matrix and establishing a signal scheduler for dynamic signal allocation between vehicles. Based on the above two aspects, the multiple vehicle performance simulation under the mixed traffic environment with various vehicle combinations is completed. The original contributions of this paper can be summarized as follows: (i) the simulated working principle of the drag-and-drop coupled mechanical system is described, (ii) the process of an automated performance simulation is designed, (iii) a method for the effective management of simulation system scripts and model files is proposed, and (iv) an efficient multiple vehicle control system model architecture and development framework is presented.
The structure of this paper is outlined as follows: Section 2 outlines the existing literature review and identifies the gaps in software tools for vehicle performance calculation. Section 3 delves into the architecture and design methodology of the comprehensive simulation environment. Section 4 elucidates the methodology for constructing vehicle models and detailing the simulation processes for individual vehicles, providing a foundation for the development of simulation models. Section 5 expands this discussion to the joint simulation methods for multiple vehicles, showcasing the application of these methods through practical use cases in Section 6. Finally, the conclusions and future perspectives are presented in Section 7.

2. Literature Review

Simulation of vehicle energy consumption and dynamic performance is widely embraced by vehicle research institutions for the development and analysis of new transmission systems [6]. Typically, a module-based design approach is employed to integrate components into a system via signal connections [7]. However, the interdependence of signals and parameters among components necessitates a unified standard for automated operation when dealing with large-scale interactions between vehicles of various configurations. This field of energy consumption and performance simulation for different vehicle configurations is well established, with numerous commercial and open-source software options available [8], such as MATLAB 2022, AVL Cruise 2020, AMESim 2020, ADVISOR 2002, Autonomie 2019, etc. AVL Cruise is a commercial vehicle simulation software that can analyze a variety of vehicle drivetrains. Graphical modeling, achieved by dragging and dropping vehicle components and connecting them, is the core feature, enabling the assembly of a complete vehicle model. A parameter matching study was carried out by J. W. Ma [9], who used AVL Cruise to design the motor, power battery, and final drive to meet the target performance. H. T. Arat [10] built multiple powertrain vehicles with AVL Cruise, to compare and analyze features of the vehicles in terms of performance and emission results. Autonomie is an open-source software developed at Argonne National Laboratory, and the Simulink-based simulation environment can capture the detailed mechanism of the model. J. Yao et al. [11] improved the simulation process efficiency of vehicle fuel economy with a novel large-scale learning and prediction process based on Autonomie. Micro-level traffic simulators are designed to simulate interactions between vehicles to evaluate mobility ecosystems, such as VISSIM 5.20 [12] and SUMO 4.24 [13]. Many projects evaluate the algorithm performance of autonomous driving, vehicle–road collaboration, and vehicle-to-everything communication in complex interactive scenarios by constructing virtual traffic environments [14]. T. Tettamanti et al. [15] used MATLAB and VISSIM to calculate mathematical problems and simulate the traffic environment online, respectively, and established an integrated simulation control environment based on the VISSIM COM interface to solve signal control problems. W. M. Griggs et al. [16] embedded a real vehicle into SUMO to realize the hardware-in-the-loop of the vehicle in a large-scale intelligent transportation system, and thus allowed drivers to obtain real-time traffic feedback. The design of multi-vehicle simulation architecture is generally oriented to the motion safety and information interaction between vehicles under various complex virtual environment conditions. M. A. Meyer et al. [17] proposed a closed-loop platoon simulation environment with intelligent transportation system, and implemented a large-scale vehicle simulation for cooperative adaptive cruise control. M. Guériau et al. [18] devised a virtual environment to validate and test the platoon control method that achieves a direct match between the perception and control of real and virtual vehicles. When multiple vehicles are simulated in a distributed manner, it is key to ensure the synchronization of data interaction and the simulation of real hardware characteristics. Z. Zhang et al. [19] presented a time-triggered automotive cyber-physical systems design framework with co-simulation between the software, network/platform, and physical components. E. Eyisi et al. [20] designed an integrated modeling and simulation tool for evaluating networked control systems. Based on the existing simulation tools, the test platform for vehicle energy consumption and multi-vehicle interaction is widely used. The multi-vehicle simulation environment considering vehicle dynamics is mainly used to study the intelligent sensing and advanced assisted driving functions of vehicles [21]. To study the functional performance of connected vehicles in a wide range of traffic scenarios and road conditions, the software PreScan 5.0 was developed to form a comprehensive environment for designing and evaluating a multi-vehicle simulation system [22]. C. S. Wang et al. [23] used PreScan software to construct a simulation environment by importing real road sections and tested the vehicle cooperative driving sense system. However, the current vehicle energy consumption calculation is only for single-vehicle simulation tests under a specific driving cycle, and there are few multi-vehicle performance collaborative optimization platforms for hybrid vehicle configurations.
While current vehicle performance analysis software is widely used, it primarily focuses on simulating specific vehicle configurations under fixed driving cycles [24]. However, there is a notable absence of multi-vehicle simulation environments that incorporate co-simulation for investigating intelligent sensing and advanced assisted driving functions, especially concerning hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) with diverse configurations. In contrast, traffic simulation software serves as a multiple vehicle interaction environment, to facilitate the development of collaborative algorithms, such as energy consumption and traffic efficiency optimization. Nevertheless, existing micro-traffic simulation software treats vehicles as mass blocks with fixed lengths [25], neglecting the dynamic characteristics of real vehicles and failing to refine the transmission systems of individual vehicles.
Currently, technologies such as vehicle-to-vehicle wireless communication are in the process of practical implementation [26]. Consideration of the specific configuration of each vehicle and the communication and interaction between different vehicles can significantly impact the development of new hybrid vehicles and enhance performance by leveraging operating condition information, as shown in Figure 1. Addressing the limitations of the current research, this paper proposes a large-scale vehicle performance automation simulation framework based on a modular design.

4. Single-Vehicle Platform Design

For the comprehensive simulation analysis of various vehicle configurations, ranging from different models to the parameters of each component, the processing program needs to accommodate all potential simulation requirements, which can be summarized as a variety of vehicle models and simulation processes in general. Since signal connections and parameter calculations between components are related to their interdependencies, it is crucial to execute necessary tasks to ensure the proper operation of the simulation system and identify potential configuration errors, such as scripts running sequences and signal connection relationships. A single-vehicle performance simulation involves system construction to meet the diverse requirements of essential functions to maintain the system operation, as shown in Figure 3.

4.1. Simulation Construction

The diversification of vehicle models primarily encompasses the following aspects: the vehicle model library (including passenger cars, commercial vehicles, special vehicles, etc.), the types of components and their connection configurations following specific rules, and the configurable parameters of each component. A single-vehicle model design architecture comprises module files, information extraction tools, and module connection rules, as illustrated in Figure 4. In the general simulation process, the initialization file provides all the parameters required by the model. Subsequently, the model undergoes execution, and the results produced by the model are subjected to postprocessing. Each component serves as a module and consists of four types of files: initialization scripts, preprocessing scripts, component models, and postprocessing scripts. The initialization script is solely dedicated to initializing the parameters essential for the corresponding model. It directly assigns values to parameters that do not necessitate further processing. It does not involve referencing parameters from other initialization or preprocessing files, nor does it engage in mutual calculations between parameters. Parameters that users can directly configure via the UI are included in this script, such as the engine fuel consumption map and the car body mass in the car body model. When the model entails parameters obtained from the initialization or preprocessing script of other components, or when parameters require mutual calculation to derive new parameters, these assignment statements referring to other component parameters or mutual calculations must be housed in the preprocessing script. For instance, the engine fuel consumption map may be further calculated to derive the optimal working curve of the engine, while the total mass of the vehicle is obtained by aggregating the masses of all individual components. After the simulation of the model, the postprocessing script can leverage all the parameters and model output signals. Based on these data, the postprocessing script generates the calculation results.

With the aid of information extraction tools, key information from the parameter scripts can be recognized and extracted based on the characters’ positions around the equals sign. This includes identifying the input parameters (IPs), output parameters (OPs), input signals (ISs), and output signals (OSs). Input parameters (IPs) are those necessary for script or model execution, found on the right side of equations within assignment statements or within the configuration boxes of models. Output parameters (OPs) represent new parameters generated after script execution, located on the left side of assignment statements. Input signals (ISs) are provided by other component models, while output signals (OSs) are the outputs generated by the component during operation.

Furthermore, based on the interdependence of the input and output variables between parameter scripts, we can perform automated operation sorting and parameter integrity testing. In addition, based on the input and output properties of the module files, with the help of the module’s connection tool, we can achieve interconnection between modules. Through the operation of various module files, three major functions are ultimately achieved, including a simulation feasibility check, module scripts run order, and model automatic construction.

4.2. Component Connection Relationship

The entire simulation model is divided into four parts: the driver, the environment, vehicle control system, and vehicle powertrain system, as illustrated in Figure 5. In the Simulink modeling software, due to the presence of numerous input and output signals in each component, to facilitate the signal wiring between modules and automatic program splicing of modules, multiple signals in the module are bundled in the form of a bus. Multiple signals are collected in the bus and can be extracted directly from the bus where needed. Each part corresponds to its own signal bus, namely the driver bus, environment bus, controller bus, and powertrain bus. These four buses are combined into a global bus, which facilitates the transfer of signals between various controllers, plants, driver, and environment. The controller buses consist of different components or vehicle controller buses, such as MCU, TCU, HCU, etc. Similarly, the plant buses comprise various plant buses, such as gearbox bus, wheel bus, etc.
The input signal set of each component interface must match the physical characteristics of the output signal set of the interface of another component to be connected in sequence. The properties of the component interface are shown in Table 1, while the rules governing component connections are shown in Figure 6.
To streamline user connectivity and minimize unnecessary errors, a restriction is imposed wherein an interface can only be connected to one other interface at a time. Simultaneous connections of two or more interfaces, even if they adhere to connection rules, are not permitted. Additionally, interfaces within the same module cannot be interconnected, even if they satisfy the basic connection criteria. Given scenarios where one component needs to connect to multiple components simultaneously, such as the battery module requiring connections to both the motor and the power converter, auxiliary modeling components are introduced, as shown in Table 2.

The controller, driver, and environment components do not require physical connections. Consequently, their inputs originate from the global bus, while their outputs are directed to the corresponding signal output buses. Apart from these two buses, different plant inputs and outputs need to be interconnected to establish various configurations. Given that different powertrain configurations entail distinct plant and connection relationships, the connection relationship between plants is represented by effort and flow signals. It is important to note that the number of effort and flow signals for each plant vary according to the plant type, corresponding to the number of interfaces in the table and the type of input and output signals for each interface. Furthermore, with the aid of the auxiliary modeling modules outlined in the table, the effort signals (or flow signals) of the same attribute can be superimposed or distributed.

The connection relationship configuration of the components and the corresponding models’ connection relationship are shown in Figure 7. In Figure 7a, the configuration connection relationship between the gearbox and final drive is represented. Referring to Table 1, both the gearbox and final drive have two interfaces, and the input–output relationship is shown in Figure 7b. Following the connection relationship between components, interface 2 of the gearbox can be connected to interface 1 of the final drive.
The dashed connection on the component configuration (Figure 7a) represents two connections on the corresponding model (Figure 7b). For the gearbox, the connections are the gearbox output torque (gearbox effort out) and gearbox flow in. For the final drive, the connections are the final drive input torque (final drive effort in) and final drive output speed (final drive flow out). It is important to note that the gearbox flow in is equivalent to the final drive output speed, while the gearbox output torque is equivalent to the final drive input torque.
For each model, aside from the input effort and flow, there may be a requirement for input signals from other external models. Similarly, besides the output effort and flow, the model’s output signals need to be disseminated to other models. Taking the final drive model as an example in Figure 8, the necessary signals are selected from the global bus via the signal selection subsystem, while all the final drive output signals are gathered onto the final drive bus by the signal collection subsystem.

4.3. Simulation Feasibility Checking

Different models have their own running files, including initialization, preprocessing, result postprocessing, etc. These files are interdependent during execution, necessitating a specific sequence for processing. To ensure the correct execution of the file sequence and verify any missing parameters or signals, distinct names are defined for various files, as outlined in Table 3.

In accordance with the order of operations, the inspection of possible unreasonable situations encompasses script and model parameter integrity checking, signal integrity checking, and configuration checking.

After obtaining the script set that requires IPs again, compare the number of scripts in the current set with the number of scripts in step d. If the script set is empty or the length is not equal, return to step d and repeat the process. However, if the script set is not empty and its length remains the same, it is determined that the scripts in the current script set lack IPs and cannot run correctly. Each script in the script set is then individually analyzed to retrieve its required IPs, which are then communicated to the users.

2.

Model parameter integrity checking

  • Catalog OPs provided by all initialization and preprocessing scripts and save all OPs in the OPs collector.

  • For each model, catalog its required IPs and determine the difference between the IPs of each model and the OPs collector. If the difference set is empty, it indicates that the parameters required by the model can be fully provided by the scripts. Otherwise, it signifies that some parameters required by the model are missing.

  • Gather the parameters and corresponding models from the non-empty difference set and output them to the user for inspection.

3.

Model signal integrity checking

  • Catalog the OSs of all models and save them in a signal collector.

  • For each model, catalog the ISs and determine the difference between the ISs of each model and the OSs collector. If the difference set is empty, it indicates that the signals required by the model can be fully provided by other models. Otherwise, it signifies that some signals required by the model are missing.

  • Gather the signals and corresponding models from the non-empty difference set and output them to the user for inspection.

4.

Postprocessing script parameter and signal integrity checking

  • Catalog the OPs provided by all initialization and preprocessing scripts, as well as the OSs provided by all models, and save them in a collector.

  • Utilize a method similar to the preprocessing script parameter integrity check to examine the integrity of postprocessing script parameters and signals. Note that postprocessing scripts can both require and provide parameters and signals simultaneously.

5.

Unreasonable configuration checking

The vehicle simulation model must align with the test process. For instance, distance-based operating conditions should be used with specific drivers. Additionally, the State of Charge (SOC) balance of the driving cycle must match the usage of hybrid electric vehicles.

Beyond the verifications discussed, additional checks include scrutinizing whether different models erroneously utilize identical names for Oss and detecting any instances of OPs being redundantly defined across scripts. Given the infrequency and straightforward nature of these issues, an extensive discussion is deemed unnecessary. Moreover, it is crucial to delineate the signal connection relationships between each model and its respective components, with a particular emphasis on accurately identifying the originating component model of the input signal.

4.4. Simulation Process Construction

The vehicle simulation test process encompasses various aspects such as dynamic performance, economy, driving range, and drivability performance. Additionally, it involves joint simulation and parameter sensitivity analysis across different test processes. Table 1 lists different types of computing configurations and performance indexes. Table 4 provides users with the ability to compute various combined performances, such as calculating both the acceleration time of 100 km and the maximum climbing degree simultaneously. Table 5 lists the different calculation modes, and each calculation mode in Table 2 can be flexibly combined with the calculation types in Table 1. Given the multitude of combinations, it is impractical to delineate the corresponding execution process for each combination.

To meet the diverse testing needs across different processes and enhance function reusability, each performance index solution is treated as a running process, while different calculation modes are considered modifications of various processes. Each simulation process is segmented into multiple process steps, such as system initialization, model execution, result saving, and outputting calculated performance indices. These process steps are then flexibly combined to form a process, and each process can be modified or combined flexibly to achieve complex processes.

For instance, consider the parameter sensitivity analysis of environmental temperature changes on the driving range of a pure electric vehicle under specific driving cycles, as depicted in Figure 10. The four major parts separated by dotted lines represent distinct processes: the parameter sensitivity analysis process, time-based cycle process, driving range calculation process, and simulation termination condition-setting process. It is important to note that these four processes are independent of each other. The functionality of the parameter sensitivity analysis process relies entirely on the nested entry calls it makes. For example, the parameter change analysis process calls the time-based cycle process to conduct vehicle economy simulation at different temperatures. Similarly, the parameter change analysis process can also focus on assessing the impact of altering the vehicle’s total mass on factors like the maximum gradeability or acceleration time.
The primary function of the time-based cycle process is to calculate the economics of a specific vehicle configuration under a time-based cycle. When no process is nested within the time-based cycle process, there are no other nested programs to execute the model simulation steps. Consequently, the model simulation step in the time-based cycle process will run directly. However, the additional functionalities of the time-based cycle process or other economic simulation processes depend on whether there is process nesting. For instance, in Figure 11, the driving range simulation process is nested, enabling the calculation of the driving range for pure electric vehicles. This process can also be combined with others to meet various simulation requirements. For example, it can be combined with the State of Charge (SOC) correction process for SOC balance correction in hybrid vehicles or with the cold start process of traditional vehicles to account for economic fuel consumption penalties.

6. Case Study and Discussion

Based on the proposed multi-vehicle interactive simulation platform, an economical speed planning algorithm based on net-connected information is validated. The algorithm process is depicted in Figure 16. Initially, leveraging the vehicle’s GPS-derived position, driving path, and signalized phase data retrieved from the cloud, the desired time intervals at each intersection are computed under speed constraints and signal phase limitations in a forward direction. Subsequently, appropriate time intervals are selected as reference points to ensure optimal passage efficiency. Backward recursion, based on the signal phase and speed constraints, is employed to determine the reference time interval for all signalized intersections. This reference time interval is then translated into reference speeds. Integrating this information with the position and speed data of the lead vehicle retrieved from the cloud, alongside the vehicle’s own speed information, an objective function is formulated within the Model Predictive Control (MPC) framework. This function considers vehicle economy, comfort, and reference speed.

Subsequently, under constraints such as road speed limits, safety distances, and vehicle dynamics, the optimization problem is reformulated into a nonlinear planning problem using the multi-targeting method. Economic speed is then determined through the solution of this problem. Finally, the economic speed trajectory, travel path, and vehicle position obtained from the solution are transmitted to the lower-level energy management system for implementation.

The optimal problem in the prediction time domain is defined as follows:

arg min u J = k k + N p [ w 1 f t q ( u ( t ) ) + w 2 f t i m e ( x ( t ) ) + w 3 f c o m ( x ( t ) ) ]

d t s . t . { d ( t ) d p r e ( t ) g min _ s a f e v min _ i v ( t ) v max _ i T min _ t q T t q ( t ) T max _ t q T min _ b T t q ( t ) T max _ b

where J is the total cost function, and f t q , f t i m e , and f c o m are the cost functions of the driving force, comfort, and reference speed, respectively. w 1 , w 2 , and w 3 are the weight coefficients corresponding to the three cost functions, respectively. d t is the time step. k is the current moment. N p is the step size in the predicted time domain. d is the safe distance d p r e and g min _ s a f e are the pre-set safety distances and minimum safety distances, respectively. v is the vehicle speed. v max _ i and v min _ i are the maximum and minimum vehicle speeds, respectively. T t q is the driving torque. T max _ t q and T min _ t q are the maximum and minimum driving torques, respectively. T max _ b and T min _ b are the maximum and minimum braking torques, respectively.

As the software primarily serves automation modeling, vehicle interface configuration, interface transmission, and interaction interface description, the emphasis in documentation tends to lean towards architecture and modeling methodologies. The focal point of this paper lies in delineating the design of a multi-vehicle communication software architecture, with vehicle algorithms taking a subsidiary role. Consequently, detailed discussions on vehicle control algorithms and related content are deemed unsuitable. However, for a clearer exposition of the algorithms utilized, additional references can be consulted for further elucidation [27].

In a distributed simulation setup, a PC serves as the master running servers and orchestrates the execution of vehicle models in MATLAB/Simulink. Two types of vehicles are configured: a pure electric vehicle (EV) and a plug-in hybrid with continuously electronically variable transmission (ECVT).

Firstly, for each vehicle, in accordance with the single-vehicle platform design outlined in Section 4.1, it is imperative to ascertain the components utilized in the vehicle, including but not limited to the engine, motor, and battery. Subsequently, a modular approach is adopted to select each component model, initialization script, and postprocessing script, such as the engine fuel consumption map and battery capacity. These components are then interconnected mechanically or electrically based on the vehicle configuration, adhering to the connection rules delineated in Section 4.2. In Section 4.3, a comprehensive summary of all scripts and models involved in the entirety of the vehicle is presented, followed by a meticulous verification of their rationality and effectiveness. Leveraging automated program splicing techniques, a comprehensive vehicle simulation model encompassing the model parameters is meticulously assembled within the MATLAB environment. This marks the attainment of a standalone simulation project capable of computing the vehicle performance metrics.
Subsequently, to facilitate multi-vehicle interaction, the multi-vehicle data transfer methodology outlined in Section 5.1 is employed to define the input and output interfaces for each vehicle, enabling communication with the surrounding environment. This entails sharing the speed and driving position data to formulate a communication matrix. Following this, the data transfer implementation methodology detailed in Section 5.2 is applied, wherein the communication matrix is documented in the address allocation file. This file is then inputted into the scheduler, streamlining communication and information exchange among vehicles. Finally, the simulation architecture of the entire vehicle performance simulation platform with multi-vehicle interaction is completed. The simulation architecture is depicted in Figure 17.
The SUMO 5.16 model comprises a road network file (net.xml) and a demand file (rou.xml). The road network file encompasses road modeling and signal light settings, while the demand file establishes vehicle and traffic flow models. Road network file editing methods include XML language editing, SUMO’s Netedit software for drawing, and Netconvert for road network identification and conversion [28]. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, so this study integrates all three methods for modeling. Initially, Netconvert is used to read the OpenStreetMap road network of the target scene and convert it into .net.XML format. Then, Netedit simplifies the process by removing irrelevant road network elements and setting parameters such as signal light phases and speed limits. Finally, the road network file is further edited and enhanced using XML language [29].
The M language interface program utilizes Traci library functions to facilitate information interaction between SUMO and MATLAB [30]. The program first executes the Traci library function import command and initializes the Traci port based on the SUMO port. This enables access to the vehicle ID, speed, location, and other Traci library functions. Additionally, the program utilizes Traci library functions to set the vehicle speed, enabling feedback from the MATLAB model to the SUMO simulation scene.
In exploring the energy-saving control strategy of plug-in hybrid logistics vehicles, the optimization effect varies under different signal light phase settings, signal light intersection distances, or vehicle speed conditions. The speed planning algorithm, based on the Krauss car-following model [31], is simulated and verified. The resulting trajectories and speeds of both the Krauss and Model Predictive Control (MPC) following vehicles [32] are illustrated in Figure 18 and Figure 19, respectively. Notably, the plug-in hybrid ECVT demonstrates the ability to navigate each signal intersection effectively while also achieving a superior tracking performance relative to the pure electric vehicle (EV).
The simulation results of the economic speed planning system based on the networked information and the speed planning system based on the Krauss following model are compared and analyzed. The results are shown in Table 7.
From the results presented in Table 7, it is evident that compared to the Krauss following vehicle, the MPC-optimized vehicle experiences an increase in travel time. However, this is offset by the optimized comfort and economy of the vehicle. By leveraging signal light phase information along the vehicle’s driving path, the reference time at each intersection is reasonably planned, thereby reducing the number of vehicle stops and minimizing the acceleration and deceleration conditions.

In summary, both the EV and CEVT vehicles successfully complete the initialization script running, model construction, and information sharing between vehicles. They achieve collaborative following control seamlessly. The entire process operates as an automated scheduling process, facilitating mutual collaboration and communication among each vehicle. Utilizing the simulation technology platform proposed in this paper, in conjunction with the modular design principle and a flexible calculation method, enables the rapid construction of new energy vehicles featuring various hybrid drivetrains. During the early stages of product development, high-volume automated simulations facilitate powertrain matching and performance analysis, obviating the need for a manual configuration setup, parameter adjustments, and scenario replacements. This approach effectively eliminates time wastage, thereby swiftly reducing the costs associated with new product development, shortening development cycles, and enhancing overall work efficiency. By addressing the challenges of low modeling efficiency and the intricate integration of multiple models encountered in current simulation practices, this platform offers efficient technical support for the design and development of automotive simulation systems.

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Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Bee Day, 20 May 2023 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-bee-day-20-may-2023/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:58:58 +0000 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-bee-day-20-may-2023/ Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Bee Day, 20 May 2023]]> Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023



Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Bee Day, 20 May 2023

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Trump’s classified documents case is mired in delays that may run past election https://inergency.com/trumps-classified-documents-case-is-mired-in-delays-that-may-run-past-election/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:53:11 +0000 https://inergency.com/trumps-classified-documents-case-is-mired-in-delays-that-may-run-past-election/ Trump’s classified documents case is mired in delays that may run past electionWASHINGTON (AP) — The case against Donald Trump seemed relatively straightforward in August 2022 when FBI agents searched his Mar-a-Lago estate, with authorities citing evidence that the former president hoarded enough classified documents to fill dozens of boxes and obstructed the government’s efforts to retrieve them. But nine months after he was indicted, there are […]]]> Trump’s classified documents case is mired in delays that may run past election


WASHINGTON (AP) — The case against Donald Trump seemed relatively straightforward in August 2022 when FBI agents searched his Mar-a-Lago estate, with authorities citing evidence that the former president hoarded enough classified documents to fill dozens of boxes and obstructed the government’s efforts to retrieve them.

But nine months after he was indicted, there are mounting doubts that the case can reach trial this year.

The Trump-appointed judge in the case has yet to set a firm trial date despite holding two hours-long hearings with lawyers this month. Multiple motions to dismiss the case are still pending, disputes over classified evidence have spanned months and a bitterly contested defense request to disclose the names of government witnesses remains unresolved. Complicating matters further is a recent order suggesting that the judge, Aileen Cannon, is still entertaining a Trump team claim about his rightful possession of the documents that she had appeared openly skeptical of days earlier.

“This does seem to be moving more slowly and less sequentially than other cases that I have seen” concerning classified information, said David Aaron, a former Justice Department national security prosecutor.

To a certain extent, the delays are the product of a broader Trump team strategy to postpone the four criminal cases confronting the presumptive Republican nominee in this year’s presidential race. But the case in Florida is unique because of the startlingly few substantive decisions that have been made to move closer to a trial. That raises the prospect that a resolution in the case may be unlikely before this year’s presidential election. If he were to win the White House, Trump can appoint an attorney general who might dismiss the federal charges against him in Florida and other jurisdictions.

READ MORE: Judge rejects bid by Trump to throw out classified documents case on constitutional grounds

Prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smith’s team have strenuously fought to press the case forward. Though they’ve taken care not to mention the upcoming election, they’ve repeatedly cited a public interest in getting the case resolved quickly and have pointed to what they say is overwhelming evidence — including surveillance video, a defense lawyer’s notes and testimony from close associates — establishing Trump’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

“This case should be over already,” said Jeffrey Swartz, a professor at Cooley Law School and former judge in Florida. “There was nothing in this case that complex.”

That’s what distinguishes the classified documents case from the other — more legally intricate — criminal cases against Trump, which revolve around everything from allegations of hush money paid to a porn actress to complex racketeering charges and his role in seeking to overturn the 2020 election.

But defense lawyers see it differently, and Cannon — a former federal prosecutor who was appointed to the bench in 2020 and has limited trial experience as a judge — has proved receptive to some of their arguments since even before the case was filed last June.

The judge first made headlines weeks after the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago when, responding to a Trump lawsuit seeking to recover the seized documents from the federal government, she appointed an independent arbiter to sift through all the records. That appointment was overturned by a unanimous federal appeals panel, which said Cannon had overstepped her bounds.

“My sense of it is, when she did get reversed by the 11th Circuit that made her gun-shy, so she’s gone at a very slow pace” and issued “very few public, written decisions about important issues,” said John Fishwick, Jr., a former United States. attorney for the Western District of Virginia.

WATCH: Special counsel Robert Hur defends Biden classified documents report in House hearing

Soon after Trump was charged, Cannon set the case for trial on May 20, 2024. But last fall she signaled she might reconsider that date during a March 1 hearing. The hearing took place as scheduled — but no replacement date was picked, even though both sides operating on the assumption that the May 20 date is moot have suggested the trial can begin this summer.

That’s not the only unresolved question. Defense lawyers have filed about a half-dozen motions to dismiss the case, including on grounds that the prosecution is vindictive and that Smith’s appointment as special counsel was illegal.

Cannon this month heard hours of arguments on two of the dismissal motions — whether Trump was entitled under a statute known as the Presidential Records Act to retain the classified documents after he left office and whether the Espionage Act law at the heart of the case was so vague as to be unconstitutional.

Cannon appeared skeptical of the defense assertions and, after the hearing, issued a terse two-page order rejecting the vagueness argument while permitting Trump to raise it again later.

She has not yet acted on the Presidential Records Act motion, but legal experts noted her direction last week to lawyers for both sides to weigh in on proposed jury instructions that appeared to tilt in Trump’s favor. She asked them to respond to a premise that said in part: “A president has sole authority under the PRA to categorize records as personal or presidential during his/her presidency. Neither a court nor a jury is permitted to make or review such a categorization decision.”

That wording was notable because it echoes arguments Trump’s lawyers have been making for months. They insist that law allowed him to designate the records he was charged with retaining as his own personal files. Smith’s team, by contrast, says the law has no relevance in a case concerning illegal possession of top-secret information, including nuclear secrets.

“It seems a little early in the game to be talking about jury instructions when there are substantial questions of law that have been raised that need to be resolved,” said Aaron, though he said the jury instructions order can be a way to tee up those resolved questions.

Besides the pending motions to dismiss, Cannon has yet to rule on a defense motion seeking to compel prosecutors to turn over a raft of information they insist might show that President Joe Biden’s administration had “weaponized” the criminal justice system in bringing the Trump case.

That assertion is in keeping with campaign-trail claims by Trump and his allies that he’s a victim of political persecution by the Biden Justice Department. He’s complained that he was charged when Biden, who was also investigated for retaining classified information, was not — prompting Smith’s team to lay out the abundant differences in the investigations.

An even more contentious dispute centers around a defense request to file on the public docket a motion that might identify potential prosecution witnesses. Cannon initially consented to the filing but paused her order after prosecutors argued that such a disclosure can jeopardize the safety of the witnesses.

“It may be that the judge is just afraid of making a mistake, but delaying it just puts it off,” said Kevin McMunigal, a Case Western Reserve University law professor. “Eventually she’s going to have to make a decision about these.”

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Baltimore Key Bridge: how a domino effect brought it down in seconds https://inergency.com/baltimore-key-bridge-how-a-domino-effect-brought-it-down-in-seconds/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:39:52 +0000 https://inergency.com/baltimore-key-bridge-how-a-domino-effect-brought-it-down-in-seconds/ Baltimore Key Bridge: how a domino effect brought it down in secondsThe collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on 26 March was a shocking and tragic event. Six people remain unaccounted for in the disaster, which saw the world’s third largest continuous truss bridge fall into the Patapsco river. The cause was Singapore-flagged container ship, the Dali, which veered off course, colliding with […]]]> Baltimore Key Bridge: how a domino effect brought it down in seconds


The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on 26 March was a shocking and tragic event. Six people remain unaccounted for in the disaster, which saw the world’s third largest continuous truss bridge fall into the Patapsco river.

The cause was Singapore-flagged container ship, the Dali, which veered off course, colliding with one of the bridge’s supports, or piers. As the 300 metre-long vessel slammed into the structure, leading to what’s known as a progressive collapse, where a domino effect leads to the entire structure failing. The bridge, built more than 45 years ago, crashed down into the frigid water at 1:28am eastern standard time (5:28 UTC).

But how can one ship bring down this 366m (1,200 ft) structure within seconds of the collision?

Engineers classify this type of bridge failure as a progressive collapse. This involves the failure of a single element, like the pier, which triggers a domino effect.

This leads to the sequential failure of other connected components, such as the metallic truss and the bridge’s deck. This type of collapse can have catastrophic consequences in terms of the risk to human life, as well as to the economy of an area and the local environment.

Although it’s impossible to account for every scenario, bridges can be built with inherent features that enhance their resistance to progressive collapse. Typically, bridges can withstand some degree of damage to a pier or part of the superstructure. The bridge deck can even remain safe for vehicles depending on the circumstances.

However, in the case of the Baltimore bridge collapse, the metallic truss was designed as one continuous system. The space between each support, or pier, is known as the truss span. The collapse of one of the piers effectively doubled the truss span to the next support. This dramatic increase in span exerted a much larger force on the remaining truss structure.

While continuous truss systems are favoured because they can redistribute weight in the event of damage, in this case, the remaining truss elements cann’t withstand all that extra force after the pier failed.

This resulted in the complete collapse of the truss section above the damaged
pier. The collapse didn’t stop there, however. Due to the interconnected nature of the trusses, the remaining section was initially pulled upwards. The sudden release of this tension created a powerful dynamic effect, ultimately causing the entire bridge to collapse.

Rare event

It’s certainly not unknown for ships to strike bridge supports. On May 9, 1980, a strikingly similar event took place when a freighter collided with a support pier of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa Bay, Florida. As a result, the bridge failed over a similar distance as the Baltimore collapse.

But while bridge designers are acutely aware of the potential for collisions, these are – at the same time – rather rare events. The impact forces on a support pier are also highly variable. A higher speed or heavier ship will significantly increase the force on the pier. And higher vessel traffic in the water boosts the probability of a collision.

In addition, the current method used in the US for calculating the collision force of a ship is based on research conducted between 1967 and 1976. However, a different method might have been used for the Key Bridge, which opened in 1977. Needless to say, vessels as heavy and fast as the Dali were not a common sight in 1977.

In fact, the collision force under some scenarios is likely to be well beyond the capacity of bridge piers to withstand. This is why bridges have other systems of protection, such as dolphins – a group of pilings situated in the water near a pier, which serve to deflect a vessel or take the energy out of a collision.

There isn’t any information about the system that was installed when the Key Bridge opened in 1977. And some observers have questioned whether the protective barriers around the Baltimore bridge were sufficient.

The structure was the third longest continuous truss bridge in the world.
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

Regular structural assessments and retrofits are crucial to ensure a bridge meets current safety standards. Concrete and steel, the primary materials in this bridge, are susceptible to deterioration from factors like corrosion and other environmental conditions.

In general, insufficient maintenance or inadequate retrofits can be contributing factors when bridges collapse. However, it must be said there is no evidence this was a factor in this case – and the Key Bridge was said to be “up to code” when the disaster occurred.

There will be more detail to come on this dramatic and tragic event. And the findings will surely inform future approaches to the design and protection of bridges across busy waterways.

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Stochastic Optimization of an Electric Bus Dynamic Wireless Charging System https://inergency.com/stochastic-optimization-of-an-electric-bus-dynamic-wireless-charging-system/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:25:56 +0000 https://inergency.com/stochastic-optimization-of-an-electric-bus-dynamic-wireless-charging-system/ Stochastic Optimization of an Electric Bus Dynamic Wireless Charging System1. Introduction The wireless charging of an electric vehicle (EV) is performed using wireless power transfer (WPT) technology, which does not require any physical contact in the process of transferring electric energy [1]. Wireless charging EV systems can be categorized into stationary and dynamic wireless charging systems [2]. Stationary wireless charging systems are operated to […]]]> Stochastic Optimization of an Electric Bus Dynamic Wireless Charging System


1. Introduction

The wireless charging of an electric vehicle (EV) is performed using wireless power transfer (WPT) technology, which does not require any physical contact in the process of transferring electric energy [1]. Wireless charging EV systems can be categorized into stationary and dynamic wireless charging systems [2]. Stationary wireless charging systems are operated to transfer energy when the EV is parked over fixed couplers, e.g., as in [3]. Dynamic wireless charging (DWC) systems involve the use of electromagnetic induction devices to wirelessly transmit electrical energy to the EVs while they are in motion [4,5]. The application of DWC technology enhances the convenience of EV charging and extends the EV’s range [6]. Additionally, compared to conventional plug-in charging, DWC can reduce the required battery capacity of the EV for long-distance travel, therefore reducing the on-board battery costs of electric buses. Therefore, several applications of DWC exist across different fields, for instance public transit systems [7], logistics and delivery [6], autonomous vehicles [2], underwater autonomous vehicles [8], etc.
The Electric Bus Dynamic Wireless Charging (EB-DWC) system [7] is a bus charging system that operates on the principle of DWC, enabling electric buses to receive power wirelessly from ground-based electromagnetic induction devices while driving or parked, eliminating the need for traditional plug-in charging. Developed by a research team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) [7,9], EB-DWC has undergone pilot implementations in public transportation systems in some cities. The advancement of EB-DWC represents an innovative approach to electric vehicle charging, promising a more convenient and efficient charging method, which can contribute to the widespread adoption and usage of electric vehicles in the future [10].
The charging infrastructure allocation problem is one of the most actively investigated topics for the wireless charging of EVs. For EB-DWC systems, the charging infrastructure allocation problem seeks an optimal location for the charging infrastructure on a given path of the vehicles, which is called the microscopic allocation problem [1]. In addition, the macro-allocation model offers a broader perspective, focusing on scientific insights for wireless charging of EVs and assessing how their integration affects the overall traffic behavior in larger transit systems. The routing of passenger vehicles or commercial trucks is typically dealt with, which have greater flexibility in choosing their routes [2,11,12].
Ref. [13] is the first work on the microscopic allocation problem, and it focused on the distribution of charging infrastructure and the optimization of the battery size for EVs. It utilized a continuous spatial decision space to allocate charging lanes efficiently, balancing battery capacity and the extent of charging infrastructure required. Then, [14] discretized the route into multiple small segments, turning the optimization approach proposed by Ko and Jang (2013) into a discrete problem. Specifically, they proposed an optimization-based approach aimed at identifying the most efficient distribution of wireless charging lanes along a designated route within a closed environment, such as the online electric vehicle (OLEV) system at KAIST, which operates under regulated velocities with minimal traffic interference. Ref. [5] incorporated battery life into the economic analysis, acknowledging the cost implications associated with the frequency and depth of battery charging cycles. Their findings underscored the economic efficiency of installing numerous shorter power tracks as opposed to fewer, longer ones, thus highlighting the critical influence of battery life on long-term infrastructure planning.
The initial focus on single-route transit systems [5,13,14] gradually expanded to encompass more complex, multi-route scenarios [15,16,17], acknowledging the realities of urban transit networks where routes often intersect. Studies have [18,19] delved into these complexities, exploring optimization models that consider shared route segments, thereby enhancing the efficiency of power track allocation. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of robust optimization techniques by [19], which account for the uncertainties inherent in energy consumption and travel time, marking a significant leap forward in the strategic planning of EV charging infrastructure. This burgeoning field of research not only highlights the technical and economic considerations involved in the deployment of EV charging systems, but also underscores the critical role of optimization and robust planning in achieving efficient, sustainable urban transit solutions.
However, in all the above-mentioned research, the following assumption were made [2,20]:
  • Each bus line within the system follows a predetermined route.

  • A base station is designated for each bus line, serving as the starting and ending points for the buses’ operational loops.

  • After completing a service loop, a bus will be fully recharged at its base station before the next loop.

  • The velocity at which buses travel and the passenger traffic for boarding and alighting at each station are pre-determined.

These four assumptions introduce a gap between the theoretical study and the real-world operation of EB-DWC systems. Although [19] has somewhat relaxed the last assumption above, a significant disparity still exists between the modeled scenarios and the actual system dynamics. In real-world applications, vehicles may not align precisely with the predicted or predefined charging spots, deviating from the expected speed or parking configurations due to diverse factors like driver behavior, traffic conditions, or unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, in real systems, it cannot be guaranteed that buses will be fully charged before every departure. For instance, delays in arrival times lead to insufficient charging time. Consequently, when transitioning these optimized models to real-world applications, the lack of consideration for vehicle randomness can lead to sub-optimal performance.

This study addresses the charging-infrastructure-optimization challenge of an EB-DWC system in urban environments by considering the stochastic nature of variables like bus speed, initial charging state, and bus stop dwell times. First, we formulate an optimization model that integrates these random factors, which focuses on maximizing the allocation of charging resources, scheduling charging intervals, and planning routes. Then, by employing the Monte Carlo sampling method, our approach iteratively evaluates the system’s performance under various stochastic conditions. This work provides a promising strategy to enhance the EB-DWC bus system’s functionality in real-world urban scenarios, ensuring optimized charging and reliable services for passengers while considering unpredictable environmental factors.

4. Model Reformulation and Solution

The DWC-EV-system-optimization problem is an NP-hard problem. As an initial step towards simplifying this issue, it has been observed that the upper bound constraint of the SOC depends solely on the variable P c h , which has no effect on the objective function. This constraint can be effectively satisfied through the following strategy, which can reduce the computational complexity of the original problem.

p t d ( n ) = P m a x ( n )

if S o c t d ( n ) < = S o c m a x

0 otherwise .

In (26), it is important to clarify that p t d ( n )

represents the instantaneous charging power of the vehicle at any given moment t on segment n. (26) signifies real-time monitoring of the vehicle’s SOC. Charging is halted immediately once the SOC exceeds S o c m a x . Otherwise, the vehicle is charged at a power rate of P m a x ( n )

.

Consequently, the stochastic constraint (17) turns into: p r o b ( S o c d ( n ) S o c m i n ) α , d

. It includes multidimensional numerical integration, and it is difficult to describe it directly in a modeling language or apply optimization software. To effectively address this issue, we first discretize the probability density of random variables by the Monte Carlo Sampling Method (MCSM) [22] and obtain their discrete realizations ω and probabilities π ω . Then, we show the formulation by the following mixed 0-1 plan with reference to the method of [23]:

Minimize :

C c a b l e L c a b l e + C i n v N i n v + C b a t K B Subject to :

S o c m i n + S o c d ( n , ω ) y d n ( ω ) S o c d ( n ) , d and n

ω Ω π ω y d n ( ω ) 1 α

y d n ( ω ) { 0 , 1 }

( 6 ) , ( 12 ) , ( 13 ) , ( 14 ) , ( 26 ) .

By solving (27), we can obtain the optimal installation of the power transmitters and battery sizing of the DWC-EV bus system. Furthermore, (27) is a typical Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP) problem, which can be solved by existing integer programming algorithms, such as branch-and-bound. Due to space limitation, we omit the details here.

5. Numerical Results

In this section, we present the numerical results obtained from our computational simulations and experiments conducted for evaluating the DWC-EV bus system in urban environments. The settings of the system are as in Table 4.
For the random variable, we set the following parameters: σ v = 5 , σ t s = 0.0001 , s o c ̲ 0 = 0.5 , and s o c ¯ 0 = 1 . We then use MCSM with 10,000 samples and 20 bins to discretize the probability distribution of v , T s and S o c 0 k . An example of the discretization results are shown in Figure 5.
Then, we use CPLEX as the solver to solve (27) and obtain the results of power transmitter placement, as shown in Table 5.
The results indicate that five power transmitters are needed to meet the requirements and the total cable length is 835 m, which covers almost 30% of the total route. Furthermore, we can see that all the segments with regular stations are installed with power transmitters, which is an efficient way to install the cables. Because at the regular stations, the buses will be charged with more energy. Compared with the result in [14], the results show that more transmitters including a longer cable are installed to improve the robustness of the system. In Figure 6, we show the expected value of the SOC under different velocity settings. With the improvement of the velocity, the charging energy decreases and the energy consumption increases, which brings risk to the system. We can see that, even with the largest velocity, the SOC requirement is always fulfilled.
From Figure 7, we can observe the trend of system cost and cable length as the number of buses changes. With an increase in the number of buses, the system cost shows an upward trend, while the cable length remains relatively constant. This is because the amount of electricity required for each bus operation is relatively stable, and this portion of electricity needs to be replenished directly through DWC infrastructures. The total amount of wireless charging energy is only related to the length of the charging cable. Therefore, with a predefined path, the optimal cable length required remains constant. On the other hand, when the number of buses decreases, the total cost spent on EV batteries reduces, allowing for the installation of larger capacity batteries in each bus. Large batteries can reduce the frequency of charging throughout the trip, which means fewer inverters need to be installed. This is the fundamental reason why system costs decrease as the number of buses decreases.

6. Conclusions

This study proposes a stochastic optimization framework for the EB-DWC system within urban environments, aiming to tackle inherent stochastic elements such as fluctuations in vehicle speed, initial charging state, and dwell time at bus stops. We formulated a stochastic planning problem for the EB-DWC system by merging these uncertainties. We employed Monte Carlo sampling techniques to efficiently solve the problem. The method we propose demonstrates that a bit more spend on the charging cables brings a significant enhancement in the robustness of the system. Based on our experimental results, we can also conclude that there is a tradeoff between the system’s battery capacity and cable configuration: an increase in battery capacity does not directly reduce the costs associated with the cable length, but instead, has a direct impact on the number of inverters required.

Based on the findings of this paper, we plan to explore the stochastic optimization problem of the DWC-EB system in a multi-route environment as our future research direction. Furthermore, the impact of battery degradation and the influence of battery weight on energy consumption and the optimization of DWC infrastructure allocation will also be considered in our future work.

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Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June 2023 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-day-to-combat-desertification-and-drought-17-june-2023/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:17:15 +0000 https://inergency.com/statement-by-david-cooper-acting-executive-secretary-of-the-convention-on-biological-diversity-on-the-occasion-of-the-world-day-to-combat-desertification-and-drought-17-june-2023/ Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June 2023]]> Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Food Day, 16 October 2023



Statement by David Cooper, Acting Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, on the occasion of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, 17 June 2023

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Codinix Technologies Salesforce Customization Services.pptx https://inergency.com/codinix-technologies-salesforce-customization-services-pptx/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:11:36 +0000 https://inergency.com/codinix-technologies-salesforce-customization-services-pptx/ Codinix Technologies Salesforce Customization Services.pptxCodinix Technologies: Tailoring Salesforce to Your Business Needs Codinix Technologies is your trusted partner in Salesforce customization services. We ensure Salesforce fits into your business like a bespoke suit. Our customization services ensure that Salesforce becomes a seamless extension of your operations, enhancing efficiency and maximizing your return on investment. Why Salesforce Customization? Why settle […]]]> Codinix Technologies Salesforce Customization Services.pptx


Codinix Technologies: Tailoring Salesforce to Your Business Needs

Codinix Technologies is your trusted partner in Salesforce customization services. We ensure Salesforce fits into your business like a bespoke suit. Our customization services ensure that Salesforce becomes a seamless extension of your operations, enhancing efficiency and maximizing your return on investment.

Why Salesforce Customization?

Why settle for a typical alternative when customization can make Salesforce a personalized experience? It’s possible. Salesforce customization allows you to fine-tune the platform to align with your specific workflows, business processes, and industry requirements. Whether you’re in healthcare, finance, or any other sector, customization ensures Salesforce adapts to your needs and we make it happen.

Salesforce Customization Services & Benefits

At Codinix Technologies, we are offering top-rated Salesforce customization services because we know custom needs. Here’s why our services are match-made-in-heaven:

Improved user adoption and satisfaction because tailored interfaces and functionalities will make Salesforce more user-friendly and easier to navigate

Enhanced data accuracy and quality with customized data fields and validation rules ensure accurate information and easy consumption.

Streamlined workflows and processes based on your business requirements. Thanks to automation, we are saving time and minimizing errors.

Increased productivity and efficiency are delivered with custom features aligned with your team’s workflow, boosting overall efficiency.

Key Steps in the Salesforce Customization Process

Our Salesforce customization services sustain high standards, delivering 100% accuracy and precision in our work. The overall procedure for Salesforce customization involves a systematic approach. Here are the key steps we follow:

Discovery Phase: Assessing business needs and goals

Design Phase: Planning and creating a customized solution

Development Phase: Implementing and testing the customizations

Deployment Phase: Rolling out the customized solution to clients

Choosing Codinix Technologies for Salesforce customization services means absolute satisfaction. Elevate your Salesforce experience with us!

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The Ad Council and Amazon Break the Ice When It Comes to Conversations About Teen Mental Health https://inergency.com/the-ad-council-and-amazon-break-the-ice-when-it-comes-to-conversations-about-teen-mental-health/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:11:02 +0000 https://inergency.com/the-ad-council-and-amazon-break-the-ice-when-it-comes-to-conversations-about-teen-mental-health/ The Ad Council and Amazon Break the Ice When It Comes to Conversations About Teen Mental HealthNEW YORK, NY, April 13, 2023 – The Ad Council’s Sound It Out campaign and Amazon have collaborated to launch a new tool to help parents and caregivers initiate conversations about emotional wellbeing with the young people in their life. Connecting with teens can be challenging for parents and caregivers, but music is often a […]]]> The Ad Council and Amazon Break the Ice When It Comes to Conversations About Teen Mental Health


NEW YORK, NY, April 13, 2023 – The Ad Council’s Sound It Out campaign and Amazon have collaborated to launch a new tool to help parents and caregivers initiate conversations about emotional wellbeing with the young people in their life. Connecting with teens can be challenging for parents and caregivers, but music is often a powerful way to help foster deep connections. Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab extended the canvas available to brands by collaborating with Amazon Music and Alexa to develop “Sound It Out: When You Can’t Say It, Play It.” The interactive experience is designed to help families break the ice through the power of music.

Offering a first-of-its-kind digital experience in both English and Spanish, the collaboration invites parents and caregivers to visit Amazon.com/SoundItOut and type in an emotion like “happy,” “angry,” or “sad.” The new tool will then leverage the Amazon Music library of over 100 million songs to serve up a list of curated songs that reflect the requested feeling. Once parents discover the song they want to share with their teen, they can then ask Alexa — using their Echo device or speaking to the free Alexa app — to “share this song with [name].” The song will then be sent to their teen, who can listen on any of the family’s Alexa-enabled devices on an eligible music service and can respond by sharing additional songs. (If the parent hasn’t already, they’ll need to enable Alexa Communications on their account via the Alexa app’s Communicate tab for both themselves and their teen.)

“We know parents and caregivers everywhere have experienced hitting the ‘I’m fine’ barrier. Through this interactive feature, we can provide them with the tools — like sharing a beautiful song — to break through and normalize checking in on their teen’s emotional well-being,” said Heidi Arthur, Chief Campaign Development Officer at the Ad Council. “We’re proud to once again work with Amazon with a new goal in mind: to leverage their technologies as a bridge for mental health conversations between parents and teens.”

Amazon and Ad Council worked together for the first time in 2022 to launch “Alexa, what is love?” The partnership updated the voice assistant’s answer to the question using voices of everyday people sharing what love means to them and encouraging people to take meaningful actions to foster inclusivity. The work was recognized by industry award shows including Cannes Lions International Festival for Creativity and The One Show.

“We’re proud to continue working with the Ad Council on campaigns that drive meaningful conversations,” said Alan Moss, Vice President of Global Advertising Sales, Amazon. “The Ad Council’s initiative to create open, accepting, and proactive discussions around mental health resonates with our goals to do better and be better for our customers, employees, and communities. Music has always been a vehicle for connection, and ‘Sound It Out: When You Can’t Say It, Play It’ provides parents and caregivers with another tool to check in with their teens.”

To promote the bilingual digital experience, Amazon Ads Brand Innovation Lab produced Muchas Flores, a slice-of-life film directed by award-winning duo Novemba. The spot drops viewers into the tension and awkwardness of a mother and daughter’s attempt at connection. Through small gestures and body language, the film acknowledges how challenging it can be for parents and caregivers to not only initiate the conversation, but also keep it going. As shown in the film, by sharing songs like Ambar Lucid’s “A Letter to My Younger Self,” parents can connect with their teens through the art of music and open up avenues to deeper connection.

The campaign will be amplified by a collective of influential musicians, which, in addition to Lucid, includes Nico Craig, JJ Hairston, and Carla Morrison. Craig talks about being personally touched by the power of music saying, “As openly transgender, I often feel misunderstood. I’ve been told by people that my mother shouldn’t even love me because of my identity. So I put on certain songs that remind me my mom will always love and embrace me no matter the obstacles I endure and bigotry I face.”

Visit Amazon.com/SoundItOut to begin exploring and sharing songs with your teen. For free resources, conversation guides, and the new interactive digital Conversation Starter Pack visit SoundItOutTogether.org. For more tips and community, join the Sound It Out social channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify.

About The Ad Council
The Ad Council convenes the best storytellers to educate, unite and uplift—by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. Since our WWII founding as a nonpartisan nonprofit, the Ad Council and our partners, who include leaders across the marketing and media communities, have been behind some of America’s most recognizable and impactful campaigns, including Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, and Love Has No Labels, which champions diversity and inclusion in all forms. Our historic COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative was the largest and most urgent communications effort in American history. And with a current focus on mental health, racial justice, and other critical issues, we won’t stop until we’ve built a culture where everyone can thrive.

To learn more, visit Adcouncil.org, follow the Ad Council’s communities on Instagram, Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn and view the creative on YouTube.

About Sound It Out
Sound It Out is a national campaign that uses the power of music to help parents and caregivers better support their teen’s emotional wellbeing. Created by the Ad Council, in partnership with Pivotal Ventures and a coalition of organizations, the campaign offers exclusive music from some of today’s brightest stars alongside free resources and conversation guides developed by a panel of expert advisors. To learn more, visit SoundItOutTogether.org and join the community on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Ad Council’s National Mental Health Initiative
In November 2022, the Ad Council launched a new Mental Health Initiative, uniting brands, marketers, media companies and nonprofits to address the mental health crisis throughout the United States. at scale. With a founding investment from the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the multi-year initiative aims to change social norms and create a society that is more open, accepting, and proactive when it comes to mental health.

To get involved in this effort or find resources if you’re struggling with your mental health or know someone who needs help, visit adcouncil.org/mental-health.



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Invisible lines: how unseen boundaries shape the world around us https://inergency.com/invisible-lines-how-unseen-boundaries-shape-the-world-around-us/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 10:00:19 +0000 https://inergency.com/invisible-lines-how-unseen-boundaries-shape-the-world-around-us/ Invisible lines: how unseen boundaries shape the world around usOur experiences of the world are diverse, often changing as we move across borders from one country to another. They can also vary based on language or subtle shifts in climate. Yet, we rarely consider what causes these differences and divisions. In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to geographer Maxim Samson […]]]> Invisible lines: how unseen boundaries shape the world around us


Our experiences of the world are diverse, often changing as we move across borders from one country to another. They can also vary based on language or subtle shifts in climate. Yet, we rarely consider what causes these differences and divisions.

In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to geographer Maxim Samson at De Paul University in the US about the unseen boundaries that can shape our collective and personal perceptions of the world – what he calls “invisible lines”.

For Samson, invisible lines are: “Boundaries and belts that shape our understanding of and interactions with the planet, even though these boundaries and belts are, to all intents and purposes, unseen.”

While we may not be able to see these lines on a conventional map, people often know that they exist.

One example is the history of redlining in the US. Originating in the 1930s, the practice involved government-backed mortgage lenders colour-coding neighbourhoods. Green denoted the most desirable areas while red marked the highest-risk zones, often inhabited by Black communities.

Although redlining was officially outlawed in 1968 and the lines are no longer marked on any maps, their enduring impact resonates across America today. One example is Detroit’s 8 Mile road, which still segregates the city along racial lines – with predominantly African American neighbourhoods to the south, and predominantly white, affluent areas are to the north of 8 Mile.




Read more:
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But it’s not just in cities that these boundaries exist. One example Samson gives from nature is the Wallace line, which runs through parts of Indonesia and marks a sharp transition in flora and fauna between the Asian and Australian regions. On one side, you get what are considered Asian animals such as monkeys; on the other, marsupials associated with Australia.

Another invisible line is the Qinling-Huaihe line, which separates China into two distinct regions: the humid and subtropical south and the dry, temperate north.

In the early 20th century, this was identified as roughly the dividing line between places where the average January temperature might be below zero, and where it mightn’t fall out that low. So, if you live north of the line, your town probably has a heating system. If you live south of it, it mightn’t have one.

This distinction has informed government policy and led to different levels of development in the south versus the north. By recognising the seemingly innocuous Qinling-Huaihe line, it’s possible to discern disparities in economic development, inequality and air pollution between China’s southern and northern regions that might otherwise be obscured.

For Samson, analysing these kinds of boundary can help understand different access to education, employment opportunities and public services, depending on which side of the invisible line someone falls.

Listen to the full interview with Maxim Samson on The Conversation Weekly podcast.

A transcript of this episode will be available shortly.

This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written by Mend Mariwany and Katie Flood. Gemma Ware is the executive producer. Sound design was by Eloise Stevens, and our theme music is by Neeta Sarl. Stephen Khan is our global executive editor, Alice Mason runs our social media and Soraya Nandy does our transcripts.

You can find us on Instagram at theconversationdotcom or via email. You can also subscribe to The Conversation’s free daily email here.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.



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