A New Radiocast Tells the Story of Russian Revolutionary Klara Klebanova
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 13:15 EDT
A newly launched, twelve-part episodic audio series, based on the memoir of Klara Klebanova, is now available . Klebanova's memoir, translated from the Yiddish by Caraid O'Brien, tells the story of a middle-class Jewish teenager who becomes a Maximalist revolutionary fighting for the rights of peasants and factory workers during the first Russian Revolution of 1905. As a Maximalist revolutionary, Klebanova was a gifted speaker who spent ten years conducting propaganda, smuggling dynamite, and "expropriating" capitalist resources from banks. Her memoir, which she began writing in 1914 after she moved with her husband, another Maximalist leader named Lipa Katz, to Boston, recounts the extraordinary details of that time and is marked by Klebanova's sharp dialogue and keen observations. An excerpt of O'Brien's translation first appeared in Pakn Treger ( Spring 2020 ). The translation was commissioned by Peter Kleban, a relative of Klebanova; he holds the copyright to the work, which he agreed to make available for this new audio series. Klebanova's memoir was first published serially in 1922 in the Forverts ( Forwards ), the world's most widely read Yiddish newspaper, under the title Di blutige teg ( The Bloody Days) . The serial publication of Yiddish works, prior to their publication as full-length books, was a popular practice in Yiddish newspapers in the early to mid-twentieth century. The major Yiddish dailies, like the Forverts , serialized the work of many great Yiddish writers, including Sholem Asch and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Reading new story installments was one of the things Jews most looked forward to in their daily newspaper reading. Yiddish radio was also a popular and dynamic medium for Yiddish literary and theatrical expression, with a diverse range of programming. The Last Maximalist draws on these traditions in Yiddish culture, bringing them into the present. More radiocasts of Yiddish works in translation are planned for the future. Through Klebanova's memoir, she sought to tell the story of her comrades in the revolution. As for what the author might think of the radiocast if she were alive today, O'Brien-an acclaimed actor who also voices the radiocast-responds, "I think she would be tremendously excited that these men and women that she fought and lived with were being remembered." Each of the twelve episodes of the serialized radiocast will be released weekly and made available to listen to or download free of charge at yiddishbookcenter.org/maximalist .
Jet-printing Microfluidic Devices on Demand (796-20)
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 12:23 EDT
Jet-printing microfluidic devices on demand 1 - a new paper from engineering and biomedical scientists at the University of Oxford and spin-out company iotaSciences Ltd - describes a game-changing method to generate cell-friendly microfluidic devices on demand. This innovative protocol offers significant benefits to biology and biomedicine, enabling simple, contactless fabrication of microfluidic circuits in minutes - almost as quickly as the circuit pattern can be drawn on paper - using truly cell-friendly materials; standard Petri dishes and culture media. The pioneering jet-printing method stems from the recognition that gravity becomes irrelevant at the microscale. In the everyday world, objects are invariably made with solids; building complex structures out of liquids, which would collapse into puddles and drain away, is not feasible. Using microjets to fabricate microfluidic devices takes advantage of the interfacial forces that dominate in the microworld. In this paper, the method was used to successfully clone cells by limiting dilution in a way that beats the Poisson limit, to subculture adherent cells, and to feed arrays of cells continuously for a week in sub-microliter chambers. Liquid flows were driven through conduits with and without external pumps, and circuits reconfigured to open and close 'fluidic valves' at will. The diversity and flexibility of this approach is expected to lead to widespread adoption of the technique for a variety of applications in biomedicine. This open access paper was published on the 26 th of October and is available to download at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202001854 1 Soitu, C, Stovall-Kurtz, N., Deroy, C., Castrejón-Pita, A.A., Cook, P.R., and Walsh, E.J. (2020). Jet-printing microfluidic devices on demand. Advanced Science 10.1002/advs.202001854.
Ben-Gurion University Researchers to Monitor Sewage for COVID-19 Outbreaks in 14 Israeli Cities
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 12:07 EDT
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) has signed an agreement with the Israeli Ministry of Health to detect and monitor for COVID-19 in sewage samples from 14 cities around the country. The monitoring will serve as an early warning system to detect outbreaks. It is part of a larger pilot study being conducted and funded by the Ministry of Health before implementing the tracking methodology countrywide. BGU scientists and collaborators might eventually be able to predict outbreaks based on the neighborhood or even the street level. A study on the initial pilot six months ago to develop the new methodology that traces the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the sewage and wastewater systems has just been published on MedRxiv . Following the initially successful pilot program in Ashkelon, the new agreement will include the following cities: Jerusalem, Beer-Sheva, Rahat, Lehavim, Beit Shemesh, Pardesia, Binyamina, Kfar Saba, Netanya, Tira, Elad, Nes Tziona, Ramat Yishai, and Ramat Hasharon. "We can identify SARS-CoV-2 in the sewage and wastewater, and hopefully prevent outbreaks," says principal investigator BGU Prof. Ariel Kushmaro, John A. Ungar Chair in Biotechnology, of the Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering. "If we are monitoring a city with only a small number of known COVID-19 cases, and traces show up in the sewage, you can see something is wrong and more testing can be done." The other team members include: Dr. Yakir Berchenko of BGU's Department of Industrial Engineering and Management; Marylou Shengen and Karin Yaniv from Kushmaro's Environmental Biotechnology Lab; Dr. Itay Bar-Or, a virologist from Sheba Medical Center; Prof. Eran Friedler from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; and the company Kando, a leader in wastewater management technology located in Israel and Colorado. "Monitoring sewage will help mitigate expansion of COVID-19 cases earlier, especially in areas where testing isn't being maximized," says Doug Seserman, chief executive officer of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "We hope that this project will be successful in in Israel and that this technology is brought to the U.S."
After COVID-19, What Does the Future Hold for 3D Printing, IDTechEx Reveals
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 11:12 EDT
The last decade has seen an explosion in 3D printing, among hobbyists and professional users alike. The ability to prototype - or even, increasingly, industrially produce - almost any component with just a CAD package and a 3D printer has transformed the manufacturing landscape. Although there are drawbacks to the process, including proportionate cost and scalability, recent improvements in 3D printing capabilities meant that pre-Covid-19, commentators predicted a bright future for this technology and the sector had been on a solid upward trajectory for around a decade. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has wrought havoc with many sectors, including the automotive, aerospace and industrial markets that have adopted 3D printing most enthusiastically. This, and other factors, are impacting 3D printing just as it reaches maturity as a versatile manufacturing technique, and have stalled that pattern of growth. But for how long? IDTechEx's new report, " 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing 2020-2030: COVID Edition ", answers that and related questions, and takes a look into the next decade for 3D printing technologies. For, while Covid has clearly had a huge effect on industry, there remains every reason to forecast a brighter future. The report analyses the current state of the printer market and environment, and makes long-range, 10-year forecasts for revenue, technology, revenue stream and end-user profiles.
Phelps Brand Launches Ninja Goggle Worldwide
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 10:34 EDT
Phelps Ninja Goggle Now Available Worldwide VISTA, Calif. October 27, 2020 - Phelps Brand, a global swim brand offering best-in-class, innovative swim products, today announced its all-new Ninja competition goggle is now available worldwide. The latest evolution of the Phelps Brand's top-of-the-line competitive racing goggle, the Ninja offers swimmers the ultimate high-performance racing goggle on the market with patented frame technology and a hydrodynamic low-profile fit. "The Ninja is a goggle I wish I had when I was competing because of its low-profile design and superior visibility," said Michael Phelps. "I especially love that they are super lightweight and it's easy to set to your preferred size, providing overall comfort in the water." The revolutionary Ninja goggle features a patented "set it and forget it" strap system, offering swimmers a hassle-free experience so they can simply set the strap once and focus on swimming fast. Additional features include curved lens technology and titanium mirrored lens treatment, resulting in the clearest possible visibility and an expanded field of vision; anti-fog treated lenses that are made from polycarbonate which is 10 times stronger and 100 times lighter than glass; four interchangeable nose bridge options; UV protection and durable anti-scratch treatment. The Ninja is FINA-Approved and available for purchase at www.michaelphelps.com . "The genesis of Phelps Brand is in our swim goggles and we're proud of the Ninja's unrivaled sleek hydrodynamics, visibility and comfort," said Andrew Gritzbaugh, General Manager of North America for Aqua Lung, the parent company of Phelps Brand and Aqua Sphere. "Our goal is to limit distractions for swimmers, giving them the freedom to focus purely on racing." Made in Italy with Aqua Sphere technology, Phelps Brand develops a technologically advanced range of products from training equipment to performance swimsuits for competitive swimmers under the direction of Michael Phelps and Hall of Fame coach Bob Bowman. About PHELPS BRAND The Phelps Brand offers best-in-class, innovative swim products that are inclusive and accessible to a broad range of swimmers across the competitive swimming lifecycle. Combining Aqua Sphere's global product design expertise and distribution with Michael Phelps' and Coach Bob Bowman's experiences at the highest levels of swim performance, the Phelps Brand features technical swim products leveraging proprietary technologies and performance enhancing designs. For more information or to purchase Phelps Brand products, visit www.michaelphelps.com .
Tecan and ProtiFi Announce Collaborative Partnership for Integrated Proteomics
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 10:00 EDT
Tecan and ProtiFi have partnered to create an integrated, highly scalable and easy-to-use proteomics workflow powered by the ProtiFi S-Trap™ sample preparation system and the Tecan Resolvex ® A200 automated positive pressure workstation. The combined solution enables researchers to reproducibly prepare samples of all types for mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Preparing samples for proteomics has traditionally required a time-consuming and error-prone multi-step workflow that, according to literature, causes 75 % of the overall variability in proteomics data. S-Trap sample processing run on the Resolvex A200 solves this problem, allowing researchers to prepare large numbers of proteomics samples rapidly and consistently. The joint system provides researchers with an automated, standardized, and optimized workflow that increases productivity and eliminates the need for method development, enabling users to obtain better results from higher quality, more reproducible and uniform sample preparation. ProtiFi S-Trap sample processing is a revolutionary plate-based approach that eliminates many of the challenges of proteomics sample preparation, and has been cited hundreds of times in the analysis of samples as diverse as serum and dirt. S-Trap plates capture, concentrate and clean up samples, removing all contaminating molecules, such as detergents, PEG, salts, Laemmli loading buffer and viral transport media. Samples are digested in the plate to generate assay-ready samples in just a few hours. In combination with the compact, benchtop Resolvex A200 positive pressure workstation, this offers affordable and high throughput automated proteomics sample preparation to laboratories for the first time. The Resolvex A200 system uses gas-based positive pressure to deliver maximum process reproducibility and uniformity across columns or wells, and automates accurate liquid dispensing for up to 11 protocol solvents - including the S-Trap denaturation, washing, binding and elution buffers - to ensure efficient clean-up, digestion and elution. The standard S-Trap proteomics protocols come preinstalled on the Resolvex A200 workstation, or users can create custom protocols optimized for unique needs, reducing processing times and enhancing analytical performance. To learn more about the Resolvex A200 positive pressure workstation, go to diagnostics.tecan.com/positive-pressure-workstations To learn more about S-Trap sample processing, go to https://www.protifi.com/s-trap
As EVs Take Over, Engineers And Manufacturers Must Act
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 08:51 EDT
Energising automotive production lines for the EV age ~ As EVs take over, manufacturers must react ~ There is one car for every five people on Earth, but the clock is ticking on petrol and diesel vehicles as the electric vehicle (EV) makes headway into the market. This means an estimated 1.4 billion cars will soon be obsolete, causing disruption to many of the accompanying industries. Here Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA sales at obsolete parts specialists EU Automation , discusses the looming challenges that face automotive and adjacent industries. The UK automotive industry is a valuable asset. In 2019, the sector turned over £82bn and added £18.6bn in value to the UK economy. However, considering the UK Government's recent pledge to ban the sale of fuelled and hybrid vehicles from 2035 onwards, it's clear that dramatic changes to the industry are fast approaching. The automotive industry needs to switch production over to the EV at a rate of over five billion pounds per year if it's to meet the 2035 deadline. That's a serious challenge, but one that the automotive industry is particularly well equipped to overcome. The EV market is currently in flux, and likely will be for a few years to come as international conglomerates battle each other for market supremacy. EV industries are still finding their feet in stark contrast with traditional vehicle industries which have had over a century to settle on standards and regulations. The consequence of this is that each EV original equipment manufacturer (OEM) has its own internally developed standards. The effect of this is that the technology integral to ostensibly similar EVs, the VW ID.3 and the Tesla Model 3 for instance, can differ significantly. There is one common denominator, however. While the drive trains, motors and transmissions might differ by manufacturer and between vehicles, inside the battery pack of almost every modern EV is the humble lithium ion (Li-ion) cell. Power is money The battery pack is currently the lynchpin of EVs, and this is unlikely to change while consumers are looking for long ranges, ease of charging and a long service life. The result of this is that, because the batteries are so important and expensive, circularising this economy is crucial. When EV battery packs reach the end of their working lives, they are ideally recycled. Currently, many OEMs perform recycling internally, retiring spent EV packs to battery farms and other places, but as the market matures, third party businesses and organisations will inevitably get involved. In that context, with multiple battery packs in each EV, recycling is a monumental task that is only going to intensify. A major chokepoint in battery recycling is the bin-picking stage, where individual packs are moved from large transport and storage bins onto the line conveyor. On a production line, where the product is uniform and predictable, these picking steps are invariably performed by automated robotics. A system that can reliably pick loosely scattered packs, from a variety of OEMs, with their different shapes and sizes, from a bin, is a different proposition entirely. Modern automated picking systems, such as the Fanuc 3D Area Sensor and handling robots make this task possible. Fanuc's 3D Area Sensor first scans the input bin, then the part manager decides on the fastest part to pick next, and then the actuation commands are communicated to the handling robot. These systems are ideal for sorting and handling EV packs. The sensor and handling robot combination can easily identify and pick damaged and mishappen packs in poorly lit conditions entirely automatically, and as fast as possible. Because the EV market is highly focussed on the batteries, the automotive market is bound to the same path. The ability to quickly handle EV battery packs, and the cells therein, is key to a high-throughput EV affiliated production line. This will likely be a defining difference between successful and unsuccessful, high and low throughput businesses as those 1.4 billion internal combustion cars quickly make way for the EV. Interested to find out how you can electrify your vehicle business with machine vision and automated picking? Explore Fanuc at EU Automation here . Notes: If you want to ensure you keep up to date with press material, opinion focussed content and case studies from EU Automation, you can subscribe to receive the company's updates by e-mail here http://www.euautomation.com/us/
Introducing Two New Additions from Coffee Experts, Barista & Co
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 08:44 EDT
Core Coffee Press in Black For those looking to make a sustainable choice with their coffee preparation at home, choose the modern classic from Barista & Co. Made from 100% stainless steel and glass, this stylish plastic-free cafetiere is the ideal choice for the eco-conscious coffee drinker. With a heat-resistant glass body and oversized stainless steel plunger handle, the press also features an innovative stainless steel filter with a unique 360º design, which ensures the pour is smooth and controlled without having to align the filter to the pouring spout with each use. Now available in Black, in 3 cup and 8 cup sizes. RRP £27.99 / £37.99
News: Prime Vision Sustainability Matters
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 08:44 EDT
PRIME VISION COMMITS TO A BETTER FUTURE Computer vision company, Prime Vision, is proud to confirm it has adopted ISO 26000 to demonstrate its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. This international standard provides guidelines for companies and organisations to operate ethically, transparently and in a way that contributes to the health and well-being of society. The standard has allowed Prime Vision to develop a framework to monitor initiatives and create new ones. Its focus for the coming year will be on social responsibility and sustainability with special emphasis on care for the environment, the company's role as a good employer and its place in society overall. Progress will be monitored and, if necessary, adjusted quarterly and evaluated annually before the start of the next action plan. Specific projects for the current year include a hardware recycling programme, back to school kits for children in disaster zones and a mental health campaign for Prime Vision employees who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Vision is proud of its culture of inclusiveness. Employee welfare and workforce diversity are important elements in the company. Individuals are appointed on merit alone, irrespective of any disability. Those with special needs are nurtured and supported to develop their skills; it's a win-win formula for all concerned. "ISO 26000 serves as a pledge of our commitment to a better future," concludes Eddy Thans, Prime Vision's CEO. "We also want to lead by example and hope our initiative will inspire our partners and customers sign up too."
Electromagnetic Interference Mitigating Connectors - Editorial Content from Stone Junction
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 08:37 EDT
Keeping signal and power supply reliable in a wireless world ~ The world has never been so wireless or the air so full of electromagnetic signals. Great for many applications, this is not without consequence, because electronic equipment is sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Connectors are no exception, so here Jakub Kosinski, product manager at cable and connector specialist PEI-Genesis, explains the design considerations of EMI resistant connectors. If you've ever had a radio on when moving under power lines, you've experienced EMI first-hand. The deafening 50 hertz buzz that completely overwhelms the radio signal is a direct consequence of the power lines emitting powerful electromagnetic waves as the current alternates within the wires. While merely irritating for the casual passer-by, EMI is a serious concern for engineers in almost every application, but especially situations where signal integrity is vital - such as mission critical military communications, fly-by-wire avionics and medical applications. In those situations, EMI can cause orders, control adjustments and medical data respectively to be miscommunicated, with potentially fatal consequences. This is clearly not a desirable outcome, and so a lot of work goes into ensuring that electronics are EMI compatible - so that they do not emit substantial EMI flux, and are simultaneously resistant to external EMI sources. Safe housing Perhaps the most important aspect of EMI resistance is the enclosure - both its material and topology. The enclosure material is the first line of defence against EMI. Conductive metallic enclosures are ideal here, because any electromagnetic waves incoming or outgoing induce a current in the enclosure which saps the energy away from the waves. As a result, they act as an insulating shield, as opposed to other non-conductive enclosures, including plastic ones, which are transparent to EMI and allow the interference to pass through unimpeded. Enclosure material is so important that even the slightest change can make a big difference. For instance, traditional EMI resistant enclosures have been plated with cadmium to reduce corrosion. This thin plated layer also works to increase the opacity of the material to EMI. Unfortunately, cadmium has toxic effects on the kidneys as well as the skeletal and respiratory systems. Recently, however, more and more enclosures are being plated with zinc-nickel to make them Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) compliant. Zinc-nickel offers similar EMI shielding and corrosion resistance but without using any cadmium, with its associated negative health impacts. The second line of defence is the topology, or shape, of the connector enclosure. Imagine a rectangular enclosure for example. Here, sharp edges act as weak points for EMI to leak in and out of the connector, and flat faces create impromptu waveguides where the EMI is trapped and interferes with itself, creating even more electromagnetic noise. Filtering out the noise So, with a topologically smooth, zinc-nickel-plated, stainless-steel enclosure, we've severely limited EMI flux either emitted or absorbed by the connector. Backshells like the Amphenol M85049, Polamco 35 Series and Sunbank M85049 are specifically designed to give a 360 degree connection with the cable braid, which offers the best EMI protection for the wire itself. This way there's nowhere for EMI to leak out of the connection, but what about EMI generated by or already present in the wiring itself? This can be addressed from two angles. The first is to use braided coaxial cabling. Like the conductive connector enclosures, coaxial cables include a conductive sheath to protect the signal wire from EMI. For the best protection, the coaxial sheath should be grounded to the backshell of the connector to allow an escape route for the EMI induced current. The second approach is to include filtering components in the connectors which are tuned to pass power and signal frequencies, but remove EMI frequencies. Using filters is quite convenient because they can easily be retroactively applied to typically noisy networks with little to no reworking or redesigns of equipment needed. As mentioned, the world is as wireless as it has ever been, and that trend is only gaining pace. It is just as important, however, to make sure that the wiring and cabling connectors that got us here get just as much attention as the latest wireless developments. If you want to know why, just put your car radio on next time you drive under a set of power lines. To find out more about the types of cables and connectors available from PEI-Genesis, visit www.peigenesis.com
Multidisciplinary Bristol Team Receives £3m to Investigate Trustworthiness of Future Robots
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 08:09 EDT
Would you trust a robot surgeon? What about a robot pilot, shop assistant or emergency responder? Would you trust them if they had the ability to adapt and change how they functioned? What would it take to make them trustworthy? These are some of the questions driving a team of social scientists, ethicists, computer scientists and engineers at the University of Bristol, who are pooling their expertise to explore how autonomous systems - decision-making machines that act independently of a human controller - could function in a safe, secure and resilient manner. Funded by a £3m grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the team are beginning a three-and-a-half-year project that will focus on the processes used to design and develop the evolving functionality of autonomous systems. Ultimately, the findings could influence the development of technologies designed to assist modern life, from boosting productivity of industry, through emergency response systems, to robotic surgery. Professor Kerstin Eder, Head of the Trustworthy Systems Laboratory and lead of the research theme on Verification and Validation for Safety in Robots at the Bristol Robotics Lab, is one of the six researchers involved. She said: "This kind of technology is already all around us, from traction control systems in cars, to the AI assistant in mobile phones and computers. Some of these systems are very predictable and will only do things they are programmed to do, but this means they cannot adapt and change to a changing environment. Others are able to adapt in their function, responding in real time to changes in the environment or the needs of the user, going beyond their initial setup. This can make them more useful, but also less predictable." This raises important questions about safety, responsibility and trust, as Dr Jonathan Ives, Deputy Director of Bristol's Centre for Ethics in Medicine, another member of the team, explained: "We learn to trust technology when it is predictable. But it may be difficult to learn to trust technology whose function is changing. How can we come to trust a system that is unpredictable by design?" The UKRI funding is part of a nationwide project involving six separate groups connected to a central hub. Each of the six groups, or 'nodes', will explore a different facet of autonomous systems: trust, resilience, security, functionality, verifiability, and governance and regulation. The Bristol team will focus on functionality; creating processes to develop technologies with the ability to adapt their functionality to real world conditions. The team will focus on three technologies that adapt in fundamentally different ways: swarm systems (the collective efforts of multiple robots to solve a problem, rather like a swarm of ants or bees), soft robotics (flexible, compliant components akin to biological organisms) and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs, otherwise known as drones). Looking at such diverse range of technological challenges will enable their findings to have wide ranging implications and applications. Dr Shane Windsor, who leads the project and is an expert in bio-inspired flight dynamics and control from the Department of Aerospace Engineering, said: "With conventional systems, once they leave the factory, we know what they are going to do because they have a set specification and we have set standards they have to meet. For autonomous systems, with the ability to adapt their functionality in response to changes in their environment, we need an adaptive approach that responds to changes in the system's performance or in the environment in which it operates. "Our primary focus is on investigating how we can create processes that will build trust in these systems, rather than just building the technologies themselves. We need to be confident that we have considered all aspects of what is needed to make them work effectively in the real world and doing this requires we start at the beginning of the development process." One of the major strengths of the project is the application of an "action research" model - an integrated approach that will see experts from multiple fields involved in a cyclical feedback loop, creating opportunities for the project, the people and the processes to evolve their performance at every step. This approach will further enhance the team's scope to test the technical, social and ethical implications through planned public engagement activities and through building a network of stakeholders and partners who will ultimately be the developers and users of future trustworthy autonomous systems. Further notes: This project is part of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Trustworthy Autonomous Systems (TAS) programme, funded through the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund and delivered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The TAS programme brings together the research communities and key stakeholders to drive forward cross-disciplinary fundamental research to ensure that autonomous systems are safe, reliable, resilient, ethical and trusted. The Bristol team also includes Dr John Downer, Senior Lecturer in Risk and Resilience in the Department of Sociology, Politics and International Studies (SPAIS) where he is a member of both the Global Insecurities Centre and the Digital Futures Institute; Dr Sabine Hauert, Senior Lecturer in Robotics and leader of Swarm Robotics at BRL; and Professor Jonathan Rossiter, founder and head of the Soft Robotics Group. Project partners include British Telecommunications plc, Burges Salmon LLP, Dstl, Foster + Partners, LDRA Ltd, LV= General Insurance, Ocado Technology, Olympus Surgical Technologies Europe, Rovco Limited, Toshiba Bristol Research and Innovation Laboratory, Thales UK Limited. The Node will be based in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), a collaborative partnership between the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and the University of Bristol, and home to a vibrant community of over 300 academics, researchers and industry practitioners taking a multidisciplinary approach to robotics and autonomous systems. An internationally recognised Centre of Excellence in Robotics, BRL's state-of-the-art facilities cover an area of over 4,600 sq. metres (50,000 sq. feet).
RARUK Automation Helps JB Springs Optimise Wire-Form Production
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 07:39 EDT
A Universal Robots UR10e supplied by RARUK Automation has removed the need to manually unload and pack wire forms produced at John Binns & Son (Springs) Ltd. As the first robot on site at the Skipton-based, £3 million turnover business, it signals the intention of JB Springs to utilise the latest manufacturing technologies and bring about genuine competitive gain. Established way back in 1895, JB Springs has witnessed many changes in the manufacturing landscape, but to this day remains a family-run business. The ISO9001-accredited company operates from 27,000ft2 purpose-built premises dedicated to the production of springs and wire forms for sectors that include medical, electronics, aerospace and automotive. Increased technology investment in recent years has underpinned the company's commitment to stay at the forefront of spring manufacturing in the UK, with its latest arrival, the Universal Robots UR10e, a case in point. "We have a Wafios BM6 CNC wire-bending machine which produces 3D wire-form components in batches of thousands," explains Alex Driver, Managing Director at JB Springs. Due to short cycle times an operator needs to be in full-time attendance whenever the machine is running to unload and pack the parts. As this work is repetitive and not a very cost-effective use of skilled labour, we thought it ideal for automation." JB Springs considered three different robots before concluding that the Universal Robots UR10e was the optimum match for its applications. "In particular we thought its programming was the most straightforward," says Mr Driver. "The fact that it offered collaborative capabilities and was aesthetically pleasing - alongside the attentive responses we received from RARUK Automation - made it our first choice. We also spoke with a couple of users, both of whom were very happy with it." The Universal Robots UR10e is an extremely versatile collaborative robot (cobot) offering high payload (10kg) and long-reach (1300mm) capabilities. Spanning wide workspaces without compromising precision or payload performance, the UR10e is proving extremely popular for applications that include machine tending, palletising and packaging. Completing this particular highly flexible and reliable robotic solution is a Robotiq 2 Finger 85 adaptive gripper. With a Plug + Play kit for Universal Robots, this easy to customise gripper gives full control to users who can adjust the gripper's position, speed and force to give a perfect grasp. "As it was our first robot, some of the staff were understandably a little anxious, but once it arrived and the training had been delivered by RARUK Automation, they became more confident and soon got fully on-board," says Mr Driver. "It is now held in such affection that they've even given it a name - Kevin." Training with one of their own UR certified trainers is just one of the many tailored services that RARUK Automation can provide to ensure users get to grips with their UR robots. Since installation at JB Springs, the UR10e has been busy automating production on the Wafios BM6, which is fitted with a Keyence high-speed inspection camera. In one example application, 12mm diameter pre-galvanised wire forms receive four bends in a 9-second cycle time before being unloaded and packed by the UR10e. "The robot picks and packs parts neatly, saving a massive amount of costed manual labour," says Mr Driver. "Our wire forms can vary from simple hooks and brackets through to complicated linkages for machinery, precision components for electronics and medical equipment, automotive parts, and welded assemblies for production line systems. We use the UR10e wherever we possibly can and it's a perfect example of how technology is helping us to constantly improve our manufacturing efficiency and accuracy." Of course, 2020 has been a tough year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but JB Springs has been playing its part in the fightback. The company has manufactured springs for ventilators and hospital beds. "Ultimately, investing in the UR10e has allowed us to redirect labour to other operations where more value can be added by having skilled input," concludes Mr Driver. In its 125th anniversary year, JB Springs has proved there is no age limit to learning new tricks. The Universal Robots UR10e from RARUK Automation has transformed its production of wire forms and will help keep this progressive UK manufacturer at the leading edge of its sector. -ENDS-
H&H Classics to Sell National Motorcycle Museum's Stunning 30 Strong 'Duplicate Collection' On November 14th
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 07:02 EDT
After four years hosting record-breaking sales at the National Motorcycle Museum, H&H Classics have been tasked with selling the museum's fabulous Duplicate Motorcycle Collection. Museum Director James Hewing stated: "Our enforced temporary closure over the summer has given us the chance to rationalise our inventory slightly by offering certain duplicate machines for sale. This will mean that we will be able to display some machines that haven't been seen previously, as well as improving other displays by making them more accessible". Mark Bryan, Head of Bike Sales at H&H, says: "We are honoured to be entrusted with this sale for the museum. The sale of these 30 bikes will broaden and strengthen the Museum's offering and create a new type of visitor experience for years to come." Some highlights of the 30 bikes from the Museum include: 1926 Zenith £20,000 -£25,000 1931 SOS £5,000 - £7,000 1954 Triumph 500 ISDT £7,000-£9,000 1968 BSA A65 Spitfire £5,000 -£6,000
10 Amazing Health Benefits You May Not Know About Vitamin D
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 06:50 EDT
Vitamin D is all over the news at the moment, with medical studies taking place worldwide to determine the extent of its effect on Covid-19 patients. Whether it can ease symptoms of the virus or not, following a survey that highlighted how one in five Brits are deficient in vitamin D, Simon Bandy of natural health specialists Veganicity , gives us his top 10 reasons why we really should be stocking up the 'sunshine vitamin' this winter: It can reduce depression: there's no doubt that 2020 has been a tough year for all, and medical staff are now expecting mental health issues to increase significantly, knowing that we will continue to see the effects of COVID-19 for a long time into the future. Vitamin D can play a vital role in regulating our mood and warding off depression so, as the darker, longer days creep in over winter, it's the perfect time to dose up. It can boost weight loss: it's thought that the extra calcium the body gets from taking vitamin D supplements can have appetite-supressing effects-handy given that two in three Brits admitted they piled on the pounds during the first stages of lockdown. It can benefit those bones: vitamin D ensures the body can absorb calcium, potassium and magnesium, all which help to keep bones and teeth strong and help prevent osteoporosis-a disease that affects over 3 million people in the UK. It can help support lung function and reduce respiratory illnesses : while there are still various medical trials being undertaken around the world, especially given the current pandemic and its effects on the respiratory symptom, many researchers have already shown that having low levels of vitamin D in the body correlates with illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, and symptoms including wheezing and chest tightness. It can help regulate the body's insulin levels: according to Diabetes.co.uk, Vitamin D is believed to help improve the body's sensitivity to insulin-the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels- and thus reduce the risk of insulin resistance, which is often a precursor to type 2 diabetes, something that affects one in ten people over 40 in the UK. It can help promote a healthy pregnancy: vitamin D is especially important in pregnancy as it helps your baby's bones, teeth, kidneys, heart and nervous system to develop. Furthermore, some studies suggest that pregnant women who have a vitamin D deficiency may have a higher risk of developing preeclampsia and giving birth preterm. It can help prevent falls: while Vitamin D is essential for bone development, many people don't know that it can improve muscle strength and neural functionality too, thus reducing the risk of falls. This can be particularly beneficial for the older generation who are frailer and more susceptible to fractures. It could reduce the risk of getting cancer : while the UK medical profession is still sceptical about this claim, a study in Japan did show that higher levels of vitamin D in the blood are linked to a lower risk of cancer, especially liver cancer. It can help us avoid catching the common cold or flu : another study suggested that taking vitamin D supplements could reduce the chances of catching seasonal flu as one of the vitamin's most important roles is keeping your immune system strong so you're able to fight off the viruses and bacteria that cause illness. It can give you a boost of energy : constantly feeling tired, especially during the winter months, is one of the leading symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency, however, it is often overlooked as a cause. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is thought to affect over 2 million people in the UK, yet vitamin D supplements are an easy and inexpensive way of reducing symptoms.
OMD - 12 November 2021-Resorts World Arena
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 06:17 EDT
OMD Announce 15 Date 'Architecture and More' UK Arena Tour 'Enola Gay' 40th Anniversary Limited Edition 12" Vinyl - out Nov 27th on UMC/EMI OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark) today unleash another exciting announcement as the band unveil touring plans with an 15 date UK arena tour scheduled throughout November next year, with European and Irish dates announcements to follow. Tickets on sale here at 10.00am - 30th October. The tour, that will see the band perform songs from their iconic album 'Architecture & Morality' , plus many more hits from their legendary back catalogue, will stop off at Resorts World Arena on 12th November. OMD's Andy McCluskey comments; "After purgatory without the oxygen of live performance to energise both artist and audience, what joy it is to know we will be able to share these moments again!" OMD recently announced a 40th anniversary limited edition 12" coloured vinyl release of legendary anti-war hit single 'Enola Gay ' - out Nov 27th,. Strap in and prepare for nothing but the best from a band who are unquestionably still at the very top of their game. OMD 12 November 2021 - Resorts World Arena Tickets go on sale 10am on 30 October 2020 date via www.theticketfactory.com or by calling 0344 338 8222 *Calls to 03 numbers typically form part of your inclusive calling plan. However, call charges may vary - refer to your service provider for current charging information.
HMRC Insolvency Cash Grab Could Further Stifle UK Business
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 05:16 EDT
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs will become a major creditor when companies go bust, say leading tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg. Simon Rothenberg, a manager at the firm said: "In a move that they hope will generate £185m, HMRC will regain its status as a preferred creditor in insolvent liquidations, from 1 December, a status it lost in 2002." He added:" But the cost to UK businesses could be far greater. The move could stifle UK business and ultimately lead to reduced growth, reduced tax revenues and lack of job creation." Simon said: " This change will reduce returns on liquidation to unsecured creditors and to lenders with only a floating charge. This greatly increases the risk associated with such lending, the consequence will be an increase in returns demanded by the lender and reduced lending. Reducing access to finance for the UK Business market and increasing costs of borrowing. This at a time when UK business needs maximum support to increase activity following coronavirus." He added: "Suppliers to businesses in difficulty will now be additionally wary, faced with the prospect of receiving less should the business fail, meaning they may choose to not supply the goods at all or demand payment in advance. This could severely limit the ability of businesses to trade themselves out of difficulty particularly when many have exhausted their reserves during the lock down period." Simon said: "Since 2002, HMRC have been at the bottom of the creditors list along with the rest of the unsecured creditors with the banks in poll position. Now they will be right behind the primary lenders who have the ability to call in their loans first. However, as HMRC are often owed significant sums, this may wipe out all returns for the unsecured creditors." He explained: " During a liquidation, proceeds are repaid to creditors based on a hierarchy of preference. HMRC have previously been classed as an unsecured creditor alongside other suppliers to the businesses in liquidation but will now rank ahead of them and ahead of creditors with a floating charge. " HMRC's preference applies only to VAT, PAYE and NI debts and not corporation tax but it is likely in an insolvency situation these debts will be large. With many businesses having deferred tax liabilities during coronavirus these debts are likely to be substantially higher than normal for many businesses." He added: "Any restriction of finance will lead to business growth being diminished, which in turn could lead to a rise in the number of insolvencies, more redundancies and ultimately increased costs to the government and lost funds for HMRC."
Mobile TV Group Launches Third 'FLEX' OB Truck with Calrec Artemis and IP Gateway Audio-Over-IP Capabilities
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 04:00 EDT
Denver-based live production giant Mobile TV Group (MTVG) has expanded its fleet with the launch of 47 FLEX, which is the third 'FLEX' mobile unit within its 30+ OB fleet. The new 47 FLEX truck, along with its sister vehicles 45 FLEX and 46 FLEX, takes full advantage of Calrec's Artemis digital audio console, with audio-over-IP capabilities via Calrec's H2-IP Gateway technology, and is built with MTVG's new Cloud Control capability. 47 FLEX serves the Marquee Sports Network, home of the Chicago Cubs. Peter Wehner, Director of Engineering for Mobile TV Group says, "It's important that our fleet can service events across the US, acquiring high-quality content that can be distributed over IP using our end-to-end native-IP mobile units. We've been working with Calrec since 2011, which is when we installed our first Artemis console, and have always found its audio systems to be first-class." The three latest FLEX units are dual-trailer outfits, with 53-foot expanding trailers (to 16'6" wide) for unit A, and 53-foot long (8'6" wide) for Unit B VMU trailers. The new dual-trailer units' infrastructures are all based around the Grass Valley Kayenne K-Frame X IP switcher, an Evertz 384-port EXE 2.0 IP router and an Evertz Magnum control system, to offer 1080p capacity that would require at least a 3000×3000 baseband router. Mobile TV Group is also building a 48 FLEX OB truck, which is a 53-foot expandable unit. It too will house a Calrec Artemis. Mobile TV Group predominantly services the US sports markets, with units spread across the country, each run by around 50 engineers. The current count of 30+ mobile units, including 15 dual-trailer rigs (Unit A and VMU-Unit B) that can run the group's 'dual-feed' production concept - operations for both home and visiting teams from two spaces but with shared technical resources. Dave Lewty, Regional Sales Manager at Calrec commented, "The power of the Artemis console, in combination with our H2-IP Gateway solution, is a huge advantage for Mobile TV Group. It gives them the flexibility they need and we're excited to be a part of this ongoing process for them. By natively connecting all main devices, including the switcher, the cameras, replay devices, multi-viewers and the audio consoles, their OB units provide a powerful competitive edge in the OB space."
South Korea's Arirang TV Expands Relationship with Globecast for the Launch of its HD Channel Across Western Europe
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 04:00 EDT
Globecast , the global solutions provider for media, announced that it's expanding its relationship with South Korean English-language TV network Arirang TV, aimed at international audiences, to broadcast in HD across Western Europe on satellite Astra 1L at 19.2°E, beginning this month. Lee, Yong-Jae Distribution Director at Arirang TV, said, "We have a highly valued relationship with Globecast and we very much trust the technical expertise and the quality of services they provide. Given the strength of our relationship, it made absolute sense to expand our partnership, trusting Globecast with this next phase of our company's growth. Platforms across Europe were eager for us to upgrade to HD, but this had to be achieved as cost-effectively as possible." Globecast is handling multiple distribution services for the South Korean broadcaster: on Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13B in SD across all of Europe; Astra 2G for in HD for the UK; and now this new HD service. The channel is being simulcast across Western Europe for three months in SD and HD. Globecast is uplinking Arirang TV to the Astra platform via Sainte-Assise, its main teleport in France. The channel will be processed in MPEG-4 DVB-S on the same SD transponder that Arirang is on now to avoid any frequency interruption. Arirang TV, operated by the Korea International Broadcasting Foundation, is based in Seoul and aimed at an overseas audience. It began broadcasting HD content to homes in the UK and in Asia in 2016, and this deal with Globecast means the broadcaster will now reach approximately 26 million homes in HD across Western Europe with its 24-hour news and Korean cultural content in HD. Seechai Tan, Head of Sales at Globecast Asia, said, "Arirang TV had a stringent budget for expansion in the European market but they were very keen to upgrade their channel to HD to meet affiliate and viewer demand for a higher quality service. We studied the market together and came up with the best solution for them to help them shape the future development of their business."
American Academy of Nursing Announces its 2020 Election Results
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 03:31 EDT
Newly Elected Secretary, Board of Directors, and Committee Members to Assume Leadership Positions The American Academy of Nursing (Academy) is pleased to announce the election results for Secretary, Board of Directors, Ethics Committee, Fellow Selection Committee, and Nominating Committee. "The Academy is thrilled to announce the individuals who will be assuming leadership positions within the organization following the conclusion of this year's virtual Transforming Health, Driving Policy Conference ," said Academy President Eileen Sullivan-Marx, PhD, RN, FAAN. "I know each of these exceptional leaders will help further the organization's vision, mission, and strategy so that we can advance health equity and positively transform health policy."
8 Best Films to Watch This Halloween - From the Last 100 Years ...
Tue, Oct 27, 2020 03:23 EDT
...according to Ealing's famous MetFilm School. Pete Appleyard - a tutor at Ealing's world famous MetFilm School has a massive interest in the genre of Horror. He's taken time out to pull together this haunting selection of spooky films from the last 100 years! It's a mixture of classics, blockbusters and unusual but worthy finds. Pete's final choice - Host was written, shot, edited and released during the Covid-19 lockdown... it will make you think again when accepting an unexpected Zoom call invitation...
