Lumenpulse announced the North American debut of Exenia, a collection of point-source luminaires, enhancing their indoor lighting solutions. The LEDucation Trade Show and Conference in New York City saw record-breaking attendance with over 10,000 registrants. WFCU Credit Union, a financial institution in Windsor and Essex County, has been serving the community for over 80 years and has a new headquarters in Kitchener. The Coaticook Canyon Bridge at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook is a major tourist attraction in the Eastern Townships.

The Nuckolls Fund for Lighting Education announced the addition of five new board members and the allocation of $130,000 in new grants. The grants include $30,000 each to Colorado State University, Columbia College Chicago, and the University of Arkansas/Fayetteville, as well as a $20,000 fellowship to Washington State University. Additionally, four $5,000 achievement awards were given to students from various institutions. The Fund, named after lighting designer James Nuckolls, has provided $2 million in support of lighting design education since its inception in 1988.

Light + Building 2024 in Frankfurt am Main showcased the latest in building technology and innovative lighting design, emphasizing sustainability and energy efficiency. The event featured 2,169 exhibitors and attracted over 151,000 visitors. Key topics included the electrification and digitalization of buildings, renewable energy sources, and e-mobility. The event also highlighted the importance of climate protection goals and the role of the building sector in achieving them. Messe Frankfurt, ZVEH, and ZVEI were prominently featured, with positive sentiments towards their contributions to the event and industry.

Architectural lighting colors, including cold, warm, and dynamic lighting, each offer unique benefits and challenges. Cold colors enhance alertness and visual clarity but can feel sterile and disrupt sleep patterns. Warm colors create a cozy atmosphere but may lack the precision needed for task-oriented spaces. Dynamic lighting offers customization and engagement but can be complex and costly. Combining these lighting types can create balanced environments that cater to both productivity and comfort. The trend of warm-dimming LEDs mimics incandescent bulbs, enhancing ambiance and energy efficiency despite some limitations.

LED Tape has become a staple in lighting design due to its affordability and versatility. Jeffrey Dross provides detailed guidance on selecting and placing LED Tape, emphasizing factors such as placement, color, output, and run lengths. This first part focuses on placement, offering specific recommendations for various applications like above cabinets, inside cabinets, under countertops, and more. The article highlights the importance of using extrusions for better installation and suggests different lumen outputs based on user needs. Dross also advises on budget options for occasional use, stressing the importance of quality for regular applications.

The article outlines five practical steps to achieve sustainable lighting design, emphasizing the importance of using RoHS-compliant components, engaging with manufacturer representatives, building a sustainable lighting toolbox, setting achievable project goals, and advocating for sustainable practices. It highlights the role of designers in contributing to a healthier, more sustainable future for lighting.

LED Tape has become a staple in lighting design due to its cost-effectiveness and versatility. Jeffrey Dross, an expert in the field, provides detailed guidance on selecting LED Tape based on four factors: color, output, placement demand, and run lengths. This article, the first in a series, focuses on placement, offering specific recommendations for various applications such as above cabinets, inside cabinets, under countertops, and more. Dross emphasizes the importance of considering the installation environment and the user's needs to ensure optimal lighting performance.

Viscor, a Leviton Company, has announced strategic partnerships with Hossley and LAI to expand into the Texas lighting market. Pierre Legarre, executive vice president of Viscor, expressed excitement about the expansion and the opportunity to deliver premium lighting solutions. Al Near of Hossley highlighted the potential to introduce Viscor's products to new markets, particularly in healthcare and cleanroom environments. Chris Myers, CEO of LAI, emphasized the addition of Certolux and Visioneering brands to their portfolio as part of their strategy to offer a substantial product mix to customers.

Nedco Energy Solutions (NES) offers a comprehensive approach to energy solutions, including LED lighting retrofits, EV charging, solar installations, microgrids, energy storage, and power quality. They assist clients in navigating government energy efficiency incentives and rebates, which vary by region. The article discusses the importance of understanding client goals, technical considerations, and the rebate landscape for LED upgrades, EV charging, and solar installations. NES provides a full-service approach from project planning to installation and troubleshooting, emphasizing the value of their expertise in managing complex rebate processes and ensuring effective implementation.

The Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has announced the formation of the Lighting Advocacy Congress, aimed at promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR) within the lighting industry. This new entity will serve as a collaborative platform for organizations with DEIR missions, encouraging interaction and resource sharing. Funded by lighting firms and manufacturers committed to DEIR principles, the Congress will meet quarterly and operate under a founding charter. The initiative aims to foster positive change and build a premier community dedicated to quality lighting.

The IALD Education Trust is offering a travel stipend program for students and educators to attend lighting-related educational events, including IALD Enlighten conferences. Applications are open until January 31, 2024, with reimbursements available for travel, accommodation, and registration. Updates to the program have been made, and applicants are advised to read the Application Information document thoroughly.

Nominations for the 2024 Casambi Awards are now open, celebrating excellence in architectural lighting projects and products that integrate Casambi technology. The awards feature categories for the Best Casambi Ready Product and the Best Casambi-controlled Project. Last year's winners included the John Hardy Boutique in Bali and Ledim's Lepuk. Winners will be announced in March at the Light + Building 2024 trade show and will receive coverage in arc magazine. The judging panel consists of international experts in lighting design.

Signify is reorganizing into four vertically integrated businesses focused on Professional, OEM, Consumer, and conventional lighting technologies. This customer-centric structure aims to reduce central organization size and costs, targeting annualized savings of over €200 million by Q2 2024. These measures are designed to enhance focus, accelerate strategy execution, and maintain leadership in energy-efficient connected lighting.

Quanergy Solutions, Inc. has been selected by Vancouver International Airport to deploy its 3D LiDAR technology to enhance passenger journey and operational efficiency. The new system overcomes limitations of previous camera-based solutions, providing accurate data for better queue management and cost savings. The deployment has reduced the number of sensors needed and lowered total costs, with future plans to expand the system for broader traffic control.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has launched a consultation to direct the Regulator to introduce requirements for providing tenants with information on complaints and tenants' rights. This will legally oblige councils and housing associations to inform tenants about regulatory requirements like the Decent Homes Standard. The consultation aims to ensure tenants understand how to make complaints and access relevant information without barriers. The consultation is open until 22 November 2023, with future consultations planned for other aspects of tenant safety under Awaab’s Law.

AI scams are on the rise, with cybercriminals using artificial intelligence to mimic voices and create convincing messages, leading to an increase in fraud. One in 12 Britons have fallen victim to such scams. Anti-fraud experts from Scams.info highlight common AI scams, such as AI investment fraud, impersonation of loved ones, and bypassing security with voice cloning. They offer advice to consumers on how to protect themselves, including being wary of investments promising high returns with little risk, protecting social media accounts, and using multi-phase verification with banks.

Victoria Smith's book 'Hags' addresses the demonization of middle-aged women in a youth-obsessed culture, arguing that a sexist and misogynistic society values women based on their youth and attractiveness. Smith connects the current vilification of middle-aged women to historical witch trials, suggesting that the patriarchy has enlisted younger women in this project. Each chapter of the book provides examples of how older women are denigrated, analyzed through a second-wave feminist lens. Smith also addresses controversies like the vilification of JK Rowling and the harassment of Kathleen Stock, emphasizing the impact of living in a female body and the dangers of downgrading the importance of biological sex.

The article discusses the historical and contemporary silencing of women's speech, particularly in the context of gender issues and cancel culture. It criticizes the way men have used the concept of hate speech to silence women and highlights specific cases where women have faced severe consequences for their speech. The text argues that the policing of 'misgendering' implicitly misgenders women and limits their ability to advance their own interests. It also criticizes the preferential treatment given to trans women over non-trans women in certain contexts.

The BS101LRE Retrofit Kit is designed to upgrade existing BS111 and BS101 fixtures from fluorescent to LED, offering a simple installation process that takes less than 5 minutes. The kit includes a new frosted lens, LED modules, and an efficient driver, and is suitable for standard 4' vapour tight applications with an operating temperature range of -20˚C to 40˚C.

BFC Lighting Solutions has announced a new partnership with BJ Take Inc., a Canadian manufacturer known for its in-house design, manufacturing, and assembly of products. This partnership allows BFC Lighting Solutions to add a significant asset to their list of partners, with BJ Take Inc. being able to quickly ship customized industrial components to Quebec.

Interact's Tunable White solutions offer adjustable lighting to support wellbeing by mimicking natural daylight patterns, enhancing productivity, and providing energy savings. The technology allows for easy personalization of lighting scenes and supports circadian rhythms, with benefits for both employers and employees. The system is wireless, easy to install, and can be controlled via the Interact Pro app or IoT solutions.

To achieve success in writing, it is essential to develop daily habits that enhance writing skills. Key practices include reading daily to learn from successful authors, enriching vocabulary through reading and apps like PowerVocab, writing every day to build a writing habit, and employing simple words for clarity. Rewriting favorite authors' passages, studying established writing theories, conveying thoughts succinctly, jotting down and structuring ideas, and viewing stories from different angles are also recommended. Tools like ToDoist can help set reminders for writing, and classic books like 'Eats, Shoots & Leaves' and 'The Elements of Style' are valuable resources.

Ypsilanti Community Schools, in collaboration with local organizations, is hosting its first F.A.C.E. Mental Health Awareness Fair to combat mental health stigma and promote wellness. The event, featuring community vendors, resources, and activities, aims to connect the community with mental health services. Key partners include F.A.C.E., TRAILS, and NAMI. The fair will offer various resources, including meditation and literature, and feature a panel discussion on mental health. The event is free and open to all community members.

Bankroll Freddie, an Arkansas native, released his new album 'Big Bank' on April 2 through Quality Control and Motown Records. The album features collaborations with prominent hip hop artists like Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, and Young Dolph, and includes the single 'Pop It' featuring Megan Thee Stallion. The album, consisting of 14 tracks, has been well-received, with the 'Pop It' music video garnering over 2.7 million views on YouTube. Bankroll Freddie is recognized for his consistent success in the music industry, supported by major names and his record label.

The Ypsilanti District Library has launched its 2023 Family Read from March 11 to April 15, aiming to foster community-wide appreciation for reading. This year, the library has partnered with the Belleville Area District Library to expand outreach. The selected book for the program is 'Maizy Chen's Last Chance' by Lisa Yee, which will be the focus of various events and activities. The program will culminate with a virtual visit from the author, Lisa Yee, on April 15.

The Turkish-American Cultural Association of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University faculty initiated a relief campaign in response to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The earthquakes, which began on February 6 with a 7.8 magnitude, have resulted in over 45,000 deaths. The association, led by EMU economics professor Mehmet Yaya, compiled a list of organizations for search and rescue efforts and raised $16,898 from 138 donors. In-kind donations were collected until February 13, and monetary donations continue to be accepted. The association is also planning fundraising events and seeking organizations to aid Syria. The campaign is driven by a humanitarian perspective, transcending the association's cultural ties to Turkey.

AcreTrader, a land investment platform, announced over 5,600 distributions to investors, with over 90% of active investment properties generating returns equal to or greater than anticipated. Since its founding in 2018, AcreTrader has funded 124 land investments, with five farm exits generating final IRRs above 10%. The company emphasizes the resilience of land investments against economic headwinds and celebrates the success of both investors and farming partners.

Eastern Michigan University professor Tsu-Yin Wu has been awarded a $794,730 federal grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to improve health coverage accessibility in Michigan. The project targets Asian Pacific Americans, refugees, low-income individuals, and other underserved groups. Wu leads a team of bilingual navigators who assist communities in enrolling in health insurance. The initiative collaborates with various community and faith-based organizations, small businesses, and health systems. The grant, spanning three years, aims to address health inequalities and has already shown positive impacts, including aiding cancer treatment for a community member.

Eastern Michigan University's Board of Regents has approved a $42.5 million renovation project for Roosevelt Hall, contingent on state funding approval. The project aims to expand and modernize facilities for the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology, addressing future job market demands. The renovation will increase the building's size and improve educational spaces, with a projected three-year timeline if funding is secured.

Acres, a land analysis platform, has partnered with Land Broker Co-op to enhance the visibility and accessibility of thousands of land listings. This collaboration aims to create a more efficient and transparent marketplace for land transactions. Acres provides comprehensive data and insights on land parcels, while Land Broker Co-op offers a broker-agent owned listing website. The partnership is seen as a significant advancement in land marketing, empowering land professionals with better data and mapping capabilities. Key figures in the partnership, Alex Czechowski and Dan Hatfield, express positive sentiments about the collaboration's benefits.

The Ypsi Artisans Holiday Market will return to the Ypsilanti Freighthouse starting Nov. 26, featuring over 40 local vendors and live music from the Ypsilanti Community High School Choir. Organized by Eastern Michigan University alumnus Angela Scott, the market aims to be affordable and approachable, with various nonprofits also participating to fundraise. The market emphasizes community engagement and offers a unique shopping experience compared to online shopping.

The article discusses the challenges and methodologies for investigating influence operations, emphasizing the need for shared standards and best practices. It highlights the importance of understanding one's strengths, developing an analytical mindset, and being aware of the target audience. The text also covers the role of criticism in improving investigative work and the necessity of partnerships between industry, government, and civil society to counter influence operations. Key themes include the evolution of influence operations, the use of spam tactics, and the importance of cross-platform analysis.

AcreTrader has launched Acres, a geospatial analytics platform designed to provide comprehensive insights on land value and productivity. The platform aggregates public and private data into an intuitive tool, offering features such as public owner records, soil and crop information, and historical satellite imagery. Led by Justin Ge, the platform aims to make land buying and selling more transparent and efficient. The launch follows AcreTrader's $60 million Series B funding round, with the company continuing to grow its platform.

Eastern Michigan University has introduced the Eastern Tuition Advantage, a revamped tuition-free program for incoming first-year students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a household income of $60,000 or less. The program covers up to 16 credit hours per semester for up to eight semesters, excluding summer. Students must maintain a 2.75 GPA and complete FAFSA annually. The previous program, Education First Opportunity Scholarship, showed higher graduation and retention rates. The new program aims to provide affordable education and improve graduation rates.

Embracing Our Differences Michigan is inviting art and quotation submissions for its 2023 exhibit, focusing on themes of diversity, inclusion, and equity. The nonprofit, led by Executive Director Nancy Margolis, aims to foster understanding and common goals through its displays. The organization, which became a 501(c)(3) in 2021, has already showcased exhibits in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The exhibits feature artworks paired with quotations, addressing topics like disabilities, race, and education. Free field trips for local students are provided to help them engage with the art and its messages, with Eastern Michigan University students serving as docents.

The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum is hosting its 24th Annual Orphan Car Show on September 18 at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti. The event will feature around 140 pre-registered orphan vehicles, including the DeSoto, Corvair, Oldsmobile, and the '52 Fabulous Hudson Hornet. The show aims to educate the community about automotive history and engineering changes, with proceeds benefiting the museum.

AcreTrader has acquired AgValuation to enhance its mission of making land transactions transparent and easy. AgValuation, a web-based tool for precise land valuations, was founded by Curtis Bearden, Jodi Pries, and Richard Gilmore, with Angel Evans joining later. Pries and Evans will remain with AcreTrader to ensure a smooth transition. The acquisition aims to improve the financial well-being of farmers, investors, and partners through advanced technology and data.

Victoria Lynn Smith reflects on the importance of having a dedicated writing space, inspired by advice from Stephen King and her mother. She describes her journey to create a personal office in a spare bedroom, overcoming interruptions and distractions from her living room setup. The new space, though small, provides a sense of calm and focus, allowing her to write without disturbances.

Instagram is becoming a leading platform for brand marketing, with high engagement rates and significant potential for business growth. The article provides advanced tips for gaining more genuine followers on Instagram, including creative use of hashtags, integrating offline campaigns, joining trending conversations, leveraging influencer marketing, and developing a unique brand style. It emphasizes the importance of balancing promotional content with user-centric posts to maintain follower engagement.

Mastering a musical instrument offers numerous benefits, including discipline, improved brain functions, and stress relief. For beginners, choosing the right instrument can be challenging. This guide highlights ten beginner-friendly instruments: non-electric guitar, ukulele, piano/keyboard, trumpet, violin, cello, drums, saxophones, recorder, and harmonica. Each instrument is described in terms of ease of learning, physical requirements, and suitability for different age groups. The article emphasizes the importance of choosing an instrument that inspires creativity and the need for determination and continuous practice.

The article critiques the psychiatric treatment of women and girls, drawing on personal experiences and the book 'Sexy but Psycho' by Jessica Taylor. It argues that psychiatry, despite its attempts to distance itself from a problematic past, continues to stigmatize women and undermine their credibility and autonomy. The author suggests that psychiatric labels can be damaging and lifelong, comparing the discipline's current status to other social norms that have become intractable despite their harms. The piece also touches on the intersection of feminism and psychiatry, questioning whether the two can be compatible when psychiatric practices often rob women of their rights.

Pendry Manhattan West, the latest location of Pendry Hotels & Resorts and its fifth in the U.S., offers a blend of West Coast influence and New York style. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and featuring interiors by Gachot Studios, the hotel includes 164 luxury guest rooms and a variety of amenities such as Bar Pendry, the Garden Room, and a state-of-the-art Fitness Center with Technogym equipment and Peloton bikes. Located near Hudson Yards and Penn Station, the hotel is part of Manhattan West, a large-scale development by Brookfield Properties. The hotel has been commended for its hospitality since opening on September 15, 2021, and is set to open a Rooftop whiskey bar in spring 2022.

The University of Kentucky Libraries is hosting a 'Food for Fines' event from November 1 to November 15, allowing patrons to pay off up to $20 in fines with food and personal care item donations to benefit the Big Blue Pantry. The initiative, organized by Courtney Bartlett, aims to alleviate financial stress for students and support those facing food insecurity. The event is modeled after the successful 'Donations for Citations' program with UK Transportation Services. Donations can be made at the William T. Young Library, with specific exchange rates for different amounts of fines. Certain fines are eligible for the program, while lost material fines are excluded.

Discussing estate planning with loved ones is crucial and should be approached with care. Choose the right time and place, be direct, and consider involving professionals for guidance. Regularly review and update your plan to reflect life changes. Communicate your wishes clearly and put important details in writing to ensure a smooth process for your family.

The article discusses the contentious debate over teenage Covid-19 vaccinations, highlighting the cultural and political dimensions influencing parental decisions. It critiques the involvement of figures like Laurence Fox and groups such as Family Defence League, emphasizing the conflict between personal freedom and state interference. The author reflects on the complexities of parental rights, children's autonomy, and the broader implications of using children in cultural wars, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach that respects both parental guidance and children's rights.

The study explores the practice of 'meet and greets' in family practice in Nova Scotia, revealing four typologies of how family physicians (FPs) use these meetings. Typology 1 FPs do not use meet and greets, citing ethical concerns and practical burdens. Typology 2 FPs use them to gather medical history after accepting patients. Typology 3 FPs use them to assess alignment of patient needs with their practice scope, while Typology 4 FPs use them to screen out undesirable patients. Cross-cutting themes include ethics, compromises, and freedom of practice. The study highlights the ethical challenges and systemic issues influencing these practices, suggesting that economic burdens and professional burnout contribute to the decision to tailor one's practice. The findings call for policy interventions to maximize accessibility and support for providers.

Malibu Beach Inn, located about 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles, offers a luxurious and serene escape with its prime beachfront location. Under the management of Gregory Day, the inn has been transformed into an opulent getaway, ideal for both vacations and workcations. The inn features high-end renovations, personalized services, and innovative COVID-19 protocols, including custom face masks in partnership with Bellino Fine Linens. Guests can enjoy ocean-facing rooms, a variety of amenities, and proximity to local attractions like Malibu Pier and Soho House's Little Beach House Malibu. The on-site Carbon Beach Club Restaurant offers a curated menu with locally sourced ingredients and award-winning wines.

The Royal Australian Navy is modernizing its maritime capabilities with a focus on robotics, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence (RAS-AI) as part of Australia's 2020 Defence Strategic Update. The Navy's RAS-AI Directorate is developing a strategic roadmap for RAS-AI through 2040. This report by RAND Australia provides an evidence base to inform the Navy's RAS-AI Strategy 2040, including a framework for future operational contexts, potential RAS-AI effects, and a high-level technology roadmap. The research emphasizes the need for a well-planned implementation to adapt to the evolving environment over the next two decades.

Public speaking can be daunting, but effective preparation and practice are key to delivering successful business presentations. Embrace advanced PowerPoint tools, keep presentations short and engaging, choose a comprehensive theme, and adhere to branding standards. Ensure technical aspects are flawless and incorporate character traits like brevity and humor for a compelling presentation.

Growing a social media following is crucial for brand recognition and marketing without high advertising costs. To convert followers into customers, identify your target audience using social media analytics, maintain an active posting schedule, offer exclusive promotions, host contests, and always include a call to action in posts. A well-rounded marketing strategy, including SMS and mobile marketing, can further extend reach and drive traffic to your website.

The article provides structural advice for rapidly growing start-ups, emphasizing the importance of defining roles, implementing agile development, developing a proper interview structure, and avoiding over-expansion. It highlights the need for start-up owners to delegate tasks, focus on communication, and make measured responses to growth. Companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and Conexiam are mentioned as examples of successful implementation of agile development.

Startups often face challenges with project management, leading to frustration and lost revenue. Effective project management is crucial for building a successful startup, ensuring efficient operations and long-term growth. The article offers tips for selecting the right project management methodology, emphasizing the importance of understanding business needs, choosing appropriate software, and selecting a competent project manager. Successful project management involves clear role definitions, establishing trackable success criteria, and building an effective team. Each project serves as a learning tool, contributing to future success.

Investing in cryptocurrency requires understanding its basics, including the importance of diversification to manage risk. Investors should determine the portion of their portfolio dedicated to cryptocurrency, choose a suitable trading platform, and securely store their assets in digital wallets. Cryptocurrency offers decentralized control and liquidity, allowing flexible investment amounts. However, it carries significant risk due to price volatility. Proper research and prudent investment strategies are essential to avoid potential losses.

Joy Denalane performed a rendition of Bill Withers' song 'Use Me' to honor him on the anniversary of his passing. The tribute premiered on BET Soul and has gained significant views on YouTube. Denalane praised Withers as a storyteller and poet, and her tribute aimed to maintain his essence. She has also released an album titled 'LET YOURSELF BE LOVED' under Motown Records, featuring singles performed on COLORS, and has a substantial following on Spotify.

The Supreme Court ruled that sleep-in workers are only entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) for the hours they are awake and working, not for the entire shift. This decision aligns with the Court of Appeal's interpretation of Regulation 32 of the 2015 NMW Regulations. The case involved two claimants, Mrs Tomlinson-Blake and Mr Shannon, who argued for payment for their entire sleep-in shifts. The ruling provides clarity for care providers, emphasizing the need to accurately record working hours during sleep-in shifts to comply with NMW responsibilities.

The article discusses the challenges faced by event organizers in planning virtual events and offers solutions to overcome them. These challenges include a lack of creativity in event promotion, technical proficiency, proper content strategy, security awareness, knowledge about attendees' technological options, engagement opportunities, and two-way communication. The article suggests using social media for promotion, learning from online workshops, creating engaging content, ensuring data security, providing clear joining instructions, and utilizing interactive features like live chat and social community building to improve the virtual event experience.

The Librarian Reserve Corps (LRC) was established in March 2020 to support the World Health Organization's Global Outbreak Alert & Response Network by providing mediated literature searching services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 100 volunteers from around the world have joined the initiative. Four librarians from different countries shared their experiences, highlighting the importance of the role librarians play in public health emergencies, the challenges faced, and the satisfaction gained from contributing to the fight against the pandemic.

The Austin College volleyball team opened its season with two losses against Trinity University, falling 3-1 and 3-0. Despite a strong second set in the first match and a competitive third set in the second match, Austin College struggled with attacking and reception errors. Key players for Austin College included Shelbi Cook, Victoria Smith, Mari Prazak, Ali Horton, and Brooklyn Talley. Trinity University, a Division III Final Four team from last season, demonstrated strong performance with higher team attack percentages and a significant service ace advantage.

The number of organizations and projects focused on countering influence operations has significantly increased globally, with a concentration in North America and Europe. The Partnership for Countering Influence Operations (PCIO) has created a comprehensive dataset of 460 initiatives, highlighting the need for better collaboration and resource allocation. Civil society organizations lead many initiatives, but there is a call for greater governmental involvement. The initiatives vary in focus, with fact-checking and journalism being the most common. The field faces challenges in terminology consistency and effectiveness measurement, which the PCIO aims to address.

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Partnership for Countering Influence Operations (PCIO) conducted surveys in early 2020 to assess the field of influence operations research. The surveys revealed systemic challenges such as lack of funding, poor collaboration, limited data access, and absence of standardized definitions and research practices. Despite these challenges, the surveys identified opportunities for improvement through better collaboration, standardized practices, and long-term funding solutions. The findings emphasize the need for a more unified and professionalized approach to countering influence operations.

COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation in the UK's healthcare system, particularly within the NHS, driven by necessity and financial pressures. The adoption of wearable and smart technology, such as the Apple Watch and non-invasive glucose monitoring, is expected to grow, enhancing predictive and preventative healthcare. The Kings Fund emphasizes the potential of technology-enabled solutions to positively impact health trends and chronic disease management.

GOLLER Systems, a leading provider of bespoke plastic system solutions for medical applications, is pioneering in the field of micro-moulding for cleanroom environments. Dieter Döll, the company's sales managing director, highlights the advantages of micro-moulding technology, which offers high precision and cost-effectiveness for small plastic components. The market for such equipment is expected to grow, driven by trends towards miniaturization in medical technology and increased demand for plastic consumables in diagnostics and other medical applications. GOLLER Systems is well-positioned with its advanced machinery, expertise, and proven track record in medical technology.

Moo Free, a family-run vegan chocolate company, has rebranded to mark its 10th anniversary, aiming to appeal to a broader audience. CEO Andrea Jessop highlighted the shift from character-based packaging to more mature designs, reflecting customer feedback. The rebrand emphasizes the company's ethical commitments, including a zero-waste policy and recyclable packaging. Moo Free also supports employment for autistic individuals, with 20% of its workforce being autistic. The rebrand includes new packaging, a revamped website, and the launch of new products, including a vegan white chocolate advent calendar. Products will be available at major UK retailers and online.

Moo Free is launching a vegan white chocolate advent calendar due to high demand from white chocolate enthusiasts. The product is dairy, gluten, and soya-free, catering to those with allergies or intolerances. Following the success of their milk chocolate advent calendar, Christmas selection box, Mini Moo, and truffles, CEO Andrea Jessop expresses excitement about the new calendar, noting the challenge of creating appealing vegan white chocolate and the positive reception of their recipe.

GSR Technology's managing director, Lee Swinton, discusses the benefits and advancements of their TOUCHLESS User Interface technology. The interface reduces contamination risks in various settings by allowing interaction without physical contact. Swinton highlights the technology's unique features, such as working with a standard touchscreen sensor and recognizing user intent through gestures. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased demand for touchless solutions, and GSR Technology is positioned to lead with its flexibility, close industry relationships, and understanding of the market. Future developments may include voice control, retinal scanners, and palm recognition technologies.

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in managing both common and rare diseases, including chronic osteoarticular conditions. Abiogen Pharma is a significant contributor in this field, offering therapies for diseases like Osteogenesis Imperfecta and osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates, a class of drugs marketed by Abiogen, are used to treat various skeletal disorders, although their broad use has been scrutinized due to potential side effects. Ongoing clinical studies aim to expand the therapeutic applications of these drugs, particularly in innovative treatments for osteoarthritis and metabolic osteopathy.

Accumold, a leader in precision micro moulding, outlines five key processes that empower leading tech companies. These include customer integration, a thorough PREP and qualification process, advanced metrology capabilities, ISO certifications, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The company emphasizes its extensive measurement capabilities, ISO certifications, and continuous improvement methodologies to ensure high-quality production and long-term client relationships.

After eight staff members at Truth bar in Wakefield tested positive for COVID-19, the bar received death threats online. Owner Kevin Spencer reported that the staff followed all guidelines and informed the public, but faced severe backlash, including threats to burn the bar down. Wakefield Council confirmed the cases and actions taken to limit the virus spread. Despite the threats, the bar remains open with new staff after a deep clean.

Far-right extremists are exploiting the coronavirus crisis to recruit new members, using disinformation and conspiracy theories. Nigel Bromage, a former extremist, and Superintendent Matthew Davison from Counter Terrorism Policing North East highlight the increased online activity and recruitment during lockdown. Reports of online far-right extremism have risen by 58%, while referrals to the Prevent Programme have decreased by 38%. Authorities urge vigilance as schools and universities reopen, emphasizing the need to recognize signs of radicalization.

The article discusses the backlash JK Rowling faced after disclosing her experiences of domestic abuse in the context of a debate on sex and gender. It critiques societal reactions, particularly on social media, where Rowling was accused of 'weaponizing' her trauma. The piece highlights the gendered expectations placed on women to offer empathy rather than seek it and criticizes the lack of compassion shown towards women who share their stories of abuse. It also touches on the broader issue of how women's accounts of trauma are often dismissed or deemed to have ulterior motives.

MARACA International, a Belgium-based consulting company, specializes in regulatory, quality, and clinical services for medical device and in-vitro diagnostic device companies. Founded by Dr. Luc Van Hove, the company aims to support the introduction of nanotechnology-based devices to European and American markets. MARACA has been recognized for its high-quality services and has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by participating in efforts to bring compliant medical devices and tests to market quickly. The company is also involved in regulatory discussions and scientific sessions to address challenges in the medical device industry.

Medical technology companies are increasingly empowering consumers by reducing costs and enhancing access. Ryan Shelton, CEO of PhotoniCare, discusses the future of healthcare technology, emphasizing the potential for consumer devices and the growing role of small, agile companies in the industry. He highlights the challenges small companies face in scaling and the importance of partnerships with larger firms to stay competitive. PhotoniCare's TOMi ™ Scope, an OCT imaging device, exemplifies innovation aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for children with ear conditions.

Medical devices are increasingly connected to the internet and other networks, enhancing healthcare but also posing cybersecurity risks. Devices like insulin pumps and pacemakers are vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can lead to device malfunctions and data breaches. Both large and small healthcare entities face these threats, which can result in significant financial and reputational damage. The industry must prioritize cybersecurity from development to system design, and regulation is essential to ensure device safety. Companies like Critical Software focus on applying standards and adapting best practices from other industries. Increased public awareness and regulatory pressure from bodies like the FDA and European Commission are crucial for making cybersecurity a standard feature in medical devices.

The coronavirus pandemic has temporarily reduced emissions and air pollution, but it has also overshadowed urgent climate issues. Environmental disasters like Australia's wildfires, Ecuador's oil spill, and a cyclone in the South Pacific have received less attention. The pandemic has increased single-use plastic usage and private vehicle emissions, while environmental groups like Extinction Rebellion struggle to protest. The article stresses the need to balance pandemic response with climate action to prevent irreversible damage.

Tech stocks led to a significant drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, with the index falling by 551 points to close at 24,465, erasing its 2018 gains. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ also saw declines. Major tech companies like Apple, Facebook, Netflix, and Amazon experienced substantial losses, driven by trade tensions with China and scandals in Silicon Valley. Experts warn of further declines, with traditional profit and revenue figures now taking precedence over user growth metrics. Facebook faces a crisis stage, with its shares hitting their lowest level since February 2017.

The article discusses the Office for National Statistics' study to calculate the value of unpaid work, particularly focusing on women's caregiving roles. It critiques the feasibility of monetizing such work and highlights the emotional and physical labor involved. The author argues for a societal shift in valuing caregiving, referencing Nancy Fraser's proposal for a universal caregiver model. The piece emphasizes the need to recognize the gendered nature of unpaid work and calls for a more humane approach to caregiving responsibilities.