InterDigital Declares Regular Quarterly Cash DividendNone
Geothermal aquifers offer green potential but quality checks required December 20, 2024 Osaka Metropolitan University A research team has revealed that to use the aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system safely over the long term it is crucial to investigate the groundwater quality before operating the system and to continuously monitor the water quality. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email The aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES) system, which uses geothermal heat as a renewable energy source, is one of the solutions to reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission. This system stores heat underground in aquifers, using groundwater as a heat medium. The heat is then extracted as needed according to the season to efficiently heat and cool buildings. Its use is mainly expanding in Europe, and its widespread introduction is expected in Japan. However, regular inspection is required to utilize these systems without faults. This fact became evident when a research group led by Specially Appointed Professor Harue Masuda at the Osaka Metropolitan University Urban Resilience Research Center identified clogging that occurred in the plumbing pipe of an ATES well at a facility in Osaka. In their findings, iron oxyhydroxide precipitation occurred after a vent was accidentally left open, allowing for air to enter the geothermal wells through plumbing pipes. In turn, an oxygen-rich environment formed and iron oxyhydroxide spread through the piping, causing a clog, leak, and subsequent mixing of groundwater between two aquifers at different depths of each well. Fortunately, natural microbial activity resolved the clog and restored the groundwater. Observation of this chain of events revealed that it is crucial to evaluate the water quality before the well is put into operation, and to continuously monitor for long-term use of the ATES system. "The results of this research show that geochemical analysis of groundwater, which has not been emphasized in the engineering field until now, is effective and essential for the stable, widespread use of the ATES system," stated Professor Masuda. "We believe that by proposing a method for monitoring water quality as a guideline, we can establish the ATES system as a technology that can be used for the long term." The findings are published in Geothermics . Story Source: Materials provided by Osaka Metropolitan University . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference : Cite This Page :Microsoft makes GitHub Copilot free!The BJP asserted its political supremacy over its opposition allies, particularly the Congress which emerged as the weakest political player in the Assembly elections and bypolls that concluded on Saturday. While the regional parties – the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Trinamool Congress in West Bengal – displayed a fighting spirit, the Congress seemed unable to match its national rival. Besides winning the prized Maharashtra battle, the BJP alone won 20 of the total 48 bypolls held in Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Punjab, Sikkim and West Bengal. The Congress managed to win barely seven. But the most noteworthy fact was that the BJP entirely regained lost ground in the politically-critical Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, the two States which together send 128 MPs to the Lok Sabha and where the saffron party had suffered its worst losses in the general elections just five months back. In UP, the BJP with its ally Rashtriya Lok Dal, won seven of the total nine Assembly bypolls held alongside the Assembly polls. In Maharashtra, the BJP has put up its best performance ever since the Lok Sabha setback wherein the party came down from 23 seats in the 2019 elections to just nine seats in the 2024 general elections. Together with its allies, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party, the BJP coalition had managed to win only 17 of the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra in June. The Congress with its allies won 30 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra. If the Lok Sabha results were to be extrapolated in terms of Assembly segment-wise lead of parties in June, the BJP was ahead in 83 seats while the Congress was ahead in 63 seats. Till the results last came in on Saturday, the BJP was leading or had won in 133 seats in Maharashtra, which means that in less than five months since the Lok Sabha election results on June 4, the BJP managed to gain a staggering 50 Assembly segments in the State. The Congress, on the other hand, was leading or had won in 15 seats in Maharashtra – which means that the party managed to lose as many as 48 Assembly segments in the last five months. After its successive victories in Haryana and now Maharashtra Assembly polls, the BJP has proved that its losses in the Lok Sabha were a temporary setback. The saffron party’s loss in Jharkhand is more credit to the combative spirit of JMM’s leader Hemant Soren and his feisty spouse Kalpana rather than any credit to the Congress, which has been unable to build on the momentum it had acquired in the Lok Sabha polls. Comments
Applied Optoelectronics Announces Proposed Private Exchange Offer for 2026 Notes and Concurrent Registered Direct OfferingHANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 20, 2024-- An affiliate of Balmoral Funds LLC (“Balmoral”) has successfully acquired R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. (“Sheppard” or the “Company”), a leading provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks in North America, from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a North American subsidiary of Knorr-Bremse (ISIN: DE000KBX1006, ticker symbol: KBX). The transaction encompasses the entire Sheppard business, including Sheppard’s branded products, production equipment, sales and service companies, and interests in joint ventures relating to sales and production. This acquisition positions R.H. Sheppard as an independent platform, primed to build on its legacy of reliability, innovation, and customer trust. With a deep history of serving major OEMs and delivering critical steering solutions, Sheppard remains at the forefront of heavy-duty truck steering technology. Kevin Stevick, an experienced industry leader with a proven leadership track record across companies such as Niagara LaSalle Corporation and Advanced Alloy Processing, has been appointed CEO of R.H. Sheppard. “We are thrilled to lead Sheppard into its next chapter as an independent company,” said Kevin Stevick. “Sheppard has built a legacy of trust by delivering reliable, high-quality solutions that our customers depend on. As we move forward, our first priority is to uphold and strengthen that reliability, ensuring we continue to meet and exceed customer expectations. At the same time, we’re committed to investing in the business—empowering our employees, enhancing operations, and driving innovation to unlock Sheppard’s full potential. Together, we will build on Sheppard’s strong foundation and position the company for long-term success.” Richard Levernier, board member of Sheppard and Principal at Balmoral Funds, added: “We are excited to partner with and support R.H. Sheppard as the leading U.S.-based provider of steering technologies for commercial vehicles. As a standalone company, Sheppard now has the freedom and focus to chart its own path—investing in its employees, strengthening operations, and delivering the reliable, high-quality solutions customers deserve. We look forward to providing management with the resources needed to secure the bright future we envision for the Company, its employees, customers and all stakeholders.” Balmoral’s investment underscores a commitment to strengthening Sheppard’s operational capabilities and driving improved performance. By prioritizing its employees, operational efficiency, and deeper customer partnerships, Sheppard is poised to elevate its role as a leader in steering solutions for the heavy-duty trucking industry. This renewed focus will not only build upon Sheppard’s trusted reputation but also position the company to capitalize on emerging opportunities for long-term, sustainable growth. About R.H. Sheppard R.H. Sheppard Co., Inc. is a leading North American provider of steering technologies for Class 5-8 trucks, delivering safety-critical steering solutions to support performance and reliability across the heavy-duty trucking industry. Headquartered in Hanover, PA, Sheppard operates a vertically integrated manufacturing base with facilities in Wytheville, VA, and Shelby Township, MI. About Balmoral Funds LLC Balmoral is a Los Angeles, CA based private equity fund that was founded in 2005. Balmoral’s objective is to be the financial partner of choice for entrepreneurial and successful C-suite executives and operating advisors creating transformative outcomes in the businesses they co-invest in together. Balmoral has approximately $1.3 billion of assets under management. Balmoral typically invests in companies that have revenues between $30 to $500 million and require equity investments of $10 to $120 million, with the capability of doing more in particularly compelling opportunities. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en/ CONTACT: Richard Levernier rlevernier@balmoralfunds.com KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TRUCKING AUTOMOTIVE GENERAL AUTOMOTIVE TRANSPORT FINANCE SOURCE: Balmoral Funds LLC Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM/DISC: 12/20/2024 01:33 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241220851230/en
Fox News contributor David Webb joined 'Fox & Friends First' to discuss anti-Israel protests on Thanksgiving in NYC, Biden's warning to journalists and Christian schools reportedly being targeted under Biden's Education Department. An anti-Israel convention that was recently held in a Chicago suburb offered advice to college students on how they could make their campus "Palestinian." The Free Press reported on the 17th Annual Convention for Palestine, which took place last week at the Tinley Park Convention Center, dubbing itself "the largest gathering for Palestine in the US" according to its website. There was a game called "Crisis Room" aimed at "figur[ing] out strategies" on how to combat an Israeli official appearing on their campus. "A war criminal is coming to your campus," Jenin Alharithi, a recent graduate of University of Illinois in Chicago who led the game, told the participants, according to the report . "What are you going to do?" ADL STUDY FINDS JEWISH JOBSEEKERS FACE SIGNIFICANT DISCRIMINATION IN US LABOR MARKET AHEAD OF NEW TRUMP ADMIN American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) hosts its 17th Annual Convention for Palestine, advocating for Palestine, in Tinley Park village of Illinois, United States on November 30, 2024. (Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images) A participant responded by saying the students should organize a protest and recruit demonstrators through the messaging app Telegram. Another raised concerns about accusations of antisemitism, suggesting the anti-Israel group Jewish Voice for Peace join the protest. "The first complaint is going to be ‘Oh, this is antisemitic,’ " she said. "I think we need like a JVP, or something like that, with Jewish people. We want White people, Jewish students there." AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL SLAMMED OVER REPORT CHARGING ISRAEL WITH GENOCIDE: ‘DOUBLE STANDARDS’ Hundreds gathered for the anti-Israel encampment at the University of Chicago last spring. (Joseph A. Wulfsohn/Fox News Digital) The convention was hosted by American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), a nonprofit the Free Press noted is currently under a congressional investigation over its alleged ties to Hamas. Among its speakers was Council on American-Islamic Relations executive director Nihad Awad, who sparked outrage last year when he said he was " happy to see " the terrorist attack unfold on October 7. Other sessions geared towards college students include "Make Your Campus Palestinian" to "amplify the voices of Palestinian students" and to effectively oppose "anti-Palestinianism." Another called "In Front of the Lens" trained them how to write press releases and address "tricky questions" from journalists like whether they "support terrorism" like Hamas. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS "I would say, ‘No, I do not support terrorism,’ and then I would go over the things that Israel does—I would say, ‘I do not support the eviction of innocent Palestinians, I do not support the shooting of Palestinian children,'" one participant responded. "You don’t want them to put you on the defensive. You have to put them on the defensive." There was also a session called "Bringing Activism to Professionalism" which taught students how they could integrate "Palestinian activism into their craft." Anti-Israel protesters disrupt the 98th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, U.S., November 28, 2024. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid (Reuters/Brendan McDermid) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP College campuses have had widespread anti-Israel protests following the events of Oct. 7. Last spring, student activists created encampments , causing tension with college administrators. More recently, a group of protesters temporarily disrupted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Joseph A. Wulfsohn is a media reporter for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to joseph.wulfsohn@fox.com and on Twitter: @JosephWulfsohn.
Ferguson names policy veteran as his budget director
No. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15
National Sports Festival heats up with group matches and quarterfinalsA former city employee and ward boss for Ald. Jim Gardiner pleaded guilty Thursday to a gun charge after prosecutors said he tried to sell an antique machine gun to an undercover ATF agent while he was on the clock for his Streets and Sanitation job. Charles Sikanich, 41, admitted to one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon, but the judgment is deferred per a program for first-time gun offenders. Judge Kenneth Wadas ordered him to a 12-month probation term and to perform community service. Sikanich was arrested by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents and Chicago police officers in April 2022 while continually making requests to allow him to contact Gardiner before he was placed in custody . Gardiner, who has had legal troubles of his own, represents the 45th Ward, which includes neighborhoods with a heavy presence of city employees on the Far Northwest Side. He has been the subject of an FBI probe reportedly around questions of whether he retaliated against constituents for political purposes, according to Tribune reporting. He has also been sued by constituents alleging wrongdoing in his role as an elected official. In February 2020, ATF investigators were tipped off by a confidential informant that Sikanich owned an MP 40 submachine gun and was interested in selling it. Sikanich asked the informant to find him a buyer, according to the Illinois attorney general’s office, which prosecuted the case. In May of that year, Sikanich met with the informant and an undercover ATF agent, and they tried to negotiate a sale price, authorities said. Agents staking out the meeting saw Sikanich arrive in his Department of Streets and Sanitation vehicle, prosecutors said. And time sheet records show he was on the clock at his city job during the time he allegedly was set to discuss the gun sale, according to prosecutors. In motion hearings throughout the past year, Sikanich’s attorneys have argued that the weapon was a non-operational war trophy and family heirloom. “If the state wants to charge anybody with a war relic, a war trophy today, what about all the cannons out in front of every VFW hall?” his attorney Jim McKay said at a motion hearing earlier this year. But Assistant Attorney General Jonas Harger countered that “whether they decided to hang it on the wall, it’s still a machine gun.” “I don’t care if General MacArthur himself gave it to his grandfather,” Harger said earlier this year.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / December 18, 2024 / Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV)(OTCQB:REVVF) ("Revolve" or the "Company"), a North American owner, operator and developer of renewable energy projects, announces the grant of Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") to the Company's directors effective December 16, 2024. A total of 300,957 DSUs have been granted under the Company's Deferred Share Unit Plan adopted on July 6, 2022. Each DSU entitles the holder to receive one share of the Company, or in certain circumstances a cash payment equal to the value of one share of the Company, at the time the holder ceases to be a director of the Company. The DSUs vest one year from the date of grant and have been granted for the first quarter (Q1 2025) at a price of C$0.31 per share. The Company issues DSUs at the end of each quarter in lieu of cash director's fees. Additionally, the Company had granted incentive stock options for an aggregate of 500,000 common shares, subject to regulatory approval, to Michael Clark following his appointment as CEO effective November 6, 2024, under the stock option plan approved at the Annual and Special Meeting held on December 5, 2024. The stock options are exercisable at a price of $0.50 per share per share. The options will vest one year from the date of grant and will expire December 16, 2027. A maximum of 10% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares are reserved for issuance under the Company's 10% stock option plan. The options, and any common shares issued upon exercise of the stock options, are subject to a four-month resale restriction. For further information contact: Myke Clark, CEO IR@revolve-renewablepower.com 778-372-8499 About Revolve Revolve was formed in 2012 to capitalize on the growing global demand for renewable power. Revolve develops utility-scale wind, solar, hydro and battery storage projects in the US, Canada and Mexico. The Company has a second division, Revolve Renewable Business Solutions which installs and operates sub 20MW "behind the meter" distributed generation (or "DG") assets. Revolve's portfolio includes the following: Operating Assets: 11MW (net) of operating assets under long term power purchase agreements across Canada and Mexico covering wind, solar, battery storage and hydro generation; Under Construction: a 3MW CHP project and a 450kWp rooftop solar project that are both under construction and expected to be operational in 2025; and Development: a diverse portfolio of utility scale development projects across the US, Canada and Mexico with a combined capacity of over 3,000MWs as well as a 140MW+ distributed generation portfolio that is under development. Revolve has an accomplished management team with a demonstrated track record of taking projects from "greenfield" through to "ready to build" status and successfully concluding project sales to large operators of utility-scale renewable energy projects. To-date, Revolve has developed and sold over 1,550MW of projects. Going forward, Revolve is targeting 5,000MW of utility-scale projects under development in the US, Canada and Mexico, and in parallel is rapidly growing its portfolio of revenue-generating DG assets. Forward-Looking Information The forward-looking statements contained in this news release constitute ‘‘forward-looking information'' within the meaning of applicable securities laws in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the respective policies, regulations and rules under such laws and ‘‘forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, ‘‘forward-looking statements"). The words "will", "expects", "estimates", "projections", "forecast", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "targets" (and grammatical variations of such terms) and similar expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the proposed acquisition of the Project. This forward-looking information and other forward-looking information are based on our opinions, estimates and assumptions considering our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that we currently believe are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Despite a careful process to prepare and review the forward-looking information, there can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Material factors underlying forward-looking information and management's expectations include: the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals; the absence of material adverse regulatory decisions being received and the expectation of regulatory stability; the absence of any material equipment breakdown or failure; availability of financing on commercially reasonable terms and the stability of credit ratings of the Company and its subsidiaries; the absence of unexpected material liabilities or uninsured losses; the continued availability of commodity supplies and stability of commodity prices; the absence of interest rate increases or significant currency exchange rate fluctuations; the absence of significant operational, financial or supply chain disruptions or liability, including relating to import controls and tariffs; the continued ability to maintain systems and facilities to ensure their continued performance; the absence of a severe and prolonged downturn in general economic, credit, social or market conditions; the successful and timely development and construction of new projects; the absence of capital project or financing cost overruns; sufficient liquidity and capital resources; the continuation of long term weather patterns and trends; the absence of significant counterparty defaults; the continued competitiveness of electricity pricing when compared with alternative sources of energy; the realization of the anticipated benefits of the Company's acquisitions and joint ventures; the absence of a change in applicable laws, political conditions, public policies and directions by governments, materially negatively affecting the Company; the ability to obtain and maintain licenses and permits; maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; the absence of material fluctuations in market energy prices; the absence of material disputes with taxation authorities or changes to applicable tax laws; continued maintenance of information technology infrastructure and the absence of a material breach of cybersecurity; the successful implementation of new information technology systems and infrastructure; favourable relations with external stakeholders; our ability to retain key personnel; our ability to maintain and expand distribution capabilities; and our ability to continue investing in infrastructure to support our growth. Such uncertainties and risks may include, among others, market conditions, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required regulatory approvals in a timely fashion, or at all; the availability of financing, fluctuating prices, the possibility of project cost overruns, mechanical failure, unavailability of parts and supplies, labour disturbances, interruption in transportation or utilities, adverse weather conditions, and unanticipated costs and expenses, variations in the cost of energy or materials or supplies or environmental impacts on operations, disruptions to the Company's supply chains; changes to regulatory environment, including interpretation of production tax credits; armed hostilities and geopolitical conflicts; risks related to the development and potential development of the Company's projects; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; the availability of tax incentives in connection with the development of renewable energy projects and the sale of electrical energy; as well as those factors discussed in the sections relating to risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca . There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers are cautioned that given these risks, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of their dates. Other than as specifically required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent or otherwise. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company does not undertake to update this information at any time except as required in accordance with applicable laws. "Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release." SOURCE: Revolve Renewable Power Corp. View the original on accesswire.com
Intel has detailed major updates in the quest to improve performance of its ill-fated Core Ultra 200 Arrow Lake processors that were released back in October. The inconsistent performance at times saw them perform slower that older models with some very questionable results, especially in games. However, it has released a long list of fixes that could improve performance by up to 30%. What were the problems with Intel's Core Ultra 200 processors? There are no fewer than eight problems identified as causes of poor performance in reviewers' test systems back in October and these have largely been addressed in recent weeks via Windows updates as well as game patches and motherboard BIOS updates. Intel claims significant performance updates are here and more are coming for its troubled Core ... [+] Ultra 200 processors In short, practically everything that could have gone wrong, did go wrong in terms of launch performance with everything from increased memory latency, PCIe resizable BAR performance and its own Application Performance Optimizer (APO) all contributing to what Intel claims is a significant loss in performance as well consistency. That's certainly what reviewers saw at launch and some games such as Cyberpunk 2077 were catastrophically underperforming. The Fed’s ‘Biggest Nightmare’ Is Suddenly Coming True As Bitcoin Price Surges Elon Musk Xmail Teaser Poses New Threat For Billions Of Gmail Users Mystery Drones Saga: President Biden Calls Sightings ‘Nothing Nefarious, Apparently’ (Updated) Intel Core Ultra 200 performance updates Intel has detailed the various symptoms, causes and fixes of performance issues with its Core Ultra ... [+] 200 desktop processors The fixes actually come in four parts. Firstly, Windows 11 update KB5044384, new BIOS updates currently available for Z890 motherboards, an updated anti-cheap driver provided by Epic Games to fix stability issues and finally, another round of motherboard BIOS updates set to land in January 2025. Intel Core Ultra 200 Windows 11 update KB5044384 Fixes provided in this update impact several issues reported by Intel. Firstly the processor power management (PPM) in Windows was not fully optimized for the new Core Ultra 200 processors due to Intel releasing this update to coincide with retail availability of the products, potentially leaving reviewers with generic PPM profiles in their systems. According to Intel, missing, incomplete, or malfunctioning PPM can affect CPU frequency, core parking, C-State latency and memory latency that could contribute massively to not just lower than expected performance, but highly variable performance too. Intel estimates this affected performance anywhere from 6% to 30% and included single-threaded as well as multi-threaded performance. In addition, Intel's Application Performance Optimizer, a software-level feature that amongst other things ensures demanding tasks such as games threads are sent to higher-performing cores on a CPU, may not have been working properly. This could mean that game threads were sent to lower power E-cores or otherwise not given priority and sent to higher-performing P-cores. This issue too has apparently been fixed in update KB5044384 , which you can get via Windows Update and could add up to 14% more performance. Intel Core Ultra 200 - New BIOS updates When reviewers test CPUs, they'll usually set the correct memory frequency and make sure the CPU performance profile is correctly configured, but other settings are usually left as they are. This is on the assumption that performance-boosting settings such as PCIe resizable BAR are configured properly as standard - in the case of resizable-BAR this has been set to enabled as standard for a number of years. CPU-specific options such as compute tile ring frequency and memory controller ratio or 'gear' are also usually configured for optimate default performance. According to Intel, though, some of these settings may not have been set correctly in the BIOS, for example being disabled when they should have been enabled. It's reasonable here for any reviewer to assume that Resizable-BAR would be enabled out of the box as it usually is so it's possible some may have missed the fact it was disabled if in fact it was. The latest BIOS updates will make sure these settings are configured properly and you can get them by visiting the support page of your specific motherboard model. Intel Core Ultra 200 - January will see further fixes Intel Core Ultra 200 processors will receive additional new BIOS versions in the first half of January that will add additional performance, citing single-digit performance benefits across 35 games. The BIOS versions to watch out for are those including microcode update 0x114 with the final update including Intel CSME Firmware Kit 19.0.0.1854v2 and Windows 11 26100.2314 or newer.Victors Home Solutions has been recognized as 2024 Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year DETROIT , Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 5th, 2024 , Victors Home Solutions was awarded the title of Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year at the Best of Success conference in Bonita Springs, FL. At this conference, Victors Home Solutions, which has been in business since 2008, received the award for Residential Roofing Contractor of the Year. Victor Smolyanov , Founder and CEO, attributes much of his success to the opportunity to give back to the communities in which he operates: "Last year we were blessed to give away 23 roofs, and this year it's going to be 40, and that has a huge impact," he said. "For us, it's one out of 4,000 roofs, but for them, it's potentially a life-changing event, allowing them to live more comfortably without having to worry about moving their bed when it rains or having a tarp on." This marks the 20th year of the conference, and it is said to be a must-attend event for roofing professionals. In addition to the amenities available on-site, there are many opportunities for education, exploration of new roofing technologies, and networking with top organizations in the roofing industry, such as Victors Home Solutions. Victors Home Solutions is recognized for their impact on local communities through their Give Back program. A program that has provided many with a roof over their heads. For every 100 roof replacements installed, Victors will provide one local family in need with a roof replacement at no cost. To nominate someone you know, click here . About Victors Home Solutions Victors Home Solutions has provided premier residential roofing and home improvement services to Michigan , Ohio , Kentucky , New Jersey , Illinois , and Pennsylvania communities for over 15 years. Victors' commitment to quality workmanship and integrity, along with his passion for roofing, has made Victors Home Solutions the highest ranked roofing company in Michigan . With over 200 employees and eight locations, Victors is at the forefront and stands poised to revolutionize the roofing and home improvement industries. For more information, visit Victors.com . Media Contact: Jake Tilk j.tilk@victors.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/victors-home-solutions-recognized-as-2024-roofing-contractor-of-the-year-302337604.html SOURCE Victors Home Solutions
The Lovesac Company Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Conference Call Date
Nuclear exceptionalism In April 2024, three Chinese and one Belarusian company were sanctioned for exporting missile-enabling technology to Pakistan Pakistani military personnel stand beside a Shaheen III surface-to-surface ballistic missile during Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad, Pakistan March 23, 2019. — Reuters The US has imposed sanctions on four entities allegedly involved in nuclear proliferation. These include the National Development Complex (NDC) and three Karachi-based companies: Affiliates International, Akhtar and Sons Private Limited, and Rockside Enterprise. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); In April 2024, three Chinese companies and one Belarusian company were sanctioned for exporting missile-enabling technology to Pakistan. More recently, in September, a Chinese research institute and several other companies were sanctioned on similar grounds. Following the announcement of these sanctions, US government spokesperson Matthew Miller warned that the US would not hesitate to sanction even its allies over disagreements concerning security concerns. However, one cannot help but question why this security concern is not applied universally to other nations with similar profiles. The US deputy national security adviser, speaking at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace forum, claimed that Pakistan has developed sophisticated missile technology capable of enabling larger rocket motors, potentially extending the range of its missiles beyond South Asia – even reaching the US. To any unbiased observer, this concern might seem paranoid unless it were applied consistently and based on principles that hold all nations accountable without exceptions. Pakistan has repeatedly conveyed its nuclear intentions to the US, citing its serious security concerns vis-a-vis a larger adversary in the subcontinental conflict equation. This adversary is heavily armed with nuclear weapons and remains fixated on dismembering Pakistan further, as it did in 1971. The US strategy of recruiting India as a regional gendarme to counterbalance China may backfire when push comes to shove. India has mastered the art of playing both sides, skillfully leveraging global powers' fears to extract concessions for itself. It projects itself as a regional bulwark against Chinese expansion while simultaneously engaging in strategic relationships with both China and Russia – two of the primary adversaries of the US. India has long been indulged in nuclear and missile development domains. In 2008, it received a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) restrictions, effectively exempting it from rules that apply to nuclear export controls for countries outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This is particularly galling to morality-conscious members of the global community, given that the NSG itself was created in response to India’s 1974 nuclear test, ironically named ‘Smiling Buddha’. An even greater deviation from the rules-based order occurred in 2016, when India was granted membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), despite its history of lax nuclear export controls. India continues to avoid adopting comprehensive International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards for its nuclear facilities and remains evasive on nuclear liability laws. It has repeatedly failed to control the illegal smuggling of fissile materials. As recently as August 2024, a gang was caught in illegal possession of highly radioactive material – californium – worth $100 million, echoing three similar incidents in 2021. The recurrent imposition of sanctions on Pakistan appears to stem from a misplaced ‘range phobia’ in the US. Rooted in the paranoia of its Indian and other allies, this policy unfairly targets Pakistan. Meanwhile, India’s development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), such as the Agni V with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres, raises no alarms among the so-called international security community. In contrast, Pakistan’s longest-range ballistic missile, the Shaheen III, has a range of 2,750 kilometres, explicitly designed as a deterrent against specific threats. It poses no danger to any other country, including US allies. The US must understand that its allies might be misleading it into adopting a coercive policy that risks alienating an erstwhile partner. Despite its disappointments, Pakistan has consistently expressed a desire to maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with the US. The international community must also recognise that unchecked nuclear, ballistic missile defence (BMD), and missile technology support for India, coupled with unjust sanctions against Pakistan, undermine the stability of nuclear deterrence in South Asia. This imbalance threatens to ignite a renewed arms race and increases the risk of conflicts escalating uncontrollably. Granting nuclear exceptionalism to one party in the deterrence equation poses significant risks to regional and global stability. This lesson must be internalised by global powers. History has shown that the unfair application of sanctions regimes rarely achieves their intended outcomes. Instead, such measures often strengthen the resolve of the sanctioned nations to circumvent these inequitable restrictions. Domestically, it is crucial for Pakistan’s detractors and uninformed segments of society to grasp the importance of social cohesion and national resolve. A coordinated barrage of negative propaganda targeting the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities – and the associated costs – must be met with clarity and unity. Social media platforms, in particular, have become fertile ground for such campaigns. However, the lessons from countries like Libya, Iraq, and Syria serve as stark reminders of the consequences of abandoning a robust defence posture. These nations, despite their material and human wealth, now lie in ruins. The cost of liberty and sovereignty far outweighs the price of maintaining a credible strategic deterrent. Pakistan’s nuclear and missile programmes are not driven by aggression but by the fundamental need to secure its sovereignty against existential threats. Any coercive policies aimed at undermining this capability will not only fail but may also exacerbate regional instability. For the sake of global peace, it is imperative that international policies be guided by fairness, consistency, and a genuine commitment to equitable treatment for all nations. The writer is a security and defence analyst. He can be reached at: rwjanj@hotmail.com
IoT in Healthcare Market Unidentified Segments - The Biggest Opportunity Of 2024China to help Pakistan in blue economy: PM PM praises dedication and professionalism of Navy’s officers and personnel in protecting country’s maritime boundaries LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that China will help Pakistan in blue economy, adding that Beijing will send a team to explore the natural resources under the Pakistani sea. Addressing the closing session of the 7th National Maritime Security Workshop (MARSEW) at the Navy War College in Lahore as a chief guest, the prime minister lauded the Pakistan Navy’s unwavering commitment to contribute to the development of the country and its significant role to the national security, saying that the Navy was fully prepared to ensure the defence of the maritime boundaries of the country. The premier emphasised the strategic importance of maritime security and the blue economy, commending the Navy’s exceptional capabilities in addressing diverse challenges. He praised the dedication and professionalism of the Navy’s officers and personnel in protecting the country’s maritime boundaries. “The blue economy holds central importance in today’s world,” he remarked, highlighting Pakistan Navy’s proactive measures to harness maritime resources for the nation’s development. He also acknowledged China as a vital partner, expressing gratitude for its steadfast cooperation in the maritime domain. Shehbaz underscored the critical link between economic prosperity and the efficient utilisation of the blue economy, saying that Gwadar Port was considered a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic future due to its strategic location, economic potential, and its role in the development of regional trade and connectivity. He expressed government’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism from all over Pakistan as it did in 2018. He paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces for their great sacrifices during anti-terrorism operations. He told the participants that Apex Committee meetings were being held regularly aimed to ensuring peace and security in the country. He expressed a strong commitment to leveraging maritime resources for economic progress and enhancing national security. He termed the role of Gawadar Port very important in the blue economy and it must be prepared to facilitate the importers and exporters. He added that Karachi Port Trust must be equipped with the modern technology to execute the loading and unloading consignments from across the world. He was of the view that real estate business was not the domain of Port Trust and the professional approach could steer this institution towards its real commercial scope in the blue economy. He highlighted the importance of National Shipping Corporation and vowed to re-establish it in accordance with the commercial needs. The prime minister said that Pakistan had full of talent and resources, adding that this potential should be utilised to get rid of the debt. Earlier, the chief guest, upon his arrival at PN War College, was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. In his welcome address, Pakistan Navy War College Commandant Rear Admiral Azhar Mahmood provided an overview of workshop’s activities. Later, a panel of participants presented a paper containing recommendations for a National Maritime Policy. The panel analysed the maritime environment, highlighting its impact on national security and economic prosperity, and proposed measures to address challenges and capitalise on opportunities. The Maritime Security Workshop was an annual event organised by the Pakistan Navy to enhance understanding of maritime security dynamics, create awareness about blue economy, and explore Pakistan’s untapped maritime potential. Participants included parliamentarians, policymakers, bureaucrats, academics, entrepreneurs, armed forces officers and media representatives.Here's what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks
Canada is set to enact its first-ever countrywide ban on use of captive elephants and great apes in entertainment, bringing an end to the mistreatment of these animals in the circus setting. The bill is likely to be ‘historic’ from a global perspective, since the legislation would make Canada a trailblazer in captive animal welfare. This news follows Bill S-15 passing its Third Reading in the Senate and it now moves onto the House of Commons. The campaign group Humane Society International/Canada is calling on Members of Parliament to urgently pass this government-sponsored bill before the next election. Bill S-15 aims to protect elephants and great apes by prohibiting their breeding, possession, or use for entertainment, and by restricting their import and export to ethically justified cases. In a build up to the legislation and in recognition of the cruelty inherent in elephant captivity, zoos around the world, including the Toronto Zoo and the Calgary Zoo, have retired their elephants, and 22 global elephant experts expressed their support for banning elephant captivity in Canada. If passed, the legislation would mark significant progress for wild animal protection in Canada, building upon the 2019 passage of Bill S-203, legislation to end the captivity of cetaceans for entertainment as well as their trade, possession, capture and breeding, and the federal government’s historic 2023 ban of elephant ivory and rhinoceros horn trade. Approximately 30 great apes and over 20 elephants remain in captivity in Canada, including Lucy, a lone elephant at the Edmonton Valley Zoo who has languished in isolation since 2007. While elephants in the wild form lifelong familial bonds, captive elephants are often isolated or live in artificial social units, with bonds frequently broken when moved between facilities. It also stands that the average lifespan of a wild elephant is 60-70 years, while captive elephants rarely survive past 40 years due to chronic health issues like tuberculosis, arthritis, and foot abscesses. Similarly for apes. Heart disease, due to poor diet and lack of activity, is the leading cause of death for captive apes, killing over 40% of male gorillas in North American zoos. Kelly Butler, senior campaign manager at HSI/Canada, states : “There is overwhelming evidence that it is impossible to meet the complex biological, psychological and social needs of great apes and elephants in captivity. Accordingly, Bill S-15 was put forward to end future captivity of these majestic animals and bring government policy in line with the best available science and Canadian values. We applaud the Senate for passing this bill and urge the House of Commons to prioritize its rapid progression.” There are many reasons to support the ban , not least because elephants and great apes are exceptionally intelligent and social animals who require large areas to roam, extremely high levels of stimulation, opportunities to form social relationships, and appropriate climates. Zoos in Canada are fundamentally unable to fully meet these requirements, leading to significant physical and psychological distress for these species in such facilities. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Samsung Odyssey G8 (G80SD) Gaming Monitor Review