DUBAI EMERGING AS A TECHNOLOGY HOTSPOT IN THE WORLD – Economic Times

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Dubais commitment and investment towards creating a knowledge and innovation-based economy has steadily borne fruit, especially in the current environment driven by the Covid pandemic.

From the use of AI in multiple sectors to smart devices to 3-D printing technology, Dubais emphasis on innovation has made the Emirate one of the global technology and innovation hubs and a case study on how investment in the sphere of technology can propel economic growth despite a multitude of challenges.

The ubiquitous use of smart helmets by Dubai police that allows scanning the temperatures of hundreds of people within a few minutes is one novel initiative that amplifies Emirates ability to leverage technology in dealing with a pandemic-like crisis. These helmets have thermal sensors and it can record the temperatures of up to 200 people per minute, say police officers deployed on special pandemic duty. These intelligent helmets, according to them, have two cameras and provide infrafred thermal images from a distance of 5 meters. We can easily detect those with high temperatures and shift them to the nearest medical facility with the help of paramedics, they point out.

Dubais weapon against Covid-19 is not confined to smart helmets alone. It also used 3D printing technology to manufacture low-cost face shields which played a huge role in arresting the spread of the novel coronavirus. Immensa Labs, headquartered in Dubai, and an undisputed leader in the MENA region in additive manufacture has been on the forefront of Dubais fight against Covid-19 by manufacturing and supplying face shields.

It all started in March when Immensa CEO Fahmi Al Shwaa discovered that some people were putting up higher prices for face shields taking advantage of the shortage in supply. One morning around 11, he asked us whether we could do something about it. And, by evening we 3D printed 10 units of face shields, recalls Immensa COO Axel Fernandes in an interview with ET NOW. The doctors who saw the product, needless to say, were greatly impressed. From March till now, we started off with doctors, institutions and hospitals and we went from manufacturing 10 units to a couple of millions within a short duration of time and that was possible only because of 3D printing, adds Fernandes.

Construction and logistics are two sectors which are very good examples for the adoption of 3D printing for disruption and Immensa focuses a lot on construction sector and offers customized tooling and moulds for the precast industry. 3D printing, Fernandes says, in fact can add a lot of value to the pandemic-hit logistics sector in the form of distributed manufacturing.

If smart helmets helped in the early detection of people with Covid-19 symptoms, production and supply of masks in sufficient quantity went a long way in preventing the spread of the virus. Chairman Darb Technologies Thani Al Falasi concurs and says the technology such as ALHOSN UAE an App rolled out by Dubai Health Authority - which lets one know his result through a simple sms notification, has played a crucial role in controlling the pandemic. The app, he says, also helps one understand where and how one got infected and detects if an individual has been in close proximity to someone who had contact with someone infected with Covid-19.

Doing laser testing instead of nasal swabbing is another factor that sped up results. But, Emirates ID in my opinion is the key to success, having all your data in one place helps the government in getting information about a person very easily.

Darb Technologies established in 2015 for SME development provides software and hardware solutions to government and enterprise segments in the UAE and it is one among numerous other firms with a strong technology base aligning with Dubais ambition to position itself as a knowledge-driven economy.

Dubais thrust on technology in taking the novel coronavirus head on reflected further when Dubai Future Foundation in April launched One Million Arab Coders Covid-19 Hackathon. Themed Coders versus Corona, the Hackathon carried a prize money of $50,000 for 5 teams that presented innovative solutions to the challenges stemming from the Covid-19 outbreak.

Experts predict the demand for advanced technology services would go up in the region. This is especially so in the case of Dubai and UAE which have used AI, big data and internet-connected devices and continue to encourage SMEs and organizations in these fields to establish their presence in the region. You should know that UAE is the first country with AI minister and the country has set a large vision to take leadership position in the post-Covid markets globally, says Sajithkumar P.K. CEO and MD, IBMC Financial Professionals Group which recently launched from UAE the worlds first gold digital asset and currency in tie up with US Gold Currency.

The way Dubai used technology to fight Covid-19 does not surprise Sajithkumar because the Emirate has been going big on tech startups. There are a number of initiatives to position Dubai as a knowledge-driven economy. Silicon Oasis and other free zones provide AI, IoT and Fintech based business supports. So, Dubais leaning on technology to fight Covid-19 was on expected lines, he asserts.

The right ecosystem already created by Dubai for startups and SMEs will stand it in good stead in the post-Covid situation and as Fernandes says Dubai is the place especially for Indian startups and SMEs because they are known for innovation and expertise. Fernandes, in particular, sees tremendous growth opportunities for 3D printing sector in Dubai. This technology can be used in various sectors including the most mature medical industry. You can actually use 3D printing especially for mandables craniomaxillofacial, sternum replacement and hip joint replacement implants and these are high on demand because they are a perfect match for 3D printing, he concludes.

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of DTCM by Mediawire team.

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DUBAI EMERGING AS A TECHNOLOGY HOTSPOT IN THE WORLD - Economic Times

Dairyland Labs, ServiTech collaborate on feed testing technology – Feedstuffs

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ServiTech Inc. and Dairyland Laboratories Inc. have announced a strengthened laboratory partnership for serving the beef and dairy industry.

Building on a relationship that has been focused primarily on beef production within the ServiTech footprint, both laboratories are committing to an expanded level of service and feed science for the growing number of dairy herds in the High Plains and southwestern U.S. Benefits to the customer include seamless sample drop-off, submission and reporting from both labs, the announcement said.

ServiTech has three strategically located laboratory locations in geographies with growing dairy herds, ServiTech president and chief executive officer Greg Ruehle said. Dairyland Labs rich history and commitment to science commands respect in the dairy feed testing space, and we are very excited about this new partnership moving forward. Its a win for both labs and, ultimately, a win for producers within the ServiTech service area.

The agreement allows laboratory users the flexibility to ship to or drop off feedstuff samples at any ServiTech laboratory location while still being able to access the experts at Dairyland. ServiTech will process samples and run near-infrared (NIR) spectral scans. The NIR spectral scans will be predicted using the Dairyland proprietary calibrations, which are the most robust in the industry, the companies said. The customer may choose to view test results online through an account with either laboratory.

The new strengthened laboratory partnership builds on the analytical strengths of both companies, Dairyland Labs president Dave Taysom said. This unique relationship between ServiTech and Dairyland will provide real value in analytical services for the beef and dairy industry. We are excited to get started.

Started in 1975, ServiTech is among nation's largest crop consulting firms and agricultural laboratories.

Dairyland Labs is an independent agriculture testing laboratory that provides timely, comprehensive and accurate analysis. Established in 1958, Dairyland is a leader in NIR technology and calibrations.

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Dairyland Labs, ServiTech collaborate on feed testing technology - Feedstuffs

Alarming Array of Contaminants Found in Seafood – Technology Networks

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The first landmark study using next-generation technology to comprehensively examine contaminants in oysters in Myanmar reveals alarming findings: the widespread presence of human bacterial pathogens and human-derived microdebris materials, including plastics, kerosene, paint, talc and milk supplement powders.

The study led by scientists from the University of California, Irvine, in collaboration with Environmental Defense Fund, Cornell University and the University of Queensland was conducted in the eastern Andaman Sea through partnerships with local researchers in Myanmar in the densely populated but still rural Tanintharyi region. The study concludes that coastal urbanization and lack of sewage treatment increases contamination in seafood and can cause potential health risks to humans, even large distances from pollution sources.

Study results appear in Science of the Total Environment.

The area covered by the study spanned nine coral reefs off Myanmars Mergui Archipelago, situated roughly 40 miles from Myeik, a city with a population of over 250,000 people. The study examined contaminants in seawater and in oysters using next-generation DNA sequencing to reveal 5,459 potential human pathogens belonging to 87 species of bacteria. More than half of these pathogens are considered detrimental to human health. In addition, the scientists used infrared spectroscopy to examine individual microdebris particles found in the oysters. Of the 1,225 individual microdebris particles examined, 78 different types of contaminant materials were found.

While 48 percent of the microparticles were microplastics a finding representative across numerous ocean ecosystems many other particles were not plastic and originated from a variety of human-derived materials that are constituents of fuels, paints and cosmetics, said senior author Joleah Lamb, assistant professor of ecology & evolutionary biology at UCI. We were particularly surprised to find three different brands of milk powder formula, which comprised 14 percent of the microdebris contaminants.

Both types of contaminants pathogens and microparticles reflect the pervasive presence of sewage and runoff from human and animal sources. The implications for other coastal regions are significant, since coastal marine environments worldwide are being increasingly subjected to reduced water quality from urbanization that could be leading to the contamination of important fishery species on a global scale.

Implications for human health are also significant. Oysters in this region and elsewhere are part of the local diet and typically consumed raw and whole. The contaminants found in this study indicate that even the Mergui Archipelago in largely rural Myanmar has significant and widespread pollution from runoff of agricultural and human waste that can affect downstream food sources over a wide area far from urban centers.

Today more than half of seafood exports by value originate in developing countries, raising more general concerns about local food safety and food security worldwide.

Its important to keep in mind that much of our seafood is imported from overseas, from places that may be contaminated, emphasizing the importance of both adequate testing and improvements to coastal water quality worldwide, said lead author Raechel Littman, a postdoctoral scholar in ecology & evolutionary biology at UCI.

Apart from human bacterial pathogens, the predominance of microplastics and other types of microparticles present in seafood could have implications for both the environment and human health.

Scientists are only beginning to explore the human health consequences from consuming microplastics, said Lamb.

Many plastic particles can carry toxins, such as persistent organic pollutants, or POPs, like dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and bisphenol A (BPA), that subsequently enter the ocean and marine food webs, and can eventually be transferred to people through food. Therefore, the uptake of microplastics in the marine environment could have far-reaching consequences for human consumption of seafood and can be an emerging risk to public health globally.

Also concerning is that over half of the microdebris contaminants detected in the Myanmar oyster tissues were composed of non-polymer materials that can be harmful to human health if ingested, such as kerosene, saponin and talc. Moreover, the prominence of milk supplement detected suggests a direct fecal-oral link between human waste and sewage making its way back into the food chain, thereby elevating the risk of contamination or disease transmission.

This study in important in its global implications. There is strong evidence of transferability of the findings from Myanmar to other seafood sources around the world, said Douglas Rader, chief scientist for the EDF Oceans program and collaborator on this study. These findings highlight both the risks of coastal urbanization and the importance of adequate wastewater and stormwater management. It also shows clearly the need for better science related to the potential impacts of these contaminants, and the need for better testing programs so that seafood consumers can rely on its wholesomeness.

ReferenceLittman, R. Coastal urbanization influences human pathogens and microdebris contamination in seafood.Science of The Total Environment, Volume 736, 20 September 2020, 139081,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139081

This article has been republished from the following materials. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

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Alarming Array of Contaminants Found in Seafood - Technology Networks

Several new technologies are rolling out to help keep things clean and sanitized – WHNT News 19

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Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, restaurants and businesses are stepping up their cleanliness in order to protect both their customers and employees. Some are using new technology, including the owner of several Dairy Queen franchises across Madison County.

He is using a new handwashing technology to make sure that when you come by for an ice cream cone, that is the only thing you are getting.

A company called PathSpot Technologies launched the device that uses a special light to scan for contaminants on your hands.

Employees go to the sink, wash their hands, scrub their fingers and then they scan their hands under the light. The machine lets them know if there are any contaminants lingering around.

It can catch areas people tend to miss, like on your wrists or fingertips.

This isnt the only new technology coming out of the gates since COVID-19. JetBlue is experimenting with the use of a high tech UV light system to keep its planes clear of COVID-19.

A Birmingham company called Sanitizit has also created a cleaning system that sanitizes grocery carts.

And according to ZipRecruiter, the pandemic has also caused a spike in demand for cleaners.

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Several new technologies are rolling out to help keep things clean and sanitized - WHNT News 19

Itron to Present at Oppenheimer’s 23rd Annual Technology, Internet and Communications Conference and Canaccord Genuity’s 40th Annual Growth Conference…

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LIBERTY LAKE, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Itron, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITRI), which is innovating the way utilities and cities manage energy and water, announced today that Joan Hooper, Itrons senior vice president and chief financial officer, will present at Oppenheimers 23rd Annual Technology, Internet and Communications conference on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020 at 2:40 p.m. EDT. In addition, John Marcolini, Itrons senior vice president for networked solutions, will present on a panel focused on the post-pandemic power grid at Canaccord Genuitys 40th Annual Growth Conference on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

The investor presentation and live webcasts of both events will be accessible on Itrons Investor Relations website at http://investors.itron.com/events.cfm. A replay of each webcast will be available for 30 days following the events.

About Itron

Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions to communities in more than 100 countries. Our portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters and sensors helps our customers better manage electricity, gas and water resources for the people they serve. By working with our customers to ensure their success, we help improve the quality of life, ensure the safety and promote the well-being of millions of people around the globe. Itron is dedicated to creating a more resourceful world. Join us: http://www.itron.com.

Itron is a registered trademark of Itron, Inc. All third-party trademarks are property of their respective owners and any usage herein does not suggest or imply any relationship between Itron and the third party unless expressly stated.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within in the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our expectations about revenues, operations, financial performance, earnings, earnings per share, cash flows and restructuring activities including headcount reductions and other cost savings initiatives. Although we believe the estimates and assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, any of these estimates or assumptions could prove to be inaccurate and the forward-looking statements based on these estimates and assumptions could be incorrect. Our operations involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, and any one of which, or a combination of which, could materially affect our results of operations and whether the forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be correct. Actual results and trends in the future may differ materially from those suggested or implied by the forward-looking statements depending on a variety of factors. Some of the factors that we believe could affect our results include our ability to execute on our restructuring plan, our ability to achieve estimated cost savings, the rate and timing of customer demand for our products, rescheduling of current customer orders, changes in estimated liabilities for product warranties, adverse impacts of litigation, changes in laws and regulations, our dependence on new product development and intellectual property, future acquisitions, changes in estimates for stock-based and bonus compensation, increasing volatility in foreign exchange rates, international business risks and other factors that are more fully described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Itron undertakes no obligation to update or revise any information in this press release.

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Breast Imaging Market Research Report by Technology, by End User – Global Forecast to 2025 – Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 – GlobeNewswire

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New York, July 30, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Breast Imaging Market Research Report by Technology, by End User - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05939979/?utm_source=GNW

The Global Breast Imaging Market is expected to grow from USD 3,512.88 Million in 2019 to USD 5,819.93 Million by the end of 2025 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.77%.

Market Segmentation & Coverage:This research report categorizes the Breast Imaging to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:

"The Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on Technology, the Breast Imaging Market studied across Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology and Non-Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology. The Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology further studied across 3D Breast Tomosynthesis, Analog Mammography, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Full-Field Digital Mammography, Molecular Breast Imaging/Breast-Specific Gamma Imaging, Positron Emission Mammography, and Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography. The Non-Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology further studied across Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound, Breast MRI, Breast Thermography, Breast Ultrasound, and Optical Imaging. The Non-Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology commanded the largest size in the Breast Imaging Market in 2019. On the other hand, the Ionizing Breast Imaging Technology is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

"The Diagnostic Center is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on End User, the Breast Imaging Market studied across Diagnostic Center, Hospital, and Breast Care Center. The Hospital commanded the largest size in the Breast Imaging Market in 2019. On the other hand, the Diagnostic Center is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

"The Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on Geography, the Breast Imaging Market studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas region surveyed across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific region surveyed across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region surveyed across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. The Americas commanded the largest size in the Breast Imaging Market in 2019. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Company Usability Profiles:The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Breast Imaging Market including Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc., CMR Naviscan Corporation, Delphinus Medical Technologies, Inc., Dilon Technologies, Inc., Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, GE Healthcare, Hologic, Inc., KUB Technologies Inc., Micrima Limited, Philips Healthcare, Planmed Oy, Shimadzu Corporation, Siemens Healthineers AG, Sonocin, Inc., and SuperSonic Imagine SA.

FPNV Positioning Matrix:The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Breast Imaging Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.

Competitive Strategic Window:The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth.

Cumulative Impact of COVID-19:COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, so for and, the long-term effects projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlaying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report is delivering insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments

The report answers questions such as:1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Breast Imaging Market?2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Breast Imaging Market during the forecast period?3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Breast Imaging Market?4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Breast Imaging Market?5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Breast Imaging Market?6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Breast Imaging Market?Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05939979/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Breast Imaging Market Research Report by Technology, by End User - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 - GlobeNewswire

GGRAsia Small steps fortnightly key to Macau rebound: Jefferies – GGRAsia

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Jul 31, 2020 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck 

Investors are now understanding the return of meaningful tourism volume in the Macau market is likely to involve small steps every two weeks on the part of the Chinese authorities in terms of relaxation of mainlandtravel policy relative to Macau said a Thursday memo from JefferiesHong Kong Ltd.

Possible clues had been provided by a phase of easing that beganon July 15, via a relaxation of quarantine conditions for travel from Macau to nine cities in the neighbouring Chinese mainland province of Guangdong, which was then extended to the whole of the provincea fortnight later.

The Macau recovery remains dependent on IVS [Individual Visit Scheme], but we expect this to be a gradual and phased reissuance on an individual Chinese city-by-city within each province, said Hong Kong-based analyst Andrew Lee.

He added thatGuangdongis key,given theprovince accounted for46percentand 55percent respectivelyof 2019 andfirst-half 2020mainlandChinese visitors to Macau, with73 percent and 69 percent respectively,of2019 and first-half 2020Guangdongvisitors using IVS.

Hubert Wang, president and chief operating officer of Macau casino operator MGM China Holdings Ltd, said on the second-quarter earnings call of the parent MGM Resorts International on Thursday, he thoughtIVS resumption couldcomein mid-September or even a little bit earlier, possiblystarting with Guangdong province.

The executive added that a return from July 15 of non-tourism exit visas from Guangdong to Macau including for business travel which had been retrospectively reported on Thursday, would be helpful to our business.

Nonetheless, such travellers will still need to provide a timely test certificate showing freedom from Covid-19 infection.

Mr Wangs boss, MGM Resorts chairman Bill Hornbuckle, said on the groups earnings call that recent moves including the easing of quarantine conditions for travel from Macau to Guangdong wereinitial steps in an encouraging direction.

But he noted: Hong Kong borders remain shut and the IVS and tour visa programmes have not yet restarted, which we believe is necessary for a meaningful recovery.

The resumption of the IVS scheme has been widely touted as a key element in a rebound in Macau casino gross gaming revenue, which was down 77.4 percent year-on-year to June 30, according to Macau government data.

IVS travellers accounted for 46.8 percent of the aggregate mainland visitor arrivals to Macau in 2019, and possibly a higher proportion of gaming revenues at the citys casinos for that period, wrote JP Morgan Securities (Asia Pacific) Ltd in a January memo at the time the IVS programme was suspended.

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GGRAsia Small steps fortnightly key to Macau rebound: Jefferies - GGRAsia

CE meets with Zhuhai authorities to discuss better bilateral cooperation in pandemic efforts – Macau Business

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Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng held a meeting with the Secretary of the Zhuhai Municipal Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) president of Zhuhai Municipality, Yao Yisheng, to discuss better joint efforts in pandemic prevention.

The meeting held yesterday focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in preventing the epidemic and speeding the completion of Henqgin as Guangdong-Macau special cooperation area.

In the government announcement, both sides were said to have agreed that during the epidemic situation evident results were achieved through joint prevention and control efforts.

It was announced yesterday that the issuing of all types of visas allowing the entry of mainland residents in the Macau SAR with the exception of tourism visas will be reinstated first to Guangdong residents and from August 12, to residents of all Mainland China provinces.

The measure comes as new Covid-19 cases have been controlled in Macau and Guangdong, and despite the recent spike in Hong Kong having delayed efforts to establish a travel bubble between the three regions.

The Zhuhai Mayor was also reported as having said that Hengqing Island has always been the key point of cooperation between Guangdong and Macau, and hoped that through collaboration between the two governments this new deep cooperation zone project could be accelerated.

According to Ho Iat Seng, his new cooperation zone would have to be achieved through structural innovation and pragmatic cooperation in terms of economic and commercial investment, financial management, certification of origin, customs models and social welfare.

The meeting was also attended by the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Andr Cheong, and the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, secretary of the CCPs Zhuhai Municipal Committee, Zhao Jianguo, and the CCPs Hengqin New Zone Committee Secretary, Niu Jing.

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CE meets with Zhuhai authorities to discuss better bilateral cooperation in pandemic efforts - Macau Business

Poland says US to deploy troops on eastern border – Macau Business

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Washington will deploy at least 1,000 soldiers in Poland and oversee forces on NATOs eastern flank, Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said Friday after the US announced a massive troop pullout from Germany.

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said on Wednesday the Pentagon will be sending home about 6,400 military personnel from Germany, and move nearly 5,600 to other NATO countries, including Italy and Belgium.

At least 1,000 new soldiers will be deployed in our country, Blaszczak told the Jedynka public radio.

We will have an American command in Poland. This command will manage the troops deployed along NATOs eastern flank, he said.

It will be the most important centre for ground forces in our region, he said, adding that Warsaw and Washington had sealed a deal for military cooperation.

We will soon sign the final pact with the Americans.

The American pullout will cut the presence of US military personnel in Germany to around 24,000.

Esper has stressed that the action is part of his broader plan to reposition US military forces globally to better address the key threats from Russia and China.

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Poland says US to deploy troops on eastern border - Macau Business

Readers Write: Now is the time for liberal readers to speak up – Opinions – The Island Now

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I am pleased to see that this newspaper continues to print letters from different opinions, although in my opinion, you seem to favor those with a conservative point of view.

Perhaps its just that more conservative people write in. If thats the case, I urge my fellow liberal readers to express yourselves, loud and clear, now more than ever. Our democratic republic is in danger, and it is our duty as citizens to speak up and take action before America succumbs to the fascist elements now in power.

Great Neck has a long and proud history of progressive activism, going back over fifty years to the Civil Rights era. Where are all the progressive people of Great Neck in 2020? Dont stay silent. Now more than ever, its time to take action!

I am on the executive board of Reach Out America, a grassroots progressive non-profit organization thatwas founded over 15years ago by two of Great Necks well known political activists, Shirley Romaine and Fran Reid.

We advocate for human rights, the environment, the social safety net, and world peace. We present monthly speakers on timely topics of interest (meetings will resume in September, online for the time being).

In this time of turmoil across America, I urge interested readers to join this worthwhile organization and make your voice heard.

For more information, please visit our website athttps://www.reachout-america.com/and join us to work for meaningful change on both a local and a national level. We are also on Facebook, athttps://www.facebook.com/ReachOutAmerica.LI/.

Nina K. Gordon

Great Neck

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Readers Write: Now is the time for liberal readers to speak up - Opinions - The Island Now

John Ivison: Whether Trudeau’s testimony worked or not, the winds of change are blowing for Liberals – National Post

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There really are no true friends in politics.

At the centre of this maelstrom is the Prime Ministers Office, led by Katie Telford, who also appeared before the finance committee on Thursday. Tension is said to exist between PMO and Morneaus office over the latters insistence to appoint Tiff Macklem (over Telfords preference, Carolyn Wilkins) as governor of the Bank of Canada.

It is the chief of staffs job to keep her boss out of trouble when it comes to conflicts of interest, yet this is the third occasion that Trudeau has been subject to an investigation by the ethics commissioner on Telfords watch.

It seems inconceivable that the Liberal Party will go into the next election with the same slate of senior staff and ministers that have blundered so often and left the party at the mercy of their opponents.

The WE affair is convoluted at one level. Was WE really the only organization that could administer the program? But its essence is simple do voters believe Trudeaus account, that nothing untoward happened and the government simply approved a volunteer program recommended by the public service; or the Oppositions contention that a cash-strapped charity with close links to the prime minister and finance minister was bailed out by the government.

At this point, the majority 57 per cent, according to Abacus think the Liberals used public money to reward their friends.

Trudeau may have persuaded those still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. But there are fewer and fewer of those people.

Canadian-born economist John Kenneth Galbraith once claimed that all successful revolutions are the kicking in of a rotten door.

This feels like a government that is starting to splinter and split.

Email: jivison@postmedia.com | Twitter: IvisonJ

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John Ivison: Whether Trudeau's testimony worked or not, the winds of change are blowing for Liberals - National Post

The Caribbean Is Welcoming Tourists: Updated COVID-19 Safety Measures – Men’s Journal

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When it comes to global travel documents, the U.S. passport has historically been one of the strongest of its kind. In fact, it ranks in the top 10 most powerful, according to the Henley & Partners Passport Index, and those who hold it enjoy some of the most extensive travel freedoms in the world (including access to 185 countries). For comparison, Japan takes the number one spot with access to 191 countries, while Afghanistan comes in last with just 26 countries.

The most recent index, however, does not take the ongoing COVID-19 travel bans into consideration. As destinations across the globe attempt to navigate uncharted territory, many countries have closed their borders entirely to U.S. citizens due to the increasing number of confirmed coronavirus cases. Some have adopted policies that only target specific coronavirus hot spots, while others have permitted U.S. tourists to enter, but only if they follow very specific protocols.

On March 31, the Department of State issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory, advising U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to COVID-19. Travel is an extremely sensitive subject right now, and developments continue to emerge day by day.

That said, many Caribbean nations have started reopening their borders to welcome international visitors. Although the pandemic struck the region during the pinnacle of high season, the Caribbean has reported relatively low coronavirus cases. But ongoing travel restrictions and the absence of cruise ships (combined with an active hurricane season already underway) have caused significant blowsespecially considering how heavily many Caribbean economies depend on tourism.

While some destinations, like Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, have pumped the breaks on reopening plans, many are now feeling prepared to welcome visitors back. With new safeguards and health procedures in place, these Caribbean destinations are hoping to eventually rebound from the devastating past few months. Heres how seven key players are tackling the issue and allowing U.S. citizenS to visit this summer and beyond.

Disclaimer: People planning travel of any kind should visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization for the most current COVID-19 alerts and updates. Be sure to also review any travel advisories related to the destination(s) youre planning to visit, and keep yourself and others safe by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and bringing the appropriate food, drinks, and other supplies when possible.

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The Caribbean Is Welcoming Tourists: Updated COVID-19 Safety Measures - Men's Journal

Cave Shepherd to cease investments in Duty Free Caribbean Holdings jv with Dufry and write down investment – The Moodie Davitt Report – The Moodie…

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Sir Geoffrey Cave: Dufry could take full control of the business

BARBADOS. Cave Shepherd & Co. Limited has decided to not inject any further funds into its Duty Free Caribbean Holdings (DFCH) joint venture with Dufry and to write down its investment.

Cave Shepherd & Co Chairman Sir Geoffrey Cave made the announcement yesterday following a shareholders meeting.

After careful consideration, in light of the immense challenges and uncertainty facing the DFCH business, the Directors of Cave Shepherd & Co. Limited have made the difficult decision not to inject any further funds into DFCH and to fully write down our investment, Sir Geoffrey wrote.

This strategic decision will change the current shareholder structure of DFCH and will likely result in a substantially diminished shareholding by Cave Shepherd & Co. Limited, with the possibility that Dufry could take full control of the retail business.

He continued: The details of this transaction are still very much under negotiation; however, the immediate priority is a comprehensive restructuring of DFCHs business operation, led by Dufry, aimed at repositioning DFCH for long-term viability.

Dufry and Cave Shepherd have been partners since 2000. In that year all Cave Shepherds retail assets held across various territories were sold to Duty Free Caribbean (Holdings), a joint venture partnership formed between Cave Shepherd & Co. Limited and Weitnauer (now Dufry) trading primarily as Cave Shepherd, Colombian Emeralds International and Duty Free Caribbean. Since 2006, Dufry has owned 60% of that business and Cave Shepherd had held the remaining 40%.

Wide appeal: Cave Shepherd has remained attractive as a local and a tourist destination

However, Sir Geoffrey Cave noted that since the global recession in 2008, DFCHs profitability has steadily declined against a backdrop of countless challenges. Despite implementation of several strategic initiatives aimed at repositioning and improving business performance, DFCHs accumulated financial losses continue at unsustainable levels, he said.

The details of this transaction are still very much under negotiation; however, the immediate priority is a comprehensive restructuring of DFCHs business operation, led by Dufry, aimed at repositioning DFCH for long-term viability.

Coupled with this undesirable performance, DFCH is now faced with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. This business relies on visitors to the Caribbean for 90% of its revenue and when international travel came to a virtual halt in late March, all of its 66 stores across seven countries were forced to close and over 600 team members were laid-off temporarily.

At the time of writing, only ten stores are open and with travel and tourism expected to be negatively impacted for the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that DFCHs revenue will be significantly reduced well beyond 2020.

Sir Geoffreycontinued: The most difficult decisions are those that impact people, and this one in particular, being our legacy business, has been deeply felt on a personal level, as it has been for many who have been involved in this difficult process.

The restructuring of DFCH will result in job losses and team members have been given the assurance that due process will be followed and that they will be treated with the dignity they deserve and the fairness they have come to expect. For those team members affected, DFCH will be offering both personal and financial counselling and we have extended our Care Programme to assist the most vulnerable.

He said that the accounting adjustments in the Cave Shepherd Group this year will need to be substantial. They will take the form of write-offs, including impairment of goodwill for the retail business, in addition to losses resulting from the pandemic, which collectively are expected to be over US$39 million.

Outside the travel retail sector, the financial services arm of the Cave Shepherd Group continues to perform well, Sir Geoffrey said. Our Cave Shepherd Card business is well positioned for future growth and is operating steadily, as is SigniaGlobe Financial Group.

Meanwhile, as global markets show resilience despite the pandemic, we anticipate that the diversification strategy adopted by Fortress Fund Managers will generate increasing returns. We are also pleased that DGM Financial continues to contribute positively to our Groups overall financial performance. When combined with our healthy liquid and cash reserves, the Group is secure and well positioned to act on opportunities for further growth and expansion in the years ahead.

About Cave Shepherd & Co

History in the making: Cave Shepherd dubbed its original retail enterprise The Ideal Store, a moniker that has resonated with Barbadians for over a century

On December 17, 1906 two respected Bridgetown businessmen and inveterate salesmen, Rupert George Cave and Julian Packer Shepherd, opened a wholesale supply store on Palmetto Street. A dry goods store on Broad Street was added early the following year. The founders reckoned they enjoyed a crucial point of difference over their many competitors an acute knowledge of customer needs and desires.

They were proven right sooner than they expected. The dry goods (retail in modern parlance) store was overrun in the lead-up to its planned Grand Opening on 4 February, prompting the partners to positively refuse admittance to all and any today on Saturday 2 February 1907.

The Manager says the customers will be well rewarded by waiting until Monday when the windows are properly dressed and the shelves arranged in proper order, noted local newspaper, the Agricultural Reporter. Two days later the same media carried a bold advertising invitation in bold capital letters, COME TODAY TO THE IDEAL STORE. For the ensuing 111 years the company has done its best to live up to that moniker.

From its early days, Cave Shepherd was a shopping magnate not just for locals but for the burgeoning tourist trade. It remained so through good times and bad (including a disastrous fire in December 1969 that gutted the flagship store). In 2000, the tourism focus became more institutionalised as the company formed a joint venture with Swiss travel retail giant Dufry [see panel below]. The result was Duty Free Caribbean (Holdings) Ltd (DFCH), in which Cave Shepherd today owns a 40% stake.

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Cave Shepherd to cease investments in Duty Free Caribbean Holdings jv with Dufry and write down investment - The Moodie Davitt Report - The Moodie...

Pirates of the Caribbean: Why Jack Sparrow Changed The Black Pearl’s Name – Screen Rant

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The Black Pearl's name strikes fear and awe into the hearts of sailors, but it was actually called the Wicked Wench before Jack Sparrow took the helm.

Jack Sparrow'smonochromatic ship, theBlack Pearl, is an iconic element of thePirates of the Caribbean film series, but it was originally known by another name under a different captain. Beginning in 2003 withThe Curse of the Black Pearl, thePiratesfilms follow the fantastical, often supernatural exploits of a seafaring band of outlaws and misfits during the Age of Sail. Jack Sparrow has been the central character of theseriessince his first appearance earned Johnny Depp an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

Although the series is ostensibly based upon the ride of the same name that has been a mainstay at Disney parks for decades, there was in reality very little narrative to draw from that source. As a result, much of the lore of thePirates franchise is an amalgamation of different influences, ranging from novels and video games to actual naval history and entirely new concepts. One notable holdover from the theme park ride is the original name of the ship that would come to be known as theBlack Pearl:theWicked Wench.

Related: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Actors Who Almost Played Jack Sparrow

As a young pirate, Jack Sparrow was first given command of theWicked Wenchby Captain Morgan in a naval battle against Captain Salazar, a Spanish pirate hunter.Some time after the conflict, Sparrow lost possession of the ship, and iteventually becamea simple merchant vessel belonging to Lord Cutler Beckett. As a compromise toreclaim theWench, Sparrow began serving as a captain under Beckett's branch of the East India Trading Company. This was a contentious arrangement, and Sparrow eventually rebelled when asked to transport slaves. In retaliation, Beckett had theWicked Wench razed, leading a desperate Sparrow to make his fateful bargain with Davy Jones in order to save it. The ship was still visibly blackened from its burning, but Sparrow chose to embrace the change, adorning it with black sails and renaming it theBlack Pearl, which he felt was an appropriately fearsome moniker for apirate ship.

This history, which is only briefly touched upon in the films, is interesting in that it inexorably ties Jack, from youth, to many of the adversaries that he would face later in life, with Salazar, Beckett, and Jones all playing a part in bringing theBlack Pearl to him.But, very much in keeping with his chaotically free character, Jack refuses to dwell on this, instead renaming the vessel to cut ties to the past and regain control of his fortune, as well as topursuehis ideal vision of piracy.

Pragmatically speaking, theBlack Pearlremains a consistent plot point throughout a big-budget, blockbuster franchise, so beyond narrative connections, its name and design ultimately had to satisfy aesthetic considerations. This means that, in a meta sense, Sparrow initially named the ship using the same train of thought as the film's creators: just looking for something that sounded cool and piratey. But as the worldbuilding of the Pirates of the Caribbeanseries has grown more complex, it also seems appropriate that Jack Sparrow's beloved ship in turn has grown to signify so much more about the life and attitude of its captain.

Next: Pirates of the Caribbean Movie Timeline Explained

Fixing The Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase 2's Viewing Order

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Why Jack Sparrow Changed The Black Pearl's Name - Screen Rant

Latin America & The Caribbean – Weekly Situation Update (20-26 July 2020) As of 26 July 2020 – Barbados – ReliefWeb

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KEY FIGURES

4.3M CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES IN LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN AS OF 26 JULY

REGIONAL: COVID-19

As of 26 July, PAHO/WHO report 4,348,767 and 182,827 deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as 2,832,380 recovered cases.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT NEEDS GROWING

PAHO expects psychosocial support needs for women and children to grow as the risks of violence and deteriorating mental health amid the COVID-19 crisis continue to escalate.

PAHO stresses that mental health is receiving inadequate attention from public health systems, citing datathat shows that the average public expenditure on mental health is only 2 per cent of the total health budget.Prior to the pandemic, women in the Americas were already 50 per cent more likely than men to suffer depression disorders and twice as likely to develop anxiety disorders.

In addition to creating higher levels of stress and anxiety in women, the Organization of American States (OAS) Inter-American Commission of Women says that confinement has increased social gaps, as women in the region are assuming caregiver roles and paid and unpaid domestic work.

KEY FIGURES

54.2% GROWTH IN CASES IN MEXICO FROM 1-20 JULY, DOWN FROM 93.2 FROM 1-20 JUNE

CENTRAL AMERICA & MEXICO: COVID-19

HONDURAS

The Government launched a national response scale-up programme to increase the number of triage centres and medical teams in all 298 municipalities. The programme, which will begin its funding roll out to 12 priority municipalities, is allocating US$18 million to support the installation of triage centres, hiring additional medical personnel, strengthen regional hospitals and help medical teams respond door-to-door.

MEXICO

The Ministry of Health reports that the pace of the national case growth is slowing down as the jump in newdaily cases is becoming proportionately smaller. The Health Ministrys epidemiology lead noted that case growth has decreased from 1.9 per cent to 1.5 per cent in two weeks. The Ministry official also indicated that total cases increased by 54.5 per cent in the first 20 days of July, compared to a growth of 93.2 per cent in the first 20 days of June.

The Ministry also reports that case numbers for Mexico City and the states of Mexico, Baja California, Chiapas, Michoacn and Sinaloa have been stabilizing over the past three weeks.

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Latin America & The Caribbean - Weekly Situation Update (20-26 July 2020) As of 26 July 2020 - Barbados - ReliefWeb

One DeFi Asset Poised for Breakout, With Another Foreshadowing Bitcoins Biggest Rallies, According to Crypto Analysis Firm – The Daily Hodl

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The decentralized finance (DeFi) token COMP looks like its ready to break out, according to the crypto analytics firm Santiment.

COMP, the Ethereum governance token for DeFi lending platform Compound, launched on June 15th. Within one week, the tokens price skyrocketed more than 400% to a high of $381.89. It has since come down to Earth and is currently trading around $135.77.

However, Santiment says several market metrics indicate it may bounce back.

The analytics firm also says traders can track a top altcoin to get a sense of when Bitcoin is likely to make a big move.

Santiment says recent price action supports the long-held theory that Litecoin (LTC) gains are a harbinger of Bitcoin bull runs.

LTC may not be on the crypto communitys radar these days the way it was in 2017s bull run. But the notion that its pumps foreshadow BTC rallies still have serious legs, after it started to rally around 24 hours prior to Bitcoin.

Santiment notes that Litecoins current fundamentals are mixed, with the assets social sentiment looking bullish, while on-chain transaction metrics are leaning bearish.

Featured Image: Shutterstock/sdecoret

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One DeFi Asset Poised for Breakout, With Another Foreshadowing Bitcoins Biggest Rallies, According to Crypto Analysis Firm - The Daily Hodl

Litecoin (LTC) Up $0.65 On 4 Hour Chart, Makes Big Move Relative to Past Three Months; 2 Day Down Streak Ended – CFDTrading

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Litecoin 4 Hour Price Update

Updated July 26, 2020 01:36 AM GMT (09:36 PM EST)

Litecoin closed the previous 4 hours up 1.34% ($0.65); this denotes the 6th candle in a row an upward move has occurred. Relative to other instruments in the Top Cryptos asset class, Litecoin ranked 2nd since the previous 4 hours in terms of percentage price change.

The choppiness in the recent daily price action of Litecoin continues; to start today, it came in at a price of 49.18 US dollars, up 11.32% ($5) since the day prior. The price move occurred on stronger volume; specifically, yesterdays volume was up 349.72% from the day prior, and up 647.68% from the same day the week before. Litecoin outperformed all 5 assets in the Top Cryptos asset class since the day prior. Here is a daily price chart of Litecoin.

Coming into today Litecoin is now close to its 200 day averages, located at 49.61 respectively, and thus may be at a key juncture along those timeframes. Trend traders will want to observe that the strongest trend appears on the 30 day horizon; over that time period, price has been moving up. For additional context, note that price has gone up 5 out of the past 10 days.

For laughs, fights, or genuinely useful information, lets see what the most popular tweets pertaining to Litecoin for the past day were:

Its been 110 days since #Litecoin has had 10+% gains in a single day. Closing the week strong will be the best once since the end of January. Nice moves recently but #LTC still has plenty of work to do.

@cctip_io @LTCFoundation @LitecoinProject @LiteCoinNews @litecoin LTC is finally here! CCTip supports LTC now. You can use CCTip to tip/airdrop LTC on Twitter, Telegram, Discord, reddit and WeChat.To celebrate, were airdropping 5 LTC for 5000 users to share!1Follow @LTCFoundation2Retweet3Add a comment@cctip_io airdrop 5 LTC 5000

The only people surprised about #Litecoin right now, are the ones who dont believe in it.

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Litecoin (LTC) Up $0.65 On 4 Hour Chart, Makes Big Move Relative to Past Three Months; 2 Day Down Streak Ended - CFDTrading

U.S. Eyes Building Nuclear Power Plants on Mars, the Moon – TIME

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(BOISE, Idaho) The U.S. wants to build nuclear power plants that will work on the moon and Mars, and on Friday put out a request for ideas from the private sector on how to do that.

The U.S. Department of Energy put out the formal request to build what it calls a fission surface power system that could allow humans to live for long periods in harsh space environments.

The Idaho National Laboratory, a nuclear research facility in eastern Idaho, the Energy Department and NASA will evaluate the ideas for developing the reactor.

Read more: America Really Does Have a Space Force. We Went Inside to See What It Does

The lab has been leading the way in the U.S. on advanced reactors, some of them micro reactors and others that can operate without water for cooling. Water-cooled nuclear reactors are the vast majority of reactors on Earth.

Small nuclear reactors can provide the power capability necessary for space exploration missions of interest to the Federal government, the Energy Department wrote in the notice published Friday.

The Energy Department, NASA and Battelle Energy Alliance, the U.S. contractor that manages the Idaho National Laboratory, plan to hold a government-industry webcast technical meeting in August concerning expectations for the program.

The plan has two phases. The first is developing a reactor design. The second is building a test reactor, a second reactor be sent to the moon, and developing a flight system and lander that can transport the reactor to the moon. The goal is to have a reactor, flight system and lander ready to go by the end of 2026.

The reactor must be able to generate an uninterrupted electricity output of at least 10 kilowatts. The average U.S. residential home, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, uses about 11,000 kilowatt-hours per year. The Energy Department said it would likely take multiple linked reactors to meet power needs on the moon or Mars.

Read more: HBOs Chernobyl Has Led to a Surge in Tourism for This Forgotten Nuclear Town. Now, Its Trying to Redefine Itself

In addition, the reactor cannot weigh more than 7,700 pounds (3,500 kilograms), be able to operate in space, operate mostly autonomously, and run for at least 10 years.

The Energy Department said the reactor is intended to support exploration in the south polar region of the moon. The agency said a specific region on the Martian surface for exploration has not yet been identified.

Edwin Lyman, director of Nuclear Power Safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit, said his organization is concerned the parameters of the design and timeline make the most likely reactors those that use highly enriched uranium, which can be made into weapons. Nations have generally been attempting to reduce the amount of enriched uranium being produced for that reason.

This may drive or start an international space race to build and deploy new types of reactors requiring highly enriched uranium, he said.

Earlier this week, the United Arab Emirates launched an orbiter to Mars and China launched an orbiter, lander and rover. The U.S. has already landed rovers on the red planet and is planning to send another next week.

Officials say operating a nuclear reactor on the moon would be a first step to building a modified version to operate in the different conditions found on Mars.

Idaho National Laboratory has a central role in emphasizing the United States global leadership in nuclear innovation, with the anticipated demonstration of advanced reactors on the INL site, John Wagner, associate laboratory director of INLs Nuclear Science & Technology Directorate, said in a statement. The prospect of deploying an advanced reactor to the lunar surface is as exciting as it is challenging.

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U.S. Eyes Building Nuclear Power Plants on Mars, the Moon - TIME

What’s up in August? The brightest comet in 23 years – Press Herald

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The month of August is named for Augustus Caesar. We have reached the middle of summer and there are as many interesting highlights in our skies, as always, with one additional and rare bonus the brightest comet in 23 years.

So get out under the warm skies and enjoy the great beauty always residing far above us, along with this rare primordial visitor from deep space, not to return again for nearly 7,000 years.

Our four brightest planets will be nicely lined up in the morning sky all month by 3 a.m. each morning. Then there will be the usual close conjunctions with the moon, along with the less usual opposition of our largest asteroid, Ceres. The famous Perseid Meteor Shower will happen on the night of the 11th. This is usually the second best shower each year, a close second to the Geminids in December. But the real bonus will be the remaining views of Comet NEOWISE. It will remain visible all month, but will fade fromvisibility without binoculars by around the middle of August.

Jupiter and Saturn now both rise before sunset, since both are just past opposition, but still nearly at their best for the whole year. They will reach their highest point in our summer sky before midnight.

Mars now rises before midnight and Venus will rise at 2:45 a.m. all month long, becoming the last planet to fill in the quartet of our fellow traveling planets. Notice that Mars is getting visibly brighter and larger each evening as the earth is rapidly catching up with our neighbor in its orbit. The red planet will not begin its retrograde motion until early next month, leading to its close opposition in October.

Our largest and first-discovered asteroid, Ceres, will reach opposition on the 28th in the constellation of Aquarius at 7.7 magnitude, so you would need binoculars. It is 600 miles in diameter, about the size of Texas, and makes up a quarter of all the mass of the millions of asteroids inhabiting the belt between Mars and Jupiter.

The Perseid meteor shower will last for much of this month, but it will peak on Tuesday night the 11th into Wednesday morning. Caused by Comet Swift-Tuttle, this shower lasts for around 20 days, since the material from this comet is spread out over nearly 30 million miles of space. It was last here in 1992. You can expect up to 60 meteors per hour, but the last quarter moon will rise just after midnight to wash out about one third of the meteors after that time, which is when showers usually reach their peak toward morning as the earth is spinning into the source of the meteors after midnight. Look northeast toward Perseus as soon as it gets dark. The radiant of this shower is just below the double cluster in Perseus. Sand grain-sized pieces of this huge comet (it is 16 miles in diameter, one of the largest of all comets) will disintegrate in our upper atmosphere at 36 miles per second, or twice as fast as we are always orbiting the sun.

The star of that memorable night was undoubtedly Comet NEOWISE. Discovered by a low-earth orbiting satellite on March 27, it has already brightened more than 1 million times to second magnitude as of the middle of July when I first saw it. It should still be visible without binoculars as it traverses below the Big Dipper into Coma Berenices and Bootes above Virgo for part of this month, even though it is fading fast. Contrary to popular belief, it is only moving about one degree per day westward right now. You can see it as soon as it gets dark until about 11 p.m., when it sinks too low into the western horizon. It will pass right by a globular star cluster named M53 in Coma Berenices on Aug. 7, which will make a great photo op.

NEOWISE stands for Near Earth Orbiting wide field infrared survey explorer. Most comets are discovered by automated ground-based telescopes doing sky surveys and specifically looking for potentially hazardous asteroids that could hit us in the near future. PanSTARRS, LINEAR, SWAN and NEAT are four more of these that have discovered dozens of new comets and asteroids.

The nucleus of NEOWISE is only 3 miles across, but its long tail stretches about 1 million miles, always facing away from the sun. Its coma is about the size of Earth. NEOWISE has two distinct tails, a straight ion tail and a slightly curved dust tail. NEOWISE is the brightest comet to grace our skies since Hale-Bopp in 1997 and only the fifth bright naked-eye comet in the last 50 years, so make sure you try to catch and photograph it before it disappears, not to be seen again for nearly 7,000 years.

AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS

Aug. 1: Maria Mitchell was born in 1818. She was an important American astronomer, naturalist, and educator who also discovered a comet in 1847. The nearly full moon will be close to Jupiter tonight and near Saturn the next night, soon after sunset.

Aug. 3: Full moon is at noon. This is also known as the Grain, Green Corn or Sturgeon moon. The Messenger Spacecraft was launched to Mercury in 2004.

Aug. 4: The Phoenix mission to Mars was launched in 2007.

Aug. 6: The Curiosity Rover landed on Mars in 2012. It is still working well and making lots of new discoveries and taking many great pictures.

Aug. 9: The moon and Mars will be just one degree apart 1 hour before sunrise.

Aug. 11: Last quarter moon is at 12:46 p.m. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks tonight.

Aug. 15: The moon passes close to Venus in Gemini in the morning sky an hour before sunrise.

Aug. 17: In 2006, Voyager 1 reached 100 A.U. from the sun, which is twice as far out as Pluto orbits on average. Seven years later, it crossed over the heliopause at 123 A.U., where the influence of our sun ends in space.

Aug. 18: New moon is at 10:43 p.m.

Aug. 25: The Spitzer Space Telescope was launched in 2003. Thats the infrared telescope related to the Hubble Space Telescope. The Spitzer just stopped working at the end of January. Last quarter moon is at 1:59 p.m.

Aug. 28: The moon passes near Jupiter for the second time this month.

Bernie Reim of Wells is co-director of the Astronomical Society of Northern New England.

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What's up in August? The brightest comet in 23 years - Press Herald

Astro Bob: See the twin Messier craters and a curious lunar ‘comet’ – Duluth News Tribune

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Ive lived the comet this month. You, too? After so many fainter comets for so many years NEOWISE is like drinking from a fire hose. Last night, when hazy skies and tiredness dissuaded me from driving to a dark site to photograph the comet, I went out anyway, powerless to resist. Blame the aurora. On a late walk with my daughter we noticed the northern horizon aglow with northern lights, so I made a short drive to watch the show on the big screen.

And there it was when I arrived Comet NEOWISE. How could I NOT include it in photos of the aurora?

This odd pair of craters, named Messier A (left) and Messier, may have formed during a single impact. A butterfly-wing pattern of rays above and below the crater surround Messier while twin-tails of debris lie downrange of Messier A. NASA / LRO / ACT-REACT

Weve discussed how the moons entry into the evening sky the past few days will begin to affect the comets visibility. No lunar disrespect intended. The moon is a wonderful place to explore in binoculars and small telescopes in its own right. Unlike bright comets you dont have to wait 10 or 20 years for the orb of night to show up. It cycles around the sky in under a month, its pockets stuffed with goodies. One of those bonbons is a pair of craters named Messier and Messier A.

Use this photo to find the Messier craters. The duo and comet tail are located in the diamond-shaped Sea of Fertility and are visible every clear night until past full moon from July 25 to Aug. 5. Sight the moon at low magnification, navigate to the Sea of Fertility then increase the magnification to 75x 150x for the best view. (Bob King for the News Tribune)

That name might already be familiar to you because it belongs to famous 18th century French comet hunter Charles Messier. Messier compiled a catalog of bright galaxies, star clusters and nebulae that includes many of the finest sights in the night sky for smaller telescopes. Each Messier crater is about 8 miles (12 km) across and located in the western half of the diamond-shaped Sea of Fertility (Mare Fecunditatis).

Artist view of the meteoroid impact on the moon. NASA

Point a telescope at the crater twins and youll immediately be struck by what looks like double tail shooting out of Messier A, which rather resembles the head of a comet. The streaks might also remind you of a jet contrail or the forked tail displayed by NEOWISE shortly after it passed closest to the sun in early July. What youre really seeing are two rays composed of material ejected from the impact that created the two craters. Lunar rays like these form when rocks and boulders excavated by an impact fall back to the surface and dig countless secondary craters of their own, each mini-impact exposing fresh, lighter-toned lunar soil in the process.

The Messier craters (upper right) as they appear in a medium-sized telescope. They likely formed when a small asteroid struck the moon at a very low angle. Damian Peach

Ballistics experiments at NASAs Ames Research Center have shown that when meteoroids and asteroids strike the moon they punch out circular craters until the angle of the impactor drops to about 15 or less. At these super-shallow angles speeding space debris digs out an oval or elliptical crater like the peculiarly elongated Messier.

Likewise with rays. Above 15 an impactor will create a circular pattern of debris, but a low-angle strike will spray material off to one side. One arriving at just a few degrees produces rays running sideways, creating a butterfly-wing pattern. As a result of these experiments, astronomers hypothesize that an asteroid or comet striking the moon at an angle of 1 to 5 at more than 35,000 miles per hour first excavated the trough-shaped Messier and produced faint butterfly wings . Its partner Messier A may have been carved out almost simultaneously by a piece of the impactor that broke off and ricocheted downrange. Debris from that strike formed dual plumes of debris in the direction opposite the impact.

These fascinating craters and their unique rays tell a fascinating story. You can see the crazy lunar comet from now until waning gibbous phase more than 10 nights in a row. How generous of the moon to provide another comet as it steals our dear NEOWISE from view.

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Astro Bob: See the twin Messier craters and a curious lunar 'comet' - Duluth News Tribune