Monthly Archives: September 2021

Actors Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan met each other four years back at an event hosted by the latters family

By Titas Chowdhury

PUBLISHED ON SEP 23, 2021 01:18 PM IST

Actors Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan met each other four years back at an event hosted by the latters family. A while later, the duo began dating. And now, rumour mill are buzzing with reports that the lovebirds are all set to tie the knot on November 21.

Talking about it, she tells us, It took me by surprise to see that article. But, of course, when things are concrete, we would like to comment.

Ranjan and Seal have been capturing the attention of netizens with their mushy social media posts. She believes that knowing Seal has changed her life for the better. It has been an amazing learning experience. We come from different worlds and, as a human being, you need to widen your horizon. He showed me a world and a thought process that taught me a lot. They made me who I am today, she shares.

The actor, who was last seen in the 2019 web show, Fittrat, says that she is not at all bothered with her personal life making headlines. She remarks, My work, friends, family and relationships make me me. I am not defined by one thing and so, it is fine if people speak about any aspect. As long as it is positive, I am okay with that.

Despite not much work happening in the past few months, Ranjan remains unfazed as out of sight does not amount to being out of the audiences mind. Sometimes, you are bound to worry about whats next but that happened even during pre-Covid-19 times. During the on-going pandemic, I think that it is selfish and ungrateful to worry about these things while the world is suffering, she ends.

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Anushka Ranjan on rumours of her wedding with Aditya Seal: When things are concrete, will comment - Hindustan Times

Student of The Year 2 actor Adiya Seal has been in a steady relationship with Anushka Ranjan and looks like the couple is all set to take their romance to the next stage. According to a news portal, Aditya and Anushka are planning to tie the knot on November 21. The couple has reportedly finalized their wedding outfits and their families are also working on the prep for the big day. Owing to the pandemic restrictions, Aditya and Anushkas wedding will take place amid a whole lot of safety protocols . Speaking about their bond, Aditya had previously told BT in an interview, Anushka and I are very different from each other. She has a much stronger personality than I do. Her thought process is clearer, and she is an exceptionally good speaker. We are very different in a lot of ways, but together, we are right for each other. We met three-and-a-half years ago. I was invited to an event hosted by her family, and thats where I met her for the first time. We clicked pretty well that day and chatted a lot, even after the event was over. Then we started hanging out together. It took a while for us to get into a relationship, but eventually, it happened. Interestingly, this year Aditya moved into a house in the same building where Anushka lives with her family. And while he was in quarantine, the actor received a lot of support from his lady love. My mom gets along with Anushkas family, so moving to this house has worked out very well. When I was under quarantine, I was happy that my mom had Anushka and her mother around. Through my quarantine phase, Anushka and I were constantly in touch with each other through phone calls, the actor had previously shared.

Continue reading here:

Are Aditya Seal and Anushka Ranjan planning to get married on November 21? - Times of India

Researchers at the University of Central Florida are using an engineered nanostructure called cerium oxide modified with small amounts of silver to produce a disinfectant that can continuously kill viruses on a surface for up to seven days.

Cerium oxide is known for its regenerative antioxidant properties and this development could be a powerful weapon against Covid-19 and other emerging pathogenic viruses, the researchers say.

The disinfectant is being created at UCF in partnership with Kismet Technologies, whose founder, Christina Drake, said she was inspired to develop it after seeing a worker at a grocery store spraying disinfectant on a refrigerator handle, then wiping off the spray immediately.

Initially, my thought was to develop a fast-acting disinfectant, Drake said in a media statement. But we spoke to consumers like doctors and dentists to find out what they really wanted from a disinfectant. What mattered the most to them was something long-lasting that would continue to disinfect high-touch areas like door handles and floors long after application.

The cerium oxide nano-particle engineered disinfectant she came up with together with a team at UCF, is already potent but its properties increase with the added traces of silver.

It works both chemically and mechanically, said Sudipta Seal, an expert in nanoscience and co-author of the study. The nanoparticles emit electrons that oxidize the virus, rendering it inactive. Mechanically, they also attach themselves to the virus and rupture the surface almost like popping a balloon.

According to Seal and Drake, most disinfecting wipes or sprays will disinfect a surface within three to six minutes of application but have no residual effects. This means surfaces need to be wiped down repeatedly to stay clean. The nanoparticle formulation, however, maintains its ability to inactivate microbes and continues to disinfect a surface for up to seven days after a single application.

In its present formulation, the disinfectant has shown antiviral activity against seven different viruses, including the coronavirus and rhinovirus. It also proved effective against a wide range of other viruses with different structures and complexities which, the researchers say, may make it a highly effective tool against other new emerging viruses.

The product is also free of harmful chemicals. However, more research is needed before it can go to market. This is why the next phase of the study will look at how the disinfectant performs outside of the lab in real-world applications. That work will look at how the disinfectant is affected by external factors such as temperature or sunlight.

To make this final step, the team is in talks with a local hospital network to test the product.

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Silver-enhanced disinfectant has long-lasting effects against Covid-19 - The Northern Miner

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OmniMask integrates best-in-class breathing and an industry-leading 99.997% filtration efficiency into a clear mask. It's cool, comfortable to wear, and easily accommodates eyewear. To support workplace requirements and redundancy during an emergency, OmniMask also works with N95, P100, and other specialty filters offered by global brands 3M and Honeywell.

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Developed with U.S. Naval Academy Faculty

To bring the project to fruition, Omni Labs collaborated with faculty at the U.S. Naval Academy. In addition to helping refine military-specific needs, this collaboration helped produce rapid prototypes using leading-edge additive manufacturing capabilities.

"OmniMask is a really novel and powerful design," explained Dr. Brad W. Baker, Associate Professor, US Naval Academy, CAPT USN. "We quickly realized that its next-level comfort, breathability, clarity, and filtration would provide meaningful protection aboard ship and other close quarters."

"We appreciate the support and additive manufacturing capabilities of the U.S. Naval Academy. Their contributions enabled extremely rapid prototyping and testing, which cut years from the project," states Marc Lurie, Omni Labs CEO.

Dual One-Way Airflows & 99.997% Filtration

To increase breathability and cool the interior, OmniMask utilizes dual one-way airflows that draw fresh air across the cheeks to evaporate moisture and cool the capillaries. This dual flow also routes exhaled warm air outside of the mask by the shortest route possible. Dual airflows are only half of the cooling equation. OmniMask also utilizes E100 filters that offer better and cooler breathing than traditional N95 filters, while still achieving an industry-leading 99.997% or better viral and bacterial filtration efficiency.

Protects Others

Along with inhale filtration, OmniMask protects others from a potentially pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic wearer by filtering exhaled air to the same 99.997% standard.

Truly Fog-Free Eyewear

Its unique design, silicone face seal, and military-grade anti-fog coating means the end of fog-blurred eyewear. As proof of performance, the company has released this video.

Summary of Features:

Clear face

99.997% or better filtration efficiency

Filter material independently tested by Nelson Labs in compliance with ASTM-F2101 and FDA good manufacturing practice regulations

Dual one-way airflows

Keeps eyewear fog-free

Exhale filter

Supports N95 and P100 filters

Silicone face seal

Replaceable filters

Dishwasher safe

Ultralight 5oz

Medical-grade materials

Made in the USA

For more information, go to https://www.omnimask.com and see the press kit for more assets.

About Omni Labs LLC

Founded by an award-winning design team, Omni Labs develops personal protection equipment. Our flagship product, OmniMask, combines industry-leading breathability and comfort with a clear face and 99.997% filtration. The eyewear-friendly result is ultralight and dishwasher safe. We perform all design and manufacturing in the USA to ensure quality, create jobs, and maintain availability during national emergencies.

Media Contact

Joie De Luzuriaga, joie@rainfactory.com

Related Images

Image 1: OmniMask

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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Cool, Comfortable, and Optically Clear Mask By Omni Labs Protects With 99.997% Filtration - GlobeNewswire

From September 25 to November 5, the stunning blue lagoon is set to be closed for public access.

National Trust Cymru have closed off the area in order to protect the ongoing grey seals breeding colony. An estimated 5,000 seals could soon appear on the coastline of west Wales which is considered "vital" for around half the world's population of grey seals.

During this breeding season, the blue lagoon will be closed to public access in order to protect the breeding colony from disturbance. An estimated 1,400 seal pups expected to be born in the area.

Read more:Wally the Walrus is not dead, say marine experts, after carcass found

National Trust Cymru is welcoming the return of the growing number by preventing public access to the sheltered area in an attempt to prevent disturbing the seals.

The decision was made as a result of the blue lagoon's increasing visitor numbers. Visitors will still be able to watch the wild creatures in their natural habitat from the coastal path and and coasteering activity providers who have signed up to the National Trusts Coasteering Agreement.

Mark Underhill, National Trust Cymrus Countryside Manager, Pembrokeshire said: There are two species of seal that can be found in Britain: the common seal and the grey seal. Only grey seals occur regularly in Pembrokeshire, where they are present all year around.

About half the worlds population of grey seal breed on our coastline and the total number in west Wales, mostly Pembrokeshire, is estimated to be about 5,000, with some 1,400 pups being born each year.

The breeding season is vital for our seal colonies here in Pembrokeshire, and we ask that visitors do not access the Blue Lagoon and that they follow the guidelines laid out by the Seal Alliance and Pembrokeshire Marine Code when on the coastal path.

If you happen to spot one of the seals on your visit to the blue lagoon or Pembrokeshire, National Trust Cymru recommends adopting the following strategies to ensure minimal disturbance:

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Original post:

The adorable reason why the blue lagoon in Pembrokeshire is to close for public access - Wales Online

Cape Blossom Marathon runner and co-organizer James Austin V turns at Crowley on her way to Cape Blossom in the 26.2-mile race Saturday in Kotzebue. Austin was followed by sled dog puppies for part of her run. (Photo by Elizabeth Ferguson)

Six runners entered and completed Saturdays Cape Blossom Marathon in Kotzebue, and from the sound of it, six people won titles.

Hannah Atkinson, who ran and helped organize the race, won the piggyback division.

It turned out much different than I thought it was going to be, Atkinson said. Everyone ended up running different courses.

Mucking things up was surprise, surprise the weather.

Staging a 26.2-mile race above the Arctic Circle in a place with limited roads likely would be a challenge anytime, but holding it a couple of days before the autumnal equinox almost guarantees trouble.

And so it was that 10 mph winds from the northwest whipped up the Chukchi Sea and sent waves crashing into Sadie Creek, a spot marathoners had to cross twice, at about Mile 11 and again at about Mile 24.

Its not a long crossing, and sometimes gravel from the beach closes the mouth of the creek and you can cross it on the gravel, Atkinson said.

But between a rainy summer and a windy day, Sadie Creek was deep and wild come race day.

Waves were coming into the creek, and we figured that we would cross it using chest waders, Atkinson said. We got a pair donated to use during the race and we had a volunteer stationed there to help with the waders.

Cape Blossom half marathon runner Rebecca Brooks wading into Sadie Creek while volunteer Quinn Iten monitors and sled dogs look on. Photo by Joanna Barton.

Five of the six entrants made it across the creek. Jesse Klejka of Bethel, the unofficial overall winner, did not.

The leader got there before the volunteer, so he turned around and did a different marathon course, Atkinson said. One person ran across without waders. At one point the volunteer gave piggyback rides. It was a variety of different ways across it.

Atkinson used the chest waders on her way out. The creek was about waist-deep then, she said.

On her return trip a couple of hours later, the tide was coming in and the creek was chest-deep. The waders had gotten pretty soggy by then, so volunteer Quinn Iten put Atkinson on his back and carried her across.

Atkinson finished in 6 hours, 21 minutes, according to her watch. Klejka, who ran a marathon distance despite his Sadie Creek detour, finished in 3:48:44, according to his watch.

There were no official times. No entry fees. No prizes. Precious few aid stations.

The race was so only-in-Alaska, there were signup sheets for marathoners (6 of them), half marathoners (10 of them, including Will Wiese and Wills mom) and 4-wheeler support (11 of them).

It was so only-in-Alaska, recommended gear included bear spray and an inReach device.

It was so only-in-Alaska, sled dog puppies from a kennel on the beach tagged along with runners throughout the day. They ran quite a lot that day, and they were great companions to have, Atkinson said. And yes, some of them crossed Sadie Creek.

It was so only-in-Alaska, it came with a land acknowledgement noting it was being held on Iupiaq lands. Cape Blossom, which juts into Kotzebue Sound 13 miles away from town, was originally called Igluruat, meaning old houses, and was named after ancient beaver houses that have since washed away.

Willie Goodwin recalls seeing the beaver houses when he was a young man, says the acknowledgement, researched by Atkinson. Igluruat is the tallest feature on the landscape (and) is used as a look out for seal and beluga hunting.

Hannah Atkinson runs on the beach at Cape Blossom. (Photo by Ali Everhart)

Atkinson, 29, has lived in Kotzebue since she was 14 and works for the National Park Service as a cultural anthropologist. She participates in shorter races in Kotzebue home of the Mosquito Haven Half Marathon but shes never heard of a full marathon happening there until now.

Roads in Kotzebue are at a premium. Front Street is paved and a little more than a mile long, Atkinson said. Base Hill road is unpaved, goes about 5 miles out of town toward Cape Blossom, and the hill leads down to the beach. An 8-mile road loops through the tundra.

People on 4-wheelers sometimes camp at Cape Blossom, and Atkinson has hiked through the tundra to get there. Last summer she decided to run there via the beach.

Thats when I realized it was 13 miles from town to Cape Blossom and I thought maybe I should turn this into a half marathon or a marathon, she said.

Atkinson has helped organized Kotzebues Kobuk 440 sled dog race for the last three years, and knowledge gained from that plus help from friend James Austin V helped make the marathon happen. Austin, accompanied by sled dog puppies for part of her run, finished in 4:51:11.

Marathoner Ramon Ramos runs toward Crowley. (Photo by Elizabeth Ferguson)

Race day brought rain, wind and temperatures in the low 30s. Besides the raging waters of Sadie Creek, runners contended with tall deposits of grass, mud and water blocking the beach. Atkinson called them mud slumps.

About a mile or two from Sadie Creek there were mud slumps coming out of the tundra, she said. This happens sometimes on that part of the course. Last year you were able to make it over on a 4-wheeler, so I was expecting it to be easy to cross that area.

This year theres a series of (places) where tundra is coming down into the ocean. You had to scramble over these slump piles, run a little on the beach, and then theres another one. There were four of them.

Mud slumps turned around a bunch of people.

Atkinson navigated them twice, and the second time was so much harder she came up with a mantra: Dont get stuck in the mud.

It was much worse the second time, she said. I was really tired and the water was higher. You could still make it over them, but it felt scarier and harder. Those waves were coming up higher and there was less beach in some places.

Only two marathoners made it past the mud slumps. The others devised new courses on the fly, and all of them ran 26 miles.

Which I think was amazing, Atkinson said. To not have it go as planned and get turned around and still finish a marathon.

This story has been updated with marathon times for Jesse Klejka and James Austin V.

See more here:

At a rare marathon in Kotzebue, chest waders, piggyback ride and sled dogs are part of the race plan - Anchorage Daily News

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

A leopard seal was being monitored on Sunday at whiro Bay after the spine of an elephant fish became stuck in the top of its mouth.

It was one stressful event after another for rescuers over the weekend as they rushed to help three stranded dolphins and a leopard seal, which had an elephant fish stuck in its mouth after attempting to have it for breakfast.

On Saturday, three young dusky dolphins were found stranded and an operation was launched by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Project Jonah and Whale Rescue to refloat the dolphins in deeper waters on the other side of Mana Island.

While two dolphins were successfully refloated, Whale Rescue coordinator Linda Robinson said the other dolphin died just before the release, likely from stress.

The dolphin had been buried and blessed by Ngti Toa.

READ MORE:* One of three dolphins stuck in Porirua Harbour dies after showing signs of distress* Kayaker heightens concerns for orca in Wellington inlet* Pod of orcas spotted in Porirua Harbour* Wellington's conservation community loses a lodestone in Colin Ryder

Monique Ford/Stuff

Two to three volunteers were assigned to a dolphin each on Saturday.

The dolphins had been disoriented and did not know where they were, Robinson said.

Robinson, who helped with the operation on land, said two to three volunteers, all of whom had attended a stranding before, were assigned to a dolphin each.

One of those volunteers was Mandy Coleman, who said the dolphins did not know how to get back to deeper waters and kept trying to swim towards the shallow inlet.

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

Two boats transported the dolphins to deeper waters on the other side of Mana Island.

Robinson said it was unusual for dusky dolphins, a type of dolphin often found in deep coastal waters, to have swum towards the shallow waters of the harbour.

We still don't know why they came in.

While it was fairly easy for Robinson to coordinate rescue efforts for the three dolphins, there had been concerns with the boats, which would carry the dolphins to deeper waters, potentially getting stuck due to low tide, she said.

While everyone had wanted all three to survive, she was glad two of them had made it, she said.

If they had received no help, they would have all died in the harbour.

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

The leopard seal left whiro Bay on Sunday at 11.30, but Department of Conservation staff were still monitoring the situation.

With two of the dolphins successfully released, Robinson said some volunteers headed from Porirua Harbour to whiro Bay, to tend to a leopard seal.

The leopard seal had washed up on Saturday morning and was being monitored after eating an elephant fish that had got stuck in its mouth, she said.

Crew were keeping an eye on the leopard seal and had been rotating with two-hour blocks.

MONIQUE FORD/Stuff

A cordon was initially put in place to keep the leopard seal and people safe.

Vets are there along with DOC. The leopard seal is a lot happier than before."

DOC spokeswoman Cassandra Spearin said the leopard seal left the beach around 11.30am on Sunday but staff were still monitoring the situation.

The seal had an elephant fish spine embedded in the top of its mouth and a cordon had initially been put in place around the seal to keep it and people safe, Spearin said.

Staff had been taking photos and sending those to DOC's technical advisors who with Wildlife Vets, she said.

The current advice is to wait and monitor. It's hoped that the spine will dislodge naturally, Spearin said.

MONIQUE FORD/STUFF

An operation to refloat the Dusky dolphins took place on Saturday as groups from DOC, Project Jonah and Whale Rescue battled against low tide.

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From dolphins to a leopard seal: One rescue after another in Wellington - Stuff.co.nz

Some very special visitors are heading to Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire.

Recent years have seen increasing numbers of the Grey seal population breeding in and around the lagoon and spotting them is an exciting wildlife encounter that many visitors wont forget.

However, the combination of the Blue Lagoons high visitor numbers, and its sheltered nature which makes it so attractive to seals, creates a situation where there is a high potential for disturbance to seals.

The time seals spend resting on land is vital to their health and that of their pups as they are digesting a recent meal, socialising, and feeding their young.

In order to provide them with a safe environment to raise their pups, National Trust Cymru will be closing the Blue Lagoon to visitors from September 25 through to November 5.

Visitors will still be able to watch these wild creatures in their habitat from the coastal path and coasteering activity providers who have signed up to the National Trusts Coasteering Agreement and undertaken specific training on how to operate around seals, will still have access to the lagoon with groups of visitors who have booked in advance.

Mark Underhill, National Trust Cymrus Countryside Manager, Pembrokeshire said: There are two species of seal that can be found in Britain; the Common seal and the Grey seal. Only Grey seals occur regularly in Pembrokeshire, where they are present all year around.

About half the worlds population of Grey Seal breed on our coastline and the total number in West Wales, mostly Pembrokeshire, is estimated to be about 5,000, with some 1,400 pups being born each year.

The breeding season is vital for our seal colonies here in Pembrokeshire, and we ask that visitors do not access the Blue Lagoon and that they follow the guidelines laid out by the Seal Alliance and Pembrokeshire Marine Code when on the coastal path.

Paul Renfro from the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum said: The Pembrokeshire Marine Code recommends remaining at least 50m away from the seals, though they can be disturbed at any distance so its important to be responsive to their behaviour.

If a resting seal looks up or turns to looks at you then you are close enough at whatever distance you are at. Seals can be particularly sensitive to disturbance after periods of stormy weather and during the breeding season so we recommend giving them extra space at these times.

To avoid disturbing seals at this very important time of year, National Trust Cymru recommends adopting the following strategies:

Originally posted here:

This is why Blue Lagoon in Pembrokeshire will be closed to the public for two months - South Wales Guardian