SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Damari Monsanto's 22 points helped UTSA defeat Southwestern Adventist 117-58 on Thursday. Monsanto added six rebounds for the Roadrunners (6-5). Sky Wicks scored 20 points while shooting 8 for 12, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc and added eight rebounds and three steals. Amir "Primo" Spears shot 5 of 10 from the field, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and went 5 for 6 from the line to finish with 16 points. Domonique Wilkins and Orlando Gooden each scored 19 points for Southwestern Adventist. Jason Garcia had 13 points, four assists and two steals. Monsanto led his team in scoring with 16 points in the first half to help put them up 61-24 at the break. UTSA extended its lead to 87-38 during the second half, fueled by a 13-3 scoring run. Wicks scored a team-high 10 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Blakley's 28 lead Le Moyne over SUNY Delhi 106-51
Another name for the Trump revolution: ‘Return to sanity’THE "ber" months have arrived, and the Philippines is buzzing with holiday spirit. Shoppers are finding their feeds filled with gift ideas and festive finds, presenting brands with a unique opportunity to connect with consumers eager to celebrate. Crafting memorable holiday campaigns requires more than just eye-catching visuals; it's about meeting consumers where they are most engaged — through social commerce, contextual relevance and placements that inspire lasting trust. As Filipino shoppers increasingly turn to their favorite social platforms for inspiration and purchases, brands can maximize this festive season by embracing social commerce, enhancing contextual relevance, and crafting campaigns that resonate with holiday shoppers. Bringing holiday shopping to life For Filipino shoppers, social media has become more than a place to catch up with friends — it's where holiday shopping journeys often begin. 48.3 percent of Filipino consumers made purchases based on items they discovered on social media, according to the Consumer Report Philippines 2023 by Standard Insights. These platforms have evolved into trusted sources for festive inspiration, offering a seamless and convenient shopping experience for the busy holiday season. Filipinos are also among the world's most active social media users, spending over 3 hours and 33 minutes daily across an average of 8.2 platforms each month, according to the Digital 2024 October Statshot by We Are Social and Meltwater. With Gen Z now comprising 38 percent of the Philippines' total population, these young consumers, in particular, value trust and authenticity in their shopping experience. A joint study by The Fourth Wall and Uniquecorn Strategies reveals that 81 percent of Gen Z consumers turn to online reviews and search engines before making a purchase decision. This behavior highlights their preference for informed shopping that blends inspiration with credibility. By engaging with Filipino consumers where they naturally gather, social commerce becomes more than just a sales channel — it acts as a shopping companion. Each interaction provides brands the chance to connect with engaged shoppers, building excitement and loyalty throughout the festive season. Making every interaction meaningful With social platforms essential for holiday inspiration, consumers in the Philippines are primed to engage with brands that enhance their holiday experience. Contextual targeting enables brands to deepen this engagement by aligning their ads with relevant content audiences are already exploring. This strategy taps into a page's sentiment and emotion, creating ad experiences that feel natural and engaging — whether shoppers are browsing holiday gift ideas or festive decor. IAS research shows the impact of these tailored interactions: in-context ads are four times more likely to lead to unaided brand recall, boost purchase intent by 14 percent, and increase brand favorability by 5 percent — proof that ads placed in relevant content can leave a lasting impression. Utilizing contextual segments like "Gift Ideas" or "Festive Recipes" allows brands to seamlessly integrate into seasonal shopping moments, making each interaction more meaningful. This approach resonates particularly well with Filipino Gen Z consumers, who prioritize authenticity in their shopping experiences. Contextual targeting empowers brands to connect with holiday-ready audiences, fostering excitement that builds both immediate interest and long-term loyalty. By focusing on a holiday experience that feels personal and impactful, brands can cultivate relationships that extend beyond the season, carrying the joy of connection into the new year. Keeping spirits bright, safety tight As we embrace the festive rush, it's crucial to remember that ensuring ads appear in positive, brand-safe spaces is essential for creating lasting connections. This season, brand safety is a vital consideration for advertisers aiming to make their campaigns shine in the right settings. Brand-safe environments can boost trust and enhance brand recall — especially powerful during the holidays. According to IAS State of Brand Safety research, 82 percent of consumers believe it's essential for online ads to be surrounded by appropriate content, highlighting how much brand-safe placements matter to audiences. When ads align with the right content, consumers are more likely to connect and engage. The research further reveals that half of consumers (50 percent) are more likely to recommend a brand to others when its ad appears near appropriate content, while 45 percent are more inclined to engage directly with the ad itself under similar conditions. This thoughtful approach doesn't just protect a brand's image; it enables campaigns to connect with audiences in spaces that feel inviting. Each well-placed ad fosters trust, creating joyful, lasting connections that go beyond the season's festivities. Celebrating a season of success With the holiday season sparkling to life, Filipino consumers are eager to engage with brands that bring value and joy to their celebrations. By prioritizing social commerce, contextual targeting and brand safety, brands can amplify their message, build trust and maximize return on ad spend. Meeting consumers where they naturally gather — in safe, relevant environments — ensures that every ad peso works harder, fostering connections that truly resonate. Megan Reichelt is the country manager for Southeast Asia at Integral Ad Science, an American publicly traded technology company that analyzes the value of digital advertising placements and, in turn, delivering the industry's most actionable data to drive superior results for the world's largest advertisers, publishers and platforms.Sports Medicine Market Poised for Tremendous Growth from 2024 to 2032 12-19-2024 08:21 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Cognate Insights Sports Medicine Market Latest Market Overview The global sports medicine market is poised for significant growth, with the market expected to reach USD 7.1 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2032, and projected to surpass USD 13.6 billion by 2032. Sports medicine refers to the medical and therapeutic care of athletes and individuals involved in physical activity, focusing on injury prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. As more individuals engage in sports and physical activities, the demand for sports medicine solutions is surging. This growth is further driven by advancements in medical technologies, increasing awareness of physical fitness, and a rising focus on injury management in athletes. The Sports Medicine Market has experienced steady growth in recent years and is expected to continue expanding at a strong pace from 2024 to 2032. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview, providing valuable insights into key trends and developments within the Sports Medicine industry. These findings equip business leaders with the necessary knowledge to devise more effective strategies and enhance profitability. Furthermore, the report serves as a useful resource for new and emerging businesses, helping them make informed decisions as they navigate the market and seek growth opportunities. Major Players of Sports Medicine Market are: Stryker Corporation, USA, USD 17.1 billion (2023) Arthrex, Inc., USA, USD 4.2 billion (2023) Smith & Nephew, UK, USD 5.2 billion (2023) Zimmer Biomet, USA, USD 7.8 billion (2023) Conmed Corporation, USA, USD 1.1 billion (2023) Get Latest PDF Sample Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/request-sample/sports-medicine-market-research Our Report covers global as well as regional markets and provides an in-depth analysis of the overall growth prospects of the market. Global market trend analysis including historical data, estimates to 2024, and compound annual growth rate (CAGR) forecast to 2032 is given based on qualitative and quantitative analysis of the market segments involving economic and non-economic factors. Furthermore, it reveals the comprehensive competitive landscape of the global market, the current and future market prospects of the industry, and the growth opportunities and drivers as well as challenges and constraints in emerging and emerging markets. Global Sports Medicine Market Landscape and Future Pathways: North America: United States Canada Europe: Germany France U.K. Italy Russia Asia-Pacific: China Japan South Korea India Australia China Taiwan Indonesia Thailand Malaysia Latin America: Mexico Brazil Argentina Korea Colombia Middle East & Africa: Turkey Saudi Arabia UAE Korea Speak to Our Analyst for A Discussion on The Above Findings, And Ask for A Discount on The Report @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/check-discount/sports-medicine-market-research Key drivers and challenges influencing the Sports Medicine market: Regional Analysis: The report involves examining the Sports Medicine market at a regional or national level. Report analyses regional factors such as government incentives, infrastructure development, economic conditions, and consumer behaviour to identify variations and opportunities within different markets. Market Projections: Report covers the gathered data and analysis to make future projections and forecasts for the Sports Medicine market. This may include estimating market growth rates, predicting market demand, and identifying emerging trends. Company Analysis: Report covers individual Sports Medicine manufacturers, suppliers, and other relevant industry players. This analysis includes studying their financial performance, market positioning, product portfolios, partnerships, and strategies. Consumer Analysis: Report covers data on consumer behaviour, preferences, and attitudes towards Sports Medicine This may involve surveys, interviews, and analysis of consumer reviews and feedback from different by Application. Technology Analysis: Report covers specific technologies relevant to Sports Medicine. It assesses the current state, advancements, and potential future developments in Sports Medicine areas. Reason to Buy this Report: -Analysis of the impact of technological advancements on the market and the emerging trends shaping the industry in the coming years. -Examination of the regulatory and policy changes affecting the market and the implications of these changes for market participants. -Overview of the competitive landscape in the Sports Medicine market, including profiles of the key players, their market share, and strategies for growth. -Identification of the major challenges facing the market, such as supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns, and changing consumer preferences, and analysis of how these challenges will affect market growth. -Evaluation of the potential of new products and applications in the market, and analysis of the investment opportunities for market participants. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at @ https://www.cognateinsights.com/purchase-report/sports-medicine-market-research Contact Us: Cognate Insights Web: www.cognateinsights.com Email: info@cognateinsights.com Phone: +91 8424946476 About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.
Even before the rise of the great Maya civilization, the people who occupied Central America’s Yucatan Peninsula were applying their engineering skills to make the land more productive and liveable. This was made crystal clear by a recent discovery by a team of archaeologists and anthropologists, who discovered the most ancient fish-trapping operation ever identified anywhere in the region inside Belize’s largest inland wetland. Examining imagery collected by drones and Google Earth, the researchers from the Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) project were fascinated by an interconnected network of zigzag lines they saw running through the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Their concluded that this was likely a network of pre-Columbian canals , which had probably been constructed in Belize thousands of years ago (but had never been noticed at ground level). To verify this theory the researchers carried out a series of excavations inside the wildlife sanctuary, and their discoveries confirmed that a series of canals had indeed been dug there a long time ago, to guide and trap freshwater fish in holding ponds where they could be easily harvested. Excavations at Maya Settlement in Belize Tell Story of Maya Golden Age The Horrifying History of the Midnight Terror Cave in Belize Notably, the researchers found several barbed spearpoints within the boundaries of the fish-trapping system during their excavations, which presumably would have been tied to sticks to make spears for killing the fish. The size of the fish-trapping system was quite impressive, the researchers said. “The network of canals was designed to channel annual flood waters into source ponds for fish trapping and would have yielded enough fish to feed as many as 15,000 people year-round, conservatively," said University of New Hampshire anthropologist Eleanor Harrison-Buck, in a press release issued by her university. Researhers excavating sediment that will help them date the evidence of a large-scale pre-Columbian fish-trapping facility. ( Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) Project ). Harrison-Buck is the director of the Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) project, and has been leading the ongoing study of ancient fishing practices in Central America. She has been joined by colleagues from the United States and Australia, in a pursuit of knowledge about how ancient humans in the region interacted with wetlands and used them to help meet their survival needs. A Fish Harvesting Legacy from Deep in Prehistory At first, the researchers assumed they’d discovered a fish harvesting operation that had been set up by the Maya . But a series of radiocarbon dating tests carried out at various spots inside the canal network proved this wasn’t true. How Many Maya Gods Were Worshipped? Hint: There Were Hundreds Mexican Mayor Weds Alligator in Colorful Ancient Indigenous Ceremony! It seems the fish-trapping network was conceived of and constructed by the people who occupied the land before the rise of the great Maya civilization. These were a semi-nomadic people who settled along the Yucatan Peninsula coastal plain, and who constructed the canal system approximately 4,000 years ago. “Data collected from the largest inland wetland in Belize, Central America, demonstrate the presence of large-scale pre-Columbian fish-trapping facilities built by Late Archaic hunter-gatherer-fishers, which continued to be used by their Maya descendants during Formative times (approximately 2000 BCE to 200 CE),” the study authors wrote in an article published by Science Advances . The researchers believe the early practice of fish trapping on such a significant scale was an adaption to changes in environmental conditions in ancient Central America . Researchers searching for evidence of ancient fishing activity in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize. ( Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) Project ) . “ We suggest that such landscape-scale intensification may have been a response to long-term climate disturbance recorded between 2200 and 1900 BCE,” they wrote. “Agricultural intensification after 2000 BCE has been credited for supporting the rise of pre-Columbian civilizations in Formative Mesoamerica, but we suggest that some groups relied more heavily on the mass harvesting of aquatic resources.” Sediment samples were collected along the walls of the excavation units, and they were tested for chemical elements that might reveal the types of environment changes that occurred in prehistoric times. These tests showed that tropical forests had dominated the landscapes of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary 4,000 years ago, and that no cultivation of maize or any other crops had taken place during that time. Along with a lack of pollen from domesticated crops, there were no signs of the ditching or draining that would have been needed to prepare the land for agricultural use. As for the fish-trapping network, analysis showed it was used for approximately 1,000 years, or from approximately 2,000 to 1,000 BC. "It seems likely that the canals allowed for annual fish harvests and social gatherings, which would have encouraged people to return to this area year after year and congregate for longer periods of time," said study co-author Marieka Brouwer Burg, a professor of anthropology at the University of Vermont and the BREA project co-director. "Such intensive investments in the landscape may have led ultimately to the development of the complex society characteristic of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, which subsequently occurred in this area by around 1200 BCE." Did Their Predecessors Help the Maya Thrive? The so-called “ Formative Period ” of the Maya civilization overlapped with the fishing system’s time in use. This suggests the Maya took advantage of this ingenious creation of their predecessors, relying on the harvest of freshwater fish to supplement what they were able to produce their their early ventures into agriculture. If this is so, the existence of this ancient fishing operation may have been a hidden factor that helps explains the rise of the Maya civilization , which grew to be the most advanced and sophisticated in all of ancient Mesoamerica . With the support of the local population, the BREA research team plans to return to Crooked Tree to continue their investigations soon. They will be looking for more signs of prehistoric land modification, which could reveal some fascinating facts about how ancient fishing practices led to significant cultural development in the Yucatan region later on. Top image: Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize. Source: Bernt Rostad/ CC BY 2.0 . By Nathan Falde News Ancient Places History Belize maya Central America pre-columbian In a recent discovery, a team of researchers has uncovered what appears to be an underwater portal to the Maya underworld . The team had set out to explore the sacred pools of the ancient Maya,... Not even 50 years ago, Belize, in Central America, gained independence on September 21, 1981, but its history dates back to 9,000 years. In prehistory the territory was home to several ancient... Archaeologists studying Belize’s “Midnight Terror Cave” have discovered mysterious blue fibers in the tooth plaque of sacrificed teenagers, which suggests the young sacrifice victims had been gagged... Representatives of the Belize Institute of Archaeology have been working with graduate students from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a series of excavations in Central America. During... Something of a hidden gem, Caracol is one of the largest Maya sites of Central America, and certainly the largest in Belize, yet it receives far less footfall than other ruins in the region. The... A fresh analysis of artifacts collected from a salt-making facility submerged beneath a lagoon in Belize has revealed enlightening details about the organization and functioning of the Maya salt...None
The so-called “offseason” in college football is one of the sport’s biggest dilemmas. It’s a problem that lacks a clear solution. The latest effort to fix it, or at least improve it, arrived this week: Making the early signing period even earlier. Michael Lev is a senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star , Tucson.com and The Wildcaster . It used to land on the third Wednesday of December. Now it begins on the first one. "It's the worst recruiting calendar that's ever been made," Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi told reporters earlier this season. When I talked to Arizona coaches and General Manager Gaizka Crowley at the Wildcats’ National Signing Day event Wednesday, I expected to hear similar complaints. None were forthcoming. Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi, shown vs. Clemson on Nov. 16, believes the current December logjam in college football has created "the worst recruiting calendar that's ever been made." It might have something to do with the DNA most college football coaches and front-office personnel possess: They’re workaholics. The only gripe came from running backs coach Alonzo Carter, who lamented the mandatory recruiting “dead period” that runs from Dec. 2-8 — preventing coaches from going on the road to visit prospects and attend high school championship games. In other words, more work. The flaw in college football’s so-called offseason schedule is that, for the majority of the schools, it occurs while the season is still going. Eighty-two of the 133 eligible FBS teams still have postseason games to play, starting with this weekend’s conference title tilts and running through the national championship game on Jan. 20. Meanwhile, the early signing period ran from Dec. 2-4, and the first transfer-portal window — the most important one — runs from Dec. 9-28. What other sport conducts its offseason during the season? School ties The main reason the calendar falls this way is that inconvenient impediment known as school — specifically, the desire for incoming freshmen and transfers to enroll in winter so they can get used to their new surroundings, start training and participate in spring football. If the early signing period were nixed and we went back to the old ways — a singular National Signing Day on the first Wednesday of February — it wouldn’t be possible for freshmen to enroll in time. Likewise midyear transfers. (In Arizona’s case, the spring semester starts Jan. 15.) College football analyst Max Browne, via social media , suggested a “grace period” that would enable newcomers to enroll in February and make up the schoolwork they missed. It’d be clunky but not impossible, especially with so much instruction now available online. As Browne also suggested, school administrators “need to get on board with the changing times.” Football players (among others) are about to be paid directly by schools via revenue-sharing. Yet they’re still considered student-athletes and subject to the same rules as the rest of the student body. Veering away from that would put college athletics on an extremely slippery slope. One could argue we’re already there. Arizona coach Brent Brennan celebrates a review that eventually ruled Texas Tech had fumbled and the Wildcats recovered in the third quarter of their Big 12 game on Oct. 5, 2024, at Arizona Stadium. UA coach Brent Brennan views midyear enrollment as a “catch-22.” On the one hand, players such as receivers Isaiah Mizell and Gio Richardson — who signed Wednesday and will be arriving in January — get a several-months-long head start on classwork and weight training, plus 15 spring practice sessions. On the other hand, they and countless others miss out on senior prom and other activities that make the last semester of high school “magical” (Brennan’s word) and memorable. Could college football survive without midyear enrollment? Of course. It didn’t used to be a thing. But I doubt it’s a sacrifice that coaches would be willing to make. In a conversation with UA linebackers coach (and former New Mexico head coach) Danny Gonzales, I suggested moving at least the portal period back to either the day after the national championship game or after spring football. Gonzales quickly shot that down. Arizona linebackers coach Danny Gonzales, far right, shown during spring football practice in March 2024. “If you have to keep a kid until February that you absolutely know is not going to be on your roster, you're not serving anybody,” Gonzales said. “If they know they're not gonna be somewhere, and they have to stay somewhere, you're gonna create a ton of problems, both amongst your current team (and) with guys that are half-in, doing nonsense. Kids that age, when they're bored, what do they do? They get in trouble. So now you're gonna have to deal with those issues, as well.” Point taken. Gonzales did offer an alternative to the early signing period: Staging it before the season. Other sports, such as baseball and softball, do it this way. But it’s problematic for football, where players — in particular linemen — often develop at their own pace. Two of Arizona’s late additions were products of senior-tape evaluation: offensive lineman Jaxon Griffin and defensive back Kason Brown. “The senior eval to us will always be a critical piece,” Crowley said. “We evaluate every one of our commitments and tons of guys who are not committed. Miller Moss (7) is one of two USC quarterbacks to enter the transfer portal, leaving the Trojans with only one scholarship QB for their upcoming bowl game. “You'll be surprised how many guys are like that that turn out to be really good players.” Crowley said moving the signing period to August “would be like if the NFL drafted kids a year before they were done playing.” So yeah, scratch that one. Acceleration situation In lieu of preseason or postseason options, we have this multicar pileup where game prep, the early signing period and the portal overlap and cause all sorts of issues. For example: USC’s second- and third-string quarterbacks have entered the portal, leaving the Trojans with only one scholarship QB , Jayden Maiava, for their bowl game. Or how about this hypothetical: Let’s say Desireé Reed-Francois had decided to move on from Brennan. Doing so likely would have nuked Arizona’s signing class, leaving the Wildcats without a full class for two straight cycles — a devastating proposition for a school like the UA, even in the portal era. Gus Malzahn, shown during warmups before the UCF-Arizona game on Nov. 2, recently resigned, leaving the Knights without a head coach for the early signing period. Two Big 12 schools have head coach openings. One of them is UCF, where Gus Malzahn resigned to become the offensive coordinator at Florida State. The Knights have the fewest commitments and signees of any school in the conference. Any coaching maneuvers require an accelerated timeline because of the portal, which is akin to speed dating. Just as Arizona, in the interest of keeping the roster together, had to act fast to hire Brennan in January, so too does Brennan in hiring new coordinators with the portal floodgates about to open. The ironic twist for programs such as Arizona that didn’t qualify for postseason play is that they’re actually at an advantage this time of year: They don’t have games to worry about. “We've already had a full week of nothing but scouring some tape and having a plan ready for when Dec. 9 and 10 comes,” Gonzales said. It’s almost like pro sports, where the worst teams get the highest draft picks. Meanwhile, other teams will be playing deep into January under the new CFP format. Any portal activity could result in bruised egos and locker-room angst among current players expecting to return next season. Of course, Arizona isn’t striving for a less-cluttered calendar. The goal is to compete for championships or, at a minimum, to play in bowl games. Multitasking beats the alternative. Besides, as Crowley pointed out, recruiting is never-ending. It has no offseason. “We talk about that all the time in the office: You can't coach or recruit; you can't recruit or coach; you gotta do both,” Crowley said. “(It) doesn't matter whether you're in the summer, in July, when you got a couple days off. Recruiting doesn't stop.” Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com . On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @ michaeljlev.bsky.social Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter/Columnist
Pac-12 believes title game would have ‘tremendous value’ for rebuilt conferenceSAN FRANCISCO , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smodin, a trailblazer in AI-powered tools for students, educators, and professionals, is thrilled to announce an exciting development: www. contemplativeinquiry.org and www. freshu.io now redirect to Smodin.io, creating a single, unified hub for innovation and productivity. This move marks a significant step forward in Smodin's mission to make advanced AI tools more accessible than ever. By integrating these domains into Smodin.io, users will enjoy seamless access to a broader range of resources, from AI writing assistance to content analysis, all on a single platform designed to meet diverse needs. "This isn't just about redirection—it's about transformation," said the founder of Smodin. "By bringing everything under the Smodin umbrella, we're creating a one-stop solution for anyone seeking smarter, faster, and more effective tools to achieve their goals." Visitors from contemplativeinquiry.org and freshu.io will now have direct access to Smodin's continually expanding suite of features, including plagiarism detection, essay generation, and tools tailored to enhance productivity and creativity. This evolution ensures users can focus on what truly matters: creating, learning, and growing. The consolidation is part of Smodin's vision to innovate and deliver an unparalleled user experience while solidifying its position as a global leader in AI technology. Discover the future of AI-driven solutions at www.smodin.io . About Smodin Smodin is a leading AI-powered platform dedicated to empowering users worldwide with smart tools for writing, research, and productivity. With a focus on innovation and accessibility, Smodin transforms the way students, educators, and professionals work and create. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/smodin-unites-powerful-domains-to-deliver-an-all-in-one-ai-platform-302314508.html SOURCE Smodin
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Breakthrough brings body-heat powered wearable devices closer to reality December 12, 2024 Queensland University of Technology A research team has developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that could power next-generation wearable devices using body heat, eliminating the need for batteries. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email A QUT-led research team has developed an ultra-thin, flexible film that could power next-generation wearable devices using body heat, eliminating the need for batteries. This technology could also be used to cool electronic chips, helping smartphones and computers run more efficiently. Professor Zhi-Gang Chen, whose team's new research was published in the journal Science , said the breakthrough tackled a major challenge in creating flexible thermoelectric devices that converted body heat into power. This approach offers the potential of a sustainable energy source for wearable electronics, as well as an efficient cooling method for chips. Alongside Professor Chen, QUT researchers contributing to the study include first author Mr Wenyi Chen, Dr Xiao-Lei Shi, Dr Meng Li, Mr Yuanqing Mao, and Miss Qingyi Liu, all from the ARC Research Hub in Zero-emission Power Generation for Carbon Neutrality, the QUT School of Chemistry and Physics, and the QUT Centre for Materials Science. Other members of the research team are Mr Ting Liu, Professor Matthew Dargusch and Professor Jin Zou from the University of Queensland and Professor Gao Qing (Max) Lu from the University of Surrey. "Flexible thermoelectric devices can be worn comfortably on the skin where they effectively turn the temperature difference between the human body and surrounding air into electricity," Professor Chen said. "They could also be applied in a tight space, such as inside a computer or mobile phone, to help cool chips and improve performance. "Other potential applications range from personal thermal management -- where body heat could power a wearable heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. "However, challenges like limited flexibility, complex manufacturing, high costs and insufficient performance have hindered these devices from reaching commercial scale." Most research in this area has focused on bismuth telluride-based thermoelectrics, valued for its high properties that convert heat into electricity which makes it ideal for low-power applications like heart rate, temperature or movement monitors. In this study, the team introduced a cost-effective technology for making flexible thermoelectric films by using tiny crystals, or "nanobinders," that form a consistent layer of bismuth telluride sheets, boosting both efficiency and flexibility. "We created a printable A4-sized film with record-high thermoelectric performance, exceptional flexibility, scalability and low cost, making it one of the best flexible thermoelectrics available," Professor Chen said. The team used "solvothermal synthesis," a technique that forms nanocrystals in a solvent under high temperature and pressure, combined with "screen-printing" and "sintering." The screen-printing method allows for the large-scale film production, while sintering heats the films to near-melting point, bonding the particles together. Mr Wenyi Chen said their technique could also work with other systems, such as silver selenide-based thermoelectrics, which were potentially cheaper and more sustainable than traditional materials. "This flexibility in materials shows the wide-ranging possibilities our approach offers for advancing flexible thermoelectric technology," he said. Story Source: Materials provided by Queensland University of Technology . Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Related Multimedia : Journal Reference : Cite This Page :Stacy Fernández is a freelance writer, project manager and communications specialist. She’s worked at The Texas Tribune, The Dallas Morning News and run social for The Education Trust New York. Her favorite hobby is finding hidden gems at the thrift store, she loves a good audio book and is a chocolate enthusiast.NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russian attack with hypersonic missile
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has stressed importance of Nigeria including climate change action in the national school curriculum, explaining reasons for thinking in that direction. The global agency also called on stakeholders from government to private sector to put in substantial efforts to addressing climate change for the well-being of Nigerian children, saying doing otherwise will put their future in greater risk. The Chief of UNICEF Field Office for South-West Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, made this call on Wednesday in Lagos at an event organised by UNICEF Nigeria in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Development. The event with many students from both government and private schools across Lagos in attendance was held in commemoration of this year’s World Children’s Day with a theme, “The voices, today- empowering children and young people to lead climate change.” According to Lafoucriere, it is very important that we must all take the issue of climate change more seriously as the effect of it is putting everyone, especially children who are the future, at great risk. “So, it is necessary that we empower the children and youth, whose creativity, ideas and leadership will shape the sustainable and prosperous future we all envision. “We can do this by government embedding climate change action into the national curriculum right from the early education so that the generality of children can understand it and its effects and also talk about it in school, at home and at every other place. “This will empower them with requisite knowledge to take action and protect the environment even from their early age.” Lafoucriere explained further that the effort is not only on children studying climate change in school but also required that their fundamental rights are protected for them to thrive. According to her, upholding Child’s rights is essential for creating a better world for the present generation and the next to come and achieving this mandate is at the heart of UNICEF globally. “So, your rights as children are non-negotiable, your well-being, your good health, good nutrition, access to water and sanitation, hygiene, and access to education are all under our mandate in UNICEF. “You are the drivers of the safeguard of peace and violence, so, I particularly celebrate the role you play in Nigeria and any other country, lending your voices and preparing solutions to critical social issues, including climate change because it’s about you and your creativity. While commending the children and educators at the event for their passion and commitment towards a safe and healthy environment, she mentioned that aside from government and schools, parents also have roles to play in this journey. She noted that research had shown that Nigeria is among top three globally that most affected by climate change impact, meaning that up to 100 million children and youths under 18 are increasingly exposed to extreme weather patterns in Nigeria. This scenario, according to her, causes heavy rainfall, flooding, storm surges and elevated temperatures, contributing to frequent disasters that impede their rights to good health, nutrition, access to water, and education, with schools shutting down. She declared that “UNICEF will continue to collaborate with relevant partners, public and private, as well as UNICEF champions, young people and children, to create a safer planet for children. Anything we do in UNICEF, for example, is in support of government through collaboration with relevant institutions as we so much believe that no one including the government can do everything all alone. “So, I encourage everyone to celebrate and empower our children and youths especially who are in their adolescent age for they are the future.” Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner, Ministry of Youths & Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, equally emphasized importance of children enjoying their fundamental rights, saying doing so including the right to live in a safe and healthy environment will help them to thrive and become responsible citizens. He noted that global celebration of children symbolizing the unity and commitment of world leaders including Nigerian government and Lagos State by extension to protecting children’s rights. He commended UNICEF for always taking the issues concerning children very seriously, noting that Nigerian children truly deserve the best value for survival, development, protection and participation in matters that affect them. Making reference, he said, Lagos State, for example, is committed to upholding the provisions of Child Rights Law for the benefit of children in the stat, thanking UNICEF for its continuous support to the state. READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now
Looking At Spotify Technology's Recent Unusual Options ActivityThe CEO of Huawei Nigeria, a global technology leader, Chris Lu has said that his company is investing in local cloud as it launched the first Nigeria Local Cloud in Lagos. The company made a significant stride in Nigeria’s digital landscape by unveiling the country’s inaugural hyperscale local cloud. Huawei is the first international cloud provider to offer such advanced services within Nigeria. Powered by Tier 3+ data centers, the new local cloud delivers ultra-fast services with mere 15-millisecond latency. By ensuring that data storage and computing resources remain within Nigeria’s borders, Lu said the cloud will directly benefit local businesses, particularly fintech companies that must adhere to stringent data protection regulations. During the launch event, themed, “Leap Now With A Better Cloud,” held in Lagos, the Huawei Nigeria CEO emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy. He highlighted the benefits of storing data within the country, citing improved security, performance, and compliance with local regulations. The CEO emphasised the challenges associated with traditional cloud solutions, where data is often stored in remote locations like Ireland. This can lead to potential security risks, latency issues, and compliance hurdles. “While cloud computing offers numerous benefits, data security remains a concern. Many major cloud providers store data in locations outside of Nigeria, raising concerns about data privacy and outages due to geographical distance. “To address these concerns, Huawei has invested in a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. By doing so, the company aims to empower Nigerian businesses to leverage advanced cloud technology while ensuring their data remains within the country’s borders. “Here at Huawei, we understand the importance of data security and digital sovereignty. That’s why we’ve chosen to build a local cloud infrastructure in Nigeria. We’re not alone in this approach – other providers are building local clouds in Kenya and South Africa. “Our decision to invest in a Nigerian cloud goes beyond just market potential. We believe in working with local partners to develop applications and digital services that cater to Nigerian businesses and consumers.” The CEO further explained that a local cloud offers significant performance advantages. Reduced latency, resulting from storing and processing data locally, can lead to faster response times and a smoother user experience. “Having your data stored in Nigeria provides peace of mind. Your data remains within the country, adhering to local regulations and enhancing data security. Additionally, a local cloud offers significantly lower latency compared to data centers located thousands of kilometers away. This translates to better performance and a seamless user experience for your customers.” The Vice President of Huawei Cloud Sub-Saharan Africa, Roc Bai, introduced Huawei Cloud’s latest technologies, including Huawei Cloud Stack 8.5, cloud-native databases, and large AI models. He underscored the significance of local cloud architecture for digital transformation, stating, “Enterprises need innovative solutions to address the challenges of industry transformation.” The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat praised the initiative as a transformative achievement for Nigeria. He highlighted the critical role of cloud technology in driving economic growth, innovation, and national security. The deputy governor emphasised the need to prioritize data security and privacy by storing data within the country. By leveraging local cloud solutions, Nigeria can reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and mitigate potential security risks. “As we embark on this digital revolution, it is imperative to prioritise data sovereignty and cybersecurity. By leveraging local cloud solutions, we can ensure that our data remains within our borders, safeguarding our digital assets and promoting national security.” Additionally, he called on technology companies to invest in local infrastructure and collaborate with Nigerian businesses to develop innovative solutions that address local needs. “Nigeria’s strategic location, coupled with a rapidly growing digital economy, makes it an attractive destination for cloud infrastructure investment. We encourage global technology companies to partner with Nigerian businesses and institutions to develop innovative solutions that address local needs,” he said. Also, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) emphasised the need for a strategic approach to cloud computing in Nigeria.
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Black Kos, Year In ReviewUruguay's once-dull election has become a dead heat in the presidential runoffThe home of the Sounders may now officially become the home for a country during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup. FIFA announced an updated list of potential base camps for countries participating in the World Cup on Thursday that included the Sounders new training center at the former Longacres site in Renton. Adding the Sounders training center is an announcement that’s long been expected and was probably amplified by the visit last month from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to the area that also included a reception and tour of the facility. Seattle is set to host six matches during the tournament beginning in June 2026 – four in the group stage, one in the round of 32 and one in the round of 16. But cities can often serve as both host venues and base camps for various countries. For example, during the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the city of Sochi hosted matches while also being the base camp for Brazil and Poland at a couple of venues around the area. The Sounders facility was one of 26 new options added by FIFA that also included a couple of other potential sites in the Pacific Northwest. Across the state, Gonzaga University in Spokane is listed as a possible base camp. The Bulldogs’ Luger Field is a grass soccer stadium on the bank of the Spokane River. Another site in the region listed was Boise State University where the Broncos play at the Boas Soccer Complex. Any of the three Pacific Northwest locations would seem likely options for a country that ends up with the majority of its group stage games on the West Coast. Other cities are expected to be added as potential base camps for the 48 participating countries throughout 2025. Portland is not currently listed as a possible base camp but would seem a likely candidate with a few options in the area. The final decisions on what cities each country will call home for the tournament are expected a little over a year from now, shortly after the draw. The draw to set the groups and schedule for the tournament is expected to take place in December 2025.Maura Higgins and Pete Wicks' relationship timeline - and real reason for split
Jaland Lowe, Pitt charge past LSU in second half to move to 6-0NSW Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. After five years of construction, testing and delays, the first Parramatta light rail service has run on Friday morning. The new L4 Westmead and Carlingford Line officially opened on Friday, connecting Greater Parramatta via a 12-kilometer light rail network. The line has 16 stops with services running every nine to 16 minutes through Westmead’s health precinct, CommBank Stadium and Parramatta Square. Each tram can carry up to 400 passengers. Locals woke up early to be the first to ride on the brand new Carlingford to Westmead light rail line. The new Parramatta light rail line opened on Friday moring. Picture: Supplied With wide smiles and slightly sleepy eyes, many locals eagerly jumped on the new light rail at Carlingford, picking up more at each stop. One local man, Mark Mueller, 54, said he was “excited to be a part of history”. “It’s been a long time coming and all of the community is really excited about it,” he said. Getting up before 5am wasn’t an issue for 23-year-old Jessica Loch who enjoys these types of events. “I really enjoy going to these things, so I get up early all the time,” she said. “I think it’s (the light rail) a really nice connection between Carlingford and Parramatta cause it wasn’t around for a few years after the train got shut down.” Parramatta Light Rail route map. Picture: Supplied Marcus Wong, 28, almost missed the light rail and was relieved to have squeezed in at the last second. “Nearly didn’t make it this morning. It took a little bit longer than I was expecting, but we made it by four minutes so it was worth waking up,” they said. And while the light rail doesn’t connect to where they live, Wong said they were still “very excited” it was finally here. The first tram departed at 5am on Friday morning. Picture: Jonathan Ng Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it had been “a long wait for the people of western Sydney”. “This is a great day because we need more public transport services for these fast growing communities,” Ms Haylen said. “More than a 130,000 people live within walking distance of 16 new stops along 12km of line. We know this is going to be a game changer for people to get to work, to connect to each other, for kids to get to school. It’s great news for businesses as well. “For the first time in 80 years we’re gonna have a tram running with passengers down the centre of Parramatta.” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said the service “will bring life” to Western Sydney. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw The minister also confirmed the next stage is “building the bridge” between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. “We’ll see construction on that bridge, a 320 metre long public transport and active transport connection next year,” Ms Haylen said. Ms Haylen reassured the light rail, buses and the metro will remain unaffected by the ongoing rail union strike. “Our bus, metro and light rail services are not affected but we will see disruption on our train today,” she said. “Industrial action is taking place and look, it is very inconvenient for passengers. We remind people to check their travel apps to allow extra time. “The government is taking every legal step available to make sure that we protect New Years Eve. We want certainty for passengers, and no level of industrial action when it comes to New Years Eve is acceptable. “That’s why we’re taking legal steps.” The Light rail has taken off in Parramatta. Picture: Supplied In a press conference outside the new light rail’s Westmead stop, Ms Haylen outlined areas such as the South Coast and the Metropolitan have been closed due to the disruption to the network by the strike. The rail line opening also includes “green track” technology that reduces noise and urban heat while incorporating active transport paths and bike facilities. Stage 2 of the light rail project is already underway, set to extend services to Sydney Olympic Park and accommodate the rapidly growing population of Western Sydney. The first service was filled with excited commuters. Picture: Jonathan Ng Deputy Premier Prue Car said the Labor Government is committed to investing in transport for Western Sydney. “We are focusing on delivering the essential services that Western Sydney needs most, and that includes reliable public transport to reduce travel times and congestion for local residents.” Transport Minister Jo Haylen thanked all of the workers who made the opening possible. “I want to thank and congratulate everyone who has been part of bringing this megaproject to life in Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta,” she said. “This is the public transport network Western Sydney has been waiting for and will provide economic and social benefits for years to come. “By investing in projects like the Parramatta Light Rail, we’re helping our city grow around key public transport links. “The L4 will connect some of our fastest growing communities and premier destinations in the area, making it easier for people to live, visit and work here. “I want to thank the more than 15,500 workers who have played a part in delivering this important piece of transport history.” Residents and visitors can now enjoy connectivity in Sydney’s second CBD, with an estimated 22,000 daily users expected by 2026. Do you have a story for The Daily Telegraph? Message 0481 056 618 or email tips@dailytelegraph.com.au More Coverage Minns ministers’ report card: the good, the bad and the invisible James O’Doherty Experts slam ‘unhinged’ ALP nuclear scare campaign James Willis Originally published as Parramatta Light Rail L4 line opens after long delays Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories NSW Nats in turmoil as top MP quits politics Keith Pitt’s retirement announcement has reignited tensions in the Nationals party room, with sources saying the veteran MP and Nats leader David Littleproud did not get on. Read more NSW Man wanted over alleged domestic violence charges A man wanted for allege domestic violence offences is being sought after by police after an outstanding warrant was placed in northern NSW. Read moreStocks rose in afternoon trading on Wall Street Friday, keeping the market on track for its fifth gain in a row. The S&P 500 was up 0.3% and was solidly on track for a weekly gain that will erase most of last week's loss. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 352 points, or 0.8%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.1% as of 2:05 p.m. Eastern. Markets have been volatile over the last few weeks, losing ground in the runup to elections in November, then surging following Donald Trump's victory, before falling again. The S&P 500 has been steadily rising throughout this week to within close range of its record. “Overall, market behavior has normalized following an intense few weeks,” said Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, in a statement. Several retailers jumped after giving Wall Street encouraging financial updates. Gap soared 10.8% after handily beating analysts' third-quarter earnings and revenue expectations, while raising its own revenue forecast for the year. Discount retailer Ross Stores rose 2.2% after raising its earnings forecast for the year. EchoStar fell 3.3% after DirecTV called off its purchase of that company's Dish Network unit. Smaller company stocks had some of the biggest gains. The Russell 2000 index rose 1.7%. A majority of stocks in the S&P 500 were gaining ground, but those gains were kept in check by slumps for several big technology companies. Nvidia fell 3.2%. Its pricey valuation makes it among the heaviest influences on whether the broader market gains or loses ground. The company has grown into a nearly $3.6 trillion behemoth because of demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. Intuit, which makes TurboTax and other accounting software, fell 5.6%. It gave investors a quarterly earnings forecast that fell short of analysts’ expectations. Facebook owner Meta Platforms fell 0.8% following a decision by the Supreme Court to allow a multibillion-dollar class action investors’ lawsuit to proceed against the company. It stems from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. European markets were mostly higher and Asian markets ended mixed. Crude oil prices rose. Treasury yields held relatively steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.40% from 4.42% late Thursday. In the crypto market, Bitcoin hovered around $99,000, according to CoinDesk. It has more than doubled this year and first surpassed the $99,000 level on Thursday. Retailers remained a big focus for investors this week amid close scrutiny on consumer spending habits headed into the holiday shopping season. Walmart, the nation's largest retailer, reported a quarter of strong sales and gave investors an encouraging financial forecast. Target, though, reported weaker earnings than analysts' expected and its forecast disappointed Wall Street. Consumer spending has fueled economic growth, despite a persistent squeeze from inflation and high borrowing costs. Inflation has been easing and the Federal Reserve has started trimming its benchmark interest rates. That is likely to help relieve pressure on consumers, but any major shift in spending could prompt the Fed to reassess its path ahead on interest rates. Also, any big reversals on the rate of inflation could curtail spending. Consumer sentiment remains strong, according to the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index. It revised its latest figure for November to 71.8 from an initial reading of 73 earlier this month, though economists expected a slight increase. It's still up from 70.5 in October. The survey also showed that consumers' inflation expectations for the year ahead fell slightly to 2.6%, which is the lowest reading since December of 2020. Wall Street will get another update on how consumers feel when the business group The Conference Board releases its monthly consumer confidence survey on Tuesday. A key inflation update will come on Wednesday when the U.S. releases its October personal consumption expenditures index. The PCE is the Fed's preferred measure of inflation and this will be the last PCE reading prior to the central bank's meeting in December.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Kobe Sanders scored 27 points, including five of six from the free throw line in the closing minutes, and Nevada pulled away late to beat Oklahoma State 90-78 for a fifth-place finish at the Charleston Classic on Sunday. Nevada's lone loss in its first six games came in the tournament's opening round when the Wolf Pack fell to Vanderbilt 73-71. The Cowboys never led in the contest and Nevada grabbed the lead for good on Justin McBride's tip-in with under 13 minutes left to take a 14-12 lead. Tre Coleman hit two free throws and Chuck Bailey II hit a late jumper to put Nevada up 40-33 at intermission. Abou Ousmane's tip-in at the 5:21 mark got the Cowboys within five, 75-70 but Brandon Love answered with a three-point play seconds later and the Wolf Pack pulled away. Tyler Rolison's 3 with 1:38 left pushed the lead to 84-73. Sanders hit 7 of 10 shots from the field, including 3 of 5 from distance, and was 10 of 13 from the line with three assists and a steal to lead Nevada. Nick Davidson had 23 points on 9 of 16 shooting and Love was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and contributed 11 points. The Wolf Pack shot 33 of 56 from the field (58.9%), including 7 of 18 from beyond the arc. Marchelus Avery and Arturo Dean both came off the Oklahoma State bench to score 15 and 13 points, respectively. Robert Jennings II and Ousmane each scored 11 points. Both teams completed the November portion of their schedule. Nevada plays host to Washington State on Dec. 2. Oklahoma State plays at Tulsa on Dec. 4. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college basketball: and