text:
Who Is Ranchera Mami, Founder And CEO Of Ranchera Familia?
Sue Carlton, AKA Ranchera Mamí, is owner and head farmer of the leading hemp farm Ranchera Familia in California. Known as the Reina (Queen) of Hemp, she is the first Latina in the United States to create hemp genetics. Carlton is known for embodying her femininity, art and deepening a connection to the plant through her work within agriculture. Her community work involves hosting women from all countries, hosting local workshops, speaking and presenting at cannabis and hemp events from topics on native farming techniques to presenting scientific research on Women Within Cannabis Agriculture.
Ranchera Mamí truly exemplifies being a positive role model and mentor for women all over the world. Describing the mission of her farm, she states, “We value the importance of creating a healthy harmony of farming through a positive relationship with all that surrounds us including the land, animals and people. The culture and history of agriculture is deeply rooted within us as we cultivate with these practices of our indigenous ancestors and others in mind while we honor the practices. Our farming is a combination of the past and the present. Through promoting a balance of low energy use, investing in reusable farming styles such as cover cropping and in ground cages, seed propagation and preservation, and healthy garden inputs we can reduce our carbon footprint while revitalizing the land we live and farm on for generations after.”
Ranchera Mami's Grow Room Seduction Weedsday Playlist: For The Ladies
“I call this playlist Grow Room Seduction For The Ladies!” the entrepreneur says. "Being a female grower I love letting my femininity soar through my music, outfits, attitude, makeup and nails. expressing the divine feminine nature to the fullest."
Tove Lo - "Habits (Stay High)"
Who doesn't love a good song that points out our affection for the plant? Honestly, it takes me back almost 10 years ago, just turning 21, going out partying, finding myself, break ups, traveling the world and how I moved into this industry through my own self-recovery journey.
Flight Facilities Featuring Giselle - "Crave You"
I truly crave plant vibration in all forms: the energy, the aroma, the taste, the lewks, all of how they make me feel and how they make others feel.
Grimes - "Genesis"
I love all the eclectic celestial sounds from this track, it honestly makes me want to dance anytime I listen to it. I like to imagine what space would be like, even though the highest I ever wanna be is from the plant. LOL.
Paper Diamond Featuring Gavin Turek - "In My Right Mind"
Maybe I just like beats to dance to. I used to be a rave girl and so I find myself listening to a lot of music that stimulates me through bass, lyrics and repetition.
Cannons - "Fire For You"
This song just makes me want to make love to my plants. Touching plants is a gentle process that requires delicate work moving throughout each one or the room, it’s like a beautiful dance. When I think of the work I do with my plants to caress, nourish and reap the benefits of their fruitful nature it is something I see as an act of love.
For more about Ranchera Mami and Ranchera Familia, visit rancherafamilia.com.
What are your favorite Weedsday tracks? Tell us about them - reach out at @honeysucklemagazine on Instagram!
Find Out More On Social
Featured image: Sue Carlton, AKA Ranchera Mami, founder and CEO of Ranchera Familia (C) @lucidlidia


tier: cub

shelf: history-culture

title: Drive your plow over the bones of the dead

text:
The home for reviews, previews and news from theatres, festivals, concerts and exhibitions, plus places to go and things to do for all the family.
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Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead
Apr 14, 2023
3 min read
Drive your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead
Complicite’s acclaimed production, conceived and directed by Simon McBurney, and based on Olga Tokarczuk’s genre-defying novel is playing at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 19 - 22 April.
Preview by Arabella Neville-Rolfe
Award-winning, international touring company Complicité (The Encounter, Can I Live?) comes to the Belgrade Theatre this April with their acclaimed production of Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, conceived and directed by their Artistic Director and Co-Founder Simon McBurney. The piece is based on Nobel Prize-Winner Olga Tokarczuk’s genre-defying novel of the same name. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead will play at the Belgrade Weds 19 – Saturday 22 April, with a press performance on Wednesday 19 April.
The ensemble cast features long standing Complicité collaborators, alongside new performers working with the company for the very first time. Kathryn Hunter will play Janina Duszejko – a former engineer, environmentalist, devoted astrologer and enthusiastic translator of William Blake. She is joined by Thomas Arnold, Johannes Flaschberger, Amanda Hadingue, Kiren Kebaili-Dwyer, Weronika Maria, Tim McMullan, César Sarachu, Sophie Steer and Alexander Uzoka.
The story begins in the depths of winter in a small community on a remote mountainside, as men from the local hunting club begin to die in mysterious circumstances. Janina Duszejko has her suspicions. She has been watching the animals with whom the community shares their isolated, rural home, and she believes they are acting strangely…
Tokarczuk’s novel caused a seismic reaction in her native Poland due to its defiant attack on authoritarian structures, with right-wing press branding the writer an ‘eco-terrorist’ and national traitor. This playful, anarchic noir was translated into English in 2018 by Antonia Lloyd-Jones for Fitzcarraldo Editions. It is the first English language stage adaptation of the novel and the first time Tokarczuk’s work has been adapted for the UK stage.
A philosophical and poetic murder mystery, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is a rallying cry for nature and a love-letter to the poetry of Blake. At its heart it is a playful and profound work that asks us to consider what it means to live in harmony with the world around us, our place in the ecosystem, and the perilous consequences we all face if our connection to the natural world is lost.
Collaborating with McBurney on the project are set and costume designer Rae Smith, lighting designer Paule Constable, sound designer Christopher Shutt, video designer Dick Straker, dramaturgs Sian Ejiwunmi-Le Berre and Laurence Cook and Kirsty Housley provides additional direction. Completing the creative team are design assistant William Fricker, lighting associate Lucia Sanchez and sound associate Ella Walhstrӧm.
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is the latest in a series of Complicité projects that urgently address the destruction of the planet. Figures In Extinction which focused on humans’ disregard for animal life, is a collaboration with Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite and Nederlands Dans Theater which recently won a prestigious Swan award and will receive its UK premiere at Sadler’s Wells in April 2023. Can I Live? a film conceived, written and performed by Fehinti Balogun, which was presented as part of the official programme for COP26, highlighted the social injustices caused and inflamed by climate change. Complicité is a founding member of the Culture Declares Emergency initiative. Much of McBurney’s (an active member of Stop Ecocide) and the Company’s work focuses on the state of our planet and art’s responsibility in encouraging activism.
Complicité is one of Europe’s leading theatre companies. Its work is characterised by an inherent playfulness and made through a deeply researched, highly collaborative process rooted in the belief that all aspects of theatre should challenge the limits of theatrical form. Recent Complicité productions include Beware of Pity, The Encounter, The Master and Margarita, Shun-kin and A Disappearing Number. The company is led by director Simon McBurney, in collaboration with a wide circle of associates.


shelf: civic-law

title: These witnesses called to testify that trump knew he had lost

text:
In the United States, the special commission investigating the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021 held its second public hearing on Monday, June 13. The members of the commission presented testimony to demonstrate that Donald Trump knew that the presidential election was not stolen, but that he never stopped proclaiming it.
With our correspondent in Washington, Guillaume Naudin
Donald Trump knew. He knew it was Joe Biden who won the November 2020 election. He knew there was no massive fraud that could change the outcome. He knew it, because everyone told him.
This is what the commission wanted to show with testimonies from exclusively Republican personalities. His daughter Ivanka, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, journalists from the conservative news channel Fox News, his campaign manager Bill Stepien and even his Minister of Justice.
Many times, William Barr explained to him that there was no evidence of cheating. He calls “bullshit”, “rubbish” and crazy stuff these assertions before describing a president who had lost touch with reality.
Donald Trump knew, and yet he preferred to say something else. To say that he had won on election night, listening to no one but his lawyer Rudy Giuliani, described as drunk by witnesses. This lie became the central element of his speech.
He pushed those who opposed him out. Above all, according to the commission, he convinced the rioters to come to Washington on January 6. And he convinced them to open their wallets. Appeals for donations launched by Donald Trump’s team have brought in nearly $250 million for his organization.
►Read again: In the United States, first day of hearings on the attack on the Capitol


shelf: science-engineering

title: Power your home, save money

text:
Power your home, save money
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We offer the best in battery storage with options from leading brands like Tesla and Enphase. Backed by industry-leading warranties, our batteries are built to last and deliver maximum efficiency.
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Choosing to go solar can be a big decision, and we’re here to make it easy. Fill out the form to get started and let us guide you to a brighter, more sustainable future.
Explore our comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about solar panels. Whether you're curious about their benefits, installation process, maintenance requirements, or financial incentives, find clear and informative answers here.
Are there incentives available for installing battery storage?
Yes, there are federal tax credits and possibly state or local incentives available for battery storage installations. These incentives can help significantly reduce the upfront cost of adding storage to your solar system.
How much energy can a solar battery store?
The amount of energy a solar battery can store depends on its capacity, which is typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Our battery options offer different capacities, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your household’s energy needs.
Will battery storage work during a power outage?
Yes, if you have battery storage, it can provide power during an outage, keeping essential devices and appliances running. Without a battery, a standard solar system will shut down during grid outages for safety reasons.
Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?
Yes, battery storage can be added to an existing solar system. Astrawatt Solar will assess your current setup and recommend the best battery options for seamless integration and maximum efficiency.
How long does a solar battery last?
Most solar batteries have a lifespan of 15-20 years and come with warranties that ensure reliable performance. Battery life can vary depending on usage, maintenance, and environmental factors.
What battery brands does Astrawatt Solar offer?
We offer high-quality battery storage solutions from trusted brands, including Tesla and Enphase. These brands are known for their reliability, efficiency, and ability to seamlessly integrate with solar systems.
How much does solar battery storage cost?
The cost of battery storage varies based on the size and capacity of the battery. Incentives and tax credits may be available to help offset the cost, making it more affordable. Astrawatt Solar can provide you with an estimate tailored to your energy needs.
What are the benefits of adding battery storage to my solar system?
Adding battery storage provides increased energy independence, backup power during outages, and more efficient use of solar energy. It can also help you avoid peak electricity rates by using stored energy when utility rates are highest.
How does solar battery storage work?
During the day, solar panels generate electricity, and any excess power is stored in the battery. When the sun isn’t shining or if there’s an outage, the stored energy can be used to power your home, ensuring you have a reliable energy supply.
What is solar battery storage?
Solar battery storage allows you to store the excess energy generated by your solar panels. Instead of sending surplus energy back to the grid, you can save it for later use, providing backup power during outages or at night.


shelf: software-docs

title: 360056467732 how to index a cram file on terra with samtools

text:
I'm the UCSC guy making a featured workspace involving the TOPMed aligner prior to go-live. I'm testing it by having it run on the 1000 Genomes data available on Terra. That data has CRAM files but no CRAI files (needed by the aligner) so I need to generate those CRAI files with samtools or another tool before I can run the aligner.
If I put the CRAM files in my workspace bucket, samtools cannot find it.
!samtools index gs://[path to cram]
[E::hts_open_format] fail to open file 'gs://[path to cram]' samtools index: failed to open "gs://[path to cram]": Protocol not supported
I'm not sure if it's because Terra's verison of samtools doesn't contain htslib or if the notebook bucket can't "see" the workspace bucket. So I tried putting it into the notebook bucket using gsutil cp and got the following error output.
==> NOTE: You are downloading one or more large file(s), which would run significantly faster if you enabled sliced object downloads. This feature is enabled by default but requires that compiled crcmod be installed (see "gsutil help crcmod").
CommandException: Downloading this composite object requires integrity checking with CRC32c, but your crcmod installation isn't using the module's C extension, so the hash computation will likely throttle download performance. For help installing the extension, please see "gsutil help crcmod". To download regardless of crcmod performance or to skip slow integrity checks, see the "check_hashes" option in your boto config file.
I can't install crcmod without root permissions. Does anyone have any ideas? If it doesn't involve samtools, that's fine, I just need some way of indexing these CRAM files. I've considered using a custom docker container with a installation of samtools that I know contains htslib, but that won't help if the real issue is that I can't transfer the CRAM into the notebook bucket.
The workspace name is "TOPMed Alignment and Freeze8 Variant Calling" and has a Jupyter notebook with my process.


shelf: health

text:
Faster, Clearer, Better: What Our 3T MRI Means for Your Pet
At DoveLewis, we’re always looking for ways to provide the best care possible for your pets. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce our new 3T MRI, an advanced technology that enhances both the diagnostic process and the overall experience for both pets and their families. So, what exactly does this mean for your animal? Let’s dive into how this advanced imaging tool makes a difference in your pet’s care.
What is a 3T MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a technique used by veterinarians and medical professionals to create detailed images of the inside of the body. The "3T" refers to the strength of the MRI's magnetic field, measured in Tesla units. The higher the Tesla rating, the clearer and more detailed the images. Our new 3T MRI, the only one available for animals in Oregon, offers unmatched clarity, allowing us to see the most intricate details of your pet's anatomy, even in the most challenging cases.
Faster Exams, Less Stress
One of the biggest advantages of our 3T MRI is speed. This means less time spent on the table for your pet and less stress and anxiety for both them and you. Quicker procedures are particularly beneficial for pets who may not do well under anesthesia or for those who may feel more anxious in a clinical setting. The faster turnaround time also allows our veterinary team to get results sooner, speeding up diagnosis and treatment plans.
Superior Image Quality for Accurate Diagnoses
The 3T MRI's high-resolution images provide exceptional clarity and uniformity, giving our veterinary team a precise view of what’s happening inside your pet's body. This detailed imaging helps in diagnosing even the most difficult conditions, from soft tissue injuries and neurological issues to heart and lung problems. With clearer images, we can more confidently detect problems, which is key to providing the best treatment options.
Neurology Expertise at Your Service
When it comes to neurological issues, the 3T MRI becomes even more invaluable. Our expert Neurology team is available five days a week to provide expert care and guidance. The clarity and precision of the MRI allow our neurologists to better understand conditions like spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, and more. With the 3T MRI, we can offer a higher level of expertise and confidence in diagnosing and managing neurological conditions, ensuring that your pet gets the best possible care.
A Path to Faster, More Confident Care
With the combination of faster exams and more detailed imaging, the 3T MRI ensures that we can achieve quicker, more reliable diagnoses. This not only speeds up treatment but also boosts our confidence in the care we provide. The clarity and precision of the MRI images help us pinpoint the issue more accurately, allowing us to tailor treatments to your pet’s specific needs.
What This Means for Your Pet’s Care
By bringing this advanced technology to DoveLewis, we can offer even higher levels of care to your pets. Whether your pet is coming in for an urgent diagnosis or specialty care, you can trust that we have the tools and expertise to provide the best care possible. The 3T MRI helps us see your pet’s health with new eyes—giving us the clarity to make informed decisions that will directly benefit their well-being.
The addition of the 3T MRI to our animal hospital is a game-changer in veterinary care. It enhances the speed, clarity, and confidence with which we treat your pets, ensuring that your animal companions get the care they deserve—quickly, accurately, and compassionately. We’re excited to have this state-of-the-art tool available, and we look forward to continuing to provide the highest standard of care for your pets. If your pet needs an MRI or if you have questions about how this new technology can benefit them, reach out to our Specialty Reception at 971-255-5995 or book a Neurology appointment online.


shelf: finance

title: Homebuilder stocks fall amid concerns about interest rate hikes

text:
Homebuilder stocks are down this week after a year of solid growth. Last Friday, companies like Toll Brothers, Lennar, and PulteGroup all saw their shares fall amid concerns about interest rate hikes.
Each of these companies outperformed the S&P 500 in 2021, thanks to a high demand in the housing market. But this most recent drop has led some people to wonder if homebuilder stocks are still a good pick in the coming year.
Why homebuilder stocks are falling
The housing market took off in 2021 when interest rates dropped to historically low rates. At the same time, many homeowners were leaving urban areas in favor of suburban neighborhoods. As buyers rushed to take advantage of low rates, a lack of inventory led to a seller’s market. Bidding wars were common, and most successful homebuyers paid well above the asking price. As a result, many homebuilder stocks saw unprecedented growth in 2021. Toll Brothers saw its shares rise more than 60%, shares of Lennar rose more than 50%, and shares of PulteGroup went up more than 30%. But as the economy continues to improve, most people expect interest rates to go up. Goldman Sachs has predicted that the Federal Reserve will raise rates four times this year after previously stating rates would go up three times. And mortgage rates have already started to rise. A year ago, 30-year mortgage rates were at 2.65%, while the most recent data shows them at 3.22%. These factors caused several homebuilder stocks to fall last Friday. However, many of these companies have already seen their shares rebound since the previous week.Homebuilder stocks are still a good bet in 2022
Interest rates will rise in this coming year, and the housing market will continue to stabilize. But given the ongoing housing shortage, homebuilders will be in high demand for the foreseeable future. Many experts believe the housing shortage is a problem that could take years to resolve. And as more and more employees are working remotely, many are leaving cities with a high cost of living in favor of more affordably priced areas. For instance, Florida, Texas, and Idaho all had significant population gains this year. Whereas states like West Virginia, Alaska, and Illinois saw their populations decrease in 2021. So, in particular, homebuilders that focus on entry-level homes in high-growth areas will be in high demand. Here are a few trends to watch in the housing market in 2022:- Home sales will continue to increase: As more millennials enter the market as first-time homebuyers, the housing market will likely stay competitive.
- Housing inventory should improve: Housing inventory should slowly start to improve as many homebuilders ramp up production.


shelf: education

title: Post 16

text:
Our students' future is important to us, which is why we ensure every single student has the opportunity to continue succeeding in their Post 16 education.
Although we have very strong relationships with a wide range of post 16 providers, our official sixth form partner is North Bristol Post 16 Centre (NBP16). Click HERE to visit their website.
Our relationship with North Bristol Post 16 Centre ensures that every student at Oasis Academy Brightstowe has an automatic right of entry to a sixth form place when they finish in Year 11, so they can continue their learning at an appropriate level.
North Bristol Post 16 Centre is made up of both Redland Green and Cotham Learning Communities, each providing the very best in education to young people in Bristol. Both schools have specialist status:
- Cotham is a high performing Specialist School in performing arts, mathematics and computing
- Redland Green is a specialist science school.
Between them, they offer over 45 Level 3 courses along with a good selection of Level 2 courses. Whether a student is based at Cotham or Redland Green, they will be able to use all the facilities at both schools, to have the best possible academic and social opportunities.
We are very pleased to be able to call North Bristol Post 16 Centre our 6th Form and look forward to helping our students secure brighter futures as a result.
Please click here for other Post 16 providers.
If you have any questions concerning post 16 education or about our relationship with North Bristol Post 16 Centre, please contact us at email@example.com.


shelf: home-craft

title: 12

text:
Sebastian was completely in awe of all the Christmas presents we had accumulated in the apartment. He was so curious as to where all these bags and packages had come from. He was mesmerized by it all. I'm sure he was thinking, hope some of these are for me. If not, I'll just claim them as my own anyway. Hope everyone had a great holiday!!
Winter is definitely in full swing. Our apartment gets pretty drafty and cold. So it's no surprise that the cats love to hug each other to stay snuggly warm. It's so cute. The 3rd photo is especially cute. If you look closely, you can see Yaffa has her arm around Sebastian and Sebastian has his arm around yaffa. Awwwww.
This week, we got our Christmas tree. And ever since, the cats have been hanging out underneath it. They love it, they've been taking a nap under the tree. And checking out the presents. Little kitties, they love Christmas just as much as we do!
So this weekend, we were installing our new "toy" and Christmas present to ourselves. Sebastian was admiring the installation and checking out what all the fuss was about. He thought the Toy was ok. He still prefers his mouseys more than this flat screen thing.
A new Petco opened up near my parent's house. They went to check it out during the grand opening and Petco was giving away toys to celebrate the store opening. So Sebastian and Yaffa got some fun toys to play with. One of the toys was pretty neat, you hang it in a door way, and there is a string tied to a white furry mousey. Oh boy, did Sebastian love that toy. First he loves furry mouseys but put it on a string and instant P A R T Y.
Novice urban gardener & beekeeper documenting my adventures in gardening in NYC. I garden by trial & error. My goal is to grow my own organic food, recycle & conserve.
I would love to do a seed exchange or plant exchange with other New Yorkers. Contact me if you are interested.


title: Sign up for IQ Index

text:
Sign up for IQ Index
The latest industry news to your inbox.
Drugs, alcohol and trespassing charges were the crimes du jour at the SoCal EDM event, which had a large undercover police presence
By Jon Chapple on 21 Mar 2016
A total of 244 people were arrested at last weekend’s Beyond Wonderland festival in at the San Manuel Amphitheater in Devore, California.
Jodi Miller, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, said the arrests – 116 on Friday 18 March and 128 on Saturday 19 March – were for various offences, including trespassing, being drunk in public and drug-related crimes, chiefly possession of ecstasy/MDMA with intent to supply.
Twenty people were also hospitalised, but all were treated and discharged by Sunday, said Miller.
The electronic dance music (EDM) festival, promoted by part-Live Nation-owned Insomniac, had announced a tightening of security around the 2016 event after a spate of drug-related deaths at similar festivals in California. One person, 22-year-old John Hoang Dinh Vo, also died after suffering an ecstasy-related seizure at the previous year’s Beyond Wonderland.
Such deaths have increased media attention on dance music events, especially in the US, and led to crackdowns by local authorities. It was revealed in September that plainclothes agents of the American Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have begun infiltrating EDM events in an attempt to weed out drug dealers. DEA spokesman Timothy Massino told Your EDM: “There’s clearly a huge synthetic drug problem in the [EDM] scene. […] The state and local agencies are cracking down. If they invite us, odds are we’re going to come play.”
Undercover police and private security were on site at Beyond Wonderland, as were over 100 sheriff’s deputies and a number of sniffer dogs
Undercover police and private security were on site at Beyond Wonderland, as were over 100 sheriff’s deputies and a number of sniffer dogs.
Over 65,000 people attended the 2016 festival, which saw performances by artists and DJs such as Armand Van Helden, Ghastly, Marshmello and Gouryella.
The Dance Club: The beat goes on panel at the 28th International Live Music Conference (ILMC) touched on the often heavy-handed responses to deaths at EDM events, which have in the past included the cancelling of entire festivals and shows.
Mark Lawrence of the Association for Electronic Music (US) said governments in countries like the US and Australia have a lack of understanding of rave culture and don’t realise how well organised most EDM events are, leading to a “passive discrimination” against dance music promoters. He added that violence and crime are far higher on average at rock and country festivals than at EDM ones, but stories about EDM are “sexier” and sell more newspapers.
Pino Sagliocco of Live Nation Spain summed up the mood in the room when he said: “They can’t just ban events because we had an accident. That’s like not flying any more because there was a plane crash.”


title: From Ifeoma Ejiofor

text:
From Ifeoma Ejiofor
Director -General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mallam Lanre Issa Onillu and his team have embarked on a nationwide flood sensitization and evaluation programme in all flood prone areas across the country.
Briefing Journalists on their findings in Ohita Community, Ogbaru local government of Anambra state, after accessing the rate of the flood in the vulnerable LGAs, Mallam Onillu officially informed Ndi-Anambra that Lagdo Dam was opened up by the Cameroonian authorities.
Mallam Onillu, represented by the Director Planning, Research and Strategy (PRS), NOA Headquarters, Alhaji Nuru Yusuf Kobi, said that they were expecting that the water level of the river Niger and Benue would rise and will naturally cause flooding in the country.
“So we thought it is imperative that we visit our people that are living within the riverine communities to talk to them that the Lagdo Dam water have been released and that it is expected that the water level will increase.
“We are now creating awareness so that people could get prepared in case of the flooding. It happened in 2012 and 2022, we lost 600,000 people in the two cases and over 10,000 houses were submerged by the flood,” he recalled.
The DG NOA noted that the sensitization effort is meant to prevent a reoccurrence of what happened in the past.
“People should get prepared should in case, there is flooding, they should pack all take their children and their belongings to a safer environment.
The Anambra State NOA, Mr. Edozie Ajaegbu notified the visiting team that the officers of the agency, known as Community Orientation and Mobilization Officers were already on ground in all the LGAs of the state mobilizing the people on the inherent dangers of the flooding.


text:
At a glance: chemical analytics at quality analysis
Your major advantage: at Quality Analysis you profit from a comprehensive spectrum of chemical analytics. We analyse organic and inorganic substances using various analytical methods and systems in the areas of microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatographie, thermal analyses and wet-chemical analytics.
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of inorganic and organic substances
- Identification of materials, substances, liquids, fibres and very small particles (from 1 µm) using Raman & FTIR spectroscopy
- Verification and identification of chemical-filmic, ionic and particulate contamination
- Analysis of the thermal decomposition behaviour and the material composition of plastic samples (TGA/DSC)
- Analysis, identification and quantification of plastics, decomposition products or residual monomers, additives and filler material
- Analysis of organic compounds by means of gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometer (MS) or flame ionisation detector (FID)
- Identification and quantification of highly volatile organic compounds using headspace analysis (headspace GC)
- Qualitative and quantitative assessment of ionic compounds in liquids (IC)
- Determination of the water content of samples using Karl Fischer titration (KFT)
- Analysis of water-mixed cooling lubricants, cooling water, process water and cleaning baths
We have the right analytical method for every measuring task
Gas chromatography (headspace gc)
Using headspace analysis, we identify and quantify highly volatile organic compounds. For this purpose only the headspace over a sample is analysed, not the sample as a whole. The substances in the vapour are analysed using GC-MS/GC-FID.
Ion chromatography (ic)
Ion chromatography is a sensitive method for the verification of ions in liquids. The individual ions are detected in a conductivity measuring cell after separation. Combination with other detector systems such as a UV/VIS detector and postcolumn derivatisation makes possible additional analysis options (HPLC).
Using thermogravimetric analysis, we quantify the composition of a material, e.g. the polymer and plasticiser content as well as the filler material content and the residual mass. For the exact identification and quantification of decomposition products released and volatile components, we couple TGA with FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS.
Differential scanning calorimetry (dsc)
Based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), we determine parameters for the characterisation of the thermal properties of your material, e.g. glass transition temperature and melting point, enthalpies, degree of crystallinity, as well as the specific heat capacity.
Karl fischer titration (kft)
Using Karl Fischer titration (KFT), we determine the exact water content in analysis samples. The results of this method are independent of the type of sample as well as the presence of other volatile components and are available in a very short time.
By means of RAMAN spectroscopy, we identify inorganic and organic substances, liquids, fibres and very small particles. The spectrum acquired is compared to our comprehensive material databases.
Using FTIR spectroscopy we identify, among others, plastics, fibres and very small particles straightforwardly and quickly. Both methods provide a spectrum that characterises the specific vibration of a molecule, a "molecular fingerprint" so to speak.
Scanning electron microscopy (sem-edx)
For the characterisation of the chemical element composition of materials and residues, we use energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) on the scanning electron microscope.
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC)
Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) extends the range of applications of ion chromatography to combustible samples (solid and liquid). The priority here is the rapid and reliable determination of individual halogens and sulphur. CIC is also recommended for PFAS analysis, quality control of raw materials, intermediate and end products as well as for testing the absence of halogens and for checking official requirements (RoHs/WEEE/IEC 60502-1).
Optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES)
Optical emission spectroscopy with inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES) is an analytical method for determining element concentrations in liquid samples. It uses a high-energy plasma to ionize atoms and emit light. By analyzing the specific emission lines of the radiation, numerous elements can be quantified simultaneously. This makes it particularly interesting for environmental analysis, materials technology and the food industry.
Applications for chemical analytics
Highly precise measurement and analytical methods
Added value at quality analysis
You receive from us precise measurement results, even at short notice. We have both the necessary personnel and a large number of analysis systems for chemical analytics.
Variety of analyses
We analyse organic and inorganic substances using various analytical methods in the areas of microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal and wet-chemical analytics.
Our acclaimed technical facilities are equipped to suit your needs. We have the right system for every analysis task. We rely on market leaders such as Renishaw, Bruker, Agilent, Metrohm, Netzsch, Hach, as well as many others.
The accreditation of our inspection methods and measuring rooms signifies for you certainty, dependability and objectivity.
Analysis systems with wide range of possible applications:
In numerous sectors and areas, chemical analytics is an ideal basis for informed decisions, improved processes and error-free product development. It provides detailed knowledge and results related to material and component characteristics, for example in
- Medical technology
- Automotive industry
- Foodstuff analytics
- Environmental analytics
We make every effort to implement your analysis task in our laboratory in the best possible manner. Our thinking is orientated on solutions and we place our emphasis on excellent service and advice, without compromises.
Accredited test laboratory
for chemical analytics
Chemical and physico-chemical analytics (CHA) of plastics and elastomers to determine thermal properties and composition, identification and quantification of organic and inorganic substances, materials, residues, deposits and contaminants using FT-lR and energy dispersive (EDX) spectroscopy are accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025. Furthermore, all our other specialist areas have also been accredited.
You can read more about the advantages our accreditation offers you here:
Frequently asked questions about chemical analytics (faq)
What is chemical analytics?
Chemical analytics or analytical chemistry addresses the identification (qualitative analysis) and quantification (quantitative analysis) of chemical substances. For this purpose there is an enormous variety of different methods, ranging from GC-MS to Karl Fischer titration, using which samples are analysed. In general the analytical methods can be differentiated into wet-chemical and instrumental methods.
What are wet-chemical analytical methods?
All methods during which the analysis of the analyte is only undertaken using wet-chemical methods are termed wet-chemical analytical methods, or in other words: no instruments are used for these methods. However, the term "wet-chemical" can be confusing because liquid chemicals are not used for every method. For example, the analysis of analytes using test papers (e.g. pH value) is a wet-chemical analytical method, even though only the analyte is a liquid. During the detection of metal ions using flame colouration, liquids play no role whatsoever, nevertheless this is a wet-chemical method.
What are instrumental analytics?
The term instrumental analytics refers to all methods in analytical chemistry during which instruments are used to analyse the analyte. The number of methods used in a modern chemical laboratory is enormous. Spectroscopic methods are often used, here the absorption of electromagnetic waves permits conclusions to be drawn about the composition of the analyte, or chromatography where a compound is separated into its different components and the composition of the sample determined based on the migration velocity of these components through a medium.
Where is chemical analytics used?
The applications are as varied as the methods used for the analytics. A very well-known field is the analysis of drinking water or the analysis of sewage as part of environmental analytics. Foodstuffs, cosmetics and other consumer products, which can be harmful for the health if contaminated with harmful substances or if the concentration of a specific substance is too high, must be regularly tested during quality control. As a rule, manufacturers task independent test laboratories with appropriate certification to undertake these tests.
the right partner
for chemical analytics
What can we measure and analyse for you?
We would be pleased to advise you about the numerous possibilities and combined analytical methods. The goal: the best, most cost-effective and most efficient analysis of your component.


title: Fix warhammer 40000 space marine 2 connection issues

text:
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is an exciting addition to the Warhammer series, offering intense battles and immersive gameplay. However, like any online game, it can sometimes be plagued by connection issues that disrupt the experience. Some players encountered "CONNECTION LOST: Connection to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 services was lost" Whether you're facing lag, disconnects, or difficulty joining matches, these issues can be frustrating. This guide will help you understand the potential causes and provide solutions to resolve connection problems so you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
Connection issues in online games can arise from several factors. Understanding these causes is the first step in finding the right fix. Problems can stem from server issues, local network problems, or even the game itself. Knowing where the issue originates can help you apply the most effective solution.
At launch or during high-traffic periods, the game's servers may become overloaded, leading to connection problems, slow response times, and potential crashes.
Server maintenance, updates, or outages can also temporarily disrupt the online experience.
The physical distance between the player's location and the game servers can contribute to high latency and lag, especially for players in remote or underserved areas.
Issues with the player's internet service provider, network equipment, or home network setup can also introduce connectivity problems.
If the player's computer or console hardware does not meet the recommended system requirements for the game, it may struggle to maintain a stable connection, leading to dropped frames, stuttering, and disconnections.
Corporate or institutional firewalls, as well as overly restrictive home network settings, can block or interfere with the game's ability to communicate with the servers.
Antivirus software or other security programs may inadvertently flag the game's network traffic as a potential threat.
If Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 encounters connection lost from service issues, LagoFast can be a valuable tool to enhance your gaming experience. Here's how LagoFast can help:
LagoFast is a game booster designed to optimize network performance.
Step 1: Click the Free Trial button to download and install LagoFast Free Trial.
Step 2: Open LagoFast then click the PC button on the left and search Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 in the search bar, click it after appearing.
Step 3: Choose a server that is closer to you or has lower latency.
Step 4: After successful network optimization, you can return to the game to experience it.
In multiplayer modes that rely on peer-to-peer networking, LagoFast can enhance the connection quality between players, reducing the impact of any individual's network issues on the overall session.
While Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s often less stable than a wired connection. For the best gaming experience, consider connecting your gaming device directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This can significantly reduce latency and packet loss, providing a smoother connection.
Your router settings can also impact your connection quality. Ensure that your router is properly configured for gaming:
Sometimes, connection issues are out of your control and are caused by server problems. Before diving into more complex troubleshooting, check the official Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 channels for any server maintenance announcements or known issues. If the servers are down, you may just need to wait until they’re back online.
Outdated game files or system software can cause connection issues. Ensure that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is fully updated with the latest patches. Additionally, check for updates to your gaming platform (whether it’s PC, console, etc.) and install any available updates.
Your firewall or antivirus software might be blocking Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 from accessing the internet properly. To fix Connection Lost Error Code 1 In Warhammer 40000 Space Marine 2, you can add the game to your firewall and antivirus exceptions list:
Corrupted game files can lead to various issues, including connection problems. On platforms like Steam, you can verify the integrity of the game files:
If you encounter Connection issue Error code 140, 144, 1, and 4, you can try this method (shared by other players).
To fix Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 connection error code issue, you can also adjust the Steam Overlay and Cloud Saves.
Go to your Steam Library > right-click Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 > Properties > Turn off "Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game" and "Steam Cloud".
Now, launch game and see if this help.
The developer of Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is aware of this issue and they are working on it to fix the issue. You can check the latest game status on their official X account. So, wait until the issue is fixed by developer.
We found that many players are suffering from the stuck on joining server error in Space Marine 2 and they are unable to join other Adeptus Astartes in their crusade. The cause of this heresy is unclear, but we provide some potential solutions to fix.
Never rule out the possibility of files getting corrupted or missing while downloading the game. This is rare in most instances, but it can happen. The developers recommend doing this as well.
The Warhammer 40k Space Marine 2 stuck on joining server error could also be happening due to crossplay/cross-platform.
You can go to "Game" under settings to turn off crossplay.
If turning off crossplay/cross-platform does not yield results, and you are still unable to join a co-op match, you could try direct invites. Using an in-game code, you could directly invite your friends to play with you.
The developers have discovered this problem and are working on an emergency fix. So if you continue to encounter this problem, please don't be discouraged and wait patiently for this game issue to be fixed.
Connection issues in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 can be frustrating, but with the right approach, they can be resolved. By understanding the root causes of these issues and applying the solutions outlined in this guide, you can improve your connection and enjoy a smoother gaming experience. Whether you’re optimizing your network, adjusting in-game settings, or using tools like LagoFast, these steps will help you stay connected and focused on the action.
Play harder, faster. LagoFast game booster eliminates stutter and lags on PC, mobile, or Mac—win every match!
Quickly Reduce Game Lag and Ping!
Boost FPS for Smoother Gameplay!


title: Std risk assessment cost in lucknow

text: Learning about the types of STDs, the common symptoms of STD and modes of treatment is a good way to protect yourself from the diseaseS and their accompanying medical conditions. Few of the most common types of STDs are: HIV and AIDS: HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a viral STD that enters the body either through unprotected sex with an affected individual or by the sharing of needles or through blood transfusions. HIV leads to AIDS. Common symptoms of HIV include headache, frequent fevers, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, etc owing to a compromised immune system. Syphilis: Syphilis disease is a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. Typical symptoms of syphilis include the occurrence of sores, that is initially painless, in the genital areas, mouth and rectum. Physical contact with these sores and the mucous of the affected individual can lead to the spread of syphilis disease from person to person. The disease varies in men and women in terms of the symptoms. Syphilis in men occurs as rashes not only on genital parts but also may appear on the palms and soles, whereas syphilis in women appears as small sores at the site the bacteria enters the body. This is usually in the genital area for women. Since this is an STD caused by bacteria, syphilis is curable in the early stages but can become severe and fatal if left untreated. This is why STD screenings and follow up syphilis treatment is of the utmost importance to prevent further damage. Chlamydia: This is a very common type of STD mainly because the symptoms of chlamydia are very hard to identify. It can also be easily passed from one individual to another. The common symptoms of chlamydia in women are painful periods and pain while urinating and during sex. In men, the common symptoms of this type of STD are the swelling of testicles, burning sensation while urinating and cloudy discharge. You can take up a Chlamydia test to diagnose the condition. STD treatment for chlamydia is of the utmost importance since it is difficult to detect. If left untreated, STD risk factors like permanent damage to the reproductive system can occur. Genital Warts: As the name suggests, genital warts are a type of STD that cause tiny growths on the genital area of individuals. They can be permanently treated once the underlying reason and STD causes for its occurrence are addressed. They are sexually transmitted and are caused by the HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus). The warts are usually accompanied by discomfort, pain and itchiness. Other types of STDs are genital herpes, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis, to name a few. You can consult with a gynecologist, andrologist, fertility specialist or general physician in city_name_label for expert medical advice.


title: Tom hardy james bond bombshell revealed

text:
Daniel Craig recently retired as 007 last year. It has been noted that the fans have been busy dream casting the role with actors of all types.
It has been further noted that the favorites to bag the role include gay actors like Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey, singer Sam Smith, and Thor’s Tessa Thompson. But Out noted that the outlet’s favorite is Luke Evans. Now, two more names have been thrown into the mix — Henry Cavill and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Tom Hardy loses out in the race for James Bond
The official announcement will likely come in the next couple of years; and while Tom Hardy has been a relative favourite in the Bond odds for some time, he may have missed his chance. According to the betting company, Tom Hardy is the third favourite at 6-1 odds, followed by Regé-Jean Page at 8-1, James Norton and Chiwetel Ejiofor both at 10-1, and Douglas Booth, Richard Madden and Dan Stevens all at 12-1.
Hardy has become a fan favourite in the past few years, especially after rumours hit that he had already been cast as the super spy behind-the-scenes.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Henry Cavill are tied as the bookies’ favourite to become the next James Bond. William Hill has both Taylor-Johnson and Cavill at 2-1 odds as Daniel Craig’s successor, which comes after the latter was dropped from the role of Superman. Taylor-Johnson was previously rumoured to be the frontrunner after he reportedly impressed producer Barbara Broccoli during a secret audition.
The Venom star has been quizzed about becoming Bond in recent years, however, he is adamant he will be staying quiet.
“You know, there’s a saying amongst us in the fraternity of acting, and in the fellowship of my peer group, that if you talk about it you’re automatically out of the race. If I mention it, it’s gone.”


tier: polar

title: Student reflection on being part of a research project

text:
In this post, Jo Hilliard, a second year Early Childhood student, shares her experiences of participating in the Praxis project ‘The Journey of the Early Childhood Student’ with Jo Josephidou.
I decided to join the research project simply because I valued the opportunity to share my thoughts. Like many people who work in early childhood already, I often feel that my opinion isn’t considered by those who make the decisions, and I felt that I couldn’t justify complaining about this, if I didn’t find the time to share my thoughts when someone did ask. I knew that I had lots to say about what the Open University does well, as well as a few little grumbles (because nothing in life is ever perfect!) but I also wanted to be a part of any potential changes that may come about in the future. I felt that as the OU was prepared to take the time to listen to their students’ voices, then I should find the time to share my mine. After all, the more students who were able to help, the clearer the picture would be for the researchers and therefore the wider the impact of the research overall. I felt that could only be a positive thing for my studies going forward.
The biggest benefit of the project for me has been the sense of belonging I have gained from meeting with my fellow students who are also taking part. I didn’t expect to connect with them as much as I have but it has been a real pleasure to meet with them online a few times a year to share our thoughts, celebrate our successes and generally just cheer each other on when the work/uni/life balance has been a struggle. Sharing meetings and email exchanges with Jo, the project lead, has been an equally positive experience as the way that she acknowledges and values our contributions makes me feel like I matter to the university as both a student and as a real person. Open University study can feel a little bit too distant sometimes, so the project has been a welcome thread of connection for me during my student journey.
I am excited to start my second year on the research project and to be a part of something that I feel has real potential to be a positive force for students now and in the future. My hope is that my contributions will be able to help the researchers identify ways that they can continue to support students like me to achieve the dreams that have set them on the path of an Early Childhood Degree. Helping to shape the experiences of students who will take this journey in years to come, is a real privilege.
Thank you, Jo, for sharing your thoughts so honestly with us. I am sure other students will find this post inspiring. If anyone would like to read the first report from the project, you can download here. we look forward to sharing further updates with you


title: Addonnut

text:
This addon will acquaint you with some of the friendly characters of plants that can be found in a series of games Plants vs. Zombies in your Minecraft worlds. This addon is designed to bring Botanical magic PvZ to Minecraft so to preserve the charm of vanilla.
In search of Crazy Dave's
First you need to find Crazy Dave's, which has the seeds of all plants. You have to turn zombies into Crazy Dave using Pot(crafting recipes, see the screenshots). Then create a collection of plants Pot o’ Plants plant them and wait 100 seconds, then it will be Crazy Dave!
Crazy Dave will exchange the sun to plant seeds! However, it is vulnerable to zombie attacks, so try to protect it, otherwise you'll lose it. It can be easily moved using a Taco (more on that later). First, make sure that you are stocked with a sufficient number of sunflowers to get more sun! But where to get them?
to start a plantation PvZ, you need to make a Garden Shovel. When you have a Garden Shovel, sneak and hold to dig a hole in the ground! You can use the seeds! The garden spade has an infinite durability, making it the best choice among gardeners TACOS! It is important to kill zombies and other monsters, using your PvZ-plants. 1 of 5 plants dead zombies will drop the TACOS! You can use explosive plants to increase this value to 1 in 4. Swap TACOS for the Sun in the menu of Crazy Dave to increase his level and unlock more plants! TACOS can also be used to get Crazy Dave from danger.
-Gorohostrel shells shoots peas at zombies in range.
-Sunflower, without a doubt, the most important plant. The Sun generates that can be used to create more plant seeds.
-Wallnut (walnut) - this plant is extremely useful as a protective plant, because naive zombies will continually eat it until his health. Use this in combination with Peashooters to kill the zombies on your lawn.
-Cherry bomb Fast way to get rid of the monsters. Mobs are attracted to its bright red color, and then boom! Zombie killed by the blast "Cherry bomb", are more likely to drop a Taco.
-Ice peas that slows down zombies and.
-Cartolina Mina undermines the zombies
-Double gorohostrel - shoots 2 peas at once!


text:
Funko POP! Figure DC Comics Shazam! Fury of the Gods Eugene
Shazam! Fury of the Gods is an American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Shazam. Produced by New Line Cinema, DC Studios, The Safran Company, and Seven Bucks Productions, and set for distribution by Warner Bros. Pictures, it is intended to be the sequel to Shazam! (2019) and the 12th installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). It is directed by David F. Sandberg and written by Henry Gayden and Chris Morgan, and stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rachel Zegler, Adam Brody, Ross Butler, Meagan Good, Lucy Liu, Djimon Hounsou, and Helen Mirren.
In the film, a family of teenage heroes led by Billy Batson / Shazam fight the Daughters of Atlas. A sequel to Shazam! began development shortly after that film's release in April 2019, with Gayden returning as writer. Sandberg and Levi (Shazam) were also set to return by that December. The title and rest of the returning cast were confirmed in August 2020, including Asher as Billy Batson. Zegler, Mirren, and Liu were cast as the daughters of Atlas in early 2021. Filming began that May in Atlanta, Georgia, and concluded in August.
When Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who transform into superheroes by saying "Shazam!", are forced to get back into action and fight the Daughters of Atlas, they must stop them from using a weapon that could destroy the world in which they must travel in order to make peace with the Gods because of Billy taking their powers for granted.
Funko POP! vinyl figuren worden geleverd in een displayable window box! Afmeting figuur is ongeveer 9 cm hoog. De producten van Funko worden gelimiteerd uitgebracht om deze reden blijven ze verkrijgbaar tot de geproduceerde voorraad op is.


title: Dare county arts council announces executive director transition

text:
Dare County Arts Council's Board of Directors announces that Executive Director Chris Sawin will be leaving DCAC on July 31 to pursue his new position as President and CEO of the Outer Banks Community Foundation. The Board of Directors has initiated a search for a new Executive Director and will post details about the position by July 1.
Starting August 1, Dare County Arts Council’s Program Director Jessica Sands will be the Interim Executive Director while DCAC conducts the search for a new Executive Director.
"We are extremely grateful for everything Chris has done during his tenure at Dare County Arts Council,” said Dare County Arts Council President Richard Phillips. “Over the last 10 years Chris has led Dare County Arts Council with dedication, enthusiasm, and determination. Our organization has grown significantly under Chris' leadership, and we wish him the best in his new endeavor at the Outer Banks Community Foundation. We look forward to continuing to work with Chris in his new position.”
Under Sawin’s guidance, Dare County Arts Council has created numerous new programs and events that bring art into underserved areas in the community, established financial stability, and creatively survived the COVID-19 pandemic. Sawin has been integral in the process of building Dare County Arts Council's new courtyard, which will open this fall. Most recently, Sawin and Sands played essential roles in helping the Homegrown Collaborative Fashion Event come to fruition.
“My heart will always be with Dare County Arts Council,” said Sawin. “When I first started as a volunteer in 2011, I had no idea that it would turn into a decade of friendships with hundreds of artists, performers and volunteers. Our staff and board of directors are second to none, so I’m confident that DCAC’s next phase will be wonderful.”
Sands has been Dare County Arts Council’s Program Director for over a year, and has an extensive background in the arts as well as the nonprofit sector. She has developed and delivered new ideas and has breathed new energy into DCAC’s programming and events.
Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.


title: Fifty ugliest cars of the past fifty years according to business week

text:
Here at Hooniverse, we really have no respect for publications that stray from their area of expertise. Take this pictorial from Business Week highlighting Fifty of the ugliest cars of the past fifty years, in we object to some of the entries on this list. (Thanks to Rob in Ocala for the tip!) Make the jump and see if you agree with us….
There seems to be a lot of ugly vehicles that we can all agree on like the Pontiac Aztek, the Citroën Ami, The Suzuki X-90, and the Honda Element. But when Business Week starts off with the Chevrolet El Camino, you have to wonder about the rest of the list.
Business Week also had the audacity to name the Gremlin as one of the 50 ugly cars. I’ll admit, its not for everyone, but c’mon man….
The experiment from Canada, the Bricklin SV-1, was also named as one of the 50 ugly cars. How about one of the 50 most awesome cars….
This should insult everyone who is a regular Hooniverse reader. Business Week named the Volvo 240 as one of the cars in the list of ugly cars. Now I can’t take this list seriously at all.
Same goes for the Lagonda…… This was so ahead of its time, and awesome by the way…
They also named the Subaru Brat as ugly… So Ugly, you can’t help but take it home with you…
The DeLorean DMC-12 was also included as one of the ugly cars. How can you not like the Stainless Steel wonder from Northern Ireland?
And can you really take a list seriously when they include the Awesome LM002?
Let me know what you think of the list, and what are the other cars you may or may not agree with Business Week.


title: True

text:
Join us for an expert-led overview of the tools and concepts you'll need to pass exam PL-300. The first session starts on June 11th. See you there!
Get registeredI'm using Power Query in Customer Insights , in data transformation, we import the data from GA and CSV, we perform some steps, but when trying to save this error occurs: "Failed to validate the data flow in external validations". Does anyone have any idea what it could be? Thanks
I am also facing the same problem. when trying to load the data into customer insights using power query from power bi dataflow.
I tried loading only 2 column from power bi dataflow. Both column types are string. Please find the error message below
Hello, i had similar issue. After trial and errors i managed to import. What i did, was to go to csv file and delete all spaces from columns names (e.g.: "Customer Name" to "CustomerName"). Then i run the import processes selecting the updated csv. Import completed successfully.
Hope it helps!
Found the issue with my entity. The space in between the entity name (Customer Master) was causing the above error message. After removing the space (CustomerMaster), the issue got resolved.
I tried reading the data from a storage account using power query (Add datasource in customer insights) as well. I got same error message.
Hi @Graciela ,
Has your problem been solved? If the problem is still not resolved, please provide detailed error information or the expected result you expect. Let me know immediately, looking forward to your reply.
Hi @Graciela ,
This looks related to a known issue. Please consider to replace all timestamp to string and remove all complex datatype for mitigation.
If the problem is still not resolved, please provide detailed error information or the expected result you expect. Let me know immediately, looking forward to your reply.
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.


title: What if my child loses a baby tooth too early

text:
Baby teeth act as placeholders to guide permanent teeth into the correct position. At Stellar Kids Dentistry in Mukilteo, Mill Creek, and Everett, Washington, our pediatric dentists understand the importance of baby teeth. But what happens if your child loses one earlier than expected?
Many parents wonder if baby teeth, or primary teeth, can fall out too early. Let’s break down what baby teeth, why they’re important, and what happens if your child loses one too soon.
What are baby teeth?
Also called milk teeth, these are the temporary teeth children have before their permanent teeth emerge. They serve as stand-ins, guiding your child’s permanent teeth into proper alignment for a strong, healthy smile.
When do baby teeth come in?
Babies should have their first tooth by the age of one. Many get their first tooth as early as six months. The front lower teeth are typically the first to emerge, then the upper front teeth. Most children have all of their baby teeth by the age of three.
At what age do kids lose baby teeth?
Children typically lose their first tooth around age six. They continue losing baby teeth for about six more years. By age 12, most children have lost all of their milk teeth, with their permanent molars being the last to emerge.
Can kids lose baby teeth too early?
The short answer: Yes! Children can lose baby teeth too early, and if they do, it’s important to connect with a pediatric dentist at Stellar Kids Dentistry. This is especially true if your child starts losing their baby teeth around ages three or four, long before their permanent teeth are ready to erupt.
What happens if my child loses a baby tooth too early?
Since baby teeth guide permanent teeth into place, your child’s permanent teeth need to be close to emerging by the time they fall out. If your child loses a baby tooth before the permanent tooth underneath has started growing, the adjacent teeth begin shifting into the empty space.
Once your child’s teeth begin shifting, they’re no longer in the correct position. This increases their risk of developing malaligned teeth (crooked teeth).
What causes baby teeth to fall out too soon?
Premature baby tooth loss results from many different causes, such as:
An injury to the mouth can knock out a baby tooth earlier than anticipated. If your child plays sports, make sure they have a custom-made sports guard to protect their teeth from damage.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, in an infection of the gums that causes chronic inflammation. It’s often the result of poor hygiene, lack of proper nutrition, or genetics. Healthy gums hold your child’s teeth securely in place, so talk to a childrens’ dentist at Stellar Kids Dentistry to discuss treatment options if your child has periodontal disease.
Severe tooth decay, or cavities, increases your child’s risk of tooth loss, tooth erosion, broken teeth, and other common dental concerns.
If you have more questions about your child losing baby teeth early, talk to a kids’ dentist at Stellar Kids Dentistry or schedule an appointment online today!


title: Aca health insurance premium payments how 401k contributions can help

text:
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has helped millions of Americans get health insurance coverage. But the cost of health insurance can still be a burden for many families. If you’re struggling to afford your ACA health insurance premiums, there are a few things you can do to lower your costs.
One option is to contribute to a 401(k) plan. 401(k) contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, which reduces your taxable income. This can lead to lower ACA health insurance premiums, as the amount of your premium is based on your income.
Traditional vs. Roth 401(k)s
There are two main types of 401(k) plans: traditional and Roth. Traditional 401(k) contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, while Roth 401(k) contributions are made after taxes. This means that you will pay taxes on your Roth 401(k) contributions now, but you will not pay taxes on the money when you withdraw it in retirement.
If you are trying to lower your ACA health insurance premiums, contributing to a traditional 401(k) plan is the best option. This is because traditional 401(k) contributions are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, which reduces your taxable income.
How Much Should You Contribute?
The amount of money you should contribute to your 401(k) plan depends on a number of factors, including your age, income, and retirement goals. However, a good rule of thumb is to contribute at least 10% of your income. If you can afford to contribute more, that’s even better.
Other Ways to Lower Your ACA Health Insurance Premiums
In addition to contributing to a 401(k) plan, there are a few other things you can do to lower your ACA health insurance premiums. These include:
Getting a job with an employer that offers health insurance.
Applying for Medicaid or CHIP.
Shopping around for a cheaper health insurance plan.
Getting a tax credit to help pay for your health insurance premiums.
If you are struggling to afford your ACA health insurance premiums, don’t give up. There are a number of things you can do to lower your costs. By following these tips, you can get the health insurance coverage you need without breaking the bank.
Question? or Need a Free Quote?
Reach out to us for free expert insurance advice and solutions. We will help you solve ACA (Obamacare) related questions and problems. Will contact you within 24 hours of receiving your message.


title: Mr. Santosh Ambhure

text:
Mr. Santosh Ambhure
Welcome to RMG Maheshwari English School, Ladvi Campus, Surat to experience the serenity of the exotic infrastructure of this centre of learning and campus which is promisingly mesmerising!
Quite identical to the academic establishment with respect to the CBSE norms, the overall delivery of services rendered are pertinent to the focus of the Management which is to give 'The Best' to every child studying in the campus at RMGMES. The Management and the Principal with the strong support of the able Staff strive hard to realize the expected inputs and create a conducive atmosphere at RMGMES. With the focus of internationalism, the school strives to establish systems for students to relate and compete not only within their peer groups but also on international level. Clubs formed in the Academic Year enable students to participate in different Scholastic and Co-Scholastic Activities.
Participating in Olympiads, Asset, etc. Exams assist the students to evaluate themselves and enhance their level of inputs in academics. International Clubs like ‘Girl Up’ of United Nations Foundation provides opportunities for our students to connect themselves with the international student congregation and share knowledge. Regular Seminars and Trainings for the teachers are conducted to keep abreast with the updated academics. Teachers through innovative and interactive Worksheets assist students to introspect and perform better.
Our focus for the Academic Year 2015-16 is 'Lets Compete, let's Win' In the Co-Curricular Activities at School and outside the school, our students are incessantly adding laurels to the crown of RMGMES by winning in different Sports Completions on State Level.
The School stands with its promise not limited to K-12, but also assist the students in higher education at the Campus in the near future, including international Universities, thereby taking the entire responsibility to establish the Students in their career.
While reading ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne, we summarise that honest inputs and perseverance surely helps us to attain our goal of perfection!


title: Recipes

text:
Quesadillas? Birria? Quesabirria? That's right. We take those leftovers from Thanksgiving and make one of the best quesadillas you've ever tasted.
This year, why not try something new using that turkey, for Thanksgiving day, or after using all those leftovers!
Looking for the easiest way to make birria tacos? Check out Birria Queen’s simple and delicious recipe, featuring tender meat and cheesy goodness!
Watch how easy it is to make cheesy birria tacos at home using her Birria Seasoning Bomb. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for any taco night!
Check out this Instagram reel where Birria Queen shows how to make a rich and flavorful pozole using her signature Pozole Bomb. Easy, fast, and perfect for family meals!
birria tacos are an easy recipe when using a Birria Bomb in this quick Instagram reel. Perfect for taco nights or whenever you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors!
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title: Brad pitt f1 movie gets title and release date with first teaser coming at british gp

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The name of the much awaited F1 movie starring Brad Pitt has been revealed along with an official teaser poster, ahead of its summer 2025 premiere in theaters.
The Formula 1 movie which is currently under production and starring Brad Pitt will be titled ‘F1’ with an official teaser set to air shortly before the start of Sunday’s British Grand Prix.
The highly anticipated film, which is slated for release in June 2025, features an impressive cast and production team, driven by the dedication of its well-known co-producer Lewis Hamilton.
The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion is not only supporting the project behind the scenes, but he has also been contributing his knowledge and passion to guarantee authenticity.
“F1,” is set to be a thrilling cinematic experience as the project is currently under production of legendary Jerry Bruckheimer (Top Gun) and direction of the creative Joseph Kosinski (Top Gun: Maverick).
Several races were used for on-location filming over the last season and now that the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike has passed, production has resumed, with Hollywood star Brad Pitt and co-star Damson Idris on set at Silverstone this weekend.
Warner Bros. Pictures and Apple Original Films have now confirmed that the blockbuster film will simply be titled “F1” ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
An official teaser will be aired on the Formula 1 world television feed at 14:33 (BST) on Sunday 7 July, less than half an hour before the start of the race at Silverstone, round 12 of the F1 2024 season.
The plot of the film will revolve around the tale of Sonny Hayes (Pitt), a driver who returns to F1 with the fictional APXGP team to compete against the sport’s teams and drivers. Hayes’ team-mate, Joshua Pearce, will be portrayed by Damson Idris.
Pitt and Idris lead an all-star cast which also includes Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, Kim Bodnia and Samson Kayo.
Adding to the film’s realism, all 10 official F1 teams and their drivers are set to make appearances, further blurring the lines between reality and the big screen.
The project is using the Formula 2 car Mercedes has modified to run in fictional APXGP colours and just like in other events, APXGP has received its own branded pitlane garages where its cast and crew are operating from.


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Duckworth Meets with Willowbrook Residents Impacted by Sterigenics
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with community members from the Willowbrook-area yesterday who have been exposed to cancer-causing ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions from the Sterigenics medical sterilization facility in their community. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) issued a Seal Order on Sterigenics on February 15th.
“I was pleased to host these Willowbrook-area residents who are here advocating for their neighbors and for all Americans who the Trump Administration is failing to protect from toxic chemicals in the air,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to be working with them to push the EPA to update its safety standards on ethylene oxide and to urge Congress to pass legislation to make sure a preventable public health crisis like this never happens again.”
Duckworth and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (IL-11) recently introduced the Expanding Transparency of Information and Safeguarding Toxics (EtO is Toxic) Act of 2019, which would close existing loopholes that both benefit the chemical industry and allow the EPA to do nothing if a risk assessment they conduct finds that a chemical is more harmful than previously thought. Duckworth has also requested the EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) immediately launch an independent investigation into a serious allegation that the EPA is failing to protect the public from EtO and asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to convene an interagency task force to examine alternatives to EtO. She has also called on the the EPA repeatedly to update its EtO safety standards and to investigate whether Sterigenics violated any laws.
In November of last year, Duckworth hosted a roundtable discussion in DuPage County where she heard from Willowbrook residents regarding their concerns about exposure to ethylene oxide emissions.
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Mobile robots can dance around a stage, perform graceful acrobatics and even lift heavy objects. But if you watched them strut their stuff for an hour or two, you would see the robots grind to a halt. Like humans, mobile robots eventually exhaust the energy that they carry, and need a recharge.
This problem is specific to mobile robots. Robots anchored to a factory floor can do heavy work all day and all night because they can draw inexhaustible energy from the electric grid. Mobility gives robots more flexibility, but at the cost of needing to recharge their energy sources — in most cases, some form of battery.Part of Nature Outlook: Robotics and artificial intelligence
The compact nature of smartphones can fool us into thinking batteries are featherweight objects. That illusion arises because modern electronics need only a trickle of energy to send signals or process data. But transporting robots or people around, or lifting a heavy load, takes much more energy. If you pick up a cordless tool, you will feel that it outweighs a corded one. An electric car that can travel for five hours (around 500 kilometres, the distance from Paris to Amsterdam) at motorway speed between recharges needs batteries that account for one-third or more of the total vehicle weight.
Mobile robots on legs, however, can’t tolerate such massive batteries. Boston Dynamics, a robotics company in Waltham, Massachusetts, sells a four-legged dog-size robot called Spot that weighs about 32 kg — one-eighth of which is batteries. But, the company states it has a typical run-time of only 90 minutes. Humanoid robots that have been developed to walk with heavy loads have the same limitations. Atlas, the company’s 1.5 metre, 89-kilogram humanoid demonstrator with two arms and two legs, can do gymnastics and lift heavy objects. But the company does not say how long it can run before it needs a recharge. For mobile robots to be more capable workers, their batteries will need greater energy density — that is, they will need to pack more watt-hours of energy into fewer kilograms of mass. “Energy density is still quite far from the power we need for robotics,” says Ravinder Dahiya, an electrical engineer specializing in robotics at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
How serious the energy-density problem is depends on the robot’s size and structure, its function and how much energy it needs. Robots that walk can navigate stairs, the interiors of buildings and rough terrain better than wheels — but they can’t carry as big of a battery pack. Sustained flight requires even more energy, making battery weight a serious limit for anything much bigger than insect size.
The limits of lithium
Batteries have come a long way since the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta invented the earliest version of this technology in 1800. Today, the state-of-the-art power source is the lithium-ion battery, invented in the 1970s by chemist Stanley Whittingham, and now widely used in phones, laptops, tools and electric vehicles. The technology earned Whittingham, now at the State University of New York at Binghamton, a share of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
Batteries don’t generate energy; they store energy produced by chemical reactions that yield positive ions and electrons. The ions accumulate at one end of the battery, called the cathode, and the electrons at the other end, called the anode. The ions and electrons sit on these two ends until they are connected by a conductor, which completes the circuit and allows the electrons to flow as a current from the anode to deliver electrical power to an externally connected load — such as an electric motor — and then to the cathode. When the chemicals are used up, the battery must either be replaced or recharged by passing a current through it in the opposite direction, to reverse the reaction.
A major advantage of batteries is that they directly deliver energy in the form of electricity, whereas fossil fuels have to be burned to generate heat that drives an electrical generator. This avoids carbon emissions on the spot, although total emissions depend on how the original energy was produced. However, robots must carry the energy they use, and batteries weigh more and occupy more space than fossil fuels. An electric car, for example, needs a battery pack much larger and heavier than a fuel tank.
When lithium-ion batteries reached the market in 1991, they provided 80 watt-hours of electrical energy per kilogram of battery weight1. That meant it took a one kilogram battery to power a (then standard) 60-watt incandescent bulb for one hour and 20 minutes, making it the best battery available. Now, typical commercial lithium-ion batteries carry three times more energy per kilogram. But even such energy-packed batteries are too hefty for a walking robot to lug around.
Lithium-ion batteries are running out of steam. The chemistry has “less and less room for improvement”, says Richard Schmuch, a chemist at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production in Münster, Germany. Lithium itself is rare and expensive. The same is true for cobalt, another crucial element which can make up to 20% of the weight of the cathode in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. Extracting both elements requires large amounts of energy and water. Moreover, the mining of cobalt has been linked to the exploitation of workers.
Another concern is optimizing batteries to meet the needs of robotics. “The lithium-ion battery is quite versatile,” says Schmuch. “You can adjust it for different types of operating condition,” from smartphones to cars to robots. Yet it can’t do everything cost-effectively and well. He expects new types of battery will be needed to serve the emerging demands of robotics as well as other applications.
After more than 30 years of development, lithium-ion batteries are considered to be a mature technology. Still, efforts continue to improve these complex electrochemical systems. They are assembled in units called cells, which are packaged together to provide a desired electrical output. Each cell contains — in addition to the anode and cathode — an electrolyte through which ions can move, a separator to prevent short circuits and electrical terminals that connect to other cells in the packaged battery. Extensive research has gone into the composition of each part to achieve high energy density, charging and discharging rates, reliability and longevity. Among the important successes of this technology are batteries that can be recharged as many as 6,000 times.
One attempt to enhance the performance of lithium entails making the anode and cathode from nanostructured sulfur-graphite composites rather than from standard graphite. Such lithium–sulfur batteries offer the potential of lower costs and higher energy density. These batteries have yet to be commercialized successfully, however; their use might be limited to specialized applications, such as aviation, for which minimizing battery weight is crucial to get off the ground. Battery features could be tailored by adjusting design details, such as the type of nanostructure used and how the ions and electrons flow through the battery. But what many developers want is new battery chemistries designed to meet a variety of needs (see ‘Packing in the power’).
That might entail stepping back from lithium’s biggest attraction — it is the lightest metal among the elements, with an atomic weight of seven. Yet, although lithium is absolutely essential to the battery’s energy storage and release, other materials make up more of the battery’s mass. Including the packaging, only about 1% of the weight of a lithium-ion battery is lithium (most of that in the cathode). The cathode also contains more of four other metals: cobalt, nickel, aluminium and manganese. Several problems with lithium and cobalt have led to serious interest in sodium-ion batteries.
Like lithium, sodium is an alkali metal, and the chemistry of the two is so similar that researchers have pursued sodium-ion batteries as a way around the problems with lithium. One important advantage of the sodium-ion design is the ready availability of sodium in seawater and salt deposits — avoiding the supply-chain problems arising from the cost and scarcity of lithium. Sodium-ion batteries are a bit heavier per kilowatt-hour of energy — sodium’s atomic weight is 23, more than triple that of lithium. Still, lower material costs are expected to make sodium-ion batteries significantly cheaper. An even bigger benefit of switching to sodium would come from reducing or eliminating the need for cobalt in the cathode, which has been demonstrated in several samples.
“Sodium ions are definitely gaining traction,” says Schmuch, citing development of them in Germany, where Fraunhofer is working with industry, and in China, where Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) in Ningde — the world’s leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles — rolled out the first generation of its sodium-ion battery in 2021. This April, Chery Automobile in Wuhu, China, announced plans to install CATL sodium-ion batteries in its cars. Also in April, CATL said it had developed a new electric vehicle battery with an energy density of 500 watt-hours per kilogram. This battery employs a different technology, which CATL have not identified.
Another way to change battery chemistry is to change the state of the electrolytes, replacing the conductive liquids used in lithium-ion batteries with conductive solids. Advocates think such solid-state batteries offer the best prospects for preventing the potentially deadly fires seen with lithium batteries, as well as for improving energy density and reducing costs.
The fire hazard comes from filamentary deposits of metallic lithium called dendrites that grow in electrolytes in the batteries. Lithium atoms present in the solvent crystallize to form metal filaments that spread like plant roots. The metallic lithium is conductive, and as the dendrites spread they can short circuit the battery and ignite fires. Sodium is much less prone to dendrite formation, and developers think that this quality makes sodium-ion batteries significantly safer than lithium-ion batteries. They would also be lower cost and in the long term potentially offer higher energy density.
A wide range of solid-state batteries are in development. Lithium is still a popular material because of its light weight, high energy density and rechargeability. But some researchers are exploring other metals with the hope of avoiding the known problems of lithium.
Switching one type of lithium battery in particular from liquid to solid-state electrolytes has led to a big advance in efficiency. This beneficiary is the lithium-air battery, which produces power from the oxidation of lithium atoms by oxygen from the air. As with sodium-ion batteries, energy density was not the main goal for many people working on solid-state batteries. “The reason for developing a solid-state electrolyte was to make the lithium-air battery more safe and to make recharging cycles more stable,” says Mohammad Asadi, a chemical engineer at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.
However, when Asadi and his colleagues from Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Illinois, built an experimental solid-state lithium-air battery2, they were surprised to discover that the technology brought significant benefits in energy density as well. The device transferred four electrons per reaction rather than one or two electrons per reaction that lithium-air batteries normally produce. As a result, Asadi says, the solid electrolyte “helps us store three to four times more energy per unit weight” than is possible with conventional lithium-ion batteries.
In fact, their new solid electrolyte changed the chemistry between oxygen and lithium. In standard lithium-air batteries, oxygen molecules from the air react with lithium atoms to produce one of two compounds. The reaction between one lithium atom and one oxygen molecule produces lithium superoxide (LiO2), which yields one electron. The reaction between two lithium atoms and one oxygen molecule produces lithium peroxide (Li2O2), which yields two electrons.
Asadi’s team made its solid electrolyte by combining nanoparticles containing lithium, germanium, phosphorous and sulfur (Li10GeP2S12) with a polymer. In this structure, two lithium atoms can combine with a single oxygen atom to yield lithium oxide (Li2O) and four electrons. That’s hard to do because it requires splitting an oxygen molecule (O2) to produce a single oxygen atom. The test cell, only the size of a coin, was a proof of concept. According to Asadi, this prototype shows that it will be possible to attain a specific energy of one kilowatt-hour per kilogram — higher than is possible with today’s lithium-ion technology.
Increasing the energy density of batteries makes it possible for these power packs to weigh less, which in turn would allow mobile robots of a given size to do more work. Battery design for such robots involves much more than chemistry. And one way to realize this would be to have smaller batteries serve as structural elements of a robot — not just storing energy but also becoming parts of its torso and legs to help it walk and balance. The idea comes from biology. Our bones are not just structural support — they also contain bone marrow that produces blood cells. “Multifunctionality is critical” when you’re building robots that move around, says Nicholas Kotov, a chemical engineer at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
“Robots are biomimetic, and the smaller the robot, the more biological concepts would need to be there,” Kotov says. He and other roboticists call two-legged robots humanoid because they walk upright and have similar body mechanics to people. “We want to keep robots light and consuming as small as an amount of energy as possible,” Kotov says. “If a battery just sits there and does nothing else [but provide power], it is not enough.”
Kotov’s group is particularly interested in drones, in which, he says “every gram counts, and if the battery can serve multiple functions, we can have more functional space”. His team is now working on structural batteries for military drones, although not much of that work has been disclosed yet. Military laboratories have also worked on humanoid robots for missions such as working inside radiation zones and checking for insurgents hiding inside buildings in combat zones.
Some materials used for battery energy storage are particularly well-suited for also being structural elements. For example, Kotov says, “zinc is a very good case for structural batteries”. It is inexpensive, stores energy well and the metal is stable in air. His lab demonstrated a biomorphic zinc battery that could store 72 times more energy than a lithium battery of the same volume3. However, trade-offs are
inevitable. Zinc batteries have limited rechargeability, so they would be best kept stashed away for infrequent use.Another promising multifunctional material is aluminium, which, last year, showed rapid rechargeability over hundreds of cycles at temperatures up to just above the boiling point of water — and without forming aluminium dendrites4. The researchers project a cost of less than one-sixth of that of comparable lithium-ion batteries with a similar energy capacity.
Kotov is also developing aramid fibres to provide structural strength for battery casings and internal battery structures3. These fibres have a fortunate combination of features including strength, flexibility and hardness that makes them useful for protective shielding. One particularly helpful attribute is their ability to block dendrites from growing between the electrodes. Moreover, aramid offers an environmental advantage — it can be made from recycled Kevlar, a strong, lightweight material, and when the batteries are worn out, the fibres can be recycled for further uses.
Energy beyond batteries
By 2030, Dahiya expects the development of energy sources for mobile robotics to broaden well beyond batteries. Some of these concepts have their roots in biology.
One example is equipping robots that operate at remote sites with energy harvesters, to collect energy from their local environment to top up their stored energy5. Robots can collect energy in the form of radio waves or sunlight, or from a thermal gradient. However, energy harvesting is not as efficient as heat pumps or wireless chargers, but it can operate in any suitable environment without special charging equipment. And there have been demonstrations of tiny bacterial-driven microbial fuel cells, or ‘biobatteries’, that could harvest material from the local biota to provide supplemental power6.
Another concept borrowed from biology is distributing energy in various ways through the robot’s body rather than concentrating it in a single battery backpack as used on some experimental humanoid robots5. Humans have three types of energy storage: triglycerides in fat cells, glycogen clusters around muscles and ATP that’s produced by mitochondria. Those systems evolved to serve different energy needs. “Humans and animals require fast energy and slow energy,” says Kotov. They need the fast energy to sprint, as well as slow energy to walk for many kilometres.
Robots and drones likewise have different needs at different times. A humanoid robot needs fast energy to lift a heavy load or run up stairs, and slower energy to patrol a field or a car park. Batteries are fine for a steady walk or jog, but not for a sprint. This gap has led to an interest in equipping robots with a different type of device — a supercapacitor — that delivers electrical energy much faster. Instead of using chemistry to store energy, a supercapacitor stores an electrical charge that it collects over a period of time from an electrical circuit. When a burst of energy is needed, the system discharges the stored electrons extremely quickly. Supercapacitors are used in regenerative braking systems in vehicles and can withstand many more charge–discharge cycles than can batteries7. In the future, they could give mobile robots a quick start — or a quick stop.
The lithium-ion generation of batteries put smartphones in our pockets and electric cars on our roads. Researchers are now in the early stages of developing a generation of portable energy sources that will be lighter, more efficient and potentially cheaper.
Yet costs might still be troublesome, cautions materials chemist Donald Sadoway at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Sadoway, who focuses on energy-storage technologies, sees little interest in “new battery chemistries whose price-to-performance ratio is less favourable than that of today’s lithium-ion”. It is unclear, he says, whether “the commercial opportunity is large enough to attract the investment needed for the requisite research and development to invent the new technology and to bring it to market”.
The prospects look bright to material scientist Shirley Meng, who is chief scientist at the Argonne Collaborative Center for Energy Storage Science at Argonne National Laboratory. She says using the oxygen from the air as a cathode is “the ultimate dream of battery scientists” as it offers high energy with light weight. “Good progress has been made” on the lithium-air battery, on which Argonne collaborated, but she says “we still face a lot of challenges in understanding and overcoming the limiting factors in enabling air cathodes”.
Meng predicts that the sodium battery, free of elements such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, “will find its niche to shine” because of its high ratio of performance to cost. Solid-state batteries, “offer the possibility of achieving the highest volumetric energy density in robotic applications [in which] space is limited”, she says. They also offer unique flexibility in packaging and can operate at extreme temperatures, which is important for some special-purpose robots. Meng is optimistic that developers “will offer a wide variety of battery solutions to different types of robot application”, with the potential “to unlock applications that were previously not possible”.
This article is part of Nature Outlook: Robotics and artificial intelligence, an editorially independent supplement produced with the financial support of third parties. About this content.
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