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Treyarch Co-Founder Pleads Guilty To Crashing Drone Into Firefighting Plane Treyarch Co-Founder Pleads Guilty To Crashing Drone Into Firefighting Plane A co-founder of the Call of Duty studio Treyarch recently pleaded guilty to striking a firefighting plane with a drone during the recent LA fires. Under the plea deal, Peter T. Akemann will avoid the potential penalty of a year in prison and will instead perform 150 hours of community service, particularly in the area of Southern California’s wildfire relief efforts. The deal also includes a $65,000 fine, the cost of repairing the firefighting plane in question. According to the plea agreement, Akemann flew a drone over the area of the Palisades Fire while a “Super Scooper” water-dumping plane was conducting operations in the area. His drone struck the plane’s wing, causing enough damage that it had to be grounded for a ******* of time. US attorney Joseph McNally, one of the prosecutors on the case, released a statement noting that “flying drones during times of emergency poses an extreme threat to personnel trying to help people and compromises the overall ability of police and fire to conduct operations.” He reiterated that those who do fly drones in those conditions will be arrested and prosecuted just like Akemann. Akemann’s camp released a statement stating that the co-founder is “deeply sorry” and “accepts responsibility for his grave error in judgment.” The Verge reports that Akemann recently departed his role as the president of Skydance Interactive and that his social media accounts have been scrubbed, including X and Linkedin. In other Call of Duty news, the series remains incredibly popular, powering Xbox to be the top video game publisher in the month of December, according to one data firm. Several major video game publishers have marshaled resources to help fight the LA fires, including Riot Games, which implemented in-game fundraisers in League of Legends and Valorant. Sony also donated $5 million to Los Angeles fire relief efforts. Source link #Treyarch #CoFounder #Pleads #Guilty #Crashing #Drone #Firefighting #Plane Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Biosensor can detect rare earth elements for more efficient resource extraction Biosensor can detect rare earth elements for more efficient resource extraction Analysis of LanM-41-BLA and LanM-253-BLA chimeras. Credit: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202411584 *********** synthetic biologists have developed a prototype for an innovative biosensor that can detect rare earth elements and be modified for a range of other applications. Lanthanides (Lns) are elements used in electronics, electric motors, and batteries. The problem is that we can’t extract enough of them to meet the growing demand and current extraction methods are expensive and environmentally damaging. Prof Kirill Alexandrov and colleagues from the ARC Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology at the Queensland University of Technology engineered proteins to create molecular nanomachines that generate easily detectable signals when they selectively bind to Lns. In an article published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, the team describes engineering a hybrid protein, or “chimera,” by combining a lanthanide-binding protein, LanM, with an antibiotic degrading enzyme called beta-lactamase. This hybrid acts like a “switch” that becomes active only when lanthanides are present. It can be used to detect and quantify Lns in liquids, producing a visible color change or an electrical signal. Impressively, bacteria modified with these chimeras were able to survive in the presence of antibiotics that otherwise would kill them—but only when lanthanides were present. This highlights how precisely the proteins respond to these rare metals. “This work opens up exciting possibilities for using biology to detect and recover rare earth metals,” says Professor Alexandrov. “The prototype can also be modified for various biotechnological applications, including construction of living organisms capable of detecting and extracting valuable metals.” The research team now plan to work on increasing the specificity of the molecular switch to better differentiate between closely related rare earth elements . It also explores the possibility of developing switches for other critical elements. The team is in active discussions with potential industry partners who are interested in this technology. “We also want to explore using the tool to engineer microbes that can directly extract rare earth minerals from ocean water,” says Prof Alexandrov. “This is probably one of the best performing switches made and has given us a lot of insight into the mechanics of protein switches.” More information: Kirill Alexandrov et al, Lanthanide‐controlled protein switches: development and in vitro and in vivo applications, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202411584 Provided by ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) Citation: Biosensor can detect rare earth elements for more efficient resource extraction (2025, January 30) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Biosensor #detect #rare #earth #elements #efficient #resource #extraction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

USAID freeze calls into question billions in support for poorest countries USAID freeze calls into question billions in support for poorest countries The Trump administration’s attempt to fold the USAID humanitarian agency into the State Department calls into question the future of tens of billions of dollars in financial support to some of the world’s poorest countries. The United States is the world’s largest provider of official development assistance, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and most of its support is channeled through USAID, an independent government agency established by Congress in 1961. – What does USAID do? – US Agency for International Development is by far the largest humanitarian and development arm of the US government, with a workforce of approximately 10,000 people around the world and an annual budget of tens of billions of dollars. Congress approves USAID’s funding each year. The humanitarian agency then works with Congress and the White House to set its investment priorities, while the State Department provides it with foreign policy guidance. The money is paid out through grants, contracts and “cooperative agreements,” according to USAID. In the 2023 fiscal year, USAID managed more than $40 billion in combined appropriations, a recent report from the Congressional Research Service (CRS) noted. That was more than a third of the overall budget approved for the State Department, foreign operations and related programs. Nevertheless, it only represented around 0.7 percent of the US government’s $6.1 trillion in spending during that *******. – Which countries does it support? – USAID had projects in around 130 countries in 2023, the most recent year for which full data was available, according to CRS. The top three recipients of aid are Ukraine, Ethiopia and Jordan respectively. The scale of USAID’s funding for Ukraine is significant, with the war-torn European country receiving more than $16 billion in macroeconomic support, according to US government data. In 2023, 70 of the 77 countries the World Bank determined to be low- and lower-middle income countries received USAID assistance, the CRS report noted. Other top recipients of aid include Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, South Sudan and Syria. – What does USAID fund? – Close to $17 billion in USAID funding in 2023 went to addressing “governance” issues, the CRS said, noting that most of that was destined for Ukraine. Additionally, around $10.5 billion went to addressing humanitarian issues, while $7 billion was set aside for health, and around $1.3 billion went to agriculture. USAID also provided direct budgetary support to several countries around the world, including a cash transfer of more than $770 million to the government of Jordan, a key US ally in the Middle East, according to US government data. Other major programs funded or managed by USAID in 2023 include $811 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and more than $330 million in emergency food and nutrition assistance for Afghanistan. da/bfm Source link #USAID #freeze #calls #question #billions #support #poorest #countries Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Review | TheXboxHub Kingdom Come: Deliverance II Review | TheXboxHub Review – Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon the foundations already in place, offering a more polished experience and deeper narrative. Source link #Kingdom #Deliverance #Review #TheXboxHub Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

When to watch the sky When to watch the sky Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Californians watching the sky in February have the chance to view a parade of planets and a snow moon. The planetary alignment that began in January will continue into February, according to AccuWeather. Stargazers can also glimpse a full moon and a bright Venus during cloudless nights in the middle of the month. Here’s what to know about the upcoming astronomy events: How to see six planets and crescent moon Once the sun goes down on Monday, Feb. 3, six planets and the moon will line up across the California night sky. Mars, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn will be visible to the naked eye, while Neptune and Uranus can be spotted with the help of a telescope, AccuWeather said. The crescent moon will appear in the middle of the planet parade on Monday. The moon will drift by Jupiter on Thursday, Feb. 6, and meet up with Mars on Sunday, Feb. 9, the weather site reported. NASA said planets always appear in a line in the night sky. The astronomical alignment is technically called the ecliptic, which represents the plane of the solar system where planets orbit around the sun, according to NASA. “What’s less common is seeing four or five bright planets at once, which doesn’t happen every year,” NASA spokesman Preston Dyches said. “Is it a planet parade?” he added. “This isn’t a technical term in astronomy, so call it what you wish!” What’s the best time to see the full moon in California? The second full moon of 2025 will reach peak illumination at 5:53 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in California, according to Time and Date, an online calendar. February’s full moon will be below the horizon at full illumination. Amateur astronomers will have a better chance of glimpsing the bright moon the night of Tuesday, Feb. 11, or later the following morning, the Old Farmer’s Almanac said on its website. The full moon is set to move above the horizon in the east around sunset and reach its apex around midnight. Why is February’s full moon called the snow moon? The full moon in February is named the snow moon due to the heavy snowfall that typically occurs at this time of year, according to the Almanac. February is the snowiest month of the year in several parts of the United States, including the Northeast, the Plains and the West, The Weather Channel reported. While meeting with Naudowessie chiefs in the 1760s, Capt. Jonathan Carver wrote that the moon was named after February blizzards “because more snow commonly falls during this month than any other in the winter.” Other names for the full moon in February include the eagle moon, the ****** bear moon, the groundhog moon and the hungry moon, according to the Old Farmers’ Almanac. When to watch Venus at its brightest The second planet from the sun will be at its brightest near Valentine’s Day in 2025, the Almanac said. Stargazers can glimpse Venus at its greatest brightness on Sunday, Feb. 16. That night, Californians should look west during twilight hours to see the planet shine in the darkening sky. On that evening, only the moon will appear brighter in the night sky, according to the Almanac. 2025 The Sacramento Bee. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Citation: Planet party and snow moon to shine over California: When to watch the sky (2025, February 3) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #watch #sky Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

ACLU files lawsuit challenging Trump’s move to close U.S. asylum system ACLU files lawsuit challenging Trump’s move to close U.S. asylum system Washington — The American Civil Liberties Union on Monday filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging President Trump’s move to close down the American asylum system, saying it violates legal obligations the U.S. has to offer refuge to migrants fleeing persecution. The lawsuit marks the first legal challenge against an executive action taken by Mr. Trump on his first day back at the White House that has allowed U.S. border officials to summarily deport migrants, without allowing them to request asylum. In that order, Mr. Trump invoked a muscular presidential power that allows officials to bar the entry of foreigners whose entry is determined to be “detrimental” to the U.S. He justified the sweeping move by accusing migrants of staging an “invasion” of the U.S. and posing a risk to the country’s national security, public safety and public health. It’s one of a flurry of actions the president has taken to launch his long-promised immigration crackdown. They include instructing the American military to aid in border enforcement, directing deportation officers to ramp up immigration arrests across the U.S. and suspending legal migration channels for foreigners, including Ukrainians and others from countries in turmoil. Though other American presidents, including former President Joe Biden, have sharply restricted asylum to try to curb ******** crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border, Mr. Trump’s order is unprecedented, in its scope and legal rationale. By concluding that the country is facing an “invasion” of migrants,” Mr. Trump effectively paused U.S. asylum law, which has required American immigration officials to at least interview people who say they fear being persecuted if deported. In its lawsuit, the ACLU asked the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to block officials from enforcing Mr. Trump’s decree, which the civil rights organization said seeks to “unilaterally override the protections Congress has afforded those fleeing danger.” “This proclamation is an unprecedented attempt to eliminate the entire asylum system created by Congress to protect desperate people fleeing grave persecution,” said Lee Gelernt, the ACLU attorney overseeing Monday’s lawsuit. Following record levels of ******** crossings at the southern border during his first years in office, Biden enacted his own asylum crackdown in June 2024, invoking the same authority known as 212(f) that Mr. Trump is currently citing to shut down asylum processing. While it was also challenged by the ACLU, Biden’s order was not as far-reaching as Trump’s asylum ban and it contained some exemptions, including for migrants who were able to get an appointment through a government phone app to enter the U.S. at a legal border entry point. That app was shut down immediately after Mr. Trump took office. Biden’s asylum restriction also allowed asylum officers to interview migrants who said they were scared of being harmed if deported from the U.S. While Mr. Trump has continued to describe the southern border as in “crisis” and facing an “invasion,” ******** crossings there have been at the lowest level in years. They first began to drop sharply early last year after Mexico increased efforts to interdict migrants and fell further following Biden’s move to limit asylum. In January, which included over two weeks under Biden, Border Patrol recorded nearly 30,000 apprehensions of migrants crossing the southern border illegally, the lowest level since May 2020, a year that saw a dramatic reduction in migration due to COVID-era travel restrictions, according to unpublished government data obtained by CBS News. Camilo Montoya-Galvez Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics. Source link #ACLU #files #lawsuit #challenging #Trumps #move #close #U.S #asylum #system Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Levels of microplastics in human brains may be rapidly rising, study suggests – The Guardian Levels of microplastics in human brains may be rapidly rising, study suggests – The Guardian Levels of microplastics in human brains may be rapidly rising, study suggests The GuardianBioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains Nature.comHuman brain samples contain an entire spoon’s worth of nanoplastics, study says CNNPlastic shards permeate human brains Science News MagazineMicroplastics Can Block Blood Flow in The Brain, Study in Mice Shows ScienceAlert Source link #Levels #microplastics #human #brains #rapidly #rising #study #suggests #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Switch 2 Reveal Was Surprising Due To Lack Of Surprises, Says Former PlayStation Boss Switch 2 Reveal Was Surprising Due To Lack Of Surprises, Says Former PlayStation Boss Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida has been speaking his mind and sharing his opinions lately following his exit from Sony, and now he’s discussed his thoughts on the recent Switch 2 reveal. Appearing on the MinnMax podcast, as reported by VGC, Yoshida said the Switch 2 reveal event was underwhelming and that the only major surprise was the event’s lack of surprises. “I was surprised there were not many surprises,” Yoshida said. “The only surprise to me was the mice thing that they showed.” Yoshida is referring to the sequence in the Switch 2 announcement trailer that showed the Switch 2’s new Joy-Cons sliding across a surface like a computer mouse would. Yoshida said he hopes Nintendo uses the mouse controls for “some more weird, amazing way” that people won’t see coming, as opposed to the control setup being used to play a game like Call of Duty on Switch 2. Yoshida said he hopes Nintendo’s big Nintendo Direct in April will “reveal something that’s still hidden to us about Switch 2.” He also addressed the string of leaks that preceded Nintendo’s official Switch 2 announcement, saying he felt “very sorry” for Nintendo for the “disappointing” situation. A leak can ruin a good surprise, and Yoshida said he hopes for no further Switch 2 leaks. It should also be mentioned that Yoshida said he was a “huge Nintendo fan,” but ultimately wished the Switch 2 announcement “could have been a larger reveal.” Yoshida also made headlines recently for saying he would have “resisted” Sony’s push into live-service games and that he was surprised Horizon Forbidden West didn’t sell as well as expected. Yoshida also talked about why there hasn’t been a Bloodborne remaster yet. Yoshida left Sony on January 15, 2025 after more than 30 years with the company. In other PlayStation news, the next State of Play event could happen very soon. Source link #Switch #Reveal #Surprising #Due #Lack #Surprises #PlayStation #Boss Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Parents’ math anxiety linked to lower numeracy skills in children Parents’ math anxiety linked to lower numeracy skills in children Longitudinal relations between parents’ math anxiety at 3 years of age and children’s mathematical development and math anxiety from 3 to 8 years of age. Credit: Journal of Experimental Child Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106185 New research findings reveal that parents’ anxiety about mathematics can have a negative impact on their children’s early numeracy skills, influencing their performance in the subject as they progress through school. The study, conducted by experts from Loughborough University and three Italian universities, followed nearly 130 children over five years. Parents’ levels of math anxiety were assessed when their children were three years old, and their children’s mathematical development was tracked from ages three to eight. The aim of the study was to assess whether math anxiety can be passed on from parents to children and if parental math anxiety influences children’s mathematical development over time. While the study found no evidence that children would internalize their parents’ anxiety about math, it did uncover a significant link between parental math anxiety and children’s numeracy skills. “Our results reveal that parental math anxiety does impact children’s math outcomes, even when differences in parental education are taken into account,” says Dr. Kinga Morsanyi, an expert in mathematical cognition at Loughborough University, who was part of the research team. “We found that parents who reported feeling anxious about math when their children were three raised children with poorer early numeracy skills than parents with lower levels of anxiety. “This effect continued as their children grew and entered school, with the same children still showing lower math performance at the age of eight, which is remarkable, given the strong influence of schooling on math development.” Early math development has been found to be a key predictor of future academic success, which, in turn, influences crucial life outcomes, including career opportunities, earning potential, and even long-term mental and physical well-being. Dr. Morsanyi hopes the study findings, published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, highlight the need for initiatives that not only enable parents to support their children’s math learning, but help them to develop positive attitudes and confidence towards the subject. For parents concerned about their math anxiety wanting to take action now, Dr. Morsanyi says avoiding speaking negatively about math is a good start. “One simple yet powerful step parents can take is to speak more positively about math and recognize that you do not need a special talent in math to be able to learn it,” says Dr. Morsanyi, “Even if parents struggle with math, showing interest, enthusiasm and encouragement can make a big difference for their children. “It is also never too late to increase one’s confidence in math and to learn functional numeracy skills. Parents can explore adult numeracy classes or take advantage of free online resources to help boost their confidence. They can also embrace a growth mindset where you recognize that making mistakes in math is not only okay, but an important part of the learning process.” The study, which was led by the University of Bologna and involved the Universities of Trieste and Macerata, was conducted with children in Italy, who start school at the age of six. The researchers now hope to build on their findings by further investigating the role of parents in children’s early math development, as well as the early origins of mathematics anxiety, and the stability of these findings across different countries. More information: C. Tomasetto et al, Parental mathematics anxiety is related to children’s mathematical development in preschool and the first school years, Journal of Experimental Child Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106185 Provided by Loughborough University Citation: Parents’ math anxiety linked to lower numeracy skills in children (2025, February 3) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Parents #math #anxiety #linked #numeracy #skills #children Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Newly Spotted Asteroid Has a Tiny Chance of Hitting Earth in 2032 Newly Spotted Asteroid Has a Tiny Chance of Hitting Earth in 2032 CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) – A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of smacking Earth in 2032, space agency officials said Wednesday. Scientists put the odds of a strike at slightly more than 1%. “We are not worried at all, because of this 99 percent chance it will miss,” said Paul Chodas, director of NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies. “But it deserves attention.” First spotted last month by a telescope in Chile, the near-Earth asteroid – designated 2024 YR4 – is estimated to be 130 to 330 feet (40 to 100 meters) across. Scientists are keeping close watch on the space rock, which is currently heading away from Earth. As the asteroid’s path around the sun becomes better understood, Chodas and others said there’s a good chance the risk to Earth could drop to zero. The asteroid will gradually fade from view over the next few months, according to NASA and the European Space Agency. Until then, some of the world’s most powerful telescopes will keep monitoring it to better determine its size and path. Once out of sight, it won’t be visible until it passes our way again in 2028. The asteroid came closest to Earth on Christmas Day – passing within roughly 500,000 miles (800,000 kilometers) of Earth, about twice the distance of the moon. It was discovered two days later. Chodas said scientists are poring over sky surveys from 2016, when predictions show the asteroid also ventured close. If scientists can find the space rock in images from then, they should be able to determine whether it will hit or miss the planet, he told The Associated Press. “If we don’t find that detection, the impact probability will just move slowly as we add more observations,” he said. Earth gets clobbered by an asteroid this size every few thousand years, according to ESA, with the potential for severe damage. That’s why this one now tops ESA’s asteroid risk list. The potential impact would occur on Dec. 22, 2032. It’s much too soon to know where it might land if it did hit Earth. The good news, according to NASA, is that for now, no other known large asteroids have an impact probability above 1%. Source link #Newly #Spotted #Asteroid #Tiny #Chance #Hitting #Earth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** Myth: Wukong surpasses 25 million sales ****** Myth: Wukong surpasses 25 million sales After six months on the market, award-winning soulslike, ****** Myth: Wukong, has surpassed 25 million sales across the globe. The game is still only available on PC and PS5. Analysis firm Niko Partners (via GamingBolt) reports the milestone, which is up by a staggering five million since last time we checked. Moreover, the success trickled down to Tmall, a ******** flagship store that generated around $410,000 in just three days through the ***** of figurines and more. The success of the Tmall store even led to Game Science forming a dedicated team to produce and market the merchandise. In terms of the game itself, it’s not too surprising that it continues to sell like hotcakes. The story is not over, with DLC in the works. In our review, we said: “****** Myth: Wukong is a technical feat that deserves attention. Not only does it deliver on outstanding graphical settings, it also sends players to different locations and environments that all look just as stunning as the last.” Gabriel Stanford-Reisinger Editor-in-Chief Gabe has been a gamer since he was young, playing games like Pajama Sam, Freddi Fish, Guitar Hero, and whatever looked cool on GameFly. Ever since 2018, he’s been infatuated with the inner workings of the gaming and entertainment industries, covering a wide range of topics from video games to TV and film. Starting as a contributor for PSX Extreme, he’s worked his way up to its Managing Editor. Using what’s he learned over the years, he founded Smash Jump to remind everyone to smash jump. Source link #****** #Myth #Wukong #surpasses #million #sales Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Organic material can convert toxic heavy metal to harmless form Organic material can convert toxic heavy metal to harmless form Graphical abstract. Credit: Chemosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143880 Researchers from the University of Waterloo have discovered that a special form of charcoal is highly effective at absorbing toxic chromium and transforming it into its safer form. Chromium is a heavy metal that exists in two forms. One form, chromium(III), is a safe micronutrient that our body needs. The other, chromium(VI), is a dangerous carcinogen linked to ovarian, lung, and liver *******, and reproductive problems. The dangerous form is usually created during industrial processes such as leather tanning, stainless steel production, and mining, but it can also occur naturally in the presence of manganese minerals. Biochar, a form of charcoal produced by heating agricultural waste without oxygen, is being studied as a potential tool for cleaning up chromium pollution at industrial sites, using the natural filtering ability of organic carbon. Filip Budimir, a Ph.D. candidate in Earth and environmental sciences at the University of Waterloo, wanted to know what happens when water contaminated with chromium(VI) is mixed with an oak-based biochar. His research is published in the journal Chemosphere. Organic material can convert toxic heavy metal to harmless form. Credit: ********* Light Source Using the ********* Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, Budimir probed the biochar to see where the chromium was being deposited on the grains, and which version of the metal was there. He found that, while the solution initially contained only Cr(VI), after sitting for 120 hours (5 days), most of the chromium (~85%) had become Cr(III). So not only was the biochar absorbing the toxic chromium, it was also converting it to its safer form. “We were happy to see that the majority of what we were finding on the biochar grains was chromium-3 and not chromium-6,” says Budimir. Microscopic image of a biochar grain after reaction with Cr(VI) for 120 h (A) and μ-XRF map of the same grain showing Cr intensity (B). Arrows indicate areas where μ-XANES data were collected. Cr K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra collected for various hot spots from the μ-XRF map along with two reference spectra (K2Cr2O7 and Cr2O3) (C). Credit: Chemosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143880 The researcher also found that the chromium isotopes changed (or fractionated) during removal of Cr(VI) from the water; the lighter chromium isotopes were removed faster and converted from Cr(VI) to Cr(III) more readily than the heavier isotopes. This could potentially be used as a tool to monitor groundwater remediation efforts using biochar, he says. “Things are happening underground, but we’re not sure what,” says Budimir. “Testing the isotopes can give us an idea of what is happening and if the process is working.” More information: Filip Budimir et al, Chromium isotope fractionation during the removal of hexavalent chromium by oak-based biochar, Chemosphere (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143880 Provided by ********* Light Source Citation: Organic material can convert toxic heavy metal to harmless form (2025, January 31) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Organic #material #convert #toxic #heavy #metal #harmless #form Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

British volunteer medic loses arm and leg in Ukraine strike British volunteer medic loses arm and leg in Ukraine strike James Waterhouse Ukraine correspondent BASE UA Eddy, who has been in Ukraine for more than two years as a volunteer medic, lost his arm and leg in the 30 January strike A British medic who lost his leg and arm in a suspected drone attack while volunteering in Ukraine has told the BBC he feels “lucky” despite his injuries. Eddy was part of a team evacuating people from the front-line town of Pokrovsk when his van – which was clearly marked as an evacuation vehicle – came under attack while he was at the wheel. The 28-year-old said he could “remember everything” about the strike on 30 January, including three bright flashes around the van and realising his leg had been “shredded”. Speaking to the BBC, he said: “My first thought was, I need to keep driving, we’ve been hit.” Eddy – whose surname the BBC is not reporting – said: “I hit the gas, the car wasn’t going anywhere. “I tried to put it in gear, my left leg wasn’t responding. I tried turning the wheel and I could feel my shoulder turning but I couldn’t see my arm turning on the wheel. “At that point I realised it was really bad.” Eddy said he was grateful for the support he has received from friends, family and peers since the strike and has not become disgruntled or pessimistic despite losing two limbs. He added: “I’m positive to be honest. I’ve got an amazing support network around me. It’s my left arm, my left leg – I’m right-handed.” Asked whether he has any regrets, Eddy replied: “Nothing.” He continued: “I’ve got family here, I’ve got a goddaughter. “I have a life here and if that means it costs me an arm and a leg to have that life, it is what it is.” He said his family have struggled to understand why he chose to volunteer in Ukraine but said his father is due to travel to the country next week to visit him. Reuters Efforts are under way to evacuate people from Pokrovsk as Russian troops continue to close in Eddy, who is originally from Dorset, has been in Ukraine for two and a half years, having previously worked as a sailor on superyachts. He originally planned to deploy with others from overseas who have supported Ukraine’s defence against the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022. However, once the brutality of the war became clear, Eddy reconsidered his options and in October 2022 he drove to Ukraine and joined volunteer efforts to support Kyiv as a combat medic. When he was injured, Eddy was working with the aid group Base UA, whose field coordinator he credits with saving his life. In a post on Instagram, the charity accused Russia of shelling humanitarian and civilian organisations in Pokrovsk every day. Over the last year, Russian forces have gradually expanded the amount of territory they control in eastern Ukraine. While Ukraine mounted a surprise counter-offensive into Russian territory last summer, its troops have struggle to contain advances in the east. Russian troops have continued to inch toward Pokrovsk, a mining town which lies around 60km (37 miles) north-west of the regional capital Donetsk, and have targeted major highways and supply routes during their advance. The settlement is considered a strategically important location for both armies. Before the war, Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad had a combined pre-war population of around 100,000 but most have now fled. Source link #British #volunteer #medic #loses #arm #leg #Ukraine #strike Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 – Review | Sirus Gaming Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 – Review | Sirus Gaming Lex from Sirus Gaming wrote: “Civilization VII turns the tides of what you know about Civilization as Firaxis takes this next installment into a new age, driving newcomers to the franchise such as myself to the world of 4X in the least intimidating way possible. I had a tremendous amount of fun playing the game these past couple of weeks.” Source link #Sid #Meiers #Civilization #Review #Sirus #Gaming Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Life-bearing water arrived on Earth later rather than sooner, meteorite analysis suggests Life-bearing water arrived on Earth later rather than sooner, meteorite analysis suggests A piece of iron meteorite Campo del Cielo, one of the samples measured in the study. Credit: Katherine Bermingham A team led by a Rutgers-New Brunswick scientist has concluded water did not arrive as early during Earth’s formation as previously thought, an insight that bears directly on the question of when life originated on the planet. The finding, reported in the journal Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, is significant because the data reported by the study support the idea that water arrived toward the final stages of Earth’s development into a planet from dust and gas, what geologists refer to as late accretion. Scientists seek to learn when the constituent materials necessary for life appeared so that they can understand how and when life began. According to present scientific understanding, at least three necessary ingredients are essential to kick-start life. These are water, energy and a soup of organic chemicals known as CHNOPS—scientific shorthand for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. “When water was delivered to the planet is a major unanswered question in planetary science,” said Katherine Bermingham, an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. “If we know the answer, we can better constrain when and how life developed.” Bermingham is a cosmogeochemist, a scientist who studies the chemical composition of matter in the solar system, particularly focusing on the origin and evolution of the solar system and its rocky planets by analyzing Earth rocks and extraterrestrial materials such as meteorites. Using thermal ionization mass spectrometry and a new analytical method the team developed, Bermingham and colleagues studied isotopes of the element molybdenum. An isotope is a form of an element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons. This allows it to share the same chemical properties while having a different atomic mass. “The molybdenum isotopic composition of Earth rocks provides us with a special window into events occurring around the time of Earth’s final core formation, when the last 10% to 20% of material was being assembled by the planet. This ******* is thought to coincide with the moon’s formation,” Bermingham said. They extracted molybdenum from meteorite samples obtained from the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution. The scientific community has divided meteorites into two general groups—the first, “CC,” with constituent elements suggesting the meteorites formed in the outer, presumably wetter, solar system. The second group, “NC,” has characteristics indicating its meteorites formed in the inner, presumably drier, solar system. This study focused on samples that belong to the NC group. They compared the molybdenum isotopic composition of these meteorites to Earth rocks from Greenland, South Africa, Canada, the United States and Japan collected by field geologists. The molybdenum in these rocks is generally considered to have been added to Earth during the time the moon was formed, which is when final core formation occurred. This is precisely when the team wanted to search for the origins of water. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—daily or weekly. “Once we gathered the different samples and measured their isotopic compositions, we compared the meteorites’ signatures with the rock signatures to see if there was a similarity or a difference,” Bermingham said. “And from there, we drew inferences.” The analyses showed that the Earth rocks they studied were more similar to meteorites sourced from the inner solar system meteorites (NC) rather than meteorites sourced from the outer solar system (CC). “We have to figure out from where in our solar system Earth’s building blocks—the dust and the gas—came and around when that happened,” Bermingham said. “That’s the information needed to understand when the stage was set for life to begin.” Since the chemical composition of the Earth rocks they studied matches that of the presumed inner solar system (NC) meteorites, the scientists concluded that the Earth had not received as much water from the moon-forming event as previously thought. The finding is significant, Bermingham said, because a popular theory of water delivery is that a significant amount of the Earth’s water was added when the moon was formed. This research, however, showed that a substantial amount of water likely did not come during this ******* of growth. Instead, the data support the interpretation that water was delivered to Earth in smaller portions after the moon was formed, far later during Earth’s formation. “Our results suggest that the moon-forming event was not a major supplier of water, unlike what has been thought previously,” Bermingham said. “These findings, however, permit a small amount of water to be added after final core formation, during what is called late accretion.” Other Rutgers authors of the study include Linda Godfrey, an assistant research professor, and laboratory researcher Hope Tornebene, both of the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. More information: K.R. Bermingham et al, The non-carbonaceous nature of Earth’s late-stage accretion, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.gca.2024.11.005 Provided by Rutgers University Citation: Life-bearing water arrived on Earth later rather than sooner, meteorite analysis suggests (2025, February 3) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Lifebearing #water #arrived #Earth #sooner #meteorite #analysis #suggests Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Mexico Reaches Deal With Trump Administration to Delay Tariffs Mexico Reaches Deal With Trump Administration to Delay Tariffs President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico struck a deal to get at least a temporary reprieve from the 25 percent tariffs the Trump administration had planned to implement on Tuesday. Source link #Mexico #Reaches #Deal #Trump #Administration #Delay #Tariffs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review – Eurogamer Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 review – Eurogamer This gorgeous medieval RPG continues to be just as prickly, divisive and abrasive as its predecessor. Source link #Kingdom #Deliverance #review #Eurogamer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Barbecue grill approach helps researchers understand puzzling Rayleigh–Bloch waves Barbecue grill approach helps researchers understand puzzling Rayleigh–Bloch waves Schematic of the experiment. The ****** loudspeaker on the right of the frame generates sound waves while a microphone moves along the grating to measure the propagation of the waves. Credit: University of Augsburg So-called Rayleigh–Bloch waves can release an enormous amount of energy that can damage technical systems under certain circumstances. They only exist below a precisely defined cut-off frequency; above this, they disappear abruptly. Strangely enough, however, there are isolated high frequencies at which they can also be detected. Mathematicians from the Universities of Augsburg and Adelaide have recently proposed an explanation for this puzzling phenomenon. Together with researchers from the University of Exeter, they have now been able to prove experimentally that their theory is indeed correct. The study has just been published in the journal Communications Physics. Suppose you had a gigantic barbecue grill that could easily accommodate several hundreds of sausages. Then, you could not only use it to invite your children’s entire school to a barbecue. The numerous stainless steel struts aligned parallel to each other are also ideal for generating Rayleigh–Bloch waves. These are vibrations that propagate from gap to gap between the struts and do not lose any energy in the process. Above or below the grating, on the other hand, they quickly decay. “In principle, it doesn’t matter whether they are sound, light or water waves,” explains Prof Dr. Malte Peter from the Institute of Mathematics at the University of Augsburg. “In order to develop, however, they always require a grid consisting of as many regularly recurring struts as possible, along which they can propagate.” It all depends on the frequency Rayleigh–Bloch waves are feared, among other things, because they can release very large amounts of energy. If, for example, pylons are anchored to the sea floor at regular intervals, there is a theoretical risk that they will be destroyed by these waves. However, some aspects of their formation are still poorly understood. “For example, we know that only vibrations with a low frequency can generate Rayleigh–Bloch waves,” says Peter. “Above a certain cut-off frequency, they disappear abruptly. Interestingly, however, there are isolated high frequencies at which they can be detected again. For a long time, we didn’t know what the connection was and where they disappear to at the frequencies in between.” Together with his colleague Prof Dr. Luke Bennetts from the University of Adelaide, the Augsburg scientist set about cracking this puzzle a few years ago. At that time, the two succeeded in mathematically characterizing the Rayleigh–Bloch waves above the cut-off. According to this, they transform into a kind of phantom above the cut-off frequency. In mathematical terms, the distance between two wave crests can then suddenly only be calculated using imaginary numbers (imaginary numbers are those that—when multiplied by themselves—result in a negative value; normally, square numbers are always positive). However, there are frequencies above the cut-off frequency at which this imaginary component becomes very small. And it is precisely in these cases that the Rayleigh–Bloch waves can suddenly be detected again. “Until now, however, we didn’t know whether this phenomenon only appears in our formulas or is also significant in reality,” explains Peter. This has now changed with the current study: In it, researchers from the University of Exeter prove that Bennett and Peter’s calculations appear to be correct. They used a kind of giant barbecue grill with a small loudspeaker attached to a side strut. This produced sounds at different frequencies. The scientists then used a microphone to analyze how the sound waves propagated along the grating. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—daily or weekly. Theoretical prediction confirmed experimentally The characteristic Rayleigh–Bloch behavior was observed below a certain pitch: Directly around the struts, the volume was very high, whereas above and below the grating plane it decreased abruptly. As soon as the cut-off frequency was exceeded, the Rayleigh–Bloch waves disappeared. However, they were suddenly detectable again precisely in the frequency ranges predicted by Bennett and Peter’s formulae. However, they no longer “nestled” so closely to the struts, but also spread out somewhat vertically to the grating plane. “We interpret this as the influence of their imaginary part, which is very small at these frequencies, but still present,” says Peter. The results improve the understanding of these exotic waves and therefore also allow a better assessment of the conditions under which they can potentially become dangerous. However, they also make it possible to design antennas with which the Rayleigh–Bloch waves can be optimally transmitted. It may be possible in future to use the waves for communication purposes, for example, to transmit signals with low loss in a similar way to a fiber optic cable. More information: G. J. Chaplain et al, Acoustic lattice resonances and generalised Rayleigh–Bloch waves, Communications Physics (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42005-025-01950-4 Provided by University of Augsburg Citation: Barbecue grill approach helps researchers understand puzzling Rayleigh–Bloch waves (2025, February 3) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Barbecue #grill #approach #helps #researchers #understand #puzzling #RayleighBloch #waves Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Tesla shares fall 5% on tariffs, drop in Europe vehicle registrations Tesla shares fall 5% on tariffs, drop in Europe vehicle registrations Oslo Taxi’s Tesla model Y (L) and the NIO ET5 electric vehicle from Nio Inc, a ******** multinational electric car manufacturer, drive through the Norwegian capital Oslo, on September 27, 2024. Jonathan Nackstrand | Afp | Getty Images Tesla shares slid about 5% on Monday after President Donald Trump announced plans for extensive tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China. The stock was also hit by declining registrations for Tesla vehicles in France, Sweden and Norway. Tesla fell more than its megacap peers, with Apple’s stock suffering the next biggest drop at more than 3%. President Donald Trump over the weekend slapped 10% tariffs on goods imported from China, where Tesla produces about half its automobiles. While the tariffs are sure to hit all automakers’ supply chains, Tesla operates factories in the U.S., Berlin and Shanghai, enabling it to sidestep some of the challenges faced by other electric vehicle makers. During Tesla’s earnings call last week, Chief Financial Officer Vaibhav Taneja said the company’s profitability could take a hit if the new administration implements tariffs. “Over the years we’ve tried to localize our supply chain in every market, but we are still reliant on parts from across the world for all our businesses,” Taneja said. He said the “imposition of tariffs” would “have an impact on our business and profitability.” As for falling registrations In Europe, the drop was steepest in France, one of the continent’s largest EV markets. Tesla registrations there fell 63% in January from the same month a year earlier, according to data tracked by industry association PFA (Plateforme Automobile). That was a much steeper drop than the decline in electric cars and in overall automotive sales in France. In Sweden and Norway, Tesla sales for January fell 44% and 38%, respectively, Reuters reported. In addition to the tariffs and news about declining registrations, Tesla over the weekend also cut lease prices for its base Model 3 sedan and unpainted steel Cybertruck vehicles, according to listings for customers in the U.S. viewed by CNBC. An independent researcher who publishes his Tesla forecasts under the handle “Troy Teslike” on Patreon wrote, in a post on X, that he only expects Tesla to sell about 21,000 units of its Cybertruck in 2025. “The order backlog is gone,” he wrote. “Tesla ended 2024 with 10,600 unsold Cybertrucks because of too much production and low demand. The backlog dropped to zero on November 24, 2024, when Tesla’s order page in the US showed that customers could order and take delivery of a Cybertruck on the same day.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk was a major backer of Trump’s presidential effort, contributing $290 million to Republican candidates and causes in 2024, most of that directed at returning Trump to the White House. Musk also recently endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. As CNBC previously reported, Musk’s incendiary rhetoric and political activism have contributed to a decline in Tesla’s brand value and reputation. Tesla’s brand value fell 26% in 2024, according to consulting firm Brand Finance. WATCH: Tesla stock is disconnected from fundamentals Source link #Tesla #shares #fall #tariffs #drop #Europe #vehicle #registrations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to join Battlefield Labs How to join Battlefield Labs Call of Duty has held the crown as the most popular and best selling FPS for well over a decade, crushing all challengers. The only exception is Battlefield, which has managed to carve out its own section of the audience thanks to a focus on large-scale combat, vehicles, and classes. The last entry was a low point in the franchise, and we haven’t heard anything concrete about what is coming next until now. Battlefield Labs is a new program that will let players from the community get an early look at what the new Battlefield Studios teams are working on long before release. If you want to be one of the first on the Battlefield, here’s how to sign up. How to sign up for Battlefield Labs Battlefield Labs is an invite-only program. Anyone who has an EA account and platform to play on is eligible to sign up so long, but not everyone will be selected. Currently, only the North America and European regions are accepting players, but there are plans to add more regions in the future. Here’s how to register: Step 1: Visit the official Battlefield Labs website. Step 2: Click on Sign Up Now. Step 3: You will be placed in a ****** for when you will be able to enter your information. You can see how many players are ahead of you as well as an estimated wait time, if any. You can close this window if you wish without losing your place in line, but you do need to be present when your turn comes around. Step 4: Once it is your turn, you will have 15 minutes to enter your information and sign up for Battlefield Labs. Step 5: If/when you are selected, you will be contacted via email from *****@*****.tld with details and instructions on how to play. EA hasn’t specified when playtests with Battlefield Labs will begin beyond “the coming weeks.” Play sessions will also be done in waves every few weeks, with the number of players invited steadily increasing over time. As for what you can expect from Battlefield Labs, EA hasn’t given us any specifics. In fact, those who are eventually chosen to participate will need to sign a non-disclosure agreement forbidding them from speaking about or showing anything from the tests. Source link #join #Battlefield #Labs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How technology has changed manners and etiquette How technology has changed manners and etiquette Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain As we settle into the new year, one meeting often weighs heavily on the minds of employees: the performance appraisal review. For some, it’s a time of validation and recognition, while for others, it brings a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. These meetings are a common practice in human resource management and are an important part of the performance management process. Despite some debates on the effectiveness of these systematic assessments, they are still frequently used to help organizations evaluate employee output, provide feedback and set future goals and rewards. With the rise of modern technologies, the dynamics of these appraisals have changed dramatically, especially in terms of manners and etiquette. What are performance appraisal reviews? Performance appraisals are a set of structured evaluations of employees’ job performance against set criteria and organizational goals. These evaluations are essential for managing human resources effectively. They provide insights into employee productivity, help identify training needs and align individual goals with the broader organizational mission. They also play a critical role in career development by offering feedback that helps employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement. And they are a key factor in management decisions about promotions, compensation, and sometimes, terminations. Employee reactions to performance appraisals can vary greatly depending on multiple factors. Active participation in the appraisal process can lead to more positive perceptions of its fairness and effectiveness. Further, fair and constructive appraisals can boost employee satisfaction and commitment, whereas poorly conducted ones can lead to dissatisfaction and disengagement. On the other hand, performance appraisals can also be a significant source of stress for employees. The anticipation of critical feedback and the high stakes associated with these evaluations can induce anxiety and tension. In fact, some studies suggests that performance appraisals contribute to employee burn-out. This stress-inducing aspect of appraisals can greatly influence the manners, attitudes and behaviors of employees during these meetings. The influence of modern technologies on manners and etiquette In the last few years, especially during the COVID pandemic, modern technologies have transformed performance appraisal reviews. Video conferencing and communication tools integrated into performance management software have made remote and flexible appraisals possible. These tools have significantly altered communication styles, shifting the focus to digital interactions that often lack non-verbal cues. Some behavioral scientists even noted that while online communication was essential during the pandemic, it lacks the richness of face-to-face interaction, which can affect the clarity and warmth of communication. Netiquette, or Internet etiquette, consists of the polite behaviors expected in online communications. The importance of netiquette in performance appraisals is basically to ensure clear and respectful communication. Adhering to netiquette helps maintain a professional tone and reduces the risk of misunderstandings in virtual settings. So while digital communication has led to new norms and expectations for politeness, clarity and respect remain crucial factors. Without physical presence, explicit expressions of politeness and consideration are more important than ever, helping to replicate the nuances of face-to-face communication in a virtual environment. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matter—daily or weekly. Theoretical perspectives on manners and etiquette The late sociologist Norbert Elias’s theories offer a historical perspective on how manners and societal norms evolve. In his book, The Civilizing Process, Elias traces the development of manners from medieval times to the modern era, arguing that societal norms become more regulated and refined over time. This process involves both sociogenetic aspects, which concern social changes over long periods, and psychogenetic ones, which concern the internalization of social norms. Elias’s theories can also help us understand how manners and etiquette in modern organizations are evolving. His ideas have been shown to apply to organizational behavior, highlighting the importance of self-regulation and refinement in professional settings. As performance appraisals become more formalized, they reflect broader societal trends in these directions. Further applying Elias’s civilizing process to the digital age involves understanding how manners and etiquette adapt to technological advancements. Developing new norms for digital behavior helps maintain respectful and effective communication; netiquette is a contemporary extension of the civilizing process. As performance appraisals increasingly move online, adhering to netiquette helps ensure positive and constructive experiences. Implications for performance appraisals Modern technologies have blurred the traditional boundaries of place, time and organization, affecting employee behavior and manners. These changes challenge traditional notions of hierarchy and authority, encouraging more egalitarian and flexible interactions. This shift requires employees to adapt to the new culture of organizations. Observing the netiquette guidelines that follow can significantly enhance the online appraisal experience for both employees and managers. Preparation as self-regulation: Testing the Internet connection, camera and microphone reflects Elias’s concept of internalized norms as self-regulatory practices that enhance interactions. Creating a quiet, well-lit space shows respect for the meeting and fosters a focused environment. Professional presentation: Dressing appropriately and using a distraction-free background reflect Elias’s view of manners as societal refinement markers. A clean, professional setup conveys respect for the occasion and the participants. Simulated social cues: Making eye contact by looking at the camera, maintaining good posture, and using natural gestures to recreate in-person cues help make for effective communication. Clarity of speech: Speaking clearly and avoiding vague terminology aligns with Elias’s view that refined language is essential for civilized interactions. Clarity helps overcome the comparative lack of non-verbal cues in virtual settings. Time management: Joining the meeting a few minutes early and silencing notifications reflect Elias’s ideals of punctuality and order, showing respect for everyone’s time. Follow-up: A thank-you message after the appraisal supports Elias’s civilizing process by reinforcing professional gratitude and respect. If your next performance appraisal review is scheduled online, consider these straightforward yet impactful practices. Thoughtful netiquette—when adopted by both managers and employees—can create a respectful, clear and productive virtual appraisal experience, making a real difference on how feedback is communicated and received. Provided by The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Citation: Online performance reviews: How technology has changed manners and etiquette (2025, February 3) retrieved 3 February 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #technology #changed #manners #etiquette Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

This secret method saved me money on AppleCare+, but it won’t last much longer This secret method saved me money on AppleCare+, but it won’t last much longer Table of Contents Table of Contents The secret AppleCare+ hack Leaving it late If you’re as clumsy as I am, you’ll know the value of AppleCare+. Apple’s insurance plan gives you deeply discounted repair fees and an unlimited number of claims while it’s active, putting your mind at ease and coming to the rescue if your Mac or iPhone makes an unfortunately rapid introduction to a dangerously hard floor. Yet it looks like there’s a big change on the way, and it could make getting AppleCare+ more expensive in the long run. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing coverage for your Apple device, now is the time to make your move. What’s the big idea? Well, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, Apple is about to stop customers from taking out two- or three-year AppleCare+ plans in its retail stores and on their devices. Instead, you’ll only have the option to subscribe monthly or annually. That matters because AppleCare’s multi-year options work out much cheaper than its subscription offerings. For instance, a three-year AppleCare+ plan for the 16-inch MacBook Pro costs $399, which works out to roughly $11 a month. Pay annually, though, and it’ll cost you $149.99 a year, or $449.97 over three years. That’s an increase of over 12% compared to the three-year bundle. With the iPhone 16 Pro, the difference is even more stark, with the monthly option ending up over 20% more expensive than opting for a two-year plan. So it makes sense to go for the longer options, providing you can afford the upfront price and know you’ll have your device for the duration of the coverage. But with Apple removing the ability to purchase the multi-year coverage options in its stores and on your devices, you might not have long to save money. The secret AppleCare+ hack Apple The one bit of good news here is that Apple will reportedly continue to allow you to get the better-value coverage on its online store. But even then, we don’t know how long that situation will last. There’s also an interesting wrinkle that could make it harder to purchase, and it’s something I’ve got personal experience with. I bought an Apple Watch Series 10 in September 2024, and I didn’t think I needed AppleCare+ at the time. Usually, you have two months to buy AppleCare+ for your new device, and you can do so from within the Settings app in iOS. After that, the option disappears. That would seem to suggest that AppleCare+ is no longer available for your device, and everything I could find on Apple’s website simply said you’ve got to buy it within two months. When I changed my mind about AppleCare+ some five months after purchase, I assumed it was too late. Yet I kept reading online threads claiming that you could take your Watch to an Apple Store, have it inspected by one of the in-store Geniuses and, if it passed muster, take out AppleCare+ there and then — even if your allotted two months were up. With nothing but a few scattered Reddit threads to go on, I went down to my local Apple Store to see if this secret hack worked. Lo and behold, it did — Apple told me they generally let anyone take out AppleCare+ for their device within a year of purchase, even if it fell outside the normal two-month window. In fact, the employee I spoke to said they wouldn’t be surprised if Apple one day expanded AppleCare+ availability to every Apple device owner, regardless of how long they’d had their product, as long as it was in good condition. The idea was that AppleCare+ makes the company a lot of money, so expanding it is a logical next step. Once the employee had inspected my device, the AppleCare+ option reappeared in my Settings app, and I hastily purchased the pre-paid two-year coverage option. That was just this week — fortuitous timing given Gurman’s latest news. Leaving it late Apple How does that relate to Gurman’s claim about the changing AppleCare+ landscape? Well, I was only able to get AppleCare+ coverage this late because I had my Watch physically inspected by Apple. But if things change and you can only buy longer AppleCare+ plans online and not in Apple Stores or on your device, how will you be able to get the discounted plan and convince Apple that your device is still roadworthy if it falls outside the two-month window? In other words, you’ll probably be fine as long as you purchase a multi-year AppleCare+ plan within the initial two-month window, as the online option (which doesn’t require device inspection by Apple) will remain. But if, like me, you later change your mind, you might end up being locked out once the two months are up because the online store route won’t let Apple check your device’s condition. With only subscription options available, that will be more expensive in the long run. That means if you want to save money on an AppleCare+ purchase but your device is currently outside the two-month *******, you’ll need to head down to your nearest Apple Store as soon as you can to get your device assessed. Don’t leave it too late. Source link #secret #method #saved #money #AppleCare #wont #longer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Luka Dončić’s father attacks Mavericks’ ‘hypocrisy’ after shock Lakers trade – The Guardian Luka Dončić’s father attacks Mavericks’ ‘hypocrisy’ after shock Lakers trade – The Guardian Luka Dončić’s father attacks Mavericks’ ‘hypocrisy’ after shock Lakers trade The Guardian’Unfathomable’: How this stunning Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade came together ESPNNBA rumors: Lakers talked Mavericks out of including Dalton Knecht in Luka Dončić trade Yahoo Sports’Luka doesn’t deserve this’: Luka Doncic’s dad furious over secretive trade USA TODAYMore Luka Trade Fallout! The Pulse of Mavs Fans With Will Cain. Fox to the Spurs. Plus, the LeBron, Klutch, and Lakers Plans With Jovan Buha. The Ringer Source link #Luka #Dončićs #father #attacks #Mavericks #hypocrisy #shock #Lakers #trade #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Intel receives $536 million from EU following antitrust fine reversal Intel receives $536 million from EU following antitrust fine reversal Intel has secured a $536 million (€515.55 million) payout from the European Commission following a lengthy legal battle over an antitrust fine dating back to 2009. This payment covers interest on the original $1.1 billion (€1.06 billion) penalty, which the EU’s second-highest court largely annulled in 2022. The case stemmed from the European Commission’s ruling that Intel had engaged in anti-competitive practices between 2002 and 2007. The Commission fined the U.S. chip giant for allegedly using rebates to discourage computer manufacturers from purchasing chips from its rival, AMD. However, in 2022, the General Court of the European Union found significant flaws in the Commission’s economic analysis and overturned most of the fine, leaving only a $386 million (€376 million) portion standing. Following the annulment, Intel sought to recover interest on the original sum it had paid. As per a report by Reuters, EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera confirmed that Intel has been awarded $536 million (€515.55 million) as interest payment, marking a significant victory for the company in its prolonged battle with EU regulators. Intel had originally challenged the fine in 2014, and while the case saw multiple legal twists and appeals, the ultimate ruling in 2022 largely vindicated the company’s position. The European Commission had argued that Intel’s rebates were anti-competitive, but the court ruled that the Commission had failed to sufficiently prove their negative impact on the competition. The refund signals the conclusion of one of the most high-profile antitrust cases in EU history. However, it also raises questions about the European Commission’s handling of competition law cases, particularly regarding the robustness of its economic assessments and the duration of its legal battles. Despite this legal victory, Intel continues to operate in an increasingly competitive semiconductor landscape, with growing challenges from rivals like AMD and new market entrants. The company remains a key player in the global chip industry, and this financial recovery adds to its efforts to navigate regulatory hurdles while focusing on innovation and market expansion. With this payout, Intel has not only mitigated some of its past financial burdens but also set a precedent for how antitrust fines and interest claims may be handled in future EU cases. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Intel #receives #million #antitrust #fine #reversal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Review – Insider Gaming Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Review – Insider Gaming In this Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 review, we explore every inch of this incredible medieval masterpiece. Get the full IG insight here. Source link #Kingdom #Deliverance #Review #Insider #Gaming Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]