Livingston Reporting - page 25

Refining IPB Design

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Isolated-Phase Bus (IPB) systems are vital in transferring bulk electricity through the grid. For decades, IPBs have been centered around the original designs from General Electric (GE) and Westinghouse, which led the industry. Now, improvements to insulators, mountings, and housings have elevated the model, making them even more reliable. 

IPBs transfer a power plant’s heavy amperage (between 6,000 to 45,000) among the generator’s output bushings and the main step-up (GSU) transformer. Because of their invaluable role, it is crucial that IPBs provide an extreme amount of consistency to ensure power plants function without outages, downtime, or equipment damage.

Now, enhancements made to IPBs aimed to improve the original design include refinements to IPB insulators, insulator mountings, the continuous housing assembly, and more. New IPBs have great -strength and hold high-creep porcelain insulators that can provide better resistance against tracking to the ground. 

While most IPBs require costly space heaters and specialized pressurization systems to control condensation, the new versions have specific dew point ratings, which help to reduce impending failures associated with wet weather.

Other IPB designs require opening the mounting or cover plate before they can be inspected or cleaned. This tedious step increases the risk of damage or incorrect re-installation. The newer IPBs have fewer required insulators per linear span and have a built-in “window” that offers an easy way to visually inspect the interior. 

New IPB models also eliminate the need for a separate ground bus, as the enclosure acts as its own ground plane. Without voltage potential, IPBs can fail due to inter-sectional arcing. Plant engineers and maintenance managers have a duty to safeguard personnel or equipment faults. 

IPBs have never been more reliable thanks to the new-and-improved design. 

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.  

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

J & P Electrical Company

Low Blood Sugar Exacerbates Eye Disease in Diabetics

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

A common symptom of diabetes is low blood sugar, which is now suspected of exacerbating diabetic eye disease. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have connected low blood sugar levels with a molecular pathway that is ignited in oxygen-starved eye cells. 

The new research was published in the January issue of Cell Reports and was conducted with both human and mouse eye cells grown in a low-sugar laboratory environment. 

Akrit Sodhi, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Ophthalmology at the Branna and Irving Sisenwein Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine, said, “Temporary episodes of low glucose happen once or twice a day in people with insulin-dependent diabetes and often among people newly diagnosed with the condition. Our results show that these periodic low glucose levels cause an increase in certain retinal cell proteins, resulting in an overgrowth of blood vessels and worsening diabetic eye disease.” 

The researchers discovered low glucose levels in human and mouse retinal cells resulted in a variety of molecular alterations that manifest as blood vessel overgrowth. Low glucose decreases retinal cells’ ability to break down glucose for energy. 

The most preventable cause of blindness in the United States is eye disease among people with diabetes. One-third of people with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy, marked by the overgrowth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina. Patients with diabetic retinopathy might be especially vulnerable to phases of low glucose, so keeping glucose levels steady is an imperative aspect of glucose control. 

The researchers continue to examine whether low glucose levels in diabetics might impact similar molecular pathways in other organs, such as the kidneys and brain. 

Thanks to this novel research, scientists are one step closer to developing new treatments for diabetic eye disease. 

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Zen Eye Institute, formally Rohr Eye & Laser Center, has served the greater Grand Blanc area for over twenty years. Now operating under Dr. Charles Zenzen, we offer comprehensive medical and surgical eye care treating various conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, and more. For exceptional eye care at our state-of-the-art practice, call (810) 579-0202 to make an appointment today! 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com

Michigan Lasik

Minimizing Frozen Pool Damage

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Pools are not meant to freeze; if they do, substantial damage can result. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on various pool components such as pipes, filters, tubes, and pumps. These delicate aspects of a pool are not made to withstand heavy pressure, so they will inevitably crack or break. Repairing broken pool parts can be costly, depending on the damage. 

When a pool freezes, the pipes that transfer water to and from the pump and filter system are especially vulnerable since they can crack or burst under pressure due to ice. Another issue when frost or a heavy freeze hits a pool is that the filter system can become clogged and damaged. 

Moreover, the pool pump can get ruined in freezing temperatures. The pump is what circulates water throughout the pool. If the pump gets damaged, the pool will not adequately circulate, causing blockages. 

Lastly, freezing temperatures can be responsible for ripping, cracking, or rupturing the pool liner. This is a particularly expensive aspect of the pool, as it is a crucial component that holds the water in place. 

Power outages can also be detrimental to a pool during a freeze. If pool owners are unable to utilize electricity to keep their pools running/warm, severe freeze damage can result. 

To reduce the risk of freeze damage to pool equipment, take notice of the following: 

Run the Pump
Ensure all pumps are running while temperatures drop below freezing. If a controller is equipped, it should automatically take over, turn on the pumps, and rotate between pool/spa mode. If there is no controller on your pool, you will need to shift through this process on your own manually.  

No Power
If you lose power to the pool and temperatures are below freezing: 

  • Turn off all pool equipment breakers 
  • Open the filter air relief, removing the drain plug
  • Open and drain the inline chlorinator
  • Turn off auto-fill, making sure the feed line is wrapped 
  • Open the salt cell and remove water inside the pipe
  • Remove check valve lids
  • Unplug and remove salt chlorine generator cells

Always call your local pool professional for assistance if needed. To avoid damaging the equipment or pool itself, it is imperative to meticulously handle a pool freeze situation.

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Pound Pool Plastering services residential and commercial pools in applying a wide variety of pool plaster finishes and complete renovations. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, and Marcite – and a great selection of tile choices and coping stones. Owner Dale Pound personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. Call or e-mail us for a free estimate. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Pound Pool Plastering

Six Essential Survival Skills

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If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that the “unthinkable” can definitely happen. From pandemics, natural disasters, unidentified flying objects looming in the sky, and more, we need to be always ready. 

Though survival skills are especially useful in dire circumstances, they are also useful in simple, unexpected situations, such as getting lost on a bike ride or losing power for an extended period. Keep reading to discover some essential survival skills for basically any situation. 

First Aid
Keep your first aid kit in your grab bag so you can deal with whatever emergencies pop up. Make sure your bag has gloves, blister treatment, gauze, bandages, medications, etc. 

Shelter
Building a shelter helps you stay warm and dry no matter the circumstances. In urban areas, cardboard boxes, awnings, and other materials can be used. In more remote areas, look for caves or hollow spaces that can block the wind. Tarps easily anchor to one side, stretch down to the ground, and secure with stones. Better yet, include a small tent in your grab bag. 

Firestarter’s
Another essential tool for your grab bag is a firestarter. Use small pieces of wood, pine needles, or cardboard to act as kindling. Once the fire is going, use larger pieces to keep it blazing. Ensure your fire is built downwind from your shelter, away from surrounding vegetation. 

Water
Since water is heavy to carry, it can be challenging to bring in a grab bag. However, sterilizing/filter kits are an effortless way to ensure your water is purified and free of bacteria, parasites, and viruses. If you don’t have a kit or filter, boiling water is the easiest way to remove harmful components. 

Foraging
Food is essential and can be difficult to find in dire situations. Find a field guide to edible plants in your region. Never eat mushrooms or berries that look suspicious, and never put any unknown plant in or near your mouth, as even a tiny amount could kill you. Fishing and trapping is an option if you have the time and patience. Add some energy bars, emergency food, trail mix, etc., to your grab bag as well. 

Map
Learn how to use a compass and a map before disaster strikes. Your phone’s GPS might not work in an emergency, and your battery could die, you might not have reception, etc. Do not rely on your electronic devices; rather, learn your area and make sure your map is covered in a waterproof film. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Wolf Survival Gear

Bond Markets Fluctuate Based on Rising Interest

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At the end of 2021, the 10-year treasury note reached only 1.5 percent, creating low-interest rates. Less than a year later, in October 2022, the rates peaked at more than four percent, which hasn’t been seen since April 2010. These unusual bond market fluctuations force investors to constantly recalibrate to keep up. 

Because of the inverse relationship between bond yields and prices, bond issues fall when yields rise. When the demand decreases, bond issuers typically turn to higher yields, which lowers the value of the lower yields already on the market. 

Higher interest rates often go hand-in-hand with higher inflation, following long-term growth and trends. An inflation surge between the first quarter of 2021 and mid-2022 saw a Consumer Price Index (CPI) level of 9.1 percent, the highest reading since 1981. Bond markets usually fluctuate based on upcoming financial policy shifts. 

Bill Merz, head of capital markets research at U.S. Bank Wealth Management, said, “Bond yields rose in 2022 primarily because the Federal Government pivoted to a much more hawkish position, as investors anticipated aggressive interest rate hikes to rein in inflation.” 

An economic downturn can result from issues such as war, supply constraints, and pandemics, all of which have happened in recent history. Since these various events can disrupt the economy, consumer spending often wavers. Interest rates could skyrocket if the economy gets a second wind and accelerates growth. However, long-term yields could fall if the economy takes a downturn.

Let’s get to the point: what does this all mean for bond investors? In short, buying bonds during a high-interest rate period will yield higher results. 

Merz said, “We’re putting greater emphasis on core bond holdings. We believe that bonds offer compelling defensive characteristics relative to stocks. Our emphasis is on high-quality investment-grade taxable and municipal bonds as well as a dedicated exposure to short-term U.S. Treasury investments to manage overall risk exposure should interest rates continue to rise in the near term.”

The recent housing market activity has paved the way for a beneficial supply-and-demand balance in the mortgage market. 

“This remains a time when investors are likely to benefit from holding more high-quality assets and fewer volatile assets than in a typical period.” 

At Construction Bonding Specialists, we work with new and experienced contractors to find the most satisfactory bond solutions. As a distinct surety-bond-only agency with decades of bonding experience, we work to discover surety solutions for all types of cases ranging from ordinary to challenging. Call us at 248-349-6227 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/

Construction Bonding Specialists

Anaerobic Adhesives Explained

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The anaerobic adhesives market is set to reach $738.32 million by 2026 and was valued at $461.8 million in 2018, making the CAGR from 2019 to 2026 estimated at 6.01 percent. But what are these mysterious adhesives? Read on to find out. 

The definition of “anaerobic” is the absence of air. So anaerobic adhesives require air for the glue to set, along with direct metal contact. Once the anaerobic adhesives cure, they are wonderful at resisting temperatures and offer amazing strength. Anaerobic adhesives are quick to cure at room temperature and are non-toxic. They are environmentally friendly, non-solvent, and do not require blending to cure. 

Anaerobic adhesives are advantageous in various applications needing retaining materials, thread lockers, thread sealants, and flange sealants. For example, they are beneficial in clothes dryers, attachment screws, hose fasteners, soundproofing, washing machines, dashboard accessories, camshaft sprocket bolts, plastic knobs, crankshaft bolts, console assemblies, electrical component boxes, transmission input, dishwashers, output shaft threads, idler bearings, electronics, food processors, press-fit filing tubes, ring gear, and more. Some of the fields anaerobic adhesives are applicable in include automotive and transportation, electronics, industrial, building, construction, etc. 

Using anaerobic adhesives lowers component inventories, reduces production costs and improves machine dependability. 

Globally, many nations are investing in the aerospace and defense industry, not to mention the number of commercial aircraft carriers has greatly increased worldwide. 

The dynamic ability of anaerobic adhesives lends toward a favorable outcome in the global market. Some of the major manufacturers include Delta Adhesives, Three Bond International, Illinois Tool Works, H. B. Fuller, Henkel, 3M Company, Medline Industries, Inc., TESA SE, Avery Dennison Corporation, and Teraoka Seisakusho Co. Ltd. 

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

J & P Electrical Company

Types of Emergency Shelters

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Emergency shelters are typically built during a catastrophic event and aren’t planned out too far in advance. Depending on the situation, it’s important to devise a plan to craft a shelter that can protect you from whatever circumstances arise while using the least amount of time and energy possible. 

To start building an emergency shelter, collect materials and use whatever you can find to create a refuge between you and the elements. Look for large objects that can be propped up with sticks or poles to provide a solid roof or shade. Make use of whatever you have in your bug-out bag, as well. 

You can create several different types of emergency shelters with four main components: support structure, cover, insulation, and flooring. Some examples include: 

A-Frame
This type of shelter resembles a tipi as the frame is made up of sticks, then covered and insulated by another material. Ensure there is enough room to sit up straight inside.

Snow Pit
When there is heavy snowfall, utilize the insulation it can provide by creating an igloo-type of hut. These shelters can actually be quite warm, as snow is an extremely effective insulator.  

Lean-To
These shelters are added to an existing foundation, so the rafters are “leaning” against a wall. Though it provides minimal protection from wind, it is a quick build and can reflect heat well. 

Canvas Shade
When rain falls, canvas can protect you from getting wet. It is also beneficial for blocking wind and sun. Military-style ponchos can sometimes double as a shade, as they have grommets at the edges for this specific purpose. 

When seeking shelter, don’t overlook caves, either. Keep an eye out for wild animals and stay just far enough inside so you will be safe from the elements. 

Whichever shelter you construct, remember that function is the utmost important factor in the building process. 

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Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for your prepping and survival needs. We are your trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you need it later. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Wolf Survival Gear

Using Carbon Capture & Storage in Residential Settings

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a method to reduce carbon emissions to treat global warming. It’s a three-step process in which we attempt to separate and capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes, (like steel and cement production or from burning fossil fuels to generate power,) before it enters the atmosphere.

Once captured, the carbon is compressed and transported via pipeline, trucking, etc., where it’s later stored. Storage locations include holding tanks, underground saline aquifers, or depleted oil and gas reservoirs. 

According to the Global CDC Institute, CSS is “a proven technology that has been in safe operation for over 45 years.” While we aspire to capture 90-100%, our current technology has a success rate of 50-68% of captured carbon.

Carbon capture technology is not new; however, decarbonization efforts on residential buildings are, along with discovered methods to reprocess stored CO2. 

In Manhattan, five multi-family properties owned by Glenwood Management plan to install CSS systems by March 2023. CO2 will be captured through the buildings’ flue exhaust before escaping into the environment.

The gas will undergo a multi-stage process where it will produce CO2 in a liquid form, then be stored securely in a bulk tank. From there, the liquid CO2 will be sold to an NYC-based masonry firm, where the CO2 will be made into concrete blocks.

In 2024, New York City’s Local Law 97 will begin to penalize buildings based on their CO2 emissions, so we’ll likely see this technology expand throughout.

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State Electric Company is a leader in the electrification of the nation. Our highly educated and experienced team of professionals uses industry-leading software technology and has partnered with manufacturers to deliver affordable solutions for all your electrical needs. State Electric Co. is also an exclusive distributor for Enel X JuiceBox EV chargers for residential and commercial use. We are fully licensed, insured, and bonded to install charging stations for homes, offices, hotels, and more. With our extensive knowledge of renewable energy, our team provides customers – large or small – with efficient electrical solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can safely and affordably meet your energy needs. 

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

State Electric Co.

About Half of Lung Cancer Patients with Medicare Don’t Receive the Appropriate Imaging Before Treatment

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The leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States is lung cancer. According to a study published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine in January, roughly half of Medicare patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) do not receive the appropriate imaging before radiation treatment. 

Research has shown that up to 72 percent of patients with lung cancer who receive NSCLC with FDG PET/CT imaging have seen various treatment changes. Compared to patients who underwent CT imaging alone, patients with FDG PET/CT imaging had substantially improved cancer-specific survival rates. 

As a result, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines have changed to suggest all recurrent NSCLC patients receive FDG PET/CT to evaluate for metastatic disease. 

The study conducted by researchers examined over 5,000 patients with NSCLC requiring radiation therapy. Those who received only CT imaging were in one group, and those who received additional FDG PET/CT were in another. Scientists investigated the overall and cancer-specific survival rates of both groups. 

When comparing survival rates after three years, those who received only CT imaging had substantially lower overall and cancer-specific survival rates compared to patients who underwent FDG PET/CT imaging. 

In total, 56.3 percent of patients experienced FDG PET/CT before radiation therapy, and 43.6 percent had CT imaging alone. 

Rustain Morgan, MD, MS, a nuclear radiologist at the University of Colorado in Aurora, Colorado, said, “This research shows a clear lack of adherence to guidelines and raises important questions as to why. We believe these findings are the tip of the iceberg for guideline nonadherence. More work needs to be done in order to better understand the scope of the issue, with further work focused on interventions which ensure guideline adherence.”

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RadParts, a TTG Imaging Solutions Company, is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost components and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at  877-704-3838 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

RadParts

U of M Develops 3D Imaging for Safer Cancer Radiation Treatment

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Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a treatment using precise 3D imaging technology that offers a safer and more effective way to measure and dose radiation. 

The novel treatment is a means for doctors to view data in real-time, previously unseen. By catching and magnifying small sound waves created by x-rays, radiologists can chart the radiation dose more accurately, allowing real-time treatment. 

Xueding Wang, the Jonathan Rubin Collegiate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Radiology, corresponding author of the study in Nature Biotechnology, and leader of the University of Michigan’s Optical Imaging Laboratory, said, “Once you start delivering radiation, the body is pretty much a black box. We don’t know exactly where the x-rays are hitting inside the body, and we don’t know how much radiation we’re delivering to the target. And each body is different, so making predictions for both aspects is tricky.” 

For hundreds of thousands of cancer patients, radiation is the main treatment, which blitzes a specific area of the body with extreme energy waves and particles to kill cancer cells. Though the treatment is standard, the lack of precision leaves room for improvement, as well as the increased risk of developing new cancers around the treatment area. 

Now, with 3D imaging, doctors can more precisely direct the radiation and limit the exposure of adjoining healthy tissue. The new technology can effortlessly be added to current radiation therapy equipment without modifying existing physician methods.

“In future applications, this technology can be used to personalize and adapt each radiation treatment to assure normal tissues are kept to a safe dose and that the tumor receives the dose intended. This technology would be especially beneficial in situations where the target is adjacent to radiation sensitive organs such as the small bowel or stomach,” said Kyle Cuneo, associate professor of radiation oncology at Michigan Medicine. 

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TTG Imaging Solutions, formally Acceletronics, is an industry leader in delivering the best equipment performance and service reliability from CT Scanners and Linear Accelerators across all major brands and models. Call 610-524-3300 to learn more.

Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/ 

Acceletronics