Livingston Reporting - page 57

Novel EV Charging Network Plan Agreed Upon by Midwest Governors

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A novel Electric Vehicle (EV) charging network is in the works for the Midwest region. Five Midwest governors (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin) comprise the Regional Electric Vehicle Midwest Coalition (REV Midwest), which is set to build charging stations across the five states.

A memorandum of understanding was signed by the five governors, expediting economic development for the Midwest region. Medium and heavy-duty electric trucks will be able to charge along with these stations as well.

To coordinate the efforts across state lines, a task force will be established. Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a plan for wireless charging in Michigan along with a statewide, state-funded EV charging network. In addition to creating jobs and improving public health, these Midwest states will also be more eligible for federal funding or private investment.

Despite being the hub of the United States auto industry, Michigan’s reputation has widely been slower on charging and supporting EVs. Michigan franchise law prevents Tesla from selling vehicles directly in the state. Daniel Crane, a law professor at the University of Michigan, called the bill “Corrupt politics at its worst. A real travesty.” Backed by GM, the law states that vehicles must only be sold through independently owned or franchised dealers.

REV Midwest follows the West Coast initiative by ten years.

Governor Whitmer said, “Today’s REV Midwest partnership is a bipartisan effort to build the future of mobility and electrification and connect our communities. Our partnership will enable the Midwest to lead on electric vehicle adoption, reduce carbon emissions, spur innovation, and create good-paying jobs.”

To schedule an installation for your EV charger, contact State Electric Company today.

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 in 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 staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

State Electric Co.

Research Proves LASIK Adverse Events are Rare

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Ophthalmology is a scientific field that is continuously performing research and studies based on the human eye. LASIK eye surgery is an imperative aspect of ophthalmology that presents patients with more benefits than risks.

A recent study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology outlined researchers’ data analysis from roughly 37,000 laser vision correction patients who underwent either LASIK (31,921) or PRK (5,016) between July 2014 and June 2016. Data analyzed included eye examinations prior to the surgery, procedure reports, and follow-up exams.

Data on adverse events were also recorded, such as those that negatively impacted patients’ visual outcomes. Out of 37,000 patients, 34 experienced adverse side effects; 70 percent were characterized as severe. With less than one percent of patients experiencing a significant unfavorable result, each procedure showed:

  • LASIK (31,921 patients): 0.4 percent of patients experienced unfavorable results
  • PRK (5,016 patients): 0.7 percent of patients experienced unfavorable results

Of those with serious adverse effects, roughly 80 percent still achieved 20/20 (or higher) vision without glasses or contacts.

With over 20 million procedures performed throughout the United States over 20 years, research papers number greater than 7,000. Experts study vision correction effects in-depth to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. Based on the large number of patients country-wide, LASIK and PRK are excellent, viable options to improve vision for suitable candidates. 

To improve your vision through LASIK, contact the ophthalmology experts at Rohr Eye & Laser Center today.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 or visit https://www.michiganlasik.com/ to schedule an appointment today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Michigan Lasik

GE Announces New CT System

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Revolution Ascend, GE Healthcare’s newest workflow, has officially been released. The technology extends clinicians a combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) meant to automate and simplify otherwise time-consuming tasks. The goal is to deliver more individualized care to patients by freeing up physicians’ time.

The new, wider system can accommodate higher Body Mass Index (BMI) or trauma patients who would otherwise be too challenging to manipulate in a small gantry. 

Timothy P. Szczykutowicz, Ph. D., director of clinical operations and the CT Protocol Project at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, said, “The most time-consuming part of the CT experience isn’t the scan itself, but the steps that fall outside the scan. Within a typical 10 – 30 minute CT exam, the scan itself only takes a few minutes, and the remainder of the time is dedicated to patient prep – including positioning the patient and identifying the correct protocols and settings, plus image reconstruction and report time. Historically, these have been manual processes, putting them at risk of human error; however, AI offers new opportunities to automate workflows and expedite exams with the same or better results.”

The first step in the Revolution Ascend workflow is for the technologist to use an attached bar code reader to scan the patient’s chart. Once scanned, the patient’s information is automatically displayed on-screen, with applicable protocols recommended. Then, the CT technician initiates Auto Positioning, which creates a 3D model of the patient’s body using real-time depth-sensing technology. Auto Positioning also establishes the proper table elevation and cradle movements to ensure the center is in range with the bore’s isocenter. The new Clarity Operator Environment then suggests optimal scan range settings, dosage, and image quality personalized to each person.

Gladys Farias, Imaging Services Manager at Baptist Health in Miami, Florida, said, “Having Revolution Ascend is like having an extra set of hands – which are much needed in today’s healthcare environment. Not only do the system’s intelligent solutions help us expedite exams, but they also enable us to deliver a more comfortable and personalized experience for each patient. Technologists love it for its simplicity. Clinicians love it for its results. And patients love it for its fast exams and comfort.”

RadParts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts. We specialize in low-cost parts for repairing linear accelerator and radiation equipment. Our mission is to provide high-quality, user-friendly, low-cost parts and support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. Contact RadParts at 877-704-3838 or visit us on the web: https://www.radparts.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

RadParts

Pool Cover Options

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If you have a pool, you’ll need to cover it for winter, but how do you choose between options? Solid covers are slightly more expensive than their mesh counterparts since they are more secure. Solar covers or water bag covers are also viable options. Read on to learn more about the differences between pool covers.

Solid Covers
Almost completely airtight, these hefty covers will prevent debris, dirt, water, and sunlight from getting into the pool. Algae and other tiny microorganisms can thrive in pools during the fall and winter months. Solid covers prevent sunlight from entering; therefore, these organisms cannot grow. Cover pumps are required in this case, which will remove excess water (and melted snow) from the surface. Moreover, these covers inhibit pets, wildlife, or children from entering the pool. Solid covers can also be automatic, activating them by a flip of a switch. Low-profile aluminum covers can be mounted on the side of your pool with an inconspicuous lid above it.

Mesh Covers
These covers are best for heavy winter snowfall, as they are permeable. Melting snow, ice, and rain can percolate through the cover, preventing water accumulation on the surface. Smaller debris can still seep through the cover but can be removed with a pool vacuum in the spring. These covers are less expensive and lightweight, which makes installation a breeze.

Water Covers
If you’re undecided between a solid or mesh cover, a water cover might be a decent alternative. Filled with long water tubes or small bubbles, these covers are placed around the pool’s edge to ensure the water is kept in place. They are available in either mesh or solid material.

No matter which pool cover you choose, ensure you maintain it during the off-season by draining when necessary, checking the tension, and adjusting the fit.

Leaf nets can be used in either case to catch larger debris (leaves) before it collects on the cover. Especially in areas with a large number of trees, leaf nets are essential to ensure an easy cleaning process in the spring. Leaves are not terribly heavy, so these nets are straightforward and require minimal effort to remove.

Winter covers can save pool owners money in the spring. Choose carefully before deciding what will best meet your needs.

Pound Pool Plastering offers free estimates and complete pool renovations. Dale Pound, owner, personally oversees each pool project to ensure the highest quality is delivered. We offer Diamond Brite, Sunstone, Hydrazzo, Marcite, Pebble finishes, Bead Crete, tile choices, coping stones, etc. We are pool renovation experts – contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Pound Pool Plastering

Surge Protection 101

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For many people, technology is the center of their attention span. Between televisions, computers, smartphones, ovens, dryers, tablets, security systems, dishwashers, etc., many aspects of our lives are assisted by an electronic device. As people expand the number of devices they own, power protection should increase as well. When they suddenly stop working, it can sometimes seem catastrophic.

Power surges are abrupt yet short-lived spikes in voltage that result in strong disruptive effects on the entire electrical system. Thousands of dollars worth of damaged electronics can result from these swift power surges. Typically caused by lightning strikes, power surges can also occur in small instances that damage equipment over time.

Read on for some tips to protect your devices from power surges.

Protect electronics: Ensure power lines, phone lines, and television lines are protected, as well as outdoor items such as pool equipment, air conditioners, and landscape lighting.

Indoor surge protection: Beyond the outside surge protection, it’s imperative to safeguard the plugs as well. Surge protector strips can be used to protect electronics inside the building.

To protect your devices, lightning surge protectors installed by electricians can redirect surplus voltage and current into a grounding wire. While the 120 voltage runs through circuits, electronics are protected and won’t lose power through a surge.

Professional surge protection includes the following:

  • Facility Guards: highest level of protection – can handle surges up to 400,000 amps
  • Transient Limiters: commercial/industrial – can handle surges up to 100,000 amps
  • DC Surge Protectors: transient or significant surges – can handle surges up to 10,000 amps
  • Data Line Protectors: control/telephone lines
  • Hybrid Surge Protectors: specialized protection for process control or computers

For surge protection equipment, contact the electrical contractor supply specialists at J&P today.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

J & P Electrical Company

Early October is the Perfect Time for Homebuyers

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If you have been eyeing a new home or thinking about buying, now is the time. Headlines skim past buyers as the seller’s market has been steaming hot. Bidding wars have been on the rise due to low mortgage rates and price appreciation. Thankfully, there are clear signs that buyer opportunities are increasing during autumn.

According to Realtor.com, the best time to buy a home in 2021, is the beginning of October. In a recent study, housing market trends were analyzed by experts. The past several years of data were looked at and applied to the current market.

Are you looking to cash in on the upcoming golden opportunity? Here’s what to expect:

Expanded housing supply: Total amount of homes for sale should increase. New listings typically come to market the week of October 3rd. A rough estimate stated that 17.6 percent more homes will be available than at the start of the year.

Less bidding wars: As more homes are available, the number of bidding wars will decrease. More options equal less competition and a better chance of securing the property.

Adjusted prices: As winter approaches, prices are tweaked and often reduced. While home prices are still appreciating, some houses will spike lower as owners are eager to sell. Owners might act with more motivation to achieve a sale prior to year-end.

If you are looking to buy a home, now is the ideal time. Your patience will pay off, and the home of your dreams is right around the corner.

Do you need a pre-approval to snag that fab new house? Contact the mortgage experts at

EB Mortgage today!

EB Mortgage is a locally-owned mortgage company with experts in new home purchase, refinancing, and commercial loans. Our wholesale rates can’t be beaten. We offer more products, more options, and more solutions. Our “3C” Process is simple: complete our pre-approval request, consider options based on your requirements, and choose the offer that suits your needs best. Call us at 866-246-0516 or e-mail contact@ebwmtg.com today.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

EB Mortgage

Protecting, Hiding E-Mail Addresses on the Rise

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Apple launched a feature called “Sign In With Apple” in 2019, which aimed to allow users the ability to sign up for servers or accounts privately in order to protect their e-mail addresses. Now, the service has been enhanced with a new feature called “Hide My Email.” This new feature is designed to protect users from phishing attacks or marketing spam.

E-mail clients now include automatic spam filters that put these messages in specific folders, but they aren’t necessarily perfect. Spam e-mails can still reach inboxes, and oftentimes, important messages from previously unknown senders can get sent to spam accidentally.

Not to mention, capturing and selling e-mails is a huge business. Phishing e-mails hook many people who unknowingly provide personal information to fraudulent requests. During the global Coronavirus pandemic, phishing jumped 220 percent, according to F5 Labs.

Apple even fell under attack, as several phishing e-mails were sent posing as officials from the technology giant. Now, Apple is fighting back.

Apple users can now create single-use e-mail addresses to use in certain websites thanks to the “Hide My Email” program. New e-mails are automatically made available in the user’s primary e-mail inbox. They can also convert them to a single-use e-mail address to curtail spam messages.

Other platforms are joining the fight against spam as well. 1Password is collaborating with Fastmail to introduce a feature called “Masked Email,” which produces unique e-mail addresses for logins. Users can control all of the different addresses they create by enabling or disabling them. If users suspect their e-mail address is shared, sold, or sent spam, they can simply disable the e-mail altogether.

Cloudfare is another company dedicated to ending e-mail spam and tightening security. The “Cloudfare Email Routing and Email Security DNS Wizard” is  designed to safely and securely protect users from phishing. Cloudfare is free and integrates with Gmail, Office 365, Exchange, Yahoo, and AOL.

Since these mega companies have introduced novel features to protect users from identity theft, phishing, and spam, other businesses will surely follow their lead. Look forward to Internet Service Providers, e-mail services, and platform providers doing the same.

Concerned about phishing or spam e-mails? We can help! Contact our office today to learn more.

Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems provides professional results for all computer needs. We design, create, and code an array of custom software programs and websites; offer top-notch digital marketing services including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising; repair and provide support for computers of both residential and professional nature; build custom systems and servers, and offer secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call us at 810-224-5252 or e-mail info@cpsmi.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Creative Programs and Systems

FDA Clears First Photon-Counting CT System

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On September 30, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared the world’s first photon-counting Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. Dubbed the Siemens Naeotom Alpha, the machine is a revolution in technology and represents the biggest shift in radiology in years.

Laurel Burk, Ph. D., assistant director of the Diagnostic X-ray Systems Team in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said, “Computed tomography is an important medical imaging tool that can aid in diagnosing disease, trauma, or abnormality; planning and guiding interventional or therapeutic procedures and monitoring the effectiveness of certain therapies. Today’s action represents the first major new technology for computed tomography imaging in nearly a decade and underscores the FDA’s efforts to encourage innovation in areas of scientific and diagnostic progress.”

Photon-counting detectors have the ability to measure each individual X-ray photon that passes through a patient’s body. Current CT systems use detectors that measure the total energy radiated from multiple X-rays simultaneously. This creates image noise, which is not as valuable when reading images. The new photon-counting system allows each individual X-ray to be read, which gives more specific details about the patient. The Siemens Naeotom Alpha creates a three-dimensional (3D) image.

Cynthia McCollough, Ph. D., scientific director of the Mayo Clinic CT Clinical Innovation Center, said, “The use of photon-counting detectors in CT scanners is really a reinvention of CT imaging because the X-ray detector is the secret sauce that determines the quality of an image, somewhat like how the number of megapixels in your phone camera determines the quality of your photo.” McCollough worked with Siemens to develop the new system, testing prototypes along the way.

McCollough added, “The images that we are seeing are incredible. We can appreciate structures that were simply too small to be resolved with previous detector technologies. The resolution is exquisite, there are noise benefits, and it is dual-energy plus, because you can get multiple energies from one scan.”

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 or visit our website: https://www.acceletronics.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Acceletronics

How Labs Are Working to Identify PFAS

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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) are prominent environmental toxins found in countless products ranging from non-stick cookware, waterproof materials, cleaning products, fabrics, packaging, furniture, firefighting foam, and more. Thanks to its prevalence in industrial manufacturing, PFAS has infiltrated the global food chain and water supply. Studies have shown that more than 99 percent of the American population holds PFAS in their bloodstream. PFAS is known to cause various health issues, including cancer, liver issues, heightened cholesterol, lower infant birth weight, kidney disease, and much more.

While PFAS use is being diminished in commercial and manufacturing methods, these toxins are still widely used. Moreover, they do not break down through time, so those produced in the 20th century can still be found in our environment. There are new types of PFAS popping up frequently as industry sectors develop various products.

Soil and water supply are perfect areas for PFAS accumulation. To sample for PFAS, it is imperative to use instruments free from PFAS. There are several variants in samples, and current regulations define PFAS as a set list of contaminants. However, since evolving chemicals are constantly coming into play, there is an intensifying need for efficient analytical workflows that can spot PFAS with elevated precision or identify unidentified PFAS components in water samples.

Solid-Phase Extractions (SPE) analyze drinking water using LC-MS/MS. These techniques are time-consuming and complicated due to the use of a vacuum manifold and various chemicals. Human error can easily occur, boosting the risk of contamination. Now, new technologies for SPE are being implemented, which deliver unfailing results with minimal human interaction. This new automation process reduces the risk of contamination while simultaneously increasing overall efficiency. 

Monitoring and testing for PFAS contamination have improved thanks to recent advancements in mass spectrometry. Water testing laboratories have processes that are more cost-effective than before, achieving highly accurate results. Laboratories can now increase the range of possible objectives and more closely monitor false positives.

To learn more about PFAS or have your water tested, contact the water treatment experts at Reynolds Water today.

Reynolds Water Conditioning was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. Still owned and operated by the Reynolds family, we take pride in providing the highest quality products at a cost-effective price. If your tap water lacks the quality you deserve, contact us today at www.reynoldswater.com or call 800-572-9575.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Reynolds Water

Seven Everyday Carry (EDC) Essentials

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Emergencies are unpredictable, and no matter how much you prepare, they can happen in an instant. Don’t get caught off guard; ensure you are always ready for disaster by equipping an “Everyday Carry” or EDC. Your EDC is meant to be a bag, purse, or backpack that stays with you every time you leave the house. A few modest selections can help ensure you’re ready for anything.

  1. Flashlight: One of the most straightforward yet valuable survival tools, what better way to obtain on-demand lighting than a flashlight? Whether you are caught in a natural or human-made situation, flashlights are integral for finding your way out, through, in, around, over, etc. 
  2. Knife: Another simple-yet-essential item, knives are an excellent substitution for scissors. They can cut many objects and are helpful in emergencies that require extraction. From cutting fruit to opening packages, knives are a must.
  3. First Aid Kit: No one plans on being injured, but a first aid kit is indispensable in an emergency. A few band-aids, antiseptic, burn gel, gauze, wraps, etc., are all you need. Thankfully, the items in a first aid kit are also exceptionally lightweight, which makes this a no-brainer.
  4. Power Bank: What’s a phone for if you can’t use it? Ensure you have a proper charger and portable power bank in your EDC so you can dial on demand.
  5. Gloves: Picking up waste, fishing through muddy water, or touching a bloody mess are common practices in emergencies. Protect your hands from these nasty encounters with gloves. Make sure the gloves are rubber or waterproof, so they can be used multiple times.
  6. Lighter: Fire can cook your food or warm your body and surroundings in addition to providing a signal for help or more. Lighters are indispensable and should never be overlooked.
  7. Compass: Smartphones can lose service or fail at any given time. Especially during emergencies, when the system/grid is overloaded, it can be difficult to find a signal. Don’t rely on your phone; instead, keep a compass (and map) in your EDC. Learn how to navigate by using these priceless tools in emergencies.

Visit our online store to score these items and more.

Wolf Survival Gear is a hub for all your prepping and survival needs. We are a trusted resource for concerned families, avid hunters, or serious preppers. Make us your one-stop-shop and prepare now, before you’ll need it later. Visit our website or e-mail us today for more information.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.

Wolf Survival Gear