Livingston Reporting - page 75

Quantum Teleportation Achieves 90% Accuracy Over 27 Miles

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Today’s internet is a hacker’s dream: from vulnerable communication links and incompetently secured cloud data, weaknesses are everywhere. Quantum physicists are looking to construct quantum networks in substantial full-blown glory where information is created, stored, and moved around in ways hackers could never replicate or trace. If implemented, these networks could rise to fruition with an extremely high level of privacy, security, and computational power.

These networks might be a distant vision, but recent breakthroughs in transmitting, storing, and manipulating quantum information have convinced some physicists that a quantum internet is closer to reality than initially speculated.

A lightning-speed, completely secure internet is possible. Scientists recently teleported high-fidelity (over 90 percent accuracy) quantum information over 27 miles.

Dr. Panagiotis Spentzouris, a physicist from Caltech’s Fermilab particle physics and accelerator laboratory, was pleased with the results, “This is a key achievement on the way to building a technology that will redefine how we conduct global communication,” he said.

Qubits are unmeasured particles that remain suspended in a blend of possible states. Similar to spinning dice, qubits are full of possibilities. When dice land on any number, they are both guaranteed to add to seven no matter the distance. Much like dice, qubits that are introduced to each other are connected (quantum entanglement) in ways that become obvious once they are measured. This data is reflected from one location to the next.

The science of quantum entanglement and data teleportation is intricate and complex. Even experts aren’t sure how the technology would work in a quantum network. Each proof-of-concept positions scientists one step closer toward creating such a network. The most recent teleportation brings a city-sized quantum network closer to reality as it has never before been demonstrated with such accuracy over a long distance. Years of work remain ahead to create the vision, but the results are promising.

Quantum internet would provide large increases in speed, computational power, and security. Hacking attempts would be futile. Researchers believe quantum internet networks will be unique extensions to today’s classic rather than a comprehensive replacement.

For more information, check out the journal article published in PRX Quantum.

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; implement internet marketing strategies for enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) results; 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

Brain Scans Can Predict Music-Induced Emotions

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In Finland at the University of Turku, researchers in the national PET Centre recently discovered neural mechanisms that arise as an emotional response to music. Subjects who participated in the study (102) listened to emotion-evoking music while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

To map which brain regions are activated based on different music-inducing emotions, researchers created a machine-learning algorithm. Postdoctoral Researcher Vesa Putkinen said, “Based on the activation of the auditory and motor cortex, we were able to accurately predict whether the research subject was listening to happy or sad music. The auditory cortex process the acoustic elements of music, such as rhythm and melody.  Activation of the motor cortex, then again, may be related to the fact that music inspires feelings of movement in the listeners even when they are listening to music while holding still in an MRI machine.”

Specific brain regions are activated when humans watch videos that evoke strong emotions. This was better discerned by the researchers who tested whether the same areas were activated while listening to music that evokes emotions. The results indicate that emotions evoked by film and sounds are based on different brain synapses.

Real-life situations are mimicked in films, which activate the deeper parts of the brain that regulate emotions. These regions were not strongly activated while listening to music, nor did it separate the music-induced emotions from one another. Researchers hypothesize this difference stems from the fact that films are more realistic in portraying real-life events that evoke emotions and brain synapses; cultural influences and personal history impact music-induced emotions based on music’s acoustic characteristics.  

In the past, music-induced emotions have been studied through classical instrumental music. Putkinen stated, “We wanted to use only instrumental music in this study as well, so that lyrics did not impact the emotions of the research subjects. However, we included film music and songs by the guitar virtuoso Yngwie J. Malmsteen.”

Click here to see a video showing how brains reacted while listening to the song “Far Beyond the Sun,” performed by Yngwie J. Malmsteen, which was used in the study. For further reading, check out the original press release from the University of Turku, published in the Cerebral Cortex Journal. To participate in their latest experiment called, “Music-Induced Emotions           in the Body,” check out Onni.  

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.

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

Acceletronics

RIP Adobe Flash Player

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At an ancient technological age of 24 years old, Adobe Flash Player will no longer run after January 12, 2021. The latest Flash Player update specified new content would not be released. “Today marks the final scheduled release of Flash Player for all regions outside of Mainland China. Adobe will no longer support Flash Player after December 31, 2020, and Adobe will block Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning January 12, 2021,” according to a release issued by Adobe. All users are recommended to uninstall Flash player from their operating systems.

According to Adobe, “Open standards such as HTML5, WebGL, and WebAssembly have continually matured over the years and serve as viable alternatives for Flash content. Also, major browser vendors are integrating these open standards into their browsers and deprecating most other plug-ins (like Flash Player.”

Adobe officially announced the demise of Flash Player in July 2017. Companies including Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, and many others have taken part in the overall plan to stop updating and distributing Flash Player. Adobe “believes that there has been sufficient time for developers, designers, businesses, and other parties to migrate Flash content to new standards.”

Flash Player opponents point out that it was a security disaster in the early 2000s, consisting of endless rounds of patching security vulnerabilities (usually the worst kinds), which prompted many content creators to use other, more efficient software partners.

For more information regarding the retirement of Adobe Flash Player, check out the Adobe Flash Player End of Life (EOL) General Information Page. Here you will also find detailed instructions on how to uninstall Flash Player from your operating system.

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; implement internet marketing strategies for enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) results; 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

MRI Providers: Watch for Patients with Metal Face Masks & Magnetic Eyelashes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Technologists are well-aware of the possibility of metal burns from MRI machines. Due to the components of an MRI, all metal must be removed prior to patients entering Zone III, the space before entering the scanner room. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to wear face masks in public indoor areas, including medical procedures. Also, of recent fashion trends, women have become more prone to use magnetic eyelashes, a beauty product that is easier to apply and remove. Both have resulted in MRI patient injuries.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement warning health care providers that patients might be injured if they wear face masks with metal parts during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. These small metal parts are usually found within the nose area or throughout the mask fabric. Nose clips, wires, ultrafine particles, or antimicrobial coating (silver or copper) can become hot and burn MRI patients.

This note of caution comes as a patient received burns from donning a face mask during an MRI. “The FDA is reminding patients and providers that patients should not wear any metal during an MRI,” according to the statement issued.

The Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics issued a report explaining how magnetic eyelashes are unsafe in an MRI; some lashes can rapidly become moving projectiles. False eyelashes are placed onto magnetic eyeliner (applied to eyelids) or discreetly clamp around natural eyelashes. Patients might forget to mention the eyelashes and MRI technicians might not notice them.

All medical providers should screen patients for MRI safety. Tiny metallic objects within face masks or fake eyelashes can easily slide past an initial assessment. If patients experience burns while wearing face masks, providers are encouraged to report the incident to the FDA. Gathered reports help the FDA improve patient safety.

For more information regarding the FDA’s warning, read the full report. The complete journal article pertaining to magnetic eyelashes can be found here.

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

UV-C Light Sanitizes COVID-19

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Broader interest in disinfectant applications has been sparked by the COVID-19 global pandemic. One sanitation method, germicidal ultraviolet light (GUV), is effective for disinfecting areas, including killing viruses and bacteria. However, a major drawback of this technique is that it is harmful to human health. Thus, GUV use is limited in occupied spaces.

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center released a study that found UV-C to be effective against influenza and seasonal coronaviruses present in airborne droplets. According to the research, continuous exposure would kill 90 percent of airborne viruses in about eight minutes. In 11 minutes, 95 percent of airborne viruses would die, 99 percent in 16 minutes, and 99.9% would be eradicated in 25 minutes. This new technology has recently been commercialized by Ushio Inc., Tokyo, and is emerging in the North American lighting market through Atlanta-based Acuity Brands.

Filtered far-UV-C cannot reach or damage living cells in the body (within recommended limits) as it does not penetrate the eye’s tear layer or the skin’s outer dead-cell layer. Real-world effectiveness was not measured in the study, so further research is needed. Nevertheless, the promising results suggest filtered far-UV-C has the potential to disinfect occupied spaces as well.

Ideally, areas with high social interaction levels (restaurants, offices, classrooms, public bathrooms, sports venues, public transit, retail, gyms, healthcare areas, etc.) would benefit from the new technology. Permanent pathogen mitigation has a bright future with UV light.

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

How to Find Your House Plans

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Older houses usually do not come ready with detailed blueprints like younger, newer homes generally do. Modern builds regularly have the plans that are foundationally important for home renovations or improvements readily available. Predating the early 1900s, builders seldomly drew up detailed specifications, which can be found in contemporary blueprints. Methods passed down by word-of-mouth was typically how house construction was accomplished in the past. Written manuals often referred to something along the lines of “build the usual way.”

Blueprints
An indispensable resource for remodeling and restoration work is that these plans solve all home mysteries and give a tangible roadmap for repairs. You can attempt to track down your home’s original blueprints by:

  • Consulting local inspectors, assessors, and other building officials
  • Visiting neighbors who have similar home structures
  • Contacting your real estate sales agents
  • Reviewing local archives such as plan books at the historical society
  • Examining neighborhood fire insurance maps
  • Researching local archived newspapers with old real estate advertisements for similar homes

Town Hall
Building inspectors or assessor’s offices usually know something about the buildings in your area. Permits are typically filed in the building inspector’s office, along with floor plans and elevation drawings. These can be helpful to learn about modifications made to your home within the past 20 years. Fire insurance maps in the United States date back to the 1870s. These documents are also located within City Hall and, at the very least, can indicate the original construction material used for your home. Three-dimensional drawings are typically included as well, which can be compared to Google Maps for real-time use. 

Realtors
If your home was manufactured within the past 50 years, your real estate office might be able to help you locate construction details. They are often familiar with local developers and housing styles in the region.

Neighbors
The familiar houses in your area might have been designed by the same person/developer as your home. Oftentimes they were constructed as mirror images, with minor differences in finishes.

Archives
Countless communities throughout the United States maintain archives with old photographs, building plans, and maps. They are generally not well-organized or maintained; however, they typically exist within either the library, museum, or historical society. Rarely, a town historian can facilitate your search. Local newspapers, farm journals, and women’s magazines can be examined for homes of a similar type. 

Online
While local municipalities might be your best bet, online resources such as NETR (Nationwide Environmental Title Research, LLC.) have public records available for view via their databases. Thousands of people are looking for house plans; forums such as Old House Web can help you in your search.

JFC Remodeling is committed to providing top-quality home reconstruction services to clients throughout Livingston County. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, our licensed contractors create unique, individualized, and polished renovations. Whether the site requires an improvement, repair, or is a new construction, you can trust our experts to deliver remarkable results. Call: 810-923-1123, e-mail: jfcllc@comcast.net, or visit us at: www.jfcremodeling.com today.

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

Jason Foldenauer Construction

MRI Providers: Watch for Patients with Metal Face Masks & Magnetic Eyelashes

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Technologists are well-aware of the possibility of metal burns from MRI machines. Due to the components of an MRI, all metal must be removed prior to patients entering Zone III, the space before entering the scanner room. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to wear face masks in public indoor areas, including medical procedures. Also, of recent fashion trends, women have become more prone to use magnetic eyelashes, a beauty product that is easier to apply and remove. Both have resulted in MRI patient injuries.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement warning health care providers that patients might be injured if they wear face masks with metal parts during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. These small metal parts are usually found within the nose area or throughout the mask fabric. Nose clips, wires, ultrafine particles, or antimicrobial coating (silver or copper) can become hot and burn MRI patients.

This note of caution comes as a patient received burns from donning a face mask during an MRI. “The FDA is reminding patients and providers that patients should not wear any metal during an MRI,” according to the statement issued.

The Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics issued a report explaining how magnetic eyelashes are unsafe in an MRI; some lashes can rapidly become moving projectiles. False eyelashes are placed onto magnetic eyeliner (applied to eyelids) or discreetly clamp around natural eyelashes. Patients might forget to mention the eyelashes and MRI technicians might not notice them.

All medical providers should screen patients for MRI safety. Tiny metallic objects within face masks or fake eyelashes can easily slide past an initial assessment. If patients experience burns while wearing face masks, providers are encouraged to report the incident to the FDA. Gathered reports help the FDA improve patient safety.

For more information regarding the FDA’s warning, read the full report. The complete journal article pertaining to magnetic eyelashes can be found here.

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

RadParts

Tips to Avoid Winter Sports Injuries

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Chilly weather means the start of winter sports for many athletes. While most people generally associate sports injuries with warmer months, realistically, they can happen any time. It is essential to understand what to do if you find yourself in a situation that might result in bodily harm.

Sledding
For many of us, this pastime seems harmless; however, the dangers of sledding are linked to running into objects at high speeds or falling off the sled. Concussions and broken bones are common results of these accidents.

  • Wear a helmet
  • Ensure your path is totally clear
  • Face forward in a seated position; do not glide down the hill head-first
  • Sled during the day or in well-lit areas at night
  • For extra protection and warmth, pile on layers of clothing

Skiing & Snowboarding
Zipping down a hill at lightning-fast speeds with little to no protection can be an accident waiting to happen. Many body parts are at risk of injury while skiing or snowboarding.

  • Learn the proper form and technique before you take to the slopes
  • Fit your gear adequately and wear a helmet
  • Choose ski runs that are appropriate for your ability
  • Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if you are tired
  • Stretch before hitting the slopes
  • Avoid using your arms to break your fall

Ice Skating
Enjoyed by figure skaters and hobbyists alike, ankle sprains, fractures, wrist and hand injuries, along with ACL tears are frequently found on the rink.

  • Ensure your skates fit properly
  • Stretch before skirting across the ice
  • Pay attention to your balance and maintain correct posture
  • Avoid performing tricks unless you have been adequately trained
  • Watch for ice chips, cracks, and other hazards
  • Protect your hands and wrists by keeping them near your body when falling
  • Wear a helmet as a learning beginner

Ice Hockey
This sport often involves collisions with other players, pucks, sticks, boards, plexiglass, and more. Injuries resulting from ice hockey include sprains, tears, strains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, muscle pulls, broken teeth, spine injuries, and muscle pulls. The list of damages done to your body can be extensive, so it is imperative to take the proper precautions.

  • Wear all protective equipment, making sure none of it is damaged
  • Master basic ice skating skills (forward, backward, quick stop, etc.)
  • Stretch and warm up before play
  • Stay hydrated and ensure you are in good physical condition
  • Know where to look: understand the rules of ice hockey
  • Treat injuries as soon as possible
  • Before a collision, avoid leading with your head or arms

Winter sports injuries can be preventable despite being fairly common. Follow safety guidelines to prevent getting hurt while still having fun.

If your hands or wrists have been injured during a sporting event, contact the specialists at MI Hand & Wrist today for a full evaluation and treatment plan.

Michigan Hand & Wrist was founded in 2001 with the mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients seeking surgical or non-surgical hand or upper extremity relief. Our goal is to exhaust all non-operative measures before discussing or moving on to surgical interventions. We offer on-site physical therapy from therapists committed to improving your quality of life. Our individualized treatments are modern, progressive, and exceptional. Contact us today at www.michiganhandandwrist.com or call 248-596-0412.

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

MI Hand & Wrist

Prepping 101: Your Survival Guide

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Whether you are just starting or a seasoned prepper, sifting through all the information available can be overwhelming. There are thousands of websites online dedicated to the subject; knowing which source to trust might be confusing. Our guide will help steer you through the possibilities and solutions every prepper needs to know.

Planning
Prepping is different for everyone, as there are various unique factors, problems, and disasters to ready yourself for. These vary depending on geographical location, job security/financial standing, human-made vs. natural disasters, etc. To truly be prepared for anything, start by figuring out which threats are likely to affect you and how you will handle each one accordingly. Check out historical data from past disasters that have impacted your area, analyze crime rates, and take your personal threats into account, which might include economic problems, medical setbacks, and family members who might require extra care. A customized emergency preparedness plan is always a good idea; ensure it is drafted by you, not some generic person from a far-off land who isn’t familiar with your surroundings or situation. Create a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to kick off your prepping journey.

Training
Prepping means nothing without proper training. Your ability to survive a natural disaster is based on two simple things: planning and training. Without real-world preparedness, you won’t survive a disaster of any kind. Sporadic preparedness drills should be as realistic as possible. Turn off your power supply, for example, to simulate an outage. Make sure your group has a thorough understanding of the plan and evacuation routes. Practice your communication plan without using a cell phone. These drills will help you test your plan in a mock scenario.

Confining
A well-stocked rural retreat is ideal for those who can swing it. During long-term disasters, these oasis areas are perfect for preppers. Living a self-sufficient lifestyle within a dwelling that doesn’t run on public utilities is the goal. The government is typically not involved in any way, which is what preppers generally refer to as “going off the grid.” There are many ways to power off-grid houses, such as propane, solar panels, and batteries. A growing challenge is locating rural land to build on. Many factors should be considered when searching for property, such as whether the soil is rich and fertile, nearby water and other natural resources, and local zoning laws.

Working
In the event that your emergency preparedness plan needs to take effect, how will you make money? Cut expenses, start a business, or use your land to generate income. Initially, it might be challenging to drum up some creative ideas, but once you do, you will be able to sustain your lifestyle.  

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

Wolf Survival Gear

Three Ways to Save on Medicare Expenses

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Medicare expenses can pile up. If you need assistance paying for health or prescription costs, check out these three resources that might help cover your expenditures:

Medicare Savings Programs: There are four savings programs run by every state. They can help you pay for your premiums and other expenses. To see whether you qualify, contact your state Medicaid program.

Extra Help: Those with limited revenue or resources can qualify for Extra Help for Part D drug costs. If you have applied for Medicaid or one of the Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help will automatically be enacted for drug costs. You can apply for free online through the US Social Security Administration.

Medicaid: A joint federal and state program that is tailored to help those with limited income and resources, aiding with medical costs. Medicaid offers benefits not typically covered by Medicare, such as nursing home and personal care services. Every state has its own guidelines.

The most efficient way to save money is to choose the right health and drug coverage. The Medicare Plan Finder compares Medicare coverage options. You can also reduce your Medicare premiums by enrolling on time, reporting changes in income, and shopping around for plans.

To learn more about Medicare costs and lower them with help from professionals, contact Senior Health Medicare today. Our experts are ready to assist you with all your Medicare questions, concerns, and needs.

Senior Health Medicare is a superior resource for Medicare guidance, information, and ongoing client support. Selecting a Medicare plan is not a flippant decision. It requires annual revisiting and re-evaluating in order for the client to stay in the most cost-effective coverage. Senior Health Medicare is here to serve as your resource through all the years to come. Contact us today at 888-404-5049 or visit us on the web at www.seniorhealthmedicare.com.

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Senior Health Medicare