Livingston Reporting - page 84

No one could have predicted the impact COVID-19 would have on the world when it first started spreading in late 2019. Millions of businesses and corporations ceased operations for a period of time, some never recovering. Unfortunately, most events scheduled for the spring/summer of 2020 in the United States were cancelled due to state mandates. Event planners and individuals resorted to virtual get-togethers, which was a new idea at the time, but is now the norm. As many states open back up and allow small gatherings, event planners and hosts face an important decision. There are three options for future events; how do they take place, you ask? Look no further; we’ll explain it all here:

Live
Events can still be held in-person, using models that have worked in the past, including a few modifications. Hand sanitizer placed throughout the area is imperative to maintain cleanliness. Reducing the number of handheld items when at all possible will help curb cross-contamination. Some events recommend guests be tested for COVID-19 prior to attending, and wellness/temperature checks are performed at the door. Reducing the number of invitations to decrease overall headcount is also a popular choice. Lastly, social distancing, in addition to proper mask precautions, are proven ways to lower guests’ chances of becoming infected with the virus.

Virtual
A large number of events have gone – and stayed – virtual in 2020. Despite being entirely virtual, a great deal of planning still goes into these events. One problem with virtual events is that the technology varies greatly. For example, one person might fully understand a platform (utilities and applications) like “Zoom,” while others are more used to “FaceTime.” Moreover, these platforms are usually not significantly robust enough to handle large numbers of participants. The question of whether they will be monetized is still up for debate, as well.

Hybrid
This type of event combines live and virtual, which is a growing choice for many people. Oftentimes, a small group of “virus-free” guests get together while others (perhaps those at high-risk for infection, or guests who do not want to travel long distances) join virtually. This can be accomplished using a few modalities including webcams, phones, etc. In-person guests can communicate with the virtual guests as though they are all in one area.

Planning any type of event can be overwhelming, so let an experienced event planner help you decide what format is best for you.

Check out this article for more information, including questions to ask yourself for each format.

Event Planning DC offer precise planning and captivating event design inspired by your unique vision, exclusive style, and the things that matter to you most. We provide comprehensive event planning of all types within the DC, MD, and VA area. Call us at 301-742-6322 or email michele@eventplanningdc.com today.

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

Pools don’t need to be completely torn out and re-designed to update their aesthetic. There are plenty of ways to change the look of a pool – even on a budget. If you are searching for ideas, read our list below for some inspiration.

Swim-up bars: These drink bars are installed on the inside of the pool. If your pool is the neighborhood or family hangout, guests will enjoy refreshing, cold drinks while relaxing in the water.

Dark pool interior: There are a few reasons dark pool trends are on the rise. First, they are a nice contrast to waterfalls, rock arrangements, and other landscape fixtures. Second, dirt and debris are not quite as noticeable compared to pools with lighter finishes. Lastly, dark pools absorb and retain sunlight, making them more heat-efficient.

Shallow areas: Some people enjoy pools by sitting on the edge and letting their feet dangle in the water. Installing a foot-deep shallow depth area will allow people to relax on beach chairs, for example, while refreshing water flows beneath them.

Smart lighting: Many people enjoy their pools in the evening, which usually requires some sort of lighting. Beyond flipping light switches, you can now control where the lights are placed, in addition to adjusting the color. Some smart lights even have apps that can be accessed from smartphones. The ambiance of your pool will surely improve with specialized lighting.

Saltwater pools: We all know pools contain chlorine, but did you know some pools are made up of saltwater? Saltwater pools require far less maintenance and aren’t as harsh on the eyes or skin as chlorine pools typically are.

Want to discuss options and look into renovating your pool? Pound Pool staff are pool renovation experts. Contact us today at 248-476-4544 or poundpool@sbcglobal.net.

Pound Pool 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.

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

NFL Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston is the latest pro athlete to undergo LASIK eye surgery. The QB said he could read license plates and street signs following the surgery. He said, “I think precision in the vision is the biggest difference.” Previously nearsighted in addition to having astigmatism, which is a curvature in the eye or lens, Winston’s vision is now corrected.

A growing number of professional athletes are choosing to undergo LASIK eye surgery. Some famous athletes include Tiger Woods, Tiki Barber, Dwayne Wade, Carson Wentz, Lindsey Vonn, Kirk Cousins, LeBron James, Wilson Ramos, Greg Maddux, Patrick Ewing, and Chris Paul.

Vision is integral to an athlete’s performance. Without strong vision, performance on the athletic field is diminished. Quarterback football players are continually shifting their eyes by calculating depth, distance, and rapidly-moving players. The quick decisions he makes based on his vision capabilities are what could win or cost the game.

Glasses or goggles can impair and even be potentially hazardous to athletes due to their susceptibility to damage and inability to protect their eyes during rain or snowstorms. LASIK eye surgery is a perfect option for athletes and other individuals who move quickly or are frequently in the elements.

Read the full article for more information about Winston’s LASIK experience.

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.

PFAS, known as “Forever Chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body indefinitely, saturate the water supply in Michigan. These highly toxic chemicals have been linked to cancer; liver, thyroid, and pancreas conditions; ulcerative colitis; hormone and immune system interference; high cholesterol; and a host of negative issues for pregnant women and children. PFAS are found at some level in public water serving about 1.9 million people and more than 11,000 sites. A Detroit Free Press article stated, “PFAS contamination is Michigan’s biggest environmental crisis in 40 years.”

Michigan groundwater is saturated with PFAS chemicals at levels which exceed standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Seventeen rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds have “do not eat” advisories for fish; at least one county issued the same warning for deer due to PFAS. The entire country is dealing with an emerging crisis regarding PFAS contamination.

In an effort to regulate this toxic chemical, the state of Michigan issued enforceable standards to limit the amount of PFAS allowed in drinking water. These standards took effect on August 3 and are among the nation’s strictest. This article by The Detroit News explains the new regulations in-depth. Typically, the EPA develops nationwide standards based on states’ adaptations. States like Michigan, New Jersey, and New Hampshire have taken the lead and created their own standards without the EPA’s involvement.

Since PFAS are emerging toxins, many consumers are unfamiliar with the chemicals and unsure about how to protect themselves from ingesting them. Thankfully, household filters – specifically reverse osmosis and two-stage – are the most effective way to remove PFAS from drinking water. Activated carbon filters are also beneficial for PFAS filtration. Don’t have a reverse osmosis or two-stage filter? No problem! Call Reynolds Water Conditioning Co. at 800-572-9575. Reynolds Water was established in 1931 and is Michigan’s oldest water conditioning treatment company. www.reynoldswater.com

Two additional Siemens Healthineers Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based software assistants in the AI-Rad Companion family have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). During Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), routine activities usually done by radiologists will now be completed by AI. 

Brain segmentations, volume, and deviations are automatically marked by the AI-Rad Companion Brain MR for Morphometry Analysis. The AI-Rad Companion Prostate MR for Biopsy Support automatically segments the prostate. This process allows radiologists to mark lesions. In turn, prostate biopsies are targeted.

Peter Shen, Vice President of Innovation and Digital Business at Siemens Healthineers North America, said, “These new AI-Rad Companion applications for MR exams in the brain and prostate regions will help physicians manage their workloads and achieve a patient-focused decision-making process to increase efficiency and improve the quality of care.”

Various brain segments contain grey matter (nerve cells), white matter (nerve cell connections), and cerebrospinal fluid. The AI-Rad Companion Brain MR for Morphometry Analysis supports brain volumetry, which involves measuring the aforementioned segments. This process facilitates a comparison between normal volumes; any irregularities could be signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, or dementia. Brain segmentation and comparison were typically performed manually or semi-manually before the new AI. Now, up to 30 brain segments can be read and then fed into a report where deviations from the norm are automatically marked. 

Similarly, the AI-Rad Companion Prostate MR for Biopsy Support automatically segments and marks the prostate’s outer contour in seconds. Again, this process was typically done manually or semi-manually and could take several minutes. Radiologists can now read the report, mark suspect areas, and forward the results to urologists. The targeted, AI-supported biopsies can be precursors to cancer or other diseases. 

Both software assistants are DICOM-compliant and can be used with many different MRI scanner brands, making integration effortless. 

Check out this article for more information.

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Remodeling a bathroom can be exciting yet overwhelming due to the vast amount of available options. Having an overall plan or scheme is ideal; make sure to include a list of goals, priorities, and, most importantly, a budget. It’s all in the details – try to have a crystal-clear vision of what you want the aesthetic to be. Hardware, color scheme, patterns, textures, etc. are some ideas to explore.

How do you sift through hundreds of options to solidify your choice? Specialty design showrooms are a great place to start. They display finished plumbing, flooring, cabinets, lighting, and more. After you narrow down your ideal design, remember to factor in your budget. It’s also a good idea to have a backup or second option if your first choice is unavailable.

Here are some basic suggestions to help you get started:

Flooring
Choose an easy-to-clean, non-porous surface such as tile, ceramic, hardwood, etc.

Countertops
Any tough, durable, solid surface including granite, quartz, marble, and the like will stand the test of time.

Storage
Look for tall and spacious cabinets and sleek shelves to add a functional yet appealing touch.

Lighting
Set the mood with accent lighting, illuminated mirrors, and achieve specific color temperatures with specialty light bulbs.

After you choose the aesthetic of your new bathroom, you can start shopping for materials. Check out the complete article for a more in-depth look at fixtures, countertops, cabinets, flooring, and more.

You have the perfect bathroom planned – now you need the perfect bathroom remodeling contractor. Contact JFC Remodeling for your next bathroom renovation project at 810-923-1123. https://www.jfcremodeling.com/

According to testimony at a Senate committee hearing on August 5, the federal government should have the authority to simulate cyberattacks on the electric grid to lessen the nation’s vulnerability. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said, “The threat of cyberattacks by foreign adversaries and other sophisticated entities is real, and it’s growing.”

Citing 2019’s Worldwide Threat Assessment from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Murkowski explained those findings stating that China, Russia, and other foreign adversaries are stepping up cyber operations to target the United States’ military and critical infrastructure, including the nation’s electric grid. The Energy Department claimed that a Russian government-backed hacking group infiltrated a U.S. energy entity’s network in January 2020.

The energy sector’s vulnerabilities are of particular concern to national security since electricity and fuels are used to power transportation, water facilities, hospitals, communications, and more. The gap between physical, operational technology, and information technology systems is narrowing, creating even more concern. Grid operators incorporate new management systems, utility companies install millions of “smart meters” and other internet-enabled devices on the grid. Advancements in technology lead to improved operations and real-time feedback, however, malicious hackers can target these systems to gain access and compromise larger systems.

Murkowski said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique opportunity for cybercriminals to attack our networks, including critical energy infrastructure. We all know the stakes here. A successful hack could shut down power, impacting hospitals, banks, gas pumps, military installations, and cell phone service. The consequences would be widespread and devastating, and only more so if we are in the midst of a global pandemic.”

Red-teaming is a simulation using hackers to test various organizations’ cybersecurity and threat response. The result provides an outside perspective and has been performed in the past. In July, the Office of Energy Infrastructure Security (OEIS) joined with the National Guard and conducted Cyber Yankee, a red-team-simulated cyber-attack on a utility system throughout the New England states. This exercise was beneficial for professionals to thwart potential incoming threats by creating defensive and recovery plans.

Check out this article by the National Conference of State Legislatures for more information about the nation’s energy infrastructure and the growing cyberthreat.

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.

Despite challenges, URLs are the age-old way users identify and determine a website’s authenticity. Phishing, scams, and social engineering run rampant – especially when hackers easily manipulate URLs to confuse users purposefully.

The new version of Google Chrome 86, which is set to release in October, will hide most of a website’s URL. This experimental trial will roll out on randomly-chosen participants’ browsers. Google Chrome security team members Emily Stark, Eric Mill, and Shweta Panditrao wrote on the blog: “Our goal is to understand – through real-world usage – whether showing URLs this way helps users realize they’re visiting a malicious website, and protects them from phishing and social engineering attacks.”

Instead of showing the entire URL in Chrome’s address bar, trial participants will see a “registrable domain,” which is the most significant part of the domain name, sometimes displayed as the primary company or business. This change might make it easier for users to ensure they are in the right place and not a malicious site they were tricked into visiting.

The complete URL can still be accessed by moving the cursor over the address bar and hovering it. Chrome will then reconstitute the URL into its original form. Moreover, users can right-click “Always show full URLs,” which will set the address bar to show the URL for all sites automatically.

Read more about Google’s anti-phishing attempts in this article.

If you have been a victim of phishing, Creative Programs & Systems offers affordable virus remediation and more. Founded in 1994, CPS 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.

A recent article by the Journal of Nuclear Medicine is one of the first published studies to examine radiation therapy to treat COVID-19 patients. Researchers in New York radiolabeled the CR3022 human antibody with Iodine-131 as a targeted agent, since this antibody binds to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The researchers concluded, “Our results confirm the potential of CR3022 as a molecularly targeted probe for SARS-CoV-2. A labeled version of CR3022 could potentially be used for Auger radiotherapy or non-invasive imaging.”

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., authored a blog on the CR3022 human antibody, stating it might hold the key to developing effective therapy against COVID-19. Collins wrote that researchers had shown CR3022 cross-reacts with the new coronavirus, though the antibody does not bind tightly enough to neutralize and cease infecting cells. Vaccine designers could potentially leverage the capabilities of how precisely the antibodies attach to the virus.

Although it seems novel, radiotherapy has been considered for treating viruses in the past. A genetically-engineered measles virus that expressed the sodium iodide symporter in infected cells was sensitive to I-125 in vitro. This halted virus replication but could not translate to an in vivo model.

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The ongoing 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak reminds us how rapidly infectious agents can travel the globe. Today it is possible to be anywhere in the world within hours. Our increasingly mobile society means that diseases that used to seem exotic and distant can impact any population. Of the 50 most deadly infectious diseases, approximately a third may be transmitted by drinking water.

The top deadliest diseases from drinking water
The following is a summary of the top deadliest diseases known to infect humans that have a waterborne transmission route ranked from the least to most deadly (numbers in parentheses indicate ranking). Table 1 includes these and other infections that made the list, considering all transmission routes.¹

Lassa fever (49) was originally discovered in the late ’60s in Lassa, Nigeria. That country reported that a new outbreak began in January 2020 with over 1,700 new cases suspected. An estimated 300,000 infections occur annually.² Although primarily endemic in West Africa, rodents are an intermediate host and can transmit the disease to people. Ingestion of contaminated food and water is another common transmission route. Symptoms may progress to hemorrhaging, fever and multiple organ failure.

Rabbit fever (48), also known as tularemia, is caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. This highly contagious organism causes an average of 126 cases per year in the US. Tularemia can be spread through arthropod bites, contact with infected animal tissues, inhalation of contaminated aerosols and ingestion of contaminated food or water. Historically, F. tularensis has been utilized as a bioweapon. Thus, officials monitor carefully for increases that might indicate foul play.

Taenia solium (46) is a type of tapeworm found in pork whose larval stage causes a disease known as cysticercosis. The disease spreads through feces-contaminated food or water from an infected person. Larvae then invade the central nervous system tissues. Endemic in Latin America, cases are routinely diagnosed in US-born residents.³

Rotavirus (45) is the number one cause of childhood diarrhea worldwide. Although the availability of a vaccine dramatically reduced the number of rotavirus deaths, an estimated 215,000 are still attributed to this organism.⁴
The majority of cholera (42) cases can be treated with oral rehydration solutions but in many areas treatments for the severe, acute watery diarrhea is not available. It is estimated that up to four million cases and 143,000 deaths occur from the bacterium Vibrio cholerae annually. The current (seventh) pandemic hit South Asia in 1962, Africa in 1971 and the Americas in 1991.⁵

Typhoid fever (42) cases are estimated as high as 22 million with 210,000 deaths annually. Spread via food and water contaminated with Salmonella enterica serotype typhi and paratyphi, it’s the largest global burden in in the developing world.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) (40) causes severe outbreaks of food and waterborne disease. The disease is usually self-limiting but may progress to bloody diarrhea and the deadly haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), which can result in acute renal failure. Children and the elderly are most at risk.

Botulism (31) is the most deadly toxin known. Produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the toxin is destroyed by conventional drinking water treatment but can spread via intentional acts of contamination. A powerful neurotoxin, botulism death usually occurs following muscular paralysis and respiratory failure.

Legionnaire’s disease (31) is spread via water aerosols from showers, cooling towers, fountains and hot tubs. The Legionella pneumophila bacteria grows in premise-plumbing systems. The 10,000 cases of Legionnaire’s disease reported in the US annually are thought to be a large underestimation of the true disease burden. The elderly, smokers and people with chronic lung disease are most at risk.

Anthrax (31) spores are produced by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis and are commonly found in soil and infect domestic and wild animals feeding on outdoor plants and grasses. Once inside the human body, the spores become active, multiply and produce potent toxins leading to severe illness and death.
SARS (29) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (which became a global threat in 2003), is caused by a strain of coronavirus. Symptoms similar to influenza complicate rapid and distinct diagnoses. Respiratory illness is often accompanied by severe diarrhea. Although rare, case-fatality rates may be as high as 50 percent.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (27) is a chronic autoimmune condition that attacks the nerves, causing a paralytic illness similar to polio that can progress to total body paralysis and death. Although the exact cause is unknown, the syndrome often occurs following acute infections from respiratory or waterborne microbes, including influenza, Zika and hepatitis A viruses.

Listeriosis (18) is caused by the food and waterborne bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Found commonly in soft cheeses and ready-to-eat meat products, infections may become invasive and lead to severe health outcomes including septicemia, meningitis and spontaneous abortion.

MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) (15), like it’s relative SARS, may be spread by the respiratory and fecal-oral route. First reported in 2012, MERS is the most deadly virus with a possible waterborne route on our list of top 50 infections, with a death rate of over 34 percent.

Minimizing endemic and epidemic waterborne disease
The only disease that has been successfully eradicated from the globe is smallpox. As microbial hazards continue to emerge due to mutations or expanded routes of transmission, efforts to contain their spread will be promoted. Most microbial pathogens spread via potable water supplies can be removed or inactivated by the use of POU drinking water treatment devices. Therefore, POU device technology designed to remove microbes is recommended to control endemic and epidemic illness risks.

Original Article: http://wcponline.com/2020/03/15/25764/

By: Kelly A. Reynolds, MSPH, PhD

Posted on: Sunday, March 15th, 2020