Subscribe
type here...
Subscribe
Home Blog Page 56

What Is the Goal of QI Group? Understanding Its Mission and Vision

Bhok Thompson
-
0
What Is the Goal of QI Group? Understanding Its Mission and Vision
Vijay Eswaran
Vijay Eswaran from the QI Group

Established in 1998 by the forward-thinking duo of Vijay Eswaran and Joseph Bismark, the QI Group steadily expanded its reach, now boasting a presence in nearly 30 countries worldwide. The multinational entity’s success lies in its ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities, strategically investing in diverse ventures that have become the pillars of its operations. From wellness and lifestyle to education, travel, and leisure, luxury goods, and retail, the company has meticulously crafted an interconnected ecosystem of services and products that cater to the evolving needs of a global clientele.

At the heart of the company’s accomplishments is its diverse and multicultural workforce of over 2,000 employees. This rich tapestry of talent, reflecting the enterprise’s international footprint, exemplifies its commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment. By harnessing the expertise and perspectives of its global team, the QI Group has navigated the complexities of the modern business landscape, delivering innovative solutions that resonate with its customers.

What Is the Goal of QI Group?

The goal of the QI Group is to create a sustainable and inclusive global business ecosystem that prioritizes integrity, service, sustainability, and leadership. The company aims to achieve this through strategic investments and partnerships that foster long-term growth and development across various sectors. By focusing on innovation and social responsibility, the QI Group endeavors to positively impact the communities in which it operates while also ensuring the longevity and health of the planet.

The company operates based on four core values: integrity, service, sustainability, and leadership. These principles guide the company’s operations and strategic decisions, ensuring it remains ethically sound, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable.

At the core of its remarkable success lies an unwavering commitment to integrity. This principle of “truth above all and truth in all” permeates every facet of the organization’s operations; far beyond mere compliance with laws and regulations, the organization’s dedication to integrity represents a deep-rooted determination to do what is morally and ethically right, no matter the circumstances. This steadfast approach has earned the trust and respect of the company’s diverse stakeholders — from its loyal clientele to its talented workforce and esteemed partners — a testament to the transformative power of principled leadership.

The company’s unwavering commitment to service is captured in its guiding principle, “We serve to lead and lead to serve.” This philosophy reflects a more profound understanding that true success is not measured solely by profits or market share but by the positive impact an organization can have on its stakeholders and the communities it serves. For the QI Group, service is not just a means to an end but a fundamental aspect of its corporate identity. This ethos permeates every facet of the company’s operations, from its customer relations to its broader mission of positively influencing the lives of all those it encounters.

By prioritizing service, the QI Group has cultivated a corporate culture imbued with a spirit of generosity and altruism. The company’s service-driven approach has become a cornerstone of its success, enabling the organization to build lasting relationships with its clients, partners, and employees — all of whom share the company’s vision of using business as a force for positive change.

Guided by its role as a “caretaker for the next generation,” the QI Group has firmly embedded sustainability at the heart of its corporate ethos. Its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship transcends mere compliance with regulations, reflecting a profound sense of responsibility to preserve the health and longevity of the planet.

The QI Group has set an exemplary standard for sustainable business practices through a multifaceted approach. From initiatives to conserve natural resources to innovative programs that resurrect damaged ecosystems, the company has demonstrated its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the delicate balance of our world. By leading through example, the organization hopes to inspire a ripple effect, empowering its stakeholders, industry peers, and the broader community to adopt more eco-conscious practices and champion the cause of environmental preservation.

At the QI Group, the belief in nurturing entrepreneurial passion drives its unwavering commitment to independence, inclusiveness, and innovation. By fostering a culture of leadership that inspires and empowers others, the company has cultivated an environment where fresh ideas can take root and inclusive practices are the norm.

The QI Group’s understanding of leadership extends far beyond the confines of the corporate hierarchy. It is a quality that every member of the organization can embody, whether through personal initiative, creative problem-solving, or leading projects that drive positive social change. This inclusive approach to leadership allows the company to harness the diverse talents and perspectives of its workforce, harnessing the collective power of its people to achieve remarkable feats. It’s created a dynamic and innovative ecosystem by encouraging this entrepreneurial mindset. It empowers individuals at all levels to take charge of their professional journeys and contribute to the company’s vision.

Strategic Investments and Global Reach

Through its investment arm, QI Capital, the organization actively invests in various portfolios in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the U.K., and the USA. The company has invested in financial services organizations, education, telecommunications, Swiss watchmaking, natural food retailers, hospitality management, and an online marketplace.

One of its significant achievements in the luxury market was acquiring the Swiss watch brand Cimier in the early 2000s. Cimier, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024, is renowned for its precision and craftsmanship, contributing to the Group’s esteemed reputation in the luxury goods sector.

The organization’s commitment to education exemplifies its partnership with a leading Malaysian bank to raise funds to expand Quest International University’s new campus. Through a $21.48 million Sukuk Ijarah program, a type of Islamic financing based on leasing principles, the company has showcased its innovative approach to long-term investment in education. This financing marks the QI Group’s first entry into Malaysia’s capital markets, highlighting its strategic and forward-thinking approach.

With its diverse portfolio and strategic vision, the QI Group is well equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world, ensuring continued growth and impactful contributions to society.

Innovating Sustainability: Bitcoin Mining Waste Heat and its Green Potential with Akbar Shamji

Bhok Thompson
-
0
Innovating Sustainability: Bitcoin Mining Waste Heat and its Green Potential with Akbar Shamji

Greenhouse and bitcoin mining

Bitcoin mining—the process by which new bitcoins are entered into circulation—is notoriously energy-intensive. It requires powerful, specialized computers known as ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) that are capable of handling immense computational tasks. These machines operate continuously and compete against each other to solve mathematical problems that become progressively more difficult over time. The energy consumption of these operations is substantial, often compared to the energy usage of entire countries.

The nature of Bitcoin mining is inherently energy-intensive. It requires powerful, specialized computers that are capable of handling immense computational tasks. These machines operate continuously and compete against each other to solve mathematical problems that become progressively more difficult over time. The energy consumption of these operations is substantial, often compared to the energy usage of entire countries.

One of the unavoidable byproducts of this massive computational effort is heat. A significant amount of heat is generated as these high-power devices run 24/7, leading to concerns about wasted energy and its environmental impact. The electricity used is another major factor, with the sourcing of this power becoming a critical point of discussion within the cryptocurrency community and beyond, as stakeholders seek more sustainable practices. 

In an innovative twist, some enterprises are channeling the waste heat generated from Bitcoin mining to more productive uses. As Bitcoin mining operations generate substantial amounts of heat due to their intense computational requirements, this byproduct has traditionally been viewed as an inevitable, albeit problematic, consequence. However, a growing number of forward-thinking companies are now exploring ways to capture and utilize this excess heat, transforming it from a waste product into a valuable resource.

One such leader is Akbar Shamji, the founder and CEO of a privately held Canadian company whose operations are focused on the designing, building, and operating of ESG focused data centers. Shamji’s aim for the company is to both contribute to the sustainability of blockchain technology and lead by example in the movement towards greener digital infrastructures. Below, we explore how he and others in the blockchain industry are setting a standard for responsible practices in the digital currency landscape.

The energy demands of bitcoin mining

Bitcoin mining is an essential component of the cryptocurrency network, serving both to process transactions and to create new coins. This process is underpinned by a method known as “proof of work,” which requires participants, or “miners”, to solve complex cryptographic puzzles. The purpose of these puzzles is to secure the network and verify transactions, preventing issues like double-spending. Miners who successfully solve these puzzles are rewarded with newly minted bitcoins, incentivizing continuous operation and competition.

The requirement to solve these puzzles means that Bitcoin mining rigs—specialized computer systems—are constantly running high-power computations. This relentless demand for computational power translates directly into high energy consumption. Each puzzle solution requires miners to perform trillions of calculations, which in turn consume vast amounts of electricity. This has led to the installation of “mining farms,” locations with large numbers of mining rigs, often situated where electricity costs are lowest, sometimes regardless of the environmental impact of the energy sources.

The environmental concerns associated with Bitcoin mining are significant. The energy-intensive nature of mining often relies on non-renewable energy sources which contribute to carbon emissions and broader environmental degradation. In regions where coal or other fossil fuels are the primary energy sources, the environmental impacts are exacerbated. 

This high energy use also strains local power grids and can lead to increased energy costs for local communities. As the value of Bitcoin increases, the incentive to mine intensifies, potentially leading to escalated energy use and an increased carbon footprint, posing substantial challenges to global efforts to combat climate change. 

Transforming waste heat into a valuable resource

In the context of Bitcoin mining, waste heat refers to the thermal energy generated by mining rigs during their high-power computational operations. In the absence of effective heat management, this waste heat is often released into the environment, representing a missed opportunity for energy recovery and adding unnecessary strain on cooling systems. Efficiently capturing and repurposing this waste heat can significantly enhance the overall energy efficiency of Bitcoin mining operations and mitigate some of the environmental impacts associated with their energy-intensive nature.

In Norway, Akbar Shamji’s company has established a hydro-powered data center that features an innovative program for recycling its heat into greenhouses. This program captures the excess thermal energy from its Bitcoin mining operations and repurposes it to support agricultural activities, transforming waste heat into a valuable resource. The process starts with advanced heat recovery systems, like heat exchangers, which transfer thermal energy from the mining equipment to a water-based medium or air. This heated medium is then channeled to nearby greenhouses.

Once in the greenhouses, this recycled heat helps maintain an optimal temperature for growing crops, which is particularly valuable in colder climates where consistent warmth is essential for year-round production. By utilizing this waste heat, Shamji’s company not only reduces the dependency on traditional heating sources (typically powered by fossil fuels) but also lowers the energy costs for agricultural operations. 

The program is a prime example of circular economy principles in action. By recycling the byproduct of Bitcoin mining—heat that would typically be released into the environment—Akbar Shamji’s company boosts the sustainability of its data centers and supports local agriculture. This clever reuse of waste heat improves both the efficiency and environmental impact of the mining operations while fostering a cooperative relationship between technology and agriculture. 

The greater impact of innovative practices

Server farm with wires and cables
Some server farms are buried deeo underground to offset carbon emissions created by air conditioning. Choose services that are moving in this direction

The use of waste heat from Bitcoin mining into agricultural practices opens up exciting prospects for the future of both sustainable agriculture and renewable energy usage. As more companies adopt similar innovative approaches, the potential to revolutionize agricultural heating practices becomes increasingly significant. This shift could lead to broader adoption of renewable energy sources and waste heat recovery systems, enhancing the overall sustainability of farming operations. By turning what was previously considered waste into a valuable resource, industries can contribute to a circular economy that reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources and minimizes environmental impact.

These collaborations can foster innovation and inspire other sectors to reevaluate their waste products and byproducts. The successful integration of waste heat into greenhouse operations can serve as a blueprint for other industries, encouraging them to explore similar partnerships that could lead to sustainable practices and solutions. This shows that the path to greater sustainability is not limited to advancements within a single industry but can be significantly accelerated through cross-industry collaboration, leveraging diverse expertise and resources for a more sustainable future.

What’s more, the broader impacts of these developments extend beyond environmental benefits. By showcasing practical, scalable solutions for integrating renewable energy and waste heat recovery, these advancements can drive policy changes and encourage investment in green technologies. As businesses and governments recognize the economic and environmental advantages of these practices, we may see increased support for policies that promote sustainability and innovation. Ultimately, the continued evolution of these technologies has the potential to foster a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape, benefiting both agriculture and the broader economy.

According to Akbar Shamji, his company’s core focus is to innovate in the blockchain space while building ESG focused data centers. As the world grapples with issues like climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the need for creative and effective strategies such as these has never been more urgent. Technologies that repurpose waste, enhance energy efficiency, or reduce carbon footprints are not just beneficial; they are essential for the long-term health of our planet.

 

Interview with America’s water reuse expert BioprocessH20 on challenges and the future of water

Karin Kloosterman
-
0
Interview with America’s water reuse expert BioprocessH20 on challenges and the future of water

Bioprocess greywater treatment

An interview with BioprocessH20 Tim Burns, company CEO, entrepreneuring wastewater treatment for the Food and Beverage industry

 

Water is the most extensively used raw material in the food and beverage industry. It is used for processing, as an additive to products, but also as a cleaning agent. But waste can’t just go down the drain.

Due to heavy loads of chemicals and biological waste, industrially processed water needs to be filtered before it goes to the municipal water treatment center. The industrial sector can have an impact on the environment and economy as a result of rising water demand and wastewater production. In some US states aquifers have run dry. With the increasing scarcity of drinking water, the reuse of wastewater has become an important economic and ecological concern. Optimizing water consumption and wastewater reuse in the food industry is necessary for business reasons and a growing list of environmental ones enforced by governments. 

Food processors, industrial manufacturers, automobile manufacturers, oil and gas companies and more all need to be mindful of the wastewater they produce when they conduct their core business.

All forms of waste, whether liquid or solid, require specialized treatment methods before disposal. Where do companies turn? What does the future look like? We speak with the world leader in sustainable wastewater treatment, BioprocessH2O, an American company from Rhode Island that mimics nature in their system designs. ​​Clients like Coca Cola use their system to meet wastewater standards in the food industry. 

Tim Burns
Tim Burns

Tim Burns, the CEO of BioprocessH2O shares some insight into a global challenge of wastewater treatment and its potential for reuse.

Give us an overview of why companies turn to you. 

Companies turn to us for our expertise in the wastewater field. We have some of the best engineers in the business, and are confident in the systems that we build. We have helped some of the biggest companies in the US get control over their wastewater, and because of that many turn into repeat customers.

Are there non-US locations you work with and what special challenges do you face outside the US?

We work with companies across the world, with a focus in North America. Each country has its own unique regulating body, that has its own set of parameters or rules that they adhere to. This makes it different from the US, as not all regulators are concerned with the same things.

When you work with non-US companies, let’s say EU, Canada and the Middle East. If you work there, or want to work there, how are the standards and demands different? 

The testing standards, and goals, are different in many of the countries you mentioned. For example, in the Middle East we recognize that the biggest water related questions are around desalination and water reuse, to help the countries there that do not get much rainfall get more access to water. This is different from the US, Canada and the EU that has ample rainfall, ands main concern tends to environmental and public health harm reduction. 

Working with Coca Cola

What do you love most about your job?

I love that we get to solve hard challenges for our clients, while helping the environment and public health. 

What frontline technologies is your company looking at? If you could invent a time machine, what would the future look like for your business in 20 years? 

We actually are now a preferred partner for Zwitterco which has developed a new membrane that has promising lab results, and we hope this translates into promising installations for our clients. The Zwitterco membranes use a certain type of material which has both a negative and positive charge, this in effect reduces the amount of membrane fouling expected in a membrane system. 

To the second part of the question, I think that in 20 years from now, we will be a lot better about testing, and pinpointing sources of wastewater than we are today. If we could have a “magic” technology, it would be one type of filtration method that worked for all types of pollutants.

What research centers around the world are doing the best work in wastewater remediation? 

That is a good question. I would say the best research still comes out of universities. For example, the Reverse Osmosis, and the new membranes I have talked about previously, both came out of partnerships with labs from universities. This is very common across industries, not just ours. You see this in tech, as well as biotech and pharma. 

How do things get trickier in areas where aquifers are depleted, like in California, or let’s say in Saudi Arabia? 

We expect people in this region to be more concerned with water use reduction, instead of just water filtration. As water becomes more scarce, it becomes more expensive, leading to higher input water costs for manufacturing plants. 

Could you work with agriculture solutions that use treated greywater? If yes, how. Hydroponics, aquaponics, greenhouse ag or conventional farming.

Yes this is common in our industry, where a farm will need to filter their wastewater, and then are actually able to use the filtered water to water their crops of something of this nature. While wastewater filtered by our systems are not always drinkable, it is often clean enough to use for other purposes. 

What does a company need to do today to ensure they can scale their water treatment solutions so they will be relevant in 15 years?

A lot of the time it comes down to planning ahead. We work with our clients to understand their production goals now, and in the future, to figure out the size of the water system that needs to be installed in order to handle and plant expansions that may be in the future. 

Now how can we ensure that we scale? I think we just need to stick to our plan, which is to give our customers the best systems we can at a fair price. This allows us to show our competence, and has helped grow our name in the wastewater industry.

Give us a bit about your background. 

I have had a very entrepreneurial career. I left the corporate world early on, and helped scale a chemical disposal company working with the founders. From there I founded a few companies, one of which was bioprocessAlgae, which aimed to turn Algae into biofuel. I have a finance/business background and took up a masters in environmental science from Brown University. 

::BioprocessH2O website

10 Ways Eco-Friendly Senior Living Spaces Enhance Quality of Life

Bhok Thompson
-
0
10 Ways Eco-Friendly Senior Living Spaces Enhance Quality of Life
Seniors at home in the Netherlands
A senior residence in the Netherlands

Senior living spaces should provide a comfortable, healthy atmosphere to promote happiness and well-being. Eco-friendly spaces focus on natural, sustainable practices to improve air quality, resource use, and the world around us. Eco-friendly senior living facilities can provide a cost-efficient, healthy space for older adults to thrive without harming the environment. As a bonus, sustainable practices can significantly improve how older adults live in these communities.

1. Air Quality

Plants in a Brooklyn apartment
Plants in a Brooklyn apartment. A good way to clean air.

Sustainable practices include better insulation, high-quality air filters, and indoor plant use to boost air quality. Older adults are prone to lung problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pneumonia, and asthma. Improved air quality can reduce asthma attacks and ease symptoms of lung conditions. 

2. Stress Relief

Natural light, indoor plants, and accessible outdoor spaces are essential for an eco-friendly living space. These features have been scientifically proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and create a relaxing atmosphere. Sunshine also provides valuable vitamins and nutrients that older adults may have trouble receiving.

3. Heart Health

Exposure to calming outdoor spaces, better-regulated temperatures, and indoor plants can improve stress levels, air quality, and mood. A lower stress level can provide significant benefits for the heart, including lowering blood pressure, which can contribute to heart attacks and worsening heart disease. Better air quality means healthier breathing, which supplies more oxygen to blood cells to help keep the heart pumping healthily.

4. Mental Health

Eco-friendly senior living spaces can provide access to gardening areas, green transportation like biking or scooters, and social activities like sports. These activities promote exercise, socializing, and enrichment, improving mental health. Better air quality can bring more oxygen to the brain, supplying it with more nutrients. The knowledge of helping the environment through eco-friendly practices and living can boost mood, too.

5. Enrichment

Older adults can learn to garden, compost, incorporate green transportation practices, and recycle in eco-friendly communities. Learning new activities and becoming a part of something bigger and beneficial can provide plenty of enrichment for older adults, sometimes improving mood, mental health, and pain relief. Indoor plant life and access to natural light can also enrich the living environment.

6. Comfort

Comfort is a significant issue in many senior living facilities. It’s common for seniors to experience abuse or neglect, regardless of location. Neglect can include missed meals, health issues due to unregulated room temperature, or lack of medication. Abuse and neglect in senior communities are prevalent issues in every state. In Texas, there were 4,000 reported cases in 2022 alone. There were nearly 10,000 reported nursing home neglect cases in SC, but many go unreported. Florida seniors surveyed indicated that 75% had witnessed or experienced abuse or neglect. Eco-friendly living involves better ventilation, air quality, and temperature controls. These factors can prevent overheating or hypothermia in older adults with trouble regulating body temperature during periods without staff supervision, mitigating the chances of neglect or injury.

7. Building Quality

Natural materials, good air quality, and water filtration systems reduce strain on a building and its equipment (like air conditioning systems). These features make buildings last longer, reducing wear and tear. Better-quality structures make for safer, happier living spaces in senior communities.

8. Water Quality

Eco-friendly living areas can and should prioritize water recycling practices (rainwater collection, greywater recycling, and more). With water filtration and recycling systems, water quality is improved. Harmful pollutants and chemicals are removed from the water to make it safe for consumption. Water is crucial for health, particularly for older adults.

9. Pollutants

Senior living facilities are often in older buildings, where pollutants like microplastics, asbestos, and chemicals can be common. Eco-friendly renovations provide clean air, food, water, and other materials to reduce harmful irritants to the skin, lungs, and overall health.

10. Finances

Renewable energy like solar or wind power dramatically reduces the cost of utility bills in senior living communities, improving financial health for older adults. Electric transportation or vehicles eliminates the cost of gas. Water recycling can significantly reduce water usage, which saves money as well. Improved finances can provide more freedom and security for seniors in these communities.

Conclusion

Eco-friendly living spaces provide many benefits not just to the environment but to residents as well. For older adults, air quality, water quality, and pollution play a huge role in mental and physical health. In senior living communities that prioritize sustainable practices like renewable energy, water recycling, and air quality, there can be a significant increase in senior health and happiness. Good air quality can reduce the effects of common lung conditions in senior populations. Water recycling can improve the quality of water and remove harmful pollutants.

Access to gardening, indoor plants, and sunlight can improve mental health, lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and increase enrichment. Eco-friendly living may reduce the prevalence of neglect through temperature control and access to healthier living spaces.

4 Ways Competitor Insights Can Help Boost Your Business

Bhok Thompson
-
0
4 Ways Competitor Insights Can Help Boost Your Business
men working on a wind turbine
Wind turbines can pull more energy as a farm if the first turbine in a row goes slower. This kind of data can improve efficiency and profits.

Businesses in the same industry can often learn from each other’s successes and failures. It would be naive to think your competitors are not keeping an eye on your every move. From branding and pricing to social media posts and promotions, competitors should have one another on their radar. However, if your party supply store starts promoting Halloween costumes in August, don’t be surprised if your competitor starts early too.That said, they should not blatantly copy what the other one is doing.

Brands in complementing industries can also enjoy learning from other businesses. When clothing stores highlight certain trending colors in their window displays, shoe and bag stores often mimic them. So even if someone is not in the market for a neon yellow dress, they might consider the bright yellow bag as a pop of color with a monochromatic outfit. Here are some more ways competitor insights can help your business.

1. Watch Search Engine Ranking

When someone searches for “car detailing near me,” your business should pop up on the first page if that’s your focus. There are several ways to do that, with one of the most important being targeted website content. You need to be using the right keywords to rank well in search. This is an area where you can learn a lot from the competition. If another car detailing business in your area consistently appears at the top of search results, it’s worth analyzing their approach.

Start by checking out the keywords they’re targeting by reviewing their website content, meta descriptions, and headers. You can also conduct a competitive content analysis to identify gaps.  Consider creating content that addresses common questions potential customers might have, like “how often should I get my car detailed?” or “what does a full car detailing service include?” By offering valuable, informative content that’s optimized for search, you increase the chances of attracting organic traffic.

2. Monitor Communications

junktion telephone lamp
An upcycled phone

Whether it’s their website, marketing materials, or social media posts, it’s imperative that you know what content competitors are churning out. Even if it’s poorly written copy, you should be subscribed to their marketing. The generic template-kind of emails from your competitor could mean you have a chance to shine with more organic content. Include an interview with the founder and add some behind the scenes pics for a human touch. With so much AI-generated content floating around today, you must stand out.

If social media is not your forte, hire someone so that you’re on top of your game. Many customers today make shopping decisions based on what they see in their social media feeds. Learn about algorithms, so your content reaches your target market. Even if they don’t purchase immediately, your company will hopefully be on their mind the next time they want to buy a product you sell.

3. Know Pricing and Promotions

Tentsile hanging tent
Look for coupons for favorite green products

With everything else being equal, sometimes the bottom line is what decides if a customer is going to go for Company A or B. Keep a watch on industry price trends. Try to stay competitive unless you have another edge. Don’t try to undercut the market by pricing yourselves too low. This could make customers think there is something lacking in your business if you are offering the same service for half price. It can also hurt the entire industry when one business tries to bring the market rate down.

In addition to monitoring competitors pricing, stay abreast of the sales and offers they advertise. Both businesses may have an oil change for the same amount. However, one business keeps sending $10 off coupons to their mailbox. That’ll easily change where a non-loyal customer will go. You can also walk into a competing business to see where they shine and what they lack. Take your own car for an oil change at a local competing business and evaluate their customer service, convenient timings, and so on. Emulate what they do well, and improve upon gaps.

4. Fill Gaping Holes

If the competing business is lacking in any area, it can be an opportunity for your business to stand apart. Say a pizza joint has great food but they don’t deliver. You can ensure you have your own delivery drivers and are available on the popular food delivery apps like Doordash and GrubHub. This way, a customer who cannot drive to the store can still order from your business. Of course, the taste and price also matter, so make sure that’s top notch. 

Opportunities can change with time. The other pizza place may eventually start offering delivery. But there is no need to despair. You can find some other unique selling proposition to differentiate your business. There are so many factors involved in a good experience that every business can shine. Unique toppings, delicious sides, a friendly smile at checkout, and an easy-to-order-app are just a few ways you can outshine your competitors.

Consider that wind farms have a certain efficiency if the first turbine is slowed down. This can help create a more efficient farm and a lead on competition.

When you keep an eye on competitors professionally, there is far less guesswork. You will not make decisions based on a hunch. You will have concrete data showing which keywords, for instance, are used most in search. You can then modify your strategy accordingly. When you see what is working for others, it is easier to replicate it in your own unique way.  

Call me by your marmoset name

Karin Kloosterman
-
0
Call me by your marmoset name
Marmosets are chatty

Marmosets use specific vocal labels to address other individual members of their species. When researchers separated pairs of marmosets with a barrier, they found that they used distinct ‘phee calls’ for the monkey on the other side.

Besides humans (who can also speak in an ancient bird language like this unusual village in Turkey), only dolphins and elephants have been recorded using similar labels for their fellow animals:

“We think that this behavior is important for [marmosets’] social cohesion and therefore it’s crucial for their survival,” says neuroscientist and co-author David Omer.

Omer published his research in Science, along with a team of researchers from the Hebrew University. The researchers, led by graduate student Guy Oren, recorded natural conversations between pairs of marmosets, as well as interactions between monkeys and a computer system. They found that these monkeys use their “phee-calls” to address specific individuals.

Marmosets speak

Even more interestingly, the marmosets could discern when a call was directed at them and responded more accurately when it was.

“This discovery highlight the complexity of social communication among marmosets,” explains Omer. “These calls are not just used for self-localization, as previously thought— marmosets use these specific calls to label and address specific individuals”.

The study revealed that family members within a marmoset group use similar vocal labels to address different individuals and employ similar sound features to code different names, resembling the use if names and dialects in humans.

This learning appears to occur even among adult marmosets who are not related by blood, suggesting that they learn both vocal labels and dialect from other members of their family group.

“Marmosets live in small monogamous family groups and take care of their young together, much like humans do,” says Omer. “These similarities suggest that they faced comparable evolutionary social challenges to our early pre-linguistic ancestors, which might have led them to develop similar communicating methods.”

This research provide new insights into how social communication and human language might have evolved. The ability of marmosets to label each other with specific calls suggests they have developed complex brain mechanisms, potentially analogous to those that eventually gave rise to language in humans.

Ireland gets electric car fast charge stations as it aims to gain 1 million EVs by 2030

Bhok Thompson
-
0
Ireland gets electric car fast charge stations as it aims to gain 1 million EVs by 2030
Volkswagen
There are over 100 electric vehicle options in Ireland. Volkswagen is one option.

As electric car sales roll out of the UK, TotalEnergies from France and SSE from Scotland, have signed a binding agreement to create a joint venture to establish a new major player in EV charging infrastructure in the UK and Ireland, under the brand “Source”. 

The new business partnership will create about 3000 high power charge points throughout Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales, meeting demand from fleet owners and private EV car owners to get a fast charge when they stop for a coffee. Fast charge stations can “refill” a Tesla in about 20 minutes as long as there is no wait for a charge point. 

Investors know that Ireland is a great country for tech investment and companies that support them – see Ireland SEO. But in the last year or so its model for attracting international investments has been frayed. Support of EVs could open new models for startup and transportation businesses. 

In the latest news charge points are needed in more remote locations but that is not what this business deal will fulfill. 

According to the press material issued, Source will deploy up to 3000 high power charge points (of 150 kW and more) grouped in 300 “EV hubs”, targeting what they expect is a 20% market share. The majority of the charging hubs will be in prime locations in urban areas and powered by renewable energy provided by SSE and TotalEnergies. 

Several hubs are already under construction in the UK with plans for dozens more, currently in development studies, the company just announced. 

“TotalEnergies is proud to contribute to the development of electric mobility to decarbonize transportation in the UK and Irelan,” says Mathieu Soulas, Senior Vice President New Mobilities at TotalEnergies.

“This is a great opportunity to extend our network in Europe and stake out a key position as a reference high-power charging player. 

“We want to offer our customers – passenger cars and fleet alike – a nationwide, ultra-fast and reliable charging service that allows them to travel efficiently with complete peace of mind. This development also contributes to our integrated power strategy in the UK, combining renewable and flexible power generation capacity, trading and marketing of low-carbon electricity available 24 hours a day.”

In the UK, Source will provide reliable ultra-fast charging stations now needed since the enforcement into law of the UK Government’s zero vehicle emissions mandate for all new cars and vans. Getting the power supply infrastructure built for EV and fleet owners is one of the biggest challenges facing the decarbonisation of transport. Consider that in countries like Sweden you cannot rent a vehicle that isn’t an EV. 

As of this year, China is the country with the most electric cars in the world. In 2021, there were 417 million registered vehicles in China, 319 million of which were passenger cars. Of that, 13.1 million were “new energy vehicles” – those with electric, hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell powertrains.

Ireland plans on putting 1 million electric vehicles on roads by 2030, while building consumer confidence in EV charging. Countries like Canada have declared that all new cars on the road must be electric by 2035. Consumers are in a panic to buy fuel-based cars such as trucks as charging stations are few and far between in northern locations. Even in cities like Toronto, consumers are complaining that they can’t get adequate charges at rental apartments. A charge would take more than 24 hours on a regular outlet. 

The partners in the new UK electric car deal with Source, such as SSE actually builds renewable energy power plants such as wind farms. 

“SSE is already playing a leading role in decarbonising the UK and Ireland’s power system including building the world’s largest offshore wind farm and transforming electricity networks,” says Neil Kirkby, Managing Director of Enterprise at SSE.

“Now this agreement will help accelerate progress towards a decarbonised transport system too, ensuring the vehicles that keep the economy moving can do so in a more sustainable and efficient way,” 

First whole eye with transplant successful

Julie Steinbeck
-
0
First whole eye with transplant successful
Eye and face transplant
Whole eye and face transplant recipient James

Aaron James, an electrical lineman who lost an eye and much of his face to an electrical accident, is the first person to receive a face transplant that includes a whole eye.

The operation involved several innovative techniques, including 3D-printed guides that helped surgeons fit the donor’s bone to James’s face and a transplanted piece of carotid artery that provides the donated eye with its own blood supply.

The eye responds to light, although researchers don’t believe it will connect to James’s brain well enough to restore his sight. “100/10, made medical history,” James’s daughter posted on TikTok. “Still bald headed, tho.”

Transplants can restore sight, mobility and even reproductive rights. The first womb was transplanted in Turkey more than 10 years ago, giving hope to women who were unable to conceive.

World’s First Turkish Womb Transplant Is A Success

Beard transplants, a cosmetic procedure, are growing more common as Middle Eastern men enjoy wearing beards as a sign of religious devoutness and masculinity.

Success of the recent whole eye and face transplant was reported in the medical journal Jama. While the patient could not exactly “see” the researchers say that there was successful regrowth of blood vessels, meaning:

“The successful revascularization of the transplanted eye achieved in this study may serve as a step towards the goal of globe transplant for restoration of vision.”

Iraq clocks world’s hottest record at 48.7°C (119.7°F)

Karin Kloosterman
-
0
Iraq clocks world’s hottest record at 48.7°C (119.7°F)
The Ziggurat of Ur, located in the province of UR-Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Iraq. Built in the 21st century BC by King Ur-Nammu, the Ziggurat of Ur was used as a temple to worship the moon good "Nannar". This 4,000 year old piece of archaeological history dates back to the first civilization's in human history, beginning with the Sumerians.
The Ziggurat of Ur, located in the province of UR-Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Iraq. Built in the 21st century BC by King Ur-Nammu, the Ziggurat of Ur was used as a temple to worship the moon good “Nannar”. This 4,000 year old piece of archaeological history dates back to the first civilization’s in human history, beginning with the Sumerians.

The Iraqi city of Nasiriyah has clocked the world’s highest temperature in the last day reaching a scorching 48.7°C (119.7°F), according to data from the American Placerville station. The Nasiriyah News Network reported that the Placerville station’s data showed that there are 15 cities worldwide registering extremely high temperatures due to climate change.

Nasiriyah was top of the list, followed by another Iraqi city, Basra, which recorded 48°C (118.4°F).

Already prone to high temperatures, climate change is expected to have a disastrous effect on the Middle East. Syria’s drought 15 years ago led to a violent civil war that has left millions of people refugees –– people who now continue to seek refugee status in countries such as Canada and in Europe.

Iraq, home to the Euphrates River, and the ancestral birthplace of Abraham, has been experiencing more frequent heatwaves in recent years. Neighbors Iran and Kuwait also record record temperatures. A heatwave in Saudi Arabia this year in Mecca turned tragic when more than1,300 died from heat exhaustion –– tour companies took advantage of lax visa requirements, which led to overcrowding making the heat wave intolerable.

A low-energy Mudhif, or Iraq marshland mud and reed hut. Keeps cool passively.
A low-energy Mudhif, or Iraq marshland reed hut. Keeps cool passively.

Local authorities have not yet commented on any measures being taken in Iraq to address this extreme weather event or how they will protect people. Iraq is asking people to turn down their air conditioners as not to strain the electricity grid.

TotalEnergies are looking to build a solar power plant in the Basra area.

Iraq’s state-run power company Tavanir reported on August 8, electricity consumption peaked at 79,872 MW – about 10% higher than the same period last year — and that brown and blackouts would face the nation.

One weather station in the south of the country reached a heat index of 82.2°C (180°F) and a dew point of 36.1°C (97°F), which might be the highest such readings ever recorded on Planet Earth. Welcome to our new reality.

 

Arava Power solar energizes 270 MW Sunray project in Texas

Julie Steinbeck
-
0
Arava Power solar energizes 270 MW Sunray project in Texas

San Antonio, solar energy Arava Power

Arava Power’s first US solar photovoltaic facility beginning commerical operation in Uvalde County, Texas. It will power 43,000 homes in the San Antonio area of Texas.

Israel based Arava Power says that SUNRAY, a solar photovoltaic project with an installed capacity of 270 megawatts, has officially started its commercial operation in Uvalde County, Texas.

The project marks Arava’s first solar energy project in the US which was developed with Israel’s leading oil and gas retailer Paz Group and funded in partnership with the insurance company Menora Mivtachim at a total cost of $330 million USD.

Project SUNRAY spans an area of approximately 1,200 acres and is leased for a cumulative period of 50 years. It includes over 500,000 solar panels and is expected to produce 515 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year. The result will prevent the emission of 225,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and provide clean electricity to 43,000 homes in the San Antonio area each year.

The SUNRAY project sells 50% of the generated electricity under a 12-year power purchase agreement, and the remaining half is sold on the electricity market in Texas.

“Project SUNRAY is the result of great partners and collaboration with tremendous institutions from the United States, Israel and globally. For Arava Power Company, this isn’t just about breaking new ground in the United States —it’s about demonstrating the power of our platform from development through asset management over our history and across geographies,” said David Rosenblatt, Co-Founder of Arava Power.

Ketura3 solar field by Arava Power Co in Israel
Ketura3 solar field by Arava Power Co in Israel

“Arava Power’s first project in the United States is a testament to our commitment to quality work and represents the growth we are undertaking.”

Rosenblatt co-founded Arava Power in 2008 with Ed Hofland.

Arava Power and Paz Group began developing the SUNRAY project in 2021, after acquiring it from OCI Energy. They completed financial closing in 2023 and as of last month, finished the construction work and received approval for commercial operation.

“We succeeded in developing our first US project under extremely challenging market conditions,” added Ilan Zidkony, CEO of Arava Power “Over the past few years, our team had to contend with regulatory upheavals, an almost unprecedented inflationary environment, and a complex financing landscape. Our company is proud of this achievement and are grateful for the confidence of top-tier partners and financiers.

“The commercial operation of SUNRAY is a key milestone in Arava Power’s U.S. vision, with a portfolio of projects in various stages of development totaling 1.3 gigawatts across the US.”

Morgan Stanley serves as the Tax Equity partner in the project and together with an additional investor made an investment of approximately $150 million.

Boosting Cognitive Health with Natural Supplements: How Mind Lab Pro Supports a Sustainable Lifestyle

Bhok Thompson
-
0
Boosting Cognitive Health with Natural Supplements: How Mind Lab Pro Supports a Sustainable Lifestyle

brain health nooptropics, plants for the mind. Image generated via AI

As we tackle daily challenges and constant digital interruptions, sustaining our cognitive health becomes key to staying on top of our game. This is where natural supplements come into play, not just for a quick fix but a long-term boost. Mind Lab Pro has carved out a niche as a leading choice among these. Crafted with a blend of all-natural ingredients, it’s geared towards enhancing various aspects of cognitive health—think memory, focus, mood, and mental clarity. But Mind Lab Pro isn’t just about boosting your brain; it’s about supporting and nurturing your brain health sustainably, making it a reliable ally in your quest to stay sharp and effective.

The Science of Nootropics

Ever wondered what nootropics are all about? Nootropics are supplements designed and taken to improve cognitive functions like memory, creativity, and focus. They are your brain’s buddies, helping you stay sharp and think clearly, especially when the pressure’s on. They’re not just about giving you a quick jolt of energy like your morning coffee; they aim for a deeper, long-term enhancement of your mental capabilities. 

Now, let’s dive into how Mind Lab Pro fits this picture. It’s a powerhouse that targets multiple aspects of brain health to boost cognitive performance. The secret sauce? A carefully researched and selected mix of ingredients that work together to enhance different parts of your brain function. For instance, it includes things like Citicoline and Phosphatidylserine, which help beef up your brain cell membranes and improve nerve signal transmission. Then there’s Bacopa Monnieri, a traditional herb that sharpens memory, and Lion’s Mane Mushroom, great for nerve growth and brain plasticity.

The coolest part? Mind Lab Pro does all this without relying on artificial stimulants, which means you get the cognitive boost without any of the jitters or crashes. It’s equivalent to giving your brain a gym membership that helps it get stronger and more agile over time, ensuring you stay sharp and effective, no matter the challenges.

Key Ingredients in Mind Lab Pro and Their Benefits

brain health nooptropics, plants for the mind. Image generated via AI

Ever peeked inside a supplement like Mind Lab Pro to see what makes it tick? It’s like a superfood salad for your brain. Each ingredient is carefully picked for its benefits and how they all come together to help your noggin stay in tip-top shape. Let’s break down these brain-boosting powerhouses:

Citicoline (Cognizin®): 

Imagine a turbo boost for your brain’s power stations. Citicoline ramps up the production of acetylcholine, a vital neurotransmitter for memory and learning. It’s like high-grade oil that keeps your brain’s gears smooth and speedy, enhancing your ability to think quickly and remember more​.

Bacopa Monnieri: 

This ancient herb is like a shield for your brain. It’s packed with antioxidants that protect your brain cells from free radical damage. Plus, it boosts memory retention and reduces anxiety, making it easier to stay calm and focused even when the pressure piles on​.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom: 

This isn’t your ordinary mushroom. It’s a natural brain booster that supports the production of nerve growth factors, leading to better neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt and grow. Think of it as fertilizer for your brain, helping it to stay healthy and resilient as you age​.

Phosphatidylserine: 

This fatty substance is fundamental for healthy brain cells. It’s essential for the function of neuron membranes, which means it helps your brain cells communicate swiftly and efficiently. Plus, it’s a stress-buster, regulating cortisol levels to keep you cool and collected under fire​.

L-Theanine and Caffeine (Suntheanine®): 

The dynamic duo of mental clarity. L-Theanine, found in green tea, is calming, while caffeine gives you that well-known energy kick. Together, they help you focus intensely without caffeine’s usual jittery side effects alone. It’s like having the energy to power through your to-do list while being in the zen zone​.

Each component in Mind Lab Pro works synergistically to boost your immediate focus and energy and protect and enhance your brain health over the long haul. So, you’re not just getting a quick fix but investing in your brain’s future.

Mind Lab Pro’s Support for Sustainable Cognitive Enhancement

brain health nooptropics, plants for the mind. Image generated via AI

When we talk about boosting our brain power, it’s not just about the short bursts for acing an exam or powering through a late-night project. What about the long haul? That’s where Mind Lab Pro shines with its focus on sustainable cognitive enhancement. It’s all about keeping your brain in peak condition day in and day out without relying on harsh stimulants that leave you crashing later.

Mind Lab Pro’s formula is stimulant-free, which means you avoid the peaks and troughs associated with caffeine or other harsh chemicals. Instead, it supports your brain’s natural processes, enhancing them without overriding your body’s systems. This approach ensures a smooth experience with no jitters or crashes and promotes long-term brain health, which is crucial as we age.

User testimonials and clinical studies are testimony to its effectiveness and safety. Many users report improved focus, memory, and mental clarity that doesn’t taper off as the day progresses. Instead, they feel sharper and more agile in their thoughts and decisions​. Clinically, Mind Lab Pro has shown promising results in various studies, underlining its ability to enhance cognitive functions sustainably. These studies highlight significant improvements in memory, mood, and problem-solving abilities​. This commitment to safe, long-term brain health improvement makes Mind Lab Pro a standout choice for anyone looking to support their cognitive functions for today and maintain their mental edge well into the future. It’s about nurturing your brain, giving it the nutrients it needs to thrive daily, making Mind Lab Pro a smart choice for sustainable cognitive enhancement.

Lifestyle Factors That Complement the Use of Mind Lab Pro

Although taking a supplement like Mind Lab Pro won’t make your brain grow overnight, it can help. It is essential to combine it with a healthy lifestyle to reap the greatest benefits. Let’s discuss how maximizing those brain benefits can be achieved with a balanced diet, frequent exercise, adequate sleep, and drinking plenty of water.

Balanced Diet: You are what you eat, right? Including plenty of omega-3s, antioxidants, and whole grains in your diet can help support your brain’s health on a cellular level. Think of food as fuel—high-quality fuel keeps your engine running smoother and longer. Incorporate foods like fish, nuts, berries, and leafy greens to support your Mind Lab Pro regimen.

Regular Exercise: Get moving to get smarter! Exercise isn’t just good for your muscles; it also increases blood flow to your brain, which can help keep you sharp. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a full-on gym session, regular physical activity can enhance the effects of Mind Lab Pro by boosting mood and cognitive function.

Adequate Sleep: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Sleep is when your brain consolidates memories and repairs itself, so skimping on it can negate the benefits of any cognitive enhancers. Aim for 7-9 hours per night to let your brain (and Mind Lab Pro) do their best work.

Hydration: Water, water everywhere—make sure you drink it! Dehydration can lead to brain fog and a decrease in cognitive performance. Keeping hydrated helps maintain optimal brain function and complements Mind Lab Pro’s effects.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we’ve unpacked how Mind Lab Pro supports cognitive health with its all-natural, carefully selected ingredients and how it encourages a holistic approach to brain enhancement. Remember, while Mind Lab Pro is a fantastic tool for boosting your cognitive functions, integrating positive lifestyle changes like a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and proper hydration can elevate your mental game. So, consider both the power of dietary supplements and the impact of healthy living for optimal cognitive health and a sustainable lifestyle.

 

The Masada siege lasted weeks, not the legendary years say archeologists

Karin Kloosterman
-
0
The Masada siege lasted weeks, not the legendary years say archeologists
Roman siege masada
Masada overlooking the Dead Sea at sunrise

It’s down in the history books of legends. How could the Jews hold onto the fortress of Masada for years without food and water? According to the common myth, the Romans laid siege to the Dead Sea fortress of Masada for three long years. A new survey using advanced technologies indicates that the siege was probably a much quicker affair: more like weeks.

Researchers in Archaeology at Tel Aviv University used a range of modern technologies, including drones, remote sensing, and 3D digital modeling, to generate the first objective, quantified analysis of the Roman siege system at Masada.

Findings indicate that contrary to the widespread myth, the Roman army’s siege of Masada in 73 CE lasted no more than a few weeks.

The study was conducted by Guy Stiebel, together with Hai Ashkenazi to attempt a new understanding of what really happened at Masada. The paper was published in the Journal of Roman Archaeology.

Why the siege against the Jews started?

The First Jewish Revolt against the Romans started in 66 CE after years of political instability. One of the first acts in this war was the seizure of Masada from its Roman garrison by a group of Jewish rebels. At the beginning of the rebellion, the Jewish forces managed to defeat an army led by Cestius Gallus, the governor of Syria.

Masada circumvallation wall and its sections. (Drawing by H. Ashkenazi, Base Map after Netzer Reference Netzer1991, Plan A.)
Masada circumvallation wall and its sections. (Drawing by H. Ashkenazi, Base Map after Netzer Reference Netzer1991, Plan A.)

Later, after suffering heavy losses in the field, and following the arrival in 67 CE of a second expedition led by Vespasian and his son Titus, the local militias usually avoided meeting the Roman forces in the field and took shelter in fortified towns and forts, most of which had been built during previous periods.

This led to a war characterized mainly by Roman siege warfare. Several years of careful Roman advance culminated in the siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and though the Romans faced bitter resistance from the city’s defenders, the city was conquered and destroyed within that same year.

Read related: ancient date from Masada sprouts after 2000 years

About three years later, the Romans followed the remaining rebels to their last stronghold – Masada. The amount of effort invested by the Romans in chasing these last few hundred rebels to their final refuge in the middle of the desert may seem surprising.

Some researchers argue that it was done in order to completely assert Roman rule over the country, to send a message to other potential rebels, and to “restore the impression of Roman might”; others have recently claimed that the Romans’ aim was to protect the valuable Balsam (opobalsamum) perfume production center at the nearby oasis of Ein Gedi.

masada legend
Masada legend lasted weeks, rather than years

The researchers used drones carrying remote sensors that provided precise, high-resolution measurements of the height, width, and length of all features of the siege system. This data was used to build an accurate 3D digital model, enabling exact calculation of the structures’ volume and how long it took to build them.

Researcher Stiebel says: “We use drones, remote sensing, and aerial photography to collect accurate high-resolution data from Masada and its environs, with special emphasis on three aspects: the water systems, the trails leading to and from the palatial fortress, and the Roman siege system.

“The collected information is used to build 3D digital models that provide us with a clear and precise image of the relevant terrains. In the current study we focused on the siege system, which, thanks to the remote location and desert climate, is the best-preserved Roman siege system in the world.”

Dr. Stiebel adds: “For many years, the prevailing theory that became a modern myth asserted that the Roman siege of Masada was a grueling three-year affair. In recent decades researchers have begun to challenge this notion, for various reasons. In this first-of-its kind study we examined the issue with modern technologies enabling precise objective measurements.”

Reliable estimates are available of the quantity of earth and stones a Roman soldier was able to move in one day, the researchers explain. Ashkenazi says: “We also know that approximately 6,000-8,000 soldiers participated in the siege of Masada. Thus, we were able to objectively calculate how long it took them to build the entire siege system – eight camps and a stone wall surrounding most of the site.

“We found that construction took merely about two weeks. Based on the ancient historical testimony it is clear that once the assault ramp was completed, the Romans launched a brutal attack, ultimately capturing the fortress within a few weeks at the most.

“This leads us to the conclusion that the entire siege of Masada lasted no more than several weeks.”

Says Stiebel: “The narrative of Masada, the Great Jewish Revolt, the siege, and the tragic end as related by Flavius Josephus, have all become part of Israeli DNA and the Zionist ethos, and are well known around the world. The duration of the siege is a major element in this narrative, suggesting that the glorious Roman army found it very difficult to take the fortress and crush its defenders.

“For many years it was assumed that the siege took three long years, but in recent decades researchers have begun to challenge this unfounded belief. In our first-of-its-kind study we used objective measurements and advanced technologies to clarify this issue with the first data-driven scientific answer.

“Based on our findings we argue that the Roman siege of Masada took a few weeks at the most. As empires throughout history have done, the Romans came, saw, and conquered, quickly and brutally quelling the uprising in this remote location.

“Our conclusion, however, detracts nothing from the importance of this historical event, and many baffling questions remain to be investigated.

“For example: Why did the Romans put so much effort into seizing this remote and seemingly unimportant fortress?  To answer this and many other intriguing questions we have initiated a vast, innovative project in and around Masada … to ultimately shed new light on the old enigma: What really happened at Masada?”

Care for the Land of Israel, the Body of the Jewish People

Shmuel Naiman
-
0
Care for the Land of Israel, the Body of the Jewish People
Under a grapevine canopy in the Judean hills.

According to Jewish tradition, all spiritual journeys begin by using our minds to keep their bodies healthy. As Maimonides explains, we become genuine people whenever we consciously focus our bodies’ actions toward a constructive purpose, such that no action is “an act of nothingness” (Introduction to Avos Chapter 5).

Once we’ve left nothingness and joined purposefulness, we’re card-carrying members of humankind: only then can we direct our actions toward wellness and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. Then we progress to the purpose of all the purposes: knowing and emulating God.

It’s Always in the Body

Even when we’re busy with spiritual work, the body remains at the center of all the action:

  • When we’re immersed in Torah study, our brain holds our thoughts.
  • We pray with our mouths.
  • With our body’s actions, we emulate God’s ways and live according to His instructions: “All my bones will say: ‘No one is like You, God.’” (Psalms 35:10)
  • When we live according to God’s will, He blesses us with material prosperity: “I will give the rain of your land in its time… You will gather your grain, grapes, and olives.”(Deuteronomy 11:14)

Our path to God isn’t through the perfect wisdom of the soul but rather through striving to become better in our imperfect bodies.

This path takes us through the Land of Israel, the area of the world that Jewish tradition teaches is the body of the Jewish nation, as I explain in my new book, Land of Health: Israel’s War for Wellness.

As individuals, we find God when we are inside our individual physical bodies.

As a nation, we find God inside our collective body.

Comparing Lives

Let’s explore the parallels between these two lives: individual and national.

Individual Life

We become genuine people when our minds guide our actions toward health and wellness.

Once we’re purposeful people, we progress to seeking spiritual growth.

National Life

Israel’s national mission begins with caring for the Land of Israel: its earth, water, plants, and animals. Listen to King David’s prayer (quoted in the closing line of the Kuzari):

“Get up, have compassion on Zion… Because your servants want its stones, and its earth they seek.”(Psalms 102:14)

Then we find God in Israel by living here with His Torah:

“From Zion, Torah will go out and the word of God [will go out] from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3)

We appreciate and value our bodies, because they hold our personal “form of God.” We also appreciate and value the Land of Israel, because it holds the spirit of our nation.

The Valley of Elah, where David fought Goliath, viewed from a hilltop city dating back to that era.

How to Care for Israel

Am I suggesting that Jewish national life begins with environmental advocacy for this corner of the Middle East?

Exactly!

But only as the first step of a larger mission.

Cherishing and supporting Israel’s land and stopping there is like caring for our physical health as the final purpose of life.

Again, let’s look at the parallels between individual and national life:

Individual Life

Maimonides notes that living healthily in order to get more pleasure and prestige for more years isn’t very different from mindlessly chasing after unhealthy pleasures and prestige — it’s all the same selfishness. (Introduction to Avos 5; Laws of Character 3)

Therefore, healthy Jewish living aims to achieve a more meaningful purpose: enabling us to know and emulate God’s ways.

National Life

Caring for Israel’s land only to protect its beauty — or to escape antisemitism — isn’t very different from mindlessly building skyscrapers while ignoring their environmental imprint. It’s all the same materialism.

Therefore, the Land of Israel aims to achieve a more meaningful purpose: finding God’s Presence and living in the Land of Israel by God’s word. This is where the Jewish people have observed the Torah for millennia. Their stories are told in its beautiful hills, valleys, rivers, plants, and animals.

A healthy Jewish yearning for the Land of Israel begins with cherishing it — not only because he likes pretty views and interesting history but also because God dwells in those views and history.

This article is an excerpt from the author’s new book, Land of Health: Israel’s War for Wellness, which is now available here on Amazon and in Jewish bookstores all over the world.

About the Author:

Rabbi Shmuel Chaim Naiman is a Torah student, certified health counselor, and foraging guide. He lives in Ramat Bet Shemesh, Israel, where he teaches at Yeshivas Lev HaTorah. Check out healthyjew.org to subscribe to his weekly email newsletter, The Healthy Jew, and to book your foraging walk in Israel. Land of Health is available on Amazon.com and in your local Jewish bookstore.

Girls exposed to chemicals start puberty early

Karin Kloosterman
-
0
Girls exposed to chemicals start puberty early
gold dust graduation from Walmart
The gold dust bought at Walmart may make your graduation photo pretty. But one blow and it’s forever cycling as microplastics that will get into our lungs.

Girls exposed to certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be more likely to start puberty early, according to new research published in Endocrinology, the flagship basic science journal of the Endocrine Society.

EDCs mimic, block or interfere with hormones in the body’s endocrine system.

There has been an alarming trend toward early puberty in girls, suggesting the influence of chemicals in our environment. Early puberty is associated with an increased risk of psychosocial problems, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast cancer.

Related: formaldehyde in your lipstick

“We conducted a comprehensive screen of 10,000 environmental compounds with extensive follow-up studies using human brain cells that control the reproductive axis, and our team identified several substances that may contribute to early puberty in girls,” said study author Natalie Shaw, M.D., M.M.Sc., of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) in Durham, N.C.

Look out for musk ambrette

Musk Ambrette listed as a problematic chemical for endocrine health
Musk Ambrette listed as a problematic chemical for endocrine health

Those substances include musk ambrette, which is a fragrance used in some detergents, perfumes, and personal care products, and a group of medications called cholinergic agonists.

“More research is needed to confirm our findings,” noted Shaw. “But the ability of these compounds to stimulate key receptors in the hypothalamus — the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor [GnRHR] and the kisspeptin receptor [KISS1R] — raises the possibility that exposure may prematurely activate the reproductive axis in children.”

According to the research team, musk ambrette is potentially concerning because it can be found in personal care products, and some rat studies have suggested it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Children are less likely to encounter cholinergic agonists in their daily lives.

Related: your sunscreen is killing coral reefs

Canadian and European regulations restrict musk ambrette use because of its potential toxicity, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed the fragrance from its “generally recognized as safe” or GRAS list. Yet it is still available on the market in some personal care products.

“This study suggests that, out of an abundance of caution, it is important for parents to only use personal care products for their children that are federally regulated,” Shaw said.

As part of the study, the research team screened a Tox21 10,000-compound library of licensed pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals and dietary supplements against a human cell line overexpressing GnRHR or KISS1R. They conducted follow-up analysis using human hypothalamic neurons and zebrafish, finding that musk ambrette increased the number of GnRH neurons and GnRH expression.

“Using human hypothalamic neurons and zebrafish provides an effective model for identifying environmental substances that stimulate the KISS1R and GnRHR,” said co-author Menghang Xia, Ph.D., from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) in Bethesda, Md., which is part of NIH. “This study was a multidisciplinary team effort, and it showed that we can efficiently reduce the time and cost of assessing environmental chemicals for their potential effects on human health.”

Hydroponics in Bhutan

Julie Steinbeck
-
0
Hydroponics in Bhutan
It developed out of the cannabis and medical marijuana industry, but now hydroponics is a good source of food in Bhutan.
Like millions around the world, Kinley Wangmo and her family were left without a source of income during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Unlike most of the world, this Bhutanese mother found a livelihood solution in hydroponics farming, which involves growing plants in a special nutrient-rich water instead of using soil.
What began as a simple interest soon blossomed into a profound passion. She attended online trainings and saw that this innovative technique was also full of promise for addressing the challenges of food security and land fragmentation in her landlocked Himalayan homeland.
Hydroponics uses less water and is more productive than soil-based agriculture and can be carried out all year round. Though hydroponics can be expensive and difficult to install, all it requires at its most basic level is the plants, water, a container and a source of light.
To save on the cost of importing hydroponics systems, she learned extensively from international experts and customised their approaches for Bhutanese farmers.
Using her previous experience as a contractor, undertaking everything from plumbing to electrical jobs, Kinley, who also currently runs a hardware shop, leveraged her skills and self-taught know-how to build a hydroponics system using the deep flow technique, which catches and recycles water using pipes. The system is low-cost, efficient and made using readily available materials.
It’s also easy to maintain, making it accessible and practical for small-scale farmers in Bhutan’s rugged terrain.
Kinley started Bhutan Hydroponics in a small-scale greenhouse in the Changzamtok area of the capital, Thimphu, back in 2020.
In early 2024, Kinley was one of the 30 recipients of funding support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as part of its Peri-urban and Urban Farming project in Bhutan, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The project helped her with land development, equipment and materials for the farm, as well as seeds on a cost-sharing basis, and technical support with installing the greenhouses, garden structures, irrigation systems and digital equipment she needed for the venture.
Her vision is steadily taking shape with the establishment of three spacious greenhouses.
“The main benefit of hydroponics is that it helps plants and vegetables grow faster than traditional soil farming, and it takes up less space,” Kinley explains. “In a greenhouse, we can control everything to make sure the plants grow well.”
Kinley is keen to share her knowledge to help communities in Bhutan become more independent. “The pandemic showed us how important self-sufficiency is.”
She’s been a passionate advocate for increasing the use of hydroponics in the country, offering her expertise in setting up systems and selling her adapted hydroponics system at a cost that’s highly favourable compared with imported equipment.
About one-third of Bhutan’s population faces food insecurity. With shrinking, fragmented land holdings and many working-age adults moving from rural to urban areas, labor-intensive agriculture is becoming increasingly challenging.
The pandemic also showed the reliance of urban areas on food imported from abroad or from rural areas. In this, Bhutan’s Department of Agriculture has been pushing ahead with its strategy to promote urban farming.
Kinley also advocates for self-sufficiency and safe food in urban areas, like the capital in which she lives.
“In urban areas where food security is a pressing issue, I am dedicated to making freshly harvested, nutritious food accessible to everyone. Amidst busy lifestyles and the challenge of accessing quality food, we aim to reduce food waste and promote healthier eating habits,” says Kinley.
Bhutan’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, livestock and forests; this sector supports about 57 percent of the population. Even though the agriculture sector is growing in absolute terms, the share of the national Gross Domestic Product has been steadily decreasing due to rapid growth in other economic sectors.
On top of that, agricultural productivity is being undermined by an array of factors including urbanization and rapid development, crop damage by wild animals, land fragmentation, pests and diseases, rising temperatures and a shortage of agricultural inputs. As a result, Bhutan’s goals of food security and self-sufficiency are becoming harder to achieve.
FAO’s project is addressing these issues by helping to move crop production closer to consumers and meeting growing demand in urban areas while showcasing new technologies for transforming agrifood systems, as well as creating more jobs and income opportunities especially for women and young people.
Now, Kinley employs nine people, mostly single mothers and youth. Her current focus is on growing lettuce, which her team has harvested three times in five months and supplied to chain of hotels in the country. She currently grows two lettuce varieties and plans to cultivate three more types and recruit more staff in the future as her business continues to grow.
“Despite the challenges, I promote technology to inspire young people and women in agriculture because it’s simple,” Kinley says, adding that technology makes agriculture more appealing because it is less physically arduous and cleaner than conventional farming.
Since she expanded her business early this year, she has been selling lettuce and salads in the capital and nearby towns. She says that if she can further expand the business, she would be able to meet the rapidly growing market demand.
With her initiative full of innovative promise, Kinley is making an important contribution to the future of food, inspiring others and forging a new agricultural development model for Bhutan.
1...555657...778Page 56 of 778

Have news to share? Renewable energy news, architectural, artificial intelligence, biotech, sustainable design ideas, eco-architecture, green travel?
Email us: [email protected]

Company

Headlines

Astro uses AI to help procure land for renewable energy

0
For oil-rich, environmentally vigilant Gulf states, Astro isn’t just another startup story. It is a blueprint for accelerating an energy transition that is now existential, not optional.

The Science Behind How Elite Marathon Runners Train

0
Discover the science behind elite marathon training. Explore techniques, nutrition, and mental strategies that propel top runners to success.

Earth building with Dead Sea salt bricks

0
Researchers develop a brick made largely from recycled Dead Sea salt—offering a potential alternative to carbon-intensive cement.

The Christ’s thorn (sidr tree) is also a well-known folk medicine

1
Christ’s thorn jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi) also known as the sidr tree is a real, identifiable tree native to the Middle East, and it appears—directly or indirectly—in Islam, Judaism, and later Christian tradition. The connections between the three faiths are not theological agreements but overlapping uses, names, and symbolic associations rooted in the same landscape.

Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

© 2007 to 2026 Green Prophet, All Rights Reserved